Mossack Fonseca on UK Territories: Beneficial Owner Info to Stay Put

On 1 and 2 December 2015, the political leaders and representatives of the UK and its 14 Overseas Territories met in London to discuss financial services, international co-operation in tax matters, beneficial ownership, and other matters.

According to a communiqué released by the UK Joint Ministerial Council, all of the Overseas Territories agreed to the following:

• A full commitment to international co-operation in tax matters, and to fight against money laundering, tax evasion, illicit finances, and corruption.

• Adherence to bilateral and multilateral agreements, implementation of the FATF standards, and enforcing legal instruments in everyday practice.

• A commitment to sustaining successful international finance centres.

• Acknowledgement of the importance of bilateral engagement on matters affecting Territories’ financial services sectors.

• Beneficial ownership information will be held in their respective jurisdictions via central registers or similarly effective systems―this is in sharp contrast to the original proposal by Britain that all such information be transmitted to a central registry located in and controlled by the UK.

They discussed the details of how the financial control and compliance systems above should be implemented, and agreed that addressing those issues would be given the highest priority and kept under continuous and close review.

Richard S. Isaacs MD - Otolaryngologist

(Ear, Nose & Throat - ENT)

Highlights

Board Certified

* Accepts Health Insurance Plans

Biography

* Dr. Richard S. Isaacs is a Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose & Throat - ENT) practicing in Sacramento, CA

Specialties

Languages Spoken

* English

Medical Specialties

* Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose & Throat - ENT) Otolaryngology

Years In Practice

* 20 (started in 1995)

Provider Training

University

* Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI (1988)

Residency at Hospital

* Manhattan E E T Hospital, Otolaryngology; Providence Hospital

Medical Ctrs, General Surgery

Certification

* Otolaryngology

Certifying Body

* American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto)

Practice & Hospital Affiliations

* Kaiser Foundation Hospital – Sacramento

Dr Howard Marans MD on Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term that refers simply to inflammation of a joint, or a place at which two or more bones meet. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The majority of arthritis cases can be managed non-surgically, and most people with arthritis are able to live full lives not limited by their condition.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It refers to the degeneration of a joint, and occurs most commonly in older adults. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage at the end of the bones breaks down, causing friction that leads to inflammation. Joints may also lose some of the fluid that keeps them lubricated.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is inflammation of a joint that occurs after an injury to the joint. Post-traumatic arthritis is very common among athletes, but it can also occur in people who have been in a car accident or sustained a fall.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive condition that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint deformity.

Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in the hands and feet and tends to affect the same joints on both sides of the body, one factor that distinguishes it from other forms of arthritis.. This condition is most common in women of childbearing age.

Other Forms of Arthritis

There are a variety of other forms of arthritis which are much more rare than the three described above. Examples include:

• Infectious arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Reactive arthritis

Non-Surgical Treatments

In most cases, osteoarthritis can be treated without resorting to surgery. It’s preferable to avoid surgery whenever possible, since surgery comes with its own set of risks and costs which should always be taken into account.

Some non-surgical treatments that Dr. Howard Marans uses for osteoarthritis include:

• Physical therapy – Physical therapy strengthens the muscles that support the joints and restores flexibility to stiff joints. Patients should keep doing the exercises they learn at physical therapy at home as often as recommended.
• Lifestyle changes – Remaining active, avoiding high-impact activities, and maintaining proper body alignment can all prevent flare-ups of symptoms.
• Weight loss – Excess weight places stress on the joints, which can exacerbate symptoms of osteoarthritis. For obese patients, losing as little as 10% of the body weight can produce a significant reduction in symptoms.
• Medication – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common class of drugs used to treat osteoarthritis. NSAIDs are available over the counter, but you should only use them occasionally unless your doctor recommends otherwise. Taking NSAIDs on a regular basis increases the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers.
• Steroid injections – Injections of steroid medication into the joint can reduce inflammation dramatically.

Surgery

In some cases, it is necessary to operate on a joint to restore function and control symptoms of arthritis. For example, if a large joint such as the knee or hip has sustained serious damage, it may be necessary to replace the damaged cartilage with a prosthesis.

