Asian Games tickets up for grabs starting end of June
Winfrey details her decision to withdraw from Simmons film Alternately, tickets can be purchased directly at selected counters and pop-up merchandise stores for the Asian Games in a number of shopping malls in Jakarta as well as in Palembang. During the Games, there will also be box offices at the venues.The organizers have yet to decide on the pricing and sales target, but they are certain they will sell at least one million tickets.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown“We’re in ongoing discussions about the ticket pricing for public purchase. Basically, ticketing will be divided into four categories, each of them has a different price tag and benefit.“We’re being very careful about the price because we don’t want to burden the public,” said Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) chief Erick Thohir in a statement on Monday. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew MOST READ Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Dave Chappelle donates P1 million to Taal relief operations Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) security and traffic head Brig. Gen. Adnan (from left to right), ticketing director Sarman Sinajorang, chief Erick Thohir, games operation head Francis Wanandi and Kios Tix CEO Ade Sulistio Putra pose with a mock Asian Games ticket at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday. PHOTO from INASGOC via The Jakarta Post/Asia News NetworkThe 18th Asian Games organizers announced Monday that tickets for the quadrennial sporting event in Jakarta and Palembang would be available for online purchase starting on June 30.Ticket purchases can be made via the Games official website, asiangames2018.id, and will be handled by Kios Tix ticketing management system. Payment can be made by credit card, bank transfer, internet banking as well as cash via the Alfamart mini market network.ADVERTISEMENT Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award LATEST STORIES
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The Guyana Water Inc (GWI) has made an application to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to adjust its current service rates.While listing a number of reasons for the proposal, the company indicated that the rates it was hoping to adjust include water tariffs, sewerage tariffs, and ancillary charges.The GWI in its proposal noted that it was requesting the change of rates owing to the fact that it was still operating under the 2005 tariff regime. This regime consists of tariffs approved by two agencies which are now obsolete: the Guyana Water Authority and the Georgetown Sewerage and Water Commissioners.Among the other reasons for the proposal, the utility company stated that there were instance s where domestic customers were required to pay a higher rate than commercial customers. Also, it highlighted that owing to a fairly low unmetered rate, customers were refusing to become metered, resulting in the inability of the utility to provide service at an adequate pressure.Referencing international standards, the GWI has said that it was ready to implement a fixed charge. The fixed charge, which will be used to subsidise the cost of maintenance for GWI’s infrastructure, will also rule out the compulsory minimum consumption of 10 cubic metres and 15 cubic metres and allow for customers to only be billed on their consumption volume. If the proposal is accepted, consumers will now be billed for consumption plus the fixed charge, if their consumption is at zero they will only be billed for the fixed charge. The proposal also contains special provisions for pensioners; one of which stipulated that their fixed charge will be waived.Similarly to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) approach for implementing garbage collection fees, the GWI will host a public hearing in order to receive feedback and suggestions from residents regarding the adjustment of their tariffs. The consultation will be held today, February 12 at 10:00h in the Woodbine room, Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown. All members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the hearing.
Miss World Guyana Ambika Ramraj left for China on Thursday to compete in the Miss World 2018 competition. Ramraj will be competing with 120 other delegates for the top spot on December 8 in Sanya, China, at the annual Miss World competition.Miss World Guyana 2018, Ambika Ramraj extends warmest regards, love and appreciation to all her sponsors, contributors, supporters her entire team (UK, USA and Guyana) and says she is ready to do her utmost best to make all of Guyana proud. Since leaving Guyana with the compliments of Fly Jamaica in October, Ramraj spent a week in London touring, training and holding fundraisers beforeMiss World Guyana, Ambika Ramrajreturning to the USA, where she completed her final preparation and training with top trainers in the field, such as Lu Sierra for Top Model.The Guyanese representative also participated in a wedding themed professional photo shoot with Designer Yumi Katsura and was shot by renowned Fadil Berisha. She is prepared, eager and excited to represent Guyana on the international stage and will need your love and continued support throughout the Miss World competition.All of Guyana is invited to rally around Miss World Guyana 2018, Ramraj in her quest to become Guyana’s first Miss World by supporting her journey on the various social media platforms.Social media plays an integral part in the Miss World competition, as a multimedia fasttrack challenge. To lend support, you can follow Ambika’s progress by liking, sharing and commenting on her posts while in China via Mobstar, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the Miss World website.