Egypt Court Clears Way for Salafist in Presidential Race
An Egyptian court ruled Wednesday that the mother of popular Salafi politician Hazem Abu Ismail is not an American citizen, clearing the way for him to rejoin the presidential race.
Earlier this month, Ismail's candidacy was in doubt after the presidential elections commission said it obtained documents showing that his mother was a U.S. citizen, effectively disqualifying him from running in the polls scheduled for May 23 and 24.
Under the country's electoral law, all candidates for the presidency, as well as their spouses and parents, may not have any other citizenship than Egyptian.
Outside the courtroom in central Cairo, thousands of Abu Ismail's supporters waved Egyptian flags and chanted “God is great.”
The presidential elections commission is currently examining documents of all applicants for the elections and will issue the final list of approved candidates before the end of the month.
Abu Ismail is a lawyer-turned-preacher with a large following of supporters, particularly from the country's ultraconservative Salafi movement. He advocates a strict interpretation of Sharia, or Islamic law, and used anti-U.S. rhetoric in his campaign speeches.
Among the other contenders are Khairat el-Shater of the Muslim Brotherhood, a dominant force in Egyptian politics that holds almost half the seats in parliament.
According to Egyptian clerics, el-Shater also supports the quick implementation of Sharia, if elected in May.
Bahamas opposition welcomes election announcement
Bahamas opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie on Tuesday night asked voters for their support following an announcement that the highly anticipated election date is May 7.
“The Progressive Liberal Party welcomes the election season as an opportunity to debate issues of critical national importance and, most of all, as an opportunity to bring change to The Bahamas,” said Christie in a statement.
“The FNM is asking voters for support at a time when Bahamians are struggling with record violence, record unemployment, record foreclosures and record national debt,” he said.
The Free National Movement (FNM) revealed the election date in a statement shortly before Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham confirmed it in a national address on Tuesday night.
Earlier on Tuesday, Provost Marshal Ellison Greenslade read two proclamations from the steps of the House of Assembly -- one revealing that Parliament was dissolved; the other announcing that the new Parliament will reconvene May 23.
Christie reiterated the PLP’s agenda if elected as the next government of The Bahamas.
Among those promises is a pledge to double the national investment in education.
Christie also hit out at the FNM for the record murder rate, unemployment and the government’s decision to sell the majority stake in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to a foreign company.
“As part of our plan to help the nation's economy recover and grow, the PLP will offer relief to homeowners struggling with mortgage payments,” Christie said.
“And when the PLP is in charge of building or repairing the nation's roads and bridges and seawalls, we will be hiring Bahamian contractors and workers, not foreigners.”
Many of the promises are familiar to many Bahamians, but Christie asserted that the PLP is ready to bring change to the country starting on day one.
“So many Bahamians have already shared their hopes, dreams and their fears and concerns with me as I travel around all our islands,” he said.
“For the rest of you, I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail. This election is about you, and your future.”
Courtesy of the Nassau Guardian
Too early to talk about salary increases—PM
“It is too premature to say that all MPs will get a pay hike.” So said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as she spoke to reporters after commissioning the start of a $400 million road repair programme, headed by Works and Infrastructure Minister Jack Warner.
The function took place at Dades Trace Extension, Tabaquite. In her feature address, Persad-Bissessar called on Warner and Junior Minister Stacy Roopnarine to supervise the mammoth construction project which included the paving of over 42 roads and 38 landslip projects across T&T.
She also promised that over 3,000 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs would be made available during the project. Speaking to reporters after the function, Persad-Bissessar said it was not certain whether MP's would get a pay hike. She explained that the Salaries Review Commission (SRC) was obligated by law to assess the salaries of State officials.
Responding to the T&T Guardian exclusive report yesterday on the proposed salary hike, Persad-Bissessar said: “I think the article is very premature. The law mandates that the SRC must do a salaries review, not only of MPs but also of senior officials of the State.
