The following are 10 more documents on the case.
Related Reports:
How Multinational Corporations Dodge Taxes
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies 7.
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies 7.
The following are 10 more documents on the case.
Related Reports:
How Multinational Corporations Dodge Taxes
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
The following are 10 more documents on the case.
Related Reports:
How Multinational Corporations Dodge Taxes
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson's Travel
9 Apr 2010 12:17 Africa/Lagos
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson's Travel
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Office of the Spokesman
U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson is traveling to France, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa), and the United Kingdom from April 8 to April 19.
Assistant Secretary Carson will begin his trip in Paris, France where he will deliver a speech to the French-American Foundation Symposium. The topic of the speech will be Transnational Security Challenges in Africa. In addition, Assistant Secretary Carson will meet with a number of senior French officials.
Upon departing from Paris, Assistant Secretary Carson will head to Brazzaville where he has requested meetings with President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Foreign Minister Basile Ikouébé, and members of the political opposition. He will also confer with Embassy staff about the U.S. engagement plan for the Republic of Congo.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Assistant Secretary Carson has requested meetings with President Joseph Kabila, Foreign Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, and various other senior Congolese officials. In addition to meeting with Embassy staff on our engagement in the DRC, he will travel to Kisangani to visit a U.S.-funded training mission for a Congolese light infantry battalion. The mission is a collaboration between the State Department and AFRICOM as part of our effort to further the professionalization of the Congolese military. Upon his return to Kinshasa, Assistant Secretary Carson will participate in a signing ceremony for the President's Emergency Plan for AID's Relief (PEPFAR) Partnership Framework with Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito before departing the country.
Assistant Secretary Carson will conclude his trip in London where he has a meeting scheduled with his counterpart in the Foreign Office. He will also participate in a press roundtable.
Source: US Department of State
12:16 12th IMF-East AFRITAC Steering Committee Meeting Concluded in Addis Ababa on April 7, 2010
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson's Travel
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Office of the Spokesman
U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson is traveling to France, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa), and the United Kingdom from April 8 to April 19.
Assistant Secretary Carson will begin his trip in Paris, France where he will deliver a speech to the French-American Foundation Symposium. The topic of the speech will be Transnational Security Challenges in Africa. In addition, Assistant Secretary Carson will meet with a number of senior French officials.
Upon departing from Paris, Assistant Secretary Carson will head to Brazzaville where he has requested meetings with President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Foreign Minister Basile Ikouébé, and members of the political opposition. He will also confer with Embassy staff about the U.S. engagement plan for the Republic of Congo.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Assistant Secretary Carson has requested meetings with President Joseph Kabila, Foreign Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, and various other senior Congolese officials. In addition to meeting with Embassy staff on our engagement in the DRC, he will travel to Kisangani to visit a U.S.-funded training mission for a Congolese light infantry battalion. The mission is a collaboration between the State Department and AFRICOM as part of our effort to further the professionalization of the Congolese military. Upon his return to Kinshasa, Assistant Secretary Carson will participate in a signing ceremony for the President's Emergency Plan for AID's Relief (PEPFAR) Partnership Framework with Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito before departing the country.
Assistant Secretary Carson will conclude his trip in London where he has a meeting scheduled with his counterpart in the Foreign Office. He will also participate in a press roundtable.
Source: US Department of State
12:16 12th IMF-East AFRITAC Steering Committee Meeting Concluded in Addis Ababa on April 7, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 Finalists Announced
For release: 8th April 2010
CNN MULTICHOICE AFRICAN JOURNALIST 2010 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Finalists in the prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 Competition were announced today by Joel Kibazo, Chair of the independent judging panel. The competition is now in its 15th year.
This year the competition received entries from 975 journalists from 40 countries throughout the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa.
There are 27 finalists from 15 countries:
• Halima Abdallah Kisule, East African, Uganda
• Kofi Akpabli, freelance for Daily Graphic, Ghana
• Njaka Andriamahery, TV Plus, Madagascar
• Pelu Awofeso, freelance for NEXT on Sunday, Nigeria
• Najlae Benmbarek, 2M TV, Maroc
• Teresa Chirwa, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Malawi
• DispatchOnline Team, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder SIMBA Radio, Somalia
• Thanduxolo Jika, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
• Zipporah Karani, KTN, Kenya
• Charles Kariuki, World Vision Kenya for NTV
• Alexandre Lebel Ilboudo, Le Patriote, Côte d’Ivoire
• Lucas Ledwaba, DRUM, South Africa
• Tsitsi Matope, Public Eye, Lesotho
• Emmanuel Mayah, Daily Sun, Nigeria
• Kassim Mohamed, Star FM, Kenya
• Oarabile Mosikare, Botswana for Mail & Guardian, South Africa
• Francis Mugo Mwangi, freelance for NTV, Kenya
• Boniface Mwangi, freelance for The Star, Kenya
• Rose Ramsay, eNews, South Africa
• Sam Rogers, e.tv, South Africa
• Sergio José Sitoe, Rede de Comuniação Miramar, Moçambique
• Leon Ssenyange, NTV, Uganda
• Lamia Tagzout, El Watan, Algérie
• Sebastião Vemba, Novo Jornal, Angola
• Kaara Wainaina, NTV, Kenya
• Roseline Wangui, NTV, Kenya
This year the recipient of the Free Press Africa Award is Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder of SIMBA Radio in Mogadishu and founder of Somali Media for Peace and Development (SOMEPED). He is awarded this prize for his work in Somalia including the ‘Peace Journalism’ initiative which he launched with the help of fellow Somali journalists. The Award is also in recognition of all the journalists in Somalia who have put their lives at risk in telling the story. There are nine journalists who died during 2009 whilst fulfilling their professional duties:
Abdulkhafar Abdulkadir Hasan, freelance
Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, Radio Shabelle
Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan, Al-Arabiya
Mohamud Mohamed Yusuf, Radio IQK
Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe, Radio Shabelle
Nur Muse Hussein, Radio IQK
Abdirisak Mohamed Warsame, Radio Shabelle
Said Tahlil Ahmed, HornAfrik
Hassan Mayow Hassan, Radio Shabelle
The winners of the competition will be announced at an Award Ceremony and Gala Evening in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday 29th May 2010.
The hosts for the evening will be Isha Sesay, presenter of CNN International’s weekly programme ‘Inside Africa’ and Dr Ronnie Mich Egwang, a well-known Ugandan presenter.
Announcing the finalists, Joel Kibazo said: “2010 is a record breaking year for entries to these awards. Not only do the numbers continue to grow each year, but the standard rises too. I was particularly impressed by the increasing number of journalists that crossed borders in pursuit of stories. This maturing of journalism, across the continent, combined with technological advances, created a greater body of work and made the awards more exciting to judge.”
Reflecting on the role of the awards, Kibazo added: "The competition is now truly established as a way for African journalists to better their lives. I firmly believe the quality and number of people entering reflects the fact that the awards offer a fantastic opportunity to change an individual’s future.”
The independent judging panel, chaired by Joel Kibazo, journalist and media consultant, includes: Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor, Daily Independent, Nigeria; Jean-Paul Gérouard, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, France 3 TV; Ferial Haffajee, Editor-in-Chief, City Press, South Africa; Arlindo Lopes, Secretary General, Southern African Broadcasting Association; José Luís Mendonça, Press Counsellor, Angolan Permanent Delegation to UNESCO; Zipporah Musau, Managing Editor, Magazines, The Standard Group Ltd, Kenya; Kim Norgaard, CNN Bureau Chief, South Africa.
The prestigious sponsors include: Coca-Cola Africa; Ecobank, IPP Media, Tanzania; Kampala Serena Hotel; Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD); NN24 Nigeria; Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry solution; Safebond Africa Ltd and A24 Media.
The Kampala Serena is the delegate hotel for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2010. The hotel extends a truly warm Kampala welcome to finalists, judges, attending media and guests from across the continent. The finalists will enjoy an all expenses paid five day programme of workshops, media forums, networking and have the opportunity to see some of the sights of Kampala.
Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, coinciding with CNN celebrating 30 years as the world’s pioneering news provider. As CNN encourages, promotes and recognises excellence in journalism at all levels, we are particularly pleased to be able to support journalists who represent our future. I have witnessed the quality and excellence of work in this competition strengthen year on year, and am proud that it continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious Pan African journalist awards.”
Collins Khumalo, President MultiChoice Africa, said: “We congratulate the 27 finalists of this year’s awards. The great success that this event has enjoyed over the past 15 years makes the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards the one honour that journalists and media houses throughout the continent want to be associated with. Through these awards, MultiChoice in partnership with CNN, continue to acknowledge and celebrate the best journalistic talent and skills that Africa’s media have to offer.”
