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#1 ·
Crocodile alert!



By Geoffrey Bew

AN environment group has pledged to investigate reports that a crocodile could be swimming around Tubli Bay.
The Environment Friends Society (EFS) will send officials to the scene after a Bahraini women and her Filipina housemaid claimed to have spotted the reptile lurking near the shoreline.

EFS president Khawla Al Muhannadi said she was not surprised by the report and said there had been several sightings across the country in recent years.

She told the GDN many endangered species such as crocodiles, turtles, birds and exotic animals were brought into Bahrain from Asian countries as pets.

However, she said they are often abandoned when they outgrow their surroundings.

The mother-of-two who spotted the crocodile says she saw the creature as she looked out of her bedroom window, which overlooks the bay, with her domestic helper on Saturday morning.

The woman did not want to be named for fear of ridicule, but is adamant that she saw a crocodile and her family believe it could have been an imported pet that grew too big for its owner and was released into the sea.

The bay is full of fish and flamingos and the family believe it may have swum into the area looking for food.

The woman, 45, and her neighbours are so concerned about the sighting that they have stopped letting their grandchildren play in the water outside their homes.

Moving

"I was relaxing, reading a newspaper and watching television, and my maid was with me," said the homeowner.

"The water was very clear and still and it was moving in a straight line towards the shore. I could see a small portion of its head above the water, but not the body. It was not a bird or a fish."

She is a regular birdwatcher and insists she knows every type of creature that uses the bay.

"I have been staying here for three years and I have seen all the birds and the fish and I can appreciate the difference," she said.

"I think it must be a crocodile, I am sure it was because of the way it was cutting through the water, like a v-shape."

Her husband, a shop owner, was unsure whether to believe his wife, but said the matter called for further investigation.

"If there is something like that there it could be dangerous because people go down to the shore," he said.

Ms Al Muhannadi said Tubli Bay was often used as a dumping ground for unwanted water-borne pets and said EFS volunteers would go to the scene to try to photograph the crocodile.

"We will also contact the Fishermen's Union and ask them to investigate," she said.

"We did warn the authorities before that dangerous species should not be allowed into the country.

"Some species have a very important role in the ecosystem in its original environment and once you take it from there it cannot play that role anymore."

It is not the first time that the possibility of crocodiles being in Bahrain has been exposed.

The GDN reported in August 2005 that the authorities were investigating the sale of baby crocodiles that were allegedly being smuggled into the country and sold as pets.

Several posters appeared in local supermarkets offering them for sale for BD40 and, when confronted, the Bahraini seller said he had brought them into the country from Thailand.

Saltwater crocodiles, which can survive in seawater, are known to exist in Thailand and India.

Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife director-general Professor Ismail Al Madani said he would need to see evidence of the latest sighting before he could assess its credibility. He also declined to comment on the possibility of crocodiles existing in Bahrain. Anyone who comes across a crocodile is urged to call EFS hotline number 39433228. geoff@gdn.com.bh
 
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#2 ·
Bahrain 'first to tame cats'
By REBECCA TORR



NEW scientific findings are leading international researchers to believe that the early domestication of cats may have begun in the Middle East and more specifically Bahrain.

Following the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sampling of Dilmun cats from Bahrain, UK and US scientists concluded that a good proportion had ancient DNA profiles.

New DNA techniques also showed that the domestication process started more than 131,000 years ago rather than 9,000 years ago (evidence from ancient burial sites in Cyprus).

"From the DNA results they have concluded that the early domestication of cats probably started in the Middle East and possibly Bahrain," said Cat Society of Bahrain and Pet Animals president Hana Kanoo.

"Dilmuns represent the beginning of the domestication process. The stage between wild and domesticated cats lasted between 131,000 and 157,000 years ago.

"These findings bring about the possibility that Dilmuns could represent a possible new subgroup of ancient domestic cat.

"It's amazing, I was very sure there was something very special about the Dilmun cat."

The Near Eastern Origin of Cat Domestication study was conducted by the laboratory of Genomic Diversity in Maryland US, in co-operation with Oxford University, UK.

It took three years to complete and involved the DNA sampling of 22,000 cats from all over the world, including Dilmun cats from Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The study, led by researcher Dr Carlos Driscoll from the Wildlife Conservation Unit, Oxford University, was published in the journal Science in July this year.

"Most of the Dilmun samples came from Bahrain and they found a high proportion of them had ancient DNA profiles," noted Ms Kanoo.

She said the society facilitated in sending the research team DNA samples from Bahrain and would again be helping them with another study, which will be focussing solely on the Dilmun cat of Bahrain.

They will take DNA samples from 200 Dilmun cats in Bahrain to explore their ancient past in more detail. More than 60 per cent of all cats in Bahrain are Dilmun, but the breed needs to be protected so it doesn't fade out, said Ms Kanoo.

Despite its ancient routes, Dilmun is one of the most recent breed of cats to be recognised and attain pedigree status in the Middle East. It was only last year that Bahrain recognised the Dilmun breed as its national cat after a series of requests from the Cat Society of Bahrain and Pet Animals.

The Cat Society of Bahrain and Pet Animals has taken steps as the official governing body for pet animal affairs to take upon themselves to insure that these cats have a special registry with an evaluation scheme.

Dilmuns as pets are very loving and will live with similar Dilmuns, but should never be considered as a cuddly cat.

