FIRST MINISTER ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT SHAKE UP IN HEALTH SERVICE
AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to FacebookFacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterTwitterShare to LinkedInLinkedInLinkedInRole of local GPs set to change The role of general practice in our health service is set for a significant shakeup, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today.Over the next two years, ten health centres across the country will form ‘community care teams’ and test different ways of delivering healthcare including:Local surgeries working together for faster appointmentsGPs and health professionals – such as physiotherapists – working together in multidisciplinary teams so that patients see the right professional quicklyLocal centres providing treatments which patients currently have to travel to hospital to receive – including short stay in-patient beds for assessment and treatment.Two of the test sites will trial a new type of doctor to head up the multidisciplinary teams – and a small number of GPs will have the opportunity to receive an additional year of training to give them the skills to take on the new role and work across primary and acute care. Nurses and other health professionals will also have the chance to develop new skills as part of the plans.The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with patients and GPs at Wester Hailes health centre which is part of a group of seven GPs across Edinburgh working together. They have also linked up with other healthcare providers to work more closely with the local community and tackle the underlying causes of health inequality – such as substance abuse, mental health issues, employability and social isolation.Ms Sturgeon said:“People deserve the very best treatment at the right time and in the right place – and that’s as close to home as possible.“We have already taken steps to integrate health and social care and now transforming our GP services and local health centres is the next step. That means you will see the professional who can best help you and, in some cases, your local GP will soon offer the type of treatments that previously only hospitals could deliver.“I can confirm that ten test sites will run over the next two years so we can see the most effective way to introduce these new ways of delivering community based healthcare across Scotland.“Nobody wants to go into hospital if they don’t have to and with these new plans, people will see a better service and be able to be treated in the local community.“This is good for patients and good for the NHS – GPs in particular will see their role develop in a significant way.”
Little progress will be made for mandated police body cameras from that House Bill 93 currently being considered in the state senate. The bill, which unanimously passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee during its first hearing, only requires police departments throughout Florida currently using body camera to regulate officer training, the use of cameras and the management of footage captured.The move comes at a disappointment for police body camera advocates seeking a statewide mandate. But Broward County State Representative Hazel Rogers said that while this demand is “understandable” in light of recent high-profile police shootings, “it may not be practical, as some departments may not be able to afford the cost of the cameras.”Bill 93 sponsor Democrat Shevrin Jones of West Park admits “some departments don’t have the capacity to use the camera, and to impose a mandate would be costly and unfunded.”Calls for state police officers to wear body camera has escalated since last month’s shooting death of church musician Corey Jones, 31, by a Palm Beach Gardens police officer. Jones was shot while waiting by his car on a highway for a tow truck after his car had broken down.Last Sunday, at a vigil held in memory of Jones by Florida’s Black Law Students Association in Lauderdale Lakes, renewed calls were made for mandated police body cameras. The panelists, including Representative Jones and Broward Sheriff Scott Israel, supported the call for Body cameras. Israel told the audience that he would be advocating for the use of body cameras by county police officers.To date, only a few departments in Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach wear body cameras. While no departments in Broward are mandated to wear cameras, officials in Hallandale Beach, Coral Springs and Lauderhill are reviewing the possibilityMiami security consultant Manley Nichols said that while body cameras are “ideal, especially as controversial police shootings escalate, there are serious cost, training, and privacy implications, so this is an innovation that cannot be rushed.”
