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Vol 11 Issue 8
August 2019
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From the Editor
O u r G r ea tes t G lor y is n o t in n ever f allin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll . We ar e co mmittted to br in g in g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r o m Af r ica a n d th e D ia s por a . Yo u a u g u s t als o vis it o u r web s ite a t www.af r ikan po s t.com f o r d aily n ews u p d ates o n Af r ica . D is claimer : Th e o p in ion s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s tor ies in th is N ews pap er ar e th o s e o f th e a u th o r s an d do n o t n eces s ar ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ika n Pos t . All commen ts a n d s u gges tion s ar e welco me.
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United States and Côte d’Ivoire to Cohost the 2019 AGOA Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Afrikan Post
George Kwasi Bright Publisher and Editor
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CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Asantehene marks Akwasidae in London Pg. 27
GCAO to acquire city property for use by Ghanaians in Toronto as heritage center Pg. 26 The Enduring Partnership Between the United States and South Africa Page 16
HER PAGE
You Have No Idea Pg. 11
U.S. Issues Revised Visa Reciprocity Fees for Nigeria Pg. 8
UPDATE
United States and Côte d’Ivoire to Co-host the 2019 AGOA Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire Page 3
Office of the Spokesperson Department of State
Washington, DC
United States and the current 39 African beneficiary countries. A trade exhibition will run throughout the official program.
The U.S. delegation will be led by Deputy U.S. The United States and Côte d’Ivoire will co-host Trade Representative C.J. Mahoney and includes the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from August 4- Nagy, as well as senior officials from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, 6. Labor, Transportation, Treasury, the U.S. Agency for The Forum will bring together senior government International Development, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, as well as the Millennium officials from the United States and the 39 AGOA-eligible sub-Saharan African countries to Challenge Corporation, the Overseas Private discuss ways to boost economic cooperation and Investment Corporation, and the United States African Development Foundation. A bipartisan trade between the United States and Africa. Congressional delegation will also participate in the Regional Economic Communities, the private forum. sector, and civil society will also participate. The theme of this year’s Forum is “AGOA and the Future: Developing a New Trade Paradigm to Guide U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment.” The 2019 Forum will explore new tools that both the U.S. and African governments have developed over the past year and how to use them most effectively. It will also highlight the important role played by women, youth, civil society, and the private sector in promoting trade, expanding economic growth, and generating prosperity.
Representatives from the private sector, civil society, the U.S.-sponsored African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP), and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) have organized AGOA Private Sector and Civil Society Forums for August 4. The AGOA Forum Ministerial will follow August 5-6, bringing together senior government officials from the
The African Growth and Opportunity Act, which enhances access to the U.S. market for most products of qualifying sub-Saharan African countries, has been the cornerstone of the U.S. government’s trade policy with sub-Saharan Africa since 2000. The law mandates that each year a special Forum be convened to discuss issues related to the implementation of the law and issues of economic cooperation and trade in general. The Forum location alternates between the United States and Africa. Previous AGOA Forum hosts include Mauritius, Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, Gabon, and Togo.
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Mayor Bowser Encourages Residents Mayor Bowser Announces $2.5 and Visitors to Celebrate DC's Vibrant Million Available for FY 2020 Dining Scene with Summer Restaurant Immigrant Justice Legal Week Services Grant Program (Washington, DC) –Mayor Muriel Bowser is encouraging District residents and visitors to celebrate Summer Restaurant Week taking place Monday, August 12 through Sunday, August 18, 2019, hosted by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW). Summer Restaurant Week will feature an incredible lineup of the District's dining scene and celebrate the award-winning chefs, innovators, and mixologists.
"Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is always an exciting time in our city, drawing in residents and visitors to try something new, plan a night out with friends, and eat and play in the District," said Mayor Bowser. "It also celebrates the vibrancy of our small businesses as they create jobs for District residents and strengthen the economy of Washington, DC."
Offered at 206 restaurants across the District and more than 250 in total across the Metro region, RAMW’s Summer Restaurant Week gives diners the opportunity to explore the local culinary community or revisit old favorites, with affordable three-course menus including $35 dinner, $22 lunch, and $22
brunch options. Guests can visit www.RWDMV.com for the full list of participating restaurants and their menus, as well as links to book reservations directly. Diners can opt in to RAMW’s Diner Rewards Program at www.rwdmv.com to receive emails with exclusive deals from restaurants, gift card giveaways, and details on the city’s hottest culinary events.
"We are lucky to have some of the best restaurants in the country right here in DC and across the Metropolitan region and Restaurant Week is such a great way to get to know some new places and revisit great ones,” said Kathy E. Hollinger, President and CEO of the RAMW. “Book your tables today and experience so many talented chefs participating and great perks and promotions from our sponsors too."
To share and explore Summer Restaurant Week meals and fun times, guests can use the hashtag #RWDMV on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as tagging RAMW. Follow RAMW at @ramwdc on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates about Summer Restaurant Week.
(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser announced that her Administration is making a total of $2.5 million available through the Fiscal Year 2020 Immigrant Justice Legal Services (IJLS) grant program to community and private organizations that offer legal services and programs to immigrants living in Washington, DC. Since launching the program in 2017, the Mayor has more than doubled the District’s investment in the program.
“This fund is one way we can work with trusted community partners to push back against the fear and intimidation that the Trump Administration is creating in our immigrant communities,” said Mayor Bowser. “Regardless of immigration status, immigrants in DC are our neighbors, coworkers, small business owners, family members, and valued members of our community, and we will continue working together to provide the supports and opportunities that every person in our city deserves.”
The funding will be made available to fund programs that provide targeted services and resources to the DC immigrant population and their family members. Grants of up to $400,000 will be awarded to organizations with a current and valid 501(c)(3) status, as well as private organizations, associations, and law firms that plan to mobilize pro bono legal professionals to provide immigrant justice legal services.
The IJLS grants will support a variety of services and projects, including:
Know Your Rights workshops;
legal representation, legal consultations, and legal preparedness; filing applications for S, T, U, Special Immigrant Juvenile visas and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions, or other petitions; providing legal help for family reunification efforts for families with at least one DC resident such as through spousal visas, or adult children sponsoring their parents; filing asylum applications and providing legal representation; filing lawsuits that may become necessary to challenge federal practices or interpretations of immigration law that violate the rights of immigrants; helping DC residents file for Temporary Protected Status, or find replacement visas if TPS is threatened; and providing culturally-competent language access services, offering an interpretation of legal documents and on legal matters, across a broad range of languages spoken by immigrants in Washington, DC.
Mayor Bowser’s IJLS program is a national model for providing legal services that relate to immigrant justice and assisting residents on the pathway to citizenship. The program has a broad focus, touching a wide range of Washingtonians – torture survivors, DACA recipients, and survivors of domestic violence, Dreamers, TPS holders, and others who want a chance to become citizens.
More information regarding eligibility criteria, acceptable grant purposes, pre-bidders’ conferences, and the deadline for submission is included in the Request for Applications (RFA), which will be posted on moca.dc.gov. Additional information will also be available through the Mayor’s Office on Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs, Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs, Mayor’s Office on African Affairs, the Office of Documents and Administrative Issuance and the District’s Grant Clearinghouse.
https://oaa.dc.gov
Meet the New U.S. Ambassador to Malawi
Photo: Malawi Government via Twitter Government of Malawi
August 6, 2019
New United States of America Ambassador to #Malawi, Robert Scott, Tuesday, presented his letters of credence to President Prof. @APMutharika at Sanjika Palace. About Robert Scott (courtesy U.S. Embassy, Malawi)
Robert Scott, a member of the Foreign Service, is currently the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Malawi. Prior to this, Ambassador Scott was the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs covering West African Affairs and Economic and Regional Affairs. Previously he served as the Director for Economic and Regional Affairs in the Department of State’s Africa Bureau, the Deputy Chief of Mission in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, and as the Deputy Office Director for West African Affairs. Other overseas tours include Ukraine, Germany, France, Ghana, and domestic assignments working on climate change and European security issues.
Mr. Scott joined the Foreign Service in 1994. He received a B.A. from Lawrence University, and has an M.A. in International Relations from American https://amipnewsonline.org
New U.S. Ambassador to Libya August
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U.S. Embassy Libya August 22, 2019
Today, U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland presented a copy of his credentials to Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Taher Siala at the Libyan Embassy in Tunisia. In their meeting, Ambassador Norland reiterated his commitment to intensify diplomatic engagement with all parties with the goal of bringing an early end to the conflict in Libya. He also expressed continued U.S. support of UN-led efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and negotiated political solution that promotes prosperity, security and stability for all Libyans. About Richard Norland (from Wikipedia)
Ambassador Richard Norland previously served as the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford. Prior to that he served as U.S. Ambassador to Georgia (2012-2015), Deputy Commandant/International Affairs Advisor at the National War College (2010-2012), U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan (2007-2010), and Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan (2005-2007) and Riga, Latvia (2003-2005). From October 2002 through January 2003, Richard Norland served in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan as a diplomat with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs team promoting political and economic reconstruction.[2]
Richard Norland was Director for European Affairs at the National Security Council for two years during the Clinton and Bush administrations, focusing in particular on the Northern Ireland peace process, as well as on the Baltic States, OSCE, and a number of key European partners. He served as Political Counselor at the American Embassy in Dublin, Ireland from 1995 through the negotiation of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.[3]
Richard Norland served from 1988-1990 as Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, USSR during President Gorbachev’s tenure and the period of glasnost and perestroika. He was subsequently detailed to the Pentagon’s Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he worked on policy issues following the break-up of the Soviet Union. He served in 1993 as the U.S. representative and acting mission head on the CSCE Mission to Georgia, addressing conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and later visited Chechnya in a similar capacity.[3]
Earlier in his career, Richard Norland served in the United States’ northernmost diplomatic office, 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, as Chief of the U.S. Information Office in Tromsø, Norway. He later served as Senior Arctic Official coordinating the U.S. chairmanship of the Arctic Council. He was also a Special Assistant (for African affairs) to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs. He served as Norway-Denmark desk officer, and as assistant desk officer for South Africa. His first tour was in Manama, Bahrain.
U.S. Issues Revised Visa Reciprocity Fees for Nigeria August
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The US Embassy Abuja in Nigeria announced recently that the visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria has changed effective August 29, 2019. The statement notes that since early 2018, the U.S. government has engaged the Nigerian government to request that the Nigerian government change the fees charged to U.S. citizens for certain visa categories. Apparently, the government of Nigeria has not changed its fee structure for U.S. citizen visa applicants, so now the State Department has issued new reciprocity fees. Note that visa processing fees, and visa issuance fees are not the same.
