The International Red Cross has launched a global appeal for US$5.6 million to help carry out its activities in Dominica that was severely battered by Hurricane Maria on September 18.Walter Cotte Witingan, the Red Cross-Americas Regional Director, speaking at the daily briefing in Roseau, Dominica on Wednesday said, “We are now covering around 33 per cent of the appeal, but we are improving. The effect of not having enough money for the appeal is because Dominica (is) experiencing competition with other emergencies we have in the region. It’s for that reason we are calling for collective responsibility of our region…that could help Dominica.”Red Cross to remain in DominicaWitingan said the Red Cross would maintain its presence in Dominica, noting Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s recent announcement that the organization would be taking over the distribution of relief material to communities island-wide. Skerrit said the discussions to outline regions would be held very soon.“We are going to stay here through the Dominica Red Cross and we are going to accompany the Dominica Red Cross …to be better for the next moment you have something similar like this, that is very likely because this is the region …which need to be permanently prepared for the future.” Witingan said.Urgency to support DominicaBut he told reporters “For us the real message we want to deliver today is that we are calling for the urgency to support Dominica. We are here in Dominica to show solidarity, respect and sense of responsibility for Dominica.“We need to be serious supporting Dominica as soon as possible because this country requires full support of our region and globally. We are going to maintain that position until the moment we get some resources to do the job,” Witingan said, adding the Red Cross wanted also to pay tribute to those killed by the storm, and help in the rebuilding exercise.Assisting in tourism developmentTourism Minister Robert Tonge said that the government was prepared to assist hoteliers and other stakeholders get back on their feet as soon as possible, but warned “this must be done in a transparent manner.” He said while the government is prepared to provide some level of funding, business owners who would have received payments as a result of their insurance claims, should also be forthright in informing the authorities.Tonge quoted from a Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association release that questioned the future involvement of the government in reviving the industry, saying “the government is fully committed towards the tourism sector.” read more
The Guyana government has welcomed the decision of American Airlines to reinstitute flights to that country from December.“I am delighted that American Airlines will commence flying to Guyana in December. This will coincide with the launch of the newly expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport and demonstrates a confidence in Destination Guyana not only as a desirable tourist destination but as an emerging oil economy as well,” said Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.He said, “The government has been working at various levels to provide more options to travelers to and from Guyana, to North America, with increased airlift, and American Airlines’ commitment to destination Guyana is a recognition of government’s work since coming into office in 2015.” Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, noted that “this is good for tourism, good for business and good for Guyana.” American Airlines said that from December it would be expanding its presence in the region, with the addition of four new destinations including Guyana, Colombia, Argentina (COR) and Oaxaca in Mexico.The airline said tickets for the new four destinations will go on sale in April.“We’re creating a world-class customer experience and as the largest U.S. carrier in Mexico and South America, we are committed to offering more choices with the best schedules for our customers in the region,” said Vasu Raja, American Airlines vice president of Network and Schedule Planning.“As we look to strengthen our network, we’re excited to add more nonstop flights to places like Buenos Aires, maximizing connections across our network,” he added. read more
Roston Chase of West Indies hits 4 during day 4 of the 3rd and final Test between West Indies and England at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, on February 12, 2019. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo credit should read RANDY BROOKS/AFP/Getty Images) On Tuesday, England soundly defeated the West Indies by 232 runs in the third and final Test match between the two countries played at the Darren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia.Undefeated centuryAll was not bleak for the Windies as Barbadian batman Roston Chase struck an entertaining 102 runs not out, his fifth Test hundred to take some of the shine off a clinical England performance.Asked to chase an improbable 485 after England declared their second innings on 361 for five, 25 minutes after the start of the penultimate day, West Indies’ batting could only mage a total of or 252 runs, some 20 minutes before the scheduled close of play.Only the right-handed Chase saved the Indies from total humiliation with the second innings tottering at 35 for four at lunch.Chase, unbeaten at lunch on eight, then combined with Shimron