Chinese nationals attacked and robbed
A family of Chinese nationals say they are grateful to be alive after three cutlass wielding intruders robbed them of more than $100,000 in cash and items yesterday morning. Zhi Yong Wu, proprietor of Jia Jia Supermarket, and his family of eight were bound and gagged after the masked robbers stormed into their home and business at around 3 am. Wu had to be treated at the San Fernando General Hospital for minor injuries to his head. The family was asleep in their home upstairs the supermarket located at Reform Village, Williamsville. Wu told the police he got up to use the washroom and as he opened the front gate, he was accosted by three masked men.
They forced Wu inside the house and woke up the other family members. Speaking from the supermarket yesterday, Wu’s daughter, 23-year-old Li Jing Wu said she became afraid when she heard her father shouting that robbers were inside the house. Jing Wu said she immediately called the landlord who lives next door and he contacted the police. Jing Wu was critical of the response from the Gasparillo police. She said the robbers held them captive for 40 minutes and the police took more than an hour to arrive at the scene.
'America's Got Talent' officially adds Howard Stern
He’s been hinting about it, but now it’s official: NBC announced Thursday that Howard Stern is joining “America’s Got Talent" as a judge.
The radio personality, 57, will give feedback on the hopeful future stars auditioning for the competition show. Former judge Piers Morgan bid farewell in November, and he's happy with his replacement.
"Congrats to @HowardStern on landing my #AmericasGotTalent judging gig – he'll be outrageous, hilarious, dangerous & brilliant," the "Piers Morgan Tonight" host tweeted Thursday. "Can't wait."
NBC's head of alternative and late night programming, Paul Telegdy, was similarly enthused, saying in a statement that Stern's "a proven innovator and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”
Stern's future co-judge, Howie Mandel, added via Twitter, "This will be our best year yet...I cannot wait. Let the judging begin."
Conveniently for Stern, the live show tapings are being moved to New York, where he'll continue to host his SiriusXM radio program.
“AGT” is currently holding auditions around the country for the upcoming seventh season. Auditions started in October, and there are upcoming open calls set for Austin, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina and San Francisco, California. For more information, go to AGTauditions.com.
Update, 12:10 p.m.: There's at least one group displeased with the move: The Parents Television Council. (Don't tell us you guessed it?)
The PTC says in a statement that hiring Stern as a judge was "an act of desperation for a flailing network."
“The once-proud broadcast network has lost its way and has made it clear it holds no concern whatsoever for children and families," the PTC says. "It also risks losing millions in advertising dollars. Whatever principles NBC had in the past, when the network was successful, have clearly gone out the window.”
How do you feel about Howard jumping on board “America’s Got Talent”?
George Clooney rules Golden Globe nominations
George Clooney will likely spend a lot of time at the Golden Globes podium next month, considering the number of nominations he and his two movies got Thursday from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Clooney's "The Descendants" and "The Ides of March" are nominated nine times, and both films are among the six nominated for best drama. Clooney is also a contender for best actor in a drama for his "Descendants" role and for best director and best screenplay for "The Ides of March."
"Descendants" co-star Shailene Woodley is nominated for best supporting actress, Alexander Payne is up for best director and best screenplay.
"The Ides of March" earned a best drama movie actor nomination for Ryan Gosling, who also is nominated for best actor in a comedy film for "Crazy, Stupid, Love."
The other best drama film nominees include "The Help," which is nominated for five Globes, including a best drama actress nod for Viola Davis. Co-stars Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain are competing against each other for best supporting actress. Mary J. Blige's "The Living Proof" is nominated for best original song.
Best drama contender "Moneyball" is also nominated for best screenplay, while Brad Pitt, who portrayed baseball general manager Billy Beane, is up for best actor in a drama film. Jonah Hill, who played Beane's statistical wizard, is nominated for best supporting actor.
Steven Spielberg's "War Horse" is competing for best drama, and John Williams' music for the film is nominated for best original score. The movie is not up for any acting honors.
"Hugo" rounds out nominations for the best movie drama category. Martin Scorsese is also nominated for best director for the 3-D family film, while Howard Shore is up for best original score.
The best drama film actor category also includes Leonardo DiCaprio for his portrayal of the former FBI director in "J. Edgar," and Michael Fassbender for "Shame."
Meryl Streep, who has been nominated 25 times before for Globes and won seven of the trophies, is again in the running for best actress in a drama film. She is nominated for portraying former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady."
Glenn Close, who produced, co-wrote and stars in "Albert Nobbs," was nominated as best actress. Co-star Janet McTeer is nominated in the best supporting actress category.
Along with Davis, Streep and Close, the best drama actress competitors include Tilda Swinton for "We Need to Talk About Kevin" and Rooney Mara for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."
The list of Golden Globe nominees for best comedy or musical films includes "The Artist," "50/50," "Bridesmaids," "Midnight in Paris" and "My Week With Marilyn."
"The Artist" has six nominations, the most of any other film. It drew a best acting nomination for Jean Dujardin, best supporting actress for Berenice Bejo, best original score for Ludovic Bource and best director and best screenplay nods for Michel Hazanavicius.
"Midnight in Paris" gained Woody Allen best director and best screenplay nominations, along with a best comedy film actor nomination for Owen Wilson.
"My Week With Marilyn" star Michelle Williams' portrayal of Marilyn Monroe put her into the best comedy actress competition, while co-star Kenneth Branagh is nominated for best supporting actor.
"50/50" lead Joseph Gordon-Levitt is nominated for best comedy actor, and "Bridesmaids" star Kristen Wiig is up for best comedy actress.
