Thursday, December 24, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
ST - Passports made easy
Seattle Times
Passports made easy
Originally published Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Need a passport? You can get one more easily on Dec. 5 when the federal Seattle Passport Agency hosts a special "Passport Day" at its downtown...
By Kristin Jackson
Seattle Times travel staff
Need a passport? You can get one more easily on Dec. 5 when the federal Seattle Passport Agency hosts a special "Passport Day" at its downtown office.
Read the whole article here.
Kristin Jackson: kjackson@seattletimes.com
Passports made easy
Originally published Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Need a passport? You can get one more easily on Dec. 5 when the federal Seattle Passport Agency hosts a special "Passport Day" at its downtown...
By Kristin Jackson
Seattle Times travel staff
Need a passport? You can get one more easily on Dec. 5 when the federal Seattle Passport Agency hosts a special "Passport Day" at its downtown office.
Read the whole article here.
Kristin Jackson: kjackson@seattletimes.com
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Outside the Walls of Ancient Babylon
Taken on Camp Babylon, Iraq, on March 5, 2004. In the distance is Saddam's palace overlooking Babylon.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
R.L.S. (II)
Tombstone of Robert Louis Stevenson. Taken in Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 20, 2006.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
BW - H-1B Visa Law: Trying Again. Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa.
From my archive of press clippings:
Business Week
H-1B Visa Law: Trying Again
Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa program
By Moira Herbst
April 24, 2009, 12:01AM EST
Two U.S. senators are reintroducing legislation aimed at revamping the H-1B visa program for guest workers in the U.S., at a time of rising unemployment and growing evidence that the program has been marred by fraud. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) hope that the bill, "The H-1B and L-1 Visa Fraud & Prevention Act of 2009," has a better chance of passing now than when they originally introduced it in 2007.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
Business Week
H-1B Visa Law: Trying Again
Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa program
By Moira Herbst
April 24, 2009, 12:01AM EST
Two U.S. senators are reintroducing legislation aimed at revamping the H-1B visa program for guest workers in the U.S., at a time of rising unemployment and growing evidence that the program has been marred by fraud. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) hope that the bill, "The H-1B and L-1 Visa Fraud & Prevention Act of 2009," has a better chance of passing now than when they originally introduced it in 2007.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
R.L.S.
Tombstone of Robert Louis Stevenson, "A Man of Letters." Taken in Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 20, 2006.
SI.CH - Expert warns e-passports are open to abuse
From my archive of press clippings:
SwissInfo.ch
Expert warns e-passports are open to abuse
April 24, 2009 - 8:39 AM
Plans for a new passport have sparked debate over the inclusion of an electronic chip containing biometric details, and the creation of a central fingerprint database.
Read the whole article here.
_____
swissinfo-interview: Urs Geiser
SwissInfo.ch
Expert warns e-passports are open to abuse
April 24, 2009 - 8:39 AM
Plans for a new passport have sparked debate over the inclusion of an electronic chip containing biometric details, and the creation of a central fingerprint database.
Read the whole article here.
_____
swissinfo-interview: Urs Geiser
Friday, September 18, 2009
JO - US tightening re-entry rules
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
US tightening re-entry rules
CMC
Thursday, April 23, 2009
WASHINGTON, USA (CMC) - The United States' Department of Homeland Security says it is tightening the rules for citizens re-entering the country from the Caribbean, Mexico or Canada.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The Homeland Security Department said children of US citizens under the age of 16 would be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of US citizenship, such as a naturalisation certificate or citizenship card."
Jamaica Observer
US tightening re-entry rules
CMC
Thursday, April 23, 2009
WASHINGTON, USA (CMC) - The United States' Department of Homeland Security says it is tightening the rules for citizens re-entering the country from the Caribbean, Mexico or Canada.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The Homeland Security Department said children of US citizens under the age of 16 would be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of US citizenship, such as a naturalisation certificate or citizenship card."
Thursday, September 17, 2009
USA-T - Accused Americans could be stuck in Brazil for months
From my archive of press clippings:
USA Today
Accused Americans could be stuck in Brazil for months
Updated 7/9/2009 3:31 PM
By Andrea Stone, USA TODAY
Three U.S. graduate students arrested last month for suspected poaching and visa violations could be stranded in a remote corner of Brazil for months as their case goes through the courts, their lawyer says.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"University of Arizona geoscientists Michael McGlue, 31, and Mark Trees, 48, and University of Minnesota-Duluth student Kelly Wendt, 26, were arrested by federal police June 16 while working on a climate change project with the University of the State of Sao Paulo. The Americans spent eight nights in jail before being released on bail June 26. Police confiscated their passports as well as computers, research equipment, cellphones and cash."
&
"State Department spokeswoman Laura Tischler said U.S. diplomats had spoken with the men but suggested there was little they could do.
"The traveler really needs to check what the requirements are by checking the embassy websites," she said. "Once you travel and are in another country, you are subject to local law." "
______
USA Today
Accused Americans could be stuck in Brazil for months
Updated 7/9/2009 3:31 PM
By Andrea Stone, USA TODAY
Three U.S. graduate students arrested last month for suspected poaching and visa violations could be stranded in a remote corner of Brazil for months as their case goes through the courts, their lawyer says.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"University of Arizona geoscientists Michael McGlue, 31, and Mark Trees, 48, and University of Minnesota-Duluth student Kelly Wendt, 26, were arrested by federal police June 16 while working on a climate change project with the University of the State of Sao Paulo. The Americans spent eight nights in jail before being released on bail June 26. Police confiscated their passports as well as computers, research equipment, cellphones and cash."
&
"State Department spokeswoman Laura Tischler said U.S. diplomats had spoken with the men but suggested there was little they could do.
"The traveler really needs to check what the requirements are by checking the embassy websites," she said. "Once you travel and are in another country, you are subject to local law." "
______
TBH - Passport fairs now operate like clockwork
From my archive of press clippings:
The Brownsville Herald
Passport fairs now operate like clockwork
June 27, 2009 9:04 PM
By LAURA TILLMAN, The Brownsville Herald
At 6:30 a.m. Anita Tipton started her Saturday at the main Brownsville post office with her baby boy in her arms and high heels on her feet.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"By now, the passport fairs executed by De La Garza's office are like a well-oiled machine: De La Garza split her staff into three teams. The first accepted passports application materials, the second reviewed whether the information provided was complete, and the third doublechecked the applications to ensure that as few errors as possible made it to the U.S. Department of State."