Hetmyer (19) in a 45-run, fifth wicket stand which halted the slide. Chase then put on a further 34 with wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich On 53 at tea, Chase found allies in Roach, with whom he put on 46 for the seventh wicket, and then with Alzarri Joseph, adding a further 56 for the eighth wicket, to delay the inevitable.Joseph unleashed a cavalier 34 off just 30 balls near the end while fellow tail-ender Kemar Roach produced a breezy 29 off 43 deliveries, but their innings were of academic interest only as the result was never really in doubt once veteran English seamer Jimmy Anderson (3-27) wiped out the top order.Off-spinner Moeen Ali supported with three for 99 while seamer Ben Stokes picked up two for 30.NonethelessThe defeat, however, did nothing to detract from an outstanding West Indies series performance which saw them crush England by 381 runs in the opening Bridgetown Test and follow that up with a 10-wicket triumph in the second Test in St John’s, clinching the coveted Wisden Trophy for the first time in a decade.Chase, unbeaten at lunch on eight, then combined with Shimron Hetmyer (19) in a 45-run, fifth wicket stand which halted, Chase then put on a further 34 with wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich On 53 at tea, Chase found allies in Roach, with whom he put on 46 for the seventh wicket, and then with Joseph, adding a further 56 for the eighth wicket, to delay the inevitable. read more
On Monday, May 20, Jamaica’s senior soccer team, the Reggae Girlz, arrived at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport, met by an official South Florida contingent, which included government officials and members of the public.The team is being feted in South Florida before departing to the Women’s World Cup in France, this June 7-July 7. During the welcome, host Consul General Oliver Mair told the team and supporters, “They’re going to the World Cup to carry back something historic for Jamaica.”The Consul General, who is known for his jovial, nontraditional approach to his post, then went on to sing to the team, though he of course is not a singer.In a room full of jubilation and pride, the Consul General ended his remarks aptly. “Jamaica is proud of you. We’re looking forward to great things.” read more
According to the IQAir COVID-19 Air Quality Report of what it described as the “largest-scale experiment ever,” the lockdowns resulted in “unprecedented reductions in deadly particle pollution.” Rome was the lone city in the report that showed an increase (of 30 percent). While governments and individuals are doing what they can to stem the tide of COVID-19, Mother Nature is catching her breath and reminding us that human actions significantly impact the earth, and reversing those actions or replacing them with more sustainable ones can heal it. As the World Economic Forum puts it, “An invisible virus has made our individual actions more visible than ever—and revealed our true power to face societal crises beyond COVID-19.” Air quality and COVID-19In 2019, IQAir’s Air Quality report found that “over 90 percent of the global population breathes dangerously polluted air.” It said that “air pollution continues to pose one of the biggest threats to human health,” which is borne out in the high level of respiratory issues affecting millions of people across the globe.In the United States alone, “more than 25 million people…have asthma. Approximately 14.8 million adults have been diagnosed with COPD, and approximately 12 million people have not yet been diagnosed,” says a 2020 Respiratory Diseases study by healthypeople.gov. This is devastating news since in addition to the high burden on the healthcare system and the high price tag for health care, having respiratory issues make people more vulnerable and more likely to die if they contract COVID-19—a virus that severely affects the respiratory system.In fact, studies suggest that areas with high levels of air pollution could increase the risk of dying from COVID-19. Researchers at Columbia University in March calculated that carbon monoxide emissions in New York City, mostly from vehicles, fell by 50 percent—a factor that will greatly improve public health. This reduction is especially important at a time when new research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that air pollution is linked to higher COVID-19 death rates.How Will We Move Forward?As reports emerge and visible changes are being recorded in cities such as Venice and Delhi, this accidental model of combating air pollution is unsustainable. Obviously, people will not be confined to their homes forever. They will go back to work which means cars, buses, trains and other modes of transportation will be back in action. Tourism and business travel will return, which means airplanes will once again take to the skies. Industries will be booming again and the wheels of production will continue turning. As we return to normal, so will the pollution—reversing the gains made during the lockdown. So this honeymoon of sorts will be short-lived. The question is, how can we, in a sustainable way, address these environmental issues which are not just making us sick and more vulnerable but are that is also destroying the earth?Climate change advocates including scientists, political and religious leaders, as well as climate activists have their ideas. They are hoping that as governments move