Other best comedy actress contenders are Kate Winslet and Jodie Foster, both for their roles in "Carnage," and Charlize Theron for "Young Adult."
Brendan Gleeson's "The Guard" performance earned a best comedy actor nomination.
The best supporting actor category, which covers dramas, comedies and musicals, also includes Albert Brooks for "Drive," Viggo Mortensen for "A Dangerous Method" and Christopher Plummer for "Beginners."
Golden Globe nominees for best animated feature film include Spielberg's "The Adventures of Tintin," "Arthur Christmas," "Cars 2," "Puss in Boots" and "Rango."
The best foreign-language films nominated include the Angelina Jolie-directed "In the Land of Blood and Honey," China's "Flowers of War," "The Kid With a Bike" from Belgium, the Iranian film "A Separation" and Spain's "The Skin I Live In."
Cable channel HBO dominated the Globes' television nominations with 18, including four for its mini-series "Mildred Pierce," three for drama series "Boardwalk Empire" and three for the movie "Cinema Verite."
"Mildred Pierce," a nominee for best TV mini-series or movie, also earned a best actress nomination for Kate Winslet, best supporting actress for Evan Rachel Wood and best supporting actor for Guy Pearce.
Another HBO best TV mini-series or movie nominee, "Cinema Verite," earned a best actress nomination for Diane Lane and best actor nomination for Tim Robbins.
Best TV drama series contender "Boardwalk Empire" star Steve Buscemi is contending for best actor and co-star.
Kelly MacDonald is nominated for best supporting actress.
Showtime was the second most-nominated TV channel with eight, including three for its drama series "Homeland" and two for the comedy series "Episodes."
"Homeland," vying for best TV drama series, boasts a best actress nomination for Claire Danes and best actor nomination for Damian Lewis.
Along with the best TV comedy nomination, Showtime's "Episodes" has a best actor nomination for Matt LeBlanc and best actress nomination for Laura Dern.
PBS followed with five nominations, including four for the British Masterpiece production "Downtown Abbey."
The 69th annual Golden Globes will be handed out in a televised ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15.
OPSM spreads some cheer to members of the wellness centre
OPSM spreads some cheer to members of the wellness centre
The Office of the Public 
Service Management (OPSM), presented their 2nd annual Christmas cheer this afternoon to clients of the Wellness Center in Grand Turk.
Members from the center were all in their glee as they sang carols and celebrated in the spirit of Christmas.
Permanent Secretary of OPSM, Mrs. Susan Malcolm expressed appreciation to the Wellness Centre family and sent Christmas greetings to all..
Also making presentations was Mrs. Cynthia Astwood, Chair of Public Service Commission Board, who not only counted the occasion an inspirational one, but one in which to give back in a small way, for their contribution to society.
The event continued with musical selections from Calvert and Dudley of Take Four Jazz band and RTC's Quiet Storm. They were also accompanied by Pastor Simmons on bass.
Also present at the celebrations were the nurses from the wellness center and staff of OPSM.
Body of a 3 year old girl in South Caicos found
The lifeless body of a 3 year old girl in South Caicos discovered in an uncovered pit which contained water The island of South Caicos was plunged into grief last evening as a three year old girl was confirmed dead.
Official Police reports to RTC moments ago, say on Wednesday 14th December 2011 at around 5:45 pm, a three (3) year old girl was found lifeless in an
uncovered pit which contained water. This incident took place at a location known as The Flat. The body was later pronounced dead.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. An investigation is ongoing at this time.
Police also gave RTC News a 24 Hour Crime Recap for Providenciales, noting that during the past twenty four (24) hours Police in Providenciales responded to seven reported crimes, namely one(1) Murder, three (3) Theft, one (1) Burglary, one (1) Attempted Burglary and one (1) Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. All the reports are still under investigation.
During this same time period a male was arrested on suspicion of Theft in connection with one of the Theft reports for the said period.
A male has also been charged for Burglary. This is relation to an incident which occurred on Saturday 10th of December 2011.
Pieces of Legislation under the Road Safety Department come into effect tomorrow Friday, 16th December
H. E. the Governor Ric Todd on December 7, 2011 signed the following pieces of Legislation which will come into effect tomorrow Friday, 16th December 2011:-
Road Traffic (Amendment) Ordinance 2011, Road Traffic Services Vehicle) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, Road Traffic (Public Services Vehicles Operator) (Licensing Fees) Notice 2011 and Road Traffic (Amendment) (No.3) Regulations 2011
In accordance with regulation 3(3) of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, the fees payable in respect of a License to operate a public service vehicle will be as follows:-
- Taxi-Cab $50.00
- Omnibus $50.00
- Private Charter $100.00
- Private Transfer (reserved) $100.00
- Private Transfer (resort) $100.00
In accordance with Part 1A Private Transfer Vehicle (reserved) Fare; Where the private transfer vehicle (reserved) is hired in respect of a particular journey, the maximum legal charges payable for the first hour or part thereof are as follows: $120.00, and for each subsequent period of ½ hour or part thereof,$60.00.
In accordance with the Road Traffic (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2011, part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Road Traffic Regulations are amended by inserting under the heading B- Commercial Vehicles.
The following fees are applicable
(a) On public service vehicles (i.e. designed or $700.00 adapted for the carriage of twenty or more passengers): PRIVATE CHARTER
(b) On public service vehicles (i.e. a luxury motor VEHICLE): PRIVATE TRANSFER (RESERVED) $550.00 (luxury motor vehicle) $750.00 (