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31
Cricket Anyone / Chanderpaul and his son make runs!!
« on: September 27, 2012, 06:38:08 AM »
September 25, 2012
Chanderpaul and his son make runs
by Akhila Ranganna
Another Chanderpaul is on the rise, in club cricket in the Caribbean at least, and the teenage Tagenarine is learning his trade by batting with his accomplished father, Shivnarine, West Indies’ highest run-scorer in Tests.

Playing for Gandhi Youth Organisation against Transport Sports Club on Saturday, Chanderpaul and his son, Tagenarine, bludgeoned the opposition attack, as GYO piled up 312 for 2 from the allotted 40 overs. Shivnarine led the onslaught with an unbeaten 143 that included 10 sixes and seven fours, while Tagenarine was not far behind with an unbeaten 112, which included six sixes and seven fours. The father-son duo put on an unbroken 256 for the third wicket to lay the foundation for a 125-run win.

Earlier in the week, Chanderpaul anchored Tiger Sports to a 94-run win over Unity with an unbeaten 68. Once again Tagenarine provided solid support with 35.

33
Tony Blair and George W Bush should be taken to the International Criminal Court in The Hague over the Iraq war, Archbishop Desmond Tutu has said.

Writing in the UK's Observer newspaper, he accused the former leaders of lying about weapons of mass destruction.

The Iraq military campaign had made the world more unstable "than any other conflict in history", he said.

Mr Blair responded by saying "this is the same argument we have had many times with nothing new to say".

'Playground bullies'
Earlier this week, Archbishop Tutu, a veteran peace campaigner who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 in recognition of his campaign against apartheid, pulled out of a leadership summit in Johannesburg because he refused to share a platform with Mr Blair.

The former Archbishop of Cape Town said the US- and UK-led action launched against Saddam's regime in 2003 had brought about conditions for the civil war in Syria and a possible Middle East conflict involving Iran.

"The then leaders of the United States [Mr Bush] and Great Britain [Mr Blair] fabricated the grounds to behave like playground bullies and drive us further apart. They have driven us to the edge of a precipice where we now stand - with the spectre of Syria and Iran before us," he said.

To say that the fact that Saddam massacred hundreds of thousands of his citizens is irrelevant to the morality of removing him is bizarre”

He added: "The question is not whether Saddam Hussein was good or bad or how many of his people he massacred. The point is that Mr Bush and Mr Blair should not have allowed themselves to stoop to his immoral level."

Archbishop Tutu said the death toll as a result of military action in Iraq since 2003 was grounds for Mr Blair and Mr Bush to be tried in The Hague.

But he said different standards appeared to be applied to Western leaders.

He said: "On these grounds, alone, in a consistent world, those responsible should be treading the same path as some of their African and Asian peers who have been made to answer for their actions in The Hague."

Chemical weapons
In response to Sunday's article, Mr Blair issued a strongly worded defence of his decisions.

He said: "To repeat the old canard that we lied about the intelligence [on weapons of mass destruction] is completely wrong as every single independent analysis of the evidence has shown.

"And to say that the fact that Saddam massacred hundreds of thousands of his citizens is irrelevant to the morality of removing him is bizarre.

"We have just had the memorials both of the Halabja massacre, where thousands of people were murdered in one day by Saddam's use of chemical weapons, and that of the Iran-Iraq war where casualties numbered up to a million, including many killed by chemical weapons.

"In addition, his slaughter of his political opponents, the treatment of the Marsh Arabs and the systematic torture of his people make the case for removing him morally strong. But the basis of action was as stated at the time."

He added: "In short this is the same argument we have had many times with nothing new to say. But surely in a healthy democracy people can agree to disagree.

"I would also point out that despite the problems, Iraq today has an economy three times or more in size, with child mortality rate cut by a third of what it was. And with investment hugely increased in places like Basra."

34
General Discussion / Trini scholar aiming to 'give back'
« on: May 28, 2012, 09:02:15 PM »
Trini scholar aiming to 'give back'
By Kim Boodram

A local scholar moved one step closer to his goal of addressing school violence in this country, when he was awarded a doctorate on peace education from Columbia University in the United States after seven months of field study in Trinidad.
Hakim Mohandas Amani Williams, who holds two Master's degrees and is a Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship winner, earned a doctorate in International Educational Development following his dissertation on school violence in Trinidad and Tobago.
"T&T has one of the highest homicide rates in the world per capita and schools have experienced a corollary increase in violence. The research site (in Laventille) is nationally stigmatised for its academic failures and violent notoriety, and features many students from poor communities."
The study was based on nine focus groups/class discussions, undertaken with 84 students, and 33 individual interviews were conducted with school personnel and Ministry of Education officials.
Williams's findings indicated that prevailing conceptualisations of school violence fail to consider many instances of adult-to-student violence.
"This highlights a focus on direct violence, while omitting a more critical interrogation of structural violence," Williams said.
His study interrogated many instances of student-to-student violence, but also considered student-to-adult violence and adult-to-student violence.
"I have also found that at my research site, more punitive measures and hyper surveillance are used to stop youth violence in school than student-centred interventions. These may be exacerbating the issue of youth violence than actually tackling it in a sustainable fashion."
The study also found that gangs provide many young people with a sense of belonging they could not find in their homes, and that many local schools lack the infrastructure to help children deal with sexual, physical or emotional abuse.
Williams, 32, was born in Laventille and moved to the United States after he graduated from Queen's Royal College.
He attended Morehouse College and later St Francis University in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
His studies thereafter focused on working with children and addressing the problems of school and youth violence.
Of his native community, Laventille, Williams said, "I grew up with drugs, alcohol, gunshots, et cetera all around the community...But I also grew up with many in the community who used to call me Dr Williams as a child and cheer me on and I grew up in a home with a mom and grandma who did not have much formal education but who ardently believed in its value.
"Laventille brims with many hard working, decent, self-respecting and talented youth and adults. My obtaining this doctorate from one of the best universities in the world is in part a victory for Laventille. For too long has it been decried as this monolithically-doomed, crime-ridden place. There are many problems, yes, and on some fronts, it is worsening but where there exist grave problems, there also exists great hope."
Williams intends to return to this country as a consultant to assist in crafting sustainable and holistic interventions to deal with violence in schools.

