Georgia

‘Captain John’ on a mission to mend hearts

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 19:10:01 +0000

‘Captain John’ on a mission to mend hearts

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 19:10

Friday, June 17, 2022

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Original Article

‘Captain John’ on a mission to mend hearts

He’s produced music that has made the hearts of many people across the world sing.

And now that he’s graduated from the Trinity School of Medicine, John ‘Captain John’ Rickards is looking to mend hearts, as he continues on his medical journey in pursuit of one day becoming a Cardiologist.

The Vincentian graduated this month from the University with gold and burgundy honour cords, signalling that he not only completed studies with a cumulative GPA above 3.5 but was bestowed with the highest distinction by faculty for outstanding performance.

“I appreciated receiving both but I especially appreciated the burgundy honour cord just because it showed me…that administration felt me worthy of graduating with distinguished honours. I think that in itself spoke to me as a culmination of the hard work I put in over the journey because I believe only four of us were given that honour at graduation,” Rickards told SEARCHLIGHT in a recent interview.

The 26-year-old began his journey in pre-medicine at Trinity in 2016 and completed his studies at their clinical campus in Georgia, a place that symbolises one of the highlights of his studies.

“I think the support here and also the fact that you get to rotate with some of the doctors at the top of their field practicing here, I definitely think that was beneficial and allowed you to cultivate a habit of excellence…” he said.

But what the young doctor appreciated most is the family oriented nature of the Trinity School of Medicine.

The overall experience is one he described as “amazing” for the mere fact that Trinity is a small school when compared with other Universities meaning, students receive individualised attention, which in turn helps significantly in moulding one’s medical path.

“Medicine is so diverse, everybody’s path is different. I think that aspect of Trinity and the fact that once you enter, you’re family. I really enjoyed that. They really help you out over a challenging path because in general, medicine is very challenging so I appreciated that with them too,” he said.

Rickards’ challenges pursuing medicine are similar to what many others pursuing the same path are likely to face with gruelling exams that can last as long as nine hours, and the taxing physical exertion that comes from juggling rotations, prepping for exams an assignments.

But the key, according to the St Vincent Grammar School alum, is not to procrastinate.

“For me, I think what was the most important aspect of how I managed my time was that I tried to map out my days as precisely as possible so that I didn’t really waste any time. What we suffer from sometimes is that we plan our days but we don’t really plan them as proficiently as we can. So, we just have a list of tasks instead of trying to boil it down to what we need to be doing per hour and how long it should take us,” he said.

“… I think that sort of precise schedule, especially when it came to preparing for my board exam, when I did it down to the hour, to the minute — even if I didn’t stick to it, it was a map that kept me motivated and I tried to keep myself on course by using it. Otherwise, it’s really just a case of not procrastinating and as soon as a task comes up, once you can complete it, then complete it in its entirety. That in itself will put you ahead of the pack, just having things off your plate so if something does pop up at the last minute, you can deal with it.”

As a popular DJ and producer, Rickards also used music as an outlet for when he encountered bouts of difficulty.

Captain John has produced riddims over the years that feature several big names throughout the region including Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous, Problem Child, Voice, V’ghn and Konshens.

He told SEARCHLIGHT that given how expensive studying, particularly in the US can be, he was glad that he was able to cultivate his music to the point where it served as an additional income to supplement expenses he incurred while studying.

Rickards noted that the effects of the pandemic on the music industry didn’t allow him to contribute as much as he wanted to in recent years, but persons can look forward to a ton of music that he plans to release soon.

At this stage in his journey, the son of Glynis Hay has his heart set on specialising in Cardiology and Electrophysiology.

This means Rickards has another three years of Internal Medicine, another three in Cardiology and another two in Electrophysiology to complete.

He told SEARCHLIGHT he is currently doing observerships and research in Georgia as he prepares to be matched with a medical facility next year, where he will do his residency.

But first, a vacation is long overdue as the aspiring Cardiologist seeks to take some time to decompress.

“But after that, I think I’m really putting a lot of effort into my applications for residency match that opens in September. And then following that, my hope is to match into a very good Internal Medicine programme and pursue Cardiology,” he said.

No matter one’s field of study, Rickards is encouraging all students to persevere.

“I know especially in studies, a lot of people have moments when things get very difficult and they don’t see much hope or a way forward or a way to complete the path that they’re on. That’s happened to me several times during this degree and just that, a lot of times, the values or the parts of your journey that are the hardest are the parts that define you and allow you to really gain the strength to complete everything,” he said.

