Champs matchups to savour
For all that, there are some other big matchups. Ellis’ schoolmate, Junelle Bromfield, and Ashley Williams of Holmwood Technical are heading for a highly anticipated meeting in the Class One 400m. Bromfield is strong and Williams is quick, but the STETHS girl is just about 0.3 faster on the clock this year. Despite all that and the lofty expectations for the clashes between Jauavney James, Shevon Parkes, and Leon Clarke in the Class One 800m and between the JC pair of O’Brien Wasome and Clayton Brown in the Class One triple jump, the girls’ Class Two 100m hurdles will share the spotlight. Two former Class Three and Four winners, Sidney Marshall of Manchester High and Holmwood’s Shanette Allison, demand attention in the Class Two 100 metres hurdles. Allison edged her elder rival at Central Champs and looked great on Tuesday in the Champs heats. Her time of 13.60 seconds led all qualifiers in the preliminary round. Perhaps next year, when she will again be in Class Two, she will knock on the door of the record, set at 13.38 seconds by Peta-Gaye Williams. As in the boys’ Class One 100m, there is another worthy contender. That’s Marshall’s teammate, Daszay Freeman. This leggy lass has sprint credentials, having beaten St Jago’s outstanding Kimone Shaw. Marshall is slick. Allison is quick and Freeman has the look of someone who will keep improving. One of them could become really, really good. That’s the great thing about Champs. Whether the athlete is as unheralded as Ellis or as established as bright prospects like Chambers and Matherson, those who watch Champs keenly could see a gem. So here’s a word of advice. Don’t lose focus after the big 100-metre final. The girls’ Class Two 100-metre hurdles could be the race of the meet. HIGHLY ANTICIPATED Absorbing match-ups are sprinkled liberally across the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships this week. Yet, despite the collective allure, one has captured the nation’s imagination. That special one pits Nigel Ellis of St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) against Jhevaughn Matherson of Kingston College (KC) and Raheem Chambers of St Jago High School. In a world where the Olympic or World 100m champion has long been dubbed the world’s fastest human, that extra interest is understandable. Chambers and Matherson are precocious talents who each have won the Class Three 100m in record time. Two years ago, Chambers out-started his friendly KC rival to win in a Class Two record time of 10.29 seconds, with Matherson next in 10.37 seconds. By contrast, Ellis has never won a Champs medal before. This late bloomer moved from Cambridge High and has blossomed at STETHS. He was fourth in both the Class One 100 and 200m last year, with Chambers behind him in the shorter race. All of those ahead of him, including former Calabar standout Michael O’Hara, are gone. So is his 2015 personal best of 10.45. Some didn’t believe his fast-winning Western Champs times of 10.20 and 20.40 seconds until his measured 10.26-second dash to beat Chambers in the Under-20 100m at the recent Carifta Trials. Even though that was Chambers’ first 100m of the season, and even though Matherson smoothly released a 10.25 to win the under-18, everyone believes in Ellis now. His mission is to become the first boy from STETHS to win the Class One 100m.