Effective worldwide on 29 August, Nigerian citizens will be required to pay a visa issuance fee, or reciprocity fee, for all approved applications for nonimmigrant visas in B, F, H1B, I, L, and R visa classifications. The reciprocity fee will be charged in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, which all applicants pay at the time of application. Nigerian citizens whose applications for a nonimmigrant visa are denied will not be charged the new reciprocity fee. Both reciprocity and MRV fees are non-refundable, and their amounts vary based on visa classification.
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U.S. law requires U.S. visa fees and validity periods to be based on the treatment afforded to U.S. citizens by foreign governments, insofar as possible. Visa issuance fees are implemented under the principle of reciprocity: when a foreign government imposes additional visa fees on U.S. citizens, the United States will impose reciprocal fees on citizens of that country for similar types of visas. Nationals of a number of countries worldwide are currently required to pay this type of fee after their nonimmigrant visa application is approved.
The total cost for a U.S. citizen to obtain a visa to Nigeria is currently higher than the total cost for a Nigerian to obtain a comparable visa to the United States. The new reciprocity fee for Nigerian citizens is meant to eliminate that cost difference.
Since early 2018, the U.S. government has engaged the Nigerian government to request that the Nigerian government change the fees charged to U.S. citizens for certain visa categories. After eighteen months of review and consultations, the government of Nigeria has not changed its fee structure for U.S. citizen visa applicants, requiring the U.S. Department of State to enact new reciprocity fees in accordance with our visa laws.
The reciprocity fee will be required for all Nigerian citizens worldwide, regardless of where they are applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States. The reciprocity fee is required for each visa that is issued, which means both adults and minors whose visa applications are approved will be charged the reciprocity fee. The fee can only be paid at the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General. The reciprocity fee cannot be paid at banks or any other location.
The new fees range between $80 to $303.00 USD.
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Newest African Ambassador Presents Letters of Credence at White House
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The Second Session of the United States-Tunisia Joint Economic Commission
U.S.-Tunisia Second Joint Committee Photo: U.S. Embassy Tunisia Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson Department of State
AMIP News Washington, DC August 9, 2018
On July 8, 2018, Niger’s new Ambassador to the United States – His Excellency Abdallah Wafy – presented his Letters of Credence to President Trump at an Ambassador Credentialing Ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House.
The presentation of credentials is a traditional ceremony that marks the formal beginning of an Ambassador’s service in Washington.
Ambassador Wafy obtained his master’s degree in law from the Université du Bénin, Togo and graduated from the Ecole nationale supérieure de police in France. He held a range of highranking positions in the Government of Niger, including as Senior Security Adviser to the Minister for Interior, Public Safety and Decentralization; Inspector General of Police; Special Security Adviser to the President; and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Libya and Permanent Representative of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States in Tripoli.
Prior to this appointment, Wafy served as Deputy Special Representative for the Rule of Law in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) ad interim since September 2012. He was also the missions’s Police Commissioner. He was with the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (ONUCI) from 2006 to 2007, and was Deputy Head of the Police component of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) in 2009.
He is married and has five children.
The United States and Tunisia convened the second session of the Joint Economic Commission in Washington, D.C. on June 14. Under Secretary for International Trade at the Department of Commerce, Mr. Gil Kaplan, and State Department Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ambassador Joan Polaschik, led the U.S. delegation, supported by colleagues from across the U.S. government. The Tunisian Minister of Commerce, Mr. Omar Behi, chaired his government’s delegation. Under Secretary Kaplan and Minister Behi reviewed the close and productive economic partnership between the United States and Tunisia and discussed areas for future U.S.-Tunisian trade and investment.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to expanding investment opportunities for U.S. businesses while promoting social and economic development in Tunisia under the framework of their strategic partnership. In support of that commitment, the two governments discussed initiatives in three key sectors: renewable and efficient energy; advanced manufacturing; and design, engineering, and construction. With participation from the private sector, the delegations also discussed Tunisia’s business climate, priority projects, and available tools to promote bilateral trade and investment. Participants in this year’s Joint Economic Commission anticipate continuing consultations on the topics reviewed in today’s discussions.
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Sec. Pompeo Issues Statement on Chad’s National Day
August
Washington, DC
August 12, 2019
On behalf of the United States, it is with great pleasure that I extend congratulations to the people of Chad on your 59th independence anniversary on August 11.
The United States and Chad work together with regional and international partners to strengthen regional security, protect refugees, and advance democracy and respect for human rights. We wish you success for this year’s legislative elections.
We extend best wishes to the people of Chad for peace and prosperity in the coming year.
https://howafrica.com
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United States and Algeria Sign Cultural Property Agreement
Office of the Spokesperson Department of State
2019
Department of State
Washington, DC
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future generations promotes economic development around sustainable tourism and reduces the incentive for pillage and trafficking.
The United States has been unwavering in its commitment to protect and preserve cultural heritage around the world and to combat the trafficking in cultural property that funds criminal and terrorist networks. The cultural Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and property agreement negotiated by the State Cultural Affairs Marie Royce and Algerian Department under the U.S. law implementMinister of Culture Meriem Merdaci will sign a ing the 1970 Convention on the Means of landmark bilateral Memorandum of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Understanding on cultural property protection on Export and Transfer of Ownership of Thursday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cultural Property demonstrates the United Department of State. States commitment to our relationship with Algeria. The United States has similar bilatThis agreement places U.S. import restrictions on eral agreements with 19 countries around the categories of Algerian archaeological material dat- world, and has imposed emergency import ing from 2.4 million years ago to approximately restrictions on cultural property from Iraq 1750 A.D., including some of the earliest human and Syria as well. remains found at Ain Boucherit and cultural objects from many of Algeria’s World Heritage sites, including Tipasa, Timgad, and Dj’mila. The joint commitment of the United States and Algeria to protect Algeria’s heritage and accessibility for August 14, 2019
You Have No Idea
H
Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah
ave you noticed that sometimes (actually most of the time) when you pray, you have so much on your prayer list that by the time you finish, you haven’t prayed for anyone else outside yourself and your immediate family? I have. We can get so wrapped up in ourselves and our needs that we forget to consider the needs of our friends, church family, community and our world at large. We fail to intercede for each other. One of the important lessons we learn from Jesus is that even while facing persecution and His pending crucifixion, He considered and prayed for his disciples. We have to keep this in mind so that we fulfill a crucial part of being imitators of Christ, interceding for each other. A critical area where we need to intercede for each other is our safety and well-being. I think we should continue to pray for our own personal safety, but praying for everyone’s well-being is key in protecting ourselves. When we intercede for each other, we close all gaps, all opportunities for the enemy to take a strong hold in our lives. We strengthen our core as well as our borders. It has become more and more necessary that we become cognizant of our responsibility to each other, for what affects one person affects us all. If anything, we must realize that if someone is not safe, then our safety too is not secured. I am moved to write on this subject because of the many accounts of senseless cruelty, violent crimes and deaths surrounding us. Each day, we are confronted with news from various communication sources citing grievous incidents. The information presented to us confirms that our world is only getting worse. We become disturbed and disheartened, but these are the signs of the times as the Bible has already warned us that we “will hear of wars and rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6-7) and that because “iniquity will abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matt. 24:12). Unfortunately, these events are not removed from us, but very close. We are living in dangerous times and we are all vulnerable to premeditated or random violence.
The news we hear is not the tale of someone else. The news is about us, not only because it is about mankind, but also because just as it happens to another person, it can easily happen to us. These narratives from the media are about our safety, our chances, and our tragedies. We can be hit hard with senseless violence and preventable tragedies. Even worse, our children are more vulnerable and there is almost no safe harbor for them. These days we can’t rest assured that they will be safe in their schools, the Boy Scouts or even in the church. There is someone always preying on them, pedophiles, child abusers of the emotional and physical kind, cruel and psychologically disturbed people. They can emotionally and spiritually impact our kids in a very harmful way. I don’t enjoy being the bearer of bad news, neither do I want to incite fear in anyone, but I think that as much as we might want to distance ourselves from such fearful thoughts and acts, we have to at least bear some reality in mind and then take the necessary steps to combat becoming victimized. As Christians, we are in the midst of warfare and must be vigilant and wise as the Bible advises. What do I mean by warfare? I mean that even as we go about innocently minding our business and living our lives as law-abiding and practicing Christians, danger is lurking somewhere, someplace. We have to understand that negative spiritual forces are at work against the lives of all people, even if one is a child of God. For instance, there are some accounts of individuals who walked close with God and had no idea that they were in warfare. The Apostle Peter walked closely with Jesus. If there was an inner circle within the twelve apostles and Jesus, Peter was certainly in that circle. He loved Jesus and Jesus loved him. Peter was passionate and even aggressive for the Lord, but Jesus knew that with all his passion and with all his good intentions for the ministry, Peter was like everyone else. He was a prey for the devil and the devil had set his sights on him. Peter was clearly unaware of this as Jesus revealed to him that “Satan had desired to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you….” (Luke 22:31). Just as he wanted with Peter, the enemy has a desire to destroy us, to render us useful for his kingdom or useless for God’s. But Christ’s revelation to Peter is one to us also. It warns us that we are not entirely safe and we shouldn’t take comfort in our ignorance. Although we can take comfort in knowing that Christ is watching over and praying for us, we also have to be aware that our adversary, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1st Peter 5:8). Knowing this, we are left with one important duty, to pray for each other. Christ’s example with Peter teaches us how we should relate to each other as
Christians. I think it even teaches us how we should relate to all people. We ought to intercede for each other. We ought to have foresight, empathy and compassion. Our compassion should not be activated after one has been sifted as wheat or completely destroyed. It should be constantly within us and expressed outwardly. A genuine expression of compassion is to remember each other in prayer. I remember that when I was younger, it puzzled me so much when someone would feel for another person whom they did not really know and they would cry or weep terribly for that person. My mother used to do that. I recall that when I was in high school, she received news on the death of an acquaintance’s daughter. I remember she cried and cried on the phone while talking with the family and then when she was done talking, with the phone still in her hand and her back against the yellow kitchen wall, she slowly slid down to the floor and cried even more. I looked at her as if something was wrong with her. I had heard parts of the conversation and deduced that a young girl had passed. Even still, I didn’t really understand why she was crying so terribly. I said directly and insensitively to her “why are you crying? You don’t even know the girl.” With tear tracks down her face, and tears still welling in her eyes, my mom quietly looked at me and said nothing. Quite a few years later and as life now counts me as a mother, I now understand what my mother felt. I will say that ever since I became a mother, I sense in me a pain and empathy I had never really felt for others before. I could be doing one thing or another and upon hearing of a particular tragedy that has occurred to another’s son, daughter, irrespective of the age, I become so disturbed that my eyes begin to well up with tears that I have to control myself by forcefully shutting down the tears that might want to make their way out of my eyes. I would force myself to endure the pain internally, especially when people were around just so that I wouldn’t appear as an emotional nutcase, a woman without any control of her feelings. There was one situation that I just couldn’t shut my heart and emotions down enough to restrain the flooding of the tears. A little five year old girl was raped and strangled. It turned out that her own mother had sold her into prostitution for a few dollars worth of drugs. The story resonated with me because I have a five year old niece; I also have a four year old daughter as well as help with children from infancy to five years old at my church. I know how I adore them and can only imagine how other mothers and families could easily adore their little princesses. There was no shutting down of the tears that time. I wept out loud in my home. I wept for the tragic loss of that girl’s life. After we have heard so many terrible accounts of such events, what are we doing about them beyond shaking our heads in disbelief? How are we expressing our compassion? How are we also working to prevent such a thing from happening to those near us and even
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ourselves? This girl’s situation reminds me of what Jesus said to Peter. He tells him that Satan had desired to sift him like wheat. Satan hasn’t changed and Peter is not the only intended victim. All the evil in the world is orchestrated by Satan’s dark forces and it is these forces that move human beings to become so destructive and murderous that they would harm little children. But aside from that particular news event, what of all the others like the adoptive mother in the state of Maryland who emotionally, psychologically, and physically abused, murdered and kept the bodies of two of her adopted daughters in a freezer? How could something like this happen? How could the domestic landscape become so tumultuous that a husband would intentionally set his wife on fire? While we hear these horrific stories, we have to remember that this is what Christ was talking about to Peter. We have to know that like Peter, we have no idea what the enemy is plotting against us, how he is ready to use someone to bring pain and heartache to our lives whether it will come by harming us directly or indirectly by harming a loved one. We have no idea. The great Job also had no idea that the devil had gone to God seeking permission to harm him. Consider all the destruction of his wealth, the death of all his children and what he physically suffered. Although Job was a righteous man, he didn’t know that he was in warfare and he certainly didn’t know that the enemy had intentions of destroying him, sifting him like wheat. So what are we to do, be nervous, insecure and intimidated by life? No, but we ought to recall the actions and words of Christ so that we will pray not only for ourselves but for each other. There is power in compassion, empathy and most importantly, prayer. There is power in interceding for each other. We ought to pray for our family, our church members, our neighbors, our children’s friends and acquaintances. We ought to pray for as many people as we can on a regular basis, so that we could spiritually thwart any physical manifestation of harm that the enemy of righteousness is plotting against lives. That is the action we should take. That is the advice inherent in Jesus’ words to Peter.