Jamaican sprint queen Merlene Ottey was bornBy: Cerone WhiteOn this day in Caribbean history, May 10, 1960, Jamaican Olympian and the country’s first sprint queen was born. Merlene Ottey was born in Cold Spring, Hanover, Jamaica to Hubert and Joan Ottey. The Olympic runner was introduced to the sport by her mother who bought her a manual on track and field. Throughout her years at Gurneys Mount and Pondside Schools and Vere Technical high school,Ottey excelled in the sport winning many titles. Growing up her inspiration was Donald Quarrie.The career of Jamaica’s original sprint queen didn’t leave the starting blocks until she left Jamaica in 1979 and started attending the University of Nebraska. In that same year, she represented her home country at the Pan American games winning a bronze medal in the 200 meter. Ottey attended the 1980 Moscow games where she became the first female English-speaking Caribbean athlete to win an Olympic medal. Ottey was honored with the “Order of Distinction”, the “Order of the Nation” prize, and the Jamaican Sportswoman of the year thirteen times between 1979 -1995 totaling 29 medals throughout her career.Ottey has won nine Olympic medals during her career; that is the most won by any woman in track and field history and also said to be more than any other athlete, male or female. Her extensive medal collection includes 14 World Championship medals won between 1983 to 1997. Ottey’s wins hardly included gold medals in major international competitions, thus she was dubbed “the Bronze Queen”.The bronze queen no longer represents Jamaica in any form because in 1998 she moved to Slovenia to train and in 2002 she became a citizen of Slovenia. In 2004 Summer Olympics she competed in the 100 meter where she reached the semi-finals. Despite many sets-backs in her career she has triumphed with many track and field athletes around the world looking to her for guidance and a beacon of hope. Happy Birthday Ottey. Did you Know?Ottey was once married and she briefly used the name Ottey-PageHere’s a look at Ottey In action:
Lighten up your summer with these fun ideasPatriotic celebrations, neighborhood block parties, graduations, bridal showers and family reunions – whatever your summer soiree, a creative theme can elevate any gathering from fun to fantastic. If you’ve done the usual – luau, ethnic and red-white-and-blue – and are looking for motifs that will really make a splash, here are six unique themes and some ideas for implementing them with style this season:1. Star-spangled movie nightSummer patriotic celebrations can be pretty formulaic if you just serve burgers and hot dogs while watching fireworks on TV. But merge patriotism with film, and you can create a memorable, magical party. Break out the red-white-and-blue bunting, rent some velvet ropes and stanchions like you see in a theater, pick up a projector, screen and popcorn machine from your local rental store, and spend the day reveling in patriotic-themed movies.Your local rental store has everything you need to create a star-spangled movie night. Find a rental store at rentalhq.com. Not sure what to show? “Captain America” and “Independence Day” are thrill rides that both kids and adults will love. Or, tug at the heart strings with sports-themed, all-American movies like “Miracle” and “Field of Dreams.”2. A day at the carnivalWhether you’re looking for an inspired block party idea or a kid’s birthday party theme that will leave parents and children talking about it until winter break, you can’t beat a carnival theme for summer fun! Serve up traditional carnival fare – rented hot dog and popcorn machines will come in handy – and break out the carnival games. From favorites like the ring toss, dart/balloon board and duck ponds, to inflatable bounce houses and dunk tanks, you can rent carnival games to create a one-of-a-kind backyard event.3. Summer snacking soireeBeach time, vacation, warm weather and sunshine are all lovely aspects of summer, but let’s face it – summer snacks are the highlight of the season. Adults and kids alike will love a menu that highlights some of their favorite warm-weather snacks. Set up a s’mores station with graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars and a camp fire (under adult supervision, of course). Place popcorn, hot dog, frozen drink and ice cream machines around the backyard. Celebrate summer fruits like watermelon and avocado with creative recipes like watermelon fruit pops, fruit bruschetta, fruit skewers and hummus/guacamole dip.4. Whacky water worldWhen the temperatures soar, everyone loves some water fun. Invite guests to bring their bathing attire and visit your backyard for some whacky water fun. Fill balloons with water and hang them from a tree branch to create a wet, wild pinata. Rent an inflatable water slide, a misting fan, dunk tank and bubble machine. As guests arrive, equip each with a water gun. Have plenty of water barrels around the yard for quick refills and don’t forget to have plenty of towels on hand.5. Karaoke dance-offDance