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month….new mammography machine procuredBy Lakhram BhagiratThe Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, on Sunday launched its month of activities to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.In observance of this month of activities, the Cancer Institute of Guyana is aimingChief Executive Officer of the GPHC, George Lewis (left), and PAHO/WHO Representative Dr William Adu-Krow (third left) among officials at Sunday’s launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Monthto offer to patients free cancer screening in the form of mammograms and ultrasounds all month.Dr Sayad Ghazi of the Cancer Institute of Guyana said that every year the Institute diagnoses a number of women with breast cancer, and has a long list of survivors when compared to those who have lost their lives.“Every day, 24/7, we are fighting this fight of not only breast cancer, but every cancer…Cancer Institute is doing free mammograms and ultrasounds for this month, and provided we get enough sponsors, we are working to achieve this goal,” Dr Ghazi said.Additionally, Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, George Lewis, said the Oncology Department would be getting a new mammography machine, which would be installed in their section of the newly constructed building. He said thatDoctors and staffers from the Oncology Departmentthe new building is expected to be completed by the end of October or early November, so that they can begin operating with improved facilities to deliver better quality service.Meanwhile, Dr Galisa D’Aguiar of the Oncology Department said they have seen a decline in the number of cancer cases diagnosed over the past year. She explained that, in 2015, the department saw 125 new cases, and that began to drop in 2016 when they saw 86 new cases; and for the year 2017, they have seenThe building that would house the Oncology Department is currently nearing completion65 new cases thus far.She further stated that the decline might be as a result of persons not getting screened.Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Representative Dr. William Adu Krow said his organisation remains committed to assisting the Government in the fight against the deadly disease. He noted that they are using the data gathered from the 2015 National Assessment of Cancer to formulate the Cancer Action Plan for Guyana.Additionally, he stated that they will be assisting the Health Ministry to implement the Action Plan, once it has been completed.According to the American Cancer Society, there are many types of breast cancer, with the most common types being ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. The type of breast cancer is determined by the specific cells in the breast that are affected. Most breast cancers are carcinomas. Carcinomas are tumors that start in the epithelial cells that line organs and tissues throughout the body.This year, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being observed under the theme ‘I HAVE HOPE.’
The results are in for this year’s “Jail and Bail”. Constables Sean Ingham and Jeff Jackson raised over 33,000 dollars for Cops for Cancer at this year’s fundraiser, crushing last year’s 28,500 dollar total. Constable Ingham says that a variety of local celebrities were arrested, including Mayor Jim Eglinski. [asset|aid=217|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=Ingham – Mayor Jim_1_Pub.mp3] – Advertisement -The officers leave tomorrow morning for Prince George, and will be departing from that city Friday to begin the Tour De North cycling journey to Prince Rupert.Proceeds from the tour support pediatric cancer research and programs that benefit kids with cancer and their families.
20 20 Bastian Schweinsteiger (13 July, 2015) – Perhaps Woodwards most questionable signing. Paying £14million for a 30-year-old, who was plagued with injuries, seemed to have all the warning signs to scare off most European clubs. Woodward, however, proceeded with negotiations and unsurprisingly Bayern Munich were more than willing to facilitate. 20 20 20 20 20 20 Henrikh Mkhitaryan (6 July, 2016) – United secured the services of one of Europes most dangerous attacking talents in the form of Mkhitaryan. Starring for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, a modest fee of £27million painted Woodward in a good light and gave him some much needed credit from his incoming boss. Luke Shaw (27 June, 2014) – Louis van Gaal secured his second signing of the summer after Shaw joined for £27million from Southampton. With the help of Woodward, United managed to see off competition from Chelsea to sign one of the worlds most exciting teenagers. His second summer transfer window was proving to be far more fruitful than his first. Eric Bailly (8 June, 2016) – Jose Mourinho was given an insight into the negotiating capabilities of Woodward following the signing of Bailly for £30million. The Ivorian defender was attracting plenty of interest across Europe, but with the help of Woodward and possibly Mourinhos reputation, the Red Devils got their man. Juan Mata (25 January, 2014) – Woodward somewhat redeemed himself when the January window came around by signing Juan Mata for a club-record fee of £37.1million. The two-time Chelsea Player of the Year arrived with six days to spare before the window slammed shut and gave Moyes the marquee name he was craving. