Latest news with #Finlay
eNCA
7 hours ago
- eNCA
Stigma haunts Gambians accused in state witch purge: study
BANJUL - The years have passed but the stigma remains for Gambians accused of being witches, who were detained more than a decade ago under the abusive dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh, research revealed. Hundreds of people, many of them elderly women, were targeted under the eccentric west African dictator's 2008-2009 purge on witchcraft. The victims were taken to his compound and other secret locations where they were subjected to beatings, rape and forced to drink hallucinogenic concoctions. The episode created lasting psychological and social scars that endure not just for the victims but also their families and communities, according to a new study in the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology. The research, funded by the United Nations Development Programme, involved interviews and surveys in the five communities most affected by Jammeh's witchcraft purges, located in western Gambia. Under the study, led by researcher Mick Finlay of the UK's Anglia Ruskin University and conducted in collaboration with the University of The Gambia and Nottingham Trent University, a total of 153 people were interviewed and 128 surveyed. Although many of the participants believed the witch hunts were organised to frighten people not to speak out against Jammeh (89 percent) or to create divisions (87 percent), a full quarter also believed the threat from witches was real, according to the research. To keep citizens in a permanent state of fear during his 22-year rule , Jammeh wielded a potent mix of brute force, mysticism and pervasive superstition -- including beliefs that Jammeh had supernatural powers. Belief in witchcraft has strong roots in The Gambia, particularly rural areas, where witches are said to cause illness, infertility, financial misfortune and death, and are additionally believed to eat children. The fact that the witchcraft accusations were state-orchestrated makes the situation unique, Finley told AFP. Normally, witchcraft accusations are "more gossip and rumour", he said in an interview. Against the state-backed nature of these witch hunts, victims felt the issue should be dealt with at the community or even government level. "The victims often said, you know, we want the government to come out and tell everybody that we are not witches," Finlay told AFP. There are "really simple things in terms of mending people's reputations that need to happen after dictatorships and war", Finlay added. A Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to investigate human rights abuses carried out under Jammeh's rule between 1994 and 2017 recommended the establishment of a law making witchcraft accusations illegal. - People 'avoid us' - Approximately 41 deaths occurred during the witch hunts, with victims also suffering long-term health issues from being forced to drink toxic liquids, beatings and other abuse, according to the TRRC. Research for the new report, which was conducted in 2022, revealed that victims were the targets of shaming, mocking and gossip and often felt unable to attend traditional cultural events. "People tend to avoid us", one victim told the researchers. "We don't go their funerals or their naming ceremonies." Self-isolation was also reported, as was stigmatisation of victims' families, children and larger communities. To conduct the purges, Jammeh invited Guinean and Malian witch hunters into The Gambia, while his Green Boys and Girls vigilante group and the armed forces also helped carry out the roundups, according to the report. While the exact motivation behind the episode is unclear, Jammeh believed that witches had killed his aunt. Victims were taken to a compound in the southern village of Kanilai where Jammeh lived. There, they were generally held for several days while being forced to drink noxious liquid and sometimes bathe in an herbal concoction. Although a wide variety of community members were invited to participate in the survey, researchers said those comfortable with talking about stigmatisation could be over-represented, while those with a fear of witches could be under-represented. After losing an election to current President Adama Barrow in 2016, Jammeh fled The Gambia the following January for Equatorial Guinea.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts' plan for Finlay Pollock as the club explain the midfielder's situation
New SPFL season brings hope after youngster's loan move in 2024/25 Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Finlay Pollock today received reassurance that he is in Hearts' plans this season as he recovers from hamstring surgery. Head coach Derek McInnes explained the midfielder's situation to the Edinburgh News after watching him on loan at Raith Rovers last season. Pollock is one of the most promising youngsters to emerge from the Riccarton youth academy in recent years but persistent injury problems prevented him establishing a first-team place. He was loaned to East Fife in 2022 and spent all of last season on loan in Kirkcaldy, playing 25 times and scoring six goals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad His campaign ended prematurely in April when a hamstring tear required an operation and he returned to Hearts, where he signed a contract extension until 2027. The 21-year-old is now working on fitness as he aims to join first-team training sessions under McInnes. Hearts intend to keep him with the senior squad this season as McInnes admitted he liked what he saw of the player last term. 