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South African Airways Further Strengthens Service To Accra, Ghana With Daily Nonstop Flights From The U.S.
August 2019
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South African Airways Awarded “Favorite Airline In Africa” By Trazee Travel’s Millennial Readers For The Fifth Consecutive Year
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Fort Lauderdale, FL (August 7, 2019) – South African Airways (SAA) has been named “Favorite Airline in Africa” for the fifth consecutive year at the annual The Trazees awards. The award was presented to South African Airways at the yearly event hosted by FXExpress Publications, which includes Global Traveler, trazeetravel.com and whereverfamily.com, during the 2019 Global Business Travel Association convention on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at the Claridge House Hotel in Chicago.
Fort Lauderdale, FL (August 8, 2019) –
South African Airways (SAA), Africa’s most awarded airline, will increase its frequency on nonstop flights between Washington, D.C.-Dulles International Airport and Accra’s Kotoka International Airport to a daily service effective September 5, 2019. SAA will be the only airline to offer daily nonstop flights between the United States of America and Ghana and will offer travelers convenient connections to and from over 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada through its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines via Washington, D.C.-Dulles. “We are very excited to be the only airline to provide a daily nonstop flight between Washington D.C. and Ghana,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, North America for South African Airways. “There is a large Ghanaian community in the metropolitan Washington, D.C area, as well as significant business opportunities between the two countries. Additionally, Ghana is brimming with beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture, and has been a true pioneer in eco-tourism We look forward to flying North American travelers to this amazing destination every day of the week.” SAA’s increase of flights on the route will also serve to support the partnership with Africa World Airlines by offering seamless connections between Accra and additional destinations in West Africa including; Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria; Monrovia, Liberia and Freetown, Sierra Leone. SAA’s flights between Washington-Dulles and Accra will be operated with both the Airbus A330-300 and the Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The A330300 features 46 full-flat 180° beds with direct aisle access at every seat in Premium Business Class and 203 seats in Economy Class in a spacious and comfortable cabin. The A330200 offers 36 full-flat beds in Premium Business Class and 186 seats in Economy Class. Customers traveling in both Premium Business Class and Economy Class will enjoy an extensive menu of on-demand audio and visual entertainment options, in-seat power ports, freshly prepared meals and complimentary bar service featuring award-winning South African wines.
The new flight schedule, effective September 5, 2019 is as follows (all times are local): Washington D.C. - Accra – Johannesburg SA #210 Daily SA #209 Daily Depart Washington D.C – IAD: 5.40PM Depart Johannesburg, South Africa: 6.30PM Arrive Accra, Ghana: 8:10AM +1 Arrive Accra, Ghana: 10:35PM Depart Accra, Ghana: 9:10AM +1 Depart Accra, Ghana: 11:35PM
Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa: 4:55PM +1 Arrive Washington D.C – IAD: 6.25AM +1 While SAA is increasing to daily flights on its service between Washington-Dulles and Accra, Ghana, it is temporarily suspending service on its twice-weekly service between Washington-Dulles and Dakar, Senegal.
Customers traveling to/from Dakar should contact South African Airways’ Reservations or their professional travel consultant to be re-accommodated on alternate flights.
For reservations and information, customers should visit www.flysaa.com or contact South African Airways’ Reservations at 1-(800) 722-9675 or their professional travel consultant.
Trazee Travel is a unique web publication created for travelers aged 18–35. The Trazees celebrate the best and brightest travel companies from around the world and includes airlines, airports, hotels, destinations and other travel providers. A ballot ran on trazeetravel.com from December 2018 through March 2019 to determine the winners.
“All of us at South African Airways are thrilled that Trazee Travel readers have selected us as their favorite airline in Africa,” said Marlene Sanau, vice president sales for South African Airways. “The millennial traveler is a sought after demographic and are a growing segment of tourism to Africa. To be recognized by the millennial market in this fashion is a testament to the quality of service SAA delivers as the best way to start an African experience of a lifetime.”
"Congratulations to South African Airways on its 2019 The Trazees win, and its induction among the inaugural class of Quint Status winners. Since its inception five years ago, SAA has been a perennial favorite on
The Trazees list of winners, quite an accomplish to regularly feature so prominently among this discerning generation's favorite travel providers. We look forward to celebrating SAA for many more years to come," said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, trazeetravel.com.
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cial.
So we made a very big deal yesterday with Japan, and it is — it’s one of the biggest trade deals you’ll ever see.
And my only problem, Mr. President, is when we make a really big and really great trade deal, like with Japan yesterday — the media never writes about it. They never write about it. They only like to write about the bad things. And there aren’t too many of them. There aren’t too many of them.
Okay. Do you have anything further to say? Okay, thank you very much.
Q Mr. President, can you tell us about the China call that you referred to? When will the next round of negotiations start? And did you speak to President Xi?
Q Mr. President, can you tell me why the Palestinian Authority has been taken out of the U.S. State Department website? And how is it conducive to the peace —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Go ahead. What was your question?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much. It’s a great honor to be with President El-Sisi, who’s a friend In the meantime, Egypt has made tremendous progress of mine for now a long time, it seems, right? From under a great leader’s leadership. It’s what it’s all about. even before the campaign. And your staff also, who I’ve gotten to know — fantastic people. So I want to thank you and I want to congratulate PRESIDENT EL-SISI: Yes. you.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We met during the campaign, a little before the campaign. And we got along right away. I didn’t actually ask for an endorsement, but I think if I would’ve asked, I might have gotten it. (Laughter.)
PRESIDENT EL-SISI: (As interpreted.) Your Excellency, I thank you very much. It’s, really, a pleasure to have this meeting with you. We enjoy mutual understanding, appreciation, and respect. And this is a marvelous thing that we’re having together.
We understood each other very well. He’s a very tough And as you mentioned, Your Excellency, our relationship man, I will tell you that. But he’s also a good man, and started before the campaign, during the campaign, and he’s done a fantastic job in Egypt. Not easy. afterwards. And I’m confident that it is going to last.
So we’ll be talking, today, trade. We’ll be talking mili- We expressed our congratulations in advance, before, and tary. A lot of things are happening in your part of the we express our congratulations now, in advance. world, as usual, unfortunately.
And also, very big things are happening with China. You probably read the breaking news a little while ago that they want to make a deal — they just came out — and they want calm. And that’s a great thing, frankly. And one of the reasons that he’s a great leader — President Xi — and one of the reasons that China is a great country is they understand how life works. And that was just announced.
There are a lot of issues of mutual interest that we’re going to address in this meeting. And we always enjoy this mutual and deep understanding.
I express my highest respect, thanks, and appreciation, Mr. President.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much. One of the things we’ll be discussing — one of the things we’ll be discussing will be trade. And I can’t underestimate or speak China called, last night, our top trade people, and said, more highly of the trade deal we made yesterday with “Let’s get back to the table.” So, we’ll be getting back Japan. It’s an incredible — an incredible deal. It’s a massive to the table. And I think they want to do something. deal, especially for our agriculture — our farmers, our They’ve been hurt very badly, but they understand this ranchers — and e-commerce. A big e-commerce component is the right thing to do. And I have great respect for it. that is very important. I have great respect for it. This is a very positive development for the world. But it’s a fantastic deal. It’s a tremendous deal. It came at a
great time. And we’ve been helping the farmers anyway, So we’re going to have a further statement on China. but it’s something that really has impressed me very much, We’ll have a news conference a little bit later, unless Mr. President. Our farmers, they don’t want to take. They the media doesn’t want a news conference. If you want to produce. They want to be able to do their work. don’t want one, we’ll cancel it immediately. But They don’t want anything for nothing. They’re incredible assuming you want one, we’ll have a news conference, people. I call them “great American patriots.” And they’ve which I think you might want. been really — the job they’re doing is something very spe-
Q Mr. President, I asked you: Could you tell us a little bit more about the call you referred to? When will the next round of negotiations with China start?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, we’ve gotten two calls. And very, very good calls. Very productive calls. They mean business. They want to be able to make a deal. It’s very important that — yeah, I think it’s very important for them.