Knee surgery and hip replacement surgery are invasive procedures, but Dr. Howard Marans recommends such procedures in cases where the condition is unlikely to respond to conservative treatments and the quality of life will be significantly increased by surgical treatment.

Finding the right treatment for your arthritis depends on the type of arthritis and its severity. OC Orthopedic can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need.

Mossack Fonseca Inaugura Cuarto de Lactancia

Como empresa socialmente responsable, Mossack Fonseca recientemente tuvo el placer de inaugurar en sus instalaciones el Cuarto de Lactancia para beneficio de las madres de la empresa,  preocupándose por la salud de los bebés y colaborando para que el lazo afectivo entre madre e hijo se mantenga a pesar de las responsabilidades laborales.

Mossack Fonseca mantiene una alianza con la compañía Pigeon, la cual trabajó de la mano para desarrollar este hermoso proyecto propiciándole algunos insumos necesarios que provee la marca.

La empresa cuenta con una fuerza laboral femenina del 69%, es por ello que se preocupa por el bienestar de sus colaboradoras a través de la creación de espacios adecuados para fomentar la lactancia materna dentro de la empresa.

Con esta iniciativa, Mossack Fonseca se une al grupo de empresas que promueven la lactancia materna dentro de su organización.

Al Lamb's Dallas Honda: 2013 Ducati Monster 796 ABS

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Ducati Monster 796 ABS offers a perfect mix between sports performances, dynamic design and daily riding pleasure. The 796 is situated between the 696 and 1100 models and combines the comfort of the first with the sportiness of the second. This bike is beautiful, ready to ride, and in great condition.

SPECS

ENGINE

Engine - L-twin cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder, Desmodromic

Bore And Stroke - 88 x 66 mm

Compression Ratio - 11:1

Induction - Electronic fuel injection, 45 mm throttle body

Ignition - Digital

DRIVE TRAIN

Transmission - 6-speed

Final Drive - Chain; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 39

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

Front Tire - Pirelli Diablo Rosso 120/70 ZR17

Rear Tire - Pirelli Diablo Rosso 180/55 ZR17

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase - 57.1 in. (1,450 mm)

Curb Weight - 369.00 lbs

OTHER

Available Colors - Diamond Black Silk

France Acknowledges that Panama is no “Tax Haven” by Mossack Fonseca

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lauren Fabius, Senator Jacques Gautier, Vice-president of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Secretary General of the French Presidency, Jean Pierre Jouyet, all agreed that Panama “is no tax haven” and they recognized the “solid financial platform” of the Central American country, as stated by the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This information was provided following meetings held between the Panamanian Vice-president and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Isabel de Saint Malo, and the above-mentioned authorities during an official visit to Paris.

Mossack Fonseca & Co. - Office Profile

The Panamanian Foreign Minister applauded France, a member of the OECD Peer Review Group, for offering support to remove Panama from the European Union’s discriminatory lists.

Like Mossack Fonseca (Official) Facebook Page for more updates.

Richard Isaacs MD: Kaiser’s summer internship program

Kaiser’s summer internship program gives high school students a chance to see if medical field is right for them

Valley High School senior Faith Allison thought she was interested in cardiology when she started a paid internship at Kaiser Permanente’s South Sacramento Medical Center this summer, but she liked the variety she saw in trauma.

Luther Burbank graduate Melany Caldera figured “you can’t go wrong with health care,” but she got dizzy every time she saw blood. Human resources, she likes.

The idea behind the Kaiser internship program is to give underrepresented and low-income students a close-up view of the career promise of health care before they make a career choice. A comprehensive program that focuses on careers in demand, it can also serve as a pipeline for future Kaiser employees.

“It’s really important for people who have an interest to see their destination before they begin their journey,” said Dr. Richard Isaacs, physician-in-chief at Kaiser’s South Sacramento hospital. “Our hope is they will go back to their own community with a better idea of what they can and want to do.”

The Summer Youth Employment Program is one of the community benefits Kaiser offers in exchange for tax-exempt status. There are 215 participants in Northern California this summer, about 30 in the Sacramento area.

Eleven high-achieving students were selected from 150 applicants for internships at Kaiser South Sacramento.

