World News

Hannah Cockroft completed a clean-sweep of world records in the T34 events, after lowering the 1500m best with a scintillating performance in Nottwil on the second day of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix.

In her first 1500m race since 2014, Cockroft pushed magnificently to lower Mel Nicholls’ former world record (4:01.79) to 3:50.22. With only fellow Briton Paige Murray (Job King) in the race, it was almost a solo effort by the ‘Hurricane’ as she sealed the set of world records from 100m upwards.

Also a winner in the earlier 100m in a rapid time of 17.40 (0.6), Cockroft commented on the 1500m:

“That’s too far! Mel’s time has stood for a long time and we knew I’d worked on a lot of distance in training, so it would be a good test of my fitness. The thought was that if I could hold a good speed over 1500m, I can hold an even better speed over 800m. So it is nice to hold the full set (of world records).

“I was holding a good speed all the way around and it was pretty consistent so it has given me a confidence boost heading back to the 800m. Maybe I can push a little harder in that now.”

After breaking his own world record in the T42 200m yesterday, Richard Whitehead was close to another one in the T42 100m, but he was just 0.06 second outside the mark with a time of 12.17 (0.6). His current best stands at 12.13 which he set in Leverkusen last year, so to be running these times at the beginning of June has given him a great deal of confidence heading into the final block of training before the World Para Athletics Championships.

After encouraging displays in the 200m and 800m on Friday, Richard Chiassaro returned to the track with intent, and took a significant chunk off his previous T54 1500m time; recording 2:52.11 which was also his first ever European record. This revised his best by a superb seven seconds, and coming just a week after his first sub three minute 1500m.

Despite technical issues in the original race meaning it had to be rerun just over an hour later, it did not seem to faze the athletes. After working well with eventual winner Brent Lakatos (T53), Chiassaro commented upon his personal best in the 1500m:

“Yes I’m well happy with that. I wasn’t expecting to come out again and do that time – it is now two or three second below the world record. When the world records are set, people work together so it’s nice to be able to work with each other to achieve this. I can’t draft like that in the UK so that was a good learning experience and to be able to pull for 600m is a positive sign.”

The hugely talented London band 'Saloon Star' will headline their first ever Beach festival, 'Loving the Beach Festival', taking place at Blackpool Sands, Devon, on Saturday 8th July.

Michael Smith, co-owner of The Venus Company, comments: “We have toyed with the idea of a beach festival for many years, because Blackpool Sands is an ideal venue. We have been extremely fortunate to have secured 'Saloon Star' as well as two superb local bands, 'Mafia 4' and 'Three Bags Full.”  Michael continues: 'Loving the Beach Festival is perfect for all the family and, as well as a wide repertoire of music, there will also be lots of other entertainment.”  Tickets must be bought in advance and are available from Eventbrite, simply search for Venus Loving the Beach Festival.

'Saloon Star' plays everything from swing and country to blues, funk, reggae and pop with some rock thrown in for good measure. They will be hitting the stage for the first of their three sets at 5pm by which time the crowd will be well and truly in the party spirit, having already enjoyed the sounds of 'Mafia 4' and 'Three Bags Full'.

The music sets run from 12 noon until 11pm but the festival runs all day, with food available from 8.30am until 8pm and a host of activities throughout the day to keep the whole family entertained. Those wanting to enjoy the 'royal treatment' can snap up one of the limited number of VIP tickets currently available and add a fabulous 3-course menu of locally sourced produce to their experience.

All the festival goers will be able to enjoy one of Britain's most beautiful beaches as well as delicious local food and drink available from Venus café and takeaway* and the Bays Brewery drinks tent. Children will love the traditional Punch & Judy shows and treasure hunts and demos from charities supporting the event: RNLI, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Marine Conservation Society and the Devon Wildlife Trust.

Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, on Tuesday (May 30) launched the Destination Assurance Councils (DACs) for six resort areas, which are tasked with ensuring that the quality, standards and integrity of Jamaica’s tourism product are maintained. The launch took place at the Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa in Kingston.

The Destination Assurance Councils, which replace the Resort Boards, are expected to identify the needs of the industry and monitor the progress of developmental initiatives in resort areas. This is in keeping with efforts to ensure that Jamaica provides the attractive and secure tourism product which is marketed to its visitors.