_____
ltillman@brownsvilleherald.com
The Brownsville Herald
Passport fairs now operate like clockwork
June 27, 2009 9:04 PM
By LAURA TILLMAN, The Brownsville Herald
At 6:30 a.m. Anita Tipton started her Saturday at the main Brownsville post office with her baby boy in her arms and high heels on her feet.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"By now, the passport fairs executed by De La Garza's office are like a well-oiled machine: De La Garza split her staff into three teams. The first accepted passports application materials, the second reviewed whether the information provided was complete, and the third doublechecked the applications to ensure that as few errors as possible made it to the U.S. Department of State."
_____
ltillman@brownsvilleherald.com
KDBC4 - Hundreds in El Paso Flock to Passport Fair
From my archive of press clippings:
KDBC4
Hundreds in El Paso Flock to Passport Fair
Posted by Armando Saldivar, KDBC 4 News
May 17, 2009 09:42 PM EDT
For the past two years, foreign travelers were given word that a passport would be required in order to travel even into Juarez. With less than two weeks before the regulation is enforced, El Paso County is seeing thousands of people scrambling to get their document.
Read the whole article here.
KDBC4
Hundreds in El Paso Flock to Passport Fair
Posted by Armando Saldivar, KDBC 4 News
May 17, 2009 09:42 PM EDT
For the past two years, foreign travelers were given word that a passport would be required in order to travel even into Juarez. With less than two weeks before the regulation is enforced, El Paso County is seeing thousands of people scrambling to get their document.
Read the whole article here.
AVB - Warning about dodgy American visa websites
From my archive of press clippings:
American Visa Bureau
Warning about dodgy American visa websites
22 April 2009
The US Government is still lodging complaints that dodgy websites are making money from the free American visa system called the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"As of January this year, the US Government introduced a American visa replacement program for those travellers who do not officially require a visa to travel to America. This means that all nationals or citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who wish to travel to America for business or travel purposes for 90 days or less must obtain approval through the ESTA ."
_____
The American Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in American visa and immigration services.
American Visa Bureau
Warning about dodgy American visa websites
22 April 2009
The US Government is still lodging complaints that dodgy websites are making money from the free American visa system called the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"As of January this year, the US Government introduced a American visa replacement program for those travellers who do not officially require a visa to travel to America. This means that all nationals or citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who wish to travel to America for business or travel purposes for 90 days or less must obtain approval through the ESTA ."
_____
The American Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in American visa and immigration services.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
TS - American hikers captured in Iran could face charges of spying
From my archive of press clippings:
The Star
American hikers captured in Iran could face charges of spying
Trio charged with entering the country illegally as neighbour Iraq says they 'simply made mistake'
Aug 05, 2009 04:30 AM
Nasser Karimi Jason Keyser Associated Press
TEHRAN–Iranian authorities were deciding yesterday whether three American hikers who were caught inside the country near the Iraqi border will be charged with spying, a lawmaker said.
Read the whole article here.
JO - USAID fulfilled obligations for humanitarian assistance
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
USAID fulfilled obligations for humanitarian assistance
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Dear Editor,
The article in the Sunday Observer of June 28 (pages 1, 4 and 5), and the editorial in the Daily Observer of June 29 (page 8) make reference to USAID's financial support for the reconstruction of houses that were damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Providing humanitarian assistance to reduce the impact of natural or man-made disasters is a core area of our work. Therefore, USAID/Jamaica sought to improve the living conditions in the communities that sustained heavy damage due to the impact of Hurricane Ivan. In response to a request from the Government of Jamaica and in support of the government's reconstruction efforts, USAID financed the construction of 186 units in Portland Cottage and Rocky Point in partnership with the Office of National Reconstruction."
_____
Dr Karen R Hilliard
Mission Director
US Embassy
Kingston 6
Jamaica Observer
USAID fulfilled obligations for humanitarian assistance
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Dear Editor,
The article in the Sunday Observer of June 28 (pages 1, 4 and 5), and the editorial in the Daily Observer of June 29 (page 8) make reference to USAID's financial support for the reconstruction of houses that were damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Providing humanitarian assistance to reduce the impact of natural or man-made disasters is a core area of our work. Therefore, USAID/Jamaica sought to improve the living conditions in the communities that sustained heavy damage due to the impact of Hurricane Ivan. In response to a request from the Government of Jamaica and in support of the government's reconstruction efforts, USAID financed the construction of 186 units in Portland Cottage and Rocky Point in partnership with the Office of National Reconstruction."
_____
Dr Karen R Hilliard
Mission Director
US Embassy
Kingston 6
TLFP - Have passport, will travel
From my archive of press clippings:
The London Free Press
Have passport, will travel
Thu, June 25, 2009
Teams are finding out the necessity of players having the proper documents to play in -- or even just drive through -- the U.S.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"It isn't just non-Canadians coming in who need their papers. Since June 1, an up-to-date passport is required for Canadian citizens entering the United States.
That includes the large group of local sports clubs that zig-zag in and out between the two countries on a regular basis."
______
ryan.pyette@sunmedia.ca
The London Free Press
Have passport, will travel
Thu, June 25, 2009
Teams are finding out the necessity of players having the proper documents to play in -- or even just drive through -- the U.S.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"It isn't just non-Canadians coming in who need their papers. Since June 1, an up-to-date passport is required for Canadian citizens entering the United States.
That includes the large group of local sports clubs that zig-zag in and out between the two countries on a regular basis."
______
ryan.pyette@sunmedia.ca
S&S - Kaiserslautern memorial honors ‘littlest raiders.’ Airmen and soldiers remember deceased American youths at annual ceremony.
From my archive of press clippings:
Stars and Stripes
Kaiserslautern memorial honors ‘littlest raiders’
Airmen and soldiers remember deceased American youths at annual ceremony
By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Sunday, May 17, 2009
Steve Mraz / S&S
Chief Master Sgt. Edward Horsch with U.S. Air Forces in Europe financial management, left, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Jessup of U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern light candles Saturday morning at the Kaiserslautern cemetery during the annual Kindergraves memorial service.
Steve Mraz / S&S
Xavier Rodriguez of Ramstein High School's Air Force Junior ROTC program stands before the 451 graves of American children interred at the Kaiserslautern cemetery. The annual Kindergraves memorial service took place Saturday morning at the Kaiserslautern cemetery.
Steve Mraz / S&S
Most of the children buried at the cemetery were infants who died of complications before reaching six months of age, and were children of American military stationed in the Kaiserslautern area.