About the award:
The CNN African Journalist of the Year Award was founded in 1995 by Edward Boateng (formerly African Regional Director for Turner Broadcasting System Inc., CNN’s parent company) and the late Mohamed Amin, to recognise and encourage excellence in journalism throughout Africa.
Note to Editors: Competition Criteria
To enter the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 competition the journalist must be an African national and work on the continent for African owned, or headquartered, media organisations that produce a printed publication or broadcast through an electronic medium (television broadcaster, radio station or website) primarily targeted at and received by an African audience.
Entries were published or broadcast in 2009 for the following awards:
Arts & Culture: Digital Journalism Award; Economics and Business: Environment: Free Press Africa; HIV/AIDS Reporting; MSD Health & Medical: Mohamed Amin Photographic; Print General News; Radio General News; Sport; Television Features; Television News Bulletin; Tourism; Francophone General News Awards (Print and Electronic Media); Portuguese Language General News
www.cnn.com/africanawards
Issued: 8th April 2010
For further information please contact:
CNN International: Joel Brown + 44 20 7693 0967 joel.brown@turner.com
MultiChoice Africa: Caroline Creasy + 27 11 289 3081 ccreasy@multichoice.co.za
MultiChoice South Africa: Marietjie Groenewald + 27 11 289 3067 Marietjie.Groenewald@multichoice.co.za
CNN MULTICHOICE AFRICAN JOURNALIST 2010 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Finalists in the prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 Competition were announced today by Joel Kibazo, Chair of the independent judging panel. The competition is now in its 15th year.
This year the competition received entries from 975 journalists from 40 countries throughout the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa.
There are 27 finalists from 15 countries:
• Halima Abdallah Kisule, East African, Uganda
• Kofi Akpabli, freelance for Daily Graphic, Ghana
• Njaka Andriamahery, TV Plus, Madagascar
• Pelu Awofeso, freelance for NEXT on Sunday, Nigeria
• Najlae Benmbarek, 2M TV, Maroc
• Teresa Chirwa, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Malawi
• DispatchOnline Team, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder SIMBA Radio, Somalia
• Thanduxolo Jika, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
• Zipporah Karani, KTN, Kenya
• Charles Kariuki, World Vision Kenya for NTV
• Alexandre Lebel Ilboudo, Le Patriote, Côte d’Ivoire
• Lucas Ledwaba, DRUM, South Africa
• Tsitsi Matope, Public Eye, Lesotho
• Emmanuel Mayah, Daily Sun, Nigeria
• Kassim Mohamed, Star FM, Kenya
• Oarabile Mosikare, Botswana for Mail & Guardian, South Africa
• Francis Mugo Mwangi, freelance for NTV, Kenya
• Boniface Mwangi, freelance for The Star, Kenya
• Rose Ramsay, eNews, South Africa
• Sam Rogers, e.tv, South Africa
• Sergio José Sitoe, Rede de Comuniação Miramar, Moçambique
• Leon Ssenyange, NTV, Uganda
• Lamia Tagzout, El Watan, Algérie
• Sebastião Vemba, Novo Jornal, Angola
• Kaara Wainaina, NTV, Kenya
• Roseline Wangui, NTV, Kenya
This year the recipient of the Free Press Africa Award is Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder of SIMBA Radio in Mogadishu and founder of Somali Media for Peace and Development (SOMEPED). He is awarded this prize for his work in Somalia including the ‘Peace Journalism’ initiative which he launched with the help of fellow Somali journalists. The Award is also in recognition of all the journalists in Somalia who have put their lives at risk in telling the story. There are nine journalists who died during 2009 whilst fulfilling their professional duties:
Abdulkhafar Abdulkadir Hasan, freelance
Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, Radio Shabelle
Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan, Al-Arabiya
Mohamud Mohamed Yusuf, Radio IQK
Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe, Radio Shabelle
Nur Muse Hussein, Radio IQK
Abdirisak Mohamed Warsame, Radio Shabelle
Said Tahlil Ahmed, HornAfrik
Hassan Mayow Hassan, Radio Shabelle
The winners of the competition will be announced at an Award Ceremony and Gala Evening in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday 29th May 2010.
The hosts for the evening will be Isha Sesay, presenter of CNN International’s weekly programme ‘Inside Africa’ and Dr Ronnie Mich Egwang, a well-known Ugandan presenter.
Announcing the finalists, Joel Kibazo said: “2010 is a record breaking year for entries to these awards. Not only do the numbers continue to grow each year, but the standard rises too. I was particularly impressed by the increasing number of journalists that crossed borders in pursuit of stories. This maturing of journalism, across the continent, combined with technological advances, created a greater body of work and made the awards more exciting to judge.”
Reflecting on the role of the awards, Kibazo added: "The competition is now truly established as a way for African journalists to better their lives. I firmly believe the quality and number of people entering reflects the fact that the awards offer a fantastic opportunity to change an individual’s future.”
The independent judging panel, chaired by Joel Kibazo, journalist and media consultant, includes: Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor, Daily Independent, Nigeria; Jean-Paul Gérouard, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, France 3 TV; Ferial Haffajee, Editor-in-Chief, City Press, South Africa; Arlindo Lopes, Secretary General, Southern African Broadcasting Association; José Luís Mendonça, Press Counsellor, Angolan Permanent Delegation to UNESCO; Zipporah Musau, Managing Editor, Magazines, The Standard Group Ltd, Kenya; Kim Norgaard, CNN Bureau Chief, South Africa.
The prestigious sponsors include: Coca-Cola Africa; Ecobank, IPP Media, Tanzania; Kampala Serena Hotel; Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD); NN24 Nigeria; Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry solution; Safebond Africa Ltd and A24 Media.
The Kampala Serena is the delegate hotel for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2010. The hotel extends a truly warm Kampala welcome to finalists, judges, attending media and guests from across the continent. The finalists will enjoy an all expenses paid five day programme of workshops, media forums, networking and have the opportunity to see some of the sights of Kampala.
Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, coinciding with CNN celebrating 30 years as the world’s pioneering news provider. As CNN encourages, promotes and recognises excellence in journalism at all levels, we are particularly pleased to be able to support journalists who represent our future. I have witnessed the quality and excellence of work in this competition strengthen year on year, and am proud that it continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious Pan African journalist awards.”
Collins Khumalo, President MultiChoice Africa, said: “We congratulate the 27 finalists of this year’s awards. The great success that this event has enjoyed over the past 15 years makes the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards the one honour that journalists and media houses throughout the continent want to be associated with. Through these awards, MultiChoice in partnership with CNN, continue to acknowledge and celebrate the best journalistic talent and skills that Africa’s media have to offer.”
About the award:
The CNN African Journalist of the Year Award was founded in 1995 by Edward Boateng (formerly African Regional Director for Turner Broadcasting System Inc., CNN’s parent company) and the late Mohamed Amin, to recognise and encourage excellence in journalism throughout Africa.
Note to Editors: Competition Criteria
To enter the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 competition the journalist must be an African national and work on the continent for African owned, or headquartered, media organisations that produce a printed publication or broadcast through an electronic medium (television broadcaster, radio station or website) primarily targeted at and received by an African audience.
Entries were published or broadcast in 2009 for the following awards:
Arts & Culture: Digital Journalism Award; Economics and Business: Environment: Free Press Africa; HIV/AIDS Reporting; MSD Health & Medical: Mohamed Amin Photographic; Print General News; Radio General News; Sport; Television Features; Television News Bulletin; Tourism; Francophone General News Awards (Print and Electronic Media); Portuguese Language General News
www.cnn.com/africanawards
Issued: 8th April 2010
For further information please contact:
CNN International: Joel Brown + 44 20 7693 0967 joel.brown@turner.com
MultiChoice Africa: Caroline Creasy + 27 11 289 3081 ccreasy@multichoice.co.za
MultiChoice South Africa: Marietjie Groenewald + 27 11 289 3067 Marietjie.Groenewald@multichoice.co.za
| Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time | |
| 8 Apr 2010 | |
| 15:05 | IBM Selected to Support Nigerian Healthcare and Social Welfare Initiatives |
| 13:30 | Lesley University Welcomes U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at Centennial Commencement |
| 13:27 | Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. Announces Appointment of New Region Director |
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies 6
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies 6.
Nigerians Report has been updating the facts and figures on this case since last week and if we are going to win the war against corruption and ensure global financial integrity and transparency, we cannot ignore the facts and figures of this case that is even worse than the Halliburton bribery scandal.
Two officials of Chevron in Nigeria have responded since we started the updates. The first official called the Publisher/Editor of Nigerians Report in a subtle attempt to influence us and the second official sent two e-mails with the same intention. The telephone discussion and contents of the e-mails have proved that the allegations of ABZ Integrated Limited were not baseless, and reinforced our resolution to address this case until justice is done.
The following are more documents on the case.
