Kuwait Times

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LONDON: Director of Kuwait Airways office in London Manea Al-Manea, said yesterday that KAC is keen to return back to competition with full force. He made the remark given the latest updates the fleet and plans to launch new destinations soon.
Kuwait Airways has already begun taking “serious steps” where it recently included new seven Airbus (A320) aircrafts, which will be operated on short routes, in addition to five other planes of the same model for medium lines, Manea said on the sideline of the 2016 World Tourism Market opening.

New aircrafts are entering service on long-haul routes, immediately after dispensing the old ones, Al-Manea added. The number of Kuwaiti fleet that will enter service will be 10 of Boeing (B777-300) aircrafts, and 2019 will witness the handover of about 15 Airbus (A320 NEO) and 10 jets of (350 A). The completion of the fleet will be in 2022, he pointed out. Kuwait Airways started since the first of this November running about 10 flights a week from London to Kuwait daily, and two flights on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday, he said. – KUNA

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Kuwait Times

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khaled Al-Faleh, in presence of Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Acting Oil Minister Anas Al-Saleh

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace yesterday First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as well as the visiting Yemeni Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled and Mekhlafi held a meeting later yesterday which touched on bilateral relations and discussed many issues on regional and international fronts. The Yemeni Foreign minister expressed appreciation to Kuwait’s ongoing support to restore peace and stability in Yemen in accordance to the GCC initiative, the National Dialogue and the UN Security council resolution No 2216. He also thanked Kuwait for hosting the Yemeni peace talks for five months, back in April.

The meeting was attended by Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab Affairs Ambassador Aziz Al-Daihani, and senior officials at the Foreign Ministry. Later, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled held a lunch banquet on the honor of the visiting Yemeni minister and his accompanying delegation.

Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir received Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Oil, as well as Acting Oil Minister Anas Al-Saleh who was accompanied by visiting Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khaled Al-Faleh. The meetings were attended by Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah.

130th anniversary
His Highness Sheikh Sabah also met with Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) Dr Mohammad Al-Hashel who presented him with a specie, commemorating the 130th anniversary of the first Kuwaiti coin currency ‘Baisa 1886-2016’. Later, Hashel presented the same commemorative coin to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Earlier yesterday, His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince met separately with His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Meanwhile His Highness the Crown Prince also received deputy head of the ruling family council Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah.

In other news, His Highness the Amir sent a cable to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, expressing his condolences over the passing away of mother of Prince Faisal bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prime Minister sent similar cables. – KUNA

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Kuwait Times

KUWAIT: Attendees sit around a large tray of a traditional dish made of camel meat during an election campaign meeting of candidate Al-Humaidi Al-Subaei in Riqqa yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: The appeals court yesterday ruled that the registration of former MP Abdulhameed Dashti in the parliamentary election through his son is illegal, depriving the controversial politician from running in the Nov 26 polls. The court said the filing of a nomination application for elections cannot be done through a power of attorney, overturning a ruling by the lower court last week that allowed Dashti to register through his son.

Dashti said on his Twitter account that his lawyer will challenge the ruling at the court of cassation today and will demand that the court, whose rulings are final, to reinstate his registration. Dashti, who has been living outside Kuwait since March, submitted a medical certificate to the lower court stating that he is undergoing medical treatment and cannot return to the country.

Dashti is fighting another battle after the election authority barred him from participating in the polls. The former lawmaker has been sentenced to a total of 31 years and six months in jail by the lower court for insulting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The cases are still in court. The appeals court will also issue its ruling regarding 13 other candidates who were also barred by the election authorities to run in the polls for a variety of reasons. The court is scheduled to issue its rulings on Sunday.

In other election news, the public prosecution yesterday ordered the detention of four people including two women pending investigation in an alleged case of vote buying for a candidate in the fourth constituency. The suspects were arrested in a raid by police two days ago. They include a lawyer, who is the brother of the candidate.

Kuwait has a long history – with recorded cases – of vote buying. In the 2013 elections, more than 50 people were arrested for organizing vote buying operations. Votes can go for anywhere between KD 500 to KD 2,000, depending on the district and the candidate. Typically, voters are required to swear on the Holy Quran that they will vote for the candidate as a promise. In a now infamous case, one candidate offered women voters designer handbags with KD 1,000 inside in the run-up to the 2006 polls.

Meanwhile, six more candidates withdrew from the race yesterday, bringing the number of hopefuls down to 379, who do not include the 47 candidates barred by election authorities, some of whom are waiting for court rulings. Former MP Talal Al-Jallal, who is bidding for re-election, yesterday categorically denied that police raided his residence in connection with “illegal activities”, as was published on social media. Jallal described the news as “baseless rumors and lies”.

Separately, Islamist former MPs Waleed Al-Tabtabaei and Ali Al-Khamees strongly lashed out at Iran and what they described as their agents in the country. Tabtabaei condemned the pro-Iran and Hezbollah cell that was busted in Kuwait over a year ago, saying that the job of the 25 people who were arrested was to hide weapons and asked about the people who were going to use them.