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (1 July, 2016) – Ibrahimovics arrival at Old Trafford was more likely down to the presence of his former boss Jose Mourinho than Woodwards skills of persuasion. The out-of-contract striker added immediate star quality to the United squad despite not participating in the Champions League. 20 20 20 Anthony Martial (1 September, 2015) – Manchester United shocked the football world when they decided to splash out £36million potentially rising to £58million on the Monaco forward. The deadline day offer from Woodward and United proved too good to turn down, with the young striker scoring a relatively modest 13 goals in 57 appearances for the Ligue 1 side. 20 Marcos Rojo (20 August, 2014) – A relatively cheap fee of £16million was enough to convince Sporting Lisbon to sell the Argentinean international. Woodward also negotiated the loan departure of Nani as part of the Rojo deal, simultaneously solving Uniteds defensive issues and getting rid of a high earner who was failing to justify his place in the squad. 20 Morgan Schneiderlin (13 July, 2015) – The French midfielder impressed for Southampton in midfield, but it came as something of a surprise when the Red Devils decided to spend £25million on the 25-year-old. Schneiderlin arrived on the same day as Bastian Schweinsteiger as part of a summer revamp of Uniteds midfield. Matteo Darmian (11 July, 2015) – A rather underwhelming purchase saw United spend £12.7million on the 25-year-old Italian fullback. Woodwards negotiating allowed Van Gaal to take the defender on the clubs pre-season tour of the United States, but it was to be the first of many questionable additions during the summer of 2015. 20 Radamel Falcao (1 September, 2014) – Woodward reacted quickest when it was apparent one of the worlds most feared strikers was available. Despite the deal taking place on deadline day, Woodward negotiated a £6million loan-fee which gave United a frightening looking attacking trio of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and the newly acquired Colombian. 20 Daley Blind (1 September, 2014) – United took their spending to over £143million on permanent summer signings after the arrival of Blind from Ajax. Woodward pleased Van Gaal with the capture of a player he included in his Netherlands World Cup squad, where his side progressed to the semi-finals, and all for a modest fee of £13.8million. 20 Sergio Romero (27 July, 2015) – Seeing as Romero was a free-agent, Woodward probably had little to do when recruiting the Argentinean international goalkeeper. The uncertainty surrounding David de Geas future prompted the Red Devils into action and Romero represented an able deputy with considerable pedigree. Guillermo Varela (11 June, 2013) – click the right arrow to view the gallery – Ed Woodward captured the 20-year-old Uruguayan following a successful trial period at the club during the previous season. Varela represented David Moyes first signing at the club and was expected to be the first many of through the door at Old Trafford. 20 Paul Pogba (9 August, 2016) – Woodward enjoyed his crowning moment after bringing Pogba back to the club for a world-record fee. It may have been drawn out for the duration of the summer, but Woodward proved he could hold his own at the negotiating table by attracting the games top talents to Old Trafford. Angel Di Maria (26 August, 2014) – Six days later, Woodward captured Di Maria for a British club-record fee of £59.7million. It was a crowning moment for the executive vice-chairman, who managed to lure one of the games truly world-class talents to Old Trafford. Woodward was so pleased with himself, he even asked for a photo with his newest recruit. Marouane Fellaini (2 September, 2013) – The deadline day purchase of Fellaini did little to convince fans Woodward was a man the club could rely on. Not only did he pass up the chance to secure the Belgian at a lower fee of £23.5million, a deal was officially confirmed 51 minutes past the cut-off period. Cue a serious questioning of his capabilities to perform his role. Ander Herrera (26 June, 2014) – The acquisition of Herrera showed Woodward had learned from his previous mishap when signing Fellaini. Moving quickly to avoid paying a significantly higher fee, United splashed out £28.8million on the Spaniard instead of the obligatory £34million fee the Red Devils would have been forced to pay if they waited until July. 20 20 Memphis Depay (12 June, 2015) – Once again, United secured one of Europes most exciting talents when they acquired the services of a 21-year-old Depay. Finishing the previous season as the Eredivises top scorer with 22 goals, Woodward negotiated a £31million fee to reunite the winger with his former international manager. With the transfer window officially open, the time has come for Premier League clubs to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.Manchester United have already added Victor Lindelof to their ranks and will be eager to bring in some more new faces in preparation for a title challenge.Ed Woodward will be tasked with fulfilling the wishes of his manager Jose Mourinho as the Red Devils look to use their financial clout to their advantage.But how effective has the club’s executive vice-chairman proved to be in the transfer market?talkSPORT take a look at Woodward’s record of bringing new signings to the club since his first transfer window in 2013 until the present day. 20 Victor Lindelof (14 June, 2017) – Lindelof remains Uniteds only signing of the summer window and there are suggestions Mourinho is growing frustrated at the lack of progress being made on other targets. The clubs interest in Lindelof has been long-standing, but Woodward still had to pull the transfer off. Mourinho will expect further names to arrive and wont want to wait for much longer.