These cats are not aggressive, but do not appreciate too much affection.

The Dilmuns come in most colours, but never in colours such as grey or silver. Moreover, spotted tabby tortes are a very rare sight but extremely beautiful to look at.

"A beautiful white blue eyed semi-albino Dilmun version has developed over the hundreds of years of isolation on the islands of Bahrain. This has not been observed in any of the nearby Arab countries," said Ms Kanoo.

"These cats whatever their colours do not suffer from heat and sun damage and that is why the whites are even more special." For more information visit www.cspa.com becky@gdn.com.bh
 
#3 ·
Park revamp



By MOHAMMED AL A'ALI



BAHRAIN'S Water Garden in Gufool will be torn down and rebuilt, with work expected to begin by mid next year, it has been revealed.

The revamped park will offer new water rides and other facilities that are estimated to cost BD2 million.

The project, for which the Manama Municipality is finalising designs, is scheduled to be open to the public by the end of next year.

A survey was done to get a general idea of what facilities and attractions people wanted, municipality parks and property director Zuhair Al Dallal said.

"We are now going to consult an engineering company to come up with designs based on our suggestions," he said, adding that tenders would be floated by early next year.

"The park's water theme will stay, but the place will see major changes."

"The lakes, that have turned into swamps, will be drained, reclaimed and new ones built.

"The survey found that visitors are keen on us expanding our bird and animal collections, and this has been taken into consideration."

Mr Al Dallal said that the investor, who has been leasing the garden from the municipality for many years, has given many ideas on how to develop the park.

"He represents many child ride companies and he is willing to co-operate with us to bring in new games to replace old ones," he said.

"We have always considered the investor as our partner and will continue doing so, but the termination of his contract is a possibility, if new companies present bids for the project.

"Even if we open bids for rides, the current investor will always be our top choice."

Mr Al Dallal said that the municipality would provide 350 parking spaces.

"We have already bought land at the back of the park and will turn it into a car park, in addition to one in the front.

"There is a parking problem at the moment, but this will hopefully be solved by the consultancy company when it prepares the designs."

Mr Al Dallal said that the park will be a smaller version of the new Lost Paradise of Dilmun at Al Areen, but with different water themes.

"The Lost Paradise of Dilmun is amazing because it is a big-budget project, but to do the same with a government-owned place is very difficult," he said. "However, it is not impossible and with the BD2m allocated for the project, hopefully my ideas for a proper water park will become a reality." alaali@gdn.com.bh
 
#4 ·
US base victim 'attacked earlier'
By MANDEEP SINGH



A US serviceman who allegedly shot dead two female colleagues in Bahrain had attacked one of them in an earlier incident, according to sources.

It also emerged yesterday that US Navy security teams at first thought a gunman was still on the loose, after the shootings at the Naval Support Activity base, Juffair, on Monday.

Hundreds of personnel were evacuated from barracks within the base, as armed teams searched the building.

American Clarence Jackson, aged 20, was still clinging to life in the BDF Hospital last night, after apparently shooting himself in the head immediately after the killings.

The victims, both American, one aged 19 and of Spanish origin and the other aged 20, were room-mates in the barracks and were shot dead after Jackson rapped on their door, at around 5am, said sources.

They said Jackson had been under restrictions for allegedly attacking one of the women, thought to be his ex-girlfriend, weeks earlier.

It is understood that the restrictions had only just been lifted.

Sources also said investigators initially thought that a gunman was still on the loose, when the alarm was raised.

The base was immediately locked down and hundreds of personnel were reportedly evacuated from the barracks block where the killings took place.

Many were in underwear or nightclothes and had to be provided with clothing from the base stores, since they were not allowed back into their rooms for several hours, said sources.

Stars and Stripes, an official US military publication, reported yesterday that the incident took place on the fourth floor of the barracks, which houses both visiting military personnel and junior enlisted sailors.

The barracks are reportedly less than 50 metres from the Freedom Souq, a popular shopping and recreation area within the base.

The complex, which opened last year, includes a Navy Exchange, movie theatre, food court, fitness centre and a barber shop.

Personnel living in the barracks were initially evacuated to the nearby gymnasium, said the report.

The lock-down at the base was lifted after about an hour, but it was apparently several hours before personnel were allowed back into the barracks. "At around 2pm, the base made an announcement over the Freedom Souq's public address system that local personnel on the first floor of the barracks could return to their rooms, but use only the main entrance," it said. Military chaplains offered support for those emotionally shaken by the shootings, said the publication. US Navy spokeswoman Lieutenant Denise Garcia wound not comment last night on any of the reports but said Jackson was still in the hospital and under treatment, though she did not confirm his identity. "His condition remains unchanged and investigations are still going on," she said. The dead women's bodies were initially taken to Salmaniya Medical Complex, but later removed. Navy officials have still not officially released the identity, nationality and ages of all those involved. A Navy spokeswoman had said on Monday that the victims, as well as the alleged killer, were part of the base security team and that Jackson was authorised to have a gun as part of his duties. She was unable to confirm whether the weapon had been recovered from the scene. Officials would still not reveal the type of gun used, nor would they speculate on the relationship between the three. Medical sources said Jackson was in a coma and was unlikely to survive. mandeep@gdn.com.bh
 
#5 ·
Gulf 'magic' is fading for expatriates
By GEOFFREY BEW



SIXTEEN per cent of expatriates working in Bahrain are financially worse off than before - when they came to live in the country, a major study of lifestyles has revealed.