He said when Islamic State militants smuggled two explosive belts into Kuwait, “we know that two people were going to use it, but if a group smuggles thousands of rifles, then we know that thousands of people will be using them”.
The former lawmaker said authorities should search for those who were supposed to have used the 250 sniper rifles, 3,200 rifles and guns, 19,000 bullets, 59 RPGs and 144 kg of explosives which were caught with the cell members. He claimed that these weapons are sufficient to arm 3,000 people. Khamees said at an election rally Monday night that there are quarters that do not want to see him get re-elected because there are pro-Iran people in the Assembly who found that “my policies contradict theirs”.

By B Izzak

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Kuwait Times

MoI rejects blame, insists decision made, suspended by MoH

KUWAIT: The health ministry, in coordination with the interior ministry, yesterday suspended a decision to make domestic helpers from 40 countries undergo medical tests every time they renew their residencies. Director General for Residency Affairs Maj Gen Talal Maarafi said the decision to test the helpers and the decision to postpone it under further notice is from the ministry of health, since it is responsible for conducting medical tests, and the interior ministry has nothing to do with it.

A senior health ministry official yesterday said the ministry stopped the medical examinations until new health centers open soon. The move will give an opportunity to the ministry to complete installation of state-of-the-art equipment and be logistically ready to receive large numbers of medical examinees, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Dr Majda Al- Qattan said in a statement. Notably, a state of chaos had prevailed over the past few days at the domestic helpers’ medical examination department, where hundreds gathered to undergo medical tests to renew their residency visas. Maarafi said the overcrowding was behind the health ministry’s decision to halt the process.

Meanwhile, the interior ministry’s relations and security media director Brig Adel Al-Hashash said that in view of the suffering caused to citizens due to the overcrowding, the interior minister conferred with the health minister and his undersecretary, asking them to freeze the decision until the health ministry makes proper arrangements to put it into practice. Hashash added that Maarafi was instructed to immediately form a committee to arrange with the health ministry to make a plan with proper mechanisms and arrangements to absorb the huge numbers of domestic helpers. Hashash also underlined that the decision had been made and suspended by the health ministry and urged everyone to keep the interior ministry out of it.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

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Kuwait Times

KUWAIT: A shepherd committed suicide at his sponsor’s animal pen. The sponsor told police he found the shepherd hanging from the ceiling. The body was recovered by the coroner, and investigations are underway.

Swindling
An Egyptian man working in the construction business told an Iranian and a bedoon he needed a large quantity of gravel, as they made him believe they had a contracting company. The Egyptian handed them KD 30,750, but days went by without delivery. So he went to Khaitan police station and lodged a complaint. Detectives located the bedoon’s residence in Khaitan and arrested him. He was found wanted for 11 swindling cases, and told police where his partner was. The Iranian said he had transferred his share to his country, and returned KD 1,340, which was all that was left.

Financial crimes detectives arrested a Syrian man for sorcery, who charged KD 450 per session. The Syrian claimed he could make a woman love a man, drive a wedge between couples, etc. Detectives acted after receiving several complaints from his victims who did not get what they paid for. An undercover agent was sent to him, who paid him KD 200 and promised to pay KD 250 after the job is done. Police found sorcery tools and herbs in addition to pictures of men and women with their mothers’ names.

Pharmacist arrested
An Egyptian woman turned the pharmacy she managed into an outlet for selling medicines she got from the health ministry at half price. Detectives’ investigations revealed that the pharmacist used an Asian cleaning worker who works in a government hospital to bring certain medicines at cheap prices, then she resold them. Detectives raided the pharmacy and found a large quantity of drugs in the toilet, and a similar amount in the trunk of her car. The pharmacist confessed to selling the drugs and told police about more drugs in her Salmiya apartment.

Fire
A fight broke out between women in a multipurpose hall, when one of the guests started to take pictures with her smartphone. The party organizer became angry and the two got into a fight. The incident is being investigated by police. – Al-Rai

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Kuwait Times

NASA scientist at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Essam Heggy

KUWAIT: NASA scientist at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Essam Heggy announced yesterday the beginning of the second phase of the water discovery project in Kuwait’s desert, using Radar Sounding technology.

Heggy said at the end of his visit to Kuwait that he held several meetings with officials from The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) to follow up on the cooperation agreement in the development of the technology of underground water in the desert areas. He noted that the project is still in its infancy and he is preparing for a series of visits during the few months to conduct field studies to understand the development of the groundwater in the Middle East.

He explained that the project’s goal is to apply the technology used in the Mars project to locate previously unknown aquifers in arid regions, adding that the project in Kuwait would allow NASA’s technology to be calibrated for desert conditions. Dr Essam Heggy is an Arabic-French Research Scientist in the Radar Science Group at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Visiting Associate in Geology at the California Institute of Technology. — KUNA

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Kuwait Times

KUWAIT: Some 57 MPs have represented the Fourth Constituency in 12 assemblies between the years 1981 and 2013. Musallam Al-Barrak and Mubarak Al-Khurainij, two kingpins of the Fourth Constituency, lead the pack of recurrently elected MPs, having each served for six legislative terms.

