Vigilance in the Sale of Fuel
In response to the critical issue of illegal migration, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force urges fuel suppliers to play a crucial role in disrupting illicit activities by recording (use of CCTV) information from sales of excessive quantities of fuel or declining sales to individuals.
This strategic move aligns with stopping illegal border crossings into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The RTCIPF views fuel suppliers as critical stakeholders in the fight against illegal migration.
Large gasoline purchases can often indicate attempts to transport individuals across borders unlawfully. Therefore, we ask suppliers to exercise vigilance and discretion in their sales practices.
This call to action underscores the shared responsibility of all sectors of society to address the multifaceted challenges of illegal migration by working collaboratively with the law.
Together, we can send a powerful message that illegal migration will not be tolerated, condoned and accepted within the beautiful by nature TCI.
Superintendent (Divisions and Community Policing) Dwight Gardiner said: “Collaboration with gas stations aligns with community policing principles, fostering trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and businesses. It demonstrates a commitment to shared responsibility
in maintaining public safety and upholding legal immigration channels.
“Ultimately, this proactive approach underscores law enforcement's commitment to safeguarding communities from the risks of illegal migration. By leveraging partnerships and innovative strategies, the RTCIPF can mitigate vulnerabilities and uphold the integrity of immigration laws.”
The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, call 911, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on excessive fuel purchases and illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app and share information anonymously.
SURINAME Government agrees to provide subsidy to majority of population
The Suriname government says it will provide a subsidy to electricity consumers with a consumption of up to 900 kWh per month even as it plans to increase electricity prices by 61 percent as part of the measure aimed at reducing the annual SRD4.5 billion (One SRD=US$0.02 cents) in subsidies to the sector.
In a statement issued by the official Communications Services Suriname (CDS) following what has been described as “intensive discussions and efforts to implement reforms that are beneficial to society,” the government has decided that households with a consumption of up to 900 kWh per month will be supported with a subsidy of up to SRD400 until June.
“This means that a large majority of consumers, namely 95 percent, are entitled to this subsidy,” the CDS said.
Last week, the government announced it was moving to reduce the annual SRD4.5 billion it pays in electricity rates, and that it intended to reduce that figure to SRD 2.4 billion this year.
It said that the increase will occur in phases, with the first phase, which began on March 6, will result in consumers paying an average of 40 percent more, while in two months, an additional seven percent will be added.
“From March 6, the energy tariff for households will be increased by an average of 40 percent,” said Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technical Innovation, Social Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources, David Abiamofo.
He said that the new rates will also be based on the exchange rate that the Central Bank quotes for the US dollar, instead of the fixed SRD 30 per US dollar that was used until recently.
The government has said that phasing out the subsidy is necessary, indicating that it has been a difficult choice, but that this will probably be one of the last painful measures.
Observers note that by phasing out the subsidy, the government is meeting one of the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for providing financial assistance to Suriname.
According to the latest CDS statement, the government’s policy is to transform subsidies, but at the same time support vulnerable groups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
SMEs that suffer losses due to the abolition of the electricity subsidy are eligible for tax benefits, while social organizations can apply for support through the Energy Authority of Suriname (EAS).
“The government must ensure the well-being of society during the transition period,” the CDS said, adding that an extensive media campaign will be launched to inform citizens about the measures and encourage them to embrace energy efficiency and switch to renewable energy where possible.
“We will closely monitor the implementation of these measures and make adjustments as necessary to ensure no one is left behind during this transition period,” the CDS added.
Source- CMC
Judge denies one of Trump’s motions to dismiss documents case
A U.S. district judge denied former President Donald Trump's motion to dismiss his federal classified documents case based on unconstitutional vagueness, one of the two motions -- the other being his protection under the Presidential Records Act -- that his lawyers used to argue dismissing the case.
In her ruling on the unconstitutional vagueness motion, Judge Aileen Cannon said that while Trump's argument warranted "serious consideration," she did not want to "prematurely decide" the issues raised by Trump's lawyers related to the Espionage Act.
Cannon dismissed the arguments without prejudice, meaning defense lawyers could raise the argument again later in the case.
She has not yet issued a ruling on Trump’s other motion to dismiss that lawyers also argued during today’s hearing.
Source-ABC
Tesla Model 2 set for production next year
Tesla’s long-awaited entry-level electric car is finally set to enter production next year, giving the firm a foothold in the increasingly competitive sub-£25k sector.
The ‘Model 2’, as it is known, has been on the cards for years. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed development was underway as long ago as 2020, but it was not until late last year that the first details began to trickle out and the firm announced plans to start building it in 2025.
Being developed under the codename ‘Project Redwood’, the secretive new model has a crucial role to play in helping Tesla defend its hard-won position among the world’s leading electric car manufacturers, having been knocked off the top spot in the final quarter of 2023 by BYD.
