GREENPEACE calls for halt to the plunder of African Oceans

Greenpeace volunteers


An investigation by Greenpeace for some time now has revealed that the West African local fishing industries are under threat, due to European fishing trawlers fishing in West African waters. Under the theme 'Empty nets, Empty future,' Greenpeace calls for a halt.


The report focuses on how millions of West Africans depend on the fishing industry, but now under threat due to European trawlers that are increasingly overfishing. The activity is gradually taking its toll on the local fishing industry and is also threatening the extinction of many unique species.

The West African Coasts have now become a destination of choice for European and Asian fleets. Since their fishing territory has become overfished by 88% of the commercially used fish stocks in EU waters. 

They have nowhere to go but to head to Africa, where they fail to put any protective measures in place for the diminishing fishing stocks.

The effect of climate change on oceans is another important issue for Greenpeace.' Increased water temperatures and changing weather patterns are among other factors affecting the ocean to sustain life. 

'Empty net, Empty future,' highlights climate change that could spell the end of the export fisheries industry in West Africa. The report says this would destroy local economies, jobs, and food availability.

In order to maintain a free, non-hostile environment and good economies for the local fishing industries, Greenpeace is demanding fewer foreign trawlers and factory ships at sea, sustainable fishing practices, and the establishment of a network of marine reserves to let fish stocks recover and protect the ecosystem. 

They call for the current fisheries agreements to be scrapped and replaced with sustainable ones that would benefit West Africa.

THREE WOMEN IN ZIMBABWE CHARGED FOR RAPE?

Men now fear Zimbabwean women.


Society doesn't accept if a man accuses a woman of rape, but they easily believe a woman if she lies that a man has raped her. 


Police in Zimbabwe arrested and charged to court three women,  who forced men to have sex with them. 

The women were found in possession of thirty-three condoms containing semen. This may help the police in their investigation into a string of sex attacks over the past two years by women targeting men.

In the court were seventeen victims, who had positively identified the women as having sexually assaulted them between 2010 and 2011. 

The women were intercepted in Gweru, about 300 kilometers south of Harare, the capital, when the vehicle they were traveling with involved in an accident.

Most of the raped men said they were offered drinks diluted with an unknown substance to drug them or were forced at gunpoint. 

Many believe that the significance of the sperm collection is for ritual purposes, either to regenerate life or as a catalyst to drive away bad luck.

GAMBIA GOVERNMENT JAILS FOREIGN NATIONALS OVER COCAINE SEIZURE

The police arrest a drug dealer


Drug trafficking is a lucrative business to traffickers that think Africa's security is weak, therefore, it is a good place to transit drugs to Europe. 


The Gambian government, over cocaine seizure in a fishing village last year, has sentenced eight foreign nationals to fifty years imprisonment each. The eight foreign nationals are four Venezuelans, two Dutch, a Nigerian and a Mexican.

"The Gambian has determined to curb drug trafficking," Said Judge Lamin Tabally, in his judgment. The Gambian government has made it clear to drug traffickers that the Gambia, is a place that will not welcome such indulgence.

One of the accused, a Venezuelan, died in detention at Banjul, the capital of natural courses, said the prison chief medical officer. The eight foreign nationals were arrested last year, in a fishing village near Banjul, after 2.1 tons of cocaine was found hidden in a warehouse belonging to a fishing company.

Following the constant use of the Gambian coast for drug trafficking, last year, Attorney General, Edward Anthony Gomez, said the government would introduce harsher laws to curb illegal drug trade, including a death penalty for anyone convicted of possessing more than 250g of cocaine or heroin.

BELGIUM GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE NEW SECURITY PASSPORT

The new Belgian passport


As of the effect of next year (2012), Belgium will introduce a new passport that features the fingerprint of the holder. The change is necessary in order to comply with the European legislation dating as far back as 2004.