Moreover, Talal Al-Ayyar served for five legislative terms, while Mubarak Al-Duwaila, Hussein Al-Daihani, Daifallah Bourumiya and Ali Al-Diqbasi each served for four. They are followed by Ahmad Al-Sheraiyan, Mohmmad Al-Busairi, Mohammad Al-Khalifa, Saad Al-Rashidi and Askar Al-Enezi, who represented this district for three legislative terms.
Meanwhile, MPs that had served two terms include Falah Al-Hajraf, Abbas Al-Mussailim, Barrak Al-Noun, Faisal Al-Duwaish, Mnaizil Al-Enezi, Ghannam Al-Jumhour, Mohammad Daifallah Sharar, Mferej Al-Mutairi, Talal Al-Saeed, Mohammad Al-Mutairi and Hussein Al-Mutairi.

Furthermore, those that have served just one term include Khaled Al-Mesab, Fayiz Al-Rashidi, Mohmmad Al-Barak, Nayif Al-Mutairi, Abdulkarim Al-Juhaidli, Mutlaq Al-Shlaimi, Mutalq Al-Massoud, Mohmamd Al-Enezi, Mohmmad Al-Mussailim, Yousef Al-Makhled, Ali Al-Saeed, Mohammad Al-Muhmel, Saud Al-Rashidi, Mubarak Al-Haifi, Eid Al-Rashidi, Awad Al-Enezi, Mohmmad Al-Feji, Mezel Al-Nimran, Khotheir Al-Enezi, Nasser Al-Duawaila, Shuaib Al-Muwaizri, Reja Al-Mutairi, Mohmmad Al-Rashidi, Mubarak Al-Walaan, Mohmmad Al-Rashidi, Sultan Al-Shimmeri, Saud Al-Heraiji, Majid Al-Mutairi, Mohmmad Al-Enezi, Mansour Al-Thaferi and Abdullah Al-Adwani.

In 2012, in an unprecedented turn of events, a parliamentary lineup elected in February was rendered null and void, subsequently, invalidating the memberships of MPs Abeed Al-Wasmi and Osama Al-Munawer. In December 2012, MPs Saud Al-Heraiji, Thekra Al-Rashidi, Khaled Al-Shulaimi, Mohmmad Al-Barrak, Mishari Al-Husseini, Mubarak Al-Arraf, Mubarak Al-Najada had their memberships invalidated.

Five MPs from the Fourth Constituency have served as ministers since 1981 to the present time. In 1996, Mohmmad Daifallah Sharar served as Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs in 1998. Eid Al-Rashidi was appointed Minister of Public Works in 1999, while Talal Al-Ayyar served as Minister of Electricity and Water and Minister of Social Affairs in 2001.

Shuaib Al-Muwaizri was appointed Minister of State for Housing Affairs and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs in February 2012. Thekra Al-Rashidi was appointed Minister of Social Affairs in December 2012, while no MPs from this constituency served in a ministerial position in the governments of the years; 1981, 1985, 1992, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2013. – KUNA

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Kuwait Times

Enezi to address solidarity, prisoners of opinion, humanitarian issues

Abdullah Fahhad Al-Enezi’s elections poster, with a motto that reads “safeguarding a nation.”

KUWAIT: Fourth constituency candidate for the 2016 parliamentary elections and former Municipal Council member Abdullah Fahhad Al-Enezi said his motive for running was the government’s and the previous parliament’s failure in achieving the Kuwaiti people’s aspirations. He accused both of selectiveness and revenge and using various tools to pressure political blocs and limit political activities, instead of achieving social security.

Enezi holds a BA in engineering from North Carolina University in the US. He was a Municipal Council member from 2009-2013 and chaired the council’s technical and Jahra committees and the structural plan committee. He holds a human rights activist certificate from the Arab League, has been an Arab Arbitration Center fellow, member of KES and founding member of Kuwait’s Council for Green Buildings.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kuwait Times, Enezi added the one-vote electoral system divided the society and boosted sectarianism and tribalism, which was clearly detected in the previous parliament. Enezi noted that the most important topics on his agenda include strengthening the domestic front, releasing prisoners of opinion, giving back citizenships that had been politically withdrawn, stopping security pursuits, fixing the deterioration in humanitarian issues, solving the bedoon problem and protecting citizens’ dignities.

Failure
Kuwait Times: What is the reason behind your decision to run for elections?
Abdullah Al-Enezi: In view of the government’s and the previous parliament’s failure in achieving the Kuwaiti people’s aspirations and using various tools to oppress political powers instead of achieving social security, and after consulting my constituents, I decided to run to defend public gains and achieve public wishes.

KT: What do you think of the one-vote electoral system?
Enezi: This system has divided the society and enhanced sectarianism and tribalism, which were clear in the outcome of the previous parliament.

KT: If you win the elections, will you try to amend it?
Enezi: We will work hard on amending this decree and seek a fair electoral system that enhances democracy.

