DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE THE NEW YEAR IS FEW HOURS AWAY

If you drink don't drive and if you drive don't drink



Many don't realize how precious life is and often gamble with it as if it has a duplicate. Not at all, life has no duplicate because we only die once and some of these deaths are so painful that it destroys an entire family.


Every year, within a relatively short period from December 30/31 to January 1, many are left behind with sad stories. Some of these tragedies could have been prevented. 

It's great to see the end of the year, ready to cross over to the new year. We meet families and attend parties but along the line, many make wrong decisions.

If you drive to a party or see the family, absent-mindedly you may drink a lot without realizing it because you are happy. If you see yourself in such a situation please don't drive home.

Let someone qualified to drive who hasn't taken any alcohol to drive you home or leave the vehicle behind and join the public transport home. Had I known, it is always at last.

You may not drive but one can easily get entangled in a road accident. Drivers that often drink and drive during festive periods, under the influence of alcohol lose control when driving.

Pedestrians must, therefore, be careful on the streets to be safe. Be like a bodyguard and use both your eyes and ears where ever you are. 

Finally, put off all lighted candles before going to bed. Pets such as dogs or cats can accidentally push down a lighted candle to set a house ablaze. You may not only lose your house but also your life.

Life is beautiful, we should forgive if anyone offends us. That doesn't only bring peace and happiness but also improves health. 

Joel Savage is an African writer. Anyone interested in the diversity of culture can visit the Amazon book page of this writer. 

With love, I wish everyone, including my fans and readers 'Happy Xmas holidays and New Year' in advance. 

https://www.amazon.com/Joel-Savage/e/B008SCTYI6/

WHY JAMMEH OF GAMBIA REFUSES TO STEP DOWN?

Yahya Jammeh changed his mind to step down after defeat because of fear 

Gambian president Yahya Jammeh refused to step down and condemned efforts by west African regional leaders to get him to hand over power after he lost an election to challenger Adama Barrow.

Jammeh initially accepted the results of the 1 December election, which was seen across Africa as a moment of hope. He is accused by human rights groups of the detention, torture, and killing of perceived opponents during his 22-year rule.

But why a sudden change of mind after accepting defeat? Following his defeat, there were rumors in the country that in fear, Yahya Jammeh has gone into hiding and since he has violated human rights and accused of killing some of his opponents, he is likely to appear in The Hague, at the International Criminal Court.

Even though he is assured not facing any prosecution on leaving office, a spokesman for the opposition coalition that backed president-elect Barrow told AFP, Yahya Jammeh like other African heads of states doesn't trust anyone.

“Ecowas wanted to know whether the incoming administration plans to prosecute outgoing President Yahya Jammeh,” spokesman Halifa Sallah said following talks on the peaceful transfer of power.

“There is no indication of a threat of prosecution or the need to threaten outgoing President Yahya Jammeh,” he said.

“President-elect Barrow says he is going to treat outgoing President Yahya Jammeh like a former head of state and would consult him for advice,” Sallah added.

French President François Hollande said the results of the 1 December polls were “indisputable” and that Barrow “must be installed as soon as possible.”

“The matter is non-negotiable,” Hollande said after a meeting in Paris with visiting Senegalese President Macky Sall, whose country nearly surrounds the Gambia.

Last week, Ecowas said Jammeh must step down next month when his term runs out and vows “to take all necessary action to enforce the results” of the poll, without spelling out what those measures might be.

Yahya after the defeat is not at rest or mentally stable because he doesn't know his future after being in power for more than two decades. His international relations worsened after the threat of decapitating homosexuals in his country. 

This was just a warning that the Gambia can't accept this kind of love affair, something many African leaders also don't support. Africa is a continent that has suffered a great deal. After slavery and the brutalities of Apartheid, Aids and Ebola have completely decimated the face of the continent.

No one knows what comes next after the continent becomes 'the paradise of homosexuals,' especially in a continent that is often neglected whenever there is an outbreak of a disease. The international community waits and when the situation gets worse before they try to do something.

Yahya Jammeh's abuse of power continues after refusing to step down despite accepting defeat at first

No one should hate Jammeh for preventing his country or Africa to be a 'Ghetto for Homosexuals' but it's totally insane for changing his mind to step down after defeat. Gambians want a change Yahya. Your trust and love have diminished, thus; it's time to step down. 

WHY IT WORTH TO BE A MEMBER OF THE FLEMISH JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION

Flemish Journalists Association end of year's general meeting at the famous Basilica of Koelkelberg. Behind the table are some of the active leaders, Eric Braeken, Ronald Libin- treasurer, Eric Of Kutsem-Co-chairman, Kristin Spiessens, etc. Photo credit: @JoelSavage

The Vlaamse Journalisten Vereniging (Flemish Journalists Association) is one of the skilled independent journalists' associations in Belgium for ages improving the working conditions and profession of journalists serving various media in the country.

Kristin Spiessens, Eric Of Kutsem and Walter Van Den Branden: Photo credit @JoelSavage

The active force behind the association: Raoul Maria De Puydt, Hilde Van Gool, Walter Van Den Branden, Eric Braeken, Ronny Of Kutsem, Ronald Libin, etc, and other members successfully held this year’s general meeting in the magnificent building of the Basilica of Koekelberg, in Brussels, on Saturday, December 3, 2016. 

Joel Savage and sports journalist Dominique Dongo

The Flemish Journalists Association meets twice in the middle and end of the year but the end of the year’s activities call for the entire members since the main item on the agenda is the discussion of the new statutes and the elections, which were approved by the assembled members.

Members of the Flemish Journalists Association at the Basilica's restaurant: Photo credit @JoelSavage

Every year, new locations are suggested for the general meeting. The venue this year was the famous Basilica of Koelkelberg. The history behind the Basilica is intriguing like it’s architecture and paintings. Basilica is a unique and one of the most important tourist attractions in Belgium’s history of tourism.

Joel Savage and members of VJV at the Basilica's restaurant

Some years back, it wasn't in my interest to attend the Flemish Journalists Association end of year's general meetings but things have changed completely as journalism in the country broadens and disciplined. 

The friendly atmosphere and the interaction of the open-minded members are some of the qualities worth to enjoy being a member of this journalism group.