Latest news with #Cyril
Borneo Post
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Borneo farmers urge PMX to intervene in leadership ban issue
Cyril TAMBUNAN (Aug 2): Farmers from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan are appealing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to urgently intervene in resolving a policy issue that bars individuals aged 70 and above from holding any leadership positions in farmers' organisations, despite being legitimate shareholders. According to the Founding Chairman of the Sabah State Farmers' Organisation (PPNS), Cyril P. Yansalang, the restriction is deeply disappointing as it sidelines the rights and voices of veteran members who have contributed to the development of the agricultural sector since their youth. 'We are legitimate members and shareholders of farmers' organisations, yet once we turn 70, we are not allowed to become village unit leaders or sit on boards at the district, state, or national levels. 'What's the point of investing and contributing since our younger days if, in the end, we are denied the right to manage and safeguard what we collectively own?' he said in a media statement on Saturday. He believes the Prime Minister, known for his people-centric leadership and concern for the rural population, will be able to find a fair solution to uphold the welfare of farmers, especially in Borneo. Cyril also expressed hope that Anwar would make a significant announcement during the upcoming 2025 National Farmers, Breeders, and Fishermen's Day (HPPNK) celebration in Kota Kinabalu — an announcement that would empower and restore the voice and role of farmers in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. 'We believe PMX will listen to the voices of us small rural farmers who contribute to national food security year after year, yet are frequently excluded from policy-making processes,' he said. He also voiced concern over the status of the National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS), whose constitution has allegedly remained suspended for some time, resulting in ineffective oversight of management and investments involving members' interests. 'We worry that without transparent oversight by shareholders, there's a risk of power abuse or misappropriation of investment funds. Therefore, we fully support the Madani government's efforts to eliminate corruption and abuse of power — even within farmers' institutions,' he stressed. Cyril asserted that if any misconduct is found involving leaders, managers, or officers within farmers' organisations or related government agencies, legal action should be taken without compromise to restore integrity and member confidence. He also presented three key demands on behalf of grassroots farmers for the Prime Minister's attention: 1. Grassroots Involvement in Policy-Making: Allow greater participation of farmer members as the main voice in government policy discussions, as many current policies do not reflect the actual realities and needs of farmers on the ground. 2. Increased Allocation for Farmers' Organisations: Request for more funding to be channelled to farmers' organisations nationwide, ensuring direct benefits to individual members who support national food production and agriculture. 3. Direct Allocation to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan: Call for agricultural development allocations for Borneo to be channelled directly to the respective state governments to avoid central bureaucracy delays and accelerate holistic agricultural sector development. He expressed confidence that under the Madani government's commitment to social justice and balanced development, the requests of Borneo farmers would receive due attention from the Prime Minister. 'We're not asking for more than what is fair. We just want our rights as stakeholders and contributors to this sector to be recognised. The voices of rural farmers must be heard and given a rightful place in shaping the nation's food future,' he said.