35
Cricket Anyone / They hurt me mentally - Sarwan
« on: May 21, 2012, 09:15:03 AM »
ESPNcricinfo staff
May 21, 2012

Ramnaresh Sarwan says he owes Leicestershire a full season because they have invested in him ©

Ramnaresh Sarwan, the West Indies batsman who has not played for his country since June 2011, has turned on West Indies' coaching set up for his continued non-selection.

Sarwan, 31, has scored 5,842 Test runs at 40.01 and captained West Indies in two Tests in England in 2007 but was overlooked for this tour and instead signed for Leicestershire where he has been in form with two centuries and two half-centuries and has captained the side while Matthew Hoggard has been injured.

"The coach said some negative stuff that hurt me mentally and emotionally," Sarwan told BBC Sport. "Mentally I was broken down, not from the stress of playing, it's just certain individuals have drained me mentally. It took a toll on my confidence and the way I play. Everything went away."

Sarwan lost his central contract in 2010 with an "extremely indifferent attitude and sporadic approach towards fitness" cited as the reason. He played four more Tests scoring 83 runs before being dropped. He is now pleased to be out of the West Indies set up. "I'm away from all those problems, my mind is at ease and I have had nothing to worry about, no coach to say any negative things," he said. "At one point I didn't know which was my back foot and which was my front foot. Now I'm much better, more precise with my movements, everything crystal clear in my head."

"I never spoke about this because I was caught up in a shell and I used to not come out of my house for up to three days. My dad was the one to inspire me to start back playing. I was going to stop because they were getting the better of me but when I saw him break down emotionally that inspired me."

Sarwan has returned to county cricket with Leicestershire after scoring 442 runs at 31.57 for Gloucestershire in 2005. His comeback has been a success with a century in his second match against Derbyshire and scores of 117 and 98 against Essex - form that has prompted many to call for his return to international cricket.

But even if he was offered the chance of a recall, Sarwan said he wouldn't run away from Leicestershire. "I owe them because they've invested in me," he said. "I'm big on principle and when I was in the dust being kicked by my own people I was given an opportunity by this club and I will not forsake that or betray anyone. I don't want to find myself in a situation where I was two years ago, where I couldn't have fun. My happiness is utmost and the most important thing to me. I want to stay focused and forget about what has gone before."

© ESPN EMEA Ltd.

36
Cricket Anyone / D Gayle issue!!
« on: April 30, 2012, 09:22:11 PM »
What d ass wrong with Hillaire and crew...dey eh want tuh give Gayle any surety of a contract for d England tour but he must do away with he Somerset contract....Screw dem make yuh money yes...Look Sarwan captaining Leicestershire and he aint seem ah bit bothered with these idiots...Malice iz ah ting yes!! these egomaniacs doe deserve another day in power


Gayle's West Indies return hits fresh roadblock
Nagraj Gollapudi
April 30, 2012

Chris Gayle's return to the West Indies squad is likely to be delayed after fresh doubts emerged over his availability for the ODI leg of the upcoming England tour, pouring cold water over the hard-earned resolution reached between him and the West Indies Cricket Board by CARICOM (the Caribbean Community).

Earlier this month Gayle had sent a request to Ernest Hilaire, the WICB chief executive, asking the board if he would be selected for the ODI leg of the England tour in June; this was to help him clarify his availability for Somerset, with whom he had signed as an overseas player for the summer. Hilaire, in his response, has accused Gayle of "reneging" on the undertaking the player had given in the presence of St Vincent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, stating he would make himself available to play for West Indies over Somerset.

"I write to you with respect to the upcoming West Indies tour of England scheduled for May 2 - June 25, 2012. As previously indicated, I am willing to make myself available to play for West Indies for this tour after my obligations to my IPL team are fulfilled," Gayle said in his e-mail, available to ESPNcricinfo, dated April 20.

Gayle, who last played for West Indies in the 2011 World Cup, told Hilaire that having signed a contract with Somerset, the county required him to "give an undertaking" of his availability for the entire duration of the contract, which clashed with West Indies' tour of England. Somerset have five Friends Life t20 games scheduled during the time West Indies play three ODIs and a T20I against England.

"I would appreciate if I could be informed whether I will be contracted for the West Indies Team for England Tour before I give my commitment to Somerset," Gayle said. "I only ask this so I would be in an informed position before I respond to Somerset, given the fact that I indicated my availability to the West Indies Team after the IPL," Gayle said, requesting an immediate reply.

In his response, sent on April 26, Hilaire said that "the Board has now considered your request and is extremely disappointed that, following the progress we had seemed to be making towards final agreement, you now seem unwilling to honour the commitment you made with respect to your Somerset contract."

According to Hilaire, Gayle had sent a "side letter" to Gonsalves on March 23, stating that he would "forego" his Somerset contract in order to make himself available to play for West Indies. "You reiterated this commitment in your April 1 letter, in response to WICB's request for clarification," Hilaire said. "Your most recent communication appears to suggest that you may be reneging on your availability as you now state that you are willing to make yourself available and not that you are making yourself available. A player cannot be considered for selection if he has not made himself available for selection."

According to Hilaire, during the meeting between Gonsalves, Gayle and the WICB, it was made clear to Gayle that selection matters did not come under the "purview" of the board. "The Board cannot give any commitment to any player with respect to his selection for a particular match or tour; but we will ask the Chairman of Selectors to have a discussion with you on issues relating to your selection at the earliest, in anticipation that you will meet all eligibility requirements," Hilaire told Gayle.

The ball is now once again in Gayle's court with Hilaire asking the player to come up with an instant reply.

Nagraj Gollapudi is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo


37
General Discussion / The pros of Technology!
« on: April 21, 2012, 08:22:20 PM »

38
General Discussion / Distracted pilot forgets to lower landing gear
« on: April 20, 2012, 02:52:59 AM »
We all know that playing on a cell phone while driving a car is a no-no. So, it stands to reason that commercial airline pilots would abstain while flying. Never assume, folks. Never assume.

In a story that is sure to cause no small amount of outrage, a Jetstar pilot was forced to abort  his Singapore landing when he realized at the last moment (the plane was 392 feet from the ground) that he'd forgotten to put the landing gear down. His excuse: He was distracted by incoming text messages to his phone.

The incident, which took place on a 220-seat Airbus A320, occurred on May 27, 2010. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recently released the findings of its investigation. The captain was no rookie. He had more than 13,000 hours of flight experience, while the co-pilot had around 4,000 hours.

According to the investigation's findings, the plane's co-pilot turned off the automatic pilot in preparation to land. At this point, the captain's cell phone started making noises. The captain apparently tried to turn it off, but had trouble unlocking it.