“We are complying with the law and at the end of the day the Government is free to accept it or reject it, even the SRC.” She said in the past the Government did not even recommend an increase. “Therefore, it is premature to say there are going to be salary increases,” Persad-Bissessar added.
Asked whether she believed the timing was off because of the unions’ calls for better wages, Persad-Bissessar said: “This is in keeping with the law of the land. They must comply within a certain timeframe. I cannot say how long it will take.
“It is not something that will happen tomorrow morning. They may or may not recommend an increase.
“In the event that an increase is recommended, the Government still has the option not to accept the report.” She explained, however, that there might be other senior public servants who may be inclined to have an increase, even if MPs did not accept.
On Tuesday, Leader of Government business in the Senate, Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George, tabled the 96th report of the Salaries Review Commission. An April 3 circular letter, issued by Parliament, confirmed the review of salaries.
Parliament also issued a questionnaire, which, it said “seeks to obtain data primarily on the quantum of time Members of Parliament spend on parliamentary duties.
“The information sought will assist the committee and our researchers in the preparation of a comprehensive proposal for the consideration of the Salaries Review Commission.” it was stated. The last pay hike for ministers and MPs was in 2006 when the Prime Minister’s salary was increased to $48,000 a month; Cabinet ministers’ salaries increased to $33,00 a month and non-Cabinet ministers to $27,000.
The Leader of the Opposition moved to $23,800, MPs (non-ministers) increased to $14,000 and senators (non-ministers) to $10,500.
CCJ President says,Time for Caribbean nations to manage their judicial affairs
The president of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, said regional countries should “complete their independence and sovereignty by claiming the rights to completely manage our judicial affairs.”
Byron made his comments as he addressed regional journalists at “an engagement meeting” in Port of Spain.
The CCJ president said he supported the views of the Trinidad and Tobago calypsonian, “Singing Sandra” who, during the just concluded Carnival celebrations in her homeland, urged Port of Spain to become a full signatory to the court as the oil rich twin island republic celebrates 50 years of political independence.
The CCJ, established in 2001, has both an original jurisdiction to interpret the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and appellate jurisdiction aimed at replacing the London-based Privy Council to which many CARICOM member states belong.
But while most of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are signatories to the original jurisdiction, only Barbados, Guyana and Belize have signed on to the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ that also functions as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the regional integration movement.
According to a report from the Caribbean Media Corporation, CMC, Byron told the forum that he was not supportive of the view that the region is not ready for the CCJ noting that some of the arguments include “excessive delays in the judicial process and that we are yet to meaningfully improve our infrastructure in terms of ...our administrative services.”
“In my view there is something wrong with this logic. Assuming that there is a need to enhance the quality of justice administration.... the CCJ is currently engaged in change in capacity development in a way that the Privy Council never has been and is not likely to be.
“I would think this is a further reason why the CCJ is necessary to improve... and truly develop Caribbean jurisprudence,” he added.
(CUOPM)
Innovative ideas sought for Caribbean energy needs
Awards of up to US$200,000 are offered for projects and enterprises which promote energy efficiency and access to renewable energy in the Caribbean region.
This incentive for inventors and entrepreneurs is being offered through the 2012 IDEAS Energy Innovation Contest for the Caribbean, which was launched this week in Barbados.
The contest, which is aimed at developing innovative ideas to improve energy efficiency and expand access to renewable energy in the Caribbean, is being funded by UKAid through the Department of International Development (DFID), GVEP International, South Korea and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Entries are open to applicants from Antigua and Barbada, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
The contest launched with a regional marketing campaign entitled “What’s your bright IDEA?” to encourage people to come forward with innovative solutions to energy problems that have local or regional benefits, provide jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Winners will not only receive cash prizes but technical and business development support to implement or scale up their ideas.
Individuals, enterprises and organizations based in the Caribbean have been invited to submit proposals focusing on adoption, innovation, assimilation, development and transfer of technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation and fossil fuel substitution by April 30, 2012.
