Pilot Error Caused Caribbean Airlines Crash
Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Zulfikar Mohammed, says pilot error led to the July 30, 2011 crash of a Caribbean Airlines flight.
According to Mohammed, the report on the mishap will be studied and released by Transport Minister Robeson Benn.
Last Thursday, the GCAA boss explained that the report would say exactly what happened and emphasise several areas for safety. "They will tell you what actions should be taken in terms of improving safety, preventing accidents of this sort from happening again," he said.
Mohammed's explanation followed confirmation by presidential adviser on governance, Gail Teixeira, earlier last Thursday of what had been known hours after the crash - the pilot engaged in a "long-landing" on the CJIA runway that prevented him from stopping the Boeing 737-800 before it could have ran off the 7,400-ft long runway half way over a ravine. The plane cracked in half.
The GCAA-led probe received support from the United States' National Transportation Safety Board, the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight, Caribbean Airlines, Trinidad and Tobago's Civil Aviation Authority and Boeing Aircraft Company.
In July, eight Guyanese passengers filed lawsuits claiming a total of GUY$8 million associated with alleged negligent operation of Caribbean Airlines Flight BW523.
Source- CMC
Gunmen Kills 59 in Mall Attack in Kenya
Kenyan security forces are continuing to work to apprehend gunmen who killed at least 59 people and wounded 175 others at a busy shopping mall in Nairobi.
Officials said the operation to capture the gunmen and rescue an unknown number of hostages was still ongoing midday Sunday inside the Westgate Mall, about 24 hours after the attack began.
Interior Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku said more than 1,000 people have been evacuated from the mall so far, calling the situation "very fragile."
He said officials believe there are between 10 and 15 attackers involved and he vowed that they will face the full force of the law.
The Somali terrorist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it is retaliation for Kenya's military intervention in Somalia. An al-Shabab spokesman said in an audio message, "Either leave our country or live with constant attacks."
Kenyan forces entered Somalia two years ago to fight al-Shabab militants who had often crossed the border to stage attacks.
The U.N. Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the attack. Mr. Ban called it a "premeditated" and "totally reprehensible" act targeting defenseless civilians.
Witnesses said the gunmen wore masks and tossed hand grenades at the Westgate Mall during busy shopping hours. Children were among the wounded.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta sought to reassure shaken Kenyans in an address to the nation just hours after the attack. The president condemned what he called the cowardly act and praised Kenyans for their solidarity in the face of the terrorist threat.
The president said, "Terrorism in and of itself is the philosophy of cowards. The way we lead our lives in freedom, unity and consideration for each other represents our victory over those who wish us ill."
President Kenyatta vowed that the perpetrators will be caught and dealt with. He said the government stands ready to defend the country from within and from outside.
Canada and France each say two of their citizens were killed. The United States says no Americans were killed, but that some have been injured. Secretary of State John Kerry condemned the attack and said the United States has offered Kenya's government its full support to help bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
Suicide Bombers Kill 50 in Pakistan
Officials in Pakistan say two suicide bombers have attacked a church in the northwestern part of the country, killing at least 50 people and wounding about 100 others.
The head of a nearby hospital where victims were taken says many of the wounded are in critical condition. Many of the victims were women and children.
The blasts happened Sunday at the main church in downtown Peshawar as worshippers were leaving after services. Several hundred people were there at the time of the attack.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blasts.
Militant Islamists in Pakistan have carried out attacks against minority Christians and other Muslims they see as heretical.
Local Entertainers For RCI Cruise Line
Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell spoke today [Sept 20] in the House of Assembly regarding an entertainment employment initiative in partnership with Royal Caribbean International [RCI].
The Minister said the initiative will provide opportunities for local entertainers to perform onboard RCI ships whilst in port.
The Department of Tourism hosted an open audition for entertainers at Chewstick on September 11th, which saw 25 local artists perform in front of the RCI Executives .
The Minister said RCI was “very pleased with the caliber of performances of our local entertainers, and indicated that they were optimistic in providing entertainment opportunities on board, prior to seasons end.”
Minister Crockwell added that RCI would also like to source local entertainers to provide a pier side “Departure Performance” for their passengers on the Explorer of the Sea and the Grandeur of the Seas.
“We consider these initiatives as positive steps to broaden the exposure of our local talent and also enhancing our local tourism product,” said Minister Crockwell.
Minister Crockwell’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, the creation of jobs and employment opportunities is a clearly stated goal for this Government and it is the view of this government that we will take the initiative to provide meaningful employment opportunities wherever possible and to think out of the box in creating these opportunities.
Therefore, I am extremely pleased to report today on another employment opportunity initiative that will soon bear results.