As the plane descended farther, neither was aware that the landing gear had yet to be lowered. The co-pilot looked at the instrument panel, saw that "something was not quite right," but was unable to determine what that was.

At around 720 feet above ground, the plane let off an alert that the landing gear had not been deployed. The captain tried to lower it, but by then the plane was too low for the landing gear to be extended and locked into place. At 392 feet, the captain elected to abort the landing and return to the skies. The plane later touched down safely.

Fatigue was apparently also a factor in the mistakes. The previous night, the captain was woken twice by hotel fire alarms while the co-pilot was disturbed by housekeeping at 4:30 a.m.

The Safety Bureau didn't issue fines against Jetstar, a budget airline associated with Qantas, or the two pilots.

41
Football / Philosopher Football!
« on: February 24, 2012, 04:34:04 AM »

43
General Discussion / British bottled water for TT parliament!!
« on: February 05, 2012, 11:01:29 PM »
British bottled water for TT parliament
By NALINEE SEELAL Monday, February 6 2012

THE INABILITY of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament to get local bottled water manufacturers to produce purified water in glass bottles, led Parliament to broker an arrangement with the House of Commons in the United Kingdom to supply water for Tower D in Port-of-Spain.

Before moving to Tower D, officials at the TT Parliament approached several bottled water manufacturers locally asking them to produce purified water in glass bottles, but the companies reportedly declined.

This led to a special type of distilled water, in a glass bottle with the name Hildon, being imported for use in the parliament chamber.

Yesterday, sources revealed that although Hildon is served at the Parliament chamber, a filtered water system was recently introduced so that water could be served to the parliamentarians.

The filtered water is water produced by the Water and Sewerage Authority, which is then filtered for use by the parliamentarians.

However, sources revealed that there are times when Hildon water will be served to the parliamentarians.

Yesterday, Minister of Trade and Industry Stephen Cadiz told Newsday that as far as he is concerned, water from WASA is the best in the world and he has no problem drinking it.

However he added, that when parliament moved to Tower D and he enquired as to why water was being served in glass bottles, he was told that the Parliament had decided to go green and wanted to be more environmentally friendly.

He however pointed out, “I tried to find a local manufacturer who would bottle the water in glass bottles, but we were unsuccessful in doing so.

I grew up on WASA water and I have no problem drinking it.” Newsday also understands that the TT parliament through Clark of the House Jackie Sampson went as far as looking to the US market to get purified water in glass bottles, but it was proving to be too costly to import, therefore the decision was taken to go the route of getting the water from the House of Commons.

A source from the TT parliament said yesterday that the average cost for one of the 330 ml bottle of Hildon which is served to parliamentarians cost as little as TT$4 per bottle.

Hildon Natural Mineral Water comes from beneath the chalk hills of the beautiful Hampshire countryside in the South of England.

The water is wholesome, naturally filtered and crystal-clear.

It is free from pollution with a stable composition, being naturally low in sodium. The water is bottled at source and whether it is Delightfully Still or Gently Sparkling, has a distinctive, delicious taste.

Hildon has long been the water of choice at prestigious venues, such as The Savoy, The Royal Opera House, Guards Polo Club and the House of Commons, the company’s website said.

Disappointed....only bottled water.....why not toilet paper too!!..... :bs:

44
Football / Ah wanted tuh LAUGH!!
« on: February 03, 2012, 03:46:05 AM »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt4X7zFfv4k

I found laughter after this.... :rotfl:

46
General Discussion / BOY'S HEAD FLUSHED IN TOILET
« on: January 26, 2012, 05:48:19 AM »
BOY'S HEAD FLUSHED IN TOILET
By NALINEE SEELAL Thursday, January 26 2012

A TEACHER at a school in Maraval was up to last night being quizzed at the St Clair Police Station after an eight-year-old student of the school accused the teacher of flushing his head in a toilet bowl at the school shortly after midday on Tuesday.

The student, Kaya Rullow of Woodbrook was reportedly forced to stand outside his Standard III classroom for almost three hours after the incident, on the instruction of the teacher.

However, when his father Parvar Rullow arrived at the school to take his son home, he was told the disturbing news.

An incensed Rullow went to the St Clair Police Station where he lodged a report with Woman Police Corporal Ferrette. The schoolboy told police that shortly after midday on Tuesday he and another student from his class, were playing tag near the boys’ restrooms when they were confronted by the teacher who chastised them both for playing in the toilet area.

The boy told police that he was grabbed by the teacher who forced him into the toilet stall and forced his head into the toilet bowl before flushing. Water from the toilet bowl splashed over the boy’s face and head. The frightened boy said he began gasping as the water cascaded over his face with some of the water entering his nose and mouth.

Young Kaya told police that when he began fighting to get his head out of the toilet bowl, the teacher pulled his face from the bowl and took him to the front of his class where he was ordered to stand for close to three hours until the school bell rang at about 3 pm to herald the end of classes for the day.

The boy claimed that the incident was witnessed by another student who is expected to be interviewed by the police today. Kaya was taken by his mother to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital yesterday afternoon to be medically examined to ascertain if he suffered any injuries as a result of the incident.

Police sources revealed that the teacher was called to the St Clair Police Station yesterday and told to give a statement on the allegations. Up to press time, the teacher was still at the police station being quizzed by Cpl Ferrette and Sgt Gokool. The teacher reportedly expressed remorse for her action.

Newsday understands that the incident sparked widespread talk among students of the school and their parents.

Kaya who reported for classes yesterday was reportedly taunted by other students and called “toilet boy” but because he is considered a strong-willed student he did not cry or show any sign of being embarrassed.

His father Parvar Rullow told Newsday yesterday that the teacher apologised to him yesterday for the incident but he believes that an apology is not enough. “I have to go through the process of the law to correct something like this. I am asking the system to deal with this situation. I feel hurt, embarrassed and children are calling my son “toilet boy”.

“It bothered me enough to take action. I believe this should never be repeated to another student. This is outside the norm, very inhumane and not action becoming of an educator.

“However my son is a very high spirited, well balanced child and I do not intend to let this incident disrupt his schooling,” the angry father said. Rullow pointed out that this incident should never have happened and his son, in fact no child, deserves such treatment.

Rullow said he has every confidence that the law will take its course in this matter.

