LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Dept: Loliondo open floodgates to more illegal immigrants - The Guardian
The Chemist Says: Hmmm...I guess this is a possible "side-effect" of the Loliondo drug. I wonder what the good Pastor would say...
NEXT!
NSSF plans massive power investments - The Guardian
The Chemist Says: Firstly, these words come from Dr. Dau, the head honcho @ NSSF, so they might just have some merit. Secondly and quite honestly, I'm still recovering from the shock of a government parastatal, or government anything for that matter, having a deadline for a project. Of course, this raises the question, 'will they meet the deadline?' but to that I say, 'baby steps!' It would appear that we, at least NSSF, is 'crawling' towards effective functionality. Hopefully, come the end of the year it will be walking. Moreover, having an alternative to
NEXT!
Kikwete says no to 'ghost workers' - Daily News
The Chemist Says: Oh El Presidente, good move squire! 9bn/- is just too much, wouldn't you agree? Although, I do have a few questions. 1, how the hell did it get to that figure??? Seriously, these ministries, what the hell is going in there?? Furthermore, we all want a crackdown to all this bs, but, taking action against officials who sanctioned the payments before the PCCB have done their job, is that even constitutional? Although, it wouldn't surprise me if it was. Nevertheless, that move to me raises more questions, in that, why rush to take action if there isn't something to hide? Trying to save some of your friends' (or your own) skin, ey prezzy??
NEXT...we cross borders
INTERNATIONAL SCENE
ASIA
Japan quake costliest ever - Reuters
The Chemist Says: $300 billion is damn astounding! Hopefully, the international community will display that it is indeed a 'community' and will help restore the damage. Honestly speaking, unlike Haiti (as 1 example), this will have to be the case as the vested interests of nations and the global economy as a whole will force the i.c to do so. Regardless, Japan, our thoughts and prayers are with you!
AFRICA
Gadhafi: The West will end up in the 'dustbin of history' - Reuters
The Chemist Says: O sanity, where art thou? This should be the question that the Colnel should be asking of himself because statements like the one offered above clearly do nothing less than to highlight how vital it is that Gadhafi is entered into an asylum, ASAP! Over a few days of air strikes, his forces have been crippled to the point that they've taken a breather in the civilian attacks. Additionally, the Associated Press reports that Libyan forces have pulled back from a western city. Yet, the Colnel seems to think that he has the west "right where he wants em". Well, only time will tell whether he's
U.S
'Yes, Sex can kill you' U.S study shows - Reuters
The Chemist Says: Firstly, breathe easy folks. Sex can, and not will, kill you. You've just to remember to exercise, thats all. However, would regular sex be considered regular
we might just find that they're not getting any and so, they decide to freak out those of us who are. I'm just saying...
And in other international news briefs...
- China adopts new 5-year plan focused on happiness, aptly titled 'Happy China' - The Economist
- Fresh attacks in Israel and Gaza (what else is new) - BBC
- Portugal (financial) bail-out looms as government nears collapse - BBC
- Deaths as Syrian forces 'storm mosque'; At least 6 dead - Al Jazeera
__________________________________________________________________________________
Ladies, gents and all those in between, it feels so good to be baaaaaaaaaaaack! Of course it helps that it's the 18th March...FURAHIDAAAAY! Anyway, here be the stories doing the rounds today...
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Government reassures investors of regular power supply soon - The Guardian
Deputy Minister for Industries, Trade and Marketing, Lazaro Nyalandu, has reasssured investors that the current power crisis ailing the nation is merely temporary. Citing the use of the Kiwira nad Mangaka coal mmines to generate electricity, in addition to government efforts to produce enough electricity for internal and external supply, he advised investors that they should continue to invest in Tanzania's potential.
The Chemist Says: Clearly the government must have heard rumblings that investors were going to pull out of Tanzania hence the need for Mr Deputy to address this. After all, who could blame them? It has already cost the country billions (and counting) in business. What I find amusing, and ultimately frustrating is how we hear of plans to do this, that and the other, yet no start or end dates, no proper commitment is ever shown.
NEXT!
Cautious Budget as government sets out to spend 12tr/- - The Citizen
The 2011/2012 has been presented with a cautious outlook that included minimal increases in revenue estimates. Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Mustafa Mkulo (pictured above with last years budget), explained that the government planned to collect and spend 11.97tr/-, an increase of 8% only from the current 11.6/-. This target, however, appears to be more realistic in comparison with the previous two years whereby budget targets have hardly been reached.
Meanwhile, The Daily News reports that the government has 12 priorities in the financial year of 2011/2012. The 'priority' areas are: Education, Agriculture, Livestock and Fishing, Energy, Infrastructure for transport, Industrial Development, Health, Water, Lands, Housing and Human Settlements and, Land Bank and Mortgage Finances.