Nigerians Report has been updating the facts and figures on this case since last week and if we are going to win the war against corruption and ensure global financial integrity and transparency, we cannot ignore the facts and figures of this case that is even worse than the Halliburton bribery scandal.
Two officials of Chevron in Nigeria have responded since we started the updates. The first official called the Publisher/Editor of Nigerians Report in a subtle attempt to influence us and the second official sent two e-mails with the same intention. The telephone discussion and contents of the e-mails have proved that the allegations of ABZ Integrated Limited were not baseless, and reinforced our resolution to address this case until justice is done.
The following are more documents on the case.
Pacific Asia Petroleum and CAMAC International Complete Transaction Regarding the Oyo Oilfield
8 Apr 2010 00:04 Africa/Lagos
Pacific Asia Petroleum and CAMAC International Complete Transaction Regarding the Oyo Oilfield
HARTSDALE, N.Y., April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PAP) and CAMAC International jointly announced that Pacific Asia Petroleum has completed the acquisition of all the interest held by CAMAC Energy Holdings Limited and certain of its affiliates ("CAMAC") in a Production Sharing Contract for the Oyo Oilfield, an offshore oil asset in Nigeria that started production in December 2009. CAMAC now owns 62.74% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Pacific Asia Petroleum. In addition, Pacific Asia Petroleum's name has been changed, effective today, to "CAMAC Energy Inc."
This announcement is made following the receipt of approval of the acquisition and related matters from Pacific Asia Petroleum's stockholders at the Company's special meeting on April 5, 2010.
New Board of Directors
With effect from the closing of this transaction, Mr. Robert Stempel and Ms. Elizabeth Smith have resigned from the Company's Board of Directors. Additionally, the number of directors on the Board has been increased from five to seven. The four vacancies created by these resignations and newly created directorships have been filled by the appointment of the following individuals:
-- Dr. Kase Lawal, the Chairman and CEO of CAMAC International. Dr.
Lawal is also the Chairman of Allied Energy Corporation and serves as
the Commissioner on the Port of Houston Authority and as the Vice
Chairman of Houston Airport Development System Corp.
-- Ms. Hazel O'Leary, the President of Fisk University in Nashville,
Tennessee. Ms. O'Leary formerly served as the Secretary of Energy
under President Clinton.
-- Mr. John Hofmeister, the Head of Citizens for Affordable Energy, a
not-for-profit firm he founded in 2008. Mr. Hofmeister is the former
President of Shell Oil Company.
-- Dr. Lee Patrick Brown, the Chairman and CEO of Brown Group
International and the Chairman of the Board of Unity National Bank.
Dr. Brown, the former Mayor of Houston, also served in President Bill
Clinton's Cabinet as Director of the White House Office of National
Drug Control Policy from 1993 to 1996.
Commenting on the closing of the transaction, Pacific Asia Petroleum President and CEO, Frank Ingriselli, stated, "Today's closing caps a many months-long process and hard work by all of the parties involved in the transaction. We are now prepared to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this acquisition. We expect that the addition of the Oyo Oilfield asset, combined with our existing China assets and the wealth of experience from the new board members and CAMAC, will further enhance our capacity to achieve the Company's strategy to aggressively grow shareholder value with high-return and early cash flow assets."
Dr. Kase Lawal, Chairman and CEO of CAMAC International, and new member of the Board of Directors of Pacific Asia Petroleum, noted, "We are very excited about the possibilities our new relationship presents. We are very pleased to be a part of the next phase of the development of CAMAC Energy Inc. on the NYSE Amex platform. I look forward to working with the management and the Board to continue creating value for all our shareholders."
About Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.
Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PAP) is a U.S. publicly-traded energy company engaged in the development, production and distribution of oil and gas and is focused on early cash flow, high return projects. The Company controls the rights to significant gas acreage under contract in China and is a strategic partner with several major energy companies in high-value oil fields in China and Nigeria. The Company was founded in 2005 by a group of former senior Texaco executives and is led by President and CEO Frank C. Ingriselli. Pacific Asia Petroleum is headquartered in Hartsdale, New York, and also has offices in Beijing, China.
About CAMAC International Corporation:
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, CAMAC International Corporation is a privately-held, global energy corporation with interests in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in West Africa and South America. The company is also engaged in engineering and consulting services, crude oil and refined products trading for markets in Africa, Europe, North America and South America. CAMAC recently ranked #193 in Forbes list of America's Largest Private Companies.
Cautionary Statement Relevant To Forward-Looking Information
This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (the "Company") and its subsidiaries. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements" including statements regarding: the general ability of the Company to achieve its commercial objectives; the business strategy, plans and objectives of the Company and its subsidiaries; and any other statements of non-historical information. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "projects," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The statements are based upon management's current expectations, estimates and projections, are not guarantees of future performance, and are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control and are difficult to predict, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the SEC and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov/). You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Unless legally required, Pacific Asia Petroleum undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Source: CAMAC International; Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.
CONTACT: media, Bonnie Tang of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.,
+1-914-472-6070, bonnietang@papetroleum.com, www.papetroleum.com; or Linda
Pickett of CAMAC International Corporation, +1-713-965-5123,
linda.pickett@camac.com, www.camac.com; or investors, John Liviakis of
Liviakis Financial Communications, Inc, +1-415-389-4670, John@Liviakis.com,
www.liviakis.com
Web Site: http://www.camac.com/
http://www.papetroleum.com/
Pacific Asia Petroleum and CAMAC International Complete Transaction Regarding the Oyo Oilfield
HARTSDALE, N.Y., April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PAP) and CAMAC International jointly announced that Pacific Asia Petroleum has completed the acquisition of all the interest held by CAMAC Energy Holdings Limited and certain of its affiliates ("CAMAC") in a Production Sharing Contract for the Oyo Oilfield, an offshore oil asset in Nigeria that started production in December 2009. CAMAC now owns 62.74% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Pacific Asia Petroleum. In addition, Pacific Asia Petroleum's name has been changed, effective today, to "CAMAC Energy Inc."
This announcement is made following the receipt of approval of the acquisition and related matters from Pacific Asia Petroleum's stockholders at the Company's special meeting on April 5, 2010.
New Board of Directors
With effect from the closing of this transaction, Mr. Robert Stempel and Ms. Elizabeth Smith have resigned from the Company's Board of Directors. Additionally, the number of directors on the Board has been increased from five to seven. The four vacancies created by these resignations and newly created directorships have been filled by the appointment of the following individuals:
-- Dr. Kase Lawal, the Chairman and CEO of CAMAC International. Dr.
Lawal is also the Chairman of Allied Energy Corporation and serves as
the Commissioner on the Port of Houston Authority and as the Vice
Chairman of Houston Airport Development System Corp.
-- Ms. Hazel O'Leary, the President of Fisk University in Nashville,
Tennessee. Ms. O'Leary formerly served as the Secretary of Energy
under President Clinton.
-- Mr. John Hofmeister, the Head of Citizens for Affordable Energy, a
not-for-profit firm he founded in 2008. Mr. Hofmeister is the former
President of Shell Oil Company.
-- Dr. Lee Patrick Brown, the Chairman and CEO of Brown Group
International and the Chairman of the Board of Unity National Bank.
Dr. Brown, the former Mayor of Houston, also served in President Bill
Clinton's Cabinet as Director of the White House Office of National
Drug Control Policy from 1993 to 1996.
Commenting on the closing of the transaction, Pacific Asia Petroleum President and CEO, Frank Ingriselli, stated, "Today's closing caps a many months-long process and hard work by all of the parties involved in the transaction. We are now prepared to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this acquisition. We expect that the addition of the Oyo Oilfield asset, combined with our existing China assets and the wealth of experience from the new board members and CAMAC, will further enhance our capacity to achieve the Company's strategy to aggressively grow shareholder value with high-return and early cash flow assets."
Dr. Kase Lawal, Chairman and CEO of CAMAC International, and new member of the Board of Directors of Pacific Asia Petroleum, noted, "We are very excited about the possibilities our new relationship presents. We are very pleased to be a part of the next phase of the development of CAMAC Energy Inc. on the NYSE Amex platform. I look forward to working with the management and the Board to continue creating value for all our shareholders."
About Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.
Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PAP) is a U.S. publicly-traded energy company engaged in the development, production and distribution of oil and gas and is focused on early cash flow, high return projects. The Company controls the rights to significant gas acreage under contract in China and is a strategic partner with several major energy companies in high-value oil fields in China and Nigeria. The Company was founded in 2005 by a group of former senior Texaco executives and is led by President and CEO Frank C. Ingriselli. Pacific Asia Petroleum is headquartered in Hartsdale, New York, and also has offices in Beijing, China.
About CAMAC International Corporation:
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, CAMAC International Corporation is a privately-held, global energy corporation with interests in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in West Africa and South America. The company is also engaged in engineering and consulting services, crude oil and refined products trading for markets in Africa, Europe, North America and South America. CAMAC recently ranked #193 in Forbes list of America's Largest Private Companies.