Giving shareholders a forecast for the performance of its future product portfolio last year, Tesla boldly claimed that it could sell an astonishing 700 million Model 2s over its lifetime.
Nevertheless, the Model 2’s arrival will shake up a segment of affordability-focused compact electric family cars that is expanding in number and diversity as manufacturers take advantage of reduced EV production costs and seek to drive EV uptake with cheaper models.
Crucial to Tesla’s viability in this context is a radical new production process that, the firm says, could save as much as 50% in build costs and speed up production times.
The ‘Unboxed’ process essentially revolves around reducing the amount of work done at each stage of the production line, avoiding any unnecessary movement or disassembly of the car or its components during its journey down the production line.
For example, the seats will be mounted directly to the underfloor battery pack, with the entire unit then raised into a bodyshell that has been painted in sections to avoid the need for door removal and reinstallation.
Next-generation powertrain and battery technology will be crucial to keeping costs down too. Tesla touts a 75% reduction in silicon carbide for its next batteries and the eradication of rare-earth metals in its new motors.
No powertrain details have been revealed for the Model 2, but it is likely to follow Tesla’s other models and be offered in single- and twin-motor forms, with the potential for high-performance versions to be introduced later on.
The Model 2’s platform is thought to be unrelated to that which underpins the larger Model 3 and Model Y, but it will be built using the same ultra-efficient gigacasting method, which breaks the structure into separate cast units to minimise the number of individual components and thereby its cost.
Initial production has been tipped for Tesla’s German factory near Berlin, a decision potentially made because any smaller new model would be inherently geared toward the European market. Avoiding the cost of importing it from Tesla’s sites in Texas, Mexico or Shanghai will be another factor.
Musk has not been firm on a launch timeline for the new car but recently said he is “optimistic” about building the first car late next year.
Tesla is said to already be in conversations with parts suppliers for the new car and has acknowledged that its volume growth is expected to slow this year “as our teams work on the launch of the next-generation vehicle”.
The Model 2 is understood to be Tesla’s primary engineering focus and commercially it is much more important – and urgent – than the likes of the Roadster and Cybertruck.
Source-Auto Car
PREMIER HONOURABLE CHARLES WASHINGTON MISICK ON TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BORDER SECURITY
GOOD EVENING!
THIS EVENING, I stand before you to address one of the most pressing issues facing our country: border security. As our nation's Premier, it is my solemn duty to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen within our borders. The situations are not of our own making but these challenges we must face together.
According to the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, the Governor/ British Government is responsible for national security.
I am obliged to work with the Governor on national security as we are co-chairs of the National Security Council.
Last week the National Security Council declared a National Emergency in response to the deteriorating situation in Haiti, which has had a consequential impact on the security of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In the face of evolving threats and challenges at our borders, the government has adopted a proactive and comprehensive approach to ensure the security and integrity of our borders.
Central to this strategy is a multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths and expertise of various government departments and agencies.
This Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG), chaired by Acting Commissioner Chris Eyre, has been established to ensure the precise coordination of a cohesive national security operational strategy to secure our borders, defend life and protect property.
This group has been meeting regularly to ensure that our enforcement agencies are taking all necessary measures to protect our communities, maintain the integrity of TCI's borders, and address the issue of illegal migration, gun and organized crime including human trafficking.
My Government continues to strengthen its partnership with regional intelligence and security agencies. This collaboration enables them to identify and prevent potential illegal movements and better understand the threats and risks posed by the deteriorating situation in Haiti.
Operational Response
• We have intensified our presence in the Outer Islands, with border force officers working day and night to bolster vigilance and capacity. Patrols along the shorelines of South Caicos, Salt Cay, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk have been increased to minimize vulnerabilities. Additionally, we have embedded Border Force officers into the Regiment in Providenciales to augment our operations, including shoreline patrols, Vehicle Checkpoints (VCPs), and marina surveillance.
• Operation SeaMIC has been activated to scrutinise high-risk vessels entering Providenciales and Grand Turk, ports of entry for Regional Cargo Vessels. This operation ensures thorough inspections of cargo vessels before docking to prevent human smuggling activities. Moreover, Operation Verify has been enhanced to scrutinize entry documents of individuals arriving via regional and international flights, identifying multiple offenders.
• To maintain the integrity of our detention centres, we are reviewing security mechanisms in collaboration with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands’ Police Force. Additional holding facilities have been identified as temporary detention centres across the TCI if the need arises for detaining migrants.
• The Government has strengthened its air surveillance partnerships to monitor the waters between the Turks and Caicos Islands and Haiti. Additionally, they have established a coordinated maritime intervention capability to track and intercept vessels before they reach our shores. As part of this effort, maritime police officers have been dispatched to the sea to track and intercept vessels as quickly as possible.
