Latest news with #Kerzner
Global News
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Ford government to skip committee hearings for budget, bill to arm special constables
As the Ford government rushes to wrap up its legislative agenda before the summer — and controversy swirls around some of its proposed bills — it is moving to skip debate and fast-track a number of plans. The government plans to skip debate and committee hearings on a total of four proposed laws, including the budget and an omnibus justice law that could give more guns to special constables. House Leader Steve Clark tabled a motion to fast-track the legislation with only a few days of sittings left and the government on the defensive over its mining legislation, which is currently facing a wave of criticism during its committee hearings. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles suggested the decision to fast-track some legislation is to avoid similar pushback during other committee hearings. 'After a massive public backlash to his power-grabbing Bill 5, Doug Ford is canceling public hearings altogether on four more government bills,' she said in a statement. Story continues below advertisement 'His controversial bill to bring in US-style politicized courts and his massive new budget bill will not see the committee floor, and debate will be cut back to no more than an hour. What is he trying to hide?' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The bills that will skip committee hearings are two health-care plans, the budget and an omnibus justice bill. The latter piece of legislation included a section buried in the middle of the bill that will allow solicitor general Michael Kerzner to select more groups of special constables who can carry guns. Right now, only a select few special constables — mainly working for the Niagara Parks Commission — have the right to carry guns. Others carry pepper spray and batons. Despite the new power, Kerzner has refused to say which special constables could be given guns. The premier's office recently told Global News it was considering giving 'long guns' to special constables with Niagara Parks. While the solicitor general refused to say which special constables would get guns, he promised lengthy consultations. 'We're going to continue to engage our stakeholders, we're going to continue to study the matter further,' Kerzner told Global News on Monday. The next day, the government confirmed its plan to skip committee hearings for the proposed. Story continues below advertisement 3:13 Ford government faces accountability questions over hasty fall sitting A spokesperson for the premier's office said bypassing the committee and debate is not unusual. 'This is a standard process of parliamentary procedure — it is also important to note that further changes to Bills come from regulations that will occur at a later date,' they said in a statement. Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said the move lacked transparency. 'This is another hallmark of this government wanting to skip consultation,' she said. 'This is a government that doesn't like to be held accountable. They're not transparent. They don't want to be held accountable.' Crombie said the Liberals would sit through the summer if necessary to improve legislation.
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
The Sun King of Sin City
There's never been a comprehensive biography of Sol Kerzner, and this one is long overdue. After journalist Allan Greenblo's book Kerzner Unauthorized was banned outright in 1997, writers and, of course, publishers, have been leery of the subject, even after he died in 2020. He picked a fine time to die, did Kerzner, just as the pandemic got its hands around the world. It muffled the news of his death and the flamboyant genius quietly passed on with few obituaries. Kerzner's longtime associate, confidant, and sometime enemy Peter Venison spins out his life story. It goes like the clappers, just like Kerzner's life did, from his childhood in Durban to the heights of private jets, mansions around the globe and marriage to a Miss World. Venison doesn't shy away from the depths, too, the heavy drinking and womanising, the profanity, boardroom coups and the taint of corruption that stubbornly clung to him. Solomon Kerzner's parents were poor Jews who fled Lithuania and first gained a foothold in Bez Valley, Johannesburg, selling fruit and vegetables, before moving to Durban, where they ran a kosher boarding house. Kerzner was beaten up so often at school as a 'bloody Jew' that he learned to box and eventually became a welterweight champion at varsity. The ingrained pugilism would drive him all his life. With hospitality in his veins, he worked for a few short years as an accountant before diving into the hotel trade. He bought his first hotel, a rundown establishment called The Astra, and turned it around by introducing a dinner club and dances. But Kerzner, in his early 20s, had bigger ideas. After visiting the US, he ripped off the shape and style of a famous Miami hotel and built not on Durban's popular Golden Mile beach but in a village up the coast called uMhlanga Rocks. The Beverly Hills was the first five-star hotel in SA, the first with every room facing the sea, the first with a nightclub downstairs. 