Grant winners will be announced July 15, 2012.
“The Caribbean has great potential for economically and environmentally sustainable enterprises in renewable energy and energy efficiency,” said Simone Banister, Climate Change Adviser at DFID Caribbean. “Simple innovations could have a dramatic effect on energies supplies, prices and the way businesses and markets operate in the region.”
Energy in the Caribbean is currently produced almost exclusively from imported fossil fuels, Banister explained. “As a result, consumers are paying high prices for electricity, transport fuels and other forms of energy. So far, the use of alternative sources of energy, particularly renewables, has been limited. We’re hoping to help change that.”
“Local innovation and the adaptation of existing technologies to local circumstances are key to boosting the competitive supply of renewable energy services and tackling environmental concerns,” said Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho, Lead Energy Specialist at the IDB
Caribbean 360 News
US ambassador meets with Vincentian envoy, expresses regret at NYPD incident
Ambassador Susan Rice, the permanent representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, has expressed regret on behalf of herself and the US government at an incident in which St Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Camillo Gonsalves was subject to arrest and detention by the New York Police Department (NYPD) as he attempted to enter his office.
Rice, who is a member of cabinet of the US government, visited Gonsalves at his office in the Permanent Mission of St Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations on Tuesday. It marked the first time that a cabinet-level official of the US government has visited the Vincentian Mission.
Recognising that Rice is currently serving as president of the United Nations Security Council at a particularly busy period in the Council’s agenda, Gonsalves stressed his appreciation that Rice had taken a personal interest in the matter, and had taken the time to visit him at his office.
The half-hour conversation took place in a friendly and positive atmosphere, befitting the longstanding history of excellent relations between the United States of America and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The two ambassadors covered all of the issues surrounding the 28 March incident. They discussed the facts of the incident, as well as the larger issues related to the interactions between sovereign countries and their diplomatic representatives.
Rice informed Gonsalves that the New York Police Department would undertake a thorough internal examination of what took place on 28 March, 2012. The Vincentian envoy has previously detailed his assault, arrest and detention by the NYPD in the lobby of his workplace.
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the relevant resolutions and agreements governing the interactions between the United Nations and the United States of America, diplomatic agents have immunity from arrest or detention in the exercise of their functions.
Gonsalves thanked Rice for her personal concern, empathy, and sensitivity to all of the relevant issues at play in this incident. He also updated Rice on developments that took place since the 28 March incident. Rice reiterated the seriousness with which the US government views its obligations to ensure that the dignity and safety of United Nations’ diplomats is respected. Rice also indicated that she intended to discuss the incident with both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the 33-member Group of Latin American and Caribbean countries (GRULAC), which sent formal letters of protest to the United States Mission in solidarity with Gonsalves.
Both ambassadors agreed to keep in touch to follow up on the matter.
The very helpful and fruitful discussion between Rice and Gonsalves was said to be indicative of both the seriousness with which the US government is treating the incident at the highest levels, and the successes of the Vincentian government’s sustained and principled diplomatic activity in defence of their sovereignty and international law.
The government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines said it welcomes the visit by Rice and her sensitivity in this matter to be useful first steps towards ultimate resolution of this multifaceted issue.
Caribbean News Now
Dr.Rufus Ewing seeks leadership of the PNP
Dr.Rufus Ewing invited the media to share his interest for the leadership of the Progressive National Party (PNP).
This is a copy of Dr.Ewing's speech sent to RTC News:
The representatives of the Media here present, party delegates, supporters and well wishers present and my people across the length and breadth of Turks and Caicos, I bid you good morning. I come before you this morning to declare my intention to contest the Leadership of the Progressive National Party at the next National Convention to be held in the month of May.
My decision to enter politics and to contest the Leadership did not come easily. Though this decision may have been expected by many, it was one that was given much thought and I stand before you today under the guidance of God Almighty and with the support of my family, as I have heeded the call service to my country and have placed this above self.
