Archive for October 30th, 2010
Ex-newspaper tycoon loses appeal on 2 of 4 counts
(Bloomberg): The former Hollinger International Inc. chairman, Conrad Black lost his appeal of two convictions while winning reversal of two others in a ruling that may send him back to prison. A guilty verdict for obstruction of justice, for which he received the longest sentence, was upheld Friday by a US Court of Appeals in Chicago, as was one of three fraud convictions. A three-judge appeals panel set aside two other fraud counts. It said prosecutors can retry Black, 66, and his co- defendants on those charges. The ex-publisher and author was convicted in 2007 of participating in the theft of $6.1 million from the Chicago-based newspaper company.
“There’s nothing to indicate, based on what is in this opinion, that the obstruction would be impacted in any way or that that sentence would be impacted,” said Mark Flessner a former federal prosecutor now in the Chicago office of SNR Denton US LLP. “Judge St. Eve may very well just impose the same sentence with respect to Black.”
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Acting director finally gets top post at planning
(CNS): After more than one year acting in the position, Haroon Pandohie has finally been appointed as Director of Planning in the Ministry of Finance, Tourism and Development. Pandohie took on the post in August 2009 and since then he has led the department through the government’s re-structuring of various laws, regulations and procedures. Chief Officer in the ministry Carson Ebanks noted the importance of planning the goals of that ministry and confident that Pandohie would succeed in the job. The premier also said he was delighted that he had been appointed and his hard work recognised.
“This job is a welcome challenge. It is rewarding to be appointed as I have a number of strategic ideas for the Department of Planning,” Pandohie said in a government release.
Having achieved a Masters of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Pandohie has worked in several sections in the Department of Planning for the past nine (9) years.
“Among other workplace accomplishments, he has managed 42 members of staff; implemented policies and procedures; assured the public’s compliance with Development of Planning Law and Development of Planning Regulations by ensuring his staff is properly trained,” the release stated.
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Ebanks said the ministry was proud to have him appointed and amongst the ranks of very qualified Heads of Departments. “We realise that the Department of Planning plays a significant role in our ability to deliver on our mission, and, like any organisation, the Ministry depends heavily upon its management to facilitate and effectively lead its departments in these challenging times. We are confident that Mr. Pandohie will succeed in these endeavours and that the committed and competent staff will offer him the necessary support,” the chief officer added.
Premier McKeeva Bush said that even though he does not exercise responsibility for personnel matters, he was, “heartened to know that Haroon’s dedication and abilities have been recognized and rewarded.” Bush added: “We are delighted to have him as part of the management team and look forward to a continued relationship.”
US high school teen graduate takes Miss World crown
(CNS): The title of Miss World 2010 has gone to 18-year-old Alexandria Mills from the United States of America. The high school graduate from Louisville, Kentucky, became the 60th woman to win the blue tiara which was placed on her head by outgoing Miss World Kaiane Aldorino from Gibraltar in China on Saturday. Miss Botswana Emma Wareus and Miss Venezuela Adriana Vasini were the first and second runner-ups and the host country’s own contestant, Tang Xiao was also placed in the top five along with Miss Ireland. Hopes for Miss Cayman Islands following Cristin Alexander’s massive success in the people’s poll were dashed when she failed to make the top twenty.
“It’ll be an honour to become Miss World 2010," said Mills, who was announced the winner by Julia Morley, chairperson of the pageant.
The ceremony started with a traditional Chinese dance, followed by the introduction of the Miss World contestants from all parts of the globe. All the Miss World contestants performed the ‘Dances of the World’. The subtitle of Miss World Talent went to Ireland while Northern Ireland was named Miss World Sports. Miss World Top Model title was won by Norway as Puerto Rico became Miss World Beach Beauty and Kenya was named Miss World Beauty with a Purpose.
The first Miss World competition was held in 1951 India and Venezuela hold the record of producing the most Miss Worlds to date, with five title-holders each.
Howell fights off predator who stalks his companies
(Jamaica Observer): Jamaican businessman Delroy Howell who is the lead principal of New Kingston’s Wyndham Hotel, is embroiled in a bitter legal to fight off a former company employee who somehow manage to gain control of one of his companies. Last week, Judith Wilchombe attempted to place a freezing order on the assets of Delroy Howell and a director of his companies Kenarthur Mitchell, claiming that both men misappropriated or have failed to account for US$13.9 million in assets that was under their management. The freezing order was lifted by Justice Patrick Brooks of the Supreme Court of Jamaica who said in court: