Afghan President Slams US on Probe into Massacare
Afghan President Hamid Karzai is accusing the United States of failing to cooperate in the probe of a massacre of 16 Afghan villagers, allegedly by a U.S. soldier.
President Karzai met with tribal elders and family members of those killed in Sunday's shooting spree in Kandahar province. He said Friday that the delegation he sent to investigate the killings did not receive the cooperation it expected from American officials.
Mr. Karzai lashed out, saying civilian casualties have been going on “for too long … and this is by all means the end of the rope here.” He said “this behavior can no longer be tolerated.”
The Afghan leader also questioned U.S. military claims that only one shooter was involved in the incident. Villagers say that more one U.S. soldier was involved in the attack in the Panjwai district, in which children were among those killed.
On Thursday, President Karzai met with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in Kabul and demanded that NATO forces pull back from Afghan villages and relocate to their bases in the wake of the shooting spree.
The civilian lawyer for the U.S. soldier accused of carrying out the deadly rampage says his client was likely suffering from stress after witnessing one of his fellow soldiers sustain a grave injury.
Attorney John Henry Browne told reporters Friday the 38-year-old staff sergeant saw one of his comrades get his leg blown off a day before Sunday's massacre in Kandahar.
Browne says his client was also unhappy about being assigned a fourth tour of duty in a war zone. The soldier, a married father of two, had served three tours in Iraq, where he suffered a head injury and lost part of his foot. The lawyer says the highly-decorated soldier was told he would not be deployed to Afghanistan, but that changed “literally overnight.”
The suspect's identity has not yet been released and his family has been moved to a military base south of the western U.S. city of Seattle due to security concerns. Browne told reporters that family members said the staff sergeant never had any animosity towards Muslims. He was described as mild-mannered.
The soldier was flown out of Afghanistan to Kuwait late Wednesday. U.S. military officials said the suspect was moved to ensure “both proper pre-trial confinement and access to legal services.” Officials later said the soldier was being flown Friday to a maximum security prison at a U.S. military base in the state of Kansas.
Also Friday, U.S. military officials said a top U.S. commander in southern Afghanistan was in the path of an attack that coincided with Panetta's arrival Wednesday in Afghanistan. They had initially downplayed the incident.
Pentagon spokesman George Little told reporters traveling with the defense secretary that Major General Mark Gurganus, the U.S. commander in Helmand province, was part of a VIP delegation assembled to greet Panetta when an Afghan interpreter driving a stolen sports utility vehicle sped toward them.
Officials said the driver crashed into a ditch before emerging from the vehicle in flames. He later died of his injuries.
No one in the delegation was injured and Panetta's plane was safely diverted to another landing ramp at Bastion Air Field, a British base in Helmand.
Gurganus had declined to mention anything about the incident when speaking to reporters soon after it happened.
U.S. defense officials say they do not believe the Afghan translator knew that Panetta was in the arriving military aircraft
Evidence Shows Tehran Connection in New Delhi, Bangkok Bombings
India is seeking international arrest warrants for three Iranians suspected of being part of a plot to attack Israeli diplomats.
New Delhi Police Chief Brijesh Gupta said Friday India has contacted Interpol about warrants for the three men, thought to be behind last month's bombing of a car belonging to the Israeli embassy. He said investigators have also linked them to a failed bombing in Thailand.
The February 13 attack in New Delhi wounded the wife of an embassy official as she was on her way to pick up her children from school. Indian officials say the bomber attached the explosives to the car using magnets. Officials in Thailand say those same magnets were used in a bomb that detonated prematurely a day later in Bangkok.
Thai police arrested two Iranians in connection with the Bangkok explosion. A third man, Sedaghatzadeh Masoud, was detained in Malaysia.
On Friday, New Delhi's police chief said investigators had determined that the suspects in the New Delhi attack had been in contact with Masoud.
Israel has openly accused Iran of trying to carry out a series of attacks, including a bombing in Tbilisi, Georgia. Iran denies the allegations.
Tensions between the two countries have reached new heights as Israel threatens to take military action against Iran's nuclear facilities. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Just last week, India arrested an Indian journalist working for an Iranian news agency in connection with the New Delhi attack.
Authorities claim Mohammad Kazmi had been in touch with the man who planted the bomb. New Delhi Police Chief Gupta said Friday that Kazmi's confession was instrumental in uncovering the wider conspiracy.
Kazmi's lawyer and his family claim he is innocent. During a news conference last week, Kazmi's son blasted the allegations as “baseless.”
And a prominent Islamic cleric based in Lucknow accused India of acting on behalf of Israel and the United States. Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad Naqvi said Kazmi's only crime was “that he used to write against Israel and the U.S. while advocating the concerns of Iran.”
US Envoy to Haiti Urges Patience on Disaster Recovery
The U.S. ambassador to Haiti says it will take years to complete reconstruction efforts from the devastating 2010 earthquake.
In an interview with VOA's Creole Service, Kenneth Merten compared the pace of reconstruction efforts in Port-au-Prince to that of New York City's World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the 2001 terrorist attack and the area is still being rebuilt.
“There are a lot of actors on the ground in Haiti, coordinating everybody's work. It's not an easy task. But reconstruction is happening and I think we have to keep pushing and make sure it happens as fast as possible.”
The January 2010 earthquake in Haiti killed more than 200,000 people and left millions homeless. A cholera epidemic following the quake claimed several thousand more lives.
The ambassador says the reconstruction has been complicated by problems with Haiti's infrastructure, which was in poor condition before the disaster, and a “limited capacity of government,” as many officials were killed in the earthquake. He also noted the surprise resignation last month of Prime Minister Garry Conille after just four months in his post.
“We hope as partners of Haiti we hope they work that out as quickly as possible because there are certain things that cannot happen without a government in place. We are eager and anxious to continue our work. I would encourage all actors to put a government back into place as soon as possible.”
Merten says he is proud the United States had a “very big, positive impact” in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, by helping deliver food, water and shelter to the victims.
“There were a lot of other actors on the ground as well. They are all doing their part. But it was a very difficult period. I think in large part because of the support we were able to bring because of the capabilities we had with the U.S. military and because of where we're located geographically, very close to Haiti.”
The ambassador also told VOA there was no concern about two former Haitian leaders, Jean-Bertrand Aristide and former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier, living in their native land years after they were each forced into exile. Merten says the fact that both men are apparently staying out of politics is a sign that Haiti is a “mature, or maturing democracy.”
--VOA
50th ANNIVERSARY OF GRAND TURK ROLE IN FIRST US MANNED SPACE FLIGHT
The Turks and Caicos Islands will celebrate the its unique place in the history of space exploration next week, 19-22 Mar 2012 in the Grand Turk.
The 50th Anniversary of the US Mercury Space Programme’s splashdown by John Glenn in the waters off of Grand Turk will be commemorated by several public events next week. This splashdown saw the successful conclusion of the United States’ first successful orbit of the earth on Feb, 20 1962.
- This will begin on Mon, 19 Mar when a set of newly commissioned murals depicting the past, present and future of space exploration will be unveiled at Grand Turk Cruise Centre. In the evening a range of guests including Janet Petro the deputy director of the John F. Kennedy Space Centre and retired National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) former Mercury Programme radar technician Alan Rakofsky will join officials from Carnival, TCI Government and the Tourist Board at a reception in the Governor’s Official Residence at Waterloo Grand Turk.
- Tue, 20 Mar will see the renaming of the approach road to the JAGS McCartney International Airport as John Glenn Drive, again attended by Janet Petro and Alan Rakofsky.
- The John Glenn Arts and Science Festival will take place in the Victoria Public Library, in Front Street, Grand Turk, which will see the Grand Turk campus of the TCI Community College take on their peers from Providenciales at 6.00pm.
- Finally, the week’s celebrations will be brought to a climax with a fireworks display and party on Governor’s Beach at 7.30pm on Fri, 22 Mar.
“It is still very exciting to hear of the huge leap into the unknown taken by NASA and John Glenn,” said His Excellency Governor Ric Todd. “To have been launched from Florida, make three orbits of the earth and to make the return to earth when the technical team at NASA thought that he was about to burn up in the atmosphere is an astonishing story of bravery.
“I am delighted that the people of Grand Turk are able to share in Carnival’s celebration of this milestone, and that there is a permanent memorial to John Glenn’s bravery both at the Cruise Centre and by renaming the approach road to the airport. It is surely only appropriate that this commemoration of a US hero sits alongside our tribute to our very own local hero James Alexander George Smith McCartney at Grand Turk International Airport.”
Further biographical information about John Glenn, the Mercury missions, the spacecraft plus pictures, videos and interactive features are available at: http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/glenn50/
Response from former Premier Mike Misick to Governor Ric Todd’s Press Release
Former Premier Michael Misick responds to HE Governor in the release below:
In response to the dictator Governor Ric Todd questioning my right to question his morality, I wish to say that I am a 46-year-old Turks and Caicos Islander born and bred in North Caicos. I have served my country for more than 20 years of my life with distinction.
I am proud of what I, along with my colleagues and Progressive National Party, (PNP) have accomplished while in government. When we came to office, the GDP of the island was less than 200 million dollars.
When I left office it was over 750 million dollars. When we came to office, tourist arrivals were around 200 thousand people per year; now it is over 1 million.
We invested tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure, brand new roads in North and Middle Caicos, the Causeway, roads in South Caicos, Providenciales and Grand Turk.
We built schools, parks a national stadium, the Gus Lightbourne auditorium, Horse Stable Beach Park, Built the Children's Park in the Bight, Community Centers in Providenciales and South Caicos, built two brand new world-class hospitals in Providenciales and Grand Turk, just to name a few of the infrastructure projects.
We spent tens of millions of dollars on scholarships ensuring that every Turks and Caicos Islander that wanted a scholarship got one. We also spent tens of millions of dollars on health care making sure no Turks and Caicos Islander died because they could not afford health care.
We attracted over 2 billion dollars in inward investments, with everyone working and Turks and Caicos Islanders becoming successful business people.
This brings me to why we are where we are. Yes, we gave out thousands of acres of land to Turks and Caicos Islanders as part of our policy of empowering them and making Turks and Caicos Islanders first. I will never apologise for that and will never depart in my personal quest to see Turks and Caicos Islanders first in our country and to see an independent Turks and Caicos Islands.
This is why there was a Commission of Inquiry, because a few white expatriates disliked the policy of making Turks and Caicos Islanders rich. As long as we were poor and had to work for them, there was never a problem. As long as they were the ones getting the Crown land and selling it, this was good business, but as soon as we gave the land to the Turks and Caicos Islands people it was seen as corruption.
This is why we are being prosecuted. As long as we want to remain colonial salves it was ok, but when we begin seeking independence we were call corrupt and put in our place. So Governor Todd, your attempt to change history will not work. The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands know me and love me and they know what I and the PNP have done for these Islands. Not one day have I ever disrespected any of them while I was leader.So you can never justify your arrogance and racist approach by questioning my morals.
On the matter of SIPT, it is clear that the justice system in the Turks and Caicos Islands has turned into a puppet show with judges making decisions to please the dictator that appointed them. It is clear that me, none of the other accused or charged or any other black persons can ever get a fair trial. If I or any one has done anything wrong why did you and the British government have to change the whole legal system including abolishing our right to jury trial, changing the evidence laws and hearsay laws just to name a few. Why is SIPT illegally gathering information and harassing law abiding citizens if it is so clear that we have done wrong.
And how can there be a fair trial when you are the executive, you are the legislature, and you also appoint the judges and you have already pronounced that we are all guilty. Furthermore, how come you know and I don’t, that the SIPT has questions that they want to ask me? And how come you are assuming that I am not going to return home to clear my name?
You and the British government have made a mockery of the Turks and Caicos Islands as we once knew it by your interference in every aspect of government. The British pride themselves with having a justice system with a government that is based on separation of powers. You and the British government have ruined our economy and three years after your occupation you are still blaming me. If it was an elected government, they would have to take responsibility for their tenure in office and would be looking to hold elections soon based on their record. It is high time that you and the British government take responsibility for your actions over the last three years and stop blaming me and anyone else you can blame.
In conclusion, I renew my call for you to resign. You are the leader of the country now and all of the people have lost respect and faith in you. That is why they say the only time you tell the truth is when your mouth is closed. Since it obvious that you have no decency, I again call on the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Rt. Hon William Hague to recall you immediately and set a date for elections so that the Turks and Caicos people can vote for a government of their own choosing. I also call for a referendum on the future relationship of the Turks and Caicos Islands people with Britain. That is the only way to determine whether the people want to remain a British Colony.
HE GOVERNOR RESPONDS TO MICHAEL MISICK
Responding to Mr Michael Misick’s press statement earlier today, His Excellency Ric Todd said:
“The hypocrisy of Mr Michael Misick in calling into question the morality of anyone clearly knows no bounds. His alleged disrespect, and that of his administration, for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands were laid bare in the Commission of Inquiry Report of 2009. To be clear, this listed in tremendous detail the probability of systemic corruption in the Government and legislature of the TCI. These matters are now the subject of a criminal investigation by the SIPT. Mr Misick should return to these islands as soon as possible to face the questions that the SIPT has for him.
“With regard to my participation in yesterday’s Expressions show, I have apologised for my use of a certain word. In stating this word I believed at the time that I was quoting back at my questioner what they had said to me, when they verbally attacked me, accusing me of having talked “...a crock”. In using this phrase I unfortunately used the full phrase that the caller clearly meant. I apologised then and I apologise again now for any offence caused. It was a genuine and human mistake.”
The facts of Governor Todd’s appearance on Expressions:
- His Excellency Governor Ric Todd took part in the Radio Turks and Caicos’ Expressions talk show yesterday.
- During this he spent 60 minutes engaging in discussion with host Robert Hall, and around 90 minutes answering listener’s calls and texts.
- Despite the lack of respect shown to The Governor by some callers, he was repeatedly called a liar and a dictator, he remained calm throughout.
- One caller, from Mr Misick’s former party, began his remarks by saying that the Governor was talking “...a crock”.
- The Governor listened patiently to these remarks. He responded calmly and began quoting back to the caller what he thought he had heard them say, stating that he had not talked a “... crock of s***”.
- His error was recognised straightaway and he apologised immediately to Robert Hall and his listeners.
Press Statement by Former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Michael E. Misick
I was appalled to listen to the behavior of the Turks and Caicos Dictator (Governor) Ric Todd yesterday on radio Turks and Caicos.
His attitude and behavior is indicative of the lack of respect that he and the British government have for the people of the Turks and Caicos people and the country as a whole. It is the first time in our history that the leader of the country has cursed at a caller to a talk-show on national radio.
A simple apology is not enough. He has disrespected the children that might have been listening, and he has disrespected the Christians that might have been listening. We are a Christian country and such behavior should not be allowed or condoned by anyone especially the leader of the country who has absolute power. The Governor should know that with great power comes an even greater responsibility. If he was in England as a minister or a public servant and had behaved in such a despicable manner on national radio or television, he would have had to resign.
This recent behavior is consistent with an arrogant and heavy handed approach from this colonial ruler who continues to demonstrate scant respect for residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He is the sole power in the country, he is the executive, he makes the laws and he appoints the judges.
It is of great concern that Governor Ric Todd at recent public meeting in Providenciales, has already passed his verdict and sent a not so subtle instruction to the judiciary that all of the accused in the bogus, multi-million-dollar politically-motivated corruption investigation case are guilty and should be punished. For a Governor to openly declare guilt even before a trial has taken place is nothing more than an abuse of power, corruption of the judicial process, and a monumental travesty of justice.
What is even more disturbing is his attempt to steal $10 million dollars of the people’s money from the National Insurance Board. There can be doubt that Governor Ric Todd is practicing cronyism by making sure all of his white friends reap the benefits and rape the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is clear to all, including the expatriates, that this is what his mission is about. To add insult to injury, he has hired an openly-gay man who lives with his male lover, to be Chief Executive of our country. The Governor obviously has no respect for the Christian values that have long been the bedrock of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enough is enough.
There seems to be no end to the madness of Governor Ric Todd and to pain and suffering that he intends to inflict upon the people of this country. Clearly it is time to end this repressive British occupation and have elections so that we as a people can once again govern our self and set our path towards independence
The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands including the Chamber of Commerce, the Church, the elderly, Civil Servants, the young people, expatriates, investors, and even some of his own British people are saying in one voice that they have no respect for, or confidence in, Governor Ric Todd. And so, I call on him to resign immediately. If he does not do so, I call on the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the Rt.Hon William Hague to have him recalled in the interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Michael E. Misick
Former Premiere of the Turks and Caicos Islands
March 15, 2012
CRIME REPORT FROM THE TCI
CRIME continues to fall in TCI, according to figures released today.