'Finlay has still to tick a lot of boxes with the medical team. He is still about two to three weeks away from joining in with me,' explained the head coach. 'He hasn't trained with us yet, he's still with the medical team. He has still to do his high-speed running, his maximum output running. This week is a big week for him in terms of getting through that. Once he can tick that box this week, I think maybe he's about 10 days away from starting to get slowly integrated with us through training. 'For full training, I still think he's two to three weeks away. Obviously, I watched a bit of Raith last season and I enjoyed watching Finlay. We'll look to try and have him as part of the squad. That's the intention.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Premier Sports Cup and SPFL Premiership games on the horizon Hearts are preparing for their final Premier Sports Cup Group E tie against League Two Dumbarton at Tynecastle Park on Wednesday evening. McInnes will again look to utilise his squad and give game time to some players who were not involved in Saturday's 4-0 win at Stirling Albion. A win over Dumbarton would complete a 100 per cent record and earn Hearts a seeding for the knockout round. McInnes explained the value of winning as the new Premiership season looms with an opening game against Aberdeen at Tynecastle on Monday, 4 August. 'I think building momentum is important,' he said. 'People say to me: 'Oh, that first game proper against Aberdeen.' These are proper games in the League Cup and we're trying to demonstrate that. The only downside about the League Cup games coming quickly is the fact that you can't play two and three friendly games a week and utilise the full squad. This is the biggest squad I've ever had to work with. 'Normally, when you're playing pre-season games, you can get 11 on and 11 off, or you can arrange another game the next day and you've got a totally different team to play 90 minutes. When the League Cup comes you can't be too frivolous with it all or underplay it. You've got to be ready and you've just got to sometimes make sure you pick out a strong team.'
Irish Post
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Post
Teenager qualifies as Britain's youngest digger driver
A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has become the youngest person in Britain to qualify as a digger driver. This month Finlay Gallagher, of the Gallagher Group family, completed his digger driving training. The youngster spent his school holidays mastering the controls of the iconic JCB 3CX Plus backhoe loader, before passing his Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) test with flying colours at Flynne Plant Training Centre in Rochford, Essex. 'He demonstrated a confident grasp of both theory and hands-on operation, including digging, loading, lifting and using machine attachments with precision well beyond his years,' a spokesperson for the Gallagher Group confirmed. The construction firm was founded over 50 years ago by his grandfather, Pat Gallagher, In 1973 Mr Gallagher, who is now cahirman of the Group, launched his business with a single JCB 3C Mk2. Finlay Gallagher, of the Gallagher Group family, is the youngest person in Britain to pass the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) test (Pics: Gallagher Group) Now the firm operates more than 300 machines and employs more than 500 people across the South East of England. 'I've always said I wasn't much good behind the controls of a digger – so Finlay is already ahead of me,' Mr Gallagher said of his grandson's achievement. 'I am exceptionally proud of Finlay and everything he has achieved. 'He has always shown an incredible passion and interest for machinery from an early age, and this course has given him a chance to deepen his knowledge and ability. 'I was blown away by how naturally he took to it, and it really does give me great hope for the future.' Mr Gallagher added: 'Hopefully, this inspires many other young people to give it a go and see the construction industry as a fantastic career opportunity.' Finlay's dad, Stephen Gallagher, who is a director of the business, also sees a bright future ahead. 'Finlay's had a passion for diggers since he could walk. He's grown up with machinery all around him and has absorbed so much just by watching and asking questions.' Finlay Gallagher passed his test at the Flynne Plant Training Centre in Rochford, Essex (Pics: Gallagher Group) Reflecting on his achievement, Finlay confirmed he has 'loved diggers since I was really little – probably around three or four'. 'My grandad Dave used to drive me around in his dozer, while he did the pedals and I sat on his lap,' he explained. 'Then my grandad Pat got me interested in excavators and backhoe loaders, which started my love of JCBs,' he added. 'I definitely see my future in the construction industry. :My grandad Pat started the Gallagher Group, and it would mean a lot to me to play a part in helping the business continue to grow. 