party or karaoke – which musical theme should you choose? Why not combine the themes and give your guests a chance to belt out their favorites while their friends shake it on the dance floor? Your local rental store can provide the karaoke machine, juke box and dance floor – your guests bring their creativity. Escalate the fun and add a touch of competition by inviting guests to dress and perform in the musical style that was in fashion when they graduated high school (or kindergarten or grade school for younger attendees).6. Stadium dayWatching the big game together is a great party theme any time of year. Add a singularly summery element to your game day celebration by staging it outdoors in a homemade stadium setting. You can rent bleachers and a big screen to make guests feel like they’re right there in the stadium as they’re watching the game together. Add in food machines to make traditional stadium fare like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and burgers. Decorate with banners, pennants and flags. Set up a portable bar beside the bleachers and you’re all set for a stadium-style experience in your own backyard.Creative themes can add fresh excitement to virtually any summer gathering. To find a rental store with everything you need to execute a unique theme, visit www.rentalhq.com. brandpointcontent.com
The second Annual Children’s Multi-Cultural Book Fair and Empowerment Day will be held at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale.To be held on May 20 the event will be free to the public and will see free books being presented to the first 300 children. There will be also reading activities, storytellers, musical performances and snacks from around the world.The Children’s Multi-Cultural Book Fair is held in celebration of Foster Children’s month in May and International Children’s Day on June 1. Featured books will have stories and information from all around the world. Authors and guest readers will read from their favorite books in person and by video.There will be children’s performances including drumming, singing and dancing from India, Ireland, African countries and other cultures. There also will be a children’s art exhibit, a presentation by youth entrepreneurs, a fruit and vegetable garden, a bubble blowing and hula hoop contest, along with prizes and giveaways.Children can learn about geography from “Talking Globes” and play their favorite songs on the Piano Mat. Featured performers include the Association of Performing Arts of India, the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance, and a drummer of African rhythms, Nanyamka Graham.
Egyptian MP Suzy Nashed revealed that 89 female MPs filed a complaint to parliamentary speaker Ali Abdelaal over the statement of MP Elhamy Agina, which called on female MPs to wear modest clothing inside the parliament.The female MPs demanded that Agina apologize for his inappropriate statement in front of the House of Representatives.MP Dina Abdel Aziz from Helwan said she rejects Agina’s statement, describing it as provoking, and called for an immediate written apology to all female MPs. “Female MPs headed to the council in the early morning to express their anger toward the irresponsible statement,” she said Wednesday evening.Other MPs expressed solidarity with the female MPs to stress personal freedoms, including the freedom of attire, Abdel Aziz mentioned.MP Mai Mahmoud called on Agina to apologize for his statement, adding that all female MPs wear modest clothes, despite different styles which might differ from one governorate to another.Agina should focus on the laws he wants to amend or approve instead of the clothes of female MPs, Mahmoud said.MP Anisa Hassouna commented on the incident saying that parliament should not indulge in such controversy and called on Agina to apologize for his statement. She added Agina’s statement harmed him rather than the female MPs.“All female MPs are modest. (Agina’s) statement is inappropriate and unacceptable,” said MP Hayam Halawa.MP Mona Mounir rejected Agina’s statement as well and intervention in the personal freedom of citizens in general. She described the statement as provoking.The statement does not deserve a comment, said MP Noha al-Hemeily, the youngest MP in parliament. MP Sara Gad el-Mawla also downplayed Agina’s statement saying that the country needs work, effort and legislation that citizens are awaiting.Agina meanwhile commented on the ongoing controversy saying that media has magnified his statement and tackled it in a way that offended female MPs. Agina pointed out that he criticized casual clothes, like jeans and dresses worn by some female MPs. Agina accused media of twisting his statement, adding that all female MPs are modest and respectable.
Uganda is set to introduce a new tax monitoring system that is meant to ensure more people pay their taxes.The electronic system records all transactions by private businesses and shares the information with the Revenue Authority in real time.Michael Baleke has that story.