Mr. Michael Malherbe, the spokesman to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clarifies Belgium's decision, following the 9th September attacks. To enhance security, airports will be equipped with electronic devices allowing passengers to identify themselves automatically.

In another development, it has emerged that most of the issued Belgian passports in the system are faulty because of the loose plastic sheet covering a page. The Foreign Ministry plans to change passports for holders without a cost.

IS ANTWERP, GRADUALLY BECOMING A CITY OF FEAR?

The leader of the Vlaams Belang, Philip Dewinter, is distraught over the way Antwerp is gradually changing significantly from a peaceful city into a dangerous city for the inhabitants. 

In the new version of the “Antwerp's Nieuws,” the Vlaams Belang nieuws magazine, Mr. Dewinter openly spoke against the Mayor of Antwerp, Patrick Janssens, and other parties. He disclosed that a report carried out by the Federal Police in Antwerp states that crime has increased significantly by 26.8 percent within 10 years. (2000-2010)

According to the news magazine, "during the tenure of Mayor of Antwerp, Patrick Janssens, and SP.a, N-VA, CDV, VLD -the majority took the recorded crime in Antwerp into consideration as it escalates to tackle the problem, but nothing was done. After the 2006 elections, Mr. Janssens promised to reduce crime by saying "priority of priorities" would be, yet nothing was achieved. 

Unfortunately, today, there is little progress in fighting against crime in Antwerp. On the contrary, the viability of our city is becoming more and more dangerous. According to police figures, much of the crime is committed by foreigners. "Multiculturalism is rapidly increasing and is responsible for many criminal activities." He said.

According to the magazine, it's difficult for the council to link immigration and crime in the city. Mr. Dewinter gave an example of an incident that took place at Handelstraat, in Antwerp-North, when retailers rightly took the law into their own hands, namely the drug dealers and illegal immigrants in the district, by fighting. 

According to Mr. Dewinter, although 90% of drug dealers in the city of Antwerp are illegal immigrants, Patrick Janssens refused to combat their illegal activities. The actions of the retailers of Handelstraat are not only an act of legitimate self-defense but an indictment of life because of the loose safety policies of Mr. Janssens and Co.

I agree with Mr. Dewinter on some of the issues, but not all. In every advanced country, criminal activities are always blamed on foreigners, but most of the nationals are hardened criminals too. For example, in Italy, there exists the Mafia, Ndrangheta, and the Camorra. These underworld criminal groups have ruined the country beyond remedy, but they always blame foreigners for criminal activities in the country.

However, I agree with him on the flexible action on criminals in the city of Antwerp. I have been asking myself time and time again if the Antwerp police are afraid of Moroccans. Amongst foreigners of African origin, if ten criminals are caught, nine would be Moroccan and the other would be a Nigerian or Ghanaian. 

Yet when a Moroccan and a Ghanaian are soliciting for a job, the Moroccan would be accepted. Is it because of their colour, or are people simply afraid of their aggressiveness?

It is never too late. If the mayor of Antwerp wants the inhabitants of the city to enjoy a peaceful, crime-free environment, then he must be tough on criminals. Seriously, something must be done. 

Antwerp is full of criminals because the police are weak. Crime can never be eliminated from any society, but it can be controlled and reduced. Moroccans must fear the police, but not the contrary.

THE THIRST FOR POWER AND ITS ULTIMATE PRICE IN AFRICAN POLITICS

African leaders


Many people study politics at school. They are simply inspired to be politicians because they want to create or make a special contribution to the country they belong to. 


Throughout history, some politicians have created and continue to create a good name for themselves by proving to be outstanding leaders to their countries, because of their unique service to the people. The people first, that's the core of their engagement and service to their countries.

Unfortunately, in Africa, the story is entirely different. Most politicians are inspired into politics by corruption. The heavyweight of poverty hanging over Africa's continent creates a sort of barrier to prevents most African leaders from caring for the welfare of the masses. 