Mr. Speaker, the plight of the local entertainers is very well chronicled, there is a dearth of employment opportunity on the island, and the opportunities that are available are very often for a limited period.
Many of our seasoned and aspiring local entertainers seek the assistance of the Bermuda Department of Tourism to create and provide opportunities for them to perform and display their talents at various locations and venues throughout our Island.
Mr. Speaker, in support of our local entertainers the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport has commenced an entertainment employment initiative working in partnership with Royal Caribbean International (RCI).
This initiative will provide opportunities for local entertainers to work and perform onboard RCI ships whilst in port for the remainder of this cruise ship season, with the intent to continue this initiative in the 2014 cruise season and beyond.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Tourism hosted an open audition inviting all interested entertainers to perform at the Chewstick Headquarters and this event was held on Wednesday September 11th from 6pm to 9pm. The range of entertainers included musicians, vocalists, dancers, comedians, actors, magicians and cultural performers.
Entertainers were requested to provide a photographic image, as well as their Entertainment Resume, and they were invited to perform for five (5) minutes. Following their performance a short list was created and those who were successfully shortlisted were invited back to participate in an Entertainment Showcase.
Mr. Speaker, the Entertainment Showcase saw twenty five (25) of our top local musicians and artists perform in front of the RCI Executives which was headed by Mr. Mike Ronan who is the Vice President of Government Relations for the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia, and he was accompanied by Mr. Rob Waterfield who is the RCI Specialist for Contracted Musicians and Entertainers.
The Showcase was held the following day on Thursday, September 12, at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess in the Gazebo Room. Mr. Ronan and Mr. Waterfield experienced, first-hand, Bermuda’s remarkable talent and they were able to evaluate and determine how to amalgamate and include some of our local entertainers into their onboard entertainment programs.
Mr. Speaker, both Mr. Ronan and Mr. Waterfield of RCI were very pleased with the caliber of performances of our local entertainers, and indicated that they were optimistic in providing entertainment opportunities on board, prior to seasons end.
Most importantly they considered the visit, and the viewing of the talent, to be excellent timing for their decision making in planning their entertainment schedules for the 2014 season.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to RCI’s commitment to providing entertainment opportunities onboard their ships, we are also pleased to announce that for the remainder of the cruise ship season, RCI would also like to source local entertainers to provide a pier side “Departure Performance” for their passengers on the Explorer of the Sea and the Grandeur of the Seas.
Mr. Speaker, we consider these initiatives as positive steps to broaden the exposure of our local talent and also enhancing our local tourism product. I would like to thank the principals of RCI for working with us to develop and offer solutions that will assist our local entertainers by providing much needed employment in this sector.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the Department of Tourism staff for their role and efforts in organizing the auditioning and Entertainment Showcase that received rave reviews.
Thank You
Source-Bernnews
Vybz Kartel Denying Any Involvement In Roach Death
With his name being tied to yet another murder, incarcerated Dancehall superstar, Adidja Palmer, more popularly known as Vybz Kartel is fed up with law enforcement and is threatening to take action against them for what he deems as consistently unfair treatment.
On Thursday evening, the polarizing deejay issued a handwritten letter to the public addressing a report earlier this week by the Constabulary Communications Network (CCN), revealing that they seized cellular phones, flash drives, a DVD player and an iPod from his cell during separate searches on September 16 and 17. The search was done as part of an investigation into the shooting death of popular Dancehall producer, Patrick 'Roach' Samuels, Kartel's former road manager.
In the letter, Kartel pulled no punches as he criticized police for their handling of the searches while vehemently denying any involvement in Samuels' murder.
"I must first say that the Jamaican police are the worst inefficient set of police in the world," said Kartel. "Who say they act on intelligence when it is completely the opposite. If 'Roach' was killed on Mannings Hill Road Sunday morning, what kind of intelligence could have led the police to Horizon Remand Centre Sunday at midday. I have never spoken to 'Roach' or anyone associated with him nor did I have any altercation with him."
Kartel insisted that he had a permit to carry the various items that were taken from him during the separate searches, citing that Horizon Remand Centre is amongst several prisons which have permits allowing inmates to use different gadgets.
Meanwhile, he hinted that he will be taking action against the police following these most recent events.
"This is not the first time the police have told lies on me since I've been here and like the last time when four cell phones were "found in my cell", I will be contacting INDECOM," he said, "Mi tired a dem police ya. Police!!! Come off mi back now!! And for once, GO DO REAL POLICE WORK!! Unuh come in like a crosses inna mi life! Mi nuh member bout 'Roach' and mi nuh remember bout unuh."