• Over the past week, both offshore and onshore interventions have resulted in the detention of over 200 migrants. The Border Force is currently processing those arrested for repatriation back to Haiti.
• I can confirm there has been:
o 3 interceptions
o 18 persons have been arrested within the last two weeks
o 16 individuals on Providenciales have been identified with gun and gang-related activities.
o 10 individuals on Grand Turk have been identified with gun and gang-related activities.
o Royal Turks and Caicos Police continues to receive daily and weekly reporting on illegal activities including gun and organised crime.
UK Assistance
We have been in constant contact with the UK Government which has announced a more detailed package of support including:
• Policing equipment to support the RTCIPF in combating serious crime, including new capabilities in forensics, body-worn cameras, and CCTV.
• Border security upgrades to the TCI's drone surveillance capability, portable scanners, new engines for the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources vessels, and support for implementing electronic borders.
• A comprehensive new package of support to radically upgrade the TCI's maritime domain awareness with the rollout of advanced coastal sensors through the support of the UK's Joint Maritime Security Centre.
• The arrival of the Reconnaissance Mission and I will meet with them tomorrow at 8 AM.
Additionally, I appeal to individuals within the Haitian community, or any other community residing in these islands, to come forward if they have any information or involvement related to human trafficking and illegal migration. The full force of the law will be brought to bear if any such involvement is discovered.
I urge the public to refrain from politicizing the matter of border security and crime. To safeguard our nation, we must remain united.
I want to express my gratitude to all the dedicated members of our law enforcement agencies who work tirelessly day and night to protect and defend our borders. Your unwavering commitment to this duty is the ultimate act of patriotism, and my government and I fully support you.
We are proud of the work you are doing and will do everything in our power to ensure your safety and well-being. Your hard work and sacrifice do not go unnoticed, and we understand that you are the ones on the front line to keep our country safe while many of us are asleep.
Thank you for your service to our country and reminding you that we cannot face this challenge alone, but we can overcome it together. Turks and Caicos, let us continue to work hand in hand to ensure the safety and security of our nation. May God continue to bless these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands
Thank you.
THE GOVERNOR AND THE PREMIER MAKES JOINT STATEMENT ON BORDER SECURITY
Last Monday, the National Security Council declared a National Emergency in response to the deterioration of Haiti and consequential impact for the security of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
A multi-agency Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG), chaired by the Acting Commissioner Chris Eyre, has been stood up over the last week to ensure the clear coordination of a cohesive national security operational strategy to secure our borders, defend life and protect property.
Since its formation, the SCG has met regularly to ensure all is being done by our enforcement agencies to protect our communities to maintain the integrity of TCI’s international borders and tackle illegal migration, coordinate the lawful interdiction and detention of illegal migrants; and ensure co-ordination across all public bodies to optimise our effect within the response to the National Security Situation.
Operational Response
In the last seven days, the SCG has strengthened its multi-national partnership with intelligence and security agencies across the region, which is allowing them to identify potential illegal movements and understand the threat and risks posed by the deteriorating situation in Haiti.
The SCG has enhanced its air surveillance partnerships to monitor the seas between the TCI and Haiti and developed a coordinated maritime intervention capability to track and intervene vessels, wherever possible, before they reach our shores. This has involved maritime police officers being deployed at sea to track and intervene with vessels at the earliest opportunity.
Interventions at sea have led to the detention of more than 200 migrants with others detained on shore within the last week. The Border Force continues to process those arrested for return to Haiti as soon as the conditions allow.
On land, the SCG has coordinated the work of our coastal radar, our TCI Regiment, the Border Force and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) to detect illegal migrants who have evaded the maritime net and disrupt those criminals who are facilitating the illegal movements to our shores.
UK Assistance
Last month, the UK dispatched firearms officers and additional officers to complement those already deployed from the UK to the RTCIPF Serious Crime Squad.
Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier are in close liaison with the UK Government, who are engaged in the serious nature of what we face and the significance of the implications to the security, safety and stability of the Turks and Caicos Islands. In addressing this National Emergency, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier are bringing critical focus of the required operational assistance from the UK Government. This includes support to enhance our maritime interdiction and aerial surveillance capability; bolster our operational enforcement and land based capability; and strengthen our intelligence and operational planning.
Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier commend the brave and diligent officers of all the agencies who have been deployed at sea, on land and in the air for long periods and who have, with significant success, captured those they were charged to detain. The Acting Commissioner, Chris Eyre will provide a public debrief after each meeting of the SCG to ensure the public remain apprised of the multi-agency law enforcement efforts.