They only see it as an opportunity to amass wealth for themselves and their family, while the people suffer in poverty. Such leaders are extremely dangerous and often like to be in power as long as they wish or till death.

Many ask, why  Africa continues to be poor when it has all the best natural resources? Is it because Africans are lazy? Is it because the leaders do not care to develop their countries? 

Like many developing and developed countries, there are both hard-working class of people and lazy workers. But what has ruined Africa totally is the military. Lack of good leadership, experience, and corruption has destroyed Africa without any remedy.

What makes some of the African leaders cling to power at all costs? The answer is the same, 'Corruption.' After over 42 years in power, Muammar Gaddafi's iron rule tragically came to an end this week. The question is, 'Do African leaders learn anything from such experience? 

Mugabe now joins the ranks of Africa's aging authoritarians. Instead of stepping down, many African heads of state walk in an embodiment of corruption until they meet their untimely death, but nothing lasts forever.

AFRICAN-AMERICANS must put the painful memories of slavery behind them

African-Americans: How many of them are proud to be Africans?


About six years ago, there used to be a black, I had been seeing frequently at a drinking Café I used to work in Antwerp, Belgium. As I said earlier, I have met him many times, but his strange attitude made me find out where he comes from. 


He never responded to my greetings. Closely, I could greet him, but every time without a word. I made inquiries to my boss as to who he was, and I was told that he was a musician from the United States of America. I wasn't surprised to hear that.

I choose special books I like to read. The few I had read are about African-Americans. Some call them "African souls lost in the diaspora." Most of them hate to be called Africans. Despite knowing well the circumstances that led them to be African-Americans, some simply prefer to be morons and claim to be Americans, instead of Africans."

Part of the lyrics of the song "Greetings" by Jamaican reggae star Burning Spear, real name Winston Rodney, says 'One thing I don't understand, why so many black people in America have no intention, respect for the culture. I wonder why. 

Even though they say I am a Yankee, never mind them. I still love my black brothers and black sisters in America. Such a lyric evidently speaks about the same negative attitude maintained by African-Americans, which I am writing about.

It is documented that Africans faced a shameful and brutal experience in slavery, which went on for more than three hundred years. Three hundred years of raids, roundups, pursuits, and ambushes by the white man resulted in millions of young Africans deported across the Atlantic in horrific conditions. 

Those who were lucky to emerge in today's new world are the descendants of the slaves who are now African-Americans. Unfortunately, the unexpected riches they have built have diminished their ability to remember their history.

The painful and lasting imprints of this epoch left upon the memory and consciousness of the African, centuries of disdain, humiliation, and suffering, have degraded the black man to the extent that some feel it is better to claim as an American than African. 

Unfortunately, maintaining this negative attitude is not helping them; they are rather a laughing stock in the eyes of the white man.

I am happy and proud to be African. I think the soul singer James Brown was also proud to be, else he wouldn't have played "Say it Loud I'm black and Proud." I think it's time for every African-American to put behind them those painful memories. 

Once in their lifetime, if any of them could get the chance to visit Africa, as some of them had previously done, they would love Africa and proudly claim to be Africans.

BOOK: WILLIAM AND HARRY BY KATIE NICOLL

Katie Nicoll



William and Harry, the children of the wayward Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, were very young when their mother met her untimely death in an accident in France.

Like other children who lost their loved ones tragically, they were emotionally affected. Since the death of Diana, William and Harry have been mystical figures constantly in the media.

While their mother wept in silence, Prince Charles was having an affair with her rival Camilla. Diana thought leaving behind all the royal blues could make her happy. Unfortunately, things went wrong.

On the shelves now is the story of William and Harry. A book written by Katie Nicoll. The gripping book reveals it all, about how the boys have made it through to be strongly united.       

GHANA'S ECONOMY GROWING AT A VERY FAST RATE

Ex-Ghanaian head of state: Late John Evans Atta-Mills

GHANA'S economic growth has been said to be the fastest growing in the world, within the first half of 2011, by Economy Watch.com. 