He then added a postscript regarding the events leading up to Samuels' death, saying, "Everybody in the streets knows what took place in the "PARTY" between 'Roach' and "DEM" so all a who a use dem police friend to try frame me, remember this….. Unfair game play twice."
All the items seized from Kartel's cell are being analyzed for evidential purposes as police try to determine what link, if any, they have to Samuels' murder.
Source-OutofRoad
Drake Goes Through His Dating History with Ellen
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Drake was put on a hot seat by Ellen DeGeneres when he dropped by her talk show on Friday, September 20 as part of promo tour for his new album "Nothing Was the Same". The "Ellen DeGeneres Show" host grilled her guest about his dating history.
"I'm going to show you some pictures and you can say, 'dated her,' 'dating her now,' 'I've kissed her once,' or you just held her hand," Ellen said, to which the rapper groaned before he quipped, "This is where my career goes into a downward spiral."
The first shown was Rihanna, with whom he was romantically linked after her infamous split from Chris Brown. She was also reportedly the reason the two male stars were involved in a bottle-hurling club fight in summer 2012.
"Yeah, great girl," Drake said with a seemingly slight bit of nervousness. "We had our moment. Always support and have love for her and yeah..." He added with a chuckle, "I heard myself saying something else and I know I'm going to watch it back and be like, 'That wasn't what I thought I said.' "
When the host generously offered him a do-over, the "Marvin's Room" crooner quickly said that he was not "into do-overs. In any regard."
The next one was his labelmate Nicki Minaj. "Me and Nicki are like family," he said of the female rapper who rose to stardom around the same time he did. "I just love Nicki with all my heart. We haven't really shared like intimate moments."
Then, Tyra Banks' picture was displayed. "I went on a date with her one time, yeah," he dished on. "It was just one date. We went to Disneyland in disguise actually, which was fun. I don't know if it was a date. It was a get together. We're close as well."
As the session continued, Drake said, "This is really bad...How did you not tell me about this?" to which Ellen joked, "We like to surprise our guests." Right on cue, Kim Kardashian's picture was up. "Oh no, no. Come on! What's going on here?" he exclaimed.
The last one on the list was "2 Broke Girls" star Kat Dennings. "I just always had a huge crush on Kat Dennings and she was kind enough one night to oblige me and we went out for dinner," he opened up, before jokingly adding, "They don't call me back after one date according to this."
So is he dating anyone now? "I'm single, I'm ready to mingle," he said. "The album's done. I got free time. But not really, I'm going on tour, but I have a couple months after that."
Aside from the interview session, Drake also performed his chart-busting song "Hold On, We're Going Home".
Source-Ace.Showbiz
Beyonce and Jay Z named top-earning celebrity couple
Beyonce and Jay Z have been named the highest-earning celebrity couple by Forbes.
The pair are reported to have taken home an estimated $95 million (£59 million) in the last year.
Jay Z's recent Watch the Throne album went platinum and launched a world tour that brought in $1.4m (£900,000) per night in America, according to Forbes.
Beyonce's Mrs Carter world tour is estimated to have taken in an average of $2m (£1.3m) per night.
In addition to his music career, Jay Z also part-owns the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which he will be selling now he has started his own sports agency, Roc Nation Sports.
Beyonce has her own fragrance and clothing lines.
Second on the list are American footballer Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen, who took home $80m (£50m).
Gisele was recently named the highest-earning model and she is thought to have made $4m (£2.5m) more than her husband, who recently signed a $30m (£18.7m) contract with the New England Patriots.
Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt complete the top three with earnings of $50m (£31.2m).
To compile its list, Forbes estimated the entertainment-related income of celebrities between June 2012 and June 2013 by talking to agents, managers, producers and executives.
Fourth on the list are Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, who originally met on the set of That '70s Show. They are estimated to have earned $30m (£18.7m).
He is now the highest-paid actor on television thanks to his role in US comedy Two and a Half Men.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are also thought to have made $30m (18.7m) as a couple.
Kim, who recently gave birth to the couple's first child, is said to have earned $10m (£6.2m).
Kanye West's latest album Yeezus was released too late to include its earnings in the figures.
Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney part company
Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer is to split with Disney.
The studio will end its first-look deal with Bruckheimer in 2014, bringing to a close a partnership that has produced both the Pirates and National Treasure franchises, as well as hits such as Armageddon and The Rock.
Disney faces losses of $190m (£118m) following the recent box office failure of Bruckheimer's The Lone Ranger.
But the producer insisted: "It's not about Lone Ranger."
"It's time for us to tackle all kinds of movies, not just Disney movies," Bruckheimer told The Hollywood Reporter.
"We're still working on Pirates and hopefully National Treasure, and we still have development at Disney."
