1. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012
LOCAL 8
Minister Al-Obaidi signs construction contract for first of 9 towers
MoH to pay extra wages for personnel working extra hours
KUWAIT CITY, Nov 28: Health Obaidi also announced the signing the starting point which will raise the tower at the Razi Hospital will be fol-
Minister Dr Ali Al-Obaidi is deter- of a construction contract for the bed capacity in the hospital to 80 per- lowed by the Amiri Hospital contract
mined to pay extra wages for person- first of the nine towers developed by cent which means 240 beds will be and then the Kuwait Center for
nel working extra hours outside their the Ministry of Health as part of its added. Cancer.
normal duty and on public holidays, construction and development pro- Moreover, it will also mean new He pointed the construction of the
reports Al-Rai daily. gram. operation theatres which will raise the new nine towers will be under the full
The minister said specialist physi- Sources pointed out, these towers number to 12 thus reducing the wait- supervision of the Ministry of Health
cians will get KD 20 an hour, regis- will contribute to increase in bed ing period for patients. in terms of construction, equipment
trars and general practitioners KD 16 capacity to more than 5,400 beds. Al-Obaidi said the signing of the and maintenance, which is happening
and KD 10 for X-ray technicians. Al-Obaidi said the Razi Hospital is contract for the construction of the for the first time.
Poll hopeful Al-Rashid urges
PM to give way to new faces
Maasouma optimistic on women’s win in polls
KUWAIT CITY, Nov
The GUST Club of the Year being announced. 28: Parliamentary
election candidate Ali
GUST Islamic Finance Club named Club of the Year Al-Rashid urges HH
the Prime Minister
Gulf University for Science and in 2009, the IFC proved their existence Sheikh Jaber Al-
Technology (GUST) Office of Student with the myriad of events and sponsored Mubarak Al-Sabah to
Life (OSL) announced in a small cere- trips to business hubs of the world and give way to new faces,
mony that the GUST Club of the Year is their establishment of a solid partnership reports Al-Kuwaitiya
the Islamic Finance Club. Dr Jassem with the Kuwait Finance House (KFH). daily.
Al-Abdulsalam, GUST Board of The members are: Zabin Al-Zabin, Omar At a recent electoral
Trustees Member, Sabah Al- Al-Oraiman, Naser Al-Haji, Abdullah Al- seminar, Al-Rashid was
Quaddoumi, VP of Academic Services Ateeqi, Mariam Al-Abdulghafoor, Fahad totally convinced the gov-
and Dr Milton Blood, International Al-Hees and Mushari Al-Ali.
Coordinator and Adjunct Professor at The purpose of the event was not only
ernment has not succeeded
the University of Missouri - St Louis, to recognize the Club of the Year, but in managing various files,
GUST’s affiliate university, were all also to motivate and encourage the 12 and said the prime minister
present at the event. student run clubs and acknowledge their himself admits this fact.
Dr Al-Quaddoumi noted: “Student hard work throughout the years. He disclosed the govern-
clubs are an important and integral part Dr Al-Abdulsalam and Dr Blood ment has reached a bargain
of the university experience here at extended their congratulations to the IFC with the nullified majority
GUST and we wish to recognize that.” and encouraged the other clubs to aim bloc for support during
He also thanked the Office of Student and win next year. Ms Anwar Al-Sabah interpellations filed against Members of the new Businesswomen Sector Group pose for a photograph. Seated second from left is An Swinnen, BBF
Life members: Anwar Al-Sabah, Aseel said: “This is the first year we choose a its ministers, except for the Board Member and owner of the British training company BECS.
Abou Nemah and Yasmeen Abdulrahim Club of the Year, and we hope to name ‘honest’ Mustafa Al-
Shimali.
for their efforts in making this event pos-
sible and for continuously supporting all
other clubs in future years to offer better
events and better activities year by He added the boycotters Group welcomes businesswomen of all sectors, backgrounds
the GUST clubs. year.” will participate in the com-
The Islamic Finance Club (IFC), won
because they stand out, works hard, is
dedicated to their club and their goals,
There are 12 active student clubs at
GUST, including: Islamic Finance Club,
Media Club, Ruwwad Business Club,
ing parliamentary elec-
tions, “as they are like fish
and cannot live outside
BBF inaugurates new Businesswomen Group
and continuously shows eagerness and Anime Club, Talent Club, Photography water”. By Paul Francis X. Fernandes ment where business and professional “If you are interested in joining contact
determination to build relationships with- Club, Sports Club, Al-Rawafed, iGive, Meanwhile, candidate of Arab Times Staff women can network, generate business An Swinnen, the BBF Businesswomen
in and outside the university. Established Expressions Society and others. the First Constituency Dr opportunities, exchange ideas and experi- Convener at an.swinnen@bbfkuwait.com
Maasouma Al-Mubarak is KUWAIT CITY, Nov 28: The British ences, learn new skills, host women or join our Linkedin group ‘BBF
optimistic that Kuwaiti Business Forum in Kuwait held the inau- speakers and find out what is happening Businesswomen Kuwait’,” she added.