47
General Discussion / SEND BACK SILK
« on: January 04, 2012, 01:31:19 AM »
Source:Newsday January 4 2012

Former Attorney General, Karl Hudson-Phillips, QC yesterday called on Chief Justice Ivor Archie and Appeal Court Judge, Justice Wendell Kangaloo who recently accepted “Silk,” “to return forthwith” their instruments bestowing the title Senior Counsel.

The independence of the Judiciary,” he said, “is totally incompatible with holding a title which required service to the Crown/State/Government.”

In a lengthy open letter to Newsday yesterday addressed to young attorneys-at- law in which he gives the history and practices with respect to the taking of Silk, Hudson-Phillips said it was “a grave matter and a serious contradiction for a judge to request or accept Silk if offered.”

“It flies in the face of the hallowed principle of the Separation of Powers. It also compromises the perception of both the Judiciary and the Bar,” he argued. Hudson-Phillips’ letter followed a ceremony last week in which President George Maxwell Richards handed instruments of appointment as senior counsel (Silk) to 16 attorneys including Archie and Kangaloo as well as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard.

Hudson-Phillips questioned whether the new Judicial Silks would pay the annual subscription fee that all Silks pay of $6,000 to the Law Association and attend meetings of that body discussing relations with the judges? Would this annual subscription be paid by the judges or the State? Would they make the compulsory contribution to the Compensation Fund out of which aggrieved litigants are paid for “bad” work by lawyers? He also asked whether the contribution covered judgments and loss occasioned by judicial delays as well.

Hudson-Phillips also quoted precedent for Silk returning his instrument or Letters Patent the last of which occurred in this region in Jamaica when Ian Ramsay, QC returned his Letters Patent to show his disapproval of judicial conduct in a particular matter.

“Perhaps the time has come for appropriate legislation to be passed setting up a Board for the appointment of Senior Counsel. The Board should have an appropriate mix of members from the past and present judges, practising attorneys-at-law and knowledgeable lay persons of proven integrity. Rules should be legislated for the criteria expected to be met by applicants as well as the standards to be maintained and obligations imposed on Silks, he said.

“Institutions which it has taken centuries to build up can so easily be destroyed over night by the insensitive and thoughtless. It will take as long again to rebuild what has been destroyed on the altar of vanity. And this does not only apply to the legal profession. Holders of high office in all departments of State have a responsibility to ensure that the institutions over which they preside are as strong at the end of their terms of office – at any rate not weaker – as when they assumed leadership of them. The State and its agencies have a responsibility to set standards of total rectitude and fairness in all of the Institutions of the People,” he said and concluded, “Let us act quickly before there is nothing left of which to be proud in the legal profession in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Hudson-Phillips’ letter also listed famous advocates who impacted national life in Trinidad and Tobago. He referred to Sir Gaston Johnston, “leader of the criminal bar and renowned cross examiner”; Sir Lennox O’Reilly, “silver tongued legendary advocate”; Sir Leonard Courtenay Hannays, “pleader par excellence and the sharpest of wits”; Sir Hugh Wooding, “the consummate advocate and lawyers’ lawyer”; Lionel Seemungal, “the cerebral and multi-talented”; and Tajmool Hosein “perhaps the cleverest and most industrious of the modern lot who is still with us.”

Since the 16 appointments on December 30, there have been questions raised as to the propriety of the entire system of attaining Silk and calls for a more transparent approach to bestowing the title. Questions have also been raised over the role of the Prime Minister bestowing the title on herself seeing that she is the office-holder who recommends the appointments. The following is an open letter to young attorneys written by Karl Hudson-Phillips QC in which he discusses the appointments of senior counsels, or silks, and the legal profession.



My letter on the recent appointment of Senior Counsel has exposed a surprising lack of understanding about the legal profession not just by the public but also by members of the profession as well.

As expected, I have attracted comment from those who wish to cheapen public discussion by descending to the personal while hiding behind assumed names. When something is seriously wrong one must have the courage to speak up and openly. Wrong must not be made right by silence. One should never stop casting pearls.

At least I have achieved the objective of drawing the attention of the public to the issues which need to be addressed openly, soberly and dispassionately. Fundamentally it shows a serious ignorance of an important national institution which should not be allowed to pass. I think that I owe the public an apology for not being more explicit in what I had to say.

If I were asked to describe the legal profession I would say that it can best be described as vertical rather than horizontal.

Historically, the standards, structure and success in it are more like a ladder than flat like the horizon. It operates best when professional work is divided among specialists who themselves are placed in an order of hierarchy. Seniority and standing determine status in the legal profession. Date of call or joining the profession gives one’s order of precedence. Managing clerks are the ‘sergeant majors’ in properly run advocates’ chambers.

Pupils defer to juniors, solicitors and instructing attorneys to counsel, juniors to Silks, Silks to senior Silks. Judges rank from date of appointment or date of promotion in an unwritten but binding set of protocols and understandings. To be proper, we address each other always by surname although the more familiar Americanism of addressing by first names is creeping in. Judges are ‘My Lord or Lady”. Not so long ago we charged in guineas – twenty one shillings to the pound of $4.80 making for $5.04. The extra shilling was for the Managing Clerk. Each of us has a registered number called a Bar number which has to be used on filing documents to authenticate our practice status. It is like no other profession. The only ministerial office for which it is generally accepted that the holder must have a particular professional qualification is the post of Attorney General. He is always an Attorney-at-Law.

The legal profession in Trinidad & Tobago is now merged. This means that there is no longer the distinction between Solicitors and Barristers. Loosely speaking, Barristers were the lawyers who appeared and argued on behalf of clients both in the Magistrates’ and Supreme Courts in both of which they are said to have audience.

Solicitors on the other hand could only appear and argue in the Magistrates’ Courts. They did not have audience before the Judges in the High Court. The role of a Solicitor in relation to litigation was to instruct the Barristers who had audience in the Supreme Court.

In the past Barristers and Solicitors went through different systems of legal education. Barristers had to become members of the Inns of Court in London.

They had to pass exams set by the Bar Council of the United Kingdom and on passing the Bar finals were eligible for call to the Bar in the United Kingdom and automatically in Trinidad and Tobago. Apart from passing the Bar final examination, Barristers were required to register at an Inn of Court and spend a minimum number of terms by personally attending dinners in Hall. Without having registered the minimum number of terms, even though one had passed the Bar final examination one could not be called to the Bar.

