Denzel, Warwick Nab ‘Golden Camera’ Awards in Germany
Denzel Washington and Dionne Warwick will be honored in Germany this weekend at the Golden Camera ceremony, one of the country’s top entertainment award events.
Washington, currently in theaters with Daniel Espinosa’s “Safe House,” picks up the Golden Camera for best international actor, while R&B legend Warwick will receive a lifetime achievement honor.
Also, Scarlett Johansson, who stars in Joss Whedon’s summer tentpole “The Avengers,” will receive the best international actress award, and Dutch jazz sensation Caro Emerald will be honored with the best music international award.
The Golden Cameras are arguably Germany’s most prestigious awards show, on par with the Oscars or the Emmys. Every year some 4-6 million Germans tune in to watch the live, three-hour Golden Camera broadcast.
Last year’s winners included John Travolta, Rene Zellweger and Michael J. Fox.
The 2012 Golden Cameras will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 in Berlin.
Despite Alleged Suicide, Don Cornelius’ Ex-Wife Gets the Loot
When you think of “Soul Train” you automatically think of him.
But it’s not that Don Cornelius is gone, it’s how he went. People are beginning to wonder why the father of an institution which “Soul Train” was would commit suicide, if that is the official ruling.
According to reports, the soul man died with two life insurance policies worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The beneficiary of both is his ex-wife whom he feuded with often.
The breakup between Cornelius and Viktoria Chapman was ugly. Their relationship included domestic abuse, and according to him, she was also a harsh woman and pepper sprayed him multiple times.
The two divorced in 2009.
Filed with official documents, Don went on record for saying, “I am 72 years old. I have significant health issues. I want to finalize this divorce before I die.”
But a provision in the divorce states that his ex-wife would be the beneficiary of both his life insurance policies, totaling around $300,000.
We know what you may be thinking, she can’t get the money.
Well, not so fast. According to the policy, if the insured commits suicide within the first two years of the policy, the company will not pay out. However, the policy is over two years old and the money WILL go to the ex.
So now we continue to wonder, why Don why?
As we reported, Cornelius was found dead in his home after reports of shots fired in his Sherman Oaks home at around 4 a.m. Authorities say it was Don’s own son, Tony, who made the 911 call.
Don Cornelius was 75.
Amy Winehouse coroner 'not qualified'
The family of singer Amy Winehouse have said they are "taking advice" following news that the coroner who oversaw her inquest has resigned.
Camden Council has confirmed that Suzanne Greenaway had stood down because she had not been a lawyer in the UK for the required five years.
The council said she had been appointed "in error" by her husband Andrew Reid, the coroner for inner north London.
Ms Greenaway ruled that Winehouse, 27, died from accidental alcohol poisoning.
She returned a verdict of misadventure.
The Office for Judicial Complaints has begun an inquiry into Dr Reid's conduct.
Letter of apology
In a statement, Winehouse's relatives said: "The Winehouse family is taking advice on the implications of this and will decide if any further discussion with the authorities is needed."
Ms Greenaway qualified in Australia in 1999 in September and was a member of the Supreme Court there but she had not worked as a lawyer for the required time in the UK, a Camden Council spokesman said.
The spokesman added that the Winehouse inquest verdict remained legal and would only be judged illegal if it was challenged and subsequently overturned by the High Court.
Dr Reid said he was writing to all of the families affected to apologise.
He said: "While I am confident that all of the inquests handled were done so correctly, I apologise if this matter causes distress to the families and friends of the deceased."
He has offered to hold the inquests over again if the families of the deceased request it.
During her time as deputy assistant coroner, Ms Greenaway conducted 12 inquests in Camden, but mainly worked from Poplar Coroner's Court.
Coroners are appointed by the Ministry of Justice, and they then interview and appoint their own staff - including in the case of Dr Reid - his assistant deputy coroner.
Under the Coroners Act, he must then notify the local authority although it has no power of scrutiny over appointments, a Camden Council spokesman said.
The inquest into Winehouse's death heard she was more than five times the drink-drive limit when she died on 23 July.
Ms Greenway had said the "unintended consequence" of Winehouse drinking so much alcohol was her "sudden and unexpected death".
Three empty vodka bottles, two large and one small, were found at her flat, St Pancras Coroner's Court heard.
'Hugo' Leads Oscar Race With 11 Nominations
The Academy Award nominations were announced this morning in Hollywood.
Martin Scorsese's 3D adventure movie "Hugo," a fantasy tribute to French film pioneer George Melies, leads the list with 11 nominations, including one for Best Director, numerous technical categories and the most coveted of all, Best Picture of the Year.
Actress and previous Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence announced the top category.
"The films selected as best picture nominees for 2011 are "War Horse," "The Artist," "Moneyball," "The Descendants," "The Tree of Life," "Midnight in Paris," "The Help," "Hugo" and "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close."