In his address, Minister Bartlett called on the DACs to play their part in ensuring that the Jamaican experience is safe, secure and seamless for our visitors, adding that “people travel for the experience, so we need to make it special so that it leaves a positive impact on the visitors and creates an ambiance that doesn’t leave them second guessing the quality of the destination.”

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett urges members of the Destination Assurance Councils (DACs) to play their part in ensuring that the Jamaican experience is safe, secure and seamless for the country’s visitors. He was speaking at the launch of the DACs for six resort areas, which have been tasked with maintaining the quality, standards and integrity of Jamaica’s tourism product. The launch took place on Tuesday, May 30, at the Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa in Kingston.

Minister Bartlett said the Ministry, its agencies and the DACs will focus on enhancing the tourism sector in Jamaica by way of their pooled expertise, noting that “the aim of the partnership is to improve standards, the physical development of the resorts and engage with citizens to ensure that Jamaica is viewed as favorable to visitors, facilitating growth in the sector.”

The Pike Place Market's new MarketFront, a .75-acre, 30,000-square-foot public terrace and plaza that will expand the western flank of Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, will mark its official grand opening June 29 The MarketFront Grand Opening will include a ceremony led by Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, live music by local musicians, and tasty bites served by new MarketFront vendors.

MarketFront will open panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, create space for 47 new day stall tables for farmers, crafters and artists, as well as 12,000-square-feet of commercial and retail space for artisan purveyors and 40 low-income housing units for seniors. The site's location on the western edge of the market will provide future access to the central waterfront development and create a vital link from the west to the market and downtown Seattle.

The site is within the 9-acre Market Historic District and was part of the Friends of the Market's original plan for Pike Place Market. The MarketFront will complete the district, created in 1971, and will connect to the main arcade via the Desimone Bridge.

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Following on from a truly outstanding meeting with Minister of Health DR.the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP and H.E. Seth George Ramocan High Commissioner  and Chairman Paul Harrison  and team members  of Adopt a Clinic and all the members of Adopt a Clinic campaign, a meeting took place that can only be described as captivating really lighting the flame and laying the foundation for what's to come.

The coming together of professionals and specialist from all industries varying from Barristers, Directors Solicitors and so much more setting in motion the first steps towards the long term goals with short term objectives. Across the board were great suggestions from Fund raising strategies, marketing campaigns & our target audience, as well as the long term vision cast by the Minister of Health going “above and beyond what  this team stands for and represents everything that Jamaica is."; united ,vibrant & ambitious.

“We launched our website http://adoptaclinicjamaica.co.uk which went down extremely well with everyone. Easily accessible and simple to use showing clearly all the clinics we are adopting as well as what is needed. We want the public to know exactly what they will be supporting, keeping everyone up to date with what's happening within the clinic. The agenda is simple to play our part in improving the quality of the health care throughout all of Jamaica. “Out of many one people” I’m sure we have all heard this before! Harrison says, "We at adopt a clinic believe that together we can truly have a major long term impact within the communities in Jamaica."

“ ’Faith without works is dead’ - we aren’t only believing we are taking action ,many members from the team are travelling to Jamaica and visiting these clinics to have first-hand experience of the current state of these clinics and will be having regular follow ups speaking to the employees and locals on their experience In addition members of the team will also be visiting the Jamaica55 Diaspora Conference promoting the need to support Adopt a Clinic as well as officially launching this campaign throughout Jamaica.

CEO Marland Pinnock of Printexpert.co.uk, a family owned business, is the Deputy Chairman for Adopt a Clinic. Marland and his wife Kuldip Pinnock have fully supported the campaign and are strongly involved wherever a difference can be made especially for such a good cause. With their full team of experts on design and printing, along with Chairs expertise from PKMedia ltd.com Paul Harrison Director and Chairman of adoptaclinicjamaica.co.uk.

Marland said, “The Adopt A Clinic initiative is something close to my heart, born and raised in rural Jamaica  I understand how crucial these clinics are is in some areas the nearest hospital is 2-3 hours away making clinics as important as hospitals in rural Jamaica. I strongly believe if we come together we can make a difference to the lives of many people in Jamaica. As little as £3.00 per month can make a huge difference. This campaign is running in all 14 Parishes of Jamaica (County & Town) giving individuals the opportunity to raise funds for their local clinic, allowing them to check on progress and ensuring donations are getting spent on the clinic of their choice. What makes this campaign truly unique is you can choose to give back to where you come from.“

Honourable Christopher Tufton was very pleased with the presentation by the Adopt a Clinic team and commended H.E. Seth George Ramocan.