The Chemist Says: WHAT A
NEXT!
JK to officials: Walk the big talk - The Citizen
In an interesting move, Prezzo
The Chemist says: Fine words there JK. I couldn't agree with you more, especially being that you claimed our beloved nation would be classed as a Newly Industrialised Country (NIC) by the time you leave office. By the way, how far along are we with that?? Maybe, just maybe, you should take your own advice Mr President.
NEXT...we cross borders!
INTERNATIONAL SCENE
AFRICA
Libya calls for immediate cease-fire in civil war - CNN
Moments after the UN Security Council authorised the use of force to protect civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Col Gadhafi, Libya has called for an immediate cease-fire, Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa (above) announced.
The Chemist says: Firstly, and most importantly, Moussa Koussa; WHAT A NAME! Now that I've got that out of the way...Looks like when our favourite Colonel is not ranting and raving like a lunatic on ecstacy, he's afraid of an ass kicking like any normal human being. Question is, what's next?
ASIA
Japan's death toll rises to nearly 7000 - CNN
The death toll in the Japan earthquake and tsunami disaster has risen 6,911, with over 10,000 more people missing. Search teams and citizens alike continue to search through the rubble for bodies of the loved ones they've lost.
Meanwhile, Reuters reports that radiation eminating from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant has not reached the atmosphere, leaving air travel safe except for the immediate area around the plant. Nevertheless, the authorities are looking to take no chances and are weighing up the option of burying the plant under heaps of sand to suppress any possibility of rising radiation.
MIDDLE EAST
33 killed in Yemen clashes - BBC
At least 33 anti-government protesters are reported to have been shot dead in the Yemen city of Sanaa. Dozens more were wounded as the wave of revolution/uprising (depending on which side you're on) continued. With 40% of the population living on $2 day, and no ease of their plight being seen, calls for President Saleh's resignation have both increased and been encouraged by events in Tunisia and Egypt.
The Chemist says: If the Yemen situation develops at this rate, the UN will soon find itself authorising more action to protect civilians sooner than it thinks.
& thats alles folks. Check back on Monday for further updates on the worlds happenings!
It's the 1st March, it's a Tuesday, and the Monday blues have passed ;) Here's a round-up of the world's goings ons!
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
4 Firms Show Interest In ATCL - The Citizen, Tanzania
Air Tanzania Corp. Ltd has 4 new suitors waiting to invest in the crisis-ridden company. The four firms, that shall remain nameless for the time being, are to start negotiations with the Government this week, says Transport Minister, Omar Nundu.
After trying to recall a time when ATCL was functioning properly, I have failed to do so. So maybe, with one of these 'firms' taking over, I'll get to see just that in my lifetime. But again Tz government, why all the secrecy?? Will their really be much harm if the four were disclosed? Or is there something to hide, as always? Is there an R.Aziz-type character involved or...? Whatever the case, foreign investment is good but not enough to bring ATCL to standard; the right local personnel must be hired to ensure its run smoothly. This wasn't the case the last time when the former ATCL, who won't be named (David Mataka) had an abysmal record in management. Anyway, we live and we learn, right?
NEXT!
Registrar Of Political Parties Responds To CHADEMA - Daily News, Tanzania
'Such inflammatory statements could be nothing short of a treasonable offence'. Those are the words of Mr John Tendwa, Registrar of Political Parties, in response to CHADEMAs ultimatum given to the government last week.
According to Tendwa, CHADEMAs actions are contrary to the Tanzanian constitution and can therefore be considered a crime.
It's quite interesting that government personnel haven't commented on CHADEMAs bold (albeit somewhat stupid) comments last week. Nevertheless, whether the comments were against the constitution or abiding by it is minor concern here. Isn't the questioning of our nation's development and the fact that Tanzanian's are fully aware of the happening's & mishaps of the current administrationthe issue? As it should be. As for CHADEMA, y'all might wanna tone it down just a little bit because in the history of the world's deadliest mafias, we have the various 'Don's' of Italy, obviously, and the Tz government right by their side ;)
NEXT!
Power Cuts May Cost TRA 840bn/-; Daily News, Tanzania
The ongoing power outtages could end up costing TRA 840bn/- and the government 5% of the GDP, government officials claim.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT??????????????????????? 840bn/-???? 5% of the GDP??? I believe sentences like the one above warrant the use of the expression, F***IN HELL! Ok, so Dowans is costing us 94bn/-, possibly down to 34bn/- (wohoo!) & thats a s***load of mula. & now this?? Aisee, Mr Dowans, you brigadier, colonel, general, figurehead, whatever you are, Bw.RA, jamani, tuhurumie tu! Hizo hela hazijawatosha??? Apparently, this amounts to 30% of TRAs yearly collections. To put things into better perspective, Reuters reported that a 6.8% growth in GDP in the 2010/2011 fiscal year was expected. Now, as Tanzania may now lose 5% of its projected growth, does that mean we'll only have 0.8% growth this year?? Tanesco, kindly change your tagline from 'We light up your life' to 'We darken your life...and empty your pockets!'