France 24
01-08-2025
- Business
- France 24
'Disappointed': US trading partners around the world react to Trump's new tariffs
Some nations reacted with relief Friday after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs that in some cases were lower than threatened, and delayed by a week to August 7. But others – including Switzerland and chip powerhouse Taiwan – still hope to negotiate lower rates, and uncertainty remains over transshipments and levies on Japanese cars. Trump's announcement does not cover export giant China – currently in negotiations on a trade deal ahead of an August 12 deadline. 05:48 Here is how some other economies reacted: Canada: 'heavily impacted' Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government was "disappointed" by Trump's decision to increase US tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 percent. Trump's order cited Canada 's failure to stop fentanyl entering the United States. Carney outlined Ottawa's efforts to crack down on fentanyl and to increase border security. He said sectors of Canada's economy including lumber, steel, aluminium and automobiles were "heavily impacted by US duties and tariffs". Switzerland: negotiations The government of Switzerland – a major US trading partner – expressed "great regret" at the 39-percent tariff rate, despite its "very constructive position" in talks. It said it "still hopes to find a negotiated solution" to the dispute over the US trade deficit with Switzerland. South Africa South Africa will use the week-long delay of 30-percent tariffs to "negotiate as strongly and as hard as we can" to avoid the penalty and save jobs, President Cyril Ramaphosa told reporters. South Africa has offered to import liquefied natural gas and some US agricultural products, the trade ministry said this week. It said South African firms have also committed to investing in US mining and metals-recycling industries and to pursuing joint investment in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and agri-machinery. Thailand: 'major success' The 19-percent levy for Thailand and Cambodia – fresh from border clashes that killed over 40 people – is a let-off from the threatened 36 percent. Thailand called it a "major success" and a "win-win approach aimed at preserving Thailand's export base and long-term economic stability". Cambodia: 'best news' Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, called it "the best news for the people and economy of Cambodia to continue to develop the country". The major manufacturer of low-cost clothing for Western brands was initially menaced with a tariff of 40 percent. Taiwan: still pushing Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called its 20-percent tariff "temporary... with the possibility of further reductions should an agreement be reached". The US president had threatened to hit the island with a 32-percent tax and possible separate duties on the island's huge semiconductors shipments. Washington "needs Taiwan in supporting resilient supply chains, in supporting manufacturing and some high-end technologies", Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said recently. Japan: car confusion A tariff of 15 percent agreed last week between Japan and Washington – down from a threatened 25 percent – is due to be applied from August 7. Watch more US and Japan strike trade deal, avoiding Trump's threat of 25% tariffs But Japanese auto exports were already being hit by a 25-percent rate, and Tokyo wants to know when this will be lowered too. "We continue to urge the US to take prompt measures to implement the agreement, including lowering tariffs on automobile and auto parts," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday. Confusion also surrounds Trump's claim that Japan – as a "signing bonus" – will invest $550 billion in America, which will recoup 90 percent of the profits. Malaysia: 'positive outcome' Malaysia also achieved a lower tariff of 19 percent – down from 25 percent – which the government called a "positive outcome". "This decision by the United States reflects the strong and enduring economic ties between our two nations," Trade and Industry Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz said Sri Lanka: 'happy' Sri Lanka also expressed relief that it will face a 20-percent hit, a sharp reduction from the 44 percent originally floated, and expressed hope of a further cut. "We are happy that our competitiveness in exports to the US has been retained," finance ministry official Harshana Suriyapperuma told reporters. Around 40 percent of Sri Lanka's $5.0 billion of garment exports last year went to the United States.
Irish Independent
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See pictures from Wexford's Strawberry Weekend – ‘People want us to succeed'
An annual strawberry-centred event, that has taken the reigns following the the end of the Strawberry Festival, was highly attended by locals who were eager for ice cream, music, and meet and greets with some of their favourite cartoon characters thanks to the Rathnure Pantomime Society. The Village of Wheelock's signature pink ice creams made an appearance and were enjoyed by Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr Paddy Kavanagh and members of the Wexford IFA. The ice cream was successfully launched at the event last year following a 12 month development period where Cyril Wheelock travelled up to Tinnahinch in Co Carlow to John Whelan's Devil Menu to understand how they incorporate strawberries. They then came home with the sauce and learned how to directly blend their signature strawberries with the ice cream until they are the colour pink. It saw immediate success and he observed that this new strawberry blended ice cream made up two thirds of the ice cream they sold, proving to be a big winner with customers. There was also a wide variety of stalls selling handmade jewellery, products and produce, as well as amusement rides, face painting and dancing areas to keep everyone entertained. Cyril explained that they are always overwhelmed and overjoyed at the outpouring of support they receive from the area when they host this event. "When we do events like the Strawberry Weekend and planting the sunflowers and things like that, I are humbled by the support that we get here. People just wanting us and willing us to succeed and to be successful,' he said. 