Look, they’ve lost 3 million jobs, and a lot of things have happened. And it’s why President Xi is a great leader. He understands. And it’s going to be great for China. It’s going to be great for the U.S. It’s going to be great for the world. He understands that, and he’s able to do things that other people aren’t able to do.
So, we were called, and we’re going to start very shortly to negotiate, and we’ll see what happens. But I think we’re going to make a deal because they don’t want to lose their chains. They have supply chains that are unbelievably intricate, and people are all leaving and they’re going to other countries, including the United States, by the way. We’re going to get a lot of them too, a percentage. Meaning, we’ll get — I think we’re going to get a higher percentage than a lot of people would think.
So we are going to start talking very seriously, and we’ll see how that goes. We’ve had a lot of good things.
We had other good news yesterday, but I can’t talk to you about that. And, frankly, you people — you called that one totally wrong. You had that one figured as wrong as you can figure it. But we had some other good news yesterday. Q Are you speaking to President Xi directly?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I don’t want to say. I can’t comment on that.
Q Do you have any response to Foreign Minister Zarif being here yesterday? Were you surprised that he was here? PRESIDENT TRUMP: No.
Q And did you talk about — did you meet with him? Did anyone from the U.S. government meet with him?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: No, I don’t want to comment on that. But he was here, and we’ll see what happens with Iran. But you called it wrong in the media last night. I like to at least tell you when you call — and I’ll tell you when you call it right, too, which isn’t too often.
Q Some of your allies, though, are saying that it was disrespectful for
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President Trump Meets Egyptian President el-Sisi
PRESIDENT TRUMP: No, just the opposite. Q — or that it was disrespectful to the U.S.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: No, no, no. Q You don’t feel that way?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: He asked my approval. President Macron asked my — we have a very good relationship. Look — you know, that’s another thing you got wrong.
I mean, we had — this was the best meeting we’ve had with President Macron, in France. It was straight up — now, we’re not finished yet. We have another, sort of, a day left. We have a lot of meetings, including with the President of Egypt, which I’m looking forward to. And I’m meeting with Angela Merkel in a little while. And we’re meeting with a few others. And we have some very important meetings planned, plus we have some sessions. And then we’ll have a news conference if you so choose.
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PRESIDENT TRUMP: No, of course not. It won’t be before the election, I don’t think. Q No, after. After the election.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: But I think you may see what the deal is before the election. But I — and I think a deal will happen. But everybody says that that’s a deal that can’t be made. They always refer to that deal — Israel and the Palestinians; there’s tremendous hatred for many, many decades. And everybody says that is a deal that cannot be made. So we’ll see if we can make it.
Q When did President Macron tell you he was going to invite the —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I don’t want to comment on that. But I knew he was coming in and I respected the fact that he was coming in. And he met with President Macron. And Iran has got a very difficult situation. They’re in a position that’s not a very good position from the standpoint of economics. And that’s okay, because we can clear that up very quickly.
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If I hadn’t won, our economy now would have been overtaken by China. And all these clowns that are sitting on television that have been running this government for many years, that have been taken to the cleaners by China, they’re all sitting there saying, “Well, I don’t think the President is negotiating properly.” They don’t know what they’re talking about.
I have great respect for the fact that China called; they want to make a deal. I have great respect. And I have great respect for President Xi. And I think we’re going to have a deal because now we’re dealing on proper terms. They understand, and we understand. But that’s a great thing that happened. And they want to get something done. Now, maybe it won’t get done, but this is the first time I’ve seen them where they really do want to make a deal. And I think that’s a very positive step.
Q But with regard to Iran?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: And as far as Iran is concerned, that was with great respect. And I spoke to President Macron yesterday, and I knew everything he was doing, Q Mr. President — I’m looking to have a really good Iran, really strong. We’re not and I approved whatever he was doing. And I thought it looking for regime change. You’ve seen how that works over was fine. And I think it’s too soon to meet. I didn’t want PRESIDENT TRUMP: But on the Macron — no, no, that was — he the last 20 years. That hasn’t been too good. And we’re looking to meet. I said, “I don’t want to meet right now.” But it’s spoke to me. He asked me. I said, “If you want to do that, that’s to make — make Iran rich again. Let’s — let them be rich. Let’s soon going to be time to meet with Iran, and it’s going to okay.” I don’t consider that disrespectful at all, especially when he let them do well, if they want, or they can be poor as can be. be a great thing for Iran. They have a great potential. asked me for approval. They can be like they are now. Iran has great potential. And you know who else has Q Mr. President, President El-Sisi is an important figure in the U.S. And I’ll tell you what: I don’t think it’s acceptable, the way great potential? North Korea. Kim Jong Un. And under peace — they’re being forced to live in Iran. And what we want is very his leadership, North Korea has great potential. And I sim- — it’s got to be non-nuclear. It’s got to be non-nuclear. don’t think North Korea wants to blow it. Because if PRESIDENT TRUMP: Very important. We’re going to talk about ballistic missiles. We’re going to talk they blow it, it won’t be good. about timing. We’re going to talk about the length of the agreeQ Can you speak about that and whether taking Palestinian ment, which, as you know, it expires in a very short period of Q You didn’t want to meet with Zarif, but did you send a Authority out of the State Department’s website list of countries is time. message to him on Iran at all? conducive to that?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, you can ask Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State. And he’s working very, very hard on that situation, and very competently. And if you look and see what’s going on with the Palestinians and with Israel, we’d like to see if we can make a deal. It’s very — it got complicated by the Israeli elections, but we’re going to know who the Prime Minister is going to be fairly soon. It’s happening along. That was a complicating factor.
I think the Palestinians would like to make a deal. As you know, I cut off most funding to the Palestinians — a lot of funding. And I think they’d like to get it back. I think they’d like to make a deal. We’ll see what happens. Nobody has ever done that before. They used to negotiate paying a fortune of money — $750 million. They’d pay, pay, pay. And they’d be treated with disrespect, but they’d keep paying. This went on for years. So I don’t believe in that.
We cut off their funding — a lot of it. And we’ll see what happens. But I think they want to make a deal, the Palestinians. And I think Israel would like to make a deal too.
I mean, the agreement that President Obama made expires in a very short period of time. What kind of agreement is that? He paid $150 billion for a short-term agreement. He’d like to have $150 billion for a short — he’ll do — he’ll do that deal.
Plus, he gave them $1.8 billion in cash. Where’s your finance minister? Finance minister? Which one?
MINISTER SHOUKRY: Not here, but I’ll —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Okay, explain to him, one hundred — $1.8 billion in cash. Will you take it? Egypt will take it.
Q Mr. President, what’s the next step, then, with Iran, from your perspective?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, we’ll see what happens. You know, it’s all very new. They’re under a lot of financial stress. We put sanctions. Secretary of the Treasury is here right now. And he’s, really, very expert at what he does. And he’s done a very effective job.
I think people, after so many years and decades, I think they’re a lit- They used to say that — look, we are the largest economy, by tle tired of fighting. Even he gets tired of fighting. Him, I’m not far, in the world. When I became President, we were heading to sure about. I think he always wants to fight. be the second largest. China was going to overtake us. Not going to happen. Not going to happen anytime, I’ll tell you, Q Are you confident that it’s going to be released right after the when I’m here. Can’t happen. Israeli election?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Oh, I don’t — you mean the deal?
Q The peace (inaudible).
We’ve picked up $20 trillion in worth. And China has lost $20-, $25-, $30 trillion in worth. We’re now almost double the size the economy.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I don’t want to comment on that. I can’t comment on that. Q Are you considering French wine tariffs, Mr. President? Is that a possibility?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Am I going to tariff French wine? Q Yes.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, it depends on the deal we work out on the digital tax. Q And what’s the status of that, sir?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We’re negotiating right now.
Q And on Iran, sir, are you willing to waive oil sanctions in order to get Iran to the table?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I’m not going to tell you what I’m willing to do. But Iran has a chance to really build themselves up and be a very great nation — greater than before. But they have to stop terrorism. That is your number-one nation of terror. Now, not in the last year and half, two years, because they can’t spend like they used to spend.
They took President Obama’s $150 billion and they doled it out to terrorists all over the place. I think they’re going to change. I really do. I believe they have a chance
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The Enduring Partnership Between the United States and South Africa
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Act.
This law doubles the U.S. government’s investment capital from $29 billion to $60 billion and offers promising opportunities for more U.S. direct investment in Africa.
This new legislation will enable the U.S. government to make equity investments in African companies, and we hope to use these resources to unlock billions in private capital from the United States.
Our government also recently unveiled the “Prosper Africa” Initiative. Prosper Africa is an ambitious effort to significantly increase two-way trade in goods and investment between America and Africa.
Prosper Africa will help us expand the number of commercial deals between U.S. and African counterparts and promote better business climates and financial markets on the continent.
U.S. companies are investing in President Ramaphosa’s goal of raising 100 billion U.S. dollars in new investments over five years.
REMARKS TIBOR P. NAGY, JR., ASSISTANT SECRETARY BUREAU OF AFRICAN AFFAIRS UNIVERSITY OF THE WITSWATERSRAND JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA JUNE 21, 2019 As Prepared
Thank you Deputy Vice Chancellor Vilakazi for the introduction. I’m grateful to you and to everyone at Wits University and the African Centre for the Study of the United States for hosting today’s event.
And thanks to all of you here today for this wonderful welcome to South Africa. I know many of you are still reflecting on yesterday’s State of the Nation Address and that the rest are probably thinking about how today is the last day of exams. Having served in both government and academia, I can sympathize with you all. So thank you again for coming today; I’m thrilled to be here.
I spent most of my 32-year career as an American diplomat on this continent, and I was fortunate to serve in Ethiopia, Guinea, Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo, Zambia, and the Seychelles.
The world, including Africa, has changed dramatically from when I became a diplomat in 1978.
When I first set foot on the continent, there were no cellphones, no internet, few television stations, and to call back to America from Lusaka required booking a slot days ahead to reserve one of the few international lines available at that time.
Today, modern technology has changed all that. Mobile messenger apps effortlessly connect people in Africa and around the world; and last year when my grandson was born right here in South Africa, so far from home, I was incredibly grateful for the gift of real time communication!
Since I assumed my current role last September, this is my fourth trip to Africa.