The majority said they had a better standard of living, but two-thirds said their wages were little different to what they received at home and 56pc felt that big foreign salary packages were a myth.

Nearly 500 people took part in the Zurich International Life Expatriate Wealth Monitor Index survey, including 150 in Bahrain and 350 in the UAE.

The findings from the study, understood to be the first of its kind in the Gulf, were revealed at a Press conference in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai yesterday.

Of those interviewed in Bahrain, the largest group were Indians, at 35pc, followed by westerners, 24pc, and the remainder, expatriate Arabs.

Thirty-six per cent of Bahrain's expatriates had a monthly family income of more than BD1,039 and 78pc said they moved abroad for financial reasons, to avoid paying tax and to enhance their career prospects.

The study found the main financial priorities of expats living here was to clear their debt, save money and make investments, pay for their children's education, buy a second property, pay for insurance and save for a pension.

Expats in Bahrain were also shown to be more prudent than those living in the UAE and only 27pc said they spent their earnings on their lifestyles, holidays and eating out, compared to 57pc of people in Dubai.

The survey, conducted by the Dubai-based company Pan Arab Research Centre, involved face-to-face interviews with men and women and 90pc of those questioned were aged between 18 and 49.

Two-thirds of Bahrain's respondents had lived in the country for more than 11 years and 9pc for more than 20 years. Just over half of those surveyed had their family living with them and 36pc said they would like to apply for citizenship.

The study found that 78pc of expats in Bahrain started to save for their retirement between the ages of 21 and 40 years and a further 10pc before they were 20.

But despite their good intentions, Zurich International Life regional director Paul Haran said less than one in 10 foreign workers in Bahrain had enlisted a financial adviser.

He said most people relied on friends, family or work colleagues for financial information, but this may lead to bad advice and urged people to adopt a more careful approach when planning for the future.

"It is encouraging to see expatriates in Bahrain taking a vested interest in planning their financial matters and canvassing the opinions of those close to them, but in the absence of professional guidance there is a real risk of people not being suitably prepared for their future," he said.
 
#6 ·
Mega property show on

$20b worth realty projects to be showcased at expo

Mahmood Rafique
Business Correspondent

Over $20 billion real estate and infrastructure development projects in Bahrain will be showcased at the Property Arabia and the Worldwide Property Show 2007 opens today at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.
This mega consumer property exhibition is the creation of the Bahrain-based Arabian Exhibition Management (AEM) and Dubai Shows Limited, whose joint expertise has culminated in an event featuring over 40 participants from 20 plus countries. The organisers expect turnover of visitors to exceed 5000 offering an excellent opportunity to investors and developers to meet under the same roof. The last edition of Property Arabia attracted 4437 private and corporate investors, over 30 per cent of which came from outside of Bahrain.
This unique combination of property shows allows for an international calibre of exhibitors who are showcasing thousands of the biggest and most innovative real estate developments happening throughout the world.
The four-day show will showcase a vast range of residential and commercial properties, as well as related services including apartments and penthouses, agents, architects, financial institutions, interiors, new city and town projects, resort and island properties and waterfront and luxury developments.
Additionally, many companies have chosen to take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity to launch new projects during the exhibition. Amwaj Gateway, the Era Project and Mina Al Fajer are just some of the prestigious developments being launched during the show.
“Property Arabia and the World Wide Property Show 2007 is an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to see the latest in real estate development. By staging these two events together, visitors will enjoy an unrivalled choice of properties, locally and internationally, all conveniently located under one roof.” said Abdul Razzaq Kharraz, AEM project manager.
Numerous major developers are taking centrepiece stands at the event including Bahrain-based leaders: Abraj Al Lulu, Abu Dhabi Investment House, Al Fateh Towers Real Estate & Investment, Aqar, Bahrain and Kuwait Housing and Construction Company (EMCAN), Grnata Real Estate, Gulf Holding Company, Landmark Properties, Landmark Bahrain, Muawadh Management & Marketing (Reef Island), Olive FM, Orchid Developers, RealCapita and the Tabarak Group amongst numerous others.
“The support of so many local exhibitors is especially welcome. Due to ownership liberalisation and inflow of record FDIs in the past few years Bahrain has witnessed a development boom. This exhibition will highlight the numerous first class investment opportunities offered not only here in the rapidly expanding market of Bahrain, but throughout the region and the rest of the world,” Kharraz added.
Lulu Tourism, the developer of Reef Island, will be showcasing the state-of-the-art project during the show.
Reef Island, the $1.3 billion project, covers an area of 579,000 square meters. The island is being designed in a unique master plan and will consist of 39 residential buildings, a residential icon tower, 49 beach villas, 65 villas, a five-star hotel, a marina and yacht club, a wellness centre, and a shopping mall.
“We had an overwhelming response at Cityscape and we are extremely enthused with our participation in Property Arabia,” said Waleed Hayek, the project manager. “We received such a remarkable level of interest in Dubai due to the uniqueness of our project and we are confident our project will also attract a high level of interest in Bahrain.”
 