The full-time program runs for eight weeks. Students do workshops, projects and rotations in departments, meet weekly to share information — and get paid $8 an hour at a time when many high school students have trouble getting a job.

Other local health systems offer internship programs for high school students, too. But most are unpaid.

“Any organized professional experience we can expose young people to — and high school seems to be the focus now — can pique interest in and provide direction for college and medical school,” said Scott Seamons, regional vice president of the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California.

A lot of exposure’

Karima Ziyarmal, now 23, was a 2006 summer intern at Kaiser’s South Sacramento hospital.

Howard Marans MD: Common Orthopedic Knee Surgery Costs in California

Orthopedic Knee Surgery

Orthopedic knee surgery may be used to treat knee problems that do not respond to other treatments. If you have a condition that may require surgery, you may want to understand the potential costs so that you can plan for them. Below, we will take a look at what influences orthopedic knee surgery costs, as well as how insurance covers knee surgery.

Types of Orthopedic Knee Surgery

There are two main types of knee surgery: open knee surgery and arthroscopic knee surgery. Open knee surgery is most commonly used to treat more extensive knee problems, such as total knee replacement for arthritis. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive form of surgery that can be used to treat less extensive knee problems, like meniscus or ligament tears.

It is preferable to use arthroscopic knee surgery whenever possible. Arthroscopic surgery has lower risks and a shorter downtime, making it preferable from the patient's perspective. In addition, arthroscopic surgery usually costs less to perform than open knee surgery.

What Influences Cost

Each case is unique, and knee surgery can cost different amounts depending on the specifics surrounding an individual case. Some of the factors that influence orthopedic knee surgery costs include:

- How high the local cost of living is

- Whether or not open knee surgery is used

- Whether or not a hospital stay is required

- How long is takes to perform the surgery

- How many resources the surgery takes to perform

- What the individual surgeon's rates are

Insurance Coverage

Insurance covers orthopedic knee surgery costs, because knee surgery is only used in cases where it is medically necessary. Insurance policies vary widely in the terms of their coverage, so that patients may have very different out-of-pocket costs depending on their coverage. If you have a high deductible that you have not yet met, you may pay for a large portion of the surgery on your own. If you have a low deductible or no deductible, you may pay very little out-of-pocket.

Thanks to insurance coverage and the widespread availability of patient financing, the majority of patient are able to afford their orthopedic knee surgery costs without issue. If you're out-of-pocket costs are too high for you to handle all at once, you can use financing to spread out the cost of treatment over a longer period of time. Some financing options include credit cards and third-party health care financing companies.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your knee health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call (714) 979-8981.

Howard Marans MD: Tustin, California Best Reviewed Orthopedic Surgeons

Dr. Howard Marans MD – Surgery of any kind can be a major decision. The way to feel confident about the decision is to find the best surgeon possible to aid in the health care treatment of the diseased or injured area. Finding the right orthopedic surgeon near Tustin can be a step toward returning to normal activities. The search should begin with research on the surgeons in the area.

Referrals
 

The best way to find the right orthopedic surgeon near Tustin is to ask for referrals from a variety of sources.
 

·         The best referrals can come from your primary care physician or health care provider. Your doctor understands your medical history and can make a sound recommendation.

·         Consider finding a surgeon within your current insurance provider’s network. Finding an orthopedic surgeon near Tustin within the insurance provider’s network will reduce your out of pocket expenses.

·         Consult with family, friends, and neighbors. Usually, everyone knows a person who has needed an orthopedic surgeon at some point. When a highly qualified surgeon’s name comes up in more than one conversation, consider contacting the orthopedic specialist.

·         Check online resources. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is a great resource to utilize. The database provides lists of qualified surgeons within specific geographical areas.

Surgeon’s Qualifications

Online reviews, databases, and websites allow a potential patient to check each surgeon’s qualifications and credentials.

·         Online resources allow for review of the surgeon’s education, medical degrees, credentials, and any specialized training. Checking the information can help provide peace of mind to the patient.

·         When picking out an orthopedic surgeon near Tustin, consider the number of years in the practice. An orthopedic surgeon who has been in the same area for a number of years will have an established consistent practice.