These trips provide me the opportunity to meet with government
officials, business leaders, civil society, and Africa’s dynamic youth to hear a range of views and discuss concrete ways to strengthen cooperation.
So today, I am truly excited to speak to you about the enduring relationship between the United States and the countries of Africa, especially South Africa.
Specifically, I want to talk about the U.S. government’s policy priorities in Africa and how we are working with partners like South Africa to achieve our common goals.
Our engagement in Africa is driven largely by four guiding principles:
First, the United States is interested in promoting stronger trade and business ties between Africa and America, to the benefit of the people of both. Second, we must harness the potential of Africa’s tremendous youth population to drive Africa’s economic growth and create real prosperity. Third, we must continue to advance peace and security across the continent. Fourth, I am here today to reinforce that America has an unwavering commitment to Africa. No country in the world can match the depth and breadth of America’s long engagement with the people of Africa. The United States greatly values its partnership with South Africa as the democratic and economic leader on the world’s fastest growing continent.
Nevertheless, South Africa faces some tough choices as it seeks to increase economic growth and come to grips with how best to manage and reform struggling state-owned enterprises. I would be remiss to play down the challenges you face. At the same time, we do not view these challenges as obstacles but an opportunity for closer cooperation.
This U.S. interest in deepening trade and investment ties with South Africa extends throughout the region, as well as the continent.
With the strong backing of the Trump Administration, our Congress recently passed legislation called the BUILD
At last October’s investment conference in Johannesburg, U.S. companies including McDonalds and Procter and Gamble announced large new investments, Microsoft announced it would build three data centers, and Amazon unveiled plans for a cloudcomputing hub.
Most recently, United Airlines announced a new, non-stop flight to Cape Town from the United States, complementing flights by Delta Air Lines to Johannesburg.
Regionally, we are similarly excited to see U.S. energy companies interested in investment opportunities in Namibia, production facilities in Eswatini, and agriculture in Angola. This is what U.S. commercial engagement in Africa looks like.
Our second priority is harnessing the potential of Africa’s youth population. We have seen time and again that investing in education is the best way to invest in the future.
I saw this first-hand as Vice-Provost for International Affairs at Texas Tech University. Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050 to around 2.5 billion people, of which over 60 percent will be under the age of 25.
We must find ways to ensure the youth have the education and training that leads to enhanced employment opportunities.
Right here at Wits University, we have a great example of the U.S.-South African education partnership in the IBM Research Lab. Just this year, U.S. Department of State Deputy Secretary Sullivan visited this Lab and was impressed with its capabilities and the potential for private-public partnerships to help solve pressing challenges in South Africa.
The Department of State has many programs to promote mentorship, networking, and career development for young people.
This includes, of course, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)/Mandela Washington Fellowship. This year, 700 young African leaders from all across Sub-Saharan Africa were selected to participate in the program. They are in the United States at this very moment for training and academic coursework, networking and mentoring at 27 top U.S. universities. When they return home, they will join approximately 3,700 Fellowship
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USCIS Helps Detect Marriage Fraud Ring
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The Bridgeport resident pleaded guilty to arranging numerous fraudulent marriages so noncitizens could obtain Green Cards.
As part of the scheme, Stephenson prepared several immigration documents needed as part of the noncitizen’s LPR NEW HAVEN, Conn. — John H. Durham, application. She had the applicant and United States attorney for the District of spouse sign the documents and, in many Connecticut; the acting special agent in cases, mailed the documents to the USCIS charge of Homeland Security Investigations immigration authorities for the applicant. (HSI) in Boston; and a supervisory immigra- In some cases, Stephenson or her assistion officer for U.S. Citizenship and tants prepared other false documents for Immigration Services (USCIS) Office of the couple, such as a false lease that porFraud Detection and National Security trayed the couple as living together. (FDNS), announced that Jodian Stephenson, also known as “Jodian Gordon,” 35, of Stephenson typically charged between Bridgeport, pleaded guilty on Aug. 19, in $17,000 and $20,000 to complete this New Haven federal court to a conspiracy process for a noncitizen, and the citizen charge stemming from her arrangement of spouse received between $2,000 and numerous fraudulent marriages so that non- $4,000 for their participation. U.S. citizens would receive U.S. immigration benefits. During the investigation, Stephenson offered to arrange a sham marriage for a USCIS officials within the FDNS Directorate federal law enforcement agent working in learned of the potential fraudulent marriages an undercover capacity, and help them to obtain Green Card benefits in 2016 and obtain a Green Card in exchange for a began collaborating with HSI investigators proposed fee of $20,000. In recorded conto reveal numerous cases of marriage fraud. versations, Stephenson then introduced the undercover agent to a U.S. citizen and “We at USCIS take marriage fraud – and all advised them about the ways they could fraud – seriously,” said USCIS Acting create the appearance that they were legalDirector Ken Cuccinelli. “I commend the ly married and living together as husband professionalism of the USCIS staff that and wife. reported the attempts to defraud our immigration system, and our officers who are Stephenson pleaded guilty to one count of partnering with HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s conspiracy to commit immigration marOffice for the District of Connecticut to riage fraud. She faces a maximum term of investigate these claims. I also thank our law imprisonment of five years when U.S. enforcement partners for their efforts to District Judge Michael P. Shea sentences bring perpetrators to justice. Let this serve as her in Hartford. A sentencing date is not a reminder that if you partake in fraudulent scheduled. activity, you will get caught.” Stephenson has been released on a According to court documents and state$250,000 bond since her arrest on August ments made in court, Stephenson operated 22, 2018. Stephenson Immigration and Legal Services Six other individuals involved in this LLC, in Bridgeport. Between 2011 and 2017, scheme previously pleaded guilty. Stephenson conspired with others to arrange 28 sham marriages between U.S. citizens On Dec. 5, 2018, Donovan Lawrence, of and noncitizens residing in the U.S. so the Milford, who operated Donovan’s non-citizens’ could apply for and obtain law- Accounting Services LLC, in Bridgeport, ful permanent residence (LPR) status, also pleaded guilty to his role in this conspiraknown as getting a Green Card. cy. In addition, four U.S. citizens who entered into one or more fraudulent marOne of the 28 sham marriages was between riages with noncitizens, and one noncitiStephenson, who is a citizen of Jamaica, and zen who entered into a fraudulent mara U.S. citizen. riage with a U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty. All await sentencing. For each of the other 27 fraudulent marriages, Stephenson found and introduced a HSI and FDNS are conducting the investiU.S. citizen to be the noncitizen’s purported gation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. spouse and helped the couple obtain a marKopel is prosecuting the case. riage license. She also organized the marriage ceremony and celebration, and coached the couple on how to make their marriage appear to be genuine despite their neither living together nor otherwise intending to remain actually married.
USCIS Assists in Conviction of Visa Fraud Perpetrator August
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal jury convicted Abhijit Prasad, 52, of Tracy, California, on 21 counts of visa fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft today. The case originated in Sacramento when the grand jury there indicted Prasad in 2016, but the case was ultimately tried in San Francisco after a court order transferred the case there.
U.S. Attorney David Anderson for the Northern District of California and U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott for the Eastern District of California made the announcement.
According to the evidence at trial, Prasad filed 19 petitions for H-1B nonimmigrant visas containing false statements, made under penalty of perjury, about purported work projects to be performed at locations in California, including Cisco Systems. The evidence at trial showed that Cisco had no expectation that the foreign workers who were the beneficiaries of the visa petitions would actually work at Cisco on an existing work project. The evidence at trial further showed that the defendant knowingly submitted forged Cisco documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in support of his claims that the beneficiaries would work at Cisco.
Finally, the evidence at trial showed that Prasad fraudulently used the digital signature of a Cisco employee, who was not authorized to sign Cisco employment documents, to create a document that would leave the impression that two of the H-1B workers had an existing work project at Cisco. Prasad obtained two of the H-1B visas using this fraudulent document that purports to be a fully executed Cisco contract.
“This verdict sends a strong message: the Diplomatic Security Service [DSS] is committed to making sure those who commit visa fraud face consequences for their criminal actions,” said Matthew Perlman,
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special agent in charge of the DSS San Francisco Field Office. “Diplomatic Security’s strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and with the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force [DBFTF] continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice.”
“Homeland Security Investigations [HSI] remains laser focused to conduct document and benefit fraud investigations, arresting and bringing to justice individuals, like Prasad, who seek to undermine and abuse the laws of the United States,” said Tatum King, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (San Francisco and Northern California). “These types of fraudulent activities pose a severe threat to national security and public safety as it creates vulnerabilities for terrorists and other criminals to exploit. HSI and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate such criminal activities and will hold violators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service’s representative to DBFTF, which HSI oversees. The DBFTF is a multi-agency task force that coordinates investigations into fraudulent immigration documents. The USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Audrey B. Hemesath and Michael A. Rodriguez are prosecuting the case.
Prasad is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 16 by U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer. Prasad faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the visa fraud. He faces a twoyear mandatory prison sentence and a $250,000 fine for the aggravated identity theft counts. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Source:https://uscis.gov
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South Africa Is The Most Unequal Country In The World
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make ends meet.
South Africa’s richest households are almost 10 times wealthier than poor households, according to World Bank estimates.
“If you look at the number of people who sleep on an empty stomach, these numbers are quite shocking,” adds Ndlovu.
But while democracy has delivered freedom for all South Africans, not enough has changed for those living in the country’s vast townships.
In fact, despite 25 years of democracy, South Africa remains the most economically unequal country in the world, according to the World Bank. If anything, the rainbow nation is even more divided now than it was in 1994.
Members of the association at the venue The efforts of Ghanaians living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to own a property to use as their community/heritage centre (Ghanaian Canadian Heritage Center) came to a fruitful point in their search as the City of Toronto invited the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) to an open house (visitation) at 160 Rivalda in Etobicoke on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 10am.
The open house invitation which was a follow-up of intensified negotiations between the Acquisition Committee of the GCAO and officials at the City of Toronto was well attended by a cross-section of leaders in the Toronto Ghanaian community. They included Pastors, Ethnic Association representatives, Professionals and some Youth.
will have to meet the zoning requirements of that locality.
Many of the members present expressed their satisfaction with the property and urged the Executives of GCAO to intensify their efforts to acquire and restofix or repair the property for use by the community as soon as practicable.
The President of GCAO, Mr. Emmanuel Duodu promised to expedite action to get our business plan for the property to the City of Toronto sooner than later!
It will be recalled that the GCAO has already launched a public fundraiser for the Ghanaian Canadian Heritage Center (GCHC). All hands must be on deck. The time is now!!!