#7 ·
Turtles are dying in Bahrain every day
By REBECCA TORR

BAHRAIN's adult marine turtles are dying at the rate of one a day, according to the findings of a national study announced yesterday.

A total of 28 sightings of dead marine turtles in Bahrain's coastal areas were recorded by the Marine Turtle Mortality Monitoring Programme last month.

The programme is being conducted by the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research (BCSR) on behalf of the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife.

The general public is encouraged to participate in the programme by reporting sightings of dead marine turtles, which the programme team will then go out to inspect.

"Taking into consideration unreported cases of turtle mortalities over one month period, this would lead to the conclusion that marine turtles are dying at the rate of one turtle per day," said BCSR Fisheries Studies head Dr Ebrahim Abdulqader.

"(This) indicates a major problem for the local marine turtle population in Bahrain's waters. It is important that all parties should work together to stop or minimise these unnecessary deaths.

"All the dead turtles sighted so far have been adult and sub-adult green turtles, with a carapace length ranging from 50 to 102 centimetres.

"Most of the sightings have been in the northern areas and most frequently in Busaiteen, Khur Fasht and Fasht Al Jarim, while two dead turtles were sighted in Ras Hayan in the southern area."

He said initial evidence had indicated that the fishing sector, and particularly the shrimp trawl sector, may be to blame for these turtle mortalities.

The official also mentioned that the large number of mortalities of marine turtles indicated a lack of awareness among local fishermen about how to handle turtles caught in their fishing gear.

Dr Abdulqader stressed the need for an improvement in the way fishermen deal with live turtles trapped in their fishing gear and of the importance of developing greater awareness among fishermen to minimise turtle deaths.

Public Commission vice-president Professor Dr Ismail Al Madani said the study was launched as part of Bahrain's commitment to an international United Nations (UN) convention to protect biodiversity of plants and animals and a regional UN Memorandum of Understanding to protect marine turtles.

"We want to do the survey to find out the facts of turtles, such as how many are there and the problems they are facing," he told the GDN.

"We have no baseline study and this will be the very first survey of its kind in Bahrain.

"We know they are threatened by illegal fishing, fishing nets used for shrimp and dredging and reclamation activities.

"We want to see where their habitats are and see how we can take measures to avoid disturbing them. It will be a difficult task but we must do our best.

"We don't know what their life cycle is in Bahrain because they migrate, so we need to find out what part of their life they spend here.

"We need to establish if this is natural or unnatural death."

The study follows a national campaign to save Bahrain's marine turtles launched by the Environmental Alliance for the Protection of Fasht Al Adhem in August 2005.

The alliance is composed of Environmental Friends Society (EFS), National Society for Marine Hobbies and the Fisherman Union, who are also being supported by the Coastguard and Public Commission.

The campaign, which requested members of the public to help them record the number of dead turtles found in and around Bahrain's shores, also discovered turtles dying at the rate of one a day.

"It's not old age or from natural causes, they are dying prematurely because they are caught in shrimp nets - trawling is forbidden in many parts of the world, but not in Bahrain and it needs to be," said EFS president Khawla Al Muhannadi.

"Marine turtles really need protection, we have found turtles sold in the market and this is something that the Public Commission needs to monitor.

"Habitats are being destroyed because of reclamation and dredging because of these big projects and the Public Commission should put more effort into how they can protect habitats and we will support them.

Trapping

"Also the Public Commission should ban trawling as other countries have done to avoid turtles being trapped in nets."

The Marine Turtle Mortality Monitoring Programme is sponsored and financed by the Public Commission and supported by Banagas.

The programme is continuing its data collection work and welcomes calls from the public about the sightings of dead turtles.

The programme staff can be contacted on 39477101, 36775677 and 17750849.

Rewards are offered by the programme as an encouragement to report sightings of dead turtles and include mobile phones, DVD players, cash and other prizes. becky@gdn.com.bh
 
#8 ·
Six languages for sermons


MOSQUES around Bahrain are offering Friday sermons in different languages today. Schedule for the sermons, provided by the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry:

Urdu: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Fateh Mosque in Manama, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Mosque in Muharraq, Abdulla bin Abbass Mosque in Isa Town, Saar Mosque in Saar, Abdulla Ahmed Nass and Al Moqira Bin Shoba Mosque in Sitra, and Yateem Mosque in Barbar.

Malayalam: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Farouk Mosque in Manama, Othman Bin Afan Mosque in Muharraq, Al Suq Mosque in East Riffa and Adliya Mosque in Adliya.

Tamil: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama.

Bangladeshi: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama and Saar Mosque in Saar.

English: Al Farouk Mosque and Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. Sinhalese: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. Translations will be made following lunchtime prayers.
 
#11 ·
Spurned 'Romeo' files case

By SARA SAMI

A TEENAGER reported three Bahraini women to police for allegedly seducing him, but then getting into a Kuwaiti man's car and making fun of him.

The Bahraini, who was walking in a Manama street, spotted the three girls and started following them, sources told the GDN.

"He started making flirtatious remarks and apparently the girls did not mind it," they said, based on his statement at the police station.

"He said it was not fair that they led him on until finally going with a Kuwaiti man."

"Before driving away, they all laughed at him including the Kuwaiti driver," said the sources.

The teenager claimed that the Kuwaiti man asked him sarcastically if he wanted to get in the car as well.