Main issues
KT: What are the main issues you will tackle?
Enezi: I will focus on national solidarity, releasing prisoners of opinion, giving back citizenships that had been politically withdrawn, stopping security pursuits, fixing deterioration in humanitarian issues, solving the bedoon problem and protecting citizens’ dignities.
I will also give due care to youth to help them achieve their aspirations and hopes under an umbrella of social justice and equal opportunities. I will also work on providing them with proper housing to end their sufferings in a country that possesses all potentials.
I will also work on developing services in Jahra and Farwaniya in particular and the country in general by passing development projects, following up their execution and holding those accused of dereliction accountable.

KT: What do you think of the previous parliament?
Enezi: The previous parliament disappointed us and was not up to its responsibilities, and I expect a great deal of change in the coming one.

KT: How do you view the participation of the opposition that had boycotted previous elections?
Enezi: This is message from the boycotters to the government, telling it that it was going through the wrong paths and that this needs to be set straight to make the people the source of all powers.

KT: Do you think any female candidates will make it to the coming parliament?
Enezi: Women are highly valued by the entire society as mothers, sisters and wives. They are not to be taken lightly and surely have what it takes to become MPs. But I expect only one of them to win a parliamentary seat.

KT: What is the percentage of change you expect in the coming parliament?
Enezi: For the past three years, people have been angry with lawmakers’ performance and I expect an 80 percent turnover in the coming parliament.

KT: What percentage of participation do you expect? Why?
Enezi: Now that the Kuwaiti people have seen the shortcomings of the dissolved parliament, I expect a 75 percent turnout in the elections due to the tense regional situation that calls for effective participation. We also witnessed human right violations, restricting liberties and a systematic ‘assault’ on citizens’ pockets and incomes, which affected the lives of many and made them detect danger.  Therefore, I expect higher rates of participation to protect citizens, because laws passed by the previous parliament were against them.

False promises
KT: What do you think of the false promises made by some previous MPs?
Enezi: The dissolved parliament was one without will. We all agree that MPs’ performance was way below par, although they had promised not to affect citizens’ income, but what happened is that they took part in doing so in the very first test of such promises. This will not deceive the Kuwaiti people.

KT: Is the bedoon issue on your electoral program?
Enezi: The government must acknowledge the contributions of bedoons who protected this land side by side with citizens in times of distress. The problem has to be humanely and legally resolved in a way that achieves decent lives for them and grant them full human rights, especially since we live in a ‘humanitarian center’. The government must also grant citizenship to those who deserve it and not use these demands for political bargaining.

KT: What do you think of the DNA law?
Enezi: This law is against the sharia, norms and traditions. I do thank HH the Amir for setting things right and ordering the government to restudy it. If I win, I will assess the government’s reaction to this law and will help it if it respects HH the Amir’s wishes. Otherwise, the government will be held accountable for any religious or constitutional violations.

KT: What is your impression about writing off loans?
Enezi: Consumer loans is surely an issue that affects all Kuwaiti families. The people have been suffering because of loans they would not have resorted to if it were not for the government’s failures and blunders. Justice must be observed for everyone on writing off such loans.

By Meshaal Al-Enezi

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Kuwait Times

Maj Gen Fahd Al-Showai

KUWAIT: Interior Ministry Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs Maj Gen Fahd Al-Showai said traffic patrols started yesterday a campaign to monitor the use of motorcycles and ATVs on main roads and residential and coastal areas. He said riding an ATV will result in its impoundment. He said the traffic department is exerting efforts to curb the bad behavior of driving ATVs, adding that there will be several field teams from the security supervision to monitor such behaviors to eradicate them. He said misuse of ATVs results in deaths and severe injuries. Showai urged parents to watch their children to stop traffic accidents. He said an ATV should be driven within legal conditions and technical specifications. In other news, the traffic organization department for airport security impounded 26 vehicles, in addition to issuing 1,860 citations.

Expos
The relations and security information department at the interior ministry said two expos will be held at the Avenues and Gate Mall from today for three days to give information about voter registration numbers at committees and their locations for the parliamentary elections that will be held on Nov 26. The department urged citizens and their families who wish to take advantage of this service to visit these expos from tomorrow until Saturday from 10 am until 10 pm.

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Vote buying violations suspected

KUWAIT: The Arab Lawyers Union (ALU)’s secretariat general condemned raiding a lawyer’s office by police over allegations that he had been buying votes for the upcoming parliamentary elections, and described the raid as a ‘severe violation of the law profession as well as all national and international laws’. ALU also stressed that an official search warrant had to be issued by the public prosecutor and the Lawyers Society chairman had to be notified prior to searching a lawyer’s office and arresting him. In addition, ALU expressed hopes that Kuwaiti officials would realize their mistake and bring matters back to the right track. It also expressed full support for the Kuwait Lawyers Society.