'This qualification is a great first step, and I'm keen to build on it by learning to operate more types of plant machinery.' Derek Mansfield of Flynne Plant Training, said the teenager was 'one of the most enthusiastic and capable young candidates we've had'. 'His control of the machine and understanding of how it operates were far beyond what you'd expect at his age,' Mr Mansfield said. 'He picked things up incredibly quickly and showed real natural ability. 'He's now officially the youngest person in the UK to pass this qualification, which is a fantastic achievement. T 'he Gallagher family should be very proud. 'We'd welcome Finlay back any time to train on more machines, and I genuinely look forward to seeing where his skills take him next.' See More: Digger Driver, Finlay Gallagher, Gallagher Group
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Perth Now
Kalbarri hits the spot for nature lovers
Rich, red earth paired with bright blue waves, it's these two contrasting locations, all in the one place, that Kalbarri is known for. The diverse landscape is like a playground for nature lovers – on the one hand you have places like Natures Window (stacks of ancient rock formations famous for their view), and on the other you have the ocean (perfect surfing waves, swimming, fishing) and the Murchison River to explore. It's one of those special places that typify the West Aussie lifestyle: adventure galore, a great town spirit and options to camp it out or add your favourite creature comforts. Now – until November – is the perfect time to go. Ready to start planning? To the east of the town, you will find the 400-million-year-old gorges of the Kalbarri National Park – best known for 'Nature's Window' – a staggered geological masterpiece that has become iconic to visit and get a photo with like it's a face-in-hole board. Undoubtably the perfect place for anyone – families, couples, solo adventurers – to hike to and around (just take a look at the hashtag #natureswindow on Insta). The National Park is just a short drive from the town and has two striking platforms that juts out over the Murchison, the iconic Skywalk, and many walking trails (in wildflower season, between July and October, there are about 1000 species, unique to Western Australia, in bloom), including easy trails like Ross Graham Lookout, a short walk with the option for a little swim and Hawk's Head Lookout, known for spotting hawks. For the more adventurous try The Loop and Z Bend (an enormous Z bend that the river flows through). Prefer someone to do the planning for you? D'Guy Journeys has a sunset and stargazing skywalk experience (with complimentary pickup and drop-off service) where you can watch the sun dip over ancient gorges from a lookout platform 100 metres from the Murchison River Gorge. Then, once set, find yourself gazing up at the galaxy above. The tour includes dinner and bubbles. Or: opt to see the beauty from above. Kalbarri Scenic Flights offer a bird's eye view experience, soaring over the landscape, the river, Pink Lake, and the Abrolhos Islands. With over 30 years of experience, you're in good hands. Their charter options also include specialised photography flights, whether you're a professional or an enthusiast, ideal if you're after the perfect angle from above. Blue Hole Beach is a great place to snorkel. The area is a protected fish habitat (fishing is totally banned), preserving the beauty of the natural environment – making your swim extra special. If you do love to fish, though, Kalbarri is the place to do it. Try estuary fishing for whiting and black bream or drop a net to yield blue swimmer and mud crabs. Fishing charters are also popular. If you prefer to just eat fish, try Finlay's Kalbarri for the catch of the day and a refreshing bev. Not to forget that it's also humpback whale season. From now until October, you can spot these gentle giants as they migrate along Australia's Coral Coast (hopefully they put on a show for you). From camping to staying at the town's resort, it's nice to have options. Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park is a favourite for families and campers alike because it has multiple sites to choose from and is just four minutes from the beach and the town's cafes, taverns and bakery. It also has a heated swimming pool, making it the perfect spot to relax after camping. For something a little more luxe, The Kalbarri Edge Resort offers self-contained studios and apartments with spa baths and room service — perfect for those who want convenience and a little indulgence. The resort also boasts an on-site restaurant and bar, a spacious pool, BBQ facilities and even a giant chess set for a bit of fun between adventures. If you're travelling with pets or just love wide open space, Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park is a picturesque option, location designed to minimise the effects of the seasonal winds and maximise the beauty of Kalbarri with a great range of accommodation (some with heated spas). If all of this sounds delicious, Australia's Coral Coast encourages you to start planning now while the season is in full swing. There is much more information about Kalbarri available on the website. Be sure to visit to find out more.