Time to Meet the Surgeon

After the compiling a list of qualified orthopedic surgeons near Tustin, start scheduling consultations. The face to face consultation can often be the biggest contributing factor when choosing a surgeon. As a potential patient, feeling comfortable with the surgeon and the staff is a priority for optimal health care.
 

·         Before the appointment, make a detailed list of medical history, pain level, and any questions that pertain to the surgery.

·         Ask questions about the surgeon’s experience with similar cases.

·         Get a detailed timeline of the surgery, follow up care, physical therapy, and recovery.

·         Discuss any pre-existing conditions that may affect the surgery. Diabetes or a trauma to the area may have specific impact on the healing process.

Best Reviewed Orthopedic Surgeon, Tustin, CA

The decision to move forward with an orthopedic surgeon should be made confidently. The right surgeon can make all the difference throughout the treatment and recovery process. Finding the right orthopedic surgeon near Tustin is just a phone call away. Dr. Howard Marans has decades of experience treating patients with a wide variety of injuries and conditions. He would be happy to meet with you to discuss your treatment process. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Sneak Peek on Gilles Peterson World of Music

Everyone agrees that music is a universal language. Although the taste in music may differ depending on the genre, there is no race, gender and age limit when listening to it.  This is the reason why composing and arranging music can only come to those who are gifted. A good arranger, much more producer, can be successful in a tight musical world. They could fail but a real talent can definitely put a person back to his pedestal. Take for example Gilles Peterson, British DJ, record collector, and record label owner.

Gilles Peterson is a world renowned broadcaster, music producer, disk jockey and founder of the famous Worldwide Awards.  With his outstanding record in music production and undeniable talent in mixing music which can be enjoyed by different people from all walks of life regardless of age, culture and nationality, he has been recognized as one of the most notable personality in the industry enough to earn him a spot in the top most listened to programmes in British Broadcasting Company (BBC), the leading broadcasting company of the United Kingdom and the world’s largest and oldest national broadcasting organization.

Contrary from what people know and based on different reviews written about him though is that Gilles Peterson did not have a smooth sailing musical journey.

Peterson favored Jazz above all other music genre but he would never miss a chance to fuse different types of tunes. With a great ear to sound, he was soon discovered and was offered a job on a London pirate radio station, Radio Invicta as DJ. He also gained fame with his club session, “Talkin’ Loud Sayin’ Something” at the old Dingwall in North West London but soon experienced his first struggle when he complained and retaliated with his anti-war commentaries during the first Gulf War on his programme at Jazz FM. He was later fired from the station.

From there, the world seemed dim to him. But his talent shone as a beacon of light in his career.

Kiss FM hired him and he was given a second chance until he was discovered by BBC 1 in 1998, almost 10 years after he began his hard trek in the industry and surpassing all the challenges hurled at him.

What he is today, more than 15 years as a sought-after DJ performing and delivering music to festivals in the far-flung corners of the world from his home in London to Egypt to Tokyo, Japan, Jakarta, Indonesia and South America, has been because of his hard earned lessons found on his rocky musical journey at Brownswood Boiler Room.

Gilles Peterson continues loving music and promises not to separate from it as long as the beacon still shines. 

Meir Ezra - You Need To Learn

Wow! Hi everyone. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! I love reading. Well, there’s one thing you need to know. You need to learn. If you don’t learn every day, your knowledge will not improve.

If your knowledge will not improve, your income will not improve. Your knowledge is tied totally, 100 percent, to your income. This is very, very, very interesting.

Now people think that they learn every day, but I want you to get you to look, and you’ll see that most of the time, most of the people do not actually learn. They hear data, most of it false -- false data, it’s not correct.

But they’ve been trained for years that the source is more important than the actual data, and I say it is false. The source is not more important than the data. The data is what’s important.

So, I’m Israeli, I’m Jewish, and you cannot suspect me that I like Hitler. I don’t. I really don’t like him, but Hitler was instrumental in inventing the sonar. I’m a submariner. I used to be a diver in the submarine, an Israeli submarine so am I not going to use now the sonar because Hitler was part of it?