– 5 witnesses testifyThe long awaited trial of double murder accused, Cyon “Picture Boy” Collier continued on Tuesday, with five witnesses testifying.In a controversial absence of main witness Mohan Singh, defence Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam questioned the credibility of a medicalDead: Carl Andrewsletter sent to the court from the Chest Clinic of the Georgetown Public Hospital, which stated that due to the severity of his condition, he could not attend court to testify.According to the medical letter, Singh is suffering from tuberculosis.Cyon “Picture Boy” CollierMeanwhile, taking the witness stand was Community Policing Group member Lilawattie Singh, who told the jury of her discovery when visiting Mohan Singh at his Lot 28 Anns Grove Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara home, on two separate occasions. She was testifying about her visit to the man’s home after he was absent from court.The witness testified that on her first visit to Singh’s home on June 2, 2016, under the instructions of Corporal Moore, she said she met Mohan Singh personally but he struggled to the door and when she informed him about his court appearance, he said “I sick, I can’t come to court.”According to the witness, she again visited Mohan Singh’s home on June 9, 2016, and upon arrival there, he was unable to get out of bed, signalling that his condition had deteriorated further.Additionally, taking the stand was Superintendent Edmund Cooper who is stationed at the Brickdam Police Station.Cooper, at the time of the first trial, was the Prosecutor at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, where Collier had appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.The Superintendent stated that Mohan Singh had testified at the material time and was cross-examined by defence counsel James Bond, who represented Collier at the time.He further stated that Singh had his testimony read to him by the presiding Magistrate and was free to add or remove anything after which he proceeded to sign the document.Collier is accused of murdering two brothers in Victoria, on the East Coast of Demerara on September 23, 2006. Reports state a group of young men were playing dominoes at the Victoria four-corner, when the two brothers; Ray Walcott, called “Sugar”; and his younger brother Carl Andrews, called “Alo” were allegedly shot by the accused who rode up on a motorcycle.Dead: Ray WalcottThe brothers were rushed to hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival.The trial continues today.
Barry Dataram…others freedBarry Dataram was on Tuesday sentenced to 60 months (five years) in jail and fined $164,268,000 after he was found guilty in absentia for possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. His co-accused, including his reputed wife, were all freed of the charges.The sentence was handed down by Magistrate Judy Latchman on Tuesday in Dataram’s absence.Initially, Dataram, of Lot 13 Vriesland, West Bank Demerara; his reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, 19, of 79 Patentia, Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara; Komal Charran, 20, of 265 Belle West, West Bank Demerara; and Trevor Gouveia of Best Village, West Coast Demerara, had all pleaded not guilty to the drug trafficking charge.It was alleged that on April 16, 2015, at 661 Fourth Avenue, Block X Diamond, East Bank Demerara, they had 60 kilograms, 840 grams of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking.Magistrate Judy Latchman in handing down her ruling said there was enough evidence against Dataram and the court found no evidence tying Boodnarine, Gouvieia, and Charran to the drugs found at Dataram’s residence.She further stated that based on the facts and the physical evidence presented in court, Dataram was guilty of the offence.Superintendent of Police, and officer in charge of the narcotics branch and narcotic evaluation officer, Wayne Dehaarte, was summoned to court to pronounce upon the value of the illicit drug.Dehaarte stated that 60 kilograms, 840 grammes is equivalent to $54,756,000 but the fine is three times the market value which will amount to $164,268,000.Meanwhile, Dataram and Boodnarine failed to attend court on the previous scheduled days of sentencing, which were September 20 and September 23, 2016. Upon the Dataram and Boodnarince “no-shows” in court, Magistrate Lactchman issued arrest warrants for them while noting she will proceed with her ruling in their absence.In scenes of jubilation outside of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the two freed defendants were greeted warmly by family and friends. However, many have expressed shock at Dataram’s disappearance.It is reported by law enforcement that Dataram who was on bail pending the outcome of the case, has fled Guyana to neighbouring Suriname with forged travel documents. The Police are on the hunt for him.
South Peace Traffic Services is continuing to investigate a crash near Dawson Creek that killed one man. Just before 4:00 a.m. this morning, police discovered a Ford pick-up turned over in a field about one kilometre east of Dawson Creek just off Highway 49. The driver was found ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe he was the only occupant of the vehicle.- Advertisement -The accident reduced Highway 49 to single lane traffic for several hours. The scene is currently being examined by police traffic analysts.
