July 2009

British Explorer Hayes' Expedition Blown Back on Track!

Navaratna 9 -Ragalayam in Dubai Al Naser Leisureland

Navaratna 9, a self proclaimed charitable group, is celebrating its first anniversary with a unique musical programme led by noted singers Kavalam Sri Kumar and Rajashree Warrier, who promise to deliver a different musical experience in the desert. Ragalayam 2009 is a contemporary Musical programme on April 3, at the Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai. Other singers include Nicy and the programme is directed and conceptualised by Parthasarathy from the Mayoora School of Dance and Music. At a time when musical reality shows are damaging the aesthetic and artistic components of music and encouraging the rude commercialisation of the art forms, these singers claim to present nadan pattukal, bhajans, devotional songs and even the pulp film songs. (Srikumar Thakazhi, Jayprakash, Kavalam Srikumar, Rajasree Warrier and Chandrakanth Ayencheri addressing the media)

Navaratna- 9 is claimed to be a socio-cultural-charity association formed by nine veterans involved in social activities in Dubai for the past two decades. The name reflects their perceived status as Nine Jewels! Jayaprakash, Chairman, who is a General Manager of a private company. Other jewels of Navaratna 9 are Chandrakant Ayencheri, a marketing specialist with socio-charitable credentials of two and half decades, Thakazhy Sri Kumar, an arden Music lover and senior manager of a plastic company. Blending plastics, music and social work, Srikumar hails from Thakazhi, the same place of Thakazhi Shivashankara Pillai and Kathu. He is in many known and unknown organisations like Lions International, Dubai Priyadarshini, NSS, SD College Aluminis etc.

Mathew Kurien, an enginee, financial consultant and electromechanical contractor from Kochi, Satyadas, a senior Engineer from Ponkunnam Kottayam, Rajan Nambiar, a shipping and logistic manager from Kannur, Surendra Kurup, an accountant and travel consultant and Ajaykumar, an administrative staff in a Jebel Ali company, are the other jewels of Navaratna.(Right from the Jugalbandhi Programme of Navaratna in 2008)

Non-Practicing Doctor is the Best Kerala Doctor! DP World Appoints Matt Leech as Managing Director for Americas Region

 

US Exim-Bank Targets major Chunk of $500 billion Indian Government Modernisation market for Critical Equipment

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The US Ex- Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P Hochberg expects to boost American exports of high technology equipment, services and to India. Targetting a major chunk of $500 billion estimated by the Indian Finance Ministry to achieve modernisation and critical infrastructure, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) signed an agreement committing to work together to expand the trade relationship between their two countries.

The new Indo-US strategic relationship and war on terror implies a lot of business for American businesses in the Indian market. Whether it is the opening of the education sector for American Universities or the purchase of expensive military hardware from the US Military Industries, the US cannot afford to neglect the Indian market, especially the defence market. While a so called war on terror is going on, it seems to be a ploy to increase the sale of American military hardware to countries like India and Pakistan, where the ruling elite in one country is played against the other ---the traditional divide and rule policy.

Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg and FICCI Secretary General Dr. Amit Mitra signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at a ceremony at Ex-Im Bank headquarters. Also attending the event were FICCI President Harsh Pati Singhania and Minister of Commerce at the Indian Embassy in the United States Banashri B. Harrison.Ex-Im Bank's current exposure in India totals $3.9 billion. Ex-Im Bank is the official export-credit agency of the United States. (The US National Security Advisor General James Jones called on the Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony, in New Delhi on June 26, 2009.)

"Despite the credit crisis, the India market continues to see solid economic growth, and offers enormous opportunities for U.S. exporters large and small in expanding exports and maintaining U.S. jobs," Hochberg said at the signing ceremony. "In fact, India, in the future, is likely to become Ex-Im Bank's largest market."

Hochberg said the Indian government "recognizes that continued investment in critical infrastructure is the clear path to modernization. Ex-Im Bank stands ready to support this development by financing the export of high-quality U.S. equipment, technology and services to Indian buyers." He noted that India's Ministry of Finance estimates more than $500 billion will be needed to achieve this modernization.The MOU calls on Ex-Im Bank and FICCI to exchange information on business opportunities for U.S. exporters and Indian buyers, and to cooperate on workshops and other initiatives to widen understanding of their respective programs.

Hochberg said FICCI, with a nationwide membership of over 1,500 Indian corporations and over 500 chambers of commerce and business associations, can greatly widen Ex-Im Bank's access to the India market. "And we at Ex-Im Bank will do everything we can to help increase FICCI's access to U.S. exporters." Recent Ex-Im Bank financing of U.S. exports to India has included a $2.1 billion long-term loan guarantee for National Aviation Company of India Limited to buy Boeing Aircraft, a $400 million long-term loan guarantee to support U.S. exports for India's onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration and production, and support for U.S. small business exports for such products as photovoltaic fabrication equipment.