Indian cactus
Endocrinologist and diabetes specialist at Al-Sabah Hospital Dr Adel Redha warned of what he described as the dangerous trend of using Indian cactus to treat some diseases, because it is very dangerous for the body’s vital functions and leads to increasing liver enzymes. Redha stressed that social media stories about the plant and claims that it can magically treat thyroid problems is scientifically untrue and leads to many dangerous side effects. Redha urged the interior ministry to intervene to stop the sale of such a harmful product and other similar ones promoted through social media.

E-link
Farwaniya medical zone director Dr Humoud Al-Zobei said there is a future plan to electronically link the basic healthcare center and Farwaniya Hospital’s medical files. Speaking on the sidelines of Farwaniya health zone’s commemoration of World Diabetes Day at Menahy Al-Ossaimi Clinic, Zobei said special awareness programs are in place all year long for various diseases, namely diabetes. He also called for identifying the reasons and dangers of diabetes to patients and prevention and follow-up with physicians.

By Meshaal Al-Enezi

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Kuwait Times

NEW YORK: US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton makes a concession speech yesterday. – AFP

KUWAIT: Hillary Clinton won a mock election at the US Embassy on Tuesday night in Kuwait. Both US citizens and noncitizens participated in the event to celebrate Election Day, which was attended by diplomats and invited guests who shared their thoughts about the American elections and how significant this year’s polls are.

US Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence Silverman said the elections mark the beginning of the presidential voting and democratic transition process in the United States. “Here in Kuwait, we will know the result only tomorrow, then we will begin the other great American – and international – pastime: Speculation about the likely policies of the new presidential administration. So the elections represent a beginning as much as the end of a long campaign,” he said.

Silverman was particularly elated to mention the growing numbers of Kuwaiti students in the US, and noted many of the visitors were graduates of American universities.  “As a result of your experiences in the United States, you may know more about the local politics in America’s states and towns than some of the commentators,” he said. “With 15,000 Kuwaitis currently studying in my country, many more will have experienced an American presidential election this year than ever before. We look forward to hosting even more Kuwaiti students at our universities,” he noted.

Silverman said US diplomats, embassy personnel and staff are nonpartisan because they all serve the president chosen by the American people. “The US constitution provides for presidential elections every four years; election of all members of the House of Representatives every two years; and election of a third of the members of the Senate every two years. Our constitution establishes the foundation of our representative democracy,” he said.

Silverman also mentioned the anticipation of many over the upcoming parliamentary elections in Kuwait. As inheritors of a democratic tradition, the ambassador said people have the responsibility of fostering this tradition for their benefit, but for generations to come. “Today, Americans all over the United States are exercising their right to vote for the next president, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, state legislatures, and on local initiatives, judges and more.  And thanks to absentee and early voting, many have already cast their ballots,” he added.

Silverman explained that in the US, the federal government does not organize elections, and this responsibility falls on the states. “It also falls on the states to ensure that the voting process is fair and transparent,” he said. The ambassador also quoted former President Woodrow Wilson, who said over 100 years ago: “I believe in democracy because it releases the energies of every human being.” Silverman said the embassy will carry on its usual business of representing America and advancing its friendship with Kuwait, regardless of who wins. “The strategic partnership that the United States and Kuwait have built will continue regardless of which party inhabits the White House – because it is in our mutual interest,” he pointed out.

By Ben Garcia

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Kuwait Times

KUWAIT: DNA testing will only be applied on convicted felons and no one else, HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah told Al-Jarida newspaper yesterday. Sheikh Sabah said that discussions on the issue of DNA testing, also known as DNA fingerprinting, were over, stressing that no tests will be applied on ordinary citizens. Recently, HH the Amir directed HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to revise and reconsider the DNA testing law, calling on him and the government to apply constitutional standards on the proposed decree.

The Amir also addressed the situation in the region, saying that “hopefully matters of dispute will be resolved swiftly in order for development to thrive”. He stressed that Kuwait should always play a part in “resolving problems facing the region”. Regarding the donors’ conference to support education in Somalia, the Amir affirmed that Kuwait is interested in supporting the cause, which will hopefully bring enlightenment and peace to the fellow Arab nation.

On a different subject, Sheikh Sabah discussed the recent opening of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah Cultural Center, saying that the facility was a gift to the Kuwaiti people aimed at entertaining and educating the masses on the values of culture and arts. — KUNA

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The Bayan Botanical Garden is not exactly a rainforest, but you could be easily forgiven for mistaking it for such with its wide variety of exotic plants. A plant sanctuary located inside Bayan Palace, it is open to the public every Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm and offers the perfect escape from Kuwait’s urban jungle.

To enter, you must present your civil ID and take a visitor’s badge, which you should wear in a visible place during your tour of the garden. After passing through the lobby, you enter into a broad open space with water installations and lovely patches of green. Photos with your phone camera are permitted.

The moment you enter the glasshouse, you’ll immediately feel the refreshing and colorful environment surrounding you. On the left are plants native to the tropical environment, while to the right of the greenhouse are plants native to hotter areas.
In the tropical section, various types of tropical plants and flowers are artistically displayed, from palm to banana trees to ferns and wild orchids to flowering trees. The sound of water fountains provides soothing background music. In the water plants section, lilies and native plants that need lots of water to thrive are displayed.