The officials of the City after showing the members present around the property briefed them on the requirements of the City with regards to the acquisition and management of Source: Ghpage.com the property. It became clear that the purpose(s) for acquiring and running the property
In many ways, the legacy of apartheid endures. Previously disadvantaged South Africans hold fewer assets, have fewer skills, earn lower wages, and are still more likely to be unemployed, a 2018 World Bank report on poverty and inequality in South Africa found.
Poverty levels are highest among the black population, followed by South Africa’s “coloured” population — the accepted term for mixed-race people in the country.
In South Africa, the white population makes up the majority of the elite — or top 5% — explained Murray Leibbrandt, economics professor at the University of Cape Town.
Part of Leibbrandt’s work has involved tracking the social progress of 30,000 South Africans from 2008 to 2017.
“The best signifier of a country that’s really on its way isn’t a society with no inequality,” he said. “It’s a society with declining inequality and a growing middle class.”
And, at the other end of the spectrum, an elite, mainly white minority continues to thrive.
By Leibbrandt’s estimates, South Africa’s middle class is small and sluggish, and comprises approximately one in five South Africans.
The gap between rich and poor is wider in South Africa than in any other country where comparable data exist, the World Bank found.
“The picture that we pick up in our statistics is that we haven’t been successful in breathing transformation through the country. And it fractures the country.”
It’s not just income inequality that is cause for concern, he adds, but also unequal access to opportunities and essential public services.
“It’s a very embedded phenomenon that doesn’t change very quickly, because it’s the result of the way the whole society coheres,” Leibbrandt said.
While the African National Congress (ANC) is While the middle class has hardly grown since expected to win again in Wednesday’s national 2008, the black percentage of the middle class elections, it may be facing an increasingly disilluhas increased from 47% to 64%, he says. sioned electorate.
Mthandazo Ndlovu, Oxfam South Africa’s democracy and governance manager, say inequali- Levels of inequality in South Africa appear to be passed down from generation to generaty has been exacerbated as a result of “systemic tion. failures at a government level.”
“One would have assumed that 25 years into democracy we would have had better access to land, better access to health care, we would not have children falling into pit latrines due to failures in the provision of ablution facilities,” he said.
The way forward, he suggested, starts with South Africans recognizing the situation as it is right now.
“The point is that this inequality and these livelihoods of people, that is their daily life. And so if we are going to try and flourish This is not to say the government hasn’t made significant strides in leveling the playing field, he together … then we do need to try and underadded. Access to basic services such as electricity, stand that.” water, education and health care has improved considerably since the ANC came into power, according to the World Bank report. Source: https://howafrica.com
But a fraction of the population still enjoys the lion’s share of the spoils while the rest struggle to
Asantehene marks Akwasidae in London
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Farouk Khailann and nine others named top ten emerging leaders in West Africa August
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Furthermore, he said Leadership was not a formula or programme but rather a human activity that came from the heart; and must, therefore consider the heart of others.
Mr Khailann also called on leaders not to undermine the importance of corporate governance, adding that leaders must learn to submit themselves to processes and procedures adopted by the organizations they lead to ensure that they led by example and remained accountable.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, marked the Akwasidae Festival for Asanteman in London last Sunday.
The King who is on a short visit to the United Kingdom (UK) marked the festive occasion in grand style.
Otumfuo arrived at the durbar grounds to a rapturous applause from the Ghanaian community in the UK.
The Ghana High Commissioner to UK, Paapa Owusu Ankomah, and other dignitaries were at the function.
Some dignitaries, including chiefs, were given the chance to pay homage to the Ashanti monarch.
Otumfuo entreated Ghanaians to unite as one people to help develop the country.
He was of the view that the country’s development would be accelerated if the citizenry
worked together.
The Asantehene said Ghanaians were one people with a common destiny, for which reason they should always stay united.
He said the government cannot develop the country alone, stressing the need for the people to offer their support.
Papa Owusu Ankomah also enumerated some of the government’s policies and called for support from all.
According to him, national growth required the efforts of every Ghanaian so the people must act accordingly.
The programme, which was massively attended, was also used to showcase some of the rich Ashanti culture.
The West African Leadership Development Centre for Development, a regional institute committed to capacity advancement of Africa leaders has name Farouk Khailann, and nine other Africans as the top ten emerging leaders in west Africa. This was contained in a press release issued by the awarding institution, West Africa Leadership Centre for Development
Other African leaders who made the list include Dr Chaikou Ahmed Tidiane Balde (Guinea Conakry), Lovell Bai Bangura (Sierra Leone), Joana Gyan (Ghana), Alhaji Salamu Amadu (Ghana), Alioune Badara Diop (Senegal), Edak Nkpubre Chionuma (Nigeria), ALhagie Manka (Gambia), Abdulai Bary (Guinea Bissau) and Ibrahim Ton Cisse (Senegal)
They received categories of awards at the 2019 edition of the West African Leadership Summit and Awards, which was held at the plush oriental hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria. He received the Young Entrepreneur of the year award and was also one of the key note speakers at the event.
Speaking on leadership, Farouk Khailann called on young African leaders to question the status quo and ensure they are unconventional in how the lead.
“Leadership must have a soul. Leadership is not so much about techniques and methods as it is about opening the heart. Leadership is about inspiring oneself and others. Great leadership is about human experience, not processes. It is an attitude not a routine,” he said
Farouk Khailann is a young and vibrant African Entrepreneur who is passionate about Africa’s growth and is the Chief Executive Officer of Premium Africa Holdings. Premium Africa Holdings is an Africa focused investment holding company with assets and projects in Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The company operates in the areas of construction, ICT, mining, agribusiness, and energy and investment consultancy. Premium Africa holdings has also partnered with American music star Akon for his Akon Lighting Africa project in Liberia.
Premium Africa Holdings opened a UAE office in March this year to augment its efforts in driving investments from UAE to Africa. Farouk Khailann currently works closely with offices of five African presidents on various interventions geared toward the economic transformation of their respective countries.
West African Leadership centre for development is focused on building capacity of African leaders in West Africa to ensure they play a key role in the economic transformation of the Africa continent. WALCD was established in 2007 and has its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.
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Sudan kicked out of the African Union until democracy is restored
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The AU, on Monday, condemned the violence, calling for investigations. The body had earlier warned of suspension if Sudan’s military did not hand over power, but extended the deadline after the earlier one was ignored. Years of economic struggle, dictatorship, police and military brutality and the stifling of dissent in Sudan by the Omar alBashir government were cut short in April after four months of protest yielded results.
Bashir, who is being sought by international prosecutors for alleged war crimes in the country’s western Darfur region, had earlier refused to step down and said his opponents should seek power through the ballot box. After his removal, the military indicated that it would prosecute Bashir, but would not extradite him.
The military dissolved the government and said it will oversee a two-year transitional period followed by elections, but this was met with protests on the streets. The AU subsequently gave Sudan’s military three months to transfer power to civilian rule.
Days after deadly military strikes in Sudan that killed dozens of people, the African Union (AU) has suspended the country’s membership “with immediate effect.”
The AU’s Peace and Security Department said in a post on Twitter on Thursday that Sudan’s participation in all AU activities would be suspended with immediate effect, “until the effective establishment of a civilian-led transitional authority as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from the current crisis.” The decision was made unanimously by members at an emergency meeting of the 55-member state union in Addis Ababa that lasted more than five hours, BBC reports.
Security forces in Sudan, on Monday morning, attacked a protest camp in the country’s capital, Khartoum. The attack on the pro-democracy protest at the camp has been described as the worst violence since the overthrow of the president, Omar al-Bashir in April and been condemned by many, including the European Union and the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, a group which is close to the protesters.
Footage of the crackdown showed people fleeing through the streets amidst gunfire and ammunition while medics say that scores of people have been injured. Opposition groups claim that at least 108 people have been killed and more than 500 wounded, but authorities say only 46 people have lost their lives in the attack.
Witnesses reported that the security personnel involved in the attack belonged to the Rapid
Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary force that was heavily armed by the former president, alBashir. Sudan has been governed by a Transitional Military Council (TMC) since President al-Bashir was overthrown in April. The main protest group has accused the ruling military council of trying to break up the camp, which has been the main protest site, but the council said the security forces had only targeted unruly groups in an adjacent area.
The leaders of the protest movement, who want a civilian government to take over the running of the country, said they were stopping all contact with the military and called a general strike. Negotiations have been held for weeks over who should govern a transitional period after Bashir’s overthrow, but the talks have not yielded positive results.
Monday’s crackdown sparked unrest around Khartoum, as hundreds of protesters blocked roads with stones while burning tyres in Omdurman, the twin city neighbouring the Sudanese capital, according to a report by The Guardian.
In response, the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), the group that launched nationwide protests in December, asked Sudanese people to take part in “total civil disobedience” to topple the military council and to protest on the streets.
Demonstrators have since been occupying the square in front of the military headquarters. In August, organisers and the ruling generals said they had agreed on the structure of a new administration and a three-year transition period to civilian rule. But, according to the BBC, they still need to decide on the make-up of what has been called the sovereign council, which will be the highest decision-making body in the transition period. They are yet to agree on whether civilians or the military should have the majority of positions.
Source: https://howafrica.com
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Community leaders and Asante delegation officially welcome Otumfoo to the USA
A high powered delegation from the various Asante Associations including Nananom from Washington DC Metro Area and New York in the East Coast of USA paid a courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to officially welcome him to the United States ahead of his international engagements.
Afia Serwaa Ampaafo-Yaw Nkrumah hemaa, Nana Kwaku Frempong-Washington Metro Aduanahene, Nana Akosua Asantewaa-Adukrom Gyaasehemaa, and Nana Ogyaabo Bento III Benkumhene Of Gomoa Dahom and Sanaahene Of Gomoa Ajumaku Traditional Area.
On Monday September 2, 2019 the delegation met with His Royal Later in the afternoon Agogohemaa, Nana Afrakomaah Majesty at his Maryland abode in a suburb close to Washington DC. Serwah Kusi Oboadum and The Adansihene, Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II also paid courtesy calls The New York delegation led by Nana Anane Amponsah joined on Otumfuo Otumfoo Osei Tutu II. their Washington DC Counterparts to pay homage to the Asante overlord. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, arrived in the
Nana Kwame Ampem Darko, the Asantefoohene of Washington Metro area and Nana Poku the Kontihemaa led the Washington DC delegation which included Nana Obour Gyau – Bechem Adumhene, Okogyeadwa Nti-Yeboah, Domakwaihene, Nana Owusu AppiaDankwah Kwandahor, Manwerehene of Amoafo Traditional Area, Nana Adu Acheampong –Mponua Kyidomhene of Effiduase, Nana
U.S capital, Washington D.C on Saturday August 31, 2019. He is scheduled to address the African Union on September 9 and also deliver a speech on the Culture of Peace at the United Nations General Assembly’s HighLevel Forum on September 13.