The independent, self-sustaining federal agency, now in its 75th year, helps create and maintain U.S. jobs by financing the sale of U.S. exports, primarily to emerging markets throughout the world, by providing loan guarantees, export-credit insurance and direct loans. In fiscal year 2008, Ex-Im Bank authorized $14.4 billion in financing to support an estimated $19.6 billion of U.S. exports worldwide. Eighty-six percent of nearly 2,328 transactions directly benefited small-business exporters.

 

Non-Practicing Doctor is the Best Kerala Doctor!

The Best Doctor Award 2008 of Kerala Govt, has been conferred to Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman of Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences Ltd. (MIMS), Kerala and Dr. Moopen’s Group, Dubai for his outstanding contributions to the society, by Smt. PK Srimati Teacher. Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Govt. of Kerala in a function held on Wednesday 01st July 2009, at Trivandrum Medical College. The function was presided by Sri. M Vijayakumar, Honourable Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs,. Jayan Babu. Worshipful mayor of Trivandrum and many important functionaries from the Ministry of Health and various departments also attended.Dr. Moopen is the only recipient of the award from the private healthcare sector., said a press statement.

However, Dr Mooppen stopped practicing medicine long ago and is purely a healthcare businessman. He rarely treats patients even in the Gulf where he is technically a licensed doctor. He is not known to be a practicing doctor in Kerala butonly a shareholder or director in some of the hospital projects. Giving the best doctor award to such entrepreneurs will demoralise the real practising doctors who are treating patients. Such awards should be used to encourage the real doctors in the state and healthcare practitioners, not entrepreneurs who keep aside their Hippocratic Oath in the lookout for profit.

A profile of Dr. Azad Moopen says he is a "Doctor turned Entrepreneur" and a Professional with a Philanthropic mind. While establishing the MIMS Hospitals in Kerala and the largest healthcare network in the Gulf, he has always strived hard to keep the "commitment to the down trodden in the society." The private hospital groups in the Gulf and India are not affordable to the vast majority of ordinary patients, especially for those who do not have an insurance card to meet the mind boggling bill in such hospitals. Due to the high medical expenses in private hospitals, majority of the ordinary people who are scared to approach a private hospital depend on self medication from the pharmacies. The Kerala doctors in the Gulf are ranked among the wealthiest class of NRIs , some owning even private jets, a privilege enjoyed by the Gold merchants. Health care business has been as lucrative as the gold business. No wonder Gulf based doctors are better entrepreneurs with an eagles eye on the huge profits. Dr Mooppen who started with a small clinic in late 1980s is now owning a multinational chain of hospitals, clinics and other healthcare projects. His latest project is a MedCity in Kerala on a 30 acre land and the group is in an aggressive expansion and takeover spree. Good for his entrpreneurial skills.The group's hospitals are not accessible to the common man and charges too much for too little --allegations range from an overdose of anti biotic medicines, unwanted diagnostic tests and mindboggling bills, especially for patients who do not have an insurance coverage. Many doctors like Dr Mooppen got the free medical education from the Kerala Government have never returned anything back to the society or tax payers. Once they get their degree, they went abroad in search of hefty jobs. Now they are encouraging private medical education business

While most NRKs shy away from investing in Kerala, Dr Mooppen was instrumental in establishing the leading tertiary care Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) at Calicut with a NRI investment of Rs 60 Crore providing direct employment to nearly 1500 people. With another MIMS Hospital soon being inaugurated at Kottakkal and the proposed MedCity at Kochi, billions shall be invested in the state with employment opportunities for many thousands more. Lobbying has been going on to get land and other resources at confessional price to start commercial hospital projects in the state and it seems the state health minister has been too soft towards the private Groups like MIMS.

It is claimed that MIMS helped in bringing quality healthcare to the door steps of the people of Malabar who had to travel to other states to get access to advanced treatment. MIMS Academy directly helps more than 1000 students every year in building a bright future in healthcare in 47 Medical and Para medical courses including several PG courses.

MIMS Charitable Trust under the leadership of Dr Moopen is extending free and subsidized medical treatment, to thousands of poor people to the tune of Rs. 50 Lakhs a year. In 2008, the MIMS Charitable Trust adopted the Vazhayoor Panchayat to provide free healthcare to nearly 7000 BPL population of the Panchayat. The Rural Health Centre established for this was inaugurated by the Hon. Health Minister of Kerala Smt. P.K. Sreemathi Teacher. Dr Azad is in the process of setting up a Community Dialysis Centre at Vadakara to provide free and subsidized dialysis to the poor patients, under the MIMS Charitable Trust, by personally donating 11 Dialysis machines worth Rs. 60 Lakhs. He is the Founder of MA Moopen Memorial School for the Handicapped at Kalpakanchery, Malappuram. Good initiatives to give back at least part of the ballooning profit that the private healthcare players gains in a liberalised market. Giving something back to the society is always good. Through its wide network in Gulf, Dr. Moopen’s Group conducts free healthcare camps for laborers at remote locations. Recently the Group coordinated with the Kairali TV in the “Swanthananm” program to extend this campaign to many GCC Countries. In association with MIMS Charitable Trust, Dr. Moopen’s Group conducted a campaign “SAVE THE LITTLE HEART” at Dubai to raise nearly Rs.65 lakhs for poor children who require Cardiac Surgery. He is the Founder President of the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates, UAE, (AKMG) with 700 doctors from Kerala as members. Such "Charitable" ventures help ease government machinery to gain more sops for the private sector darlings.