Between the mornings of Wednesday and Thursday, March 15 and 16, there were no reported incidents in the islands of Provo, North Caicos or Middle Caicos.
It’s the second time in less than two weeks that islanders have enjoyed a crime-free 24 hours.
Deputy Commissioner, Brad Sullivan, said: “These figures again underline the excellent work being done by our officers out there in the community.
“We are determined in our efforts to decrease crime and through proactive patrol strategies, timely investigations, increased visibility and stronger interaction with our communities, we are beginning to see positive results.
“But we will not become complacent and will continue to step up our patrols in all areas to ensure that law-abiding residents and visitors can live, work and relax in a safe environment.”
IN GRAND TURK
A LARGE role of wire, valued at more than $1,600, was stolen following after intruders entered the yard at Building Materials in Grand Turk.
The culprits gained entry by cutting a padlock from a steel gate.
Anyone with information about the incident or who is offered the wire for sale 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.
TCI RED CROSS HIGH TEA AND FASHION SHOW AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS
The Turks & Caicos Islands Red Cross hosted a fabulous High Tea and Fashion Show in Grand Turk over the weekend. This ‘island chic’ affair took place at The Atrium (courtyard) located at The Osprey Hotel on Pond Street - Saturday, March 10th, 2012.
While there, guests enjoyed wonderful performances by vocalist Renate Hinds, The New Testament Church Fabulous Boys who did a terrific dance routine, and Officer Dexter Landy, who not only performed solos on his saxophone, but also provided the event with fantastic DJ music.
The highlight of the High Tea was the fashion show. Clothing was provided the TCI Red Cross Thrift Shop and Kaylee’s Boutique, situated at the Grand Turk Inn. Attendees gave rousing rounds of applause as the models glided down the grand staircase, and made their way through the gorgeously decorated tables with guests immaculately dressed for the day’s event.
The High Tea, an en early evening of pure sophistication and civility, combined with TCI Red Cross’ usual elegance and excellence in service – saw persons dining on an assortment of scrumptious cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies, turnovers, scones, other delectable baked goods and specialty treats; washing it all down with exquisite teas and a variety of beverages.
To cap things off, Spa Turqoise put on a ‘dollar raffle’ – where in which the prize was a spa treatment valued at $100.00 – that was won by Anna-Mae Williams. 109 persons participated, raising $109.00, with all proceeds from the raffle being donated to the Red Cross. What is more, Mrs Ann Dempsey won the second raffle, a gorgeous mirror valued at $150.00.
Courtney Robinson, TCI Red Cross Director said: “The TCI Red Cross is thankful to all that ventured out to support this fundraising initiative. The High Tea & Fashion Show was a successful one - owing our team of dedicated volunteers, the attendees who provided their custom, and those that assisted with seeing to its success.”
“We would like to express a profound thank you to The Osprey Beach Hotel, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa, Grand Turk Methodist Church, Grand Turk Inn, Spa Turqoise, Turks & Caicos Islands Business College, HJRH high school home economics students and teachers, the models, performers, Mrs Sandy Williams, and Mrs Florence Bennett, our mistress of ceremony. We trust that the public supports all events that the TCI Red Cross host, as we strive to provide humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
FortisTCI Limited Gears Up For Annual Spring Fun Walk & Run
FortisTCI Ltd. is once again eager about bringing together the Turks and Caicos Islands community for a healthy experience at this year’s 4th Annual Spring Fun Walk & Run.
The event slated for Saturday March 31, 2012 will begin promptly at 6am with a new route leading off from the main offices on Leeward Highway.
CEO Eddinton Powell said “We encourage all of our employees to live healthy balanced lifestyles that comprise of a nutritious diet and regular exercise.” Powell continued by stating, “This occasion not only allows FortisTCI to extend that encouragement beyond our staff, but it also promotes family and friendship though a motivating morning exercise.”
Each year those registered are provided with an event T-shirt and entered into a raffle for the grand prize. Sticking with the theme of healthy living, this year’s grand prize winner will walk away with their very own Wii Fit game console to continue daily workouts at home. Other prizes will be presented to the first male, female and FortisTCI employee to complete the route and the group with the most participants. There will be lots of other giveaways as well and hot breakfast served at the finish line.
FortisTCI has made the event free to the public, however those interested in taking part are asked to register early to ensure availability of T-shirts.