Caribbean

News

Gongloe To Rally Liberians in Diaspora

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 16:10:01 +0000

Gongloe To Rally Liberians in Diaspora

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 16:10

Thursday, May 12, 2022

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Diaspora – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Gongloe To Rally Liberians in Diaspora

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – As opposition presidential aspirant, Counselor Tiawan Saye Gongloe prepares to embark on a major tour of the United States, supporters of the Gongloe for a Better Liberia movement are enthusiastically intensifying their activities to engage with and rally around their inspirational candidate for a resounding victory in the 2023 presidential election.

In furtherance of their grandiose goal of a total victory for a Better Liberia, Friends of Gongloe Global (FOG-Global), one of the U.S.-based main supporting groups will hold a major fundraising event this Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the VIP Event Hall in Atlanta, Georgia. According to the Executive Director of FOG-Global, Dr. Emmanuel Kamara, the occasion is expected to attract a cream of Counselor Gongloe’s supporters from many parts of the U.S.

Speaking last night in a chat with our reporter, Dr. Kamara disclosed that he’s leading a 15-person high-power delegation from Pennsylvania, comprising chapter leaders to the Atlanta fundraiser, while the Board Chairman of FOG-Global, Mr. George S.S. Wuo and Dr. Sam G. Kpahn, Chief Strategist of the organization are heading a 12-person delegation from the great state of Minnesota to Atlanta.

He said many other supporters are also flying in to the event. “Our Principal is expected to be on time”, Dr. Kamara assured, adding that the presidential aspirant’s presence will further illuminate and elevate the occasion.

Elaborating on the fundraising event in an exclusive interview on May 9th, the chairman of the Georgia chapter of FOG-Global, Mr. Momo Tulay, for his part, confidently assured that all is set for a cross-section of Liberians to have an exciting encounter with the next President of Liberia during the event.

He said the Saturday fundraiser will be preceded by a “meet and greet” event on Friday evening, which will be spearheaded by the United Nimba Citizens Council (UNNICO) chapter in Georgia. Speaking further, Mr. Tulay disclosed that during the Friday gathering, Nimbaians in Georgia will be formally welcoming their son—Counselor Gongloe—to the Atlanta metropolitan area and hold a tete-a-tete with him, even before he goes to the fundraiser, adding, “We’re kind of encouraging that because it will build the momentum for the event itself.”

In terms of invitees, he said his chapter has extended invitations to political as well as ethnic or regional groupings in the state of Georgia. Among them are the United Bassa Association, the Lofa County Association, United Nimba Citizens Council, Liberian churches within the community, as well as some known supporters of other political parties in Liberia residing in Georgia, who, in spite of their prior political affiliations, highly admire Counselor Gongloe and are eager to see him in person.

“We are anticipating a full house”, Mr. Tulay noted, adding that while he’s aware that many people are still sitting on the proverbial fence, with regards to the 2023 presidential election, his chapter in collaboration with the national leadership of FOG-Global, has been exerting every effort to ensure that Counselor Gongloe speaks to a cross-section of Liberians from diverse backgrounds.

Commenting on the Atlanta fundraiser during a recent appearance on the FOCUS ON LIBERIA television news magazine, the Deputy Executive Director of Friends of Gongloe Global, Dr. J. Kpanneh noted that as a grassroots initiative, the Gongloe movement wants ordinary, average Liberians to actually own the campaign. As a result, he said FOG Global and its counterparts in other major cities of the U.S. will be having a series of fundraisers as a means of giving opportunities to ordinary Liberians “to support a candidate who is all about good governance, human rights” and all the best practices in public service that can engender national development.

Dr. Doe maintained that the Gongloe movement is deliberately parting ways with the notorious tradition in Liberian politics, whereby in the past those who had excessively stolen public funds would go about throwing huge chunks of their stolen money here and there as a bait “to buy people out.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Doe is appealing to fellow compatriots who are equally concerned about the negative direction of the country to join the Gongloe movement in order to help effect a positive change. “Let’s not sit on the fence anymore; let’s do something to change the generational trajectory”, he emphasized, adding that Liberian youth were bearing the brunt of the ongoing socio-economic quagmire that is plaguing the country.

Diaspora

News

Liberia: Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe Rallies Support In The U.S. For The Liberian Presidency

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Liberia: Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe Rallies Support In The U.S. For The Liberian Presidency

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 16:10

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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Diaspora – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Liberia: Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe Rallies Support In The U.S. For The Liberian Pres…

MONROVIA – Presidential Hopeful Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe who jetted off to the United States on Thursday, May 12, 2022 arrived safely on Friday, May 13, 2022.