Rwandan Apostle calls on women to focus on ‘inner beauty’ (Online photo)“Noble character is the highest recommendation women need in order to be approved by God and men but not just being beautiful on the outside,” Apostle Yoshua Ndagijimana said.Speaking at the opening ceremony of an international women conference taking place at the Evangelical Restoration Church in Masoro, Rwanda Ndagijimana said that noble character can be realized through dedication to the Lord as it is the only way for them to get inner transformation in order to become beautiful inside.The weeklong conference under the theme, “The true beauty of a woman is her consecration to God,” drew international women pastors, including pastor Nadia Diallo, from Canada; Pastor Hadassah Mutabazi, from Goma, DR Congo; Pastor Mary Moliki, from South Africa; Apostle Trice Shumbusho, from Tanzania; and Pastor Habi Castanou, from Congo Brazzaville. The New Times reportsPastor Lydia Umulisa Masasu said the conference is crucial for women since there are many worldly gears destructing them from what they were actually called by God to do here on earth.She further said that women have focused more on looking beautiful for the wrong reasons which do not please God and that such woman are far from the will of God.Umulisa advised girls and women not to be slaves of beauty but endeavour that their behaviour speaks louder than what is just seen on the outside, be able to contribute economically, be good helpers to their husbands and become a blessing to their families and childrenSource: The New Times
President Kagame is seen off from Kenneth Kaunda airport by President Edgar Lungu of Zambia yesterday. The visit, which was at the invitation of his counterpart President Lungu,was aimed at fostering closer partnership and cooperation between the two nations. (Village Urugwiro) Photo: The New TimesOn his two-day visit to Zambia, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his counterpart Edgar Lungu have signed three deals.The bilateral agreements focus on aviation, defence and extradition in an effort to strengthen relations between the two nations.Trade between Zambia and Rwanda has been increasing in recent years. Imports from Zambia to Rwanda grew from $2.8 million in 2015 to $11.6 million last year.Zambia, one of the world’s top copper producers, is among the top exporting countries to Rwanda — accounting for almost 3% of total imports in 2016.Rwanda’s national carrier flies to Zambia seven times a week, an indicator of the depth of bilateral relations.“We both aspire to a higher point of life for our people and our continent; we seek a stronger and more unified voice for Africa on the world stage. For this we need deeper ties and greater collaboration. Together, we are stronger and can deliver on these aspirations.” President Kagame said.
#BringBackOurGirls activist runs for Nigeria’s presidency. Photo/ AP #BringBackOurGirls activist runs for Nigeria’s presidency. Photo/ APThe woman who led the global campaign to free Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram extremists is now running for president, saying she is fighting for “the soul” of Africa’s most populous nation.Oby Ezekwesili is the most prominent woman to seek the presidency in Nigeria, where politics, as in many African nations, have long been dominated by men.A former World Bank vice president, Ezekwesili also co-founded Transparency International, one of the world’s leading organizations against corruption — a widespread problem in oil-rich Nigeria.But she is perhaps most well-known for her vocal work in turning the world’s attention to Boko Haram’s Islamic extremist insurgency and its abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls from the community of Chibok in 2014. The #BringBackOurGirls movement, supported by former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and others, put relentless pressure on Nigeria’s government to free the students.Police broke up some of the campaign’s protests with violence. Finally, after a breakthrough in negotiations — and, reportedly, millions of dollars paid to Boko Haram — scores of the girls were freed last year.President Muhammadu Buhari, who promised to fight both Boko Haram and corruption when he took office in 2015, met with the freed schoolgirls while his government claimed a victory.More than 100 of the Chibok schoolgirls have never returned, however, and a similar mass abduction occurred earlier this year in the community of Dapchi. Almost all of those schoolgirls have been released, but the kidnapping exposed Nigeria’s failure to defeat the extremists despite claims that they have been “crushed.”Now Ezekwesili is challenging the 75-year-old Buhari on his campaign vows, drawing on personal experience on both fronts ahead of the February 2019 election.A major challenge is the attitude toward female candidates in Nigeria, where many say women are fit only for the kitchen.Buhari himself once asserted he had “superior knowledge” over his wife and that she belonged to his kitchen, his living room and the “other room.” He made the comments while standing next to an unimpressed-looking German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of the world’s most powerful women.The president, however, lacks the energy of the 55-year-old Ezekwesili as he continues to face questions about his health after extended stays abroad for medical treatment.Related What impact has Barack Obama’s presidency had on Africa? Ugandan activist wins “Angel for Africa” award
Algeria reinstates two-term limits on presidency