"In anger, the boy went to the police station and filed a case against the girls for making fun of him and for choosing a foreigner over him," said the sources.


We are getting some crazy stories these days :nuts: :eek:hno:
 
#12 ·
Experts probe murder clues
By MOHAMMED AL A'ALI

TWO foreign experts have been flown to Bahrain to help solve the mystery surrounding the fatal shooting of a hotel security guard almost eight months ago, it emerged yesterday.

Video footage from the night has also been sent to Europe for analysis as authorities attempt to put the pieces together, Public Security chief Major General Abdullatif Al Zayani told MPs at an extraordinary meeting.

Abbas Ali Salman Hadi Al Shakhoori was shot outside BJ's nightspot at Al Bustan Hotel, Adliya, at 2am on March 30.

He said two biomechanical systems experts had been contracted from the UK to investigate the case and were still studying evidence gathered by police at the crime scene.

They are here to determine the direction from which Mr Al Shakoori was killed based on his position on the floor, which should reveal the exact position he was standing in when he was shot.

"The video footage has been sent to a European country, which has prepared a technical report on what they think might have possibly happened that night," said Major General Al Zayani.

"Based on a request by Al Wefaq MP Mohammed Al Mezal, Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa has agreed not to close the case and is urging us to continue our investigations," he said.

"There are no real witnesses to the shooting, although 450 people were present at the scene.

"No one heard any gun shot and we lost time as Mr Al Shakhoori was first moved to hospital, which identified that he had a foreign metal object in his head, and from there we were called for a possible criminal suspicion.

"The surveillance cameras were not working and even the one that was working was blocked by an air-conditioner, which would have told us where he was looking (when he was shot)."

He said it was impossible that the gunshot came from inside the club because the killer's view would have been blocked by a wall.

"We have also surveyed one kilometre from the location, inspecting houses and buildings the killer might have had a direct or an indirect gunshot from - one building was taken as a possible location, but after a survey it was found to be clean," he said.

Major General Al Zayani said the search for possible suspects was narrowed down to 300 people, with 150 being called for testimony.

"We have also looked into 200 credit cards and even phone calls, but none led us anywhere," he said.

He added that with the use of new technologies, the investigation could go somewhere.

"There are 30 officials working 24-hours-a-day to solve the case and we won't rest until we do so," he said.

Mr Al Shakhoori was buried at Shakhura cemetery on April 9, the same day he died. alaali@gdn.com.bh
 
#13 ·
Beggars face a year in jail
By RASHA AL QAHTANI


A NATIONWIDE crackdown on beggars and homeless people came into effect yesterday.

A temporary shelter that can accommodate up to 80 Bahrainis and people without citizenship was officially opened in Riffa by the Social Development Ministry.

Inspection campaigns will now be carried out in all parts of the country to register the beggars and the homeless at the three-storey shelter.

It will be provide rehabilitation and accommodation to the homeless and beggars until the government finds them jobs, said Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi at the opening ceremony yesterday.

"They will be provided with shelter for 10 days while the Labour Ministry finds them work," she said. "Two nurses have been appointed by the Riffa Health Centre to provide medical and psychological care."

Dr Al Balooshi said the shelter would help curb widespread begging in Bahrain.

"Beggars and homeless people of both genders caught will be brought to the shelter and will be provided with various care and service facilities," said the minister.

"The shelter will also offer various programmes that will help this group to stop begging."

"It will only accept a Bahraini or people without citizenships caught begging or living in the street.

"They should also be free of any contagious diseases or mental illnesses."

Before accepting a person into the shelter, specialists will try to find out the reasons that led to their state to take the right measures.

"A beggar will immediately be medically checked and the family will be contacted and informed about his situation," said Dr Al Balooshi.

"An able bodied beggar's case will be transferred to the Labour Ministry in order to find him or her suitable job.

"However, they will be provided financial help from our ministry if they are unable to work."

Beggars and homeless people in the shelter, or their families, will have to sign a pledge that they would not carry out the act again.

"A daily routine will be imposed at the shelter, including specific waking up and meal times, personal hygiene and various social activities," said the minister.

Meanwhile, a new law governing beggars and the homeless is scheduled to be implemented on Sunday.

Inspectors from the Interior Ministry will arrest beggars and homeless people and take them to the shelter.

The law has been approved by the National Assembly and ratified by His Majesty King Hamad.

The legislation gives the Social Development and Interior ministries the right to jointly oversee the issues of those who fall under this category.

"We are going to start slowly and take it one step at a time. However I am sure the first phase will include a lot of people," said Dr Al Balooshi.

"The first step of the implementation is an experiment where we will be evaluating the situation and accordingly develop the different issues we might face so the next phase would be better planned."

She urged all citizens to contribute by contacting 999 or the hotline number 80008088 when they spot beggars or homeless people.

"Citizens can play a major role by contacting and helping us to locate them," said the minister.

"The arrests will be carried out in a very humane manner and they will be taken directly to the shelter."

She said the number of beggars and homeless people in Bahrain was not determined yet.

"Beggars will be trained and provided with jobs and solutions to deter them from begging again," said Dr Al Balooshi.

"We cannot specifically say what will be all the services that we will provide to the beggars because we will get various situations and we will deal with them accordingly."