The trip to the proverbial friend of Liberia is one of a full itineraries. Largely, the very important visit would get Cllr. Gongloe crisscross States and hold town hall meetings characterized by speaking to diverse audiences of US-based Liberians as well as United States politicians, academics, diplomats, rights defenders and development specialists.

According to media teams of Gongloe-support auxiliary groups in the United States, Cllr. Gongloe was warmly received on arrival by diverse entourages and hit the ground running with marathon meetings. Among them was a mammoth gathering of the Nimba community who heartily welcomed him and pledged its unflinching support of him in his bid for the Liberian Presidency. Crucially, the Presidential Hopeful addressed a ‘Benefit Dinner’ in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Attendance at the fundraiser was impressive as it brought together an array of US-based Liberians and their American friends and partners who ache for ‘A Better Liberia’ building of which Cllr. Gongloe will aspire when elected President 2023. Following this, he has been holding meetings answering questions about his plan and the practical ways he would transform Liberia.

Prior to boarding his flight at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County, Cllr. Gongloe reportedly told aides he was pleased that the United States government afforded him the opportunity to visit their great Country, and that he would use the tour to abreast his audiences about the deliberate acts of bad governance of the current Liberian government that weightily impair recovery and development efforts of postwar Liberia. He reportedly added, “I will present graphically the stagnation, deprivation, starvation, injustice, insecurity, poverty and denial of public services Liberians face at the caprices of the George Weah-administration”.

In his addresses and media interviews during the trip, Cllr. Gongloe assured the US-based Liberians and their friends of a new day Liberia would see in that as President of Liberia acts of corruption would stop by the exemplary actions he would take. Toward this end, already, Cllr. Gongloe pinpoints the 10-point guidepost dubbed “A Better Liberia Agenda” and a 12-point guideline styled “Strategy to Fight Corruption in Liberia” he has developed to further strengthen his already strong political will to propel the national overhaul and renewal Liberia itches for.

Diaspora

Politics

Dialogue on Liberia’s Business Climate Opens in Georgia

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 16:00:01 +0000

Dialogue on Liberia’s Business Climate Opens in Georgia

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 16:00

Friday, June 17, 2022

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Diaspora – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Dialogue on Liberia’s Business Climate Opens in Georgia

Atlanta – The Liberia Chamber of Commerce in the Americas in partnership with Made in Liberia has announced the official launch of the Liberian Business Expo on July 30, 2022, in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

The Liberian Business Expo provides opportunities for business owners, entrepreneurs, and business executives to build professional relationships that will raise the profile of their respective organizations to new heights.

“We are very excited to kick-start this event as it would help to promote and enhance Liberian businesses in Liberia and the diaspora,” said Stephanie Logan-Settro, Executive Director of the Liberian Chamber of Commerce in the Americas, Inc. I am even more excited about the high level of expertise from all walks that we have assembled to discuss challenges, opportunities and how can we move the needle to make our business climate favorable to work for us,” she adds.

The Liberian Business Expo will also feature a panel discussion among high-profile business personalities from Liberia and the United States to discuss a range of business strategies and activities as well as ways to improve the business climate in Liberia. Venders to the event will come from Liberia and from all over the United States of America.

The Liberian Chamber of Commerce will sponsor one young entrepreneur to the Expo to promote youth entrepreneurship.

The Liberian Business Expo is one of many events organized by the organization to promote business interactions, cultural diversity, and community engagement among entrepreneurs, and to share experiences and other strategies that will scale the potential of struggling businesses and improve knowledge of operating a business.

The Chamber will also focus on other priority areas such as leadership and economic developments. Through the leadership program, the chamber will provide education and experience for the next generation of communities to enhance their businesses.

The organization also aims to engage in initiatives around retention, expansion, recruitment, workforce, and infrastructure, which often have the greatest impact for lasting and productive change.

Diaspora

Business

Movie Review: ‘Strangers,’ an imperfect, emotional grass-to-grace story

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 18:10:01 +0000

Movie Review: ‘Strangers,’ an imperfect, emotional grass-to-grace story

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admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 18:10

Saturday, June 11, 2022

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Arts & Entertainment - Premium Times Nigeria

Original Article

Movie Review: ‘Strangers,’ an imperfect, emotional grass-to-grace story

Movie title: Strangers

Date released: April 29, 2022

Running time: 1 hour 58 minutes.