'Who needs a f**king view in a nightclub?' he said. The bedrooms were relatively small because Kerzner wanted guests out and about in the hotel, lazing by the vast swimming pool and dancing the night away at the Copacabana Club. It quickly became the place to be seen and was a magnet for celebrities. With the heady success of the Beverly Hills, he rolled on down the coast to build the Elangeni and Maharani in Durban, and that was when the world sat up and started taking notice of the brazen, foul-mouthed hotelier. It's these early chapters that are the most interesting in the book, compared to the later ones that curdle into deal after deal, manager after manager and paradise after paradise, all blurring in the reader's mind. We've become so used to lavish resorts — many that were built by him — that it is interesting to read how he imagined them in the first place, how daring and innovative he was. Kerzner believed staying at a hotel should be an experience, rather than it only being a place to lay your head. Guests were to be blown away, he insisted, and staff had to go many an extra mile to satisfy his standard of service. For instance, since most guests ate breakfast in-house, he instructed his head chef to make it memorable. And, so, the interactive, laden buffet breakfast was born, with chefs cooking eggs the way you like it. It's a style that's become ubiquitous the world over. He was renowned for using the word 'f**k' as a noun, a verb and an adjective, all in the same sentence Ever the Vegas acolyte, Kerzner believed entertainment and celebrities were vital to the recipe. He understood what an influencer was before there were influencers. Though he'd never had any architectural or construction training, he had an instinct for it, choosing the best sites for the best viewpoints, such as Beacon Island in Plett and Le Saint Géran in Mauritius. Of course, no telling of Kerzner's story would be complete without Sun City and the Lost City, described by one commentator as a 'gaudy honeypot of fake beaches, fake jungles, fake everything' that ran on 'a high-octane fuel of gambling, alcohol, porn and girlie shows'. Despite the international cultural boycott of SA, with his deep pockets Kerzner signed up musical acts such as Queen and Rod Stewart. He was riding high, the sultan of Sin City, and soon he was looking across the sea to new opportunities, to Mauritius, Comoros, Morocco, Dubai and the Bahamas. Difficult, foul-mouthed and a workaholic — 'He was renowned for using the word 'f**k' as a noun, a verb and an adjective, all in the same sentence' — he was nevertheless a devoted father. The greatest tragedy of Kerzner's life was the death of his son Butch in a helicopter accident. This is a terrific book by someone in the inner circle, who witnessed the chaos and the triumphs of the man said to have been one of the greatest visionaries and entrepreneurs the world has ever seen. The Sun King.
Global News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Ford government defends powers to arm special constables: ‘We ran on Protect Ontario'
The Ford government is defending its move to give the solicitor general the power to arm as-yet unidentified groups of special constables — and says it delivers on its election promise to 'protect Ontario.' Last week, Global News reported how the government had quietly included a clause in its latest omnibus justice legislation that would allow it to expand the number of special constables who can carry firearms. Special constables operate similarly to police, but they are not police officers. Currently, only Niagara Parks Commission special constables and those who work for police forces in other jurisdictions are allowed to use guns. Other special constables — who work in campus security, on transit, at community housing and with existing police services — carry batons and pepper spray. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner defended the move on Monday, promising consultations would come after the legislation is passed and before he passes regulations to expand the weapons some special constables carry. Story continues below advertisement 'Public safety matters a lot to this government,' he said. 'When we ran on 'Protect Ontario,' we ran specifically to make sure that everyone in Ontario is safe.' The premier's office stressed Monday that the focus of the new power was to make changes to Niagara Parks Commission special constables, including giving them more powerful weapons. They would not rule out whether other special constables would follow. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy A spokesperson for the premier's office told Global News an example of the changes that could come in might be to allow Niagara Parks special constables to 'carry long guns' for an 'active attacker scenario.' They said the government's 'focus right now is the Niagara Parks constables,' but did not say if other groups would follow. Kerzner said he would 'not necessarily at all' apply the weapons changes to campus police or transit enforcement and said he would 'continue to meet with stakeholders.' He repeatedly did not answer questions about what other special constables could get firearms. 