Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 2 September 2004 — Page 9

The Muncie Times • September 2, 2004 • Page 9

AFRICAN BRIEFS

continued from page 7. and sisters who voted 'Yes'.” He added that his social revolution would now be deepened. The charismatic, populist Chavez, who was first elected in 1998 and reelected under the new constitution in 2000, has created a long list of social programmes for the poor, who form his support base. These efforts have included an adult literacy campaign, a programme under which thousands of Cuban doctors have brought primary health care to the slums, micro-credit schemes for the poor, special markets in low-income neighbourhoods providing food at subsidised prices, and soup kitchens. Referring to his victory and using terminology from Venezuela's national sport,

baseball, Chavez also said ’’the ball must have fallen right in the middle of the White House. It's a present for Bush.” The president was alluding to the constant verbal attacks he has received from the U.S. administration of President George W. Bush. The markets reacted favourably to the announcement of Chavez's triumph, especially the oil market. Analysts like Jon Rugby, with Commerzbank in London, said a Chavez defeat would have generated uncertainty, which would have been reflected in the price of oil. Venezuela is the world's fifth largest oil exporter and one of the top four suppliers of the United States, to which it exports 1.5 million barrels a day. But the international

reactions were cautious as governments waited for Carter and Gaviria to give their final opinions on the referendum. A communique from the French Foreign Ministry said it was premature to make a statement until all parties had accepted the results. And a few minutes before the start of the press conference offered by Carter and Gaviria, a U.S. State. Department spokesman in Washington, Tom Casey, refused to comment until first hearing what the international election observers had to say. The voting went smoothly on Sunday, and Carter and Gaviria congratulated the Venezuelan people for the massive turnout. The head of the Carter Centre said more than 10 million of the 14 million registered voters

came out. However, four people were killed in isolated incidents. A progovernment activist was shot in the early hours of the morning on his way to vote, reportedly caught in the middle of shooting between criminals in his neighbourhood in southwestern Caracas. In a poor neighbourhood on the east side, several people threw stones at voters as they stood in line, and a soldier, responding to the aggression, accidentally shot and killed a woman. In Maracaibo, a city in western Venezuela, a heated argument over the results of the referendum spiralled and one local resident opened fire on those who disagreed with him, killing two young men. Monday was like a

day of mass hangover in the capital, with a climate something like that of New Year's Day, with everyone exhausted after spending up to 15 hours in line outside the voting stations. Chavez declared the day a holiday for public employees, and urged private businesses to do the same. Most shops in downtown Caracas remained closed, and only a few pharmacies and cafes opened their doors. Rafael Diaz, a tiredlooking cashier in a bakery, said ’’The best thing is that it's all over. Now the only thing left is to get to work.” Lisa Vives Executive Director Global Information Network 146 West 29th Street Suite 7E New York, NY 10001 www. globalinfo. org 212-244-3123 (voice)

Mayor Canan signs executive order renaming Broadway as MLK Boulevard

By T. S. Kumbula After about 18 months of controversy and racial division, Muncie Mayor Dan C. Canan signed a compromise executive order that settled the conflict on whether Broadway Avenue should be renamed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Boulevard. The order that Canan signed Aug. 24 renamed a portion of Broadway, from the railroad to McGalliard Road. The name change becomes effective Jan. 1, 2007, giving businesses and residences along the affection section time to get used to the new name. A Mediation Committee, developed after the intervention of an official from the U. S. Justice Department office in Chicago, had been meeting

since last year to solve this and other city problems. “As Muncie’s leader, with Muncie’s best interest(s) paramount in my mind, I believe the greatest advantages for Muncie will be found in actions that move us forward toward our forecasted and predictably bright future. One such act necessary is the designation of Broadway Avenue to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Boulevard, which in and of itself memorializes a great man and his heroic leadership in a suitable and appropriate manner,” said the mayor in a prepared statement released at the Unitarian Universalist Church, days before Canan took off on a Bosnia trip. “Yet more can be done and we should be proud to do it.

“In a cooperative endeavor between the City of Muncie and the Mediation Committee, a committee that' has proven to be a successful partnership, the appropriate signage will be designed and erected commemorating this designation. The timeline and design shall be determined by the Mediation Committee. The City of Muncie will erect the signage.” ' Canan said he had been approached by various people and groups to try and find a speedy closure to the divisive debate over the proposed designation of Broadway as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. He said closure would help promote race relations, stability, economic development and foster an

environment that would also foster investment. “To promote our community in this manner, we are obligated to build a community that is unified and diversified. This requires putting to rest our past beliefs and actions. As the mayor of this city, and with these thoughts in mind, I have decided it is now time for me to seize the leadership role on this issue,” he sdid. “I am executing an executive order, somewhat against my better judgment, not because I don’t wholeheartedly agree with the conceptual idea behind the renaming. I do. It’s not because of differing actions or political interpretations from others. It is, in fact, based upon my belief that a mayor does not

commandeer his power and authority by changing the names of streets upon any gesture or whim. However, it is altogether fitting that we do this. “This issue has caused a blight upon our community and it would continue to cause us all to endure nonproductive, prolonged, ill-favored situations and embarrassment. Signing this executive order is the proper and right thing to do. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a man who, through the power of speech, wrought a powerful and significant change in our country and our thinking toward our fellow citizens. It was and is a change for the good and betterment of Muncie and all citizens. continue on page 10.