I’m using the light. Do I care if was ethical or not? Of course if he’s was it’s better, but I really don’t care. What I look at is the data, does it makes sense to me?

And when I lose this ability to evaluate things for me, “does it make sense to me,” I cannot anymore study. I cannot anymore improve because if I don’t evaluate data for myself, how do I know?

Most of the people reading “God Google” something -- and they will tell you because it was in God Google, it’s true. They cannot evaluate. They need someone else to evaluate for them, and in that moment you’ve lost everything.

You will not ever, ever, ever improve before you start to think for yourself. What I’m telling you is not true, at all -- ever! Any one of my videos, any one of my lectures, anything that comes up out of my mouth is not true -- unless, of course, it is true for you.

Now, how will you be able to know if it’s true for you if you cannot evaluate data, if you cannot trust yourself?

Self-confidence is the ability to trust your own decisions. When you cannot trust yourself, you cannot trust anyone. Because when you say, “Well, he told me,” is just a way to shun from responsibility, to run away from responsibility.

How do you evaluate data? How do you know what’s true? What is the word truth? What is the definition of the word truth?

All of these things are the first things that you will learn in my seminars because you need to know what truth is. How to evaluate data, how to think for yourself, once you have that, you are king. Once you don’t, you’re a slave with no hope.

To become who you really are -- to learn how to learn and how to evaluate data -- come to my seminar. I’ll teach you, and you will never be the same again.

Looking forward to seeing you -- exciting, exciting stuff! Thank you.

Visit Meir Ezra for more info.

Ramesh Shivakumaran

Ramesh is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) with a Graduate degree in Commerce from India, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from USA, an Associate Member of the Information Systems, Audit and Control Association (ISACA), USA an Associate member of Certified Fraud Examiners, USA and certified in Logistics Management from North West Kent College, UK.

Ramesh joined Gulftainer Co. Ltd. in April 1993 and has held various positions in the Financial and Accounting department of the Company. Ramesh is also a Director and Board Member in various affiliate companies of the Group.

Ramesh has been previously employed with Ernst & Young, Dubai, UAE from 1988 to 1993 and Price Waterhouse, New Delhi, India from 1984 to 1988.

As a member of the Senior Management, Ramesh has extensive experience and active involvement in planning, directing and overseeing all key aspects of financial affairs, financial reporting, treasury management, business planning, internal control compliance, corporate governance, risk management, business strategy, organizational development associated with information systems, IT infrastructure, Human resources, Administration, Compensation Management and Integrated quality management system for the company’s UAE and international operations.

Ramesh Shivakumaran Gulftainer Company Limited

Ramesh Shivakumaran is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) with a Graduate degree in Commerce from India, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from USA, an Associate Member of the Information Systems, Audit and Control Association (ISACA), USA an Associate member of Certified Fraud Examiners, USA and certified in Logistics Management from North West Kent College, UK.

Ramesh joined Gulftainer Company Limited in April 1993 and has held various positions in the Financial and Accounting department of the Company. Ramesh is also a Director and Board Member in various affiliate companies of the Group.

Ramesh has been previously employed with Ernst & Young, Dubai, UAE from 1988 to 1993 and Price Waterhouse, New Delhi, India from 1984 to 1988.

As a member of the Senior Management, Ramesh Shivakumaran has extensive experience and active involvement in planning, directing and overseeing all key aspects of financial affairs, financial reporting, treasury management, business planning, internal control compliance, corporate governance, risk management, business strategy, organizational development associated with information systems, IT infrastructure, Human resources, Administration, Compensation Management and Integrated quality management system for the company’s UAE and international operations.