The Pirates franchise has earned more than $5.4bn (£3.4bn) worldwide for Disney.
"Jerry is one of the most respected and prolific producers working in the motion picture industry, and we have had an incredibly successful collaboration over the past two decades. He is a friend to many of us here at Disney," said Alan Horn, chairman of Disney Studios.
"We will continue to work together in the future, and we look forward to seeing more of the films that have made Jerry Bruckheimer a Hollywood legend," he added, confirming the fifth instalment of Pirates of the Caribbean will still go ahead.
The sequel has reportedly been delayed due to script issues and concerns over budget. It is not expected to open before autumn 2015.
The Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp, reportedly cost $215m (£136m) to make and has grossed $243m (£154m) worldwide to date. At the domestic box office, it has brought in only $89m (£55m).
"This is about a long-term relationship with lots of pluses and minuses," Horn said.
"The Lone Ranger certainly didn't help things, but we all have our wins and our losses, and this is an overall thing related to the company's supply of projects from all these other places."
Bruckheimer, whose hits have included Top Gun, Con Air and the TV series CSI, has said he wants to return to "more mature films". He is currently working on sequels to Top Gun and Bad Boys.
He made his mark in the 1980s as a prolific producer, who worked in partnership with the late Don Simpson on films like Days of Thunder and the Beverly Hills Cop series.
"I am very appreciative of the wonderful collaboration and support I have had at The Walt Disney Company for over 20 years and the 27 movies we have made together," Bruckheimer said.
"As we continue to make adventure films, we look forward to returning to films like Black Hawk Down, Enemy of the State, Beverly Hills Cop and The Rock."
Radio Royal hoax 'broke law' according to watchdog
The Australian radio station that made a prank call to the Duchess of Cambridge's hospital "broke the law", the country's media watchdog has said.
The finding came in a confidential, preliminary report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which emerged in a court case.
It said 2Day FM acted illegally by airing the phone call without consent.
Lawyers for 2Day FM's owner, Southern Cross Austereo, are seeking to block the report, according to local media.
The document came to light as part of their Federal Court hearing, in which they argue the ACMA does not have the power to make a criminal finding, only the courts do.
Australian Federal Police are currently investigating the call.
Nurse Jacintha Saldanha was found dead in December, three days after DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian duped her into transferring a call to the Duchess of Cambridge's hospital ward.
A ward nurse at King Edward VII's Hospital then gave the DJs details about the condition of the Duchess, who was being treated for severe morning sickness at the time.
Christian returned to work two months after the prank call, while Greig remains off air and is suing her employer for failing to provide a safe workplace.
She is due to give evidence in person at the London inquest into Saldanha's death. The inquest was delayed in July for the second time to give coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox time to "seek more information".
Blackberry to cut 4,500 jobs amid earnings plunge
Blackberry has announced it is planning to cut 4,500 jobs, or 40% of its worldwide workforce, in an attempt to staunch huge losses.
The smartphone maker said it anticipated a loss of as much as $995m (£621m) when it reports its second-quarter earnings next week.
Shares in the firm closed down 17% after briefly being halted following the announcement.
In August, the Canadian company said it was evaluating a possible sale.
In a statement on Friday, Blackberry's chief executive Thorstein Heins said: "We are implementing the difficult, but necessary operational changes announced today to address our position in a maturing and more competitive industry, and to drive the company toward profitability."
"Going forward, we plan to refocus our offering on our end-to-end solution of hardware, software and services for enterprises and the productive, professional end user."
The company said the losses were primarily attributable to disappointing sales of its new Z10 model smartphone.
Released in January to much fanfare after many delays, the phone has failed to enthuse consumers.
In June, Mr Heins said that the company had shipped only 2.7 million Z10 phones out of 6.8 million total. Many Blackberry users had instead opted to stick with earlier models.
Over the summer, word trickled out the company had hired a series of advisors to help it explore options.
In August, board member Timothy Dattels was appointed to a committee that would consider different business models, including a potential sale.
"We believe that now is the right time to explore strategic alternatives," said Mr Dattels at the time.
This is the quarter where Blackberry as you used to know it is no longer."
Mr Gillis said the job cuts and losses today could dampen the enthusiasm of potential buyers and might indicate the company could not find any interested parties.
This week, the company released a new version of its handset, the Z30, which was praised by observers but was nonetheless overshadowed by Apple's launch of its new smartphone products.
"It's not a bad phone," said Mr Gillis.
"I'm sure they'll sell at least one."
Analysts have long indicated that Blackberry's trove of patents could be attractive to potential buyers, but none of the large technology companies have publicly indicated interest.