As one looks at the state of affairs in The Turks and Caicos today, it should be difficult for any Turks and Caicos Islander who is capable and able to ignore the call to duty, to offer their services selflessly to the benefit of our people. This beloved country of ours needs all good men and women to take up the reigns of Leadership and public service to deliver our people from the bondage and oppression of the British Agenda. We need good men and women on both sides of the political divide who will fight tirelessly for the rights and freedom of our people. We need good men and women who will unite in the House of Assembly and represent the interest of the masses of the People and not for selfish personal or political gain.
Yes we do need men and women of intellect and integrity to lead our people forward, but above all things we need individuals with a strong passion for the advancement and development of Turks and Caicos Islanders without fear or favour.
I stand before you here today to offer myself to you the people and to ask for your support if you deem me to be of such character and if you share in my vision of a better Turks and Caicos Islands. I also take this opportunity to invite any and all Turks and Caicos Islanders who believe that they have something offer this country, to stand up and be counted and to join the fight, regardless of your political affiliation. Whether you are PNP or PDM I am confident that we share a common goal for a better Turks and Caicos.
My Turks and Caicos Islanders , it is not my intention to belabor the past, but what I will do is to take you through what my goals are for this PNP Party and this my beloved Turks and Caicos if given the opportunity to serve you.
My Turks and Caicos Islanders we have indeed come a long way, from the days of non representative Government and British Grant and Aid. We have come a long way from the days when our families took to the salt pans and the fields and our men took to the sea for days fishing and trading as the sole means of feeding their families. We have come a long way from the days when the only means of travel between the islands and afar was by boat. We are here now at this point in our development as a result of the hard work, fight and determination of our former politicians and activists such as the Honorable JAGS McCartney. Yes! we have been fending for ourselves and surviving for quite sometime now, and we need to continue to fight to ensure the empowerment of our people and the attainment of an independent Turks and Caicos that is God fearing and enjoys economic, social and political stability.
It is my intention to ensure that we as Turks and Caicos Islanders are mentally, socially, economically and politically prepared for independence as this is my goal.
I would make it a priority to foster unity within this PNP Party, to organize this party into an effective institution of change for the betterment of our people and to ensure that this party is looked upon with credible eyes as an institution of good governance, integrity and progress and an institution of the people.
I would make it my priority to ensure that the economy of this country is revived and our people are put to work again, through the attraction of inward investment through extensive marketing, good incentives and sensible development policies.
I would make it my priority to ensure that our people attain their true potential in life and are well educated, by expanding the early Childhood Education Programme, maintaining our no child left behind policy, expanding and improving our High School vocational training Programme with its extension into the Community College. Thus ensuring that every Turks and Caicos Islander has access to higher education
I would make it my priority to ensure that our economy is diversified through the expansion of existing sectors such as tourism, agriculture and fishing and the introduction of new sectors such as light manufacturing, processing and international trade and commerce. That our bread baskets are expanded by ensuring that every island has enough development to drive its micro economy without an adverse impact on the environment.
I would make it my priority to ensure reduction in the cost of living through the introduction of an environmentally friendly energy policy, reduction in taxation and the production of more goods locally for consumption.
I would make it my priority to ensure that business is conducted efficienly through the introduction of E-Government and that the learning of our children is maximized through the development of a free wireless TCI.
I would make it my priority to ensure that we have a public service that is efficient and effective through the introduction of a School of Government and Management Studies at the Community College where the skills of our Civil Servants are retrained and upgraded to more effectively perform and serve the public and the efforts of our civil servants are appropriately remunerated.
I would make it my priority to ensure that Primary Health Care is expanded and improved to reduce the disease burden of our population and that cost-effective secondary health care is provided in a manner that is acceptable to the people and the health of our people, especially the young, elderly and impoverished are protected through a refined social health insurance programme.