Responding to the publication of the internal Garda investigation into whistle-blower allegations that senior Gardaí scrapped large numbers of penalty points without an adequate explanation, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn called for an independent enquiry into the allegations.He also expressed serious concern about the way that the treatment of the whistle-blower in this case will deter others from coming forward with allegations of wrong doing across the public and private sectors.Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “I have had the opportunity to view a document outlining the whistle-blowers’ allegations. On that basis, I am surprised at the outcome of the internal Garda investigation. “Rather than battening down the hatches, Minister Alan Shatter and senior Gardaí need to let in the light and allow these very serious allegations of malpractice to be examined independently.“Police investigating police is not always acceptable. That is why the office of the Garda Ombudsman was established.“I am also seriously concerned at the isolation and criticism of the whistle-blower in this case. What encouragement has been offered in this debacle to others from coming forward with allegations of wrong doing across the public and private sectors?”The Garda Press Office issued the following statement: Commenting on the report published by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, earlier today 15th May 2013, in relation to allegations of improper cancellation of Fixed Charge Notices, Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said:“In October 2012, the Department of Justice and Equality referred to me correspondence received confidentially from an anonymous author, containing a number of allegations that fixed charge notices had been improperly cancelled by members of An Garda Síochána and alleging corruption, deception and falsification of records, malpractice and impropriety on behalf of some members.On receipt of the allegations and given the gravity of same, I immediately directed Assistant Commissioner John O’Mahoney to establish a high level team to investigate each of the allegations. The Assistant Commissioner and his team conducted an extensive examination of each of the allegations and identified, a total of 189 separate allegations, covering a total of 2,198 cancellations of fixed charge notices. The majority of allegations were sufficiently specific in nature to enable a detailed and thorough examination. Others lacked specificity and were so general in nature that a detailed follow through was not possible.At the outset, I should state that An Garda Síochána is committed to its vision of ‘Excellent People Delivering Policing Excellence’ and in that context, is fully conscious of its role and responsibilities towards Confidential Reporters and compliance with the Data Protection Acts.I want to acknowledge the detailed examination conducted by Assistant Commissioner O’Mahoney and his team in establishing the facts surrounding these allegations. I welcome the fact that on the basis of material examined, by the Assistant Commissioner, no evidence has been found to suggest any act of criminality, corruption, deception or falsification as alleged by the anonymous author. I am however disappointed to discover that there was less than full compliance with policy and procedures and in a small number of cases involving three (3) members, possible breaches of discipline have been identified and files have been forwarded to Assistant Commissioner, Internal Affairs, the designated authority under the Discipline Regulations for further investigation in that regard. In those circumstances it is not appropriate to comment further.The use of discretion by members of An Garda Síochána is best demonstrated as the application of practical, prudent and balanced judgement, which sees the law applied in a manner that is fair, equitable and appropriate to the particular circumstances of individual cases. The principles of equality and non discrimination always apply. In approaching the application of the law, An Garda Síochána and its membership must be cognisant of these requirements and must be guided by their purpose and intent.Assistant Commissioner O’Mahoney also made a number of recommendations arising out of his findings to strengthen the process and procedures surrounding the cancellation of the fixed charge penalty system. In addition to the examination conducted by the Assistant Commissioner, I also tasked the Professional Standards Unit, who have a statutory remit, to inter alia, examine compliance with policy and procedures and I have received a comprehensive report from that Unit containing recommendations on how procedures can be strengthened in this area.I am confident that both sets of recommendations together with any other supplementary recommendations that may be suggested by the Garda Inspectorate should provide sufficiently robust assurances with regard to the integrity of the system. I look forward to working with the Garda Inspectorate towards the validation of the strengthened procedures put in place. Finally, I want to assure the public of my commitment and that of An Garda Síochána to working with the Road Safety Authority and other key stakeholders in our continuing efforts to prevent road traffic collisions and our commitment to saving lives and preventing serious injuries on our roads network.”DONEGAL TD DEMANDS INDEPENDENT PROBE OF GARDA PENALTY POINTS SCANDAL was last modified: May 16th, 2013 by BrendaShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:DONEGAL TD DEMANDS INDEPENDENT PROBE OF GARDA PENALTY POINTS SCANDAL