Solicitors on the other hand took exams set by the Incorporated Law Society of the United Kingdom and had to be articled to a registered Solicitor. Articles could be served either here in Trinidad and Tobago or any Commonwealth country which recognised the Incorporated Law Society of the United Kingdom as the accrediting body for Solicitors.

On passing the final exam of the Incorporated Law Society of the United Kingdom the person was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Trinidad and Tobago.

Simply and very basically put, the Solicitors were the lawyers who took statements from witnesses and sent a Brief to Barristers for opinions and advice. If the advice was that the client should file a writ or commence an action, the Barrister would draft the claim and the pleadings and these would be filed by the Solicitor. Thereafter, the Solicitor worked on the advice of the Barrister/Counsel. Barristers never met and interviewed witnesses except in criminal cases. They worked for honouraria and at one time could not sue for fees owed.

In addition to instructing Counsel, Solicitors did the majority of conveyancing or the drafting and filing of deeds concerning the transfer and mortgaging of lands, the probating of wills and applications for the grant and the administration of estates of the deceased.

They could also give advice to standing clients. Barristers were permitted to but rarely did conveyancing unless they were conveyancing counsel. In this case counsel would have experienced conveyancing clerks who did the searches and often the final deeds to be signed off on by counsel.

In this way Solicitors or conveyancing counsel were never classified or considered as advocates because they were not permitted to and did not appear as advocates in the highest courts. That is how it used to be. This caused no hardship nor was it discriminatory as a person was free to decide if he or she wanted to be an advocate, conveyancer or a solicitor. It is now a matter of choice and inclination. This structure of the profession is what used to pertain and to a large extent still does for example in the United Kingdom.

It is from there that Trinidad & Tobago and the majority of the Commonwealth countries inherited the structure of their legal professions.

More recently, in several Commonwealth countries, including the whole English speaking Caribbean, the legal profession has been merged. There is no longer the formal distinction between those doing the work of solicitors and those practicing as barristers or advocates and all members of the profession are now referred to as Attorneys-at-Law.

Now, both are equally eligible to appear in all Courts. This is the logical result of the fact that the legal training for lawyers in the Caribbean has been unified. All Attorneys-at-Law, whether they intend to be advocates or non-advocates, receive exactly the same professional training at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago or its equivalent in Jamaica and the Bahamas or elsewhere in a country where the common law is practised. This made the professional division between solicitors and advocates unsustainable.

So now, once a person qualifies as an Attorney-at-Law in the Commonwealth Caribbean, he/she can appear and argue before all and any Court or Tribunal for which admission to the Bar is a requirement if he/she so wishes. This notwithstanding, there are still those who naturally practice as advocates and those who prefer to do the type of work formerly done by solicitors. Some practitioners do a combination of both types of work. But this is purely a matter of individual choice and aptitude or more correctly temperament.

All are not born to be advocates just as all are not cut out to sit in chambers and draft deeds and instruct advocates. Both functions require a particular temperament, flair and skill. Advocates tend to be the extroverts and orators impacting on the public while the instructing attorneys perform work that is less in the public face. This has been so since the days of famous advocates like Cicero in ancient Rome. His addresses for the defence in Cicero pro Milone and for the prosecution in Cicero in Verrem were prescribed texts in Latin at one time for the Higher School Certificate (now ‘A’levels). The speeches of Sir Hartley Shawcross and Judge Robert Jackson for the prosecution in the Nuremberg trials of World War II Nazi war criminals are considered classics worth reading by all. All young Attorneys-at-Law should read the addresses of counsel in the series Notable British Trials.

Right through the centuries famous advocates have impacted national life in common law countries of which Trinidad and Tobago is no exception. Some of the great advocates in Trinidad and Tobago in the last century were for example Sir Gaston Johnson leader of the criminal bar and renown cross examiner; Sir Lennox O’Reilly, silver tongued legendary advocate; Sir Leonard Courtenay Hannays, pleader par excellence and the sharpest of wits; Sir Hugh Oliver Beresford Wooding, the consummate advocate and lawyers’ lawyer; Lionel Seemungal, the cerebral and multi talented; lest one forget, Tajmool Hosein, perhaps the cleverest and most industrious of the modern lot who is still with us. They all took ‘Silk’ and O’Reilly, Hannays and Gaston Johnson were knighted while at the Bar. Wooding was knighted on his appointment as the first Chief Justice of independent Trinidad and Tobago. I mean no disrespect by not mentioning others.

Historically it has always been the advocates who impacted and shaped not only the public perception of the legal profession but often the course of public events. For this they were recognised in a particular way by the Monarch – both Kings and Queens. Although there are different versions of the origin of the rank of King’s Counsel (when there is a King) and Queen’s Counsel (when there is a Queen), at least by the 19th century the office of His/Her Majesty’s Counsel was firmly established. It was an honorific title given in the name of the sovereign by Letters Patent to distinguished advocates (never solicitors) which carried considerable prestige and privileges but also certain obligations. None other than distinguished advocates were ever given the title.



To distinguish them from other barristers, they wore gowns which were tailored differently from those of ordinary barristers. Ordinary barristers wore gowns of a material called ‘stuff’ with a pouch hanging from the yoke at the back in which grateful clients were supposed to slip fees or honoraria. KC’s and QC’s gowns were made of Silk – hence the term ‘Silk’ – which was differently cut with a square collar and long sleeves after the fashion of the Master of Arts gown. Gowns are not supposed to be worn in public. Junior barrister carried theirs in a blue bag with their initials, but ‘Silk’ was entitled to an initialed red bag and to wear longer bands and other garb on ceremonial occasions not applicable here. Solicitors never had bags, blue or red, as they did not have gowns. The tradition built up that ‘Silk’ would give a red bag to junior who had performed creditably for ‘Silk’ in a case. Junior was expected to do the first draft of pleadings and to carry ‘Silks’ red bag and books to Court and place them at the front table where ‘Silk’ sat.

‘Silks’ sat at the front table or bar which was reserved exclusively for them and kept vacant even when no Silk was in Court. Juniors and instructing attorneys sat behind. ‘Silks’ were entitled to be heard by the Court as soon as conveniently possible after they appeared robed in Court regardless of whatever matter was in progress. The Judge or presiding officer at the soonest convenient time would pause and address ‘Silk’ – Mr A – ‘what can we do for you today” or some such appropriate words.

In fact junior barristers addressing the court were expected, on seeing Silk sit at the front table in robes, to draw the attention of the Judge to the presence of Silk and give way.