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — A pink carnation and a tiny U.S. flag graced the markers of the 451 graves of American children buried at the Kasierslautern city cemetery.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"On a beautiful Saturday morning, dozens gathered at the final resting places for the youngsters who died in the Kaiserslautern area to pay tribute to those taken before their time. The children were interred at the cemetery from 1952 to 1971, a time when U.S. servicemembers in the area were unable to transport the deceased to the States for burial.
Most of the children buried at the German cemetery were infants who died of complications before they were 6 months old, and nearly all were sons and daughters of American military stationed in and around Kaiserslautern."
&
"The current lease for the grave site ends in 2011, and the cost of renewing it will be around 7,000 euros, which will require donations from the community. For more information, see www.kindergraves.delayineurope.com."
Stars and Stripes
Kaiserslautern memorial honors ‘littlest raiders’
Airmen and soldiers remember deceased American youths at annual ceremony
By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Sunday, May 17, 2009
Steve Mraz / S&S
Chief Master Sgt. Edward Horsch with U.S. Air Forces in Europe financial management, left, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Jessup of U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern light candles Saturday morning at the Kaiserslautern cemetery during the annual Kindergraves memorial service.
Steve Mraz / S&S
Xavier Rodriguez of Ramstein High School's Air Force Junior ROTC program stands before the 451 graves of American children interred at the Kaiserslautern cemetery. The annual Kindergraves memorial service took place Saturday morning at the Kaiserslautern cemetery.
Steve Mraz / S&S
Most of the children buried at the cemetery were infants who died of complications before reaching six months of age, and were children of American military stationed in the Kaiserslautern area.
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — A pink carnation and a tiny U.S. flag graced the markers of the 451 graves of American children buried at the Kasierslautern city cemetery.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"On a beautiful Saturday morning, dozens gathered at the final resting places for the youngsters who died in the Kaiserslautern area to pay tribute to those taken before their time. The children were interred at the cemetery from 1952 to 1971, a time when U.S. servicemembers in the area were unable to transport the deceased to the States for burial.
Most of the children buried at the German cemetery were infants who died of complications before they were 6 months old, and nearly all were sons and daughters of American military stationed in and around Kaiserslautern."
&
"The current lease for the grave site ends in 2011, and the cost of renewing it will be around 7,000 euros, which will require donations from the community. For more information, see www.kindergraves.delayineurope.com."
CNN - Homeland Security chief seeks to repeal Real ID Act
From my archive
CNN
Homeland Security chief seeks to repeal Real ID Act
April 22, 2009 -- Updated 0308 GMT (1108 HKT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A post-9/11 law that sets federal standards for state driver's licenses and identification cards is under fire from the head of the agency enforcing that law, the Department of Homeland Security.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The law, which requires all states to enforce specific identification requirements for driver's licenses and identification cards, went into effect last year, but the federal government has given states until the end of this year to implement it. States can get extensions until May 2011 for implementation if they meet certain benchmarks."
CNN
Homeland Security chief seeks to repeal Real ID Act
April 22, 2009 -- Updated 0308 GMT (1108 HKT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A post-9/11 law that sets federal standards for state driver's licenses and identification cards is under fire from the head of the agency enforcing that law, the Department of Homeland Security.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The law, which requires all states to enforce specific identification requirements for driver's licenses and identification cards, went into effect last year, but the federal government has given states until the end of this year to implement it. States can get extensions until May 2011 for implementation if they meet certain benchmarks."
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
WS - Adoption rules benefit children
From my archive of press clippings:
Windsor Star
Adoption rules benefit children
Published: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Re: Adoption madness, April 15, guest column by Beth Nonte Russell.
Most agree with Ms. Russell's call to end orphanage care for children. Although some have dedicated staff, they provide only a semblance of a family experience. Children thrive in a healthy family setting.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Arlene E. Klie, Kingsville
Windsor Star
Adoption rules benefit children
Published: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Re: Adoption madness, April 15, guest column by Beth Nonte Russell.
Most agree with Ms. Russell's call to end orphanage care for children. Although some have dedicated staff, they provide only a semblance of a family experience. Children thrive in a healthy family setting.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Arlene E. Klie, Kingsville
Monday, September 14, 2009
JG - A visa may be revoked at any time and for any reason
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
A visa may be revoked at any time and for any reason
Published: Tuesday April 21, 2009
Walker-Huntington
Q: I was married to a Jamaican who is a citizen of the United States (US). He filed for me while I was there with him, and then came down for my interview here in Jamaica. I was denied the visa because I had overstayed in the US.
Now I need to know if I will be able to ever go back to the US. I am dating now and he happens to be an American-born. Should this man and I get married and he decides to file for me, will I still be denied the fact that I had once overstayed in the US?
Thanking you in advance.
J.D.
Read the rest of the article here.
_____
Dahlia A. Walker-Huntington, Esq. is a Jamaican-American attorney who practices law in Florida in the areas of Immigration, Family, Corporate & Personal-Injury Law. She is a mediator, arbitrator and Special Magistrate in Broward County, Florida. Send your questions and comments to: editor@gleanerjm.com or info@walkerhuntington.com.
Jamaica Gleaner
A visa may be revoked at any time and for any reason
Published: Tuesday April 21, 2009
Walker-Huntington
Q: I was married to a Jamaican who is a citizen of the United States (US). He filed for me while I was there with him, and then came down for my interview here in Jamaica. I was denied the visa because I had overstayed in the US.
Now I need to know if I will be able to ever go back to the US. I am dating now and he happens to be an American-born. Should this man and I get married and he decides to file for me, will I still be denied the fact that I had once overstayed in the US?
Thanking you in advance.
J.D.
Read the rest of the article here.
_____
Dahlia A. Walker-Huntington, Esq. is a Jamaican-American attorney who practices law in Florida in the areas of Immigration, Family, Corporate & Personal-Injury Law. She is a mediator, arbitrator and Special Magistrate in Broward County, Florida. Send your questions and comments to: editor@gleanerjm.com or info@walkerhuntington.com.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Y! - Abducted Calif. boy may have been found in Mexico
Yahoo!
Abducted Calif. boy may have been found in Mexico
By DAISY NGUYEN, Associated Press Writer
Daisy Nguyen, Associated Press Writer – Sat May 16, 7:48 pm ET
LOS ANGELES – Officials in Mexico have found a child they believe is a 3-year-old boy abducted from his California home, but that country's identification process is slowing the family's ability to confirm the child's identity, authorities said Saturday.
Read the whole article here.
____
Associated Press Writers Mariana Martinez and Alexandra Olson contributed to this report from Mexico City.