The entire display can be covered within 30 minutes, but if you are the type of person who talks to plants, even four hours will not be enough for you! The plants are well-maintained and the gardeners are more than happy to take pictures of you inside the garden.

Officially opened in Feb 24, 2015, the special botanical glasshouse, complete with various climatic zones, was inaugurated by HH the Amir. Various ministers and high-ranking government officials also attended the opening.

The garden is located at Bayan Palace and occupies an area of 15,793 sq m. Almost 3,500 sq m of space is devoted to the cultivation of various exotic plants in the glasshouse. Despite temperatures hitting peaks of 53 degrees Celsius outside, the indoor climate is carefully controlled.

By Ben Garcia

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Kuwait Times

Fatma Al-Tattan

Fatma Al-Tattan, a trainer and founder of a women’s gym, is no ordinary woman. Known by a legion of young football players in Kuwait simply as Fatma, she is also a professional referee. Since the age of three, she has been playing football on the streets of Kuwait with her siblings, or sometimes with friends in the backyard of her house. Her passion, usually a preserve of men, has been her regular job for six years now. “Football is something in my inner being – football makes me happy and complete,” said Fatma.

Fatma recounted to Kuwait Times how she became a referee. “Six years ago, the ministry of youth and sports affairs advertised for female coaches and referees. I wasted no time and jumped at the chance, and applied to be a referee,” she said. “It wasn’t easy, because I had to take a few courses and exams. I know football by heart, so there’s no way that I could’ve ignored it,” she said.

She obtained three certificates before she was allowed on the field. “I have three certificates from the ministry of youth. It was easy for me, but challenging for others. I enjoyed the courses and completed them all. I then got the nod from the ministry,” Fatma said. Today, she is well-known to many young Kuwaiti players. She even hears her name from strangers, who follow her car, and is greeted in public by people and young boys she once refereed. “I’m like a celebrity for them. Sometimes, their big brothers come to me, greet me and tell me: So you’re the famous Fatma, the referee!” she said.

Prior to accepting the refereeing job, Fatma worked as a marketing executive in a private company. “I knew I would be happier here. I know my heart is in this job. This has been my hobby, but now it’s my job. It’s like I am playing every day, but I am being paid to do it,” she noted.

The job is seasonal, but she gets a regular salary. Most of her refereeing duties take place during winter and Ramadan. She oversees matches of kids aged 8 to 14. Fatma said young boys are more manageable if they are handled by a female referee. “They are more respectful when they are overseen by women. At the ministry, we only have five certified women referees. They know I am very strict, so they behave well until the game is over,” Fatma told Kuwait Times.

Fatma said the attitude of people in Kuwait has changed with regards to female footballers and referees. “The government’s attitude has changed actually. They wouldn’t have accepted me as a referee if there was no change in attitude. Some people are not ready yet, but eventually it will happen. They are now ready to change, and hopefully will accept women footballers and referees without any prejudice,” she said.

Fatma also founded a private gym called ‘U Can’ with a friend in Salmiya. The gym is equipped with all kinds of equipment and amenities, but no men are allowed. “The place is a haven for women, so we do not accept men in our gym. Women need privacy, and this place is really very private. What we provide is private training. We schedule women for hour-long workouts plus food management sessions. We also have many local female celebrities’ here, and the good thing is that our clientele is rapidly growing. In fact, within just a year of existence, expansion is now underway,” she concluded.

By Ben Garcia

The post Kuwait’s favorite female referee Football is a unisex sport appeared first on Kuwait Times.

Kuwait Times

The 88.8 FM team met with members of the media and agencies to celebrate the launching of the new 88.8 FM radio station at 360 Mall. —Photos by Joseph Shagra

KUWAIT: One of the most popular local radio stations, 88.8 FM has found a new home and a new voice and has launched again onto the airwaves. Now based in 360 Mall, 88.8FM will broadcast in both Arabic and English.

“Blue Agency has taken over this radio station through a bid of the government for an amount of KD 5.6 million over the period of five years, which makes it the most expensive radio station in the world,” Talal Al-Yaqout, CEO of the 88.8 FM told the Kuwait Times.

“The challenge was to broadcast from a prestigious mall. We discussed it with Mohammed Al-Marzouq from Tamdeen Co. (owner of the mall), who offered to host the radio station at the 360 Mall,” he added.

Over 12 shows will be broadcast. “For the foreign community and the youngsters of Kuwait we brought some programs from the United States. We have the daily shows including the morning, noon, sports, games, and special shows. Rick Dees American top 40, which is a four hours show broadcasted every Sunday from 8 pm – 12 am. It has a variety of top 40 songs along with interviews with singers and producers,” explained Al-Yaqout.

More shows. “On Thursday we have an English mix show from 9am to 11am. Then Farah DJ Bonita will be doing an English radio show with Arabic theme for a couple of days during the week with lots of great music and programs. Then we also have the World Top 20 show, and many others,” he pointed out.