The Artist," a French-made black-and-white silent film about old-time Hollywood, has 10 nominations, including writing and directing for Michel Hazanavicius, Best Actor for its star Jean DuJardin and Best Supporting Actress for co-star Berenice Bejo, who expresses the sentiment heard most often.
"Just being nominated is already an honor and already unbelievable," she said.
The nominees are chosen by peer groups within the 6,000-member Academy, comprised of men and women who work as actors, writers, directors, composers and various other filmmaking crafts.
While it's politically correct to protest the competitive aspect of the awards, Best Actress nominee Viola Davis says it's nice to be recognized.
"You always want your work to be acknowledged," she said. "I can't do it in the room or in front of the mirror in my bathroom. I do it for the appreciation and enjoyment of an audience, so it means a lot."
Davis' performance in "The Help," about black maids working for white families in the south in the 1960s, puts her in the running for Best Actress alongside Meryl Streep for "The Iron Lady;" Michelle Williams in "My Week With Marilyn;" Glenn Close for "Albert Nobbs" and Rooney Mara as "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo."
Best Actor nominees are DuJardin in "The Artist;" George Clooney for "The Descendants;" Brad Pitt for "Moneyball;" Gary Oldman for "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and Mexican actor Demian Bichir for "A Better Life."
Films from Belgium, Canada, Poland, Israel and Iran are competing for Best Foreign Language Film.
Veteran Hollywood executive Brian Grazer, who will produce this year's Oscar telecast, sees no clear front-runner.
"I'm a little bit surprised and excited that a big Hollywood movie, 'Hugo,' got 11 nominations; and I think that it's a very unpredictable race that's going to happen right now," he said.
Winners of the 84th annual Academy Awards will be revealed in the global telecast from Hollywood on Feb. 26.
$9.3 million added to TGIGs purse
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has obtained Judgment for close to $9.3m on the Emerald Cay Stamp Duty Claim.
In the latest judgment for the civil recovery team, published in a ruling handed down by Chief Justice Goldsborough on 31 January 2012, the Attorney
General, Huw Shephard on behalf of the Government of the TCI, has been awarded judgment of $9,291,758 (nine million, two hundred and ninety-one
thousand, seven hundred and fifty eight dollars) against Emerald Cay Limited and Worldwide Commercial Properties Limited, arising out of the
under-payment of Stamp Duty on the acquisition of Emerald Cay in 2006.
The judgment follows a hearing to assess damages held on 29 and 30 November 2011.
On 21 June 2011, Mr. Justice Martin awarded the Government an interim payment of $1.25m after entering judgment on liability in the case. He
ordered a full assessment of damages, which has now taken place. The judgment for $9.3m replaces the interim award of $1.25m given last June.
We are delighted to have obtained this judgment, which underlines the commitment the Government has to ensuring stamp duty is paid, and to
pursue those who do avoid stamp duty. It is another very good result for the civil recovery team and very tangible evidence of the progress being
made by them, commented Attorney General Huw Shepheard.
Wetlands Tourism: A Great Experience (World Wetlands Day 2012
World Wetlands Day will be observed throughout the TCI today Thursday 2nd February 2012.
The World Wetlands Day is an annual recurring event that provides attention on the benefits and fragility of the worlds wetlands. Every February 2nd, activities are organised worldwide to raise public awareness of wetlands' value and benefits and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
In support of this worldwide celebration, the Turks and Caicos National Trust is launching a campaign which highlights Eco-tourism in the country,
particularly, enticing our guests, visitors and residents to explore our wetlands and diverse wildlife.
Brochures entitled Turks & Caicos Islands: An Ecological Haven and leaflets, will be distributed to the different hotels and at the arrival
section on Provo Airport starting February 2nd. The leaflets will include information on the different activities guests can engage in, such as
kayaking, bird watching tours and visiting national parks. While activities commence on February 2nd, the ecological experience will be
highlighted for a whole month, culminating on March 2.
The National Trust has expressed its gratitude for the support extended by the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board and the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA). The Tourist Board generously donated the brochures and TCHTA is helping to promote our wetland adventures.
This years theme is: Wetlands and Tourism, a tie-up which, could bring immense benefits - stronger economies, sustainable livelihoods, healthy
people and thriving ecosystems.
Turks & Caicos National Trust say it is worth noting that tourism is only one of the services that wetlands deliver. Ensuring well-managed tourism
practices in and around wetlands and educating tourists on the value of wetlands contributes to the health of the world's wetlands and the
long-term benefits that wetlands provide to people, wildlife, economics, and biodiversity.
World Wetlands Day is about appreciating the vital role wetlands play in our ecosystems and protecting them. Here in the Turks & Caicos Islands, we are blessed with many wetland areas and coastal sites. We are blessed with a beautiful ecology and indeed, we are a wetlands country.
Its time to explore the Turks & Caicos wetlands!
For activities and more information, please contact the Turks & Caicos National Trust office at 941-5710 or send an email to tc.nattrust@yahoo.com.