Other countries that were selected among the 12 fastest growing economies in the world, were India, Angola, Iraq, Ethiopia, Mozambique, East Timor, and Laos.

Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was estimated to be 20.146, was far ahead of the 14.337 percent recorded in Qatar, as the fastest growing country.

Qatar was followed by Turkmenistan, which recorded 12.18percent; China, 9.901 and Liberia with 9.0 percent.

The organization responsible for recording economic statistics, under the umbrella of the International Monetary Fund, that tracks the Gross Domestic Product of countries across the world, puts Ghana's nominal growth of 23 percent ahead of the other countries. 

This comes in the wake of the international investment community, ranking Ghana as the fourth-best investment country in Africa.

In an unrelated issue, Ghana's President John Evans Atta Mills has urged his fellow African leaders to respect the constitution of their countries and not to overstay their terms of office. 

In bilateral talks between his Botswana counterpart Seretse Khama Ian Khama, who paid a visit to Ghana, he noted that part of the difficulties facing the continent was due to the unhealthy desire of some of the leaders to perpetuate their stay in power after their mandate had expired.

President Mills told his colleagues that there is life after being a president and advised them not to overstay their welcome.

GOD CAN'T BE BLAMED FOR OUR OWN ERRORS

The beauty of God's creation

Once, a couple desperate for a child but never had one, said to me, "It's hard to live without a child when you love your wife dearly. We aim to have children, but we have never had one." 

I asked the man, who is in his early forties, if he had ever made that request to God.

"Is there any God at all? If there is, then he is a very wicked God." That was his answer. I asked him, if you do not believe that God exists, and never seek for him, why then does he seem wicked to you when you have no experience with him?". He laughed.

Mistakes, crime, frustration, drug addiction, and sins are caused by individuals. Everyone knows right from wrong, but simply ignores doing the right thing and follows their desire, lust, and selfishness, without thinking of the Holy Bible or God. But when things get bad along the line, God is always blamed for our wrongdoings.

For example, a pregnant woman knows perfectly well that smoking and drinking alcohol are health hazards to an unborn child. Yet they ignore all those health hazards, by smoking, drinking, and even doing drugs sometimes. 

Yet after delivery, when the poor baby becomes a handicapped child, the blame is shifted to God. Many handicapped children were caused by the parents themselves, even though some were caused by biological problems or heredity.  

One may never experience the spiritual presence of God if you don't seek his face. The sweet flavor of a food doesn't guarantee its deliciousness; one needs to taste it. 

Another point is, alcoholic pregnant women, giving birth to handicapped children, must desist blaming God; instead, they must refrain from alcohol, smoking, and drugs during pregnancy.

AMY WINEHOUSE'S STORY: BOOK ON HER LIFE & DEATH PUBLISHED

Amy Winehouse



Amy Winehouse was a good musician, despite all the obstacles she faced in her life, like other people. Amy was found dead in her north London home on July 23, 2011. 

As an indisputable musical icon and controversial celebrity figure, it is worth noting that Amy's biography must be published for her numerous fans worldwide to read.

Amy Winehouse’s unique blend of jazz, pop, and soul singing and songwriting made her unique. She got a host of awards in her career, including two prestigious Ivor Novello and five Grammys, as well as an army of committed fans who adore her rich voice and painfully honest lyrics.

Meanwhile, wild stories about her turbulent and hedonistic personal life have kept Amy in the headlines. She is a daily fixture in the tabloids and a fascination with celebrity magazines, yet she also holds the respect of many serious musicians.

This remarkable biography traces the life of the tattooed wonder from her childhood pranks in north London through her days at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and her time spent working with pop impresario Simon Fuller, up to the talented and rebellious Amy Winehouse of today.

The book is now available throughout Europe and the United States of America.

