Day: January 5, 2017

Whether Cuba or Key West, it’s all about having fun

After a recent, somewhat hysterical spate of Citizen’s Voice comments about the supposed misuse of the terms “drag queen” and “female impersonator” around here – which, by many, many accounts are interchangeable – I decided to excavate an old image from an interesting evening in Havana in 2008 that featured just that. An elderly writer from New York City and I became acquainted during a trip to see Raul Castro speak on the 55th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution in Santiago de Cuba, and once back in the capital, she invited me out to “dinner and a show.”

‘Use it or lose it’ – Sunderland shoppers are urged by…

Businesses in a forgotten shopping street have urged people to use it or lose it as they battle for the area to be improved. Retailers in Blandford Street spoke out after the Echo reported that independent clothing shop Arc is set to close, with owner Adam Clarke bringing an end to his family running shops in the city for 90 years.

How Manx money is helping Zimbabwe

Congratulations, you’re now registered! Let us know what news and updates you want to hear about and we’ll send them straight to your inbox. Christian Aid regional co-ordinator Louise Whitelegg travelled across Zimbabwe in December on a self-funded trip to see for herself a number of the projects funded by the charity and the Manx government’s International Development Committee.

Bus services to South halted by flooding

The road linking Sungai Kolok and Waeng districts of Narathiwat was flooded, with water 30-50 centimetres deep on Thursday morning. Major flooding in several areas, particularly in Thung Song district of Nakhon Si Thammarat, has forced the temporary cancellation of bus services between Bangkok and the South, the state-run Transport Co announced on Thursday.

Policeman arrested for killing school director

A border patrol policeman has been arrested for the murder of a school director at a grocery shop in Yala’s Muang district on Wednesday afternoon, police said. Pol Col Chamlong Suwalak, chief of Muang district police, said the questioning of Adisak Asae, an employee of the grocery shop who witnessed the killing, led to the arrest of Pol L/Cpl Nirun Im-erb, 26, attached to Border Patrol Police Unit 34, which is based in Tak’s Mae Sot district.

DAMAC Properties launches high-end Boutique Villas for Aficionados of glamour and luxury living

DAMAC Properties, a leading luxury real estate developer in the region, today launched the Kensington Boutique Villas at AKOYA Oxygen in addition to Beverly Hills Boutique Villas at AKOYA by DAMAC. Discerning customers can enjoy a premium lifestyle and choose from a range of villa types in numerous locations around the international golf courses at the centre of the two master planned communities.

DEWA inaugurates new 132/11 main power substation to enhance transmission networks in Al Quoz 4 area

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority , in collaboration with Meraas Holding, has inaugurated a new 132/11 kV substation with a total capacity of 150 Megavolt Amperes at Al Quoz 4, to meet the increasing demand for electricity. This is part of DEWA’s commitment to its growing portfolio of development projects, particularly in its efforts to install main substations across Dubai.

Flood warnings lifted as tides abate along east coast

Tidal levels dropped sufficiently for flood warnings to be lifted along much of the east coast following yesterday’s storm surge. Minor flooding had been predicted on this region’s coastline and tidal waterways – with alerts remaining in place overnight for the River Yare, in Norfolk, and homes near the New Mills Sluice, in Norwich.

Pakistan praises Kashmir rebel, condemns Indian ‘repression’

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has praised a slain Kashmir rebel leader and reiterated his condemnation of Indian “repression” in the disputed region, in remarks likely to re-ignite tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals. Addressing a Kashmir conference held in Islamabad on Thursday, Sharif referred to 22-year-old Burhan Wani, whose killing in July sparked months of violent demonstrations, as a “martyr.”

Daniel Pearce aged 11 with pet therapy dog “Binky”

AS a haven for young people with severe learning difficulties, Cwmbran’s Crownbridge School has built a unrivalled reputation for giving its pupils the best start in life. Serving children and young people in the age ranges of 2-19 years, the school is split into two sites, with a main hub in Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran and a primary site within Penygarn Primary in the Pontypool area.

Former BCCI chief Anurag Thakur hails leader MS Dhoni

New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who on Wednesday stepped down as India’s One-Day International and Twenty20 International sides captain, was hailed as “one of the finest leaders” by former BCCI president Anurag Thakur. “Hey @msdhoni yuv been one of the finest leaders of Indian Cricket @BCCI, led the team to great heights & inspired so many across countries!,” Thakur wrote on Twitter.

Obama calls for smooth transition

President Barack Obama called for a smooth handover of control of the U.S. military to incoming commander in chief Donald Trump, as the outgoing president met Wednesday with military leaders for the last time. “We’ve got to make sure that during this transition period that there is a seamless passing of the baton, that there’s continuity,” Obama said.

Councillors to consider 250k cuts to Torfaen libraries

PROPOSED changes to Torfaen’s library service will be scrutinised by councillors this week as part of planned council cuts totalling A 250,000. In March 2016, Torfaen County Borough Council agreed measures to address a project shortfall of A 26 million in its budget from 2016 – 2019.