Producer: Banji Adesanmi

Director: Biodun Stephen

Cast: Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Oshin, Bolaji Ogunmola, Debbie Felix, Femi Adebayo, Ndamo Damaris, Chris Iheuwa, Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Akintola, Mide Glover Nonso Odogwu, Waliu Fabemi, and Taiwo Ibikunle

‘Strangers’, in no strange way, is a roller coaster ride of emotions, with a straightforward narrative and apt delivery in both the acting and cinematography.

Unlike many big-budget Nollywood movies, ‘Strangers ’ has proven that you do not need a star-studded cast or, better still, a luxury setting or a twisted plot to make a great movie.

When ‘Strangers’ was yet to be released, the movie had already won the Gold award for Directing at the International Independent Film Awards held in Los Angeles.

A true-life event inspires the faith-based film. The movie follows the life of a remote village boy, untamed by civilisation but hit by catastrophic events that change the course of his existence.

Plot

The movie opens with the narrator’s voice-over, a letter on his journey through life.

The story is about Adetola, fondly called Ade, who lives in the beautiful remote village of Ireti, a hamlet somewhere in the heart of the Southwestern part of Nigeria, surrounded by a river that knits the entire town together in its naturally aesthetic landscape.

Adetola, fondly called Ade, lives with his pregnant mother, his elder sister and his grandfather, who is a witch doctor.

His journey through life all started with a dream. Ade dreamt that he was in turbulent water, a flood, and as he drowned, losing hope in life, he was rescued by a stranger. He shared his dream with his elder sister, who laughed at his goal hysterically, as she claimed that the dream was a result of hunger or malaria.

Days became weeks, and weeks ran into months. Ade had already forgotten the dream.

As usual, he went swimming with his friends, but he came home with a strange hitching on his leg this time. The hitching metamorphosed into a peculiar injury that defiled all herbal treatments his grandfather could administer.

While Ade is left in agony as his wound has grown to be complicated and a foul odour emanates from the injury, no one dares to come close to him, except for his struggling mother, who was in arduous distress and worse pain, as she helplessly watched her son slowing dying in her arms, what could be worst for a poor widow?

When they lost all hope and the family was prepared for the worst, a set of evangelists came visiting. Luckily for Ade, there was a medical outreach with foreign medical experts visiting the village.

They came to his age, but there was little or nothing they could do. Ade needed to be transferred from the village to the hospital in Lagos.

Thankfully for Ade, after the evangelists put up his story, a strange woman outside the country decided to help him through his surgery and get back on his feet, a feat that led his mother to Christ.

Years later, Ade’s story captivated the heart of his benefactor, who sponsored his primary education.

Ade started schooling at the age of 13, but he decided he would finish school and become a medical doctor despite the frustration. Unfortunately for Ade, his dream was cut short when his benefactor died, and the money she left could only take him through secondary school.

He graduated as the best student of his set and was set for the higher institution, but with what fund? Would this village boy reach for his dreams? What does life have in stock for him?

PROPS

‘Strangers’ is a movie that takes the viewers on a journey of emotions and deep thoughts.

The director’s choice of actor brings every character to life in a very demonstrative manner, and you can feel the passion, the agony, the stress, the pain and the joy in both verbal and non-verbal cues. You could even feel goosebumps.

Watching the movie, the viewers see a comic synergy between the characters, which will provoke intermittent laughter.

Strangers is another typical example of telling a story in its raw form, as evident in several Nollywood films of recent. From a rich blend of indigenous culture, a colourful transition from one decade to another, and character morphology, the director was spot on when he decided to create a narrative that evokes nostalgia.

The transition of the character “Adetola”, which starts with Lateef Adedimeji as the narrator, down to the younger versions portrayed by Daniel Bogunmbe and Mide Glover, was brilliant.

The transition took the audience through the life of Ade as a young boy up to his times and trials as a grown man, he was no stranger to pain, and the actors hardly took a foot wrong.

These three casts had in common that they walked in the same pattern and sounded much alike. After the younger Ade, played by Daniel Bogunmbe, had surgery on his leg, it affected how he walked.

Away from the acting, the different locations on their own were an integral part of the story, from the interior village to the hospital, the CGS school, to the University of Ibadan. There was little improvisation with the location, making the narrative very relatable.

The movie is educative, demonstrative and didactic. It takes the viewers from one leap of emotion to another, from jumpy histrionics to depressed defeatism.

Africa

Entertainment

‘Captain John’ on a mission to mend hearts

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 14:30:01 +0000

‘Captain John’ on a mission to mend hearts

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admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 14:30