Cision Canada
17-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Finlay Minerals Announces Increased Budget for PIL and ATTY Projects
VANCOUVER, BC, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Finlay Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: FYL) (OTCQB: FYMNF), the "Company", is pleased to announce that the approved budget under the Earn-In Agreements with Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport") 1 for both the PIL and ATTY Projects, has been increased to a total of $3.6 million. Both projects are situated in the highly prospective Toodoggone District of British Columbia, which continues to develop as an important copper-gold (Cu-Au) district with significant potential for further discoveries. Initially, the 2025 budget was set at a minimum of $750,000 for the PIL property and $500,000 for the ATTY property. However, these amounts have now been revised to up to $2.6 million for the PIL project and up to $1.0 million for the ATTY project. Both programs are fully funded under the Earn-In Agreements with Freeport. According to these agreements, Freeport may earn an 80% interest in each property by investing a total of $35 million in exploration expenditures and making cash payments totaling $4.1 million over/up to six years. 2 Until the Finlay-Freeport Earn-In Agreements complete, Finlay owns 100% of both properties. The PIL Property lies in the heart of the Toodoggone region and features several porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) targets, along with associated epithermal gold-silver (Au-Ag) mineralization. To date, 18 porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au and porphyry-related low- and high-sulphidation epithermal Au-Ag occurrences have been outlined on the PIL Property. The PIL property is adjacent to Amarc Resources and Freeport-McMoRan's JOY Project, as well as TDG Gold Corp.'s Shasta/Baker and Sofia Properties. It is also situated 25 kilometres ("km") northwest of Centerra Gold's former Kemess South Mine and 15 km east of Thesis Gold's Lawyers Project. The ATTY Property covers 3,875 hectares of sub-alpine terrain in the southern Toodoggone region, an area known for significant porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) and epithermal gold-silver (Au-Ag) deposits. It is located between Centerra Gold's Kemess Project and the JOY Project, held by Amarc Resources and Freeport-McMoRan. The KEM target on the ATTY Property resembles the Kemess North Trend, which is home to the Kemess Underground and Kemess East deposits. Exploration will focus on the Wrich target, located near the copper geochemical anomaly at the SWT target on the JOY Property. This anomaly extends over 2 km and continues onto the ATTY Property for an additional 1.2 km to the southeast. The 2025 programs at the PIL and ATTY are well underway with: Detailed property-wide, 100 metre line-spaced airborne magnetic surveys completed on both properties; Detailed geological and alteration mapping and expanded rock and soil sampling on up to 8 target areas on the PIL underway, with the ATTY expected to start by the end of July; 53 line-km of induced polarization ("IP") geophysical surveys planned on the PIL and 16 line-km on the ATTY, and Finlay acting as the Operator on both properties. Finlay's President and CEO, Ilona Lindsay, states: "We are very pleased with the substantial increase in approved funding for both the PIL and the ATTY. This additional funding will allow us to identify and prioritize as many targets as possible for drilling in 2026." References: Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) is a leading international metals company focused on copper, with major operations in the Americas and Indonesia and significant reserves of copper, gold, and molybdenum. Finlay news releases NR 03-25 dated April 17, 2025 entitled: " Finlay Minerals Enters into Earn-In Agreements with Freeport for its PIL & ATTY Properties" and NR 05-25 dated May 2, 2025 and entitled: " Finlay Minerals Receives TSX Venture Exchange Approval for PIL Earn-In Agreement." Qualified Person: Wade Barnes, P. Geo. and Vice President, Exploration for Finlay Minerals and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has approved the technical content of this news release. About Finlay Minerals Ltd. Finlay is a TSXV company focused on exploration for base and precious metal deposits with five properties in northern British Columbia: Finlay trades under the symbol "FYL" on the TSXV and under the symbol "FYMNF" on the OTCQB. For further information and details, please visit the Company's website at On behalf of the Board of Directors, Robert F. Brown, Executive Chairman of the Board Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding, among others, the exploration plans for the PIL & ATTY Properties. Although Finlay believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, the timing and receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, the ability of Finlay and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Finlay's proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Finlay does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE Finlay Minerals Ltd.