Originally ‘Silks’ could not accept a brief to defend an accused in a criminal matter unless permission was obtained from the Crown/State. This was on the principle that all criminal prosecutions were at the suit of the King or Queen hence Rex v John or Regina v James depending on whether a king or queen was on the throne.

‘Silk’ could not appear against the King or Queen without permission, being One of His/Her Majesty’s Counsel. It was also expected that at any time the Sovereign or State could offer a brief to ‘Silk’ which could not be refused except for very good reason.

Because of his/her eminence, Silk was not permitted to appear at anytime without a junior. In Court, Silk was always announced by his junior – rarely by himself. By convention junior to Silk had to be paid 2/3rd’s of Silk’s fee if the sole junior in the matter. The client then had to pay ‘Silk’ plus junior plus instructing solicitor. That is why it has been said that many a promising junior who, as the saying goes, was ‘force ripe’ and took ‘Silk’ prematurely ended up starving or retiring from the profession early.

The Attorney General and Silk. The Attorney General from time immemorial has been considered the titular head of the Bar. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Attorney General is appointed by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet is not fully constituted without an Attorney General. Section 75 of the Constitution says that the Cabinet shall consist of the Prime Minister and such number of other Ministers (of whom one shall be the Attorney General). The Attorney General is responsible for the administration of legal affairs in Trinidad and Tobago. I am unaware of a case in the United Kingdom where an Attorney General has not already taken Silk before his appointment. The same is true of Judges. In Trinidad and Tobago, successive Prime Ministers have not been able to persuade existing Silks/Senior Counsel to accept the position of Attorney General. However, once appointed, the Attorney General is considered by the profession to be titular Head of the Bar and for that reason entitled to take Silk. Whether or not he does is his decision as to whether he can “carry” the title when he is no longer Attorney General and returns to private practice. In the past those Attorneys General undeserving of Silk who took it did not practice as advocates on their return to private practice. It is noteworthy that at least three (3) former Attorneys General did not take Silk probably respecting the convention that it was an accolade exclusively for advocates.

As with most things, the institution has ‘morphed’ over the years and different countries have developed their own systems of conferring ‘Silk’. Some features of the rank have changed. In Trinidad and Tobago when we became a republic the title was translated to ‘Senior Counsel’. Elevation to the title is still referred to as taking ‘Silk’. But no change was considered to have taken place to the incidents of the title. ‘Silk’ continued to wear different gowns, carry a red bag and to be accorded precedence by judges who understood the meaning of the institution. The expectation is still that it is a rank for those who choose the risky career of advocate and succeed.

Over the years, different administrations have shown an interest in making the appointment process for Silks more transparent. Successor administrations have not followed through and there seems to be a departure from and ignoring of the purpose for which the title was created originally. It has never been that Silk was given to any but lead advocates of impeccable ability and the highest reputation and standing at the practicing Bar. In the past, when the Courts and the profession insisted that ‘Silk’ must appear at all time with junior, lawyers whose reputations could not carry the title would simply not apply or do so at their peril. I am aware that in other jurisdictions as well as in Trinidad and Tobago, ‘Silk’ no longer is obliged to appear with junior. This has opened the veritable flood gates. Perhaps the former rule should be reinstituted. This would be a sure and absolutely fair way of ensuring the maintenance of the high standards by those who applied for Silk. Because ‘Silks were to be available to the Crown, it stood to reason that on elevation to the bench, ‘Silks’ had to return ‘Silk’. This basically meant no longer using the title. The independence of the judiciary is totally incompatible with holding a title which required service to the Crown/State/Government. Those who know what ‘Silk’ is all about should be aware of this. It is a grave matter and a serious contradiction for a judge to request or accept ‘Silk’ if offered. It flies in the face of the hallowed principle of the Separation of Powers. It also compromises the perception of the independence of both the Judiciary and the Bar.

Will the new Judicial Silks pay the annual subscription fee that all Silks pay of $6,000 to the Law Association and attend meetings of that body discussing relations with the judges? Will this annual subscription be paid by the Judges or the State? Will they also make the compulsory contribution to the Compensation Fund out of which aggrieved litigants are paid for ‘bad’ work by lawyers? Will this cover judgments and loss occasioned by judicial delays as well? And so the list goes on.

There is precedent for Silk returning his instrument or Letters patent. This last occurred in this region in Jamaica when Ian Ramsay, QC returned his Letters Patent to show his disapproval of judicial conduct in a particular matter. It is my considered opinion that the judges who recently accepted ‘Silk’ should return their instruments forthwith as an act done ‘per incuriam’ (the Judges will understand this Latin phrase). Merely to read the instrument should be sufficient argument — unless of course that too has changed. The instrument used to read that Silk was given “the liberty of sitting and practising within the Bar of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as any Senior Counsel...”.

As far as giving non-advocate instructing lawyers Silk, one can contemplate some rather untidy if not amusing situations. Non-advocate instructing attorneys who take ‘Silk’ have to sit at the front table (it is an entitlement of Silk) and instruct an advocate who may not be Silk and is therefore seated at the second row of tables. This would involve a certain amount of “Silk’ turning his/ her back on the judge to instruct counsel. Worse, it may mean ‘Silk’ robed as such sitting at the second table instructing junior advocate! In Trinidad ‘Silk’ has been given as an honour to visiting dignitaries who were lawyers. This is the grant of a category of ‘honourary Silk’ which is unobjectionable. In other jurisdictions, the honour has been given honoris causa to academics and others who have made significant contributions to the legal profession or legal learning. Perhaps the time has come for appropriate legislation to be passed setting up a Board for the appointment of Senior Counsel. The Board should have an appropriate mix of members from the past and present judges, practicing Attorneys-at-Law and knowledgeable lay persons of proven integrity. Rules should be legislated for the criteria expected to be met by applicants as well as the standards to be maintained and obligations imposed on ‘Silks’.

Institutions which it has taken centuries to build up can so easily be destroyed over night by the insensitive and thoughtless. It will take as long again to rebuild what has been destroyed on the altar of vanity. And this does not only apply to the legal profession. Holders of high office in all departments of State have a responsibility to ensure that the institutions over which they preside are as strong at the end of their terms of office – at any rate not weaker – as when they assumed leadership of them. The State and its agencies have a responsibility to set standards of total rectitude and fairness in all of the Institutions of the People. Let us act quickly before there is nothing left of which to be proud in the legal profession in Trinidad and Tobago.

Karl Hudson-Phillips.

3rd January 2012.