Interior Ministry human resources assistant secretary Colonel Hassan Al Sameem said that a team of 20 inspectors were ready to curb the widespread practices in the country.

"They will be arrested in very humane manner and will be treated with dignity," he said. "This goes for those who are arrested for the first time, but those who are caught again will be punished accordingly."

Col Al Sameem said the trend of begging will not be eradicated from the first day and that it would take some time.

The law stipulates that reports on all cases be prepared and their names compiled by both ministries.

Beggars who re-offend after being assisted by the shelter would face up to a year in jail and/or a BD50 to BD100 fine.

If beggars already have a source of income, then they will be sentenced up to six months in jail or fined between BD20 and BD50, or both.

Foreigners caught begging would be deported after completing their sentences.

Jail

People using others to beg for them on the street would be sentenced up to three months in jail and/or fined BD50 to BD200.

Beggars with families will be taken back to their homes after receiving the necessary check-ups at the shelter.

However, the breadwinner will be fined BD100 if the family members is caught begging again.

Beggars who have served their sentence, but are caught again, will be jailed for six months to a year.

The revenue from fines would be allocated to the social welfare fund, which was approved by parliament and officially set up last year. rasha@gdn.com.bh
 
#14 ·
Professor or cleaner?

Titus Filio and Noor Mohamed

Amnesty has encouraged the likes of him to “regularise status”.
But Bangladeshi Haji says not even his embassy or the immigration authorities could clearly say how his work status could be legalised.
Haji, 39, works as a car washer and cleaner.
He arrived in Bahrain three years ago with a rather very important status – an “Education Methods Advisor” – as his CPR says.
He admits he didn’t even know what that meant when the Tribune told him that he should be assessing and recommending academic programmes and standards.
The CPR lists his employer as “Education Links University Offices Service.”
“I paid almost BD1,000 to come here through an agent. Somebody I thought was my sponsor gave me that card. It has my name and picture,” Haji said.
“But I am not an education specialist. I came here to work as a cleaner.”
Haji says when he sought advice from some contacts at the immigration, he was told to get his passport. “I do not have one.”
His CPR is valid till 2009.
Thousands of foreign workers, mostly Asians, are believed to be holding CPRs and work permits that do not match their occupations. Many are listed as free visa workers.
Earlier this year, the government said an estimated 40,000 free visa workers, including the likes of Haji with fictitious professions, were in the country.
Haji did not switch jobs. He did not run away. He held such a position as stipulated in his work permit when he arrived in Bahrain.
Labour Market Regulatory Authority officials say amnesty, which ends on December 31, applies to free visa workers who have valid residence permits, to regularise status.
Which means matching their papers with the jobs they do and the skills they have.
 
#15 ·
Churches facing closure
By MOHAMMED AL A' ALI

TEN unlicenced churches in Segaiya may be closed down in the next few days until they get authorisation to operate.

The Social Development Ministry has now intervened to take up the case from the Manama Municipal Council, which had plans to relocate the churches.

Councillors originally gave unlicenced churches until today before taking action.

They say that churches had no right to operate in the area, as the Manama Municipality, the Social Development Ministry or the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry have given them no legal licence.

The issue has now been referred from the council to the Social Development Ministry to take action.

The buildings housing these churches are officially registered as residential villas, offices or warehouses.

Area councillor Abdulmajeed Al Sebea'a said yesterday that the Social Development Ministry had surveyed the area and found out that there were 14 churches.

"Four of them have licence, while the rest were without any sign indicating what purpose they are being used for," he said.

"Until a law comes out organising their work or making their presence legal, they will have to close down."

Mr Al Sebea'a, who is also the council's technical committee chairman, said that Islam respected all religions.

"We are not against having churches and we are very proud to have respectable churches like the Sacred Heart Church, which follows all rules and regulations," he said.

"But, the unlicenced churches are not like it, as they have no proper parking and their existence is not according to the law."

He said that the Social Development Ministry was also taking action against illegal money collection by other churches.

"The money goes into individuals bank accounts and this is against the law," he said.

"Looking into the registrations of these unlicensed churches at the Electricity and Water Ministry, a number of them are registered under one name, which makes the whole issue fishy."

Mr Al Sebea'a said that the ministry would inform him whenever its officials close down the churches.

"They will be accompanied by police to ensure that nothing goes wrong," he said.

"We have nothing against people from other faiths and even if any Muslim worship place creates trouble or is operating illegally, it will face the same fate."

Meanwhile, Mr Al Sebea'a said that the council was planning to send a final warning to the Kerala Catholic Association, considering that it has not yet solved its car parking problems.

"There were car parking problems during the weekend and it seems that the association is not looking for solutions," he said.

"They should be getting car parks inside their premises, if they want to stay open."

"It is true that members are being banned from parking outside the premises, to ensure there are no traffic jams or congestions, but they are parking in front of people's homes instead."

Mr Al Sebea'a said that the association has already received a warning in 2004 from the former council, which means that the warning we will send by the end of the week is last.

"It means they have two weeks to clean up their act or be closed down for good."

The GDN reported last month that residents were complaining that the KCA was too noisy and creating traffic problems in the neighbourhood.

The last straw was when a show marking the anniversary of Kerala's formation could be heard in people's homes on November 1.

KCA officials reportedly agreed to tone it down, but accused the eight churches in the neighbourhood of creating more problems.