The youngest team member is 24 year old Jerome Lancaster Regional Vice President ACN  who is the executive board member of Adopt a Clinic and has sponsored for £5,000 the Sea Forth Health Centre Wyatt Scheme Seaforth  St Thomas which is from his Mothers place of birth , VP Lancaster has taken up the challenge to encourage business leaders to take the lead and become a one of the 55 team leaders who will be responsible for raising a minimum of 5k through your business, organisation or your community group, raising funds over the  period of your choice, between 1 to 3yrs.

Other senior Business leaders, including Kingsley Shipping Director Morrison said that this project is also close to his heart and has taken up the challenge to sponsor £5,000,  Fyffes Pen Health Centre Clinic in St Elizabeth  and to be one of the 55 leaders in the Adopt a Clinic is a worthy cause to help to increase the standard of the Clinic and a monthly report and a  picture will be placed on the adopt clinic, with the improvements of the clinic for all to see. HC also reminded us that " all of the 55 team leaders will also have a plaque placed in the Clinic with the words of thanks from their Sponsor and of course  at any time any one of the supporters of Adopt a Clinic  are visiting Jamaica, whatever your donation you can pass by the clinic to say hello to your new adopted family, and all of this can be arranged by  the Adopt the clinic team via Ministry of Health.

Harrison said that it is time to pass on the  baton and to involve our young people as they are our future and good Health is something that we all wish to maintain for a  good standard of life.

Honourable Christopher Tufton closed the meeting with his appreciation to HC and the team Adopt a Clinic and to the family and  Friends of Jamaica  for taking up this great mantel in  supporting  this amazing project.

Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, will send observers to support Lesotho’s National Assembly elections scheduled for 3 June 2017, the Commonwealth Secretariat announced today. This follows a formal invitation from the Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho and consultations between the Secretary-General and a broad range of stakeholders during her maiden visit to the country in April.

Prime Minister Bethuel Mosisili announced the elections in March following a no-confidence vote in parliament and the collapse of the coalition government. During the Secretary-General’s mission to Lesotho, political parties agreed to sign a pre-election peace pledge. The Christian Council of Lesotho has since facilitated the signing of this pledge which reaffirms commitment to conduct peaceful elections and to accept the results “when declared free and fair by duly authorised independent observers”

“These elections are crucial for the people of Lesotho, and it’s our hope that they’ll help deepen democracy and consolidate political stability,” said Secretary-General Scotland. “When I visited Lesotho last month, my aim was to encourage political parties, the media and all relevant stakeholders to support peaceful and credible elections. A small but strong group of Commonwealth observers will be present to observe the elections and to work in partnership with Lesotho and other stakeholders towards strengthening and embedding electoral democracy by sharing best practice.”

She continued, “As underscored during my visit, the responsibility for conducting credible and peaceful elections falls on all concerned - from the election management body, to political parties, especially their leaders, civil society, security agencies, the media and the electorate. Each stakeholder has a constitutional duty and responsibility to ensure a credible process and a peaceful outcome.”

Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, former Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, will lead the Commonwealth Observer Group, which will consider the pre-electoral environment and election preparations. On election day, the group will observe the voting process, vote-counting procedures and the announcement of results, according to international standards for democratic elections, to which Lesotho has committed.

As with all Commonwealth Observer Groups, it will function with impartiality and independence, and will conduct itself according to the standards set out in the International Declaration of Principles for Election Observation, to which the Commonwealth is a signatory.

The Group will submit its final report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will in turn share it with the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Independent Electoral Commission, Lesotho’s political parties, relevant civil society organisations and eventually with all Commonwealth governments. This report will then be made public.

From May to November the waters along the NSW coastline become a living, moving spectacle as thousands of humpback, southern right, fin and other whale species make their way north. The NSW coastline becomes the world's best place for whale spotting and encounters, or to join the Saltwater Indigenous people celebrate this annual migration through Whale Dreaming ceremonies, festivals and experiences.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said, “Each year thousands of whales migrate north along the waters off the NSW coast, providing locals and visitors alike with the chance to see these majestic creatures up close and in their natural environment. It's exciting for young and old to spot a whale tail slapping or breaching its full body from the water".