NEXT...We cross borders!
4 Firms Show Interest In ATCL - The Citizen, Tanzania
Air Tanzania Corp. Ltd has 4 new suitors waiting to invest in the crisis-ridden company. The four firms, that shall remain nameless for the time being, are to start negotiations with the Government this week, says Transport Minister, Omar Nundu.
After trying to recall a time when ATCL was functioning properly, I have failed to do so. So maybe, with one of these 'firms' taking over, I'll get to see just that in my lifetime. But again Tz government, why all the secrecy?? Will their really be much harm if the four were disclosed? Or is there something to hide, as always? Is there an R.Aziz-type character involved or...? Whatever the case, foreign investment is good but not enough to bring ATCL to standard; the right local personnel must be hired to ensure its run smoothly. This wasn't the case the last time when the former ATCL, who won't be named (David Mataka) had an abysmal record in management. Anyway, we live and we learn, right?
NEXT!
Registrar Of Political Parties Responds To CHADEMA - Daily News, Tanzania
'Such inflammatory statements could be nothing short of a treasonable offence'. Those are the words of Mr John Tendwa, Registrar of Political Parties, in response to CHADEMAs ultimatum given to the government last week.
According to Tendwa, CHADEMAs actions are contrary to the Tanzanian constitution and can therefore be considered a crime.
It's quite interesting that government personnel haven't commented on CHADEMAs bold (albeit somewhat stupid) comments last week. Nevertheless, whether the comments were against the constitution or abiding by it is minor concern here. Isn't the questioning of our nation's development and the fact that Tanzanian's are fully aware of the happening's & mishaps of the current administrationthe issue? As it should be. As for CHADEMA, y'all might wanna tone it down just a little bit because in the history of the world's deadliest mafias, we have the various 'Don's' of Italy, obviously, and the Tz government right by their side ;)
NEXT!
Power Cuts May Cost TRA 840bn/-; Daily News, Tanzania
The ongoing power outtages could end up costing TRA 840bn/- and the government 5% of the GDP, government officials claim.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT??????????????????????? 840bn/-???? 5% of the GDP??? I believe sentences like the one above warrant the use of the expression, F***IN HELL! Ok, so Dowans is costing us 94bn/-, possibly down to 34bn/- (wohoo!) & thats a s***load of mula. & now this?? Aisee, Mr Dowans, you brigadier, colonel, general, figurehead, whatever you are, Bw.RA, jamani, tuhurumie tu! Hizo hela hazijawatosha??? Apparently, this amounts to 30% of TRAs yearly collections. To put things into better perspective, Reuters reported that a 6.8% growth in GDP in the 2010/2011 fiscal year was expected. Now, as Tanzania may now lose 5% of its projected growth, does that mean we'll only have 0.8% growth this year?? Tanesco, kindly change your tagline from 'We light up your life' to 'We darken your life...and empty your pockets!'
NEXT...We cross borders!
AFRICA
Libya - The Latest
The world's foreign leaders are gathering voice against The Colonel, and the violence against Libyans. The EU, the UK, the US, the Smiths, the Pitt's, the Beckham's, everyone seems to be speaking out against the troubled Libyan leader (don't believe he's troubled? Just check out his speech of defiance). The EU, as has the UN, placed sanctions on the Colonel and 25 members of his closest entourage, as reported by BBC News.
Is it me or does this response have 'Rwandan Genocide Part 2' written all over it. The responses have been similar, with a lot of talk but less actions on the ground by the international world. I sincerely hope the outcome won't be the same and that the world has learnt from previous mistakes. Sadly, it appears that our own leaders, the AU, are taking a cue from their 'western' counterparts in regards to response. This is especially sad as the AU should be in the driving seat as the situation develops.
The world's foreign leaders are gathering voice against The Colonel, and the violence against Libyans. The EU, the UK, the US, the Smiths, the Pitt's, the Beckham's, everyone seems to be speaking out against the troubled Libyan leader (don't believe he's troubled? Just check out his speech of defiance). The EU, as has the UN, placed sanctions on the Colonel and 25 members of his closest entourage, as reported by BBC News.