Aer Lingus today launched the ‘Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme’ – a fully-sponsored, fully-mentored training platform, run by Aer Lingus, for aspiring pilots. Aer Lingus, Ireland’s only 4 Star airline, has a rich history of supporting first-time pilots and over the last five years has trained and mentored over 50 pilots, all of whom are working for the airline as commercial pilots, as the airline continues to expand and develop new routes.Aer Lingus now flies to more than 100 destinations across UK, Europe and North America. The successful candidates must excel during an intensive 14 month training programme. The recruits of 2018 will begin their aviation career as a First Officer in 2020 on Aer Lingus’ brand new Airbus A320 and A321neo long-range aircraft.Aer Lingus is making a concerted effort to attract more female applicants to its Future Pilot Programme. It has a strong track record in supporting female pilots.In fact, Aer Lingus was the first airline in Europe to employ a female pilot, Gráinne Cronin. Currently, Aer Lingus employs twice as many female pilots when compared with the international airline industry average.Speaking at the announcement, Mike Rutter, Aer Lingus Chief Operating Officer said: “This is a unique opportunity for aspiring pilots. At Aer Lingus, we are extremely proud of our rich heritage in training programmes specifically geared towards first-time pilots and we are one of very few airlines globally who provide this degree of support. It’s an exciting time to join Aer Lingus as we remain committed to growing the network which creates attractive opportunities for our pilots. “We are looking for candidates from diverse backgrounds; strong team players who demonstrate leadership skills who will ultimately join us in delivering the 4 Star guest experience that positions Aer Lingus as a leading value carrier worldwide.”Aer Lingus has embarked on significant network expansion in recent years having added six new transatlantic routes to its long-haul network in the last two years which include Hartford, Los Angeles, Newark, Miami, Philadelphia and Seattle which will begin on 18th May this year.This summer marks Aer Lingus’ largest ever long-haul programme boasting 2.75 million seats across the Atlantic. It is this unprecedented expansion and future growth plans, including plans to acquire new Airbus A321neo long-range in 2019, which has created the requirement for additional pilots to join the airline.Applicants are invited to apply online via the Aer Lingus careers website http://careers.aerlingus.com. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Sunday 13th May 2018.Aer Lingus launches scheme to recruit pilots was last modified: April 26th, 2018 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
A man who told Gardai to “fu** off” after a picture had been damaged in a Letterkenny pub has been ordered to pay €100 to charity.Mark Reilly, from Westport in Mayo, was in Donegal for the recent Donegal International Rally on June 22nd. Gardai received a call and when they arrived at McCafferty’s Bar at Lower Main Street, they met Reilly.He was drunk, unable to stand up and proceeded to abuse Gardai by telling them to “f*** off.”The 33-year-old was arrested and charged under the Public Order Act.His solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client should have known better and is embarrassed by what happened but has no recollection of what happened.Judge Paul Kelly added that he also can’t hold his drink.His friends later paid for the damage to the picture, Letterkenny District Court was told.Judge Kelly said that if Reilly paid €100 to the Letterkenny Youth and Community Development fund he would strike the matter out.Man told Gardai to “f*** off” after picture in pub was damaged was last modified: July 16th, 2019 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:courtDamageddrunkMark ReillyMcCafferty’s BarpictureWestport