Abducted Calif. boy may have been found in Mexico
By DAISY NGUYEN, Associated Press Writer
Daisy Nguyen, Associated Press Writer – Sat May 16, 7:48 pm ET
LOS ANGELES – Officials in Mexico have found a child they believe is a 3-year-old boy abducted from his California home, but that country's identification process is slowing the family's ability to confirm the child's identity, authorities said Saturday.
Read the whole article here.
____
Associated Press Writers Mariana Martinez and Alexandra Olson contributed to this report from Mexico City.
AP -Jamaican police storm airliner to capture gunman
From my archive of press clippings:
AP
Jamaican police storm airliner to capture gunman
By HOWARD CAMPBELL, Associated Press Writer
Howard Campbell, Associated Press Writer – Mon Apr 20, 4:22 pm ET
KINGSTON, Jamaica – A disoriented young man with a gun forced his way past security and barged onto a jetliner destined for Cuba, taking the crew hostage, firing a bullet that grazed the co-pilot's face and demanding to be flown off the island, witnesses and police said Monday.
AP
Jamaican police storm airliner to capture gunman
By HOWARD CAMPBELL, Associated Press Writer
Howard Campbell, Associated Press Writer – Mon Apr 20, 4:22 pm ET
KINGSTON, Jamaica – A disoriented young man with a gun forced his way past security and barged onto a jetliner destined for Cuba, taking the crew hostage, firing a bullet that grazed the co-pilot's face and demanding to be flown off the island, witnesses and police said Monday.
Read the whole article here.
___
Associated Press writers Mike Melia in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
S&S - General returning to serve in Vicenza again
From my archive of press clippings:
Stars and Stripes
General returning to serve in Vicenza again
By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, May 16, 2009
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
Brig. Gen. David S. Elmo will become deputy commander of the Southern European Task Force/U.S. Army Africa, in Vicenza, Italy.
Read the whole article here.
Stars and Stripes
General returning to serve in Vicenza again
By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, May 16, 2009
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
Brig. Gen. David S. Elmo will become deputy commander of the Southern European Task Force/U.S. Army Africa, in Vicenza, Italy.
Read the whole article here.
JG - Put idle hands, lands to work
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Put idle hands, lands to work
Published: Sunday April 19, 2009
The Editor, Sir:
There was a time (I almost said once upon a time) Jamaicans would always say they were waiting until "Budget read". There is no such anticipation these days. They are facing this Budget with trepidation. Blame for the state of the economy and opportunities missed must be shared by all of us. Need I say "us individually, us collectively", with harrowing impact internationally.
Read the whole letter here.
_____
I am, etc.,
Horace A. Clarke
Former Minister of
Agriculture & Mining,
Water & Transport
Jamaica Gleaner
Put idle hands, lands to work
Published: Sunday April 19, 2009
The Editor, Sir:
There was a time (I almost said once upon a time) Jamaicans would always say they were waiting until "Budget read". There is no such anticipation these days. They are facing this Budget with trepidation. Blame for the state of the economy and opportunities missed must be shared by all of us. Need I say "us individually, us collectively", with harrowing impact internationally.
Read the whole letter here.
_____
I am, etc.,
Horace A. Clarke
Former Minister of
Agriculture & Mining,
Water & Transport
Friday, September 11, 2009
JO - h1n1 - carec shines in transition
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
h1n1 - carec shines in transition
By Clare Forrester
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Partners and stakeholders of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) are singing the centre's praises over its response to the region's most recent public health challenge, the (Influenza A) H1N1 epidemic.
Read the whole article here.
Jamaica Observer
h1n1 - carec shines in transition
By Clare Forrester
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Partners and stakeholders of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) are singing the centre's praises over its response to the region's most recent public health challenge, the (Influenza A) H1N1 epidemic.
Read the whole article here.
AP - Hillary Clinton: Reporters 'excited' to come home
From my archive of press clippings:
Associated Press
Hillary Clinton: Reporters 'excited' to come home
By MATTHEW LEE (AP) – 19 hours ago
NAIROBI, Kenya — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday that the two journalists released from North Korea are "extremely excited" to be on their way back to the United States.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Associated Press writer Steven R. Hurst in Washington contributed to this report.
Associated Press
Hillary Clinton: Reporters 'excited' to come home
By MATTHEW LEE (AP) – 19 hours ago
NAIROBI, Kenya — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday that the two journalists released from North Korea are "extremely excited" to be on their way back to the United States.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Associated Press writer Steven R. Hurst in Washington contributed to this report.
FIA - U.S. experts visit Greece in reference to visa waiver program
From my archive of press clippings:
Focus Information Agency
U.S. experts visit Greece in reference to visa waiver program
8 July 2009 11:34 FOCUS News Agency
Athens. U.S. experts have started a mission to Greece in reference to the visa waiver program, the Greek Antenna TV informs.
Read the whole article here.
Focus Information Agency
U.S. experts visit Greece in reference to visa waiver program
8 July 2009 11:34 FOCUS News Agency
Athens. U.S. experts have started a mission to Greece in reference to the visa waiver program, the Greek Antenna TV informs.
Read the whole article here.
Canada.Com - Chantal criticizes Madonna, Jolie for adoptions
From my archive of press clippings:
Canada.Com
Chantal criticizes Madonna, Jolie for adoptions
By Adrian Chamberlain, Canwest News ServiceJune 22, 2009
Celebrities such as Madonna and Angelina Jolie are making a mistake by adopting African children, says Canadian pop singer Chantal Kreviazuk.
Read the whole article here.
Canada.Com
Chantal criticizes Madonna, Jolie for adoptions
By Adrian Chamberlain, Canwest News ServiceJune 22, 2009
Celebrities such as Madonna and Angelina Jolie are making a mistake by adopting African children, says Canadian pop singer Chantal Kreviazuk.
Read the whole article here.
JG - More aid coming from US for regional security - PM
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
More aid coming from US for regional security - PM
Published: Sunday April 19, 2009
Prime Minister Bruce Golding says he is encouraged by the commitment of the president of the United States of America, Barack Obama, to give more assistance to the Caribbean and Latin America to reduce piracy and gun and drug running through the region's waters.
Read the whole article here.
Jamaica Gleaner
More aid coming from US for regional security - PM
Published: Sunday April 19, 2009
Prime Minister Bruce Golding says he is encouraged by the commitment of the president of the United States of America, Barack Obama, to give more assistance to the Caribbean and Latin America to reduce piracy and gun and drug running through the region's waters.
Read the whole article here.
