Victims of the Wonji and Metahara sugar factories in Ethiopia have launched a new web site.
A brief History of the Wonji victims
Dr. Ashagere Germow
In 1950’s, HVA International NV started to pioneer the sugar industry in Ethiopia. Wonji, Wonji/Shoa and Metahara sugar factories were established in 1954, 1960 and 1968. Wonji,Wonji/Shoa and Metehara Sugar Estates are located 110 km from Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia. Wonji, Wonji/Shoa and Metehara are close to the Rift Valley where there are excess fluoride hot springs/volcanic rocks. Except HVA International administration and it’s Dutch employees the rest (Ethiopian) employees of the three sugar factories and their families had no knowledge of the existence of excess fluoride in their drinking water.
HVA International violated the trust of it’s employees and their families by withholding information of excess fluoride existence in the drinking water for 17 years. Sadly, HVA was providing safe drinking water to protect only it’s own citizens only, the Dutch. Secretly two treated water were planted inside their secluded fence where they lived called: ” Shibo Gibi” which means fenced area.
“The existence of ‘fluoride’ problem’ in the state was first recognized in 1957 when the children of the Dutch families had dental examination while on holiday in Holland. In 1962, two de-fluoridated plants were installed in the two factory villages where the Dutch families lived. In 1972 the existence of skeletal fluorosis in the estate was discovered. Between 1974 and 1976, de-fluoridated water was made available to all villages of the estate” (historical data were obtained in 1997 from records & files of WSSF.A review done by Genene Shifera,MD and Redda Tekle-Haimanot,MD FRCP(C),PhD 2)
Thousands of children and adults were and still are at risk almost four generations are affected from dental and skeletal fluorosis which is a bone disease caused by excessive consumption of fluoride. These three communities were exposed also to toxins emitted from the factory. Dust, gases and smoke had affected many people’s lungs and circulation. And the houses’ roofs were built from asbestos.To this day HVA International continues to be reluctant to admit violating the human rights of those poor voiceless Wonji/ Wonji/Shoa and Metehara residents.
Wonji, Wonji/Shoa and Metehara fluoride victims situation now is all more alarming as they are the most archaic human beings. The number of people leading “a painful and crippled life” from fluorosis has risen. Being disfigured and disabled, physiological and mental particularities had pernicious consequences such as suicide in some cases. Children were forced to abandon schooling because their deformed limbs could no longer take them to the secondary school.
Negative tendencies are traced out in finding a job, friendship and also a marriage because of the appearances of Wonji young adults. The only chance the youth has is to marry within their community that have the similarity to stained teeth and find a job in their community-in the three sugar factories.
Sugarcane cutters (unskilled laborers) wage average was US$0.40 cents a day (Revolutionary Ethiopia page 111,By Edmond J. Keller). Right now Wonji retirement wage ranges from 48-300 Birr a month (US $5.50–$34 dollars) Wonji victims have to support with that small amount of money their children and family members who are living with them.
As a result, timely and comprehensive, and especially prophylactic, medical services appear to be in urgent need of social, economic and medical assistance.
Please see the photo album of the victims, WSMPPA members,the administration staff of Wonji sugar factory and Almaz Mequanint and her husband Elias Gizaw who flew from USA to attend the wheelchairs distribution event in December 2007.
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – A coalition of opposition parties accused the Ethiopian authorities the Woyanne tribal junta on Thursday of arresting some of its members on trumped up charges to stop them running in an election scheduled for next May.
Eight parties have allied under the banner of the Forum for Democratic Dialogue in Ethiopia (FDDE) to contest the 2010 polls, which analysts say the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) Tigrean People Liberation Front (Woyanne) is likely to win.
Opposition figures say they have been hamstrung by a campaign of arrests and intimidation. The EPRDF Woyanne denies it.
“Ruling party cadres throughout the country are jailing our potential candidates on false charges,” Bulcha Demeksa, leader of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement, one of the parties in the opposition coalition, told reporters in Addis Ababa.
“We want to negotiate with the government and ask them to stop arresting and jailing our potential candidates.”
The parties that make up the alliance hold just 80 of parliament’s 547 seats, but still represent the most significant opposition to a government that is a close ally of Washington.
Bereket Simon, the Ethiopian government’s head of information, told Reuters that since none of the parties had yet named their candidates, the opposition’s claims were baseless. “Nobody is being jailed for being a politician,” he said.
TALKS WALK-OUT
Ethiopia’s last elections in 2005 were hailed as the country’s first fully democratic polls, but they ended in bloodshed after the government declared victory and the opposition said the result had been rigged. Police and soldiers killed about 200 people who took to the streets in protest.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi accused the demonstrators of trying to topple his government, and more than 100 opposition leaders, journalists and aid workers were later jailed.