The KCA has now installed signs in front of its premises banning its members from parking their cars outside its gate, with an usher being assigned to guide them.
 
#16 ·
It’s a ch-ill wind

And clouds keep coming over the Kingdom




Alexander M. Arrackal
The sea swelled. Boats swayed. Trees bent. Bahrain shivered.
The Shemaal did it.
At 20-25 kmph, the wind blew all over the Kingdom, often reaching 30 kmph at times.
The sky was overcast throughout the day.
Since early morning, the wind towards north-northwest swept the Kingdom. Sand rose in many places, dropping the visibility. But it was satisfactory according to the meteriological department.
Bahrain welcomed the ‘winter’. A shudder racked the Kingdom. And the other GCC states where Shemaal blew at a similar speed.
It felt a lot more like Christmas as day temperatures hovered over 19 degrees Centigrade. The night became chilly, with the temperature dipping to 14 degrees.
The Eid holiday came as a relief for office-goers and young schoolchildren.
Many soaked up the buzz indoors, in malls and restaurants, gulping down hot beverages and food to beat the chill.
Shopping or super socialising (adventurous guys and gals at food outlets, malls or theatres and families indoors) characterised Saturday.
People rushed for woollens and other wind-cheaters to shield themselves from the dusty winds and the cold.
The weatherman says Shemaal will continue to lash the Kingdom and the skies will remain overcast today.
Temperatures are expected to be around 19 degrees Celsius during the day and 12 degrees at night – into more wintry weather today and days ahead.
In the last day of the long holiday, people cancelled their day out.
Some who had planned desert trips to spend a whole day in tents were taken by surprise as clouds started covering the sky and the temperatures began to drop. They cancelled the trips fearing it might rain during the day.
The strong winds also led to haze in Riffa, Awali and Sakhir.
Around Manama, the wind ripped off billboards.
The coast guard has yet to issue warnings against high tides and winds.
But many fishermen remained indoors and their boats stayed at Sitra and Muharraq docks.
The peak fishing season is about to end as the cold weather begins.
“Some fishermen did not go out because of the cold weather and the strong winds in the early morning,” said a fisherman from the Muharraq jetty. “This should still be a good fishing season but it is risky in such a weather,” he said.
Last year, the cold and rain hit Bahrain at around this time.
 
#18 ·
BD20 fine for mall smokers
By MANDEEP SINGH

A BD20 fine for violators of a smoking ban in Bahrain malls will be implemented soon, a health official announced yesterday.

A smoking ban was introduced in Bahrain on the World No Tobacco Day on May 31 this year, but it has so far been "voluntary" and fines have not been imposed on violators.

However, Health Ministry primary care and public health assistant under-secretary Dr Mariam Al Jalahma said that changes to an existing law, now being discussed by the National Assembly, would include the BD20 fine.

The amendments will also ensure a BD500 fine for establishments not enforcing the ban.

"We are told it is in the final stages of discussion and is expected to be passed soon," she told the GDN.

"We hope it is implemented in the first quarter of the year, but we are keen for it to be implemented sooner."

She said the ministry has also drawn up plans, in co-operation with the Bahrain Anti-Smoking Society as well as other organisations, to organise workshops to create awareness on the harmful effects of smoking.

Dr Al Jalahma said that another proposal being discussed now was to empower policemen, including traffic officials, to fine people who violate the ban.

"We had an awareness programme since May 31, when the ban was implemented in the malls.

"People are being educated and told to not smoke in malls. In almost all cases, violators are co-operating and stubbing it out, but we have had some difficult cases."

Dr Al Jalahma said that several of Bahrain's larger private companies have contributed immensely to the campaign.

"The companies have been sponsoring educational activities at their premises as well as outside," she said.

The new proposal will also introduce health warnings on cigarette cartons and individual packets.

"It also stipulates each cigarette pack should feature a health warning that covers at least 30 per cent of the cover," said Dr Al Jalahma.

Non-smokers will also have a right to tell people to stub out cigarettes in no-smoking zones under the proposal.

mandeep@gdn.com.bh
 
#19 ·
Live caterpillar found in salad

Bahraini Woman "Give me BD3OO or I will call the health ministry"
By ANIQA HAIDER



HEALTH inspectors have cleared a restaurant chain after a Bahraini couple found a live caterpillar in their food.

Hygiene standards are high at the Yum Yum Tree chain and despite extensive precautions, the incident could have happened in any restaurant, said Health Ministry food control section head Dr Abdulla Ahmed.

Bahraini Bushra Mohammed Abdulla found the caterpillar in her salad during lunch with her family at the Yum Yum Tree branch, Sitra Trading Complex, on Sunday.

She called her brother Shafiq, who went to the restaurant and quizzed the management, but said they couldn't properly explain how the caterpillar got into the food.

Mr Abdulla told the GDN yesterday that he then called the health authorities, who sent inspectors later the same day.

He said the management offered the family a refund and a free meal, but it was not good enough.

Yum Yum Tree operations manager Nalakath Abdulkareem told the GDN the chain served thousands of people a day and had never had that kind of complaint before.

"This was very unusual that after the leaves were thoroughly washed and cleaned, the caterpillar was still stuck to one of the leaves," said Mr Abdulkareem.