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Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo bags degree in law
Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo is the latest degree holder in town - The 57-year-old actor shared photos of himself as he bagged a degree in law from University of Abuja - Kanayo also congratulated his coursemate, Elizabeth Ayua, who graduated with a First Class from the same degree Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has made himself and his fans proud after bagging a degree from University of Abuja. The 57-year-old actor announced his latest feat on social media by sharing a clip of himself and some of his coursemates at their convocation ceremony. Kanayo who has been a stellar actor of his time bagged a degree in law. As he relished his proud moment, he also congratulated his coursemate, Elizabeth Ayua, who he revealed graduated with a first class from the same department and faculty.
Kanayo began his acting career in 1992 when he made his debut appearance in a movie titled The Bondage. Over two decades later and he is still making boss moves. He is currently a United Nations ambassador and bears the title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) Did you know? NAIJ.com (naija.ng) is now-> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. In like manner, a young lady identified as Victory Onya Njah has made herself and many Nigerians proud after graduating from the University of Jos (UniJos) with a first class. Social activist, Kayode Ogundamisi shared the news on Twitter where he revealed the most impressive detail about Victory's feat. According to him, the economics department since its inception in UniJos had never produced any first class candidate but Njah broke the record.
Source: https://www.legit.ng/1243742-veteran-actor-kanayo-okanayo-bags-degree-
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10 African proverbs to help you live your best life this New Year
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1. A bird that flies off the earth and lands on an anthill is still on the ground. — Igbo proverb 2. He that beats the drum for the mad man to dance is no better than the mad manhimself. — African proverb 3. Where water is the boss there the land must obey. — African proverb 4. No matter how beautiful and well crafted a coffin might look, it will not make anyone wish for death. — African proverb 5. When the shepherd comes home in peace, the milk is sweet. — Ethiopian proverb 6. A spider’s cobweb isn’t only its sleeping spring but also its food trap. — African proverb 7. If you do not have patience you cannot make beer. — Ovambo proverb
8. He who runs after good fortune runs away from peace. — African proverb 9. Teeth do not see poverty. — Masai proverb 10. You have little power over what’s not yours. — Zimbabwean proverb 11. If you pick up one end of the stick you also pick up the other. — Ethiopian proverb 12. Better little than too little. — Cameroonian proverb 13. You must attend to your business with the vendor in the market, and not to the noise of the market. — Beninese proverb 14. When you befriend a chief remember that he sits on a rope. — Ugandan proverb 15. The night has ears. — Masai proverb 16. The child you sired hasn’t sired you. — Somali proverb 17. A doctor who invoked a storm on his people cannot prevent his house from destruction. — Nigerian proverb 18. An intelligent enemy is better than a stupid friend. — Senegalese proverb 19. The young bird does not crow until it hears the old ones. — Tswana proverb 20. If you carry the egg basket do not dance. — Ambede proverb 21. The food which is prepared has no master. — Malagasy proverb 22. The worlds of the elders do not lock all the doors; they leave the right door open. — Zambian proverb 23. Even the best cooking pot will not produce food. — African proverb 24. The child of a rat is a rat. — Malagasy proverb 25. Where you will sit when you are old shows where you stood in youth. — Yoruba proverb
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Under Sec. Hale Meets Kenyan Principal Sec. Macharia Kamau
Under Sec. Hale and Principal Sec. Kamau Photo: U.S. Embassy, Kenya Office of the Spokesperson Department of State
Washington, DC
08/06/2019 05:43 PM EDT Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale’s Meeting with Kenyan Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau
The following statement is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:
Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale met today with Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Ambassador Macharia Kamau and Head of Public Service Dr. Joseph Kinyua in Nairobi, Kenya. The meetings followed the inaugural Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, which took place May 7-8, 2019 in Washington. The Under Secretary reaffirmed that the new U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership is grounded in mutual cooperation, shared values, and common vision. The two sides explored ways to deepen trade and investment ties, while enhancing security and multilateral cooperation. Under Secretary Hale emphasized the importance of concluding pending U.S. investment deals and making progress in the Trade and Investment Working Group. The discussion also covered shared goals for regional security and stability. The Under Secretary looked forward to deepening cooperation in the realms of defense, security and governance, and the newly-established Kenya Coast Guard Service.
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The Enduring Partnership Between the United States and South Africa
alumni, including 258 South Africans to tackle key issues their countries face today.
In South Africa, alumni of U.S. government exchange programs have made great strides in a variety of important areas. For example, Murendeni Mafumo became a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2014 as a scientist working in water purification and attended a program at Yale University. Three years ago, he launched a social enterprise, Kusini Water, with a locally designed water purification system. The system uses an activated carbon filter made from macadamia nut shells.
For every liter of water his company sells, they provide 20 liters of safe drinking water to communities that do not have access to clean water. Murendeni is using his innovative work to bring systemic change in underserved communities. He attended the Global Entrepreneurship Summit earlier this month to share his expertise with the international business community.
Ntsiki Biyela, an alumna of our African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program broke new ground as the country’s first female black winemaker. Her incredible story from domestic worker to winemaker is even more impressive considering the marketing inroads she has made both here and abroad, including in the United States.
But an educated and innovative population is only possible with our third priority: advancing peace and stability. The United States will continue to help our African allies build secure and resilient communities bolstered by capable and accountable security and defense institutions. These institutions should help to foster an environment in which businesses can flourish and the aspirations of young Africans can be met.
We support South Africa’s contributions to peace and security in Africa. Of note, with over 1,100 peacekeepers serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere, South Africa ranks in the top 20 of force contributors to UN missions. We greatly appreciate South Africa’s contributions and the participation of forces from other SADC countries, including Zambia and Malawi.
We would like to see our long-standing partnership with South Africa extend to other fora, especially multilateral bodies. South Africa currently plays an important role as a member of the United Nations Security Council and a leader in the African Union.
We were also very pleased to see the positive role that SADC, the Southern African Development Community, played when Lesotho faced a security crisis. SADC sent civilian and security reinforcements to support a neighbor in a time of need. This is exactly the role we would like to see regional organizations play across Africa.
Finally, our fourth priority – our unwavering support of Africa – brings us full circle.
The United States offers a different model of engagement in Africa that is based on mutual respect, collab-
oration, sustainability, and transparency. We don’t simply invest in Africa, we invest in African people.
We have walked side-by side with Africans for decades. How so?
Through our programs like Power Africa, the Peace Corps, the President’s Malaria Initiative, and our signature HIV/AIDS program, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. These programs have provided electricity to towns and villages.
They have brought enthusiastic American volunteers to rural areas across Africa to focus on community-led health and education projects. They have also saved lives that could have been lost to malaria and HIV/AIDS. Since 2004, PEPFAR has invested over $6 billion in HIV programs here, partnering with hundreds of South African organizations (including right here at Wits!) and the Government of South Africa. In the region, PEPFAR represents a significant part of our foreign assistance.
We are tremendously excited, therefore, that a number of countries in the region are on track to soon reach epidemic control.
Through PEPFAR and our National Institutes of Health, the United States supports pioneering biomedical research, including HIV vaccine trials. Every day, American and South African scientists, researchers, and public health experts are working together to enhance HIV prevention and care and develop innovative approaches to HIV antiretroviral therapy service delivery. There is no better way to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to Africa than through our investment in its most important resource – its people.
There is a Swahili proverb that says, “Unity is strength. Division is weakness.”
That is true within a country, and it is true between countries. As I said at the top of my remarks, I am visiting to listen, learn, and to find new arenas of cooperation. On this latter point, I also come to reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to Africa, and to South Africa. We have and will continue to invest in people and build partnerships that promote better health, jobs, skills, education, opportunity, and security.
This is an exciting time to be in Africa. The dynamism of Africa’s youth is apparent everywhere you look, and if governments, businesses, and educational institutions unite in nurturing this next generation, Africa’s future will be secured. Africa is the dynamic continent of the future, and South Africa has proven itself a leader for other African nations to follow.
“Unity is strength. Division is weakness.” Let us take this proverb to heart and continue to work together with common vision and purpose to promote shared American and African prosperity and security.
Asst. Sec. Nagy Travels to Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal
The Carter Center Partners with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health August 2019
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Office of the Spokesperson Department of State
Washington, DC August 2, 2019
Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Tibor Nagy will travel to Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal August 2-9, 2019. In Côte d’Ivoire, he will participate in the 2019 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, where he will meet with women entrepreneurs, civil society representatives, business leaders, youth, and government officials from across the continent. He will also deliver remarks at the closing plenary session of the Forum. While in Senegal, Assistant Secretary Nagy will promote expanded trade and investment opportunities during his engagements with U.S. companies and Senegalese business representatives. The Assistant Secretary will also meet with senior government officials, members of civil society, and alumni of U.S. exchange programs.
Seeking Better Outcomes for Mothers and Babies By The Carter Center
May 10, 2019
accessories that are used in the classroom skill labs. In mid-2019 we will procure and deliver a second round of such materials.
Q: Why is it important to empower frontline health workers such as nurses and midwives?
These are the health workers who are the closest to the community and deal directly with the people, so it’s essential for us to work with them. We have community extension workers, who are produced by the colleges of health technology, and we have nurses and midwives, who learn at schools of nursing and midwifery. We would like Director Kenneth Korve, who leads the initiative from the Carter Center’s office in Jos, Plateau state, explains through a to work with many more, but there are financial constraints. series of questions and answers. Through its Public Health Training Initiatives in Nigeria and Sudan, The Carter Center helps educational institutions improve the way they prepare health workers to serve the public. In Nigeria, the initiative supports one institution in each of six states.
Q: Why did The Carter Center and the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health create the Nigeria Public Health Training Initiative?
Q: What sorts of equipment and materials does the initiative deliver to these institutions?
In the first phase (early 2018), we procured furniDeveloping countries generally have challenges in the area of ture, computers, laboratory equipment, consumhealth, particularly as it pertains to maternal, infant, and child ables such as reagents, plus accessories that are used in the classroom skill labs. In mid-2019 we needs, and Nigeria is not an exception. Nigeria’s minister of will procure and deliver a second round of such health attended a conference in 2012 on whether a successful materials. Carter Center-led public health training program in Ethiopia could be replicated elsewhere. The minister liked the idea because this approach could have a nearly immediate impact.
