Haiti coach blasts Boyz' 'kick and rush' style
Jamaica's football has been compared to the ineffective English style of play by Frenchman Marc Cheze, who guided Haiti to Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-17 Championship honours with a 2-0 win over the young Reggae Boyz in the final on Sunday.
Cheze, who was appointed in January this year, and led Haiti unbeaten throughout the tournament, said Jamaica is a good team but he doesn't like their "kick and rush" style.
"Jamaican team plays English football. They kick and rush. It's not my football. I like when the play starts with the goalkeeper, defender or midfield and build the game. It’s not kick and rush," said the Frenchman, who chose his words carefully.
"I think the Jamaica team is a good team and I think they had one day and we had two days' rest. Maybe that's the difference between the two teams," Cheze told the Jamaica Observer, as his team celebrated wildly on the field.
"We were the best team for this tournament. We scored 12 goals and lost only one goal and that's good for us. It is very important to win today because we want to be first in the pool and a chance to be in the World Cup," he added.
But Jamaica's coach Andrew Edwards rebuffed Cheze's criticism, and defended his tactics and the style of play implemented by the young Reggae Boyz.
"The coach is entitled to his opinion and I can understand why he would have that opinion. It has a lot to do with the technical part of the game and what we want to do and the understanding from the boys," Edwards explained.
"But I am very, very confident that if we had enough time with these boys, I can get them to understand exactly what we want them to do and they would look much different. I won't say it's an English style football," Edwards reiterated.
Two penalties by Haitian captain Jacques Mettelus in the 20th and 75th minutes were enough to crown the hosts Caribbean Under-17 champions in front of a packed and boisterous Sylvio Cator Stadium.
But Edwards, though disappointed, was pleased his team achieved one of its objectives in qualifying for the FIFA CONCACAF round set for Honduras in February.
Source-Jamaica Observer
Cuba builds first church in 55 years
Cuba has allowed construction of the country's first new Catholic church in 55 years, the church said Monday. Experts said it's a sign of improving relations between the Vatican and Cuba's communist government.
The church, funded by donations from Catholics in Tampa, Florida, will be built in Sandino, a citrus and coffee-growing town in the far-western province of Pinar del Rio.
The church publication "Christian Life" said it will have space for 200 people.
"The construction of a church is a clear demonstration of a new phase, of an improvement, in relations between the church and the state," said Enrique Lopez Oliva, a professor the history of religions at the University of Havana.
The Catholic Church had tense relations with what was long an officially atheist government for many years after the 1959 revolution, but they began to improve ahead of Pope John Paul II's visit in 1998.
The government revived observance of a Christmas holiday and began allowing masses or homilies to be broadcast on official media. It also dropped a ban on church membership for Communist Party members that had been adopted in the years after the 1959 revolution.
Source-AP
Gov’t seeking pardon for J’can jailed in Qatar
Information Minister Senator Sandrea Falconer last week responded to questions raised about what the Government is doing to assist Paul Stephens, a Jamaican in jail in Qatar. Following is her statement which was released to the press:
“I have asked for and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) has updated me on this matter. The Embassy of Jamaica in Kuwait has been taking steps with regard to the welfare of Mr Paul Stephens. He has been visited by the Ambassador and there have been several calls made to him from the Embassy. MFAT has been in touch with his next of kin in Jamaica and MOST IMPORTANTLY we have transmitted to the Government of Qatar a formal request for a pardon.
“The Ministry will continue to do its best to see to his welfare and secure his release, as we try to do for the many hundreds of Jamaicans who are incarcerated in numerous countries around the world.
“As the matter is being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, it would not only be inappropriate but would send the wrong message if another ministry interferes with the diplomatic work which is the purview of MFAT. The Ministry does not provide details of any of the cases it is involved with publicly, other than to the next of kin.
“I know Mr Stephens and his family are anxious, but matters such as these do take time. In the meantime, let us hope that the Government's request for pardon will be granted and soon.”
Jamaica Observer sources said the Government’s request for pardon for Stephens, who was jailed for an alleged sexual incident, could be successful, as prisoners are expected to be released during Ramadon as is the practice during the holy month.
TCI’s National Youth Ambassador Donte Francis congratulates TCI students
TCI’s National Youth Ambassador Donte Francis congratulates TCI students for making it on the CXC Top 10 Regional Merit List
2 Turks and Caicos Islanders are among the 411 students on the CXC Top 10 Regional Merit List in 35 subjects – a list in recognition of students ranking 1 – 10 in each subject.