KING YELLOWMAN: Classic Hits Changed The Reggae Scene In The 80's

Jamaican reggae star, King Yellowman



In the early eighties, the reggae world took another dimension when a Jamaican artist by the name  King Yellowman stormed the reggae scene with classic recordings that gave him international stardom.

Yellowman was born Winston Foster on 15 January 1956 in Kingston, Jamaica. As a dancehall deejay, Yellowman used his talent to compose great songs, establishing his identity as a true reggae icon in Jamaica. 

He was born an albino and raised in an orphanage home in Kingston, yet he overcame these obstacles and went on to become one of Jamaica's biggest reggae stars.

After winning a talent contest at Tastee Patties in Kingston, Yellow went on to excite reggae crowds all over Jamaica and the rest of the world with his boastful and sometimes sexy lyrics. 

His ability to ride the rhythm and excite reggae lovers made him an instant hit in Jamaica. He recorded Jamaica Nice, Strong me strong, Mi believe/ Summer Holiday, and a host of others.

In his career, Yellowman recorded many classic hits. In 1986, he was diagnosed with jaw cancer. He was given only six months to live. After surgery, he was off from the music scene for a long time. Yellowman began his comeback with the song "Blueberry Hill". 

Yellowman has always been very professional to work with and has always been a respectful and reliable human being. He has managed to outlive his predicted fate of death, and his performances are incredibly lively as he seems to have an unlimited amount of stage energy. 

AMY WINEHOUSE'S HOUSE ROBBED? HER SPIRIT WILL HAUNT THEM

Amy Winehouse

Britain is a country where crime can never be eradicated or even reduced. Because crime is like a subject taught at school. Criminals don't even have shame or remorse. They can kill an old person and rob him or her of a pound coin. 

It is a big shame that just days after Amy Winehouse was found dead, intruders stole personal items from her Camden home. British criminals are now robbing both the living and the dead. 

Those who carried out such abominable acts are not thieves; they are Ghouls, legendary evil beings that rob graves and feed on corpses.

Amy’s personal letters, lyric books, and even unreleased tracks are among the items taken. 

The singer’s home was declared a crime scene after her death on 23rd July, and it’s estimated that up to 20 people, from the police to friends and family, have had access to the property since then.

It's a big shame people like that live in this society. They can enjoy things stolen from the dead, but they can't take  Amy Winehouse's fame. She worked very hard to get to that stage. 

Her spirit will continue to haunt those responsible until all her items are brought back to her family.

BOB MARLEY sings campaign to raise funds to save famine East-Africa

Bob Marley


Reggae superstar Bob Marley, even though he is resting peacefully in his grave, his spirit still lives on. A classic track by him is being released today as part of a global celebrity campaign to raise funds for the victims of the famine in East Africa.

The Save the Children charity and the singer’s family hope that the new video for the 1973 track ‘High Tide Low Tide’ will tackle the humanitarian catastrophe that has left a reported 29,000 children dead and 10 million short of food.

The video, directed by award-winning Kevin McDonald and with music from the much-loved reggae star, is set to go viral with huge celebrity support, such as Jennifer Lopez¸, Lady Gaga, Queen, Madonna, and Beyonce, to name just a few.

From Tuesday, celebrities are set to post the video on their Facebook social profiles to raise awareness of the plight of East Africans to millions of people across the world.

The Marley family has asked in a letter to get as many people as possible to post the video on their Facebook profiles, too.

They said: “Not one child should be denied food nor water. Not one child should suffer from the conflict caused by grown men. Over three million women and children are suffering. They are innocent. They are not political. 

They are starving. Bob Marley, then and now, stands for Africa United, for one love, and for the protection of children worldwide.

“Please join us as we, along with Save the Children, stand up together as friends to put a stop to this needless waste of life, to feed our children, and to save their lives.

“This generous act will help us reach through your friends and ours over two hundred million people worldwide.” The proceeds of the new release will go to Save the Children.