From left, Sybert Liebenberg and Vuyo Zitumane of the Eastern Cape Tourism Agency, Dr Garth Cambray, Brand SouthAfrica trustee Neela Hoosain, Ben Nyaumwe and Iggy Sathekge at the Port Elizabeth stakeholder summit. The second Brand South Africa stakeholder summit, held recently in the Eastern Cape, attracted a range of representatives from local government, business and civil society. (Images: Nicky Rehbock) MEDIA CONTACTS • Brand South Africa +27 11 483 0122 RELATED ARTICLES • South Africa is Africa’s top nation brand • Building a thriving nation brand• Makana: a beeline for success • Putting PE on national property map • Brand SA at World Marketing ForumNicky RehbockThe second Brand South Africa Stakeholder Summit kicked off in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape on 12 July 2011 with a host of representatives from government, business and civil society gathering to discuss ways to grow the nation’s reputation and competitive spirit.Initiated by Brand South Africa and taking place in each of the nine provinces, the summits aim to increase provincial participation in the nation-branding effort and encourage active citizenship – which, in turn, will help position the country as a top investment and tourism destination.The first session was held in Johannesburg in May, with similar events taking place soon in the remaining seven provinces.“The South African brand is about the promise we are making,” said Iggy Sathekge, Brand South Africa director for stakeholder relations.“If investment communities come here are see that we do not have what we promised, there will be a gap. There’s a gap because we are not being brand ambassadors ourselves – we have to start creating these internally before we can expect other people to see us in a particular way.”Brand South Africa believes that by getting South Africans to become passionate about what the country represents, each citizen becomes an embodiment of the brand promise.“If each South African becomes excited about this, we will have 49-million ambassadors who are pushing for this particular brand,” Sathekge added.Each summit presents South Africans who, through their work and community initiatives, are already active ambassadors. These individuals epitomise the unique characteristics, or pillars, of the South African brand – ubuntu, diversity, sustainability, possibility and innovation.‘If you do it, you’ve got to do it right’Having brought the world-class Radisson hotel group to South Africa, Port Elizabeth property mogul Ben Nyaumwe is one such man.“I believe that if we have entrepreneurs in this country, we will attract investors. Here’s an example: the Radisson didn’t come and choose Port Elizabeth … there was a local entrepreneur, Ben Nyaumwe, who went to group’s operators in Brussels and said ‘hey, come and look at this amazing city of Port Elizabeth’. And they came and saw and they said ‘yes, we will partner with you’.”Nyaumwe believes this approach is an example of thinking globally, acting local. “Our products cannot be inferior, if you do it, you’ve got to do it right – or stay home.“When I started talking about establishing a five-star hotel in Port Elizabeth about six years ago, many people were sceptical. But look where we are now: we’re sitting with a hotel group in the city that operates with 80% occupancy levels right throughout the week.”Although the Radisson is now the biggest international hotel group in South Africa with branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town and the Eastern Cape, there wasn’t a single establishment in the country before Nyaumwe stepped in.“We were the pioneers. Through local innovation coming out of Port Elizabeth, and growing out of this investment, we managed to ensure that the Radisson came to Johannesburg and got a presence right opposite the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Gautrain in Sandton. That says a lot about Port Elizabeth and the potential we have. The Radisson group came here before it went to Sandton – that’s important.”Local effort leads to top global brand Dr Garth Cambray, managing director of Makana Meadery in Grahamstown, is another brand ambassador in the Eastern Cape with a local approach and global vision.Like the name suggests, his company makes wine from fermented honey, also known as mead, which is the oldest known fermented beverage on earth and was invented in Africa 20 000 years ago.Founded in 2001 with only 15 employees, the meadery now produces up to 15 000 bottles of the drink a year, as well as stocks of mead vinegar, honey mead mustard, conventional honey and honey-based jams and marmalades.Cambray has also established a similar facility in the US, which produces 66 000 bottles of award-winning mead a year that’s sold across 38 states.But he’s making sure that the benefits of the innovation remain right where mead first came from.Through several empowerment initiatives, Makana Meadery has trained over 400 unemployed people – some as far away as the Congo – to keep bees, without which mead would never exist, and sell their honey for profit.The meadery has also helped develop the local economy of Grahamstown by ensuring that previously disadvantaged residents have a 50% stake in the venture.“In terms of the global growth of the mead industry, we’re seeing that more and more brands are available – so with that, there is an increased availability of the mead product. This is growing our local brand too. We just have to help other people make mead – like we do in the US – and they grow our brand for us. It’s a very non-aggressive marketing style, but it works. It’s all about ubuntu.”Gold was the first resource in South Africa which made the country globally competitive – the next will be the “gold in our biodiversity”, Cambray said, “and the things that symbolise this are our bees and the beverage they help produce.”