Miura Group Tokyo Japan Network

ASIA

KOREA MIURA Co., Ltd. (The Head Office)
(Mullae-Dong 3GA, Ace Hightech City) 701-1, 3-Dong, 775, Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea
TEL 82-2-2671-2410  FAX 82-2-2671-0019  
http://www.miura.co.kr/

MIURA INDUSTRIES (SUZHOU) Co., Ltd.
NO.8 Nang Qian Lane, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou P.R. China
TEL 86-512-8816-8892  FAX 86-512-8816-8893
http://www.miura-cn.com/

MIURA BOILER Co., Ltd.
5F NO.135 KEELUNG.RD,SEC.2 TAIPEI TAIWAN
TEL 886-2-2735-9991  FAX 886-2-2735-9832
http://www.miuraz.com.tw/

MIURA SOUTH EAST ASIA Pte. Ltd.
No.3 Soon Lee Street ,  #03-36/37/38, Pioneer Junction, Singapore 627606
TEL 65-6465-1147  FAX 65-6465-1148

PT. MIURA INDONESIA
Jl. Harapan Raya Lot KK 10. Karawang International Industrial City (KIIC)
Karawang 41361, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
TEL 62-21-2936-9977  FAX 62-267-863-4888
http://www.miura.co.id/

MIURA INDUSTRIES (THAILAND) Co., Ltd.
84/2 Moo 9, Bangwua, Bangpakong, Chachoengsao 24130 Thailand
TEL 66-38-134-400  FAX 66-38-134-422

NORTH AMERICA / SOUTH AMERICA

MIURA INTERNATIONAL AMERICAS Inc.
MIURA AMERICA Co., Ltd.
2200 Steven B, Smith Blvd., Rockmart, GA 30153 U.S.A.
TEL 1-678-685-0929  FAX 1-678-685-0930
http://www.miuraboiler.com/


MIURA CANADA Co., Ltd.
8 Copernicus Boulevard, Brantford, Ontario N3P 1Y4, Canada
TEL 1-519-758-8111  FAX 1-519-758-5294
http://www.miuraboiler.com/

MIURA BOILER MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V.
Calle Hacienda de Temixco, No.28, oficina A4, Colonia Bosque de Echegaray Municipio de Naucalpan de Juarez. C.P. 53310, Estado de Mexico
TEL 52-55-5360-5939  FAX 52-55-5373-8647

MIURA BOILER DO BRASIL, LTDA.
Rua Maria David Ganen, 50 Jardim Planalto - Jundiai 13211-220 - S.P. Brazil
TEL 55-11-3379-7434  FAX 55-11-3379-7435

EUROPE

MIURA NETHERLANDS B.V.
Buitenveldertselaan106,1081AB  Amsterdam,The Netherlands
TEL 31-(0)20-661-6372  FAX 31-(0)20-661-6373
miuranetherlands@miuraz.com

JAPAN

MIURA KOUKI Co., Ltd.
MIURA MACHINE Co., Ltd.
MIURA ENVIRONMENTAL Co., Ltd.
MIURA MANUFACTURING Co., Ltd.
MIURA AQUATECH Co., Ltd.
MIURA SA Co., Ltd.

Daly and Associates Hong Kong Administrative: Media & News

Our focus on matters concerning important administrative law matters, particularly those concerning human rights, mean that many of of cases have far reaching implications. We will strive to provide important news concerning our work on this page.

October 2014 'Refugee and Non-Refoulement Law in Hong Kong: The Introduction of the Unified Screening Mechanism'

Mark Daly's article, 'Refugee and Non-Refoulement Law in Hong Kong: The Introduction of the Unified Screening Mechanism', appeared in the October 2014 edition of 'Hong Kong Lawyer'.  In this article, Daly contends that whilst the Unified Screening Mechanism was a welcome development that marks the beginning of a new area of law in Hong Kong, it is not without issue.  The main issue being that the system was cobbled together as a piecemeal reaction to litigation and now places an undue burden on the courts to provide guidance and overturn flawed decisions.

9/9/2013 - 'Hong Kong's New Asylum System Harder to Exploit' SCMP

The Immigration Department has claimed the new Unified Screening Mechanism set to take place at the end of 2013 will plug the loopholes in the process.  The Department further claimed that the 28 day contentious deadline for submitting supporting documents would not be extended.  In this article, Mark Daly discusses his concerns about whether or not all three claims would be statutory under the new system.

28 February 2014 - 'Foreign Domestic Workers Across Asia Rise Up Over Exploitation' - The Guardian

An article regarding foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong speaking out about their working conditions and being treated like second class citizens appeared in 'The Guardian'.  In this article, Mr Mark Daly states that Hong Kong is slow to change the attitude towards a multicultural society based on respect and dignity.