“NSW has plenty of great whale watching experiences including fast boat cruises, lookouts and vantage points from stunning coastal walks, whale festivals and Whale Dreaming tours. With whale numbers increasing, it's not surprising that the State is often known as New South W(h)ales,” she said.

The long association between Aboriginal people and whales is reflected along the NSW coast where rock art sites document the powerful relationship with these creatures. In fact, the whale is an important totem for numerous Aboriginal groups.

South Coast Indigenous Tourism Operator, Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, runs Whale Dreaming Tours to explain the importance and significance of whales. Operator Dwayne Bannon-Harrison, a descendant of the Yuin people said, "The connection to saltwater and sea creatures is of utmost importance to many coastal First Nation's people. In our creation stories the whales are elders of the sea that once walked from the land into the ocean. Whale Dreaming Ceremonies sing the safe passage of the whale migration, and ensures the connection and respect continues on. We perform these ceremonies in May and October.”

Business leaders and high-level policymakers will join forces for the first India-Commonwealth Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) trade summit. Three hundred Indian firms and more than 100 businesses from across the Commonwealth will be in one room in Delhi on the 30 and 31 May 2017 to enhance trade and investment partnerships.

“The Commonwealth has some of the fastest growing countries in the world. In fact, growth over the past two decades is more than double that in the European Union,” said Deputy Secretary-General Deodat Maharaj. “But intra-Commonwealth trade amounts to only 17 per cent of Commonwealth members global trade, and services trade has a much smaller share, only one-quarter of the total intra-Commonwealth trade. This is where the summit could help.”

Growth in the Commonwealth has accelerated over the past two decades recording 5 per cent in 2015 compared to less than 2 per cent in the EU. Since 2005 the share of the Commonwealth in the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) has increased and has overtaken the share of the EU. The growth in the Commonwealth is also supported by strong favourable demographics.

The Commonwealth Secretariat’s head of trade competitiveness, Rashmi Banga said, “The summit will bring together high-level policymakers and business leaders from Commonwealth member states to identify existing trade and investment opportunities.

“It’ll be an ideal opportunity for them to discuss ways to harness the huge untapped potential as well as common interests and concerns on topical trade issues.”

Among the topics to be discussed are Brexit, deepening intra-Commonwealth trade, trade facilitation in services and cross-border e-commerce.

“What’s exciting and different about this summit,” continued Mr Maharaj, “is that the high-level policymaker’s plenary sessions will be followed by business-to-business meetings between Commonwealth companies. Desks will be allocated to registered firms for business meetings with interested trade partners. They’ll be pitching to one another for bilateral business opportunities.”

A Commonwealth SME cooperation framework will be discussed by high level policymakers and association heads, leading to a declaration on the possible way forward.

Business will be focused in sectors. For example, textiles and clothing; gems and jewellery; leather and leather products; agro-processed products; low-tech machineries and mechanical appliances; packaging; and information and communication technology; to name but a few.

At the same time, the Technology Platform will give opportunities to Commonwealth businesses to make a presentation of their latest inventions that they want to sell. Companies are being encouraged to share low-cost technologies, and green technologies in particular, within the Commonwealth.

The Innovation Platform, sponsored by the Haydn Green Institution for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HGI), in partnership with University of Nottingham in the UK, will provide an opportunity to Commonwealth businesses to present their ground-breaking ideas. This is the ideal showcase for start-ups, young entrepreneurs and students to try to commercialise their innovative ideas.

The summit is the first, and a unique, opportunity for Commonwealth countries to bring their strengths together, to deepen their trade and investment engagement and increase their share of the global trade pie.

Michigan is home to a number of unique and record-breaking attractions you won't find anywhere else. From the world's largest giant cherry pie pan to the world's largest Christmas store - you name it, the Great Lakes state has got it! Below are just some of the world's largest attractions that you'll find in Michigan.

World's Largest Haunted House - Erebus Haunted Attraction: Pontiac

Erebus, located in Pontiac, is a four story haunted house that was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Walk-Through Haunted Attraction in 2005. Erebus leads it's victims through four stories of unique and terrifying paths with fear so intense some call it PAIN!

World's Largest Christmas Store - Bronner's Christmas Wonderland: Frankenmuth The world's largest Christmas store with over 90,000 square feet of newly expanded shopper's dream! Bronner's is bigger than one and a half football pitches in size featuring over 50,000 decorations, gifts, and

World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan: Traverse City Near Traverse City, the cherry capital of the USA, at the Sara Lee Bakery Group, stands the World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan. The pan was made to hold the World's Largest Cherry Pie at the time (from 1987-1992). The huge pie weighed 28,350 pounds and was 17 feet, 6 inches in diameter.