to rebuild the economies of their respective nations, that they will be driven by cleaner, greener, more sustainable industries and methods.Included in the lessons coronavirus is teaching us, is that our impact on the earth, individually and collectively, is significant—and the same way in which we have negatively contributed to pollution and climate change, we can have a positive impact in reversing and correcting these problems. The time is now to start thinking about how we can move forward on a global scale. Perhaps moving to cleaner energy sources like wind, solar, and nuclear is the answer. Perhaps it’s individual actions, such as biking, taking the train, or driving hybrid or electric vehicles. Perhaps it’s all of the above.For the people in northern India who can now see the Himalayan mountain range, or the people in Venice who can see clear canals, this is a testament that cleaning up our earth is possible—if we all work together. This is the challenge for governments, the private sector, and organizations—to rebuild with a focus not just on the bottom line, but also on the people and the planet we live on. Fittingly, on Wednesday, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a new report by Swiss-based company IQAir, found that air quality improved in nine major cities around the world: Delhi, London, Los Angeles, Milan, Mumbai, New York City, São Paulo, Seoul, and Wuhan. Here are the major findings of the report: It would have been admirable if these were the results of proactive and strategic measures put in place by governments to course-correct on air pollution and other aspects of climate change. But, alas, these are the effects of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders initiated across the globe to stop the spread of coronavirus. These measures have halted industries, left airplanes grounded, trains stuck in stations, and most cars are sequestered in garages. For the first time in 30 years, people living in northern India are able to see the Himalayan mountain range—some for the first time, ever. In Venice, Italy the canals are clear, and species are beginning to flourish. In China, ground zero for the novel coronavirus, the initial lockdown saw pollution levels dropping by 25 percent. And, in New York, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., carbon monoxide levels have decreased by 50 percent. 9 of 10 key global cities experienced PM2.5 reductions from the same period in 2019Cities with historically higher levels of PM2.5 pollution witnessed the most substantial drops, including Delhi (-60%), Seoul (-54%) and Wuhan (-44%)During Wuhan’s 10-week lockdown, the city experienced its cleanest February and March air quality on recordDelhi’s ‘unhealthy’ and worse rated hours plummeted from 68% in 2019 to 17% during the lockdown periodLos Angeles experienced its longest stretch of clean air on record meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines read more
Chelsea and Ivorian legend Didier Drogba showed why he’s not ready to call time on his hugely successful career with this laser effort in the United Soccer League (USL).Drogba scored the opener with a spectacular free-kick from long range in the 13th minute for his USL side Phoenix Risingin their 2-0 away win over LA Galaxy II.The United Soccer League is the second tier to the more popular Major League Soccer (MLS).Watch the video below:Video Playerhttps://www.busybuddiesng.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/VID-20170807-WA0001.mp400:0000:0000:00Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.Related read more
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has received a one-year ban as punishment for his role in the sale of match tickets to supporters’ group with mafia links.Agnelli, 41, was banned alongside three club officials with the president of the Italian champions fined 20,000 euros (£17,600). Juventus have also been fined to 300,000 euros (£264,000).Andrea Agnelli was accused of facilitating the sale of tickets, later resold at a big profit, to ‘ultras’ fans, some allegedly linked to organised crime.Agnelli and Juventus plan to appeal against the verdict from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) hearing.Italian prosecutor Giuseppe Pecoraro had earlier requested a 30-month suspension as well as a 50,000 euro (£44,000) fine for Agnelli at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) hearing in addition to his request for Juventus to be ordered to play two games behind closed doors.Speaking after the hearing, Pecoraro told AFP that stiffer sanctions should have been handed out to offenders.“I’m partly satisfied because we’ve been able to prove the guilt of everyone involved, but the findings were so serious that, in my opinion, they should have been punished more, so we’ll appeal.”“I think going to another court will be useful, bearing in mind they went to organised crime, and that is very serious,” he added. Agnelli has denied dealing with Rocco Dominello, who is a supporter that’s reportedly close to Calabria-based N’drangheta mafia group. He however revealed that he had earlier met Dominello, who was sentenced to seven years in jail.The court said Agnelli was not guilty of knowingly meeting with Dominello, and wrote via its ruling the Juventus president was “totally unaware” of any illegality.RelatedWinning Is In Our DNA, Juventus President Agnelli RevealsJuly 19, 2017In “Europe”Aaron Ramsey Will Be ‘Something Special’ For Juventus- Ian RushFebruary 7, 2019In “England”Juventus Sack Sarri After Champions League ExitAugust 8, 2020In “Featured” read more