Is it me or does this response have 'Rwandan Genocide Part 2' written all over it. The responses have been similar, with a lot of talk but less actions on the ground by the international world. I sincerely hope the outcome won't be the same and that the world has learnt from previous mistakes. Sadly, it appears that our own leaders, the AU, are taking a cue from their 'western' counterparts in regards to response. This is especially sad as the AU should be in the driving seat as the situation develops.
NEXT!
Libyan Official: Gadhafi Should Resign - CNN
Libyan Ambassador to South Africa, Abdallah Alzubedi, has called on Gadhafi to step down for the better of Libya.
Still carrying out his duties in SA, AA believes the only way for the violence to stop is for Gadhafi to go.
Its quite incredible and utterly hypocritical how a leader, supposedly serving the people, goes directly opposite the populace's position just because it's not popular to him. Furthermore, didn't Gadhafi come into power via revolution? My oh my, how the tables have turned. & how does he react? Well, we've all seen that. A true man of the people, Gadhafi is!
Libyan Official: Gadhafi Should Resign - CNN
Libyan Ambassador to South Africa, Abdallah Alzubedi, has called on Gadhafi to step down for the better of Libya.
Still carrying out his duties in SA, AA believes the only way for the violence to stop is for Gadhafi to go.
Its quite incredible and utterly hypocritical how a leader, supposedly serving the people, goes directly opposite the populace's position just because it's not popular to him. Furthermore, didn't Gadhafi come into power via revolution? My oh my, how the tables have turned. & how does he react? Well, we've all seen that. A true man of the people, Gadhafi is!
NEXT!
Two Tunisian Ministers Quit - Al Jazeera
The Tunisian Minister For Planning and International Cooperation has resigned, just hours after another minister resigned. The two were the 'last ministers standing' from the deposed former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. Deuces!
'The revolution will not be televised'. Well, not in the 60s, but definitely now! & with that comes added pressure which must've played a part in ousting not only the former president but his entire government, just as the revolutionaries wanted. Moreover, it appears that they have a PLAN, which is one step ahead of many of our current governments...
NEXT!
ASIA
China Blocks Access To Linkedin - Al Jazeera
First twas Facebook, then came Twitter & now Linkedin is the latest social networking site to be banned in the land of the Great Wall. This comes just days after calls for a Tunisia/Egypt-like revolution were beginning to mount. Furthermore, with the block of Twitter, Linkedin was the simplest way to gain Twitter access as they are both fully integrated. Well, not any more!
Hmmm...looks to me that the Chinese government are more fans of face to face socialising. Keeping it old school, they are indeed :)
NEXT!
EUROPE
Brit Jailed In Iraq For Killings - Al Jazeera
Danny Fitzimons, a former Security Contractor, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for fatally shooting an Iraqi, and a British and Australian contractor in 2009.
Danny boy had been facing the death penalty, so by being senteced to 20 years, the outcome was still bad but it could've been worse; a view in which he shared by telling the AP that he was 'happy' with the sentence.
Now, how did the incident occur?? Well details are few and far between but the one constant is that "drinking" was involved. Exactly what they were drinking and how much is not known but, pombe ilikuwepo! What's the moral of the story here? Just say no, kids. JUST SAY NO!
The Tunisian Minister For Planning and International Cooperation has resigned, just hours after another minister resigned. The two were the 'last ministers standing' from the deposed former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. Deuces!
'The revolution will not be televised'. Well, not in the 60s, but definitely now! & with that comes added pressure which must've played a part in ousting not only the former president but his entire government, just as the revolutionaries wanted. Moreover, it appears that they have a PLAN, which is one step ahead of many of our current governments...
NEXT!
ASIA
China Blocks Access To Linkedin - Al Jazeera
First twas Facebook, then came Twitter & now Linkedin is the latest social networking site to be banned in the land of the Great Wall. This comes just days after calls for a Tunisia/Egypt-like revolution were beginning to mount. Furthermore, with the block of Twitter, Linkedin was the simplest way to gain Twitter access as they are both fully integrated. Well, not any more!
Hmmm...looks to me that the Chinese government are more fans of face to face socialising. Keeping it old school, they are indeed :)
NEXT!
EUROPE
Brit Jailed In Iraq For Killings - Al Jazeera
Danny Fitzimons, a former Security Contractor, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for fatally shooting an Iraqi, and a British and Australian contractor in 2009.
Danny boy had been facing the death penalty, so by being senteced to 20 years, the outcome was still bad but it could've been worse; a view in which he shared by telling the AP that he was 'happy' with the sentence.
Now, how did the incident occur?? Well details are few and far between but the one constant is that "drinking" was involved. Exactly what they were drinking and how much is not known but, pombe ilikuwepo! What's the moral of the story here? Just say no, kids. JUST SAY NO!
& thats alles folks. Check back in a few days for further updates on the worlds happenings!
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