Natalia Williams, daughter of Rhoda and Rupert Williams and past student of HJRHS ranked 10th in Food and Nutrition; while former MBHS student, Krischan Cox, son of District Commissioner of South Caicos, Yvette Cox and MBHS Vice Principal, Rodney Cox, ranked 7th in Building Technology (Woods).
Donte Francis, National Youth Ambassador for the TCI has sent congratulatory remarks to Kirschan Cox and Natalia Williams for their hard work and dedication, which resulted in them both being named to the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Merit List.
“Achieving these results is something to be proud of, as one has to finish in the top ten of a subject area while competing with over 12,000 regional students. Therefore we must applaud them for their excellence. They both have done tremendously well on their achievements,” said Francis.
“It is evident that our country is full of academic potential. The country has registered at least one student on the merit list since the year 2010, meaning that for four (4) consecutive years we have demonstrated tremendous excellence. We Turks and Caicos Islanders should be proud that we possess these abilities. We must never be scared or hindered to compete with the rest of the Caribbean, because we have our very own unique ways of contributing to our society’s intellectual capacity. I see a country of success, and these students are evident to that,” Francis added.
“As Turks and Caicos Islanders we must continue to encourage our students in their achievements. It is us who has the ability to succeed and it is us who achieve these results. Remember that God has us Turks and Caicos - never forget that. Once again I would like to congratulate Kirschan and Natalia and I hope that many more from the TCI will be added to the Merit List in the years to come, added TCI’s National Youth Ambassador Donte Francis.
We here at RTC offer our heartiest congratulations to these two students, their teachers and their parents.
Automakers increase text options
Talking on the cell phones while driving is illegal in many countries. However, automakers are now keen on integrating text messaging services into their products, increasing the level of technology available to the driver and passengers.
The 2013 Honda Civic and the 2014 Lexus ES 350 are among the many vehicles equipped with text messaging capabilities.
TYPES OF TEXT SERVICE
Basic text services are available on a number of vehicles. For example, the Dodge Dart comes equipped with technology which can turn text to voice or allow drivers to read messages on the dashboard screen. They can then respond from a preset menu.
In other vehicles, drivers can listen and respond to incoming text messages through the car's multimedia and Bluetooth systems, utilising voice commands or preprogrammed reply messages. Therefore, somewhat terse 'Yes', 'No' and 'I'm driving' responses are not unfamiliar.
However, it is the 2014 Lexus ES 350 SMS text-to-speech with reply feature that takes preprogrammed responses to another level with 15 available responses. Lexus also allows users to get creative and edit the 15 messages, which include 'I'm running late', 'Can't talk right now, I'm driving' and 'Where are you?', among others.
Although the text technology is catching on quickly, whether it is distracting for the driver is still being hotly debated.
In the meantime, automakers like Chrysler, BMW and General Motors are pressing ahead with developing features to make driving less distracting for those who feel the need to text, email or even check social media while at the steering wheel.
Source-Jamaica Gleaner
Writer: Chad Bryan
Keyless cars 'increasingly targeted by thieves using computers'
Organised criminal gangs are increasingly targeting high-end cars with keyless security systems, a motoring industry group has warned.
The thieves are able to bypass security using equipment intended only for mechanics, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.
Manufacturers are trying to stay ahead of the thieves by updating software.
It has been reported that some London-based owners of Range Rovers have been denied insurance over the issue.
Keyless entry and ignition typically works by the driver keeping a fob on their person which automatically opens the car and activates it so it can be driven.
As the popularity of keyless systems has increased, criminals have been buying equipment online that is able to re-programme keys.
"The criminal act of stealing vehicles through the re-programming of remote-entry keys is an on-going industry-wide problem," said Jaguar Land Rover.
"Our line-up continues to meet the insurance industry requirements as tested and agreed with relevant insurance bodies.
"Nevertheless we are taking this issue very seriously and our engineering teams are actively working in collaboration with insurance bodies and police forces to solve this continuously evolving problem."
The statement added: "This has already resulted in a number of prosecutions."
A specific case reported by The Times involved insurers AIG refusing insurance cover to a motorist. In a statement the company said it treated every case individually.
"We do not have a blanket policy to exclude certain vehicles from cover.
"Given the increasing likelihood that replacement vehicles may be a target for thieves we may ask for additional security measures such as secure off-road parking.
"This could be, for example, secure private garaging or the installation of mechanically moveable bollards. If this is not possible then, as a last resort, we may refuse to offer insurance cover but only after exhausting every avenue."
Thatcham Research, which collates data on behalf of insurers, acknowledged the problem was widespread.