Cautionary Statement Relevant To Forward-Looking Information
This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (the "Company") and its subsidiaries. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements" including statements regarding: the general ability of the Company to achieve its commercial objectives; the business strategy, plans and objectives of the Company and its subsidiaries; and any other statements of non-historical information. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "projects," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The statements are based upon management's current expectations, estimates and projections, are not guarantees of future performance, and are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control and are difficult to predict, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the SEC and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov/). You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Unless legally required, Pacific Asia Petroleum undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Source: CAMAC International; Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.
CONTACT: media, Bonnie Tang of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.,
+1-914-472-6070, bonnietang@papetroleum.com, www.papetroleum.com; or Linda
Pickett of CAMAC International Corporation, +1-713-965-5123,
linda.pickett@camac.com, www.camac.com; or investors, John Liviakis of
Liviakis Financial Communications, Inc, +1-415-389-4670, John@Liviakis.com,
www.liviakis.com
Web Site: http://www.camac.com/
http://www.papetroleum.com/
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton Announces Partnership with Nigeria
The U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission is a big step in the right direction in the consummation of the bilateral relations between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I hope the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission will help us in the nation building of a New Nigeria in the leadership of Africa in the comity of nations.
~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton signing the Framework for the Establishment of a Binational Commission between the Government of the Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the United States of America, in Washington, DC. on Tuesday April 6, 2010.
U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton Announces Partnership with Nigeria
Verbatim: Today, we are taking a concrete step forward that will strengthen and deepen the partnership between our two nations. The Commission will help us work together... I want to assure the Secretary, the Government and the people of Nigeria that President Obama, the Obama Administration and the people of the United States will stand with the Nigerians. (RT 4:00)
The U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission is a strategic dialogue designed to expand mutual cooperation across a broad range of shared interests. The Commission is a collaborative forum to build partnerships for tangible and measurable progress on issues critical to our shared future. We have agreed that the Commission will operate working groups on Good Governance, Transparency, and Integrity; Energy and Investment; Food Security and Agriculture; and, Niger Delta and Regional Security Cooperation. These working groups will meet in either Washington or Abuja over the coming months.
| Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time | |
| 7 Apr 2010 | |
| 13:02 | Partnership Africa Canada / New report assesses APRM's achievements |
| 13:01 | U.S. - Nigeria Binational Commission |
6 Apr 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Offshore Drilling / Tax Planning / H-1B Filing
6 Apr 2010 15:14 Africa/Lagos
PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Offshore Drilling / Tax Planning / H-1B Filing
___________
TOPIC ALERT
Obama Reverses Ban on Most Offshore Drilling (9 responses)
_____________
EXPERT ALERTS
1. Bankruptcy: Company Quickly Reorganizes Through 'Pre-Pack' Bankruptcy
2. Business: How Greening is Gold for Business
3. Economy: U.S. to China: How About if We Ask You Nicely?
4. Economy: Markets Ignore U.S. Private-Sector Job Cuts
5. Finance: Financial Service Providers Face New Scrutiny
6. Labor: Waiting on H-1B Filing May Leave You Empty-Handed
7. Real Estate: Talented Real Estate Agents Are Still in High Demand
8. Tax Planning: If You Don't File Your Taxes, IRS May File Them for You
9. Tax Planning: How Americans Routinely Overpay Their Taxes
10. Technology: Data Security is Crucial in Today's Businesses
11. Technology: How To Stay Connected with Your Digital Camera
12. Workplace: How to Effectively Deal with Toxic Work Conditions
OBAMA REVERSES BAN ON MOST OFFSHORE DRILLING
The Obama administration plans to reverse a long-standing ban on most offshore drilling. The plan will allow oil drilling off Virginia's shorelines, and is being considered for a large chunk of the Atlantic seaboard. At the same time, the plan rejects some new drilling sites that had been planned in Alaska. Following are experts who can comment on whether this plan will help reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil and create jobs, and the environmental impact:
1. MARK ZUPAN, dean of the Simon Graduate School of Business, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER, is an expert in energy/oil issues: "President Obama's move to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling is a concrete step in the right direction toward decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Non-renewable energy is still by far the dominant source of our nation's energy. Every president since Eisenhower has called for greater energy independence, yet we have grown progressively more dependent on foreign oil during each of their tenures. Today, over half the oil we use is imported (57 percent). Without government subsidies, alternative energy sources like ethanol, wind and geothermal are still not viable. Real questions remain about whether they are more helpful to the environment. Evidence remains mixed on the extent to which there is global warming. There is a definite question about the possibility of better ways of dealing with any global warming than those proposed by Obama and at the Kyoto/Copenhagen conferences. The estimated cost of cap and trade is $1.5 trillion per year. Much cheaper solutions have been proposed by Nathan Myhrvold of Microsoft (documented in the book "Super Freakonomics"), for example, to rely on chimneys to push sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere as an extra shield at a cost of $150 million a year." The university has an on-campus TV studio with satellite uplink through VideoLink in Newton, Mass. To book a satellite shot, call VideoLink at +1-617-340-4100. News Contact: Charla S. Kucko, charla.kucko@simon.rochester.edu Phone: +1-585-273-4806 (4/6/10)
2. JOSEPH PETROWSKI, chief of GULF OIL: "I applaud the current efforts to expand domestic oil supplies. This expansion can help eliminate the single choke point that currently makes us vulnerable to the vicissitudes of oil producers and, in turn, other nations." Petrowski is a board member of a number of influential organizations, including the New England Power Pool Board of Review, South Jersey Industries and the Financial Economic Institute of Claremont McKenna College. He has written numerous articles on energy and public policy, regulation and market development, and is a frequent guest on major business news networks. He has testified before Congress and several regulatory agencies on energy and international trade issues. Petrowski is based in Framingham, Mass. News Contact: Robert Minicucci, robert@warnerpr.com Phone: +1-603-488-5856 Web site: http://www.gulfoil.com/ (4/6/10)
3. LLOYD HEINZE, chairman of the Bob. L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY, is a drilling and production engineer and an instructor of a graduate course on oil field and the environment and an upcoming course on energy, environment and society: "In order for the U.S. to have sustainable energy self-sufficiency, all avenues of increasing energy production need to be investigated. Offshore U.S. East Coast has not been as actively explored as, for example, the Gulf of Mexico. There should be a large potential for oil and natural gas resource development in this huge area. The oil industry has dramatically improved its environmental efforts and is now able to explore and produce in safe and environmentally friendly methods." News Contact: Leslie Cranford, leslie.cranford@ttu.edu Phone: +1-806-742-6399, ext. 237 Web site: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/peWeb/facultystaff/bios/heinze.php (4/6/10)
4. SHEL HOROWITZ, lead author of the acclaimed book "Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green: Winning Strategies to Improve Your Profits and Your Planet": "As someone who works at the intersections of business and the environment, I see this announcement as at least the third major sell-out of progressives by the Obama administration on energy issues -- the other two were the watering down of goals for Copenhagen far below what most other participants were working toward, and the idiotic endorsement of nuclear power." Horowitz recently wrote a blog about this topic called "If Obama's Supposed to Be a Liberal, What's a Conservative?": http://tinyurl.com/yaafn93 He is based in Hadley, Mass. Horowitz: shel@principledprofit.com Phone: +1-413-586-2388 (4/6/10)
5. CHARLES O'HARA, senior counsel of THORP REED & ARMSTRONG, LLP's Corporate Department, based in Pittsburgh, can speak on the legal aspects that may affect Obama's plans for offshore drilling. O'Hara's practice is devoted primarily to oil and gas transactions and corporate transactions. His oil and gas transactional experience includes negotiation of leases, joint operating agreements, drilling program agreements and other instruments used in exploration activities. O'Hara also has extensive experience with regulatory negotiations with agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Commission. News Contact: Leigh Sperun, leigh@gregoryfca.com Phone: +1-610-228-2108 (4/6/10)
6. VALSIN MARMILLION, managing director of AMERICA'S WETLAND FOUNDATION, takes a balanced approach to the development of comprehensive solutions to sustain this vital economic region and the environment on which it depends. He can specifically speak to the importance of expanded and increased sharing of offshore revenues from exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico. Marmillion is based in New Orleans. News Contact: Michael Segner, ms@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-387-8550 (4/6/10)