Footnote: The photographs of Sir Lennox O’Reilly, KC and Sir Courtenay Hannays, QC were borrowed

from the book The Life and Times of

H.O.B. Wooding by Dr Selwyn Ryan.

48
General Discussion / 8 killed over holiday weekend
« on: December 27, 2011, 10:31:45 PM »
8 killed over holiday weekend
By Akile Simon 
Story Created: Dec 27, 2011 at 11:51 PM ECT

WITH eight persons being murdered in separate incidents over the long Christmas weekend, Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs yesterday expressed concern over the incidents but assured the police will continue to do all in their power to deal with such incidents.
The eight killings occurred between last Friday and yesterday in Valencia, Maracas/St Joseph, Claxton Bay, San Fernando, Laventille, Aranjuez and Caroni.
Two of the victims, one of them a woman, were stabbed, while the other six were shot during separate incidents.
The dead people have been identified as army Sgt George Sheldon Froix, Sheldon "Nippy" Gillman, Kern "Chucky" Mitchell, Anil Bhagwandass, Brent Dickson, Noel Marcano, Amanda Phillip and Krishandath "Trudy" Ramesar.
Gibbs spoke with the Express during a brief telephone interview shortly after returning to the country from an overseas trip.
Gibbs said he hadn't had a chance to catch up with what has transpired in the country during his absence but gave the undertaking the police will continue to work with the various stakeholders to provide effective and efficient policing.

He said at the end of 2011, the country would have recorded a lower crime rate and he intends to maintain this with the possibility of taking the rate to an even lower level compared to the past years.
Gibbs said: "At the moment I'm not in a position to say anything since I'm trying to get up to speed with all that has transpired during my absence so I'm not in a position to take any questions.
He added, "We are hoping to expand on all of our policing initiatives especially dealing with the 21st Century Policing Initiative. My wish for 2012 is to have crime way down in the sense that we see people trying to work together and not solving their differences by killing each other and for the country to flourish economically and politically."

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner in charge of Anti-Crime, Operations, Mervyn Richardson, said yesterday the police have recognised that within the past two weeks many of the homicides committed were a result of conflict between several parties.
He said the issue of people being unable to find effective ways in settling disputes is one of serious concern and must be addressed by individuals themselves.
He said, "We are concerned that within the last two weeks we have seen a marginal increase in homicides. We are investigating every incident and I could tell you that several of them are expected to be completed within the earliest possible time.
"Every life lost is a concern to us and one too many as we remain in this all-time-low in homicides and it's unfortunate what happened in East Port of Spain last week at the Trou Macaque, Laventille, Plannings.
"I want to assure the public that we are doing all in our power to ensure their safety and security. We also want to thank them for calling in and providing us with information in solving homicides and crimes and urge them to continue doing so.
"As we move into the pre-Carnival season, there would be an even greater police visibility throughout the country."
The latest killing occurred at Forres Park, Claxton Bay, where Ramesar was shot by unknown assailants while liming at the side of the roadway. Ramesar was shot twice about his body and once in his head a stone's throw away from where he lived at Allarack Road, Caratal Road.
His family believe persons who were jealous of Ramesar, who worked as a farmer and a watchman, chose to end his life.

Witnesses told police that around 9 p.m. that a gunman wearing a ski mask on his face and with a hat with a headlamp emerged from a track leading to Allarack Road where Ramesar was liming and shot him.
The gunman then walked away from the scene.
Ramesar was at the time liming and drinking on the road with his sister, Rekha Ragoonath, friend Anthony Rampersad and neighbour Indradeo Pulchan.
Ragoonath, who turned 17 yesterday, said when she saw the gunman she initially wanted to run because she thought he looked strange.
Ragoonath said: "This guy came out wearing a ski mask and a hunting light on his head. At first he just flashing around in the bushes and trees so we thought it was a hunter. We usually would see persons with head lamps, but the ski mask was not normal. But when he reached about eight or nine feet away from Trudy he just started to shoot and my brother fell to the ground. He (the killer) didn't look at us or anything. He just went up to him and shot him again to make sure he died. Then he just walked back from where he came, he didn't run away".
The family rushed Ramesar to the Couva Health Facility but he was pronounced dead on arrival there.
His mother, Sumatee Ragoonath, said her son was set up by persons whom he knew. "My son didn't interfere with anybody unless someone interfered with him," she said.
Ramesar served one year in jail in 1999 for stealing, his family said.
Between 8.30 p.m. on Saturday and 1 a.m. on Christmas Day, there were three more killings.
Bhagwandass, a 35-year-old watchman, was riding his bicycle along Abuckle Trace, Caroni, when a man walked up to him and shot him about the body. He fell and died on the roadway, police said.
His killing is believed to be as a result of old argument he had with another man over a quantity of cocaine, police said.
Dickson, 33, of Soogrim Trace, Laventille, was gunned down around 12.30 a.m., on Christmas Day. Officers from the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) responded to reports of a shooting in the area.
When they got to the scene they found Dickson with a gunshot wound to the head and chest lying dead next to a community centre. Police believe his murder was gang related.

Marcano, 55, is believed to have been murdered around 1 a.m. the same day on the compound of a garbage disposal company at Patraj Trace, off the Don Miguel Road Extension, El Socorro, south.
The victim, who police said was employed as a watchman, and also lived on the premises, was seen arguing with two men who are believed to have murdered him.
One of the suspects is believed to have stabbed Marcano twice in the chest, killing him on the spot.
The men later went to the Barataria Police Station and claimed they "found" Marcano dead in a guard booth on the compound.


Army Sgt Froix, 40, and Mitchell, 24, an Arima resident, were gunned down while liming at D'Rum Shop bar in Valencia early on Saturday. Russell Samlal, another patron at the bar, was also shot and critically injured.
And in the first incident, which occurred at Upper Wharf Trace, Maracas/St Joseph around 8.45 p.m., Gillman, 35, of Prizgar Lands, Laventille, was shot 16 times about the body while liming at Upper Wharf Trace.
He died at the scene and his killing was described by police as being linked to a dispute he had with a drug dealer within the North Eastern Division.
—with reporting by Susan Mohammed

So wait ..these thugs kill d man and then gone and claiming dey find him..ah wonder how dey get ketch..