Ross Barkley in action for Everton 1 Ross Barkley has given Everton boss Roberto Martinez a huge boost ahead of the new season by signing a new four-year contract.The midfield starlet has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer having emerged as one of the brightest talents in the Premier League.Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old, whose fine form for the Toffees last season saw him called up to the England squad for the World Cup in Brazil.But he has now put an end to speculation over his club future by penning a lucrative new deal which commits him to Goodison Park until 2018.“Everton and Ross have always been the perfect fit – Roberto has made it even more special,” said Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.“This was an important agreement and, I have to say, was conducted in a way that showed clearly the devotion to Everton Football Club of everyone involved.”Barkley, who has had loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds, has won nine England caps so far and was named on the shortlist for last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year Award.“It means everything to me,” said Barkley. “It’s a dream playing for Everton. As soon as I got told about it I wanted to sign.“I’ve played for Everton most of my life. This is a big thing for me.”
Listen again to the best bits from the first show of the week, including a chat with comedian and Manchester City fan, Jason Manford.
Michael Ferry, right, being taken into court in Donegal Town yesterdayA victim of evil paedophile Michael Ferry has slammed the sentence handed down to the West Donegal pervert yesterday.Ferry, 58, was given a jail sentence for seven years on each charge after admitting another 15 new sex abuse charges at Donegal Circuit Court. But the sentence is to run concurrently with his current sentences which means that Ferry will not serve another day behind bars.Derek Mulligan, the first victim to waive his anonymity and speak out about Ferry’s horrific sex abuse, is outraged at the sentence.He told Donegal Daily the court had “gone easy” on Ferry.“That means that this evil man will still be out in 2021. He won’t spend an extra day in jail cause it runs concurrently.“That’s a joke to be honest. There should have been more added years to his sentence for the crimes he committed. I am not impressed with that at all and once again the court goes easy on a convicted sex offender,” he fumed.Mr Mulligan added that there was no point the victim coming forward if Ferry was not going to spend an extra day in prison.“That’s not justice. That sends out a bad message to every victim yet to come forward in abuse cases.“That judge should have stuck the maximum ten year sentence on him. Why didn’t he admit about abusing that boy when he was first arrested?“Then like a coward admitted to it to get a lighter sentence… why should he get more time off his sentence for admitting to it when he was caught out again.”VICTIM OF PAEDO FERRY SAYS NEW SENTENCE IS A DISGRACE was last modified: December 12th, 2013 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:derek mulliganMichael Ferrysex abuse charges
A motorist who followed a hit-and-run driver into Co Donegal following a collision, has been praised by a judge.Derry Magistrates Court heard that the incident followed a two-car collision at Skeoge Road in the city.A prosecution lawyer said Paul McGinley, 24, of Tranarossan Avenue, drove over the border after the crash. After admitting failing to report an accident and dangerous driving, he was released on bail to await sentence.BBC Radio Foyle report he also admitted driving with excess alcohol, giving false details to a police officer and failing to stop.A prosecution lawyer said the incident occurred on 19 June when McGinley drove through the Ballyarnet roundabout and collided with an oncoming car.The lawyer said he then drove from the scene across the border.A taxi driver, who had witnessed the collision, followed the car into Muff village where he saw the driver standing beside the vehicle.The taxi driver persuaded the driver to return with him to the scene of the accident where he was then arrested.McGinley was later found to be twice over the alcohol driving limit.A defence lawyer said McGinley had spend the previous three nights at his grandmother’s wake and “foolishly drove after drinking alcohol following her funeral”.The judge commended what he described as the civic-minded actions of the taxi driver.McGinley will be sentenced on 22 August.JUDGE PRAISES MAN WHO FOLLOWED HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER INTO DONEGAL was last modified: August 6th, 2014 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:bordercarDerrydonegalhit and runmuff