7. SIDNEY COFFEE, senior advisor of AMERICA'S WETLAND FOUNDATION, America's Energy Coast Initiative, takes a balanced approach to the development of comprehensive solutions to sustain this vital economic region and the environment on which it depends. She can specifically speak to the importance of expanded and increased sharing of offshore revenues from exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico. Coffee is based in New Orleans. News Contact: Michael Segner, ms@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-387-8550 (4/6/10)
8. BRUCE JEFFERIS, global CEO of AON ENERGY, can discuss the potential environmental, energy, and business risks connected to offshore expansion, including government oversight, environmental record of current offshore operators, and the risks and benefits associated with new exploration. Jefferis is based in Houston. News Contact: Cybil Rose, cybil.rose@kemperlesnik.com Phone: +1-312-755-3537 (4/6/10)
9. MAURICE GUNDERSON, senior partner, Energy and Materials, CMEA CAPITAL, has extensive knowledge and experience in energy, and can discuss emerging global trends in fuel efficiency, new areas for investment, how alternative energy startups can partner with energy industry incumbents, among other topics. Among CMEA Capital's portfolio companies include CFX Battery, Inc., and A123 Systems. News Contact: Sylvie Tongco, sylvie@atomicpr.com Phone: +1-415-593- 1400 (4/6/10)
EXPERT ALERTS
1. BANKRUPTCY: COMPANY QUICKLY REORGANIZES THROUGH 'PRE-PACK' BANKRUPTCY. MATTHEW S. COHEN of THOMPSON & KNIGHT recently helped Houston-based energy company Cross Canyon Energy Corp. get its Chapter 11 reorganization confirmed in less than six weeks through the use of a "pre-packaged" bankruptcy plan: "Transactions of this type involving publicly traded securities often take several months or more to go through the bankruptcy process, but after a brief hearing, we were able to obtain confirmation in 42 days after filing the case. Properly managed, pre-packs can be an efficient and cost-effective way to resolve balance sheet issues and help businesses restructure." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
2. BUSINESS: HOW GREENING IS GOLD FOR BUSINESS. THAYER STEWART, vice president of marketing and business development for OB10, a global e-invoicing provider: "Global corporations have long dabbled in green initiatives. However, more and more are taking significant measures to reduce paper and increase 'pre-cycling' efforts as a means to streamline operations, save money and reduce carbon footprints. As the 40th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, companies are looking to renew their commitment to going green and leveraging technology, such as e-invoicing, to help spearhead environmental initiatives." Stewart can speak to the ROI stemming from e-invoicing as more companies like HP, Motorola and Mohawk are greening their back-office accounting functions through e-invoicing programs. News Contact: Mousa Ackall, mackall@arketi.com Phone: +1-404-929-0091, ext. 203 (4/6/10)
3. ECONOMY: U.S. TO CHINA: HOW ABOUT IF WE ASK YOU NICELY? JAMES FRISCHLING, president and co-founder at NEWOAK CAPITAL, an asset management, advisory and capital markets platform: "Treasury Secretary Geithner is delaying a report on global currency policies scheduled to be released April 15 to give China more time to move toward a more flexible currency, but will not admit that such is the reason for the delay. Lawrence Summers, director of the White House's National Economic Council, wouldn't use the words 'currency manipulation' on the weekend TV circuit, yet everyone knew that's what he meant. Senator Schumer, along with four other senators, put forward a bill that would require the U.S. to impose tariffs and other penalties on countries that failed to address misaligned currencies. When all this is going on in the face of the single largest foreign holder of U.S. treasuries, you try to get ahead of the curve and ask them nicely, which is exactly what the administration is trying to do. Despite the tough talk from some, the currency problems between China and the U.S. will be best solved through negotiations, not legislation. Given the reliance on one another, any attempts to impose one's will on the other would be a classic example of biting one's nose to spite one's face. We may not like the pace at which changes are going to take place, but asking nicely may still be the only sensible option." News Contact: Marisa D'Vari, MDVari@newoakcapital.com (4/6/10)
4. ECONOMY: MARKETS IGNORE U.S. PRIVATE-SECTOR JOB CUTS AND LATCH ON U.S. NON-FARM PAYROLLS. RON D'VARI, CEO and co-founder of NEWOAK CAPITAL, an asset management and advisory firm in New York: "As global markets cheered the 162,000 non-farm payrolls increase, they ignored the 23,000 job cuts by the U.S. private sector in March. Wall Street analysts themselves had expected a turnaround on companies hiring, with an addition of 40,000 this month. If it wasn't because of temporary census employees, the job number would have been viewed as very disappointing. While manufacturing is shedding jobs, the service sector has had two consecutive increases. Nine months after the recession has been declared over, this has been one of the longest jobless recoveries. One would have expected the lower dollar and interest rate would have helped our competitive advantage, lifted U.S. exports, and turned around the private-sector job market." News Contact: Marisa D'Vari, MDVari@newoakcapital.com (4/6/10)
5. FINANCE: FINANCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS FACE NEW SCRUTINY. PAUL CORLEY of the Dallas office of THOMPSON & KNIGHT: "With financial reform a top priority for the Obama administration, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee has approved a legislative package that seeks to address the perceived regulatory failures that led to the financial crisis. The measure includes proposals to improve consumer protection, end 'too big to fail' bailouts and expand federal oversight of the financial sector, including banks, hedge funds and credit rating agencies. The Dodd bill has far-reaching implications for the daily operations at most banks and thrifts. While the Federal Reserve would remain responsible for bank holding companies with assets over $50 billion, many institutions would receive a new primary regulator, such as the FDIC or the Office of Comptroller of the Currency." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
6. LABOR: WAITING ON H-1B FILING MAY LEAVE YOU EMPTY-HANDED. IRINA PLUMLEE, Dallas immigration attorney at GARDERE WYNNE SEWELL LLP: "Two years ago, the annual quota of 65,000 H-1B visas was exhausted just a few days after the start of the petition acceptance period. However, the economic downturn slowed down filings so much that last fiscal year's quota was not reached until near the end of 2009. Though economic indicators might not have improved sufficiently to create a fierce competition for the upcoming H-1B visa allocation, it is impossible to predict how quickly the 2010 quota will be filled. In previous years, you knew that if you didn't have the application in on April 1, you would not receive a visa. That's no longer a certainty, but waiting too long to make your bid for an H-1B work permit could leave you without a visa." News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com Phone: +1- 800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
7. REAL ESTATE: TALENTED REAL ESTATE AGENTS ARE STILL IN HIGH DEMAND. LISA JOHNSON SEVAJIAN is an award-winning Realtor who specializes in selling and buying properties in North Andover, Mass. Johnson Sevajian can discuss a great need for hard-working energetic agents: "So many markets are still doing well in this economy and so many Realtors would love to hire more agents for their team. To sell in today's market, it takes perseverance and online savviness. The average age of the first-time Massachusetts homebuyer is 32. These buyers want immediate information; therefore, simply sticking with the traditional real estate approach often fails. A talented agent will combine texting and social media, with many of the traditional real estate approaches. If you can properly manage both approaches, you are the right person to work in this current real estate market." News Contact: Stacey Rudy, stacey@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-508-450-8405 (4/6/10)
8. TAX PLANNING: IF YOU DON'T FILE YOUR TAXES, THE IRS MAY FILE THEM FOR YOU. BRIAN COMPTON, president of TAX RESOLUTION SERVICES, and tax relief expert in Los Angeles: "Through mid-March, the IRS reportedly received 68.7 million returns, 3 percent fewer than at the same time in 2009. In this economy, many Americans may opt to not file because they don't have the funds to pay the taxes owed. If you're among these people, what you may not know is that the IRS will often file a substitute for return on your behalf if you fail to file your taxes. Additionally, the IRS prepares these substitute for returns in the best interest of the government, resulting in the IRS overstating what taxes you owe and, consequently, what you owe in penalties and interest. So it's important that you file your 2009 tax return, as well as any prior delinquent tax returns, as soon as possible to give yourself a chance to state what you truly owe, which will ultimately save you money and help you avoid significant long-term consequences." Editor's Note: Compton has a profile listed in the ProfNet Experts Database. To view the profile, go to http://www.profnet.com/ and, after logging in, click on "Search Expert." News Contact: Debbie Edwards, debbie@taxresolution.com Phone: +1-866-477-7762, ext. 326 Web site: http://www.taxresolution.com/ (4/6/10)
9. TAX PLANNING: HOW AMERICANS ROUTINELY OVERPAY THEIR TAXES. JOHN RAY, professor of accounting at STRAYER UNIVERSITY, is available to talk about a variety of taxation topics such as how Americans routinely overpay their taxes and how forgoing the advice of a tax advisor can be costly: "If people have questions about whether to itemize, how to document deductions or whether they qualify for some of the recently created tax breaks for new homebuyers or new car buyers, they should contact a tax advisor. These experts keep up with the latest tax law updates and revisions, and can save taxpayers money that is often lost through simple ignorance." Ray is based in Northern Virginia. News Contact: Dana Haydock, DHaydock@wrayward.com Phone: +1-704-926-1301 (4/6/10)