'Thanks to anyone who helped out in any way during the festival. From our point it was a major success anyway. We have learned a lot in the last two years and we feel that this year we changed a few things and it made such a difference,' he added. As a member of the Wexford Food Producers Network, Cyril decided to erect a large display to put a spotlight on his fellow producers around the county. 'We're part of the Wexford Food Producers Network, so I wanted to display all the Wexford food producers and thanks so much to every one of them who brought stuff and delivered in stuff here for this display. There is also people here on this display who are producing in Wexford and not part of the Wexford Producers Group and that's okay – it's all about Wexford here. He gave a special mention of thanks to Wexford IFA who have supported him and the business for years and 'always turn up in spades' when he needs assistance.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
'Cyril Must Go': Durban crowd demands action, not inquiries, after Mkhwanazi allegations
Durban residents rally with 'Cyril must go' chants in support of Mkhwanazi. Hundreds of Durban's residents came out in support of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Tuesday morning for the Hands Off Mkhwanazi march. The march started at the Curries Fountain Sports Development Centre to Hoy Park. This follows Mkhwanazi's explosive allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, on July 6. On Sunday night, Ramaphosa announced that Mchunu had been placed on special leave and announced that Professor Firoz Cachalia would be acting police minister. Additionally, Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga. The marchers, which included uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MK Party) members and other organisations, sang and chanted for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down "Phansi ngo Cyril Phansi! Cyril must go," they chanted. Nokuthula Cele, who is from the Umnotho Wabansundu, which organised the march, told IOL that Mkhwanazi is one of South Africa's true leaders for exposing the alleged criminals that have infiltrated the country's law enforcement and government. "Law enforcement has failed us. We ask ourselves why there are cases that are not followed through or investigated when we have the justice system. It appears that it is tied up and there is no clear explanation as to why," Cele said. Mkhwanazi has ruffled the feathers of the police minister and others in law enforcement, she added. "We know that they'll try to stop Mkhwanazi or remove him from his position. So, we are here to illustrate, demonstrate, and amplify that we will protect him."
Otago Daily Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Marking 150 years of rowing
Rowing skiffs have now been seen on the Ōreti River for 150 years. Invercargill Rowing Club (IRC) jubilee committee member Bill Potter said when the club was originally founded the clubrooms were on the New River Estuary. Plans were already under way for the IRC to celebrate the significant milestone from August 1-3 with a variety of functions and events. "Past members will have the opportunity for a row, including with their old crew members." It was expected former members from as far as the United Kingdom and Australia would be attending the weekend to celebrate. "Tales, some true and some questionable, from the past have been collected and would be narrated during the Saturday dinner at the Ascot. "A panel of club members who have represented New Zealand will share their experiences and answer questions during the function. "These include club life members and Olympic gold medallists Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan," he said. Seven of the 2004 women's novice eight who rowed at the nationals in Twizel are attending with "Cyril" — a club-coloured painted rock used to meet the weight regulations for the boat. "Cyril" had been cared for by one of the crew, and was known in the day, to travel everywhere with the crew — both on and off the water. The club, first established in August 26, 1875 had its clubrooms moved to the existing clubhouse on the Ōreti River in 1958. It later expanded its facilities in 1983 when the first female members joined the club. Later, in 2005, boat storage increased to house competition and training skiffs. The Ōreti River had some of the best training water in New Zealand, with more than 7km of rowable water in both directions from the clubrooms, Mr Potter said. The club has 70 members across most age groups who represent the club at local and South Island championship regattas, including the Southland Masters regattas on the West Coast. It supports members of all levels from school age through to masters rowers. The club hosts teams from most of the city's senior campuses including: James Hargest College, Verdon College, Southland Girls' High School and Southland Boys' High School. The club also catered for most levels of proficiency and interest including, recreational and Special Olympic rowers. Rowing was a great sport that built team work, respect and discipline, Mr Potter said. Jubilee celebration registrations can be completed via the club website. By Toni McDonald