embassy row women will get lucky in the
upcoming parliamentary
election. She is expecting
gural meeting of its new Businesswomen
Sector Group. An Swinnen, BBF Board
Member and owner of the British training
in Kuwait and the rest of the world
regarding business practice and opportu-
nities.
The next meeting is scheduled to be at
7 pm on Tuesday Jan 8, 2013 when Hind
Al-Nahed, owner of Socialobby, will
better participation in the company BECS, chaired this historic The BBF Businesswomen also provide deliver a session on how social media can
By Valiya S. Sajjad grievances. event which was hosted by the Crowne mutual support and celebrate members’ increase profits, credibility and visibility
Indian workers helpline is accessible by toll process, reports Al-Qabas
Arab Times Staff Plaza Hotel at its premises. successes during the monthly meetings, in a world market.
free telephone number 25674163 from all daily.
In an interview with the The new BBF Businesswomen group she added. Other members will share their knowl-
over Kuwait. It provides information and has 32 members from all business back- Swinnen went on to say the BBF edge on the subject and discuss the legal,
Australia advice to Indian workers as regards their daily, she added the nullified grounds and sectors. Businesswomen sector group welcomes technical and marketing aspects of social
grievances, immigration and other matters. majority bloc has deviated Addressing the members, Swinnen businesswomen of all sectors, ages and media. There will also be a ‘news in
The Embassy of Australia has announced The help desk at the Embassy (open from 9 from its agenda, while the said the group provides a safe environ- backgrounds. Kuwait’ and networking session.
that Kuwaiti citizens can apply for and am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4:30 pm, Sunday to political activity is losing its
receive visit visas in at least 10 working days Thursday) provides guidance to Indian way.
through www.immi.gov.au. All other pro- nationals on routine immigration, employ- “Collectively, we can Envoy to Qatar meets Kuwait team Pension hike
cessing of visas and immigration matters are ment, legal and other issues. It also provides push for change and bring
about development through
handled by the Australian Visa Application workers assistance in filling up labour com-
to all retirees
Centre located in Al Banwan Building, 4B
1st floor, Al Qibla Area, Ali Al Salem Street,
plaint forms. For any unaddressed issues, the
concerned attaché in the Labour section and
the head of the Labour Wing can be contact-
our patriotic determination”,
reports Al-Anba daily quot-
ing Fifth Constituency can-
‘Environment issues top priority’ KUWAIT CITY, Nov 28,
Kuwait City, Kuwait. Visit www.vfs.ae for (KUNA): The Kuwaiti Cabinet
more info. ed. didate Faleh Muhawesh as DOHA, Nov 28, (KUNA): The State of conference takes place in our region this held its weekly meeting
The Embassy of Australia does not have a Free legal advice is provided on matters saying. Kuwait assigns priority to all issues related time around,” the ambassador said. Wednesday, at Bayan Palace
visa or immigration department in Kuwait. pertaining to labour disputes, terms of con- He added Kuwaitis could to the environment and includes care for Coming to specifics, the diplomat said under the chairmanship of His
All processing of visas and immigration tracts with employers, death/accident com- assist His Highness the such issues in all its plans, and this is why it Kuwait’s negotiating stance regarding the Highness the Prime Minister
matters are conducted by the Australian pensation, withholding of dues by employ- Amir to push the wheel of is also keen on attending all international timeframe for a second period of commit- Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-
Consulate General in Dubai. Email: ers, etc. by lawyers on our panel, to Indian development forward to conferences and events in this field, Kuwaiti ment to the Kyoto protocol on climate Hamad Al-Sabah.