EH - US couple who wanted to adopt on trial in Egypt
From my archive of press clippings:
Eagle Herald
US couple who wanted to adopt on trial in Egypt
BY MAGGIE MICHAEL Associated Press Writer
May 16, 3:20 PM EDT
CAIRO (AP) -- An American woman who is being tried with her husband on charges of forgery and child trafficking after they adopted twin orphans said Saturday the trial was part of Egypt's "persecution" against Christians.
Read the whole article here.
Eagle Herald
US couple who wanted to adopt on trial in Egypt
BY MAGGIE MICHAEL Associated Press Writer
May 16, 3:20 PM EDT
CAIRO (AP) -- An American woman who is being tried with her husband on charges of forgery and child trafficking after they adopted twin orphans said Saturday the trial was part of Egypt's "persecution" against Christians.
Read the whole article here.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
HC - U.S. citizens born at home face struggle for passports
From my archive of press clippings:
Houston Chronicle
U.S. citizens born at home face struggle for passports
By STATE SEN. EDDIE LUCIO JR.
Aug. 5, 2009, 8:04PM
On Jan. 20, 1946, a midwife delivered me in the Texas border town of Brownsville. This was not an uncommon happenstance, particularly at the time, when many women delivered their children at home with the assistance of such a health care provider.
Read the whole article here.
Houston Chronicle
U.S. citizens born at home face struggle for passports
By STATE SEN. EDDIE LUCIO JR.
Aug. 5, 2009, 8:04PM
On Jan. 20, 1946, a midwife delivered me in the Texas border town of Brownsville. This was not an uncommon happenstance, particularly at the time, when many women delivered their children at home with the assistance of such a health care provider.
Read the whole article here.
WSJ - Mrs. Madoff Gets Passport
From my archive of press clippings:
Wall Street Journal
Mrs. Madoff Gets Passport
JULY 8, 2009
NEW YORK -- Ruth Madoff, the wife of convicted Ponzi-scheme operator Bernard Madoff, is getting her passport back.
Read the whole article here.
Wall Street Journal
Mrs. Madoff Gets Passport
JULY 8, 2009
NEW YORK -- Ruth Madoff, the wife of convicted Ponzi-scheme operator Bernard Madoff, is getting her passport back.
Read the whole article here.
T&TE - Embassy official: 7 out of 10 get US visas...seeks to clear up misconceptions by Muslims
From my archive of press clippings:
Trinidad & Tobago Express
Embassy official: 7 out of 10 get US visas...seeks to clear up misconceptions by Muslims
Joel Julien jjulien@trinidadexpress.com
Thursday, June 25th 2009
new beginnings: Zakeya Hosein, president of the National Muslim Women Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago presents Len Kusnitz, Charge d'Affairs at the United States Embassy, with a copy of the Holy Quran, following a meeting at the Bamboo Mosque in Valsayn yesterday. -Photo: STEPHEN DOOBAY
OUT of ten people that go to the United States Embassy with a visa application in hand, seven of them walk out with a visa on their passport, says Len Kusnitz, the US Embassy's Charge d'Affairs.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
""There are a lot of misconceptions about the embassy; it is being reported that 65 per cent of the people are being denied visas, but that is not the case, in fact, it is the complete opposite; seven out of ten people get visas, that is 70 per cent," Kusnitz said.
However, Kusnitz's figures did little to appease several attendees who recounted personal accounts of visa denial and embarrassment while trying to enter the US."
Trinidad & Tobago Express
Embassy official: 7 out of 10 get US visas...seeks to clear up misconceptions by Muslims
Joel Julien jjulien@trinidadexpress.com
Thursday, June 25th 2009
new beginnings: Zakeya Hosein, president of the National Muslim Women Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago presents Len Kusnitz, Charge d'Affairs at the United States Embassy, with a copy of the Holy Quran, following a meeting at the Bamboo Mosque in Valsayn yesterday. -Photo: STEPHEN DOOBAY
OUT of ten people that go to the United States Embassy with a visa application in hand, seven of them walk out with a visa on their passport, says Len Kusnitz, the US Embassy's Charge d'Affairs.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
""There are a lot of misconceptions about the embassy; it is being reported that 65 per cent of the people are being denied visas, but that is not the case, in fact, it is the complete opposite; seven out of ten people get visas, that is 70 per cent," Kusnitz said.
However, Kusnitz's figures did little to appease several attendees who recounted personal accounts of visa denial and embarrassment while trying to enter the US."
S&S - On the new GI Bill, concurrent receipt and advance VA funding
From my archive of press clippings:
Stars and Stripes
On the new GI Bill, concurrent receipt and advance VA funding
By Tom Philpott, Special to Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Obama administration is taking steps to reconcile ambitious campaign promises with real world budget challenges on two key issues for veterans: advance funding for VA health care and expansion of concurrent receipt for disabled retirees.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"ON THE POST-9/11 GI BILL: Since May 1, VA has received more than 20,000 applications and the number climbs by roughly 3000 a day. New GI Bill benefits are to begin Aug. 1, in time for fall classes. Asked at a May 13 hearing of the House appropriations subcommittee if payment would be made on time, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki sounded hopeful, not certain.
Shinseki described “a very, very tight timeline and, I won’t say lots of risk, but there is some risk to the process.” "
Stars and Stripes
On the new GI Bill, concurrent receipt and advance VA funding
By Tom Philpott, Special to Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Obama administration is taking steps to reconcile ambitious campaign promises with real world budget challenges on two key issues for veterans: advance funding for VA health care and expansion of concurrent receipt for disabled retirees.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"ON THE POST-9/11 GI BILL: Since May 1, VA has received more than 20,000 applications and the number climbs by roughly 3000 a day. New GI Bill benefits are to begin Aug. 1, in time for fall classes. Asked at a May 13 hearing of the House appropriations subcommittee if payment would be made on time, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki sounded hopeful, not certain.
Shinseki described “a very, very tight timeline and, I won’t say lots of risk, but there is some risk to the process.” "
JO - Are convoys the solution to the Somali piracy crisis?
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Are convoys the solution to the Somali piracy crisis?
AP
Sunday, April 19, 2009
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The US employed them during World War II: armed convoys on the high seas to protect Allied shipping lanes from German subs. Could the same work with pirates?
Read the whole article here.
Jamaica Observer
Are convoys the solution to the Somali piracy crisis?
AP
Sunday, April 19, 2009
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The US employed them during World War II: armed convoys on the high seas to protect Allied shipping lanes from German subs. Could the same work with pirates?