HIV/AIDS 14th Annual Inter High School Debate
The youth of the country got a chance to have their say on the ongoing threat of HIV/AIDS when the National AIDS Program/HIV Prevention Unit
hosted its 14th annual HIV/AIDS Inter High School debate under the theme Getting to zero, Community participation towards Eradication at the
Felix Morley Community Center on Thursday, 26th January 2012.
The six participating schools were British West Indies Collegiate, Champions for Christ, Helena Jones Robinson High School, Maranatha High
School, Marjorie Basden High School and Turks and Caicos Institute for Professional Studies (TCIPS) Comprehensive High School.
The moot debated was Be it resolved: It is the Communitys Civic Duty to participate in the Eradication of HIV
This year's winning school was the TCIPS Comprehensive School, followed by Helena Jones Robinson High in 2nd place and the MarjorieBasden High
School in 3rd place. The Best Speaker award went to To-chu-kwu O-tuon-ye of the Helena Jones Robinson High School.
Winners of the Essay competition 2011 World AIDS Day are:
1st Place Chelsea Stubbs of B.E.S.T Institute
2nd Place Davonte Missick of B.E.S.T Institute
3rd Place Lanardia Robinson of Newmans Preparatory
Winners of the Poster Competition 2011 World AIDS Day are:
1st Place Davis Gardiner of the Adelaide Oelmar Primary School
2nd Place Audrea Stubbs of the Adelaide Oelmar Primary School
3rd Place Jada Ingham of B.E.S.T. Institute
'The National AIDS Program/HIV Prevention Unit would like to thank the Judges and time keeper of the debate, the markers and judges of the Essay
and Poster competition for their contribution to making World AIDS day celebrations a success, we could not have done it without you. Thank you
for your commitment and continued support.'
'Finally, in reaching the masses we could not do it without Radio Turks and Caicos, WIV and PTV, thank you for your support, partnership and
commitment to assisting us in bringing HIV/AIDS awareness to the TCI.
Thanks also to the listening audience remember, we each have a responsibility in reducing the impact of HIV on our society. Zero
tolerance of discrimination as we get to zero new infections and zero AIDS related deaths,' said AIDS Coordinator, Aldora Robinson.
The National AIDS Program/HIV Prevention Unit has expressed special thanks to its sponsors:- Digicel, LIME, Scotia Bank, Kishco, AIDSAwareness
Foundation, Circle G food Store, Kiwanis, A1 Business Machine and the National Youth Department for their kind donations and support.
Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture, reminds public of youth programs
The Department of Youth Affairs in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture, say a number of its youth related initiatives are still
available
The Department of Youth Affairs has given assurance to the community of Grand Turk that a number of its Youth related initiatives are still
currently in operation:
Programs available include the Power of Me 2
Crime Stoppers
Its a Safe Place for men ages 17-30
Little League Soft Ball on Saturdays at 4pm
Little Reader Book Club for ages 4-10 at the Victoria Public Library on Saturdays at 11am
The Department of Youth Affairs says these programs will also soon be available in South Caicos.
The Department is also seeking volunteers for any of the above programs.
Persons who might be interested in any one of these programs, may contact the Department for additional information at
(649)-946-2801/ext 40611 or email them at info@tciyouthdepart.com.
24 Hour Crime Recap in Providenciales for February 1st,2012
Police in Providenciales in providing their twenty-four hours (24) recap,say they responded to three (3) Burglaries Downtown, Grace Bay & Juba
Sound
A male was arrested on suspicion of Handling Stolen Goods in connection with a report made on 25th January 2012.
A male was charged for Rape in connection with a report made on 2nd November 2011. He was later released on Police Bail with a surety to
appear in the Providenciales Magistrates Court # 2 on Friday 10th February 2012 to answer to that charge.
Another male was charged for Incest in connection with a report made on 24th January 2012. He is scheduled to appear in the Providenciales
Magistrates Court # 1 on Thursday 2nd February 2012 to answer to that charge.
DFID’s Minister of State Alan Duncan issues a Written Ministerial Statement to the UK Parliament on the milestones
The Minister of State for the Department for International Development (DFID), Mr. Alan Duncan yesterday Monday, 30th January 2012, issued a Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) to the UK Parliament.
The WMS informed Parliament on the progress made in the Turks & Caicos Islands towards achieving the milestones set out by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Henry Bellingham in an earlier WMS on 9 December 2010.
The progress report notes some of the main achievements against each of the eight milestones.
The WMS states that much work has been done by the TCI Government with support from the UK Government, the Canadian Government and the European Union and acknowledges the commitment made across the public service and by the people of the TCI.
The statement further notes that much is still to be achieved and a date for elections will be set when the milestones have been achieved.
The ministerial statement ends by indicating the UK Government still hopes they will be met for elections to take place during 2012.
Further details on the progress made against the milestones, were published in a paper from the Governor’s Office on 19th January 2012.
More on Minister Duncan’s contribution to parliament, in tomorrow’s newscast.