10. TECHNOLOGY: DATA SECURITY IS CRUCIAL IN TODAY'S BUSINESSES. ANDREW SROKA, CEO of FISCHER INTERNATIONAL, a leading data security provider: "There is no debate that data security is crucial in today's businesses plagued with cyber- security threats. Whether it is a healthcare organization protecting patient data from hackers (while also complying with the HITECH Act) or a financial institution preventing employees from inappropriately accessing classified information, companies of all types and sizes are facing threats from all entry points. Hackers are relentless and generally more innovative than the rest of us. It's a reality you have to come to grips with if you plan to develop a long-term and sustainable strategy for combating cyber-security threats. However, it's a proven fact that most cyber-security threats stem from insiders (i.e., employees). Whether it's the result of human error or deliberate criminal activity, a majority of data security breaches result from one of your own. Across all industries, too many people -- the wrong people -- have access to information that they should never be able to access. It is a privacy breach waiting to happen." Sroka is based in Naples, Fla. News Contact: Rebecca Maas, rmaas@peppercom.com Phone: +1-212-931-6126 (4/6/10)
11. TECHNOLOGY: HOW TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA. DAVID M. STONE, photographer and owner of PHOTOGRAPHIC SOLUTIONS, INC., has some suggestions that can help you stay connected with your digital camera: "Take a photo of your business card or a sheet of paper with your contact information. If your camera is lost and then found, the finder will be able to view your photos and see your contact information. Always remember to leave that image on your memory card. Travel with memory cards that are 2 to 4 GB because you will reduce the chance of losing all of your memories. Many camera users opt to purchase larger memory cards because those cards can store thousands of photos. If you opt for smaller memory cards, you'll only lose partial memories rather than all of them." Stone resides in Buzzards Bay, Mass. News Contact: Stacey Rudy, stacey@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-508-450-8405 (4/6/10)
12. WORKPLACE: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH TOXIC WORK CONDITIONS. LINNDA DURRE, psychotherapist, business consultant, and author of "Surviving the Toxic Workplace," can discuss how to directly and effectively deal with toxic co-workers, bosses, and work conditions: "Many people feel helpless and hopeless in confronting problems at work. It's true that this can be frustrating and painful, and in a bad economy, most people don't want to rock the boat. So you have a choice -- keep quiet and put up with it, or say something and remedy it. Whether we're in a flourishing, abundant economy or a recession, good communication skills, assertiveness, and cooperation are crucial." In light of Workplace Conflict Awareness Month (April), Durre provides strategies for initiating direct conversations with toxic co-workers in order to reduce conflict, increase productivity, and avoid changing jobs or encountering potential workplace lawsuits. She is based in Orlando, Fla. News Contact: Julia Baxter, julia_baxter@mcgraw-hill.com Phone: +1-212-904-3020 (4/6/10)
PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To submit an Opportunity by e-mail: profnet@profnet.com To consult the ProfNet Experts Database:
http://www.prnewswire.com/profnet To contact ProfNet by phone: +1-800-PROFNET, ext. 1 To share a thought on ProfNet Expert Alerts: profnetalerts@prnewswire.com
PRNewswire -- April 6
Source: ProfNet
NOTE TO EDITORS: The following expert has provided direct contact information: Lloyd Heinze, Texas Tech University lloyd.heinze@ttu.edu Phone: +1-806-742-1801, ext. 236
PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Offshore Drilling / Tax Planning / H-1B Filing
___________
TOPIC ALERT
Obama Reverses Ban on Most Offshore Drilling (9 responses)
_____________
EXPERT ALERTS
1. Bankruptcy: Company Quickly Reorganizes Through 'Pre-Pack' Bankruptcy
2. Business: How Greening is Gold for Business
3. Economy: U.S. to China: How About if We Ask You Nicely?
4. Economy: Markets Ignore U.S. Private-Sector Job Cuts
5. Finance: Financial Service Providers Face New Scrutiny
6. Labor: Waiting on H-1B Filing May Leave You Empty-Handed
7. Real Estate: Talented Real Estate Agents Are Still in High Demand
8. Tax Planning: If You Don't File Your Taxes, IRS May File Them for You
9. Tax Planning: How Americans Routinely Overpay Their Taxes
10. Technology: Data Security is Crucial in Today's Businesses
11. Technology: How To Stay Connected with Your Digital Camera
12. Workplace: How to Effectively Deal with Toxic Work Conditions
OBAMA REVERSES BAN ON MOST OFFSHORE DRILLING
The Obama administration plans to reverse a long-standing ban on most offshore drilling. The plan will allow oil drilling off Virginia's shorelines, and is being considered for a large chunk of the Atlantic seaboard. At the same time, the plan rejects some new drilling sites that had been planned in Alaska. Following are experts who can comment on whether this plan will help reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil and create jobs, and the environmental impact:
1. MARK ZUPAN, dean of the Simon Graduate School of Business, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER, is an expert in energy/oil issues: "President Obama's move to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling is a concrete step in the right direction toward decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Non-renewable energy is still by far the dominant source of our nation's energy. Every president since Eisenhower has called for greater energy independence, yet we have grown progressively more dependent on foreign oil during each of their tenures. Today, over half the oil we use is imported (57 percent). Without government subsidies, alternative energy sources like ethanol, wind and geothermal are still not viable. Real questions remain about whether they are more helpful to the environment. Evidence remains mixed on the extent to which there is global warming. There is a definite question about the possibility of better ways of dealing with any global warming than those proposed by Obama and at the Kyoto/Copenhagen conferences. The estimated cost of cap and trade is $1.5 trillion per year. Much cheaper solutions have been proposed by Nathan Myhrvold of Microsoft (documented in the book "Super Freakonomics"), for example, to rely on chimneys to push sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere as an extra shield at a cost of $150 million a year." The university has an on-campus TV studio with satellite uplink through VideoLink in Newton, Mass. To book a satellite shot, call VideoLink at +1-617-340-4100. News Contact: Charla S. Kucko, charla.kucko@simon.rochester.edu Phone: +1-585-273-4806 (4/6/10)
2. JOSEPH PETROWSKI, chief of GULF OIL: "I applaud the current efforts to expand domestic oil supplies. This expansion can help eliminate the single choke point that currently makes us vulnerable to the vicissitudes of oil producers and, in turn, other nations." Petrowski is a board member of a number of influential organizations, including the New England Power Pool Board of Review, South Jersey Industries and the Financial Economic Institute of Claremont McKenna College. He has written numerous articles on energy and public policy, regulation and market development, and is a frequent guest on major business news networks. He has testified before Congress and several regulatory agencies on energy and international trade issues. Petrowski is based in Framingham, Mass. News Contact: Robert Minicucci, robert@warnerpr.com Phone: +1-603-488-5856 Web site: http://www.gulfoil.com/ (4/6/10)
3. LLOYD HEINZE, chairman of the Bob. L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY, is a drilling and production engineer and an instructor of a graduate course on oil field and the environment and an upcoming course on energy, environment and society: "In order for the U.S. to have sustainable energy self-sufficiency, all avenues of increasing energy production need to be investigated. Offshore U.S. East Coast has not been as actively explored as, for example, the Gulf of Mexico. There should be a large potential for oil and natural gas resource development in this huge area. The oil industry has dramatically improved its environmental efforts and is now able to explore and produce in safe and environmentally friendly methods." News Contact: Leslie Cranford, leslie.cranford@ttu.edu Phone: +1-806-742-6399, ext. 237 Web site: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/peWeb/facultystaff/bios/heinze.php (4/6/10)
4. SHEL HOROWITZ, lead author of the acclaimed book "Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green: Winning Strategies to Improve Your Profits and Your Planet": "As someone who works at the intersections of business and the environment, I see this announcement as at least the third major sell-out of progressives by the Obama administration on energy issues -- the other two were the watering down of goals for Copenhagen far below what most other participants were working toward, and the idiotic endorsement of nuclear power." Horowitz recently wrote a blog about this topic called "If Obama's Supposed to Be a Liberal, What's a Conservative?": http://tinyurl.com/yaafn93 He is based in Hadley, Mass. Horowitz: shel@principledprofit.com Phone: +1-413-586-2388 (4/6/10)
5. CHARLES O'HARA, senior counsel of THORP REED & ARMSTRONG, LLP's Corporate Department, based in Pittsburgh, can speak on the legal aspects that may affect Obama's plans for offshore drilling. O'Hara's practice is devoted primarily to oil and gas transactions and corporate transactions. His oil and gas transactional experience includes negotiation of leases, joint operating agreements, drilling program agreements and other instruments used in exploration activities. O'Hara also has extensive experience with regulatory negotiations with agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Commission. News Contact: Leigh Sperun, leigh@gregoryfca.com Phone: +1-610-228-2108 (4/6/10)