info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.co (VFS), immi- nationals on all working days between improve healthcare and edu- Ambassador to Qatar Ali Salman Al-Haifi change was in concert with that of other Gulf Following the meeting,
gration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (visa office). Tel: 1500hrs to 1600hrs. cation, while inaugurating told KUNA, Tuesday. Cooperation Countries. “A united position is Minister of Information and
+971 43551958 (VFS), +971 45087200 The Open House for Indian citizens by the his campaign headquarters The ambassador was speaking after meet- only natural since these countries face the Minister of State for Cabinet
(Visa Office), Fax: +971 43550708 (Visa Ambassador is being held on all Wednesdays themed ‘Collectively We ing members of the Kuwaiti delegation tak- same challenge and share the same environ- Affairs Sheikh Mohammad
Office). between 1500 hrs to 1600 hrs at the Embassy Can’ in the presence of sev- ing part in the 18th session of the mental conditions and concerns.” Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-
Notary and passport services are available for redressal of grievances. In case eral supporters led by Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC The State of Kuwait is keen on executing Sabah gave a briefing on the
by appointment at the Australian Embassy Wednesday is an Embassy holiday, the meet- notable personalities from and the 8th session of the Conference of the many projects with main efforts coordinated meeting deliberations and out-
ing will be held on the next working day. the area. Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties and supervised by the Environment Public come.
only on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Sheikh Mohammad pointed
Appointments can be made by calling the He stressed the fight to the Kyoto Protocol. The conference Authority (EPA). The state also takes pride
opened on Nov 26 and continues until Dec in its involvement and participation in all out that the Cabinet acclaimed
embassy on 22322422. Peru against corruption can not
7, 2012, at the Qatar National Convention regional and international events in this the warm and great reception of
be limited to mere propa- His Highness the Amir of
ganda and noted effective Centre in Doha. field.
France The Embassy of Peru is located in Sharq, The Kuwaiti delegation includes represen- On the host country, the ambassador noted Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-
mechanism must be imple- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah dur-
Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Al Arabiya Tower, mented for that purpose. He tation for a host of state bodies specialized in praiseworthy effort in organization and host- ing his official visit to the
The French Embassy has announced that 6th Floor.Working days / hours: pointed to the current mis- or with specialties related to environment ing of this and other events. The great United Kingdom which started
Schengen Visa applications for France are Sunday–Thursday / 09:00am - 04:00pm. understanding between the affairs. The diplomat noted the level and vol- resources and services put at participants’ on Nov 26. This great reception
now received and processed only by the Residents in Kuwait interested in getting a legislative and executive ume of participation in the event reflects the disposal go a long way in facilitating smooth reflects the strong bonds link-
company Capago MENA in Kuwait. visa to travel to Peru and companies attract- authorities and said reform realization of the importance of the climate interaction and help towards ultimate suc- ing the two friendly nations and
For information and appointments, please ed to invest in Peru are invited to visit the change issue. The participants come from cess of the event. The Kuwaiti ambassador their leaders, the cabinet said.
or development can not be 194 countries and include 7,000 members of had, Tuesday night, hosted a banquet in the
contact Capago MENA’s call center on: 22 permanent exposition room located in the attained in this way, indicat- The ministers also voiced
27 05 55. Capago MENA is situated in Al Embassy. For more information, please con- NGOs. “It is of great significance that the Kuwaiti delegation’s honor. hopes that Kuwaiti-UK rela-
ing issues of this nature
Raya Tower I, 26th floor, Al Raya Shopping tact: (+965) 22267250/1 tions would develop and
reverse the wheel of devel- expand in all domains, for the
tinies, setting their own pace of change.
Center, Shuhada Street, Kuwait City.
Romania
opment.
He blamed the govern-
An ongoing Revolution is not, and nor should it be, the best of the two nations, in the
only option for change. Indeed, it is the coming period.
Greece ment and the National
Continued from Page 1 option of last resort. Over the long and con- Then, Deputy Prime
Assembly for the current tinuing evolution of British democracy we Minister and Minister of
The Embassy of Romania in Kuwait
announced that it has launched a new web- disheartening situation here, Kuwait’s path to reform and progress has — have learnt well the benefits of stability, grad- Defense Sheikh Ahmad Al-
The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait has stressing both authorities are rightly — been its own. Its constitution was Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah
announced its new website site: kuweit.mae.ro ual reform and responsiveness to the will of
at fault because the execu- drafted, fifty years ago, just after independ- the people. apprised the Cabinet of the out-
www.mfa.gr/kuwait where visa applications tive has been lackadaisical ence, and has kept the country on a course These are lessons well understood in the come of the 11th session of the
and other useful information are available. US in pushing for achieve- towards democracy that had been set since the Gulf and in Kuwait where there has been a Joint Defense Council of
For Schengen visas to Greece, the ments, while the legislature founding of the state. Recent years have seen gradual evolution in governance. Some might Ministers of Defense of Gulf
embassy strongly recommends Kuwaiti citi- has failed by using the increasing debate about the nature of that argue that this allows its rulers to shirk the hard Cooperation Council (GCC)
zens and foreign residents to apply early, The US Embassy in Kuwait has launched democracy. Governments and Prime Ministers decisions. I would strongly disagree. Kuwait, States held in Riyadh Tuesday.