Those detainees were pardoned and freed in 2007, but rights groups say the government is cracking down on dissent again. One opposition party leader is in jail and a group of former military officers have been convicted of plotting to oust Meles.
Meles has set up talks with the opposition about drawing up a code of conduct for next year. But the FDDE said on Thursday that its members had walked out of discussions.
“The code of conduct assumes a context where there will be independent administration of elections, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, no intervention by security forces,” said Seye Abraha, a former defence minister who is now in the FDDE.
“We want these issues discussed alongside the code of conduct, not assumed.”
Bereket dismissed FDDE claims the code was undemocratic: “This code of conduct is being drawn up by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, not the Ethiopian government … To walk away from it is disastrous and is to walk away from democracy.”
I had myself a promising Week 1, going 5-2. And of course with any predictions, there was the cash; picking Oklahoma State to win by two touchdowns against Georgia, and the rash; taking Virginia Tech to upset Alabama.
As always, I’ll start with the big one:
Notre Dame @ Michigan: It’s always a scary situation when the Irish travel to Ann Arbor and play in the Big House. Everyone was down on the Wolverines last week, but they displayed more signs of life than an episode of ER. They’ll be able to pick up yards on the ground against a Notre Dame front that’s still developing. The Irish will answer with a pitch and catch offense that will make swiss cheese of Michigan’s secondary. Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Michigan 24
Clemson @ Georgia Tech (Thursday night): Each season, Clemson is thought to throw a top-10 team onto the field. And each season, they fail to live up to the hype. This time around, however, there is no hype. So technically, they should finally be playing with the “nothing to lose, we’re the underdog” mentality right? Well, I hope so, because I think they’re talented enough on defense to stop Tech’s triple option. And if Spiller is healthy, Clemson leaves with the tough road win. Prediction: Clemson 27, Tech 24 (OT)
USC @ Ohio State: When it comes to getting blown out in big games, Ohio State is ranked No. 2 in the nation, right behind No. 1 Oklahoma. Their success on Saturday rests on the massive shoulders of their defense. If they haven’t woken up from last week’s scare against Navy, USC will run for 700 yards. But if they can force one or two turnovers, they could pull it off. Oh yeah, Mr. Terelle Pryor, I believe this is your breakout game. Don’t make me look like a fool, please. Prediction (as I wince) Ohio State 31, USC 30
Houston @ Oklahoma State: In theory, the final score of this track meet should add up to Lou Holtz’s age. Prediction: Ok State 60, Houston 36
Syracuse @ Penn State: As much as I want ‘Cuse to smash the schedule-soft Nittany Lions, it won’t happen. They’re out-manned at just about every position on the field. Hopefully Cuse’s quarterback Greg Paulus makes it out of Happy Valley alive. Prediction: PSU 42, ‘Cuse 20
UCLA @ Tennessee: Rocky Top is no place for an opposing freshman quarterback to be playing around. That’s right, I’m talking to you, 19-year-old Kevin Prince. Tennessee has a ton of talent, it’s just a matter of how fast they grasp head coach Lane Kiffin’s pro style football. I’m thinking they Vols will be ready for the Bruins. Prediction: UT 38, UCLA 18
Iowa @ Iowa State: If I could end this game in a tie, I would. It seems Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz underachieves each season. And if he loses this one, he won’t get a chance at another one. I hate to see him go. Prediction: Iowa St 24, Iowa 20.
Derek Jeter tied the New York Yankees all-time career hit mark as his Major League-best team rallied to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 on Wednesday.
The Yankees captain made three hits to join Lou Gehrig with 2,721 for his career, a record that stood for more than 70 years.
Catcher Jorge Posada smashed a three-run homer in the eighth to help New York (91-50) take the four-game set against the Rays (72-68).
It was a celebratory night for the home crowd, who showered Jeter with applause in the seventh inning as the Yankees shortstop stood at first base and doffed his batting helmet after reaching the franchise mark.
“I didn’t know what to do — we were losing at the time,” Jeter told reporters, of his special moment. “I took a moment to soak it in. When I saw them giving me an ovation I really appreciated it. The fans have been great this whole homestand, I’ve been trying to do it for them. That’s why I bunted (for a hit) in the first inning, because I needed to get at least one hit.”
Jeter was mired in an 0-for-12 slump heading into the night but snapped it with an emphatic performance. He will have a chance to break the record Friday when the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles.
Trailing 2-0, New York rallied when Alex Rodriguez led off the eighth with a single and later scored on a throwing error from Tampa Bay first baseman Chris Richard.