6. VALSIN MARMILLION, managing director of AMERICA'S WETLAND FOUNDATION, takes a balanced approach to the development of comprehensive solutions to sustain this vital economic region and the environment on which it depends. He can specifically speak to the importance of expanded and increased sharing of offshore revenues from exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico. Marmillion is based in New Orleans. News Contact: Michael Segner, ms@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-387-8550 (4/6/10)
7. SIDNEY COFFEE, senior advisor of AMERICA'S WETLAND FOUNDATION, America's Energy Coast Initiative, takes a balanced approach to the development of comprehensive solutions to sustain this vital economic region and the environment on which it depends. She can specifically speak to the importance of expanded and increased sharing of offshore revenues from exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico. Coffee is based in New Orleans. News Contact: Michael Segner, ms@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-387-8550 (4/6/10)
8. BRUCE JEFFERIS, global CEO of AON ENERGY, can discuss the potential environmental, energy, and business risks connected to offshore expansion, including government oversight, environmental record of current offshore operators, and the risks and benefits associated with new exploration. Jefferis is based in Houston. News Contact: Cybil Rose, cybil.rose@kemperlesnik.com Phone: +1-312-755-3537 (4/6/10)
9. MAURICE GUNDERSON, senior partner, Energy and Materials, CMEA CAPITAL, has extensive knowledge and experience in energy, and can discuss emerging global trends in fuel efficiency, new areas for investment, how alternative energy startups can partner with energy industry incumbents, among other topics. Among CMEA Capital's portfolio companies include CFX Battery, Inc., and A123 Systems. News Contact: Sylvie Tongco, sylvie@atomicpr.com Phone: +1-415-593- 1400 (4/6/10)
EXPERT ALERTS
1. BANKRUPTCY: COMPANY QUICKLY REORGANIZES THROUGH 'PRE-PACK' BANKRUPTCY. MATTHEW S. COHEN of THOMPSON & KNIGHT recently helped Houston-based energy company Cross Canyon Energy Corp. get its Chapter 11 reorganization confirmed in less than six weeks through the use of a "pre-packaged" bankruptcy plan: "Transactions of this type involving publicly traded securities often take several months or more to go through the bankruptcy process, but after a brief hearing, we were able to obtain confirmation in 42 days after filing the case. Properly managed, pre-packs can be an efficient and cost-effective way to resolve balance sheet issues and help businesses restructure." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
2. BUSINESS: HOW GREENING IS GOLD FOR BUSINESS. THAYER STEWART, vice president of marketing and business development for OB10, a global e-invoicing provider: "Global corporations have long dabbled in green initiatives. However, more and more are taking significant measures to reduce paper and increase 'pre-cycling' efforts as a means to streamline operations, save money and reduce carbon footprints. As the 40th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, companies are looking to renew their commitment to going green and leveraging technology, such as e-invoicing, to help spearhead environmental initiatives." Stewart can speak to the ROI stemming from e-invoicing as more companies like HP, Motorola and Mohawk are greening their back-office accounting functions through e-invoicing programs. News Contact: Mousa Ackall, mackall@arketi.com Phone: +1-404-929-0091, ext. 203 (4/6/10)
3. ECONOMY: U.S. TO CHINA: HOW ABOUT IF WE ASK YOU NICELY? JAMES FRISCHLING, president and co-founder at NEWOAK CAPITAL, an asset management, advisory and capital markets platform: "Treasury Secretary Geithner is delaying a report on global currency policies scheduled to be released April 15 to give China more time to move toward a more flexible currency, but will not admit that such is the reason for the delay. Lawrence Summers, director of the White House's National Economic Council, wouldn't use the words 'currency manipulation' on the weekend TV circuit, yet everyone knew that's what he meant. Senator Schumer, along with four other senators, put forward a bill that would require the U.S. to impose tariffs and other penalties on countries that failed to address misaligned currencies. When all this is going on in the face of the single largest foreign holder of U.S. treasuries, you try to get ahead of the curve and ask them nicely, which is exactly what the administration is trying to do. Despite the tough talk from some, the currency problems between China and the U.S. will be best solved through negotiations, not legislation. Given the reliance on one another, any attempts to impose one's will on the other would be a classic example of biting one's nose to spite one's face. We may not like the pace at which changes are going to take place, but asking nicely may still be the only sensible option." News Contact: Marisa D'Vari, MDVari@newoakcapital.com (4/6/10)
4. ECONOMY: MARKETS IGNORE U.S. PRIVATE-SECTOR JOB CUTS AND LATCH ON U.S. NON-FARM PAYROLLS. RON D'VARI, CEO and co-founder of NEWOAK CAPITAL, an asset management and advisory firm in New York: "As global markets cheered the 162,000 non-farm payrolls increase, they ignored the 23,000 job cuts by the U.S. private sector in March. Wall Street analysts themselves had expected a turnaround on companies hiring, with an addition of 40,000 this month. If it wasn't because of temporary census employees, the job number would have been viewed as very disappointing. While manufacturing is shedding jobs, the service sector has had two consecutive increases. Nine months after the recession has been declared over, this has been one of the longest jobless recoveries. One would have expected the lower dollar and interest rate would have helped our competitive advantage, lifted U.S. exports, and turned around the private-sector job market." News Contact: Marisa D'Vari, MDVari@newoakcapital.com (4/6/10)
5. FINANCE: FINANCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS FACE NEW SCRUTINY. PAUL CORLEY of the Dallas office of THOMPSON & KNIGHT: "With financial reform a top priority for the Obama administration, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee has approved a legislative package that seeks to address the perceived regulatory failures that led to the financial crisis. The measure includes proposals to improve consumer protection, end 'too big to fail' bailouts and expand federal oversight of the financial sector, including banks, hedge funds and credit rating agencies. The Dodd bill has far-reaching implications for the daily operations at most banks and thrifts. While the Federal Reserve would remain responsible for bank holding companies with assets over $50 billion, many institutions would receive a new primary regulator, such as the FDIC or the Office of Comptroller of the Currency." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
6. LABOR: WAITING ON H-1B FILING MAY LEAVE YOU EMPTY-HANDED. IRINA PLUMLEE, Dallas immigration attorney at GARDERE WYNNE SEWELL LLP: "Two years ago, the annual quota of 65,000 H-1B visas was exhausted just a few days after the start of the petition acceptance period. However, the economic downturn slowed down filings so much that last fiscal year's quota was not reached until near the end of 2009. Though economic indicators might not have improved sufficiently to create a fierce competition for the upcoming H-1B visa allocation, it is impossible to predict how quickly the 2010 quota will be filled. In previous years, you knew that if you didn't have the application in on April 1, you would not receive a visa. That's no longer a certainty, but waiting too long to make your bid for an H-1B work permit could leave you without a visa." News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com Phone: +1- 800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
7. REAL ESTATE: TALENTED REAL ESTATE AGENTS ARE STILL IN HIGH DEMAND. LISA JOHNSON SEVAJIAN is an award-winning Realtor who specializes in selling and buying properties in North Andover, Mass. Johnson Sevajian can discuss a great need for hard-working energetic agents: "So many markets are still doing well in this economy and so many Realtors would love to hire more agents for their team. To sell in today's market, it takes perseverance and online savviness. The average age of the first-time Massachusetts homebuyer is 32. These buyers want immediate information; therefore, simply sticking with the traditional real estate approach often fails. A talented agent will combine texting and social media, with many of the traditional real estate approaches. If you can properly manage both approaches, you are the right person to work in this current real estate market." News Contact: Stacey Rudy, stacey@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-508-450-8405 (4/6/10)
8. TAX PLANNING: IF YOU DON'T FILE YOUR TAXES, THE IRS MAY FILE THEM FOR YOU. BRIAN COMPTON, president of TAX RESOLUTION SERVICES, and tax relief expert in Los Angeles: "Through mid-March, the IRS reportedly received 68.7 million returns, 3 percent fewer than at the same time in 2009. In this economy, many Americans may opt to not file because they don't have the funds to pay the taxes owed. If you're among these people, what you may not know is that the IRS will often file a substitute for return on your behalf if you fail to file your taxes. Additionally, the IRS prepares these substitute for returns in the best interest of the government, resulting in the IRS overstating what taxes you owe and, consequently, what you owe in penalties and interest. So it's important that you file your 2009 tax return, as well as any prior delinquent tax returns, as soon as possible to give yourself a chance to state what you truly owe, which will ultimately save you money and help you avoid significant long-term consequences." Editor's Note: Compton has a profile listed in the ProfNet Experts Database. To view the profile, go to http://www.profnet.com/ and, after logging in, click on "Search Expert." News Contact: Debbie Edwards, debbie@taxresolution.com Phone: +1-866-477-7762, ext. 326 Web site: http://www.taxresolution.com/ (4/6/10)
9. TAX PLANNING: HOW AMERICANS ROUTINELY OVERPAY THEIR TAXES. JOHN RAY, professor of accounting at STRAYER UNIVERSITY, is available to talk about a variety of taxation topics such as how Americans routinely overpay their taxes and how forgoing the advice of a tax advisor can be costly: "If people have questions about whether to itemize, how to document deductions or whether they qualify for some of the recently created tax breaks for new homebuyers or new car buyers, they should contact a tax advisor. These experts keep up with the latest tax law updates and revisions, and can save taxpayers money that is often lost through simple ignorance." Ray is based in Northern Virginia. News Contact: Dana Haydock, DHaydock@wrayward.com Phone: +1-704-926-1301 (4/6/10)
