THIS DAY IN OUR PAST

The following events took place on April 26 in the years identified:

1980:sweep Jamaica makes a clean

of the major titles at the 3rd Japan Karate Association (JKA) Caribbean Karate Championships co-sponsored by Smirnoff, which took place at the National Arena. The local black belts from the Japan Karate Association International of Jamaica win the Team Kata with Trinidad taking second spot and Guyana third place. The Kumite Team title is also won by Jamaica with the minor places being fitted similarly to the Kata. Jamaica faced Trinidad in the final after proving superior to the other participating countries in the elimination stages. The final fight between Maurice Rhodd of Jamaica and Joseph Gibbs of Trinidad did not last for the full period of two minutes as Gibbs, in applying a front foot kick, is unfortunate to have his knee joint dislocated. He tried to continue the battle but each time he lost his balance. The fight was then stopped and Jamaica’s Rhodd is declared the winner by default to give the local team the title. 1982:Seaga Prime Minister Edward

is declared the Outstanding Individual of 1981 at The Gleaner’s Honour Award banquet at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. Seaga is the unanimous choice of the selection committee appointed by The Gleaner’s board of directors, based on nominations from readers. He is among 44 nominees who include politicians, businessmen, educators, sportsmen, social workers and others. 2000:indicate Official statistics

that nearly all of the drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2000 were not wearing seat belts. Of the 26 drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2000 so far, only two were wearing seat belts.