'I want to point to Niagara Regional Parks police, that is something that goes back a long time, they're an exception to the rule,' he said. 'And we want to make sure that those great officers who are part of that police service have the capability that is commensurate to other police services across Ontario.' Story continues below advertisement The Niagara Parks Police Service is a special constabulary, which means its officers only have authority on land owned by the Niagara Parks Commission. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said she wanted the government to explain what it was trying to achieve with the new powers. 'I really want to understand what the intention is here. I think the government should be clear with people with what they're going to use this legislation for,' she said. 'This is classic of the behaviour of this government. They ram stuff through like this that gives all kinds of new potential power and don't really explain what they're trying to accomplish with this.' If Bill 10, the government's latest justice legislation passes, then the solicitor general will have the power to decide which new groups of special constables can carry firearms. That decision, over which groups get guns, will be made and publicized through a regulation, which is not voted on by MPPs. 'Any regulation would undergo a public feedback process, as they all do, and require significant consultation,' the premier's office said. The president of the Ontario Special Constables Association said in a social media post that she was supportive of the move. Story continues below advertisement 'The (Ontario Special Constables Association) has long advocated for better use of force options for #specialconstables and we support Premier (Doug Ford) and Solicitor General (Michael Kerzner),' Sarah Kennedy wrote on social media. '#SpecialConstables are important #partnersinpublicsafety and contribute to safety and wellbeing in different spaces. Equipping Specials with appropriate and necessary tools will have a positive impact on officer and public safety.'
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kerzner International and Sunset Hospitality Group enter joint venture to expand Tapasake brand globally
Kerzner International Holdings Limited (Kerzner), an independent developer and operator of luxury hospitality and residential properties, and Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), a leading multinational lifestyle hospitality group, have entered a strategic joint venture to drive the global expansion of the celebrated Tapasake concept. SHG and Kerzner will join forces to expand the Tapasake brand as a stand-alone lifestyle concept outside the One&Only portfolio for the first time. Building on its existing presence in Dubai, the Maldives, Montenegro, and Mauritius, this joint venture will scale the brand across additional key international destinations, with further global markets currently in development. As part of the evolved vision, Tapasake's location in Dubai, perched atop The Link, home to the world's longest sky infinity pool, will temporarily close in June 2025 for a complete transformation. Tapasake Dubai will reopen in Q4 2025 with refreshed interiors, a new culinary direction, updated brand identity, and an immersive guest journey that reflects the global vision for the brand. 'Tapasake is a homegrown success story which has always been synonymous with quality, style, and energy. This partnership with Sunset Hospitality Group reflects our shared commitment to delivering exceptional lifestyle experiences in the world's most desirable destinations. We are excited to bring a different perspective to Tapasake while preserving the essence that guests around the world have come to love,' said Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International.' Antonio Gonzalez, Chairman and Group CEO of SHG, concluded, 'Partnering with Kerzner to take Tapasake global aligns with our vision of delivering unique lifestyle hospitality experiences to international markets. This collaboration celebrates Tapasake's origins while unlocking new creative and commercial opportunities for growth, opening an exciting new chapter in the brand's evolution.' Tapasake's Journey First created at One&Only Reethi Rah, Tapasake has become one of the brand's most distinctive and beloved culinary destinations. A concept born from Kerzner's homegrown innovation that seamlessly fuses elevated cuisine with high-energy ambiance. The restaurant has since been reinterpreted and embraced across select One&Only resorts, including One&Only Portonovi, One&Only Le Saint Géran and One&Only One Za'abeel, earning strong guest demand for expansion into new markets. At the heart of Tapasake is a philosophy of 'Eatertainment', a fusion of refined dining and vibrant entertainment. Drawing on its Japanese culinary foundation, Tapasake menus are complemented by additional influences that vary by location, creating a unique and dynamic experience in every venue. The name itself reflects this duality: 'Tapas' representing the art of sharing, and 'Sake' symbolizing Japanese precision, flavor, and excellence. About Kerzner International Holdings Limited: Kerzner International Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, is