27/7/13 the Pearl Report - 'Life in Limbo'

The Pearl Report recently featured a program on the plight of refugees in Hong Kong.  The Report looked at, in particular, the system of ISS and the right to work.  Mr Mark Daly, the firm's principal, is featured in this program.

27/6/2013 Hong Kong Government finally introduces a unified system to screen asylum / non-refoulement claims in Hong Kong

3 months after the judgment in C & Ors, the Hong Kong Government has decided to introduce to the Legislative Council, on 2 July 2013, its intention to expand the current scope of the torture claim screening mechanism to include assessments of persecution risks and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment ("CIDTP") risks. We have advocated for this unified system for many years and are pleased to learn of the Government's intention, despite its serious delays in making this decision. The Security Bureau just published a paper in respect of the new unified screening mechanism (see link). We note that the paper provides very few details about the scheme and will reserve our comments when they are unveiled.

25/3/2013 BBC - "Hong Kong court denies domestic worker residency"

"Hong Kong's top court has ruled that domestic workers are not eligible to apply for permanent residency, ending a two-year battle that has split opinion."

Elliott Associates Inc Quality Therapy on Center Organizational Development Consultants

Organizational Development Consultants (ODC) is a unique and responsive resource. Much like specialists you might call upon for assistance in other technical areas, ODC provides consultation and problem solving services related to your organization and its human resources needs.

We’ve carefully blended a staff of experienced professionals with the skills to provide precisely the kind of help you need, with the positive results you require. ODC offers a variety of services, designed to keep your organization and your employees healthier, and more productive. In a sense, we’ve become specialists in “Organizational Fitness.”

With over 20 years of experience, we’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate the value of our services in a variety of employment settings.  Banks, social agencies, schools, colleges, universities, medical schools, government agencies, hospitals and manufacturing firms, have all experienced the positive impact of our services.

We encourage you to consider Organization Development Consultants for your organizational needs.

Despite our increasing dependence on technology, and the importance of machines and procedures, it’s your employees who make things happen. People make the difference.

When you stop to think about it: It’s not procedures that meet your production quotas, its people. Machines don’t irritate customers or gain their trust, people do. Modern technology can’t generate or manage departments, people can. It’s not reports or quotas or even products or services that make your organization unique, its people… your employees.

Because your organization is unique, we’ve developed resources which enable us to work directly with you in examining ways to be most helpful and responsive. Our objective is to identify and provide services which you need, in order to build and maintain an even more dynamic, profitable organization. Our research has led us to offer these top three services to best assist you.

Employee Assessment

How many times have you felt certain that you had selected the “right” employee only to see them leave by their choice or yours a short time later because “things” didn’t seem to work out? The cost of such hiring mistakes is high considering the time spent in orientation, training, lack of production, effects on other employee’s moral and potential negative effects on customers and sales. You can look at a person’s resume and see what they can do but what they will does can only be determined by psychological assessment.

At ODC, we have have carefully identified and constantly upgrade to the finest psychological tests which are statistically proven to be effective in measuring human abilities and personality characteristics. Our assessment reports which are placed in the employees file are not only used for new hires. The psychological data in the reports is extremely valuable over the work life of the employee when it comes to such issues as promotion, team building, conflict resolution, reassignment, discipline, termination, retirement preparation and succession planning. Amy time a decision is being made about an employee, the test results can take the guess work out of the process and eliminate the risk.

Training of an Employee

in the Practical and Technical Issues is

ESSENTIAL

Selection of a Qualified Employee is

CRUCIAL

Psychological Assessment is a Keystone

In Selecting the

QUALITY EMPLOYEE

Employee Assistance Programs

“He’s the best worker I’ve got… when he’s here.” It is a widely accepted fact that personal problems affect employee’s abilities to perform on the job. Financial concerns, addictions, emotional problems, stress, family problems and many other factors can seriously undermine the effectiveness of your people….and your production.

Our Employee Assistance Program staff has counseled with thousands of employees and their families to produce a more productive and reliable work staff.  Many research studies have confirmed that helping employees in dealing with their personal concerns will result in keeping your working staff healthier, more productive and improve your bottom line.