“The station is vibrant and very energetic with its programs. We only hope that it’s going to satisfy the ears of our listeners and we are available for people who would like to share their expertise with us when it comes to serving the community with social media or projects or encouraging young generations, we are always here to help and assist,” concluded Al-Yaqout.

By Nawara Fattahova

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Kuwait Times

KUWAIT: Three young men were sent to Juveniles prosecution for entering a women’s hall during a wedding disguised in women’s clothes. One of the men said he wanted to see to his girlfriend, while another said he wanted to see women dancing. The three, all Kuwaitis were caught by workers before entering the hall, then handed to police.

Marine collision
Coast Guard detectives questioned two citizens who were injured during a collision between a VIP yacht and an unknown boat which escaped from the scene. Investigations are underway.

Haris robbed
An Indian who works as a haris (a building custodian) told Mahboula police he was attacked by two men who beat and robbed him of KD 1500 in rents, as well as KD 150 that was in his wallet.

African man dies in fire
An African was killed during a fire in a Mahboula area. Manqaf, Fahaheel and technical rescue centers responded to a call about the fire, and found out an expat suffered smoke inhalation, and was transferred to hospital where he died.

Drone drug smuggling
A citizen confessed to smuggling drugs into central prison using a drone, while his brother picks up the drugs to sell them to inmates. Both were charged with trading in drugs.

Man wants father arrested
A man in his twenties has filed a police complaint against his father after the father disciplined his son. The young man went to hospital and got a medical report and insisted on lodging a case against his father, seeking his arrest for physical abuse.

Women harassers
Jahra police arrested four young men who harassed women in a mall. The four were approaching women with indecent words, prompting some people to call police.

Not a terrorist
A citizen aged 23 called police and told them he is not a terrorist. The man asked the emergency number 112 to send a patrol, then a patrolman called telling them about the same citizen stopping him, and had to take him to the police station. When asked why he made the calls he said a friend of him accused him of being a terrorist and he wanted to clear his name.

License plates stolen
A citizen told Reqqa police the license plates of his car were stolen, when he was in a neighboring country in a visit of a relative. – Translated from Arabic newspapers

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Kuwait Times

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KUWAIT: As Kuwait prepares for parliamentary elections due on November 26th, campaign slogans aim to woo voters in all constituencies with lofty promises that seem to intrigue and entice the electorate. “Together we build a nation” one sign reads; ‘A new era and fulfillment for the nation” reads another. “The security of Kuwait comes first,” one candidate pledges while another argues that “Kuwait only has its voters.”

With 50 seats in Parliament up for grabs, many candidates have enlisted the aid of advertising companies to further their campaigns, with the conviction that a slogan can a long way in swaying voters’ minds. Moreover, many Kuwaiti academics see that a campaign slogan is a useful tool that can be employed to ensure a candidate’s success, adding that most slogans are selected on a random basis due to failure on a candidates’ part to understand the needs of voters.

Speaking to KUNA, media professor at Kuwait University (KU) Dr. Fawaz Al-Ajmi noted that campaign slogans are vital in the sense that they often reflect a candidate’s line of thought, adding that candidates should select appropriate slogans that illustrate their goals and thoughts.

On these slogans, he said that they could vary from one constituency to the other, as voters in each district have different needs and expectations.  “These slogans need to change to keep up with the times,” he added.

Meanwhile, psychologist Dr. Othman Al-Khoder said that a candidate’s slogan largely depends on knowledge. “Slogans found to be appealing in the West may not be met with the same zeal in Kuwaiti society,” he pointed out. Al-Khoder also noted that social media has been of great help to candidates to reach out to voters. “These slogans, when used right, can have an unduly influence on the electorate,” he added.

KU political science professor Dr. Hanan Al-Hajeri said that campaign slogans have greater significance in Western societies than in this part of the world. “There have been a select few cases in Kuwait where a slogan helped propel a candidate to victory,” she noted. “Campaign slogans have been used all across the globe for years, and they often reflect the status quo,” Al-Hajeri said. “Not much effort is put into these slogans,” she added. – Kuna

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Kuwait Times

Apartment housing has become a norm for many citizens as well as expatriates living in Kuwait. — Photo by Yasser Al Zayyat

KUWAIT: The housing problem in Kuwait is always given top priority by candidates contesting the electoral race due to its economic and social significance on the Kuwaiti society.

A number of candidates running for the upcoming parliamentary election due on November 26th emphasized that the housing problem should be solved as soon as possible by setting out fresh blueprints aiming at meeting growing housing demands and creating new cities.

They opined that offering part of state-owned land to applicants would undoubtedly contribute to easing out the housing problem which actually bugs many Kuwaiti families owing to uncontrollably surging flat rentals.

In this context, official Speaker for the Public Authority for Housing Welfare Ibrahim Al-Nashi said that the intensive distribution of lands over the last three years had contributed to cutting the waiting list of land applicants in the country.
He mentioned that the current number of housing applications has reached 105,000, saying that more efforts and work are needed. He stated that in fiscal year 2015/2016, some 12,177 units have been distributed, adding that 11,338 more would be distributed during the coming year.