DP World Appoints Matt Leech as Managing Director for Americas Region

In line with its succession planning, global marine terminal operator DP World today announced the appointment of Matt Leech to the position of Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the company's Americas Region. Mr. Leech was formerly Senior Vice President, Business Development, based in Dubai. He moves to Charlotte, North Carolina, taking over from Dave Sanborn, who is leaving DP World this month to pursue other career opportunities. A series of other organisational changes were recently made as a result of the retirement of Jack Williams, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Australia region, due at the end of August this year. Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Indian Subcontinent region, Ganesh Raj, is taking over Mr. Williams' role in Australia and will be based in Sydney. Taking over his role this month, based in Mumbai, is Anil Singh, formerly Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Africa region. Joost Kruijning, formerly Chief Operating Officer, UAE region, becomes Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Africa region, effective 1 September. All are industry veterans with extensive experience both within and outside of DP World. Mohammed Sharaf, CEO, DP World, said: "We are committed to developing our people and ensuring they are well equipped to meet the current and future needs of our customers. These changes further enhance the depth and breadth of experience of our regional leadership team."

Young Cooks from Sheikh Zayed Private Academy

A group of girls from the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy in Abu Dhabi enjoyed making pasta salad during class, part of a week long summer cooking camp offered by the school for girls aged 8 to 11. Students developed their culinary skills, and made hearty and healthy treats including buried treasure muffins, mille high pizza pies, ‘worms in dirt’ and homemade fruit-sickles and learned about kitchen safety, reading and following recipes.

 

British Explorer Hayes' Expedition Blown Back on Track!

After 4 days with practically no wind, The Emirates NBD Greenland Quest Team Kite Sails are full again and their record breaking attempt is back on track

Dubai-based, British explorer Adrian Hayes and his Canadian colleagues Devon McDiarmid and Derek Crowe have spent much of the last 4 days in their tents during their historic crossing of Greenland. During this time, tensions ran high as the team started to consider a change in route and the effects on their food rations. However, when the winds returned on Thursday, Hayes and his team were able to once again use their kites through the clear northern night.

The Emirates NBD Greenland Quest aims to become the longest, unassisted Arctic expedition in history. To achieve this, the team cannot request additional supplies. Part of the motivation behind the Quest is Hayes' belief in "One Planet Living" and people using their available resources appropriately.

They still have another 150 kms to the Arctic Ocean and then a further 800 kms to Qaanaq, their end destination. This final section of the journey has never been attempted before using kite-skiing. During their trip, the climate has varied between too much and too little wind. During the period of heavy winds, there have also been several injuries caused by uncontrollable kites.

Hayes is pleased though that the Emirates NBD Greenland Quest is back on track: "You always know that you have been in a tent with two Canadians for too long, when the conversation gets round to the relative merits of certain brands of chain-saw!" joked Hayes who is in the Guinness Book of records for being the fastest man to reach all 3 "poles" (namely North, South and Everest). "The next 2 days are key though." continued the explorer conscious of the fact that they need to avoid any contact with polar bears and the wind to continue in this section, which has not been attempted before. "The descent to the Arctic Ocean has always been the anticipated trickiest part of the whole trip and we just hope it all comes together in what will be a difficult and dangerous few days."

Emirates NBD, the lead sponsors of Hayes' expedition and the largest banking group in the Middle East, are supporting the Quest through the participation of 20 schools across the UAE. The Emirates NBD competition amongst participating schools offers four cash prizes of 5000 AED to the schools who show the most engagement in the Emirates NBD Greenland Quest and who can demonstrate how they would utilize their award to make their school environment greener.

Many of the chidren at the participating schools are regularly communicating with Hayes, via his expedition website www.greenlandquest.com. On the site, Hayes writes blogs every 2-3 days and takes questions from the kids via several social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter. Hayes appreciates the support that he is receiving: "Many of them may now be breaking up for the Summer Holidays, but they are going to stay involved. It's great to receive their questions and support. The effect on their generation will be far greater than on ours. We all need to start thinking about our own effect on the planet and how we need to change our daily use of water, energy and many other key natural resources."