Read the whole article here.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
GV - Online status check for US visa applicants
From my archive of press clippings:
Global Visas
Online status check for US visa applicants
August 05 2009 by Rebekah Nahai
E-updates on US visa applications
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will launch a service that allows applicants for US visas and green cards to check the status of their applications online.
The service, due out in September, will increase the efficiency of the application process by decreasing the amount of personal contact required to keep candidates informed of their immigration status.
Read the whole article here.
Global Visas
Online status check for US visa applicants
August 05 2009 by Rebekah Nahai
E-updates on US visa applications
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will launch a service that allows applicants for US visas and green cards to check the status of their applications online.
The service, due out in September, will increase the efficiency of the application process by decreasing the amount of personal contact required to keep candidates informed of their immigration status.
Read the whole article here.
TPC - New passports might transmit your data
From my archive of press clippings:
The Pueblo Chieftain
New passports might transmit your data
Published: July 08, 2009 02:56 pm
To protect against skimming and eavesdropping attacks, federal and state officials recommend that Americans keep their e-passports tightly shut and store their RFID-tagged passport cards and enhanced driver's licenses in "radio-opaque" sleeves.
Read the whole article here.
The Pueblo Chieftain
New passports might transmit your data
Published: July 08, 2009 02:56 pm
To protect against skimming and eavesdropping attacks, federal and state officials recommend that Americans keep their e-passports tightly shut and store their RFID-tagged passport cards and enhanced driver's licenses in "radio-opaque" sleeves.
Read the whole article here.
SN - Ask the consul. Summer Travel
From my archive of press clippings:
Stabroek News
Ask the consul
By Stabroek staff June 25, 2009 in Daily, Features
Summer Travel
Installment Eighty – Sixth
Q: I am interested in visiting the United States this summer, how do I apply for a U.S. visitor visa?
Stabroek News
Ask the consul
By Stabroek staff June 25, 2009 in Daily, Features
Summer Travel
Installment Eighty – Sixth
Q: I am interested in visiting the United States this summer, how do I apply for a U.S. visitor visa?
Read the whole article here.
CVE - U.S. passport rule in effect June 1
From my archive of press clippings:
Comox Valley Echo
U.S. passport rule in effect June 1
May 15, 2009
With less than a few weeks before the new requirement to show a passport when entering the U.S. by land and sea, BCAA is recommending travellers needing a passport apply as soon as possible to avoid potential inconvenience and disappointment. Starting June 1, 2009 Canadians travelling to, from or via the U.S. by land and sea must present a passport at U.S. Customs.
Read the whole article here.
Comox Valley Echo
U.S. passport rule in effect June 1
May 15, 2009
With less than a few weeks before the new requirement to show a passport when entering the U.S. by land and sea, BCAA is recommending travellers needing a passport apply as soon as possible to avoid potential inconvenience and disappointment. Starting June 1, 2009 Canadians travelling to, from or via the U.S. by land and sea must present a passport at U.S. Customs.
Read the whole article here.
JO - Caribbean cannot base tourism on US embargo against Cuba
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Caribbean cannot base tourism on US embargo against Cuba
SIR Ronald Sanders
Sunday, April 19, 2009
US President Barack Obama has fulfilled a promise made to Cuban-Americans during last year's presidential campaign to ease travel restrictions allowing them to visit Cuba as they wish, and to send money back home to their dependents.
SIR Ronald Sanders
This decision has caused more than a ripple of concern among tourism authorities in some Caribbean countries, and contradictory statements have been issued about the likely effect on their tourism industries.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The reality is that Caribbean countries have little to fear from President Obama's policy. Easing travel for Cuban-Americans to travel to Cuba will have little or no effect on other Caribbean destinations. Very few Cuban-Americans travel on holiday to Caribbean countries.
The real impact on Caribbean tourism will come when the US and Cuba normalise relations and the 49-year-old US embargo on Cuba comes to an end."
&
"Sooner or later the embargo will be lifted and Cuba will be a strong and direct competitor with other Caribbean countries for US tourists and US investment in the tourist industry. Neighbouring Caribbean countries must therefore prepare themselves for this competition and be ready to meet it."
_____
Responses to: ronaldsanders29@hotmail.com
Sir Ronald Sanders is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat.
Jamaica Observer
Caribbean cannot base tourism on US embargo against Cuba
SIR Ronald Sanders
Sunday, April 19, 2009
US President Barack Obama has fulfilled a promise made to Cuban-Americans during last year's presidential campaign to ease travel restrictions allowing them to visit Cuba as they wish, and to send money back home to their dependents.
SIR Ronald Sanders
This decision has caused more than a ripple of concern among tourism authorities in some Caribbean countries, and contradictory statements have been issued about the likely effect on their tourism industries.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The reality is that Caribbean countries have little to fear from President Obama's policy. Easing travel for Cuban-Americans to travel to Cuba will have little or no effect on other Caribbean destinations. Very few Cuban-Americans travel on holiday to Caribbean countries.
The real impact on Caribbean tourism will come when the US and Cuba normalise relations and the 49-year-old US embargo on Cuba comes to an end."
&
"Sooner or later the embargo will be lifted and Cuba will be a strong and direct competitor with other Caribbean countries for US tourists and US investment in the tourist industry. Neighbouring Caribbean countries must therefore prepare themselves for this competition and be ready to meet it."
_____
Responses to: ronaldsanders29@hotmail.com
Sir Ronald Sanders is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
re: "What do I do with my medals?"
Cdr Salamander ("Proactively “From the Sea”; leveraging the littoral best practices for a paradigm breaking six-sigma best business case in the global commons, rightsizing the core values supporting our mission statement via the 5-vector model through cultural diversity.") asked a practical question (one that had crossed my mind as well).
Money quote(s):
"Do we rename them, or do I just put them in the corner with my Cheney Shrine?"
Money quote(s):
"Do we rename them, or do I just put them in the corner with my Cheney Shrine?"
WT - EXCLUSIVE: U.S. seeks to protect Iran terror group. Iraqis urged to keep camp.
From my archive of press clippings:
Washington Times
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. seeks to protect Iran terror group. Iraqis urged to keep camp.
By Eli Lake (Contact) Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The United States is quietly pressing Iraq not to close a camp that holds more than 3,000 members of an Iranian opposition group that served as Saddam Hussein's shock troops in 1991 when he crushed rebellions after the Gulf War and now is vulnerable to Iraqi and Iranian reprisals.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Last week, Iraqi police stormed Camp Ashraf outside Baghdad, killing at least seven and injuring dozens during clashes with the Mujahedeen-e Khalq, or MEK. At the time, members of a U.S. unit known as Task Force 134, which deals with prisoners of war, were present outside the compound, said two U.S. officials -- one in Washington, one in Iraq -- who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.