a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences and innovative entertainment and hospitality experiences. Kerzner's flagship brand Atlantis includes Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis, The Royal Resort & Residences, both in Dubai and Atlantis, in Sanya Hainan, China. Under the One&Only brand, Kerzner manages some of the most toprated ultra-luxury resorts in the world, located in Greece, Montenegro, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives, South Africa, Dubai, Rwanda and Malaysia. Kerzner's newest hospitality brand is SIRO, the ultimate hotel for an active lifestyle. The first SIRO is open at SIRO One Za'abeel in Dubai, with additional hotels announced in Montenegro, Saudi Arabia and Mexico. Rare Finds, a collection of resorts that celebrates the essence of a place and authentic, soulful experiences, launched in February 2023 with the re-opening of Bab Al Shams in Dubai. For more information on our brands, please visit: and For more information on Kerzner International, please visit About Sunset Hospitality Group Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) is a leading multinational lifestyle hospitality group, with a wide portfolio encompassing Hotels & Resorts, Restaurants, Beach Clubs, Nightclubs, Fitness Centres, and other lifestyle hospitality offerings. SHG operates over 88 venues in 25 countries, with a commitment to deliver authentic and diverse hospitality experiences that bring people together, all around the world.
Global News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Faqiri family demands answers on implementing coroner inquest recommendations
The family of a mentally ill man who died in a provincial jail is demanding to know if the Ontario government has implemented any recommendations that came out of a coroner's inquest, saying they believe nothing has been done. Several dozen civil liberty and mental health organizations have also called for action in a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner following the death of Soleiman Faqiri and the subsequent inquest. In December 2023, inquest jurors issued 57 recommendations meant to improve oversight of the correctional service and access to mental health care within it. They also ruled Faqiri's death on Dec. 15, 2016 to be a homicide. It is unclear if the province has implemented any of the jury's recommendations. Yusuf Faqiri, Soleiman's brother, said it appears the government has done nothing. No charges have been laid in his brother's death. Story continues below advertisement Kerzner did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 'More than 16 months have passed since that coroner's inquest, and not one, not one of those recommendations have been implemented, including the one with a simple public statement saying that individuals suffering from mental health challenges should not be in jails,' Yusuf Faqiri said at a news conference at Queen's Park. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The family has also demanded an apology from the province, though one has yet to materialize. 'No one in your government has reached out to my family to issue an apology into his tragic death,' Faqiri said in a plea to Ford and Kerzner. 'The system that killed my late brother continues unchanged. Our work and this fight for change must continue and will continue.' The Canadian Civil Liberties Association also called on the province to implement the jury's recommendations, which it says would treat inmates better while also protecting society. 'The crisis in Ontario prisons undermines the basic human dignity of those in custody, the vast majority of whom are waiting for their day in court and presumed innocent,' said Shakir Rahim, director of the association's criminal justice program. In May 2024, the Faqiri family demanded similar actions from the government to act on the recommendations. Story continues below advertisement At the time, Kerzner said his government was reviewing the inquest jury's report. The inquest heard that Soleiman Faqiri, who had schizophrenia, appeared increasingly unwell during his time at the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ont., and many correctional and medical staff members expressed concerns about him. However, Faqiri was never taken to a hospital, nor did he see a psychiatrist, the inquest heard. On his 11th day in jail, a fight broke out between Faqiri and jail guards as they escorted him back from a shower. The inquest heard guards struck Faqiri numerous times, pepper sprayed him and eventually handcuffed him, covered his head in a spit hood and left him face down on a cell floor, where he died. The jury's recommendations included creating an independent inspectorate for corrections that would have the ability to launch investigations, and adding an independent rights adviser and prisoner advocate in all correctional facilities. Other recommendations included establishing a provincial agency to oversee and deliver health care in correctional facilities and ensuring people in custody who have acute mental health issues are assessed by a mental health professional within 24 hours of a court order or remand. Recommendations issued in a coroner's inquest are not binding and the finding of homicide carries no legal liability.