140 Migrants intercepted in the TCI
An illegal vessel transporting ONE HUNDRED and FORTY (140) irregular migrants was intercepted this morning.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Specialist Tactical Operation) Mat Newton said: “Information from the United States Coast Guard indicated that an illegal sloop was heading
towards the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“At 12:43 a.m. today (March 11th, 2024), the Bahamas vessel HMBS LL Smith, with two members from the Turks and Caicos Regiment and one member of the Royal Turks and Caicos
Islands Police Force onboard as ship riders, intercepted what is believed to be a Haitian vessel.
“The illegal sloop carried One Hundred and Twenty-One Males (two minors included) and Nineteen Females (two minors included). The irregular migrants were brought ashore to
Providenciales for processing by the Immigration Task Force.
"The RTCIPF remains committed to working alongside our regional and international partners to dismantle these operations run by unscrupulous individuals. I am grateful to the crew of the HMBS LL Smith for their diligence and professionalism in executing today's interception as we continue to partner in protecting our territorial waters and Border.”
The TCI-Bahamas Shiprider Agreement allows the TCI and Bahamian ship riders to board each other’s law enforcement vessels or aircraft. The ship rider can grant authority to enforce TCI law relating to people trafficking, illegal migration, narcotics or firearms trafficking, or unregulated fishing.
The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app and share information anonymously.
Minister of Public Safety and Utilities issues statement on fire at Landfill
On Saturday, March 9th 2024, at 7:00 am, the Environmental Health Department (EHD) was informed of a fire at the Providenciales landfill. The fire was identified by the new Landfill Contractor, TCI Green Ecological, during their routine site inspection. The fire was located on the Southeast side of the landfill near the perimeter fencing on the edge of the decommissioned landfill cell. The fire is attributed to deep-seated hotspots and all efforts are ongoing to have it contained and extinguished.
The EHD wishes to advise the residents of Providenciales, especially those living in the Wheeland Phase 2 area, that the Department and TCI Green Ecological are urgently addressing the current fire at the disposal site with the assistance of all stakeholders. As of this Press Release, the fire has been approximately 85% contained. Residents are reminded to keep doors and windows closed to avoid any potential exposure to smoke while the fire is being brought under control.
Concerning this matter, the Environmental Health Department would like to inform the residents of the nearby communities of the ongoing fire extinguishing exercise at the Providenciales landfill. This is a project which is working to put out the existing underground fires. This incident highlights the importance of the fire extinguishing exercise to prevent further proliferation of fires at the landfill site.
Further updates will be provided in due course.
We wish to assure the public that we are committed to safeguarding public health while also creating an environment that is healthy and aesthetically pleasing to both residents and visitors to enjoy.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Kyle Knowles, issued a response to RTC News, "As Minister for Public Safety and Utilities and Member of Parliament for Wheeland and West Caicos, I would like to provide an update regarding the recent fire incident at the solid waste management site (Providenciales dumpsite) over the weekend. The fire originated from a fire extinguishing exercise and was triggered by a hotspot flare-up.
In the early morning of Saturday, March 9, 2024, TCI Green Ecological Corporation Limited, the new management company of the solid waste management facility, identified a hotspot flare-up in the northwestern area of the landfill site. Swift action was taken by alerting the Domestic Fire Service and other supporting agencies to contain the situation.
Consequently, the site was temporarily closed to the public for safety reasons until the fire was brought under control. I commend the collaborative efforts of all involved, which led to the containment of the fire and the resumption of landfill operations on Sunday, March 10, 2024.
I want to remind the general public, particularly the residents of Wheeland, that a fire extinguishing plan has been in progress at the landfill site since February 26, 2024, and is scheduled to continue until June 2024. The primary aim of this initiative is to eliminate hotspots around the landfill, which have been causing smoke issues affecting the Wheeland community.
Therefore, ongoing extinguishing and remediation activities should be anticipated. However, every effort will be made to minimize and promptly address any potential effects such as hotspot flare-ups, which could escalate into larger fires.
Our commitment remains steadfast in prioritizing public safety and the well-being of all residents. We appreciate and ask for your continued cooperation and understanding as we strive to modernize the Providenciales solid waste management facility."
NASSAU GROUPER SEASON on Friday, March 1st, 2024 to November30th, 2024
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management (DFMRM) is pleased to announce to all fishing interests, restaurants and the general public of the opening of NASSAU GROUPER SEASON on Friday, March 1st, 2024 to November30th, 2024.
Please be aware of the following seasons as per the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, as amended:
• No capture of hawksbill turtles (closed season) from 1 August to 31 March, each year;
• 2023-2024 crawfish (lobster) season will be closed as of March 31, 2024.
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management appeals to citizens, residents and visitors in the Turks & Caicos Islands, to familiarize themselves with and to uphold the Fisheries Regulations, and urges all responsible citizens to call the DFMRM at 1(649) 338-4171 or email fisheriesandmaritime@gov.tc to report any violations.