A day after the raid, officials at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad met with members of the Iraqi government to urge restraint. The next day, the U.S. Army helped medevac at least two dozen injured members of the MEK, the officials said."
"The U.S. has designated the MEK as a terrorist group for these actions and for the assassinations of six Americans in Iran before the 1979 Iranian revolution. But the U.S. nevertheless has sought to protect Camp Ashraf members -- who include women and children -- from Iraqi or Iranian attack and forced repatriation.
The camp had been under U.S. protection since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Iraq now seeks to reassert control under the provisions of the Status of Forces Agreement signed with Washington last year.
Iraqi media have reported that the government plans to close Camp Ashraf and disperse its residents to other locations in Iraq. Such a move could make the dissidents more vulnerable to Iranian intelligence and angry Iraqi Shi'ites who lost family members in 1991."
continued
"President Clinton designated the MEK as a foreign terrorist organization. However, in 2002, the group disclosed that Iran was building a secret nuclear facility south of Tehran. The MEK also claims to have provided valuable intelligence on the Iranian regime to the U.S. military and to no longer commit acts of terrorism. Over the years, the organization has touted itself as a viable opposition movement against Iran, even though it appears to have minimal support within Iran and there is a cult of personality around the group's leader, Maryam Rajavi.
Still, the group has cultivated allies in the U.S. Congress who have pressed the State Department to remove the MEK and affiliated groups from its list of foreign terrorists."
"Raymond Tanter, a member of the National Security Council in the Reagan administration who co-founded and is president of the Iran Policy Committee -- a Washington group that advocates lifting the MEK's terrorist designation -- said Iraqi National Security Adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie told him that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government intends to destroy the camp, disperse its residents and send MEK leaders to Iran. "
&
"Rep. Howard L. Berman, California Democrat and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, the committee's ranking Republican, issued a statement last week expressing concern about the situation at Camp Ashraf.
"The Government of Iraq signed an agreement with the United States guaranteeing the physical security and protection of Ashraf residents following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the area," the statement said. "The Iraqi government must live up to its commitment to ensure the continued well-being of those living in Ashraf and prevent their involuntary return to Iran.""
Washington Times
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. seeks to protect Iran terror group. Iraqis urged to keep camp.
By Eli Lake (Contact) Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The United States is quietly pressing Iraq not to close a camp that holds more than 3,000 members of an Iranian opposition group that served as Saddam Hussein's shock troops in 1991 when he crushed rebellions after the Gulf War and now is vulnerable to Iraqi and Iranian reprisals.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Last week, Iraqi police stormed Camp Ashraf outside Baghdad, killing at least seven and injuring dozens during clashes with the Mujahedeen-e Khalq, or MEK. At the time, members of a U.S. unit known as Task Force 134, which deals with prisoners of war, were present outside the compound, said two U.S. officials -- one in Washington, one in Iraq -- who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.
A day after the raid, officials at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad met with members of the Iraqi government to urge restraint. The next day, the U.S. Army helped medevac at least two dozen injured members of the MEK, the officials said."
"The U.S. has designated the MEK as a terrorist group for these actions and for the assassinations of six Americans in Iran before the 1979 Iranian revolution. But the U.S. nevertheless has sought to protect Camp Ashraf members -- who include women and children -- from Iraqi or Iranian attack and forced repatriation.
The camp had been under U.S. protection since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Iraq now seeks to reassert control under the provisions of the Status of Forces Agreement signed with Washington last year.
Iraqi media have reported that the government plans to close Camp Ashraf and disperse its residents to other locations in Iraq. Such a move could make the dissidents more vulnerable to Iranian intelligence and angry Iraqi Shi'ites who lost family members in 1991."
continued
"President Clinton designated the MEK as a foreign terrorist organization. However, in 2002, the group disclosed that Iran was building a secret nuclear facility south of Tehran. The MEK also claims to have provided valuable intelligence on the Iranian regime to the U.S. military and to no longer commit acts of terrorism. Over the years, the organization has touted itself as a viable opposition movement against Iran, even though it appears to have minimal support within Iran and there is a cult of personality around the group's leader, Maryam Rajavi.
Still, the group has cultivated allies in the U.S. Congress who have pressed the State Department to remove the MEK and affiliated groups from its list of foreign terrorists."
"Raymond Tanter, a member of the National Security Council in the Reagan administration who co-founded and is president of the Iran Policy Committee -- a Washington group that advocates lifting the MEK's terrorist designation -- said Iraqi National Security Adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie told him that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government intends to destroy the camp, disperse its residents and send MEK leaders to Iran. "
&
"Rep. Howard L. Berman, California Democrat and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, the committee's ranking Republican, issued a statement last week expressing concern about the situation at Camp Ashraf.
"The Government of Iraq signed an agreement with the United States guaranteeing the physical security and protection of Ashraf residents following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the area," the statement said. "The Iraqi government must live up to its commitment to ensure the continued well-being of those living in Ashraf and prevent their involuntary return to Iran.""
WDIO - UMD Grad Student Arrested in Brazil
From my archive of press clippings:
WDIO
UMD Grad Student Arrested in Brazil
Updated at: 07/07/2009 9:32 AMBy: Kim Johnson
A University of Minnesota-Duluth graduate student is among a group recently arrested in Brazil.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Kelly Wendt, 26, from UMD and two other geology students from the University of Arizona went to southwest Brazil last month to conduct a climate change research project.
All three were arrested by federal police on June 16, according to UMD spokesperson Susan Beasy Latto."
&
"The state department is aware of this case. A spokesperson says the department will work within the parameter of Brazilian law to help the students."
WDIO
UMD Grad Student Arrested in Brazil
Updated at: 07/07/2009 9:32 AMBy: Kim Johnson
A University of Minnesota-Duluth graduate student is among a group recently arrested in Brazil.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Kelly Wendt, 26, from UMD and two other geology students from the University of Arizona went to southwest Brazil last month to conduct a climate change research project.
All three were arrested by federal police on June 16, according to UMD spokesperson Susan Beasy Latto."
&
"The state department is aware of this case. A spokesperson says the department will work within the parameter of Brazilian law to help the students."
CW - Trust but verify!
From my archive of press clippings:
ComputerWorld
Trust but verify!
June 24, 2009 - 9:12 P.M.