I would make it my priority to ensure that our culture and heritage is magnified in the face of the cultural diversification of our population, to the extent where national pride takes root in our schools, work places and institutions as our people are mentally and socially prepared for an independent Turks and Caicos
I would make it a priority to ensure that our population growth is well controlled, through the introduction of a robust population policy that is tailored to our immigration and development policy.
I would make it a priority to ensure that as a government and a country, integrity, transparency and good governance provides the foundation upon which we serve you the people of Turks and Caicos.
My brothers and sisters these are but a few of my areas of priority. These initiatives will take men and women with vision, dedication, determination, passion and above all an undying love for our country The Turks and Caicos Islands. I present myself to you as one such individual.
To get to know more about Rufus Ewing and his plans for this PNP Party and the Turks and Caicos log on and continue to monitor the information available on www.rufusewing.com. I invite you to support my campaign for Leader of this great Party and by extension Premier of our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.
CEO Patrick Boyle announces immediate resignation of PS.
RTC news received the following from the CEO's Office as it relates to PS Judith Campbell.
Mr. Boylse states:
"I regret to announce that for personal reasons Judith Campbell will not take up the position of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Education, said Patrick Boyle, Chief Executive of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. The Governor with advice from the Public Service Commission has today confirmed Ms Desiree Lewis as Acting Permanent Secretary while recruitment to the permanent position is undertaken". Patrick Boyle Chief Executive Turks and Caicos Islands Government
RTC News has not yet learnt the reason for the sudden resignation but our team has received speculative reports that are unconfirmed, after the release from Mr. Boyle's office.
24-Hour Crime Report
POLICE are investigating a break-in at the Escape Salon and Spa.
The culprits also smashed their way into a brown Toyota 4 Runner which was parked outside and stole a car battery.
The incident happened between 7pm on Monday and 6.30am on Tuesday.
DETECTIVES are searching for a man who tried to cash a stolen cheque at the First Caribbean Bank in Leeward Highway, yesterday.
A MAN was arrested on suspicion of causing malicious damage at the Conch Shack Restaurant, yesterday.
POLICE are questioning a man on suspicion of possessing a quantity of cannabis and unlawful entry.
OFFICERS are appealing for witnesses after an armed man allegedly made threats near Flamingo Park.
A resident was walking his dog when he was approached by a man who came out of the bushes and threatened to shoot the animal.
The culprit, who is described as dark skinned, was wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. He was thought to be holding a firearm.
The incident happened at around 7am this morning (Wednesday April 11). Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 911 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.
Tips can also be left in English, French or Spanish at www.crimestoppers.tc or by becoming a friend of Crimestoppers TCI on Facebook.
Crime prevention tips are also available by visiting www.rtcipolice.tc
IN GRAND TURK
WITNESSES are being sought after a house was vandalised in Grand Turk. A window of a property in Good Street was smashed by a rock being thrown at about 5.30am today.
CAMPERS ENJOY POLICE VISIT
A GROUP of Provo youngsters have been learning the laws of the land.
The lesson came courtesy of the RTCI Police Community Policing Department during a visit to the Graceway Sports Centre Easter Camp.
Officers also passed on important safety and security tips as well as demonstrating some of their crime-busting equipment.
Graceway Sports Centre marketing and business manager, Adina Ciurar, said: “The Easter Camps are very popular and we try to cover a whole range of different activities.
“This year we looked at different professions and vocations across the islands and the police visit formed part of this.
“The children were really excited to meet the officers and were fascinated the demonstrations. It was a great session and the youngsters really got a lot out of it.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the RTCI Police, in particular, PC Melonda Robinson, PC Francisco Padua and PC Demetre Green.”
Head of Community Policing, Inspector Nigel Couch, said the visit was part of a continued drive to educate young people in TCI.
“We are delighted to support the Graceway Sports Centre Easter Camp and are pleased the children enjoyed the visit”, he added.
“Engaging with the community is part of everyday police work and educating youngsters is one of our major priorities.”