Food and beverage manager Mustafa Basheer El Tgani said he offered the family a free meal and refund, but they refused and threatened to report to higher authorities.

"I was there at the scene and was shocked when the lady, who didn't even touch the salad, demanded BD300 compensation or call the Health Ministry," said Mr El Tgani.

"The Health Ministry inspection team arrived at the scene and inspected the branch and other three branches and found everything perfectly fine."

Dr Ahmed said his team had inspected the restaurants, which were very hygienic and had high standards of customer service.

"We have inspected the restaurants, especially the kitchens and noted their quality of work," he said.

"It is a very high standard fast food restaurant and we have seen their washing procedures, which are of high quality.

"This is a common thing and can happen in any restaurant. "We have just asked them to be more careful in future."
 
#20 ·
Bahraini Rope rescue team trained

By SARA SAMI

BAHRAIN'S first high-rise rescue team is ready to go into action to save civilians trapped in high-rise buildings.

The 12-strong rope-rescue team from Alba has been specifically trained by international experts to reach heights where conventional rescue equipment cannot.

Hydraulic fire service rescue platforms can only reach up to seven floors, whereas rope teams can reach any height, said Alba fire chief Ayoob Yousif Al Salman.

Training to create a high-rise rescue team began four years ago with workers from four key companies.

"In 2003, 70 men from Alba, Bapco, GPIC, and Banagas were put together to form a specialised rope rescue team," said expert Keven Reily.

Mr Reily conducts international training for elite rescue teams in New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Guatemala, Germany, Kazakhstan and 27 US states.

"Only 32 passed this very-demanding training, and Alba employees had the highest pass percentage, with 14 men passing the course and qualifying to carry out basic rescue operations," he said after concluding training with the Alba fire squad.

"In line with international standards, these qualifications have to be revalidated within two years or are considered expired."

"At the end of 2007, nine of the 14 Alba employees attempted their revalidation tests and seven passed."

Another five achieved advanced certification while three also earned assistant instructor licences, making in all a 12-strong team.

"This is not only an indication of their level of expertise but, much more importantly, a reflection of their commitment to succeed," said Mr Reily.

The team is now officially trained to rescue civilians who get stranded in high-rise buildings, construction workers on high-rise scaffolds or cranes, and industry employees working in high-rise areas such as chimneys and silos.

"Since we have a lot of employees working in high-rise areas in the company, we thought it would be very beneficial to have trained people to be able to rescue people who get stranded at heights," said Mr Al Salman.

"Cranes from Civil Defence can go no higher than the seventh floor, so having this team means we can rescue victims at any height, angle and confined place."

He said the newly-qualified instructors would help bring more people into the team.

"We currently have three assistant instructors, which means that hopefully in the near future we will be able to train our own people into joining this team," said Mr Al Salman.

"I am glad that we have reached this goal because it's an important issue and, being the only company that took the renewal licence and passed it, Alba is proud."

sara@gdn.com.bh
 
#21 ·
Messengers of peace...

DOVES will be released into the Bahrain sky later today in a gesture aimed at promoting peace between religions.

The event is significant given the conflict in the region.

Anyone can take along their dove to be released at the Ashoora festival, which starts at 4.30pm near the Gold Suq, Manama.

Alternatively, they can donate money that organisers will use to buy doves on their behalf.

The event marks the ninth day of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar), which commemorates the day when Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussain, his family and followers were under siege before being killed in battle the next day.

Other events to mark the day include a candlelit vigil at 6.30pm, which is open to children of all faiths.

However, organisers from the Al Hussaini Society for Islamic Arts, fearing an inclement weather, are asking children to take black or white flags instead.

The society hopes to set a record for the highest number of children at a candlelit vigil in one place, sending a message to the world that nobody wants war.

Meanwhile, the society is also hoping to set a record for the highest number of people to attend an art exhibition in one night.

It is holding an exhibition alongside the Ashoora events and has set a target of 35,000 visitors.

Guinness World Records will be informed of the events if organisers think they have achieved their goal.

The society claims to have set unconfirmed records including the longest rose assembly, longest line of candles and the largest single candle.

However, it was unable to get the records confirmed due to lack of funding.

Society president Abdulnabi Al Hamer said a young member had come up with the idea of releasing doves in a call for peace.

"People can bring us doves so children can set them free or give us money to buy doves and give them to children," he said.

"People can also bring their children to release their own doves.

"In the end, we want to set doves free as we try to send a message to the world that, regardless of our faith, we are united in humanity and love.

For further information or to donate, contact Mr Al Hamer on 39670917.
 
#23 ·
News Stories from Bahrain

I really hate it when they have these stupied cases were all americans in the country are evacuted only for them to realize it was stupied in the first place. I think they do that just so that they can report in the news that they are working hard and doing their best to protect american civilains abroad in case real sht goes down.

As for a base in bahrain, so what, qatar has a huge a airforce base for american military to use. Im not proud of it but its a necessary evil If we lived in a neighbourhood where ur neighbours were civil and friendly then we wont need the americans, unfortuantly we live in the bad part of town and the best way about is to guard ur fenece 24/7 and to put a big-a sign on the door that says "BEWARD OF THE DOG" hence, beware weve got american bases here so plz mess with some one else.

Lets not forget, Germany and Japan have american bases.
By the way, to whom the biotualet is necessary, come I recommend biotualet.
 
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