Severe shortage
Abbas Al-Shawwa, an expert on housing problems said that distributing some 12,000 units yearly is not enough to cover the increasing number of applications accumulated over the past years. Al-Shawaf urged the government and parliament to work on distributing 20, 000 units to solve the problem.

He asserted that the housing problem in kuwait still tops citizens’ priorities and the upcoming parliament should find ways to end this problem.

The state, in fact, attaches much attention to the housing issue through close cooperation and coordination between the two executive and legislative authorities. This attention was reflected by His Highness the Amir’s intervention by giving orders and directives through making available more lands for housing applicants, pointing to his full support to this issue. – Kuna

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Kuwait Times

An Indian resident holds 500 and 1000 INR notes in New Delhi on November 8, 2016. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced late November 8 that 500 and 1,000 ($15) rupee notes will be withdrawn from financial circulation from midnight, in a bid to tackle corruption. “To break the grip of corruption and black money, we have decided that the 500 and 1,000 rupee currency notes presently in use will no longer be legal tender from midnight ie 8 November, 2016,” Modi said in a special televised address to the nation.

KUWAIT: The India government’s shock decision to withdraw large denomination banknotes Rs 500 and Rs1,000 from circulation with immediate effect has caught many Indian expatriates unawares in Kuwait as money changers refused to accept the currency.

“I approached three exchange companies to change some Rs 20,000 I had with me following the announcement. But all of them refused to exchange the currency,” said Suman Gupta, an executive working with a jewelry shop in Kuwait.

The expatriates in Kuwait reacted with caution to the India government’s move on Tuesday to withdraw the two largest denomination notes from circulation. While many hoped that the decision could help the government fight black money and tax evasion in a country that is plagued by large-scale corruption and illegal money trading,  a large section of the expatriates feared that the decision could create havoc for ordinary people.

Indian Ambassador Sunil Jain told Friday Times yesterday that the embassy has requested the Reserve Bank of India for guidelines in relation to NRIs following the government decision. “It is a unique situation and we need to get further guidelines on the matter from the RBI,” Jain said.

“In fact we want to help the customers. But at the moment, we are helpless because we are not sure if we will be able to trade the banknotes as there is no clarity on the issue from the India government,” said an official from a money exchange company yesterday on condition of anonymity.

“More than 800,000 Indian expatriates are here in Kuwait alone. Most of them will have some Indian rupees with them as they keep the currency for their immediate requirements when they travel out of the country. Will it be possible for them to travel back to India and exchange the small sum before December 30?” asked a manager at a local exchange company.
Indian citizens are legally entitled to carry cash up to Rs 25,000 when they travel in and out of the country to meet their immediate requirements. But the government’s move has left expats high and dry as they find it impossible to exchange the banknotes before they become illegal.

“The government has completely forgotten about the large number of Indians living overseas when it introduced the new rule,” said Venkiteswaran, a bank employee. According to him, the government could have thought of some mechanism so that expats could trade the currency for the new legal tender if it is within the cap of Rs 25,000.

According to the new decision, a person can exchange the demonetized banknotes Rs 500 and Rs 1000 only up to a maximum of Rs 4,000 provided he/she applies for exchange the notes along with ID proof. But a person can deposit any amount of money in his/her ordinary account (NRO) which will be taxable unlike an NRE account.

“In this process, your money loses its non-resident status and becomes taxable,” said another expat Augustine Joseph commented.

By Sajeev K Peter

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Kuwait Times

crime-scene

KUWAIT: Vice detectives put an end to the activities of a Spanish woman who was arrested for prostitution. The suspect reportedly charged KD 200 per client, and used a Bneid Al-Qar apartment to practice her illegal activities, including filming pornographic videos, according to investigations. The ‘porn star’ reportedly arrived to Kuwait on a visit visa after being contacted by clients in Kuwait via the internet, the sources said, adding that police sent her an undercover agent and she was arrested red-handed. Police also arrested two Czech and two Chinese women on similar charges, but those will face lesser charges, the sources said.

Drug possession

An ex-convict hit a police officer with an axe before giving up to Drugs Control General Department (DCGD), as he was arrested with on kilogram of shabu (methamphetamine). Local drugs fighting unit received information about the suspect’s activities, so they placed him under surveillance and obtained a warrant to arrest him. When his house was raided, the suspect met police with resistance, and he was holding an axe which he used to hit an officer before being bought under control. He was sent to DCGD to face charges. Separately, Hawally police arrested three citizens wanted on civil cases for KD 8,000 and KD 5,000. Drugs were found on them when they were searched. The three were sent to DCGD.

Work injury

A Kuwaiti citizen was taken from work to Mubarak Hospital, then went to the police station and lodged a complaint against his colleague, accusing him of causing his injuries. The suspect, Syrian, is being summoned for questioning.

Verbal insult

A citizen who was turned down by a girl in her twenties insulted her with indecent words, and she accused him of inciting her to commit vice acts. She said she was surprised by the man inviting her to a party, but she refused. – Alrai

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