"Whilst BMWs and Audis appeared to be the early targets, it's fair to say that this was largely associated with their desirability across Europe, rather than any specific security lapse.
"Recently we've seen evidence of a range of makes and models being affected, including the Ford Fiesta and Focus, Range Rover Evoque and also now including light commercial vehicles such as the volume-selling Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter."
France in new pledge to cut budget deficit
France's finance minister says the country plans to cut its budget deficit by €3.6-3.7bn (£2.84bn, $4.6bn) next year in a bid to meet European Union rules.
The minister, Michel Sapin, made the promise in a letter to the European Commission.
The plan is an update on the country's original draft budget for 2015.
The Commission has until Wednesday to decide whether or not to accept the proposal.
Mr Sapin said he had found the money because of lower-than-expected costs on interest payments, as well as lower contributions to the EU's budget.
He said France had also gained income through higher tax income, which it pulled in by being tougher on fraud and ending some company tax allowances.
The country has missed a number of budget deficit targets and has struggled with high unemployment and low growth.
Earlier this month, the French government said it would reduce its budget deficit to below the EU threshold of 3% of GDP by 2017, two years later than promised.
That forecast indicated the public deficit would fall to 4.3% next year, but to 2.8% by 2017.
Mr Sapin said at the time that growth would remain weak, projecting that the economy would only grow very slightly this year.
France plans to cut public spending by €50bn ($63bn; £39bn) by 2017, the year in which the country's next presidential election will be held.
Bruce Jenner Gives Up Share of House in Kris Jenner Divorce
New info regarding Bruce Jenner and Kris Jenner's divorce has emerged. According to a document obtained by TMZ, the former Olympian has decided to give up his rights to their Hidden Hills house in their property settlement.
The pair bought the pad in 2010. The $4 million property reportedly boasts six bedrooms and eight bathrooms in addition to other features such as double staircases, limestone floors, hand painted ceilings and a pool.
Kris and Bruce announced their separation last year. The Kardashian momager filed for divorce from Bruce in September after 22 years of marriage. Bruce now lives in his house in Malibu.
Bruce recently was romantically linked to Kris' best friend Rhonda Kamihira. When asked about the pair's alleged relationship, the reality star said during an appearance on "Today" show last week, "I just want him to be happy. I don't care who he goes out with and I don't know who he's dating. He doesn't like check in with me and give me a play by play, but it's his life, and you just want the guy to be happy. You know, he's still the father of two of my children. We're friends."
Kris, meanwhile, was recently spotted getting cozy with a man named Corey Gamble in Las Vegas. On Friday, Gamble was seen joining the family for Kim Kardashian's 34th birthday party at Tao. They were previously seen enjoying a diner in Sherman Oaks, California on October 14.
S Africa football captain shot dead
South Africa's football captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has died after being shot, police say.
He was reportedly attacked after men entered his girlfriend's house in Vosloorus, south of Johannesburg.
The 27-year-old played for Orlando Pirates and had played in South Africa's last four Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
On Saturday, he was in action for his club, when they progressed to the semi-finals of the South African League Cup.
Orlando Pirates beat Ajax Cape Town 4-1.
In a statement, the South African Police Service said two men had entered the house, around 20:00 (18:00 GMT). A third man remained outside.
All three fled on foot after shots were fired, in what local media reports say was an attempted burglary. One of the men had reportedly demanded Meyiwa's mobile phone.
A reward of about $14,000 has been offered for information leading to the suspects' arrest.
Meyiwa was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Team mate Tsepo Masilela was among many voicing their shock at the news on social media.
Ukraine pro-Western parties set for election victory
Ukraine's president plans to begin coalition talks after what appears to be a victory for pro-Western parties in Sunday's parliamentary elections.
Early results showed Petro Poroshenko's bloc and that of Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk each taking 22% of the vote.
The president thanked voters for backing a "democratic, reformist, pro-Ukrainian and pro-European majority".
There was no voting in eastern areas that remain under the control of pro-Russian separatist rebels.
A number of seats in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions will remain vacant, as will those for Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in March.
The rebels plan to hold their own elections next Sunday.
The legislative polls were the first since pro-Russian former President, Viktor Yanukovych, was driven from power in February after he refused to sign an agreement on closer ties with the European Union.
With 30% of ballots counted, Mr Poroshenko's bloc - comprising his own Solidarity Party and Udar, led by former boxer champion Vitali Klitschko - had 21.59% of the vote.
But the People's Front of the president's ally, Mr Yatseniuk, was fractionally ahead with 21.7%, according to the election commission.
Source-BBC