For those of you who don't know, I've spent many years in the actuarial consulting and retirement planning business. One of the biggest problems faced by many of my clients is the hiring of illegal aliens. Some of these workers spend many years with a company and accumulate substantial retirement benefits only to "disappear" without a trace. Some employers I’ve talk to about this think the employees don’t even care about the retirement benefits accumulated; they’re content to just draw a weekly salary. The accumulated benefits remain in the plan until such time as the person is located or the plan itself is terminated with "lost" benefits then being turned over to the feds. Believe it or not, there are millions of dollars in such benefits just waiting to be paid out. Simply requesting a Social Security number isn’t a solution either; it’s relatively easy for a motivated individual to use a bogus number.
ComputerWorld
Trust but verify!
June 24, 2009 - 9:12 P.M.
For those of you who don't know, I've spent many years in the actuarial consulting and retirement planning business. One of the biggest problems faced by many of my clients is the hiring of illegal aliens. Some of these workers spend many years with a company and accumulate substantial retirement benefits only to "disappear" without a trace. Some employers I’ve talk to about this think the employees don’t even care about the retirement benefits accumulated; they’re content to just draw a weekly salary. The accumulated benefits remain in the plan until such time as the person is located or the plan itself is terminated with "lost" benefits then being turned over to the feds. Believe it or not, there are millions of dollars in such benefits just waiting to be paid out. Simply requesting a Social Security number isn’t a solution either; it’s relatively easy for a motivated individual to use a bogus number.
Read the whole article here.
S&S - Obama considering holding some detainees indefinitely
From my archive of press clippings:
Stars and Stripes
Obama considering holding some detainees indefinitely
Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, May 15, 2009
The Obama administration is considering the possibility of detaining some terror suspects in the United States — indefinitely and without trial, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
Read the whole article here.
Stars and Stripes
Obama considering holding some detainees indefinitely
Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, May 15, 2009
The Obama administration is considering the possibility of detaining some terror suspects in the United States — indefinitely and without trial, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
Read the whole article here.
JO - Inside the West Portland election
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Inside the West Portland election
BY DON ANDERSON
Historical perspective
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The recently completed by-election in West Portland generated a considerable degree of national interest, not because of the dual citizenship issue which brought it about, but moreso because of the critical importance to both parties, with the JLP majority in Parliament being razor thin.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Despite the strong PNP core support, Rowe would still face an uphill task, as this was matched by equally strong core support for the JLP. The difficulty he faced winning the seat was further heightened by the fact that he had just three weeks to overturn the momentum of 18 months of Vaz's activity in the area. His dual citizenship status was not an issue, however much there were attempts to make it seem so on moral grounds."
Jamaica Observer
Inside the West Portland election
BY DON ANDERSON
Historical perspective
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The recently completed by-election in West Portland generated a considerable degree of national interest, not because of the dual citizenship issue which brought it about, but moreso because of the critical importance to both parties, with the JLP majority in Parliament being razor thin.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Despite the strong PNP core support, Rowe would still face an uphill task, as this was matched by equally strong core support for the JLP. The difficulty he faced winning the seat was further heightened by the fact that he had just three weeks to overturn the momentum of 18 months of Vaz's activity in the area. His dual citizenship status was not an issue, however much there were attempts to make it seem so on moral grounds."
Monday, September 7, 2009
U.S. Consulate Edinburgh, Scotland (just kidding!)
Taken in Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 20, 2006.
AP - Arrest of US hikers mars Iraqi Kurd tourism boom
From my archive of press clippings:
Associated Press
Arrest of US hikers mars Iraqi Kurd tourism boom
By YAHYA BARZANJI and ERIC TALMADGE (AP) – 1 day ago
SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq — In Iraq's Kurdish region where three American hikers fell into Iranian custody, the attractions for intrepid hikers and travelers are many. Visitors shop for crystal glasses and enjoy long walks in lush mountain resorts renowned for their pistachio groves.
Safety is a big selling point — tourism promoters boast not a single foreigner has been killed or kidnapped since 2003.
Read the whole article here.
Associated Press
Arrest of US hikers mars Iraqi Kurd tourism boom
By YAHYA BARZANJI and ERIC TALMADGE (AP) – 1 day ago
SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq — In Iraq's Kurdish region where three American hikers fell into Iranian custody, the attractions for intrepid hikers and travelers are many. Visitors shop for crystal glasses and enjoy long walks in lush mountain resorts renowned for their pistachio groves.
Safety is a big selling point — tourism promoters boast not a single foreigner has been killed or kidnapped since 2003.
Read the whole article here.
JG - IMMIGRATION CORNER - Filing for my fiancée
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
IMMIGRATION CORNER - Filing for my fiancée
Published: Tuesday July 7, 2009
Your articles in Jamaica Gleaner is where I got your information. My name is C.J.; my fiancée is from Ethiopia, and lives and works in Doha, Qatar. I am a US citizen over 32 years, retired from the US Air Force, working in Iraq as a contractor, and my home of record is Miami, Florida. I have known her more than two years. My questions are:
Should I apply for a fiancée visa or get married and file for a resident visa in Qatar?
Which procedure is more feasible, less time consuming? Based on your experience in immigration law, which method is more logical?
- CJ
Jamaica Gleaner
IMMIGRATION CORNER - Filing for my fiancée
Published: Tuesday July 7, 2009
Your articles in Jamaica Gleaner is where I got your information. My name is C.J.; my fiancée is from Ethiopia, and lives and works in Doha, Qatar. I am a US citizen over 32 years, retired from the US Air Force, working in Iraq as a contractor, and my home of record is Miami, Florida. I have known her more than two years. My questions are:
Should I apply for a fiancée visa or get married and file for a resident visa in Qatar?
Which procedure is more feasible, less time consuming? Based on your experience in immigration law, which method is more logical?
- CJ
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"A citizen of the United States is entitled to file a petition for a fiancée visa to bring your fiancée and the fiancée's minor children to the United States.
There are several requirements to obtain approval for this visa. Premier among these requirements are that you must both be free to be married, must have met each other within the last two years - unless there is a cultural prohibition against the meeting, and you and your fiancée plan to be married within 90 days of her arrival in the US. You must show proof that you are legally divorced, if previously married, or proof of your prior spouse's death, if that is the case. "
_____
Dahlia A. Walker-Huntington, Esq. is a Jamaican-American attorney who practices law in Florida in the areas of immigration, family, corporate & personal injury law. She is a mediator, arbitrator and special magistrate in Broward County, Florida. Send your questions and comments to info@walkerhuntington.com or editor@gleanerjm.com
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