Q: Why is it important to empower frontline health workers such as nurses and midwives?
These are the health workers who are the closest to the community and deal directly with the people, so it’s essential for us to work with them. We have community extension workers, who are produced by the colleges of health technology, and we have nurses and midwives, who learn at schools of nursing and midwifery. We would like to work with many more, but there are financial constraints.
Q: What sorts of equipment and materials does the initiative deliver to these institutions?
In the first phase (early 2018), we procured furniture, computers, laboratory equipment, consumables such as reagents, plus
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YES, It’s A RED HOT MARKET TO SELL or BUY
TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE Inspection, Appraisal, etc….
CLOSING COSTs; Fees paid at the day of closing by both sellers and buyers. These fees can cover lender expenses, taxes and insurance.
INSPECTION: Examination of the home for its condition. Handled by the licensed professional of your choosing.
It is always a pleasure to ink an article to you. Home Buying is an awesome investment to pursue; within that it is a process and time sensitive venture. Below are some key words or language you will hear from your realtor whether buying or selling a property. It is important to familiarize yourself with these terms.
TITLE: The bundle of rights for a property which will be handed to you by the Title Company to accept. I hope you enjoyed reading this article and it has provided helpful information in making your decision to home ownership a smooth one. For more information about your real estate needs (buying, selling, leasing/renting a house) call me at 571-229-6694 and I will help you get started. Thank you.
OFFER: An agreement between a buyer and a seller to purchase real estate. Also referred Anita A. Bediako- REALTOR® to as the sales contract. Samson Properties EARNEST MONEY: A deposit that accom- Licensed Real Estate Agent in Virginia and panies an offer to show the seller good faith. Maryland This deposit is held safely in escrow and put Licensed Life and Health Insurance CONTACT 571-229-6694 towards the mortgage. Email: borderlessrealestate@gmail.com Website: borderlessrealestate.com CONTINGENCY: After an offer has been accepted, finalization of the closing can be contingent on certain terms example: Home
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"I struggled academically throughout elementary school yet became the best Neurosurgeon in the World in 1987" - Dr. Ben Carson!
I was raped at the age of 9 yet I am one of the most influential women in the World" - Oprah Winfrey!"
I didn't even complete my university education but became the World's richest man" - Bill Gates!"
I was sexually, mentally, emotionally and verbally abused by my father as far back as I can remember, until I left home at the age of eighteen, yet I am one of the most influential preachers in the World" - Joyce Meyer!"
I told my father that we would be very rich but he couldn't believe me. I made it a reality" - Christiano Ronaldo!"
I used to serve tea at a shop to support my football training and still became one of the World's best footballers" - Lionel Messi!"
I used to sleep on the floor in my friends' rooms, returning Coke bottles for food, money, and getting weekly free meals at a local temple, I later on founded Apple Company" - Steve Jobs!"
My teachers used to call me a failure, but I became a Prime Minister" - Former British PM, Tony Blair!"
I started Living Faith Church from A Lawn Tennis Court with three members only & Preach prosperity. Many of my friends criticised me, but today we have the largest church auditorium in the World & two world-class universities"Bishop David Oyedepo!" I was in prison for 27 years and still became president."- Nelson Mandela!"
I drove a taxi to finance my university education but today I'm a billionaire" Mike Adenuga!
I was on the verge of suicide when an Idea of opening a restaurant hit me after I retired as a cook in the Navy. Harland Sanders, Founder of KFC I worked for my uncle since I was a small boy, people looked down on me. I later on took a loan from my uncle to open a tiny shop. I worked hard to make ends meet. Now I am the Word's Richest Man of African Decent (Richest Man in Africa). Aliko Dangote (was 23rd World's richest man on Forbes 2014 list)
I am a son of a black immigrant from Kenya, I graduated from Harvard and later on became a Senator in Chicago. I was also the President of the Most Powerful Nation on Earth.US President Barack Hussein Obama
I traveled to America in search of financial independency when I was 15yrs old. I became the World's Strongest Man 7 times and Mr Universe. I then got my Economics degree, then I became one of Hollywood's best actors before I was voted twice as governor of California (the world's 6th richest state after France and Britain). Former Governor of California Arnold Swarzzenegger_Failures or limitations of the past have no control over the greatness in you.
To him that believes, all things are possible.Don't wait for everybody to believe in your ability and dreams...Never design your life like a Garden where anyone can walk in and out......Design it like the Sky where everyone aspires to reach!Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in installments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out. The day you PROCRASTINATE, you lose that day's benefits.THINK ABOUT IT
CEANA 2019: Ewe Association of Charlotte lived up to expectations
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the convention, fundraising, administration, history and culture of the Ewe people, project selection, etc.
Today, CEANA is a registered NGO in Ghana and it is in the position to clear donations to institutions in the country without much difficulty. The organization can also assist other organizations and individuals in clearing their donations at ports in Ghana!
During the past 6 years, the organization has completed six community development projects, including classroom buildings and clinics. The completed projects are at, Tanyigbe Anyigbe, Keta-Vui, Alokoegbe, Amoussokope, Tsito Awudome, and Dawu.
The Tsito Awudome Medical Center was a recipient of medical equipment valued over $26,000.00. When members and the leadership of the group saw students in a viral video last year, wading and swimming on their way to and from school, they decided to do something about it! The organization worked with engineers at the Ho Technical University towards that end. Source: sankofaonline.com
The largest hall in Charlotte NC, could not contain the large CEANA convention attendees. Besides the main hall, two other halls had to be hurriedly arranged to accommodate other attendees during the Saturday dinner! The attendees mainly came from all over the USA, Canada and Ghana.
The event started fiery on Friday August 30th, 2019 with an exquisite and spellbinding cultural performance by the Volta Dance Ensemble of Washington DC. The luxurious hall was literally transformed into a cultural festival in the heart of Eweland.
The group showcased the unique culture of Ewes as they performed Misago ( Husago), Gahu, Gota, and others to the delight of the large crowd gathered! The crowd was mostly cheering and at times some of the revelers come out to dance with the performers or doing their “own thing” wherever they stood or sat.
The vibrant and thought-provoking traditional dances from Eweland tell a unique story of the traditions and history of the Ewe people in Ghana, Togo, Benin and parts of Nigeria. Yes, indeed CEANA conventions have grown to be the most splendid and remarkable Ghanaian convention in the diaspora! Attendance in Charlotte was estimated be close to 700!
The achievements of CEANA have been on the upside recently. We cannot talk about the achievements of CEANA however, without mentioning the name of the outgoing President, Dr. Peter Nat Abotchie! He and his lieutenants have transformed the way CEANA does its business in many ways.
The results is what we have seen in the number of attendees and achievements CEANA has chalked consistently over the past several years! During his 6-year tenure, he put in place committees to handle all aspects of CEANA’s undertakings! From the organization of
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The story of Bode Thomas, the iconic Nigerian lawyer who ‘died barking like a dog after insulting a king’ rather threw his weight behind Nnamdi Azikiwe and the National Council of Nigerians and the Cameroons (NCNC).
There had been a test of powers of sorts with Alaafin on one hand and Awolowo and Thomas on the other. The rift led to banishing of the Oba’s son, the death of Thomas and the dethronement of the Alaafin by Awolowo.
Thomas was Nigeria’s first Minister of Transportation and later Minister of Works. He also served as both a colonial minister of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria and a nobleman and privy counsellor of the historic Oyo clan of Yorubaland.
Chief Bode Thomas via @NigMuseum
Few in Nigeria’s socio-political history rose swiftly on the ladder of prominence yet died not in the evening of their lives but rather in the noon when there was so much more to do.
This was the case of Olabode Akanbi Thomas, popularly known as Chief Bode Thomas
Thomas, born October 1919, died tragically on November 23, 1953, under curious circumstances aged just 34.
The day was also his daughter’s second birthday, thus, bringing joy and pain to the Bode household.
A day prior, on November 22, 1953, Bode, who had been made the chairman of the Oyo Divisional Council having taken over from Alaafin Adeyemi II, arrived at a meeting of the council with the Oba (king) in attendance as a member.
was a successful Lagos lawyer and was a member of the Nigerian Youth Movement.
With Thomas’ style, he was regarded as brilliant, logical, astute, thoughtful, forward-looking and a workaholic. On the downside, he was viewed as arrogant, hot-tempered and a bully.
Thomas married Lucretia Shobola Odunsi having children Eniola and Dapo together. He was chancellor of the African Church of Nigeria and became a member of Regional House of Assembly in 1951.
The popular ‘Bode Thomas Street’ in Surulere is He was Balogun of Oyo – a royal name given to a village’s named after him. warhead although it can also mean one who can’t be defeated or conquered. He received the Balogun title in 1949.
Thomas was instrumental in the fight for self-rule against the British serving as a lawyer, politician, statesman and traditional aristocrat.
He was born to Andrew Thomas, a wealthy trader and auctioneer who was originally from Oyo but migrated to Lagos. He studied law in London and was called to the bar in 1942.
He subsequently returned to Nigeria to establish the law firm “Thomas, Williams and Kayode” in 1948, together with Chief Frederick Rotimi Williams and Chief Remilekun FaniKayode.
Among his other feats, he became the legal adviser of Egbe Omo Oduduwa in 1946. He was one of the founding members of the Action Group. Prior to joining Action Group, he
The report holds that all the other councillors, except Oba Adeyemi in his 60s, stood to welcome him. Thomas then impolitely told the king “why were you sitting when I walked in? Why can’t you show me respect?”
The Alaafin, feeling disrespected, asked Thomas “shey emi on gbo mo baun? emi ni ongbo bi aja mo baun” meaning “is it me you are barking at like that?’ is it me you are barking like a dog at like that? keep barking.”
Various accounts further hold that Thomas, upon reaching home after the meeting in Oyo, started barking through the night at his Yaba, Lagos home. He died the following day (November 23, 1953) despite being sent to Ijebu-Igbo for further treatment.
Thomas, being a chief himself, must have known the time-held Yoruba practice of respecting the elderly and traditional authority as he and Alaafin Aderemi II were Yorubas.
However, it appears the two not seeing eye to eye had to do with powerplay regarding tax mobilization, political party support and rights of traditional authority.
Political leader Obafemi Awolowo had established the Action Group to wrestle power from the British with Thomas as deputy leader.
The Alaafin, one of the few highly placed men of Yoruba extraction,
Alaafin Adeyemi II and Obafemi Awolowo via Filopost.com
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