a new streamlined visa application, the DS- grilling tool to settle person-
prior to the intended date of travel. al scores. have come and gone. Election campaigns have despite its challenges, is a clear example of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khalid
160, which replaces and combines all previ- been fought and re-fought. Protestors have how political reform can and does happen in said that the GCC defense min-
ous forms. All non-immigrant visa appli- “Lawmakers should mon- exercised their right to make their views known isters have mulled the expan-
India itor the government per- the Gulf. As it continues, the UK will offer
cants will use this new form. on the streets. Analysts have written reams advice when sought and support when needed sion of defense and military
With the new form, applicants will have to formance and make the about the past, present and future of the coun- as we already do in working with the govern- cooperation among the mem-
The Embassy of India has announced that upload a visa photograph and submit the members accountable for try. All of these are things we in the UK would ment to promote transparency and accountabil- ber states and development of
the following services are available at the form via the internet. The applicant will print unlawful activities, without recognise from the pursuit of politics in ity as well as combat corruption. And as the joint Peninsula Shield
embassy: just one confirmation sheet upon completion exaggeration or fracas,” he Europe. Kuwait continues on its journey we will also Forces to address the chal-
Passports and Visa applications can be of the DS-160. indicated. Currently we’re seeing the next chapter in give our views on progress honestly and open- lenges threatening the Gulf
For additional information, please visit the Kuwait’s development unfold. What turn this ly, as any friend should do. region’s security and stability.
deposited at the two outsourced centers of development should take is politically contest-
US Embassy website: http://kuwait.usem- The Joint Steering Group that was launched Moreove, the Cabinet
M/S BLS Ltd at Sharq and Fahaheel. Details ed, and the path forward is not clear, much as it reviewed a study by the Civil
are available at www.bls-international.com bassy.gov. The site contains a complete list of in London Tuesday, provides a forum for this,
would not be clear in any other mature society. as well as a chance to deepen our relations Service Commission and the
and www.indembkwt.org. application requirements, links to the new But what is certain is that Kuwaitis will contin-
application and the online appointment system. across the board on trade and investment, for- state social security establish-
Consular Wing is providing daily service ue to choose their own path. And the long term eign policy and critical issues like migration ment on the exclusion of cer-
of Open House to Indian citizens on all ❑ ❑ ❑ trajectory will, I hope, remain progressive, and education. The group, like this week’s his- tain categories from the retirees
workings days from 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs and Editor’s note: The Embassy Row column reformist and Kuwaiti-led. toric visit is a concrete illustration of the com- from the recently government
from 1430 hrs to 1530 hrs by the Consular is dedicated to serving the needs of all Support for this is a key tenet of UK poli- mitment that this government set out when approved 12.5 percent pension
Officer in the Meeting Room of the Consular embassies in Kuwait by publishing infor- cy, not just in Kuwait, but in the Gulf and the coming into office to invest in our relationship increase. Following the deliber-
Hall at the Embassy. For any unaddressed mation on their activities free of charge wider Middle East region. We support the with our allies in the Gulf. ations, the Cabinet approved a
issues, Second Secretary (Consular) can be every weekend. All embassies are there- ongoing transitions to democracy in Egypt, I hope that the sight of His Highness the bill to end the exclusion and
contacted. Furthermore, the head of the fore welcome to send information on their Libya and Tunisia. We hope to one day see a Amir visiting Her Majesty The Queen will give offer the pension increase to all
Consular Wing is also available to redress functions to the Editor, Fax No. 24818267. transition to democracy in Syria. But in each a window into the vibrancy of Kuwaiti politics, retirees. The ministers also
case, our role is to support, not to lead. It has and a glimpse beyond the shallow stereotypes tackled the latest political
been the people of these countries who have
DISPATCHES Al-Rashid spoken out and who have changed their des-
into the political and social depth of this inspir-
ing country and fascinating region.
developments in Kuwait, Arab
region and the whole world.