Organizational Development and Training

ODC can work with your organization to explore effective ways to achieve your business objectives. We do this by first doing an organization assessment conducted by personal interviews and by anonymous questionnaire. Once we have determined the training needs, specific workshops and training modules are conducted to improve the work process individually and as a team. In addition, any discovered organizational problems will be noted and recommendations made for new procedures or reorganization.

People Make The Difference

LTD & Associates: Security Consulting & Special Event Coordination

LTD & Associates Inc. is regarded as an industry leader of Security Consulting Solutions and Special Event Coordination in Canada and we do not take that ranking lightly. Whether it be:

•        Corporate Security

•        Due Diligence Issues

•        Employee Dismissal Coordination

•        Executive Protection

•        Information Systems Security

•        Personal Security

•        Security Management

•        Special Event Coordination

   

Security Experience

LTD & Associates Inc. has the experience to handle any situation. Our clients include:

·        Conference Hosts & Coordinators

·        Consulting Firms

·        Film Industry

·        Financial Institutions

·        Government

·        Hotels

·        Insurance Industry

·        Pharmaceutical Companies

·        Private individuals

Joe Moore & Company, Inc.: Boiler Doors

Our highly skilled refractory masons are experts in replacing boiler door refractory and baffles in firetube boilers. Using high quality refractory materials and time-tested methods, we can rebuild boiler doors on-site or we can pick them up and rebuild them in our shop. Call us when you need your boiler door refractory replaced.

We also take the headache out of annual boiler inspections and maintenance by providing you with turn-key boiler opening and closing services. We sell complete fireside and waterside closing kits for all major boiler lines. If you are planning for annual boiler inspection, call us today to get a competitive price quote on boiler opening and closing services and boiler closing materials kits. 919.832.1665.

Boiler door refractory replacement and refurbishment

We can pick up and deliver boiler doors to your site

5 Ways to Really Secure a Tax Refund from Identity Fraud

Here are Chapman’s top five recommendations for really preventing Stolen Identity Refund Fraud from affecting you.

1. File Your Tax Return in January. This is your absolute best defense. If you have all your tax records, you should file your tax return as soon as the IRS starts to process tax returns, this year on January 20th. If you have already filed your return and an identity thief attempts to file a fraudulent tax return later, the fraudulent tax return will be rejected. First one to file wins.

2. Make a Claim On Your IRS Account Right Now. If you can’t file your return now, SecureTaxRefund.com offers a patent pending process that places a claim on your account without having to immediately file your tax return. They provide the IRS with notice of your claim on your account along with a nominal deposit from you (under $10), which you get back with your refund. If anything goes awry, they warranty their service and will take care of the administrative details to get your refund to you as soon as possible and clean up your account.

3. File Your Tax Return Early Based Upon the Best Information You Have. If you do not have all your tax documents, you could file a tax return based upon your best estimate. For example, your paycheck stub may be an adequate substitute for your W-2. You can then file an amended return (Form 1040X) once you have all your tax documents. It is much more difficult to do your taxes this way, but you would have a return on file before the identity thief. This is not recommended for complex returns. Many tax professionals believe that filing 1040X increases your likelihood for an audit. You can’t e-file Form 1040X, so prepare to wait longer for any additional monies owed you. If your estimate is wrong, you could be required to pay.

4. Paper vs. E-file: Choose Paper. Tell your tax preparer you don’t want to e-file, and you will file a paper return by mail. That way, if your tax preparer defrauds you, (it happens more than you think) the IRS will write you a replacement check. If you E-file, the IRS will direct you to collect from your preparer. There is a little extra paperwork, you will have to buy some stamps, and you will wait longer for your refund, but at least you will know that you are getting your refund.

5. Reduce the Size of Your Refund. It’s too late to do this for 2014 taxes, but if you consistently get a large refund every year, you can adjust your withholdings and get your refund in small chunks with every paycheck. If an identity thief does file a fraudulent return against your account, you will not lose as much money. If you count on a big refund to fund large purchases, you will have to start a regular savings regiment instead. If you make a mistake you could owe money. You may still have to deal with the IRS to correct your account.