51
Black college student hangs Confederate flag in dorm room, admits it’s “kind of weird”

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/black-college-student-hangs-confederate-flag-dorm-room-163334484.html

52
General Discussion / ‘Wealthy people’ using food cards
« on: December 02, 2011, 04:58:13 PM »
‘Wealthy people’ using food cards
By Clint Chan Tack Friday, December 2 2011

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Minister, Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh, yesterday said he was shocked to discover that under the former PNM government, “wealthy people” had access to the Food Card which is supposed to help the most vulnerable persons in society to purchase food.

Ramadharsingh made the observation at the post Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre, in St Ann’s as he announced that his ministry will launch a one-off disposable pre-paid food card “to meet the immediate needs of persons living in poverty, and of victims of national disaster.”

“When we began to clean up the programme as it was, it was the supermarket dealers who were able to identify many persons who we put under an internal review process, and we were able to weed out almost 3,000 persons from the programme,” he stated.

Ramadharsingh said many supermarket dealers were troubled that “some people who were wealthy were carrying cards,” and reported it to the ministry.

Expanding on that point, Ramadharsingh said he was advised that, “people with SUVs (sports utility vehicles) were swiping cards. Against such a background, Ramadharsingh said his ministry was re-branding the Food Card. One of the features of the one-off disposable Food Card is that it will be biometric. Explaining that US$5 million from a US$1.5 billion loan which Government signed with the Inter-American Development Bank on Wednesday will be used for this objective, Ramadharsingh said: “When we go biometric, we will cut out a lot of the fraud.”

Saying a biometric card will allow the ministry to track its holder throughout the system, Ramadharsingh said the use of these kinds of cards will reduce instances of fraud by a minimum of 15 percent.

He said he was advised this would result in “$30 million in savings every year.” To ensure that the right persons receive these cards, and the system is not abused in any manner, Ramadharsingh said applicants will have to undergo a “means test” administered by a qualified person before they qualify to receive a card, and they will be reviewed every three months to determine whether they still need to have the card.. Stating the cards will have multiple applications by allowing holders to use them to obtain their pensions or disability grants, Ramadharsingh said the cards will be printed in a color similar to other cards so they would be “non discriminatory” to the holders.

He also said that many food card holders felt embarrassed to show these cards at supermarkets to purchase food because the cards were distinguishable by their red, white and black colours.

Ramadharsingh said under these cards indigent persons will be able to purchase up to $410 per month in food items, while a single mother with two or more children can access up to $720 per month in food items.

He added that these cards will be important for victims of natural disasters, who are hungry and cannot wait for food hampers to be distributed to them. “We cannot postpone hunger,” Ramadharsingh said.

54
General Discussion / Australia inquiry after wrong twin foetus terminated!!
« on: November 24, 2011, 08:02:17 AM »
An Australian hospital has launched an inquiry after staff treating a woman carrying twin boys accidentally terminated the wrong foetus.

Doctors had told the woman that one of her babies had a congenital heart defect that would require numerous operations, if he survived.

The woman chose to abort the 32-week foetus but staff injected the wrong twin.

The hospital in Melbourne described it as a "terrible tragedy".

"The Royal Women's Hospital can confirm a distressing clinical accident occurred on Tuesday," it said in a statement.

"We are conducting a full investigation and continue to offer the family and affected staff every support."

The woman went on to have an emergency caesarean to end the life of the sick foetus.

'Thorough investigation'
Victorian Health Minister David Davis said the hospital investigation would be overseen by an independent expert.

"I am very much determined to get to the bottom of what went wrong," he said.

State Premier Ted Baillieu echoed his sentiments, saying: "I don't think it's appropriate for anybody to draw any conclusions other than this is a horrible tragedy.

"We'll make sure that the investigation is as thorough as it can be."

In a brief statement, the family asked for privacy "at what has been a very difficult time for us".

56
Football / Dwight Yorke scores!!
« on: November 12, 2011, 07:57:55 AM »
Defending Atlantic National Primary School Football League champions Arima Boys RC secured their place in the tournament semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Valencia South Government in their quarter-final match at Arima Velodrome on Wednesday.

Arima Boys RC topped the game with goals from Gabriel John, Kishon Hackshaw and young Dwight Yorke, while Valencia South's lone goal came from Tevin Garcia.

In the girls' quarter-final at the Velodrome, Cumana Anglican defeated Dinsley Trincity 3-2.
Cumana's Curiene Lamorelle and Dinsley's Adanya Phillip both netted twice for their schools while Cumana's third goal was booted in by Takiyah Nurse.

57
Cricket Anyone / SA vs Australia
« on: November 10, 2011, 08:36:46 AM »
Australia get bowled out for 47

58
Football / FIFA opens 10 more Caribbean bribery cases (iz Oli time!!)
« on: October 26, 2011, 02:59:43 AM »
Time tuh whine...iz Oli time!!

FIFA opens 10 more Caribbean bribery cases

ZURICH (AP)—FIFA is investigating 10 more Caribbean football officials over their alleged roles in a bribery scandal involving former FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam.

FIFA says it wants to interview the 10 men from six countries and present files to its ethics committee next month.

Former prime minister of Dominica, Patrick John, is among those under suspicion.

FIFA is also investigating Oliver Camps, general secretary of Trinidad and Tobago’s football federation and an ally of disgraced former FIFA vice president Jack Warner.

Bin Hammam is appealing his life ban for offering $40,000 cash bribes in May. Warner resigned to avoid a FIFA investigation.

FIFA committee members Colin Klass and Horace Burrell also were suspended.

59
(Reuters) - An 87-year-old Indiana man was arraigned on drug charges in federal court in Detroit on Monday after police found 228 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $2.9 million in his pickup following a routine traffic stop.

A state trooper patrolling Interstate 94 near Ann Arbor pulled over Leo Earl Sharp on Friday for following too closely and executing an improper lane change, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court.
When the trooper asked Sharp if he could search the truck, the octogenarian refused. So the trooper requested a backup unit with a dog trained to detect bombs and illegal drugs.
As the animal walked around the rear of Sharp's truck, it alerted to the possible presence of narcotics, the complaint said. During a subsequent search of the truck bed, troopers found 104 bricks of cocaine stashed in five bags.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Randon released Sharp, of Michigan City, Indiana, on $10,000 bond on Monday and scheduled a next hearing in the case for November.
Sharp was charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, he faces at least 10 years in prison.
(Reporting by James B. Kelleher and Cynthia Johnston)

60
General Discussion / Does anyone own a Slingbox?
« on: October 07, 2011, 01:57:44 AM »
What are your experiences with it?

Is the reception good?




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