World's Largest Weather Vane: Montague

This functioning weathervane is 48 feet tall with an arrow 26 feet long. The towering figure of the White Lake lumber schooner “Ella Ellenwood” which sails atop the World's Largest Weathervane was chosen because it best typifies the colourful but rugged history of the area.

Separate pirate fact from fiction with special tours at Pirate's Quest this May Half Term, 27 May – 4 June, and help the crew track down their ship so they can return to the Caribbean.

Visitors will be transported back almost 300 years, where they'll begin their adventure on board a Pirate Hunter's Ship called the 'Royal Anne' – a vessel that left England in 1721 with the intention of sailing to the Caribbean, but wrecked off the South Coast of Cornwall.

A real LIVE pirate from the infamous 'Republic of Pirates' will rescue visitors from the sinking Royal Anne, escorting them through a secret passageway, and then acting as a guide through several detailed sets and scenes – a chance to explore the mystical caves and murky streets of eighteenth century Cornwall, and discover the truth about REAL Pirates.

After arriving at Towan Blystra Docks, visitors will be invited into the local tavern, a safe haven for pirates, before deciding whether they're brave enough to enter the optional scare section, The Locker of Davy Jones. Eventually you'll arrive at the Captain's Ship, ready to return to the safety of the Caribbean waters.

The authentic pirates are brought to life by talented theatrical actors, who are guaranteed to make this a unique and memorable experience – a rare opportunity for all ages to learn something new about piracy, and experience the life of a seafarer during the 'Golden Age of Pirates'. Discover the REAL Pirates of the Caribbean.

Junior buccaneers can even complete a treasure map to earn themselves some treasure!

Some of the world’s leading environmental experts will meet at a Commonwealth conference this week to see how they can take forward an innovative strategy to reverse the human impact of climate change. They are hoping their new approach will influence the debate among world leaders when they meet at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP23, chaired by Fiji in Bonn, Germany this November.

The Commonwealth’s Regenerative Development to Reverse Climate Change Conference, organised in collaboration with the Cloudburst Foundation, is the second meeting of experts, who believe that climate change does not have to be all doom and gloom, and there is potential to reverse its effects.

Last October, at Marlborough House, London, more than 60 scientists, ecologists, activists, academics and funders explored cutting-edge approaches to reducing carbon emissions and addressing global warming, while boosting development and economic growth.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland will present their findings at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s London headquarters on May 18, 2017. This includes submissions from Project Drawdown - a comprehensive plan with the potential to reverse global warming.

She said, "A pronounced increase in violent storms, floods, drought, desertification and devastating sea level rises – extreme events such as these are the realities that many people across the Commonwealth wake up to every day. This is why, from the moment I took office I have been working hard to address climate change.

“It is truly a historic moment for the Commonwealth as the first intergovernmental organisation to take on the bold challenge of flipping the narrative on climate change. What we are saying is that climate change is not only our biggest challenge, it is also our biggest opportunity.”

The Secretary-General continued, “Funders, as well as leading experts in a range of areas relating to climate change, came to our headquarters last year to give us a verdict on the feasibility of making reversal rather than mitigation our goal.

“We looked at existing working examples of the regenerative development approach, which mean actions to heal the damage we have caused to the earth and working with nature instead of against nature. For example, tapping into the power of volcanic hot springs for our electricity, geothermal power plants, regenerating coastal wetlands and constructing buildings that mimic trees in the way they dispose of carbon.

“The unanimous agreement was that, if we have the political will and work together, we can drastically reduce carbon emissions and reverse the human impact of climate change while accelerating economic growth and boosting development.”

Keynote speakers at the conference include global advocate on climate change action and former president of Kiribati, Anote Tong; former UN Secretary General’s special envoy on climate change and former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson; New York bestselling climate change author Paul Hawken; scientist Janine Benyus; design, art, science, and technology specialist David McConville; and authority on regenerative development Ben Haggard.

Secretary-General Scotland said the aim now is to find a strong business model for this “revolutionary approach” which can be tailored to the needs of Commonwealth member countries. The initiative will complement the Commonwealth’s Climate Finance Access Hub, which opened its doors last September and is helping countries to access millions of pledged funds for climate action.