10. TECHNOLOGY: DATA SECURITY IS CRUCIAL IN TODAY'S BUSINESSES. ANDREW SROKA, CEO of FISCHER INTERNATIONAL, a leading data security provider: "There is no debate that data security is crucial in today's businesses plagued with cyber- security threats. Whether it is a healthcare organization protecting patient data from hackers (while also complying with the HITECH Act) or a financial institution preventing employees from inappropriately accessing classified information, companies of all types and sizes are facing threats from all entry points. Hackers are relentless and generally more innovative than the rest of us. It's a reality you have to come to grips with if you plan to develop a long-term and sustainable strategy for combating cyber-security threats. However, it's a proven fact that most cyber-security threats stem from insiders (i.e., employees). Whether it's the result of human error or deliberate criminal activity, a majority of data security breaches result from one of your own. Across all industries, too many people -- the wrong people -- have access to information that they should never be able to access. It is a privacy breach waiting to happen." Sroka is based in Naples, Fla. News Contact: Rebecca Maas, rmaas@peppercom.com Phone: +1-212-931-6126 (4/6/10)
11. TECHNOLOGY: HOW TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA. DAVID M. STONE, photographer and owner of PHOTOGRAPHIC SOLUTIONS, INC., has some suggestions that can help you stay connected with your digital camera: "Take a photo of your business card or a sheet of paper with your contact information. If your camera is lost and then found, the finder will be able to view your photos and see your contact information. Always remember to leave that image on your memory card. Travel with memory cards that are 2 to 4 GB because you will reduce the chance of losing all of your memories. Many camera users opt to purchase larger memory cards because those cards can store thousands of photos. If you opt for smaller memory cards, you'll only lose partial memories rather than all of them." Stone resides in Buzzards Bay, Mass. News Contact: Stacey Rudy, stacey@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-508-450-8405 (4/6/10)
12. WORKPLACE: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH TOXIC WORK CONDITIONS. LINNDA DURRE, psychotherapist, business consultant, and author of "Surviving the Toxic Workplace," can discuss how to directly and effectively deal with toxic co-workers, bosses, and work conditions: "Many people feel helpless and hopeless in confronting problems at work. It's true that this can be frustrating and painful, and in a bad economy, most people don't want to rock the boat. So you have a choice -- keep quiet and put up with it, or say something and remedy it. Whether we're in a flourishing, abundant economy or a recession, good communication skills, assertiveness, and cooperation are crucial." In light of Workplace Conflict Awareness Month (April), Durre provides strategies for initiating direct conversations with toxic co-workers in order to reduce conflict, increase productivity, and avoid changing jobs or encountering potential workplace lawsuits. She is based in Orlando, Fla. News Contact: Julia Baxter, julia_baxter@mcgraw-hill.com Phone: +1-212-904-3020 (4/6/10)
PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To submit an Opportunity by e-mail: profnet@profnet.com To consult the ProfNet Experts Database:
http://www.prnewswire.com/profnet To contact ProfNet by phone: +1-800-PROFNET, ext. 1 To share a thought on ProfNet Expert Alerts: profnetalerts@prnewswire.com
PRNewswire -- April 6
Source: ProfNet
NOTE TO EDITORS: The following expert has provided direct contact information: Lloyd Heinze, Texas Tech University lloyd.heinze@ttu.edu Phone: +1-806-742-1801, ext. 236
Update From Massey Energy on Upper Big Branch Explosion
6 Apr 2010 07:06 Africa/Lagos
.
Update From Massey Energy on Upper Big Branch
JULIAN, W.V., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Massey Energy Company (NYSE:MEE) is confirming twenty-five fatalities at its Upper Big Branch Mine, resulting from a tragic explosion. Additionally, two miners were transported earlier to hospitals and four miners are still missing at this time. Rescue efforts are currently suspended due to conditions underground. Rescue efforts will resume as soon as conditions allow.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/MASSEYENERGYLOGO )
Massey Chairman and CEO Don Blankenship is on site at the Upper Big Branch mine. Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Adkins and Vice President of Safety & Health, Elizabeth Chamberlin are coordinating Massey's search and rescue efforts with State and Federal officials.
"Tonight we mourn the deaths of our members at Massey Energy," said Don Blankenship. "I want to offer my condolences to the miners' families who lost loved ones at Upper Big Branch. And I want to thank the rescue teams and the Massey members who continue to work hard on behalf of our miners and their families."
Massey Energy Company, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, is the largest coal producer in Central Appalachia and is included in the S&P 500 Index.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/MASSEYENERGYLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Massey Energy Company
CONTACT: Jeff Gillenwater of Massey Energy Company, +1-304-369-8500
Web Site: Massey Energy Company
.
| First Report: 01:32 | Statement From Massey Energy on Upper Big Branch |
Update From Massey Energy on Upper Big Branch
JULIAN, W.V., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Massey Energy Company (NYSE:MEE) is confirming twenty-five fatalities at its Upper Big Branch Mine, resulting from a tragic explosion. Additionally, two miners were transported earlier to hospitals and four miners are still missing at this time. Rescue efforts are currently suspended due to conditions underground. Rescue efforts will resume as soon as conditions allow.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/MASSEYENERGYLOGO )
Massey Chairman and CEO Don Blankenship is on site at the Upper Big Branch mine. Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Adkins and Vice President of Safety & Health, Elizabeth Chamberlin are coordinating Massey's search and rescue efforts with State and Federal officials.
"Tonight we mourn the deaths of our members at Massey Energy," said Don Blankenship. "I want to offer my condolences to the miners' families who lost loved ones at Upper Big Branch. And I want to thank the rescue teams and the Massey members who continue to work hard on behalf of our miners and their families."
Massey Energy Company, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, is the largest coal producer in Central Appalachia and is included in the S&P 500 Index.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/MASSEYENERGYLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Massey Energy Company
CONTACT: Jeff Gillenwater of Massey Energy Company, +1-304-369-8500
Web Site: Massey Energy Company
Abubakar Rimi: The Nigerian Political Vicious Circle Has Claimed Another Victim
Alhaji Abubakar Rimi
Abubakar Rimi: The Nigerian Political Vicious Circle Has Claimed Another Victim
The news making headlines in Nigeria is; Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, an ex-governor of Kano State died last Sunday from heart failure after surviving an armed robbery attack on his way home from Bauchi to Kano. His heartbroken driver Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi blamed the medical staff at the emergency ward of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano for failing to save his life, because they were too slow in responding to him. But the medical staff replied that he was brought in dead.
The late Abubakar Rimi lost a wife in 2006 when gunmen attacked and murdered her at home and reports said he also lost a son the following year in questionable circumstances.
The unfortunate death of Abubakar Rimi is another evidence of the insecurity in every part of Nigeria since the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rigged its way into the corridors of power in 1999. The state of Nigeria that was already bad from decades of tyrannical military dictatorship became worse as many of the former military dictators returned to power as retired generals in a civilian regime. The past head of state, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was a former military head of state in the late 1970s and many of the ministers and state governors were ex-military officers. So, they were not really bona fide civilians and came into power by snatching and stuffing ballot boxes and gerrymandering and imposing themselves on the helpless electorate who never gave them their mandate.
What millions of people have witnessed in the most populous country in Africa since 1999 to date is the rape of democracy and the bastardization of governance. The ruling party has unleashed terrible demons on the populace and the grave consequences have left tens of thousands dead in bloody political clashes, ethno-religious riots, sea piracy, banditry, extrajudicial killings, etc. Excluding the unrecorded casualties in broken down horrific health centres, clinics, hospitals, hellish police cells, prisons, collapsed educational institutions, plundered host communities of multinational oil companies, ravaged villages, badly damaged roads and bridges, distressed companies, ghost offices of ghost workers in the government ministries and other places in the failed state.
Read the following analyses of the various crises plaguing Nigeria.
ORIKINLA TAKES ON OBASANJO, THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA (PART ONE).
Dear Nigerians, Only The Best Is Good Enough For Us
It is a pity that Alhaji Abubakar Rimi died in an unfortunate manner. But he was one of the founders and master planners of the notorious and monstrous ruling party that has done more damages to the polity and society than Nigerians have ever witnessed in the history of Nigeria since 1960 to date.
~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
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