Posada came on to pinch-hit and sent a drive over the right-field fence against reliever Grant Balfour, his 21st homer of the year.
New York relievers Brian Bruney and Phil Coke combined to close out the ninth inning, stranding Rays third baseman Evan Longoria at third.
Starter Joba Chamberlain was pulled after the third inning for the third straight start and has now gone six outings without a win.
Tampa Bay shortstop Jason Bartlett led off the game with a solo home run and Pat Burrell added an RBI single as the visitors scored twice in the first inning.
Rays starter Jeff Niemann struck out eight Yankees and allowed one run in seven innings before being relieved in the eighth as Tampa Bay lost for a season-high eighth consecutive time.
The Starting Point is a snapshot of the news stories that occurred overnight. Look for updates throughout the day on Yahoo! News and in the news box on Yahoo.com.
Top story overnight: A suicide truck bomber attacked a Kurdish village in northern Iraq today, The Associated Press reported. At least 19 people were killed and another 30 injured in the blast. At the time of this writing, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
In other news: The death toll from two mine accidents that happened earlier this week in central China climbed to 56, The AP reported. That number could rise as rescue crews continue searching for 36 other miners who are still listed as missing. To date, more than 20 officials and mine managers have been fired, suspended or arrested for the incidents.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle denounced Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) for disrupting President Barack Obama’s health care reform speech to Congress last night, The AP reported. Wilson shouted “You lie!” after Obama said extending health care to all Americans who seek it would not mean insuring illegal immigrants. “I was embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love,” Vice President Joe Biden said. “It demeaned the institution.” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) agreed, calling Wilson’s behavior “totally disrepectful.” “There is no place for it in that setting, or any other, and he should apologize for it immediately,” McCain said. Wilson later issued a statement, extending his “sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility.” He also tried to call Obama to apologize personally, but ended up giving his regrets to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel instead.
Finally, oil prices climbed above $72 a barrel overnight, helped by a weaker dollar and steady OPEC production levels. According to The AP, crude prices have jumped nearly $4 in just two days.
Most-read stories overnight: Hugh Hefner filed for divorce last week from his wife Kimberly, The AP reported. The 83-year-old founder of Playboy magazine asked a judge to order him to pay $20,000 a month in spousal support, which is half of what he’s been paying since the pair separated in 1998. The couple wed in 1989, the same year she was named Playmate of the Year.
Readers were also intrigued by this AP story about a California lawmaker who bragged about his extramarital affairs. Mike Duvall, a conservative Republican representing Orange County, became a YouTube hit when racy comments he made about sexual conquests were caught by an open microphone in a Capitol hearing room. He resigned on Wednesday. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger now has 14 days to call for a special election to fill Duvall’s seat. Orange County officials said that election will cost taxpayers between $330,000 and $440,000, The L.A. Times reported.
Looking ahead: Nancy Ann DeParle, the director of the White House Office of Health Reform, will answer questions from Yahoo! readers about the administration’s health care reform goals. Watch the live video stream today at 3 p.m. EST/12 p.m. PST. General Motors is expected to announce whether it plans to sell its Opel unit to one of two rival bidders today. And space shuttle Discovery will try to return to Earth this evening, but thunderstorms could keep the astronauts in orbit for an extra day or two.
Today’s poll: President Obama pitched his health care reform legislation to the American public during a televised joint session of Congress last night. One part of his legislation would bar insurance companies from canceling or refusing coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions. What are your thoughts about this provision? Click here to vote.
Yesterday’s poll: Do you wear white after Labor Day? Seventy-nine percent of respondents said yes and 21 percent said no.
Today in history: In 1977, convicted murderer Hamida Djandoubi became the last person to be executed by the guillotine in France.
Birthdays: Singer Sanjaya Malakar, 25. Musician Matthew Followill (Kings of Leon), 25. Figure skater Timothy Goebel, 29. Musician Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance), 29. Tennis player Gustavo Kuerten, 33. Actor Ryan Phillippe, 35. Director Guy Ritchie, 41. Rapper Big Daddy Kane, 41. Musician Robin Goodridge (Bush), 44. Former Sen. John E. Sununu (R-N.H.), 45. Baseball player Randy Johnson, 46. Actor Colin Firth, 49. Writer/director Christopher Columbus, 51. Actress Amy Irving, 56. Musician Joe Perry (Aerosmith), 59. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Lanier, 61. Former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau, 61. Singer Jose Feliciano, 64. Singer Danny Hutton (Three Dog Night), 67. Golfer Arnold Palmer, 80.
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–Jade Walker is the overnight editor of Yahoo! News. News doesn’t stop when the lights go out, and neither does Jade.