Related Wales manager Chris Coleman has stated that he would have to move abroad in a bid to achieve his Champions League ambitions.His present deal with the Football Association of Wales deal expires at the end of the month and the 47-year old was more than happy to divulge what the future might hold for him in his latest press conference. In his words, the former Fulham manager said: “I have always stressed I would love to experience working in the Champions League.”“I am not going to get that from a club in the Premier League. It is just not going to happen. Not now. To do that I would probably have to travel.” he added.Speaking further, Coleman, who has previously managed Spanish side Real Sociedad and Greek team AEL outside the United Kingdom, revealed that he is not ready to wait for ‘limited’ opportunities in the United Kingdom in his quest to manage a team in the UEFA Champions League (UCL).He stated that: “There are very few managers that are in a position to say where they want to work. Jobs in the industry are few and far between.”“That would be a realistic path for me to take whenever my time is up with Wales. I am not afraid to travel.” he concluded.His Welsh team played a 1-1 draw with Panama in an international friendly on Tuesday and the game could be the former Wales international player’s last game in charge.He has had a hugely successful reign as Wales manager with his biggest achievement coming last summer when he led his team to the semifinal stage at the European Championships. Coleman was however unable to build on that success after Wales missed out on a World Cup playoff spot to Home Nations’ rival, Republic of Ireland. read more
Martin Lycka – Regulatory high temperatures cancel industry’s ‘silly season’ August 11, 2020 FTSE-listed bookmaker GVC Holdings (GVC) has today confirmed that Roni Maman will be joining its organisation taking up the newly-created role of VP Business Operations.The new role will include responsibility for the operator’s corporate structure, executing business processes and the planning and strategy of GVC syndicated brands’ customer services.Maman brings extensive experience in operations and a strong and proven track record in customer services and customer engagement. Maman will report directly into Shay Segev, GVC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).Prior to taking on the position of VP of Business Operations at GVC, Maman has held various senior management roles at competitor 888 Holdings, servicing customer support operations, player retention and planning.Commenting on the senior appointment Shay Segev, Chief Operating Officer of GVC stated“We are delighted to have Roni joining us to lead our business operations. Roni brings extensive operational experience and has a proven track record in customer services and customer engagement which is respected throughout the industry and will help to drive our business forward. Share Share Submit GVC hires ‘comms pro’ Tessa Curtis to re-energise media profile August 25, 2020 GVC absorbs retail shocks as business recalibrates for critical H2 trading August 13, 2020 StumbleUpon Related Articles read more
TVBET passes GLI test for five live games in Malta and Italy August 25, 2020 Submit Related Articles Share Share Winamax maintains Granada CF sponsorship despite bleak Spanish outlook August 19, 2020 StumbleUpon A two day GiGsters Connect event, celebrating the fifth anniversary of online gambling firm Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), has concluded, with guests left wowed by its headline guest speaker.Steve Wozniak, Co-Founder of Apple Computer Inc and “legendary Silicon Valley tech wizard,” took to the stage to speak to a 1150 strong audience.Arriving into the InterContinental Arena in Malta on a Segway, Wozniak sat down for an educational fireside chat with GiG Chief Executive Officer Robin Reed, before taking questions from the audience. Kelly Kehn Co-founder of All-in Diversity, an industry-driven initiative to benchmark diversity, equality and inclusion in iGaming, commented: “In an industry where recruitment of top tech talent may be difficult, GiG is truly leading the way by opening up their awesomeness and sharing it with all of us. What an inspiring and engaging event for students, employees and the local community! More of this please.”The audience in attendance consisted of 650 GiG employees from Malta, Norway, Spain and Denmark as well as over 500 external guests who were given a free ticket by GiG, including individuals from UoM (University of Manchester), MCAST (Malta College of Arts Science and Technology) and Middlesex University students and professors, members of the Maltese tech community and high profile guests.Chris Demico GiG Solutions Architect and former MCAST student, added: “I am really grateful to GiG for this wonderful opportunity of a lifetime. I got to meet one of my role models, talk to him and have him sign my books and my shirt. Today was a good day.”The event also featured in-depth knowledge session, hackathons, parties and learning opportunities for GiG employees in attendance. Altenar: Supporting expansion plans in Denmark and Portugal August 20, 2020 read more
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