Petushkova, a sophomore, owned a 3-1 record in MVC matches and a 10-9 mark in dual matches with all but one of her starts coming at No. 1 singles. She also claimed a 2-2 record in league doubles matches and had 10 doubles wins on the season with the majority coming at No. 1 doubles. Palumbo went 2-2 in league matches and had 10 dual match wins while playing primarily at No. 2 singles on the year. She was also 3-1 in MVC doubles matches and tied for the team lead in doubles wins with 13 in her sophomore season. Petushkova’s MVC honor is the second of her career as she was named the MVC Freshman of the Year in 2018. Drake University’s Carmen Palumbo and Liza Petushkova have earned a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference women’s tennis All-Select team, the league announced Thursday, April 25, ahead of this weekend’s MVC Championship. The Bulldogs begin play at the MVC Championship in Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 26 against Missouri State. The match is set to begin at 9 a.m. Print Friendly Version
Enya is being tipped to pen the music for the final film in the Hobbit Trilogy which is called There and Back Again.The Donegal singer, 53, has already scored a major hit with May It Be, the song used for the Lord of the Rings film, the Fellowship of the Ring in 2001.It is understood the new song will coincide with the release of Enya’s new album in December. ENYA TIPPED TO PEN MUSIC FOR LAST HOBBIT MOVIE was last modified: March 22nd, 2014 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:donegalEnyaMUSICThe Hobbit
ZURICH (AP):Sepp Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini, the former France great who had been favoured to take over as FIFA leader, were both suspended for 90 days yesterday, plunging football’s governing body deeper into crisis.Blatter and Platini were suspended by the FIFA ethics committee in the wake of a Swiss criminal investigation. The decision seemingly ends Platini’s bid to succeed Blatter as FIFA president in the emergency election in February.Another presidential hopeful, Chung Mong-joon, was suspended for six years in a separate case, and FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke was banned for 90 days.The suspensions can be extended by up to 45 days.The International Olympic Committee called on FIFA to consider a “credible external presidential candidate of high integrity” as Blatter’s replacement.”Enough is enough,” IOC president Thomas Bach said. “We hope that now, finally, everyone at FIFA has at last understood that they cannot continue to remain passive.Repairing imageBach added, “They must act swiftly to regain credibility because you cannot forever dissociate the credibility of FIFA from the credibility of football.”Issa Hayatou, the longtime head of the African Football Confederation who was reprimanded in 2011 by the IOC in a FIFA kickbacks scandal, will take over as acting president.The 69-year-old Cameroonian, who has a serious kidney illness that requires regular dialysis sessions, is currently in Yaounde and is expected to travel to Zurich immediately.Hayatou said he would not stand for president in February but remained committed to the reform process.”We will also continue to cooperate fully with authorities and follow the internal investigation wherever it leads,” Hayatou said in a statement.The interim leader of UEFA will be Spanish federation head Angel Maria Villar, who remains at risk of being sanctioned from the FIFA ethics committee in its investigation of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding contests.UEFA’s 54-member nations are due to meet in Nyon, Switzerland, next Thursday, while FIFA vice-president David Gill and fellow executive committee member Wolfgang Niersbach have called for an emergency meeting of FIFA’s ruling body.Blatter’s suspension brings a sudden halt to a 40-year career that had survived waves of scandals until he was placed under criminal investigation.Last month, Swiss authorities turned up at Blatter’s office at FIFA headquarters and interrogated him. The criminal case centres on Blatter allegedly misusing FIFA money by making a $2 million payment to Platini, who was questioned as a witness.Blatter was also questioned by Swiss investigators about broadcasting contracts sold to former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner in 2005 that were supposedly undervalued.’Misunderstanding’Blatter’s lawyer, Richard Cullen, said the ethics committee failed to follow procedure and based its decision on a “misunderstanding”.The suspension of Platini could have the most far-reaching implications. Platini submitted his formal candidacy to stand in the February 26 election to replace Blatter yesterday. That means it will have to be considered by the election committee after the October 26 deadline for candidacies. Chung, a former FIFA vice-president, was found guilty of breaches relating to the investigation into bidding for the 2022 World Cup, of which South Korea was a contender.Chung said his ban has “completely undermined the legitimacy and fairness of the next FIFA presidential election”.Valcke had already been put on leave last month after being the subject of allegations over a deal for black market sales of tickets to 2014 World Cup matches.Valcke’s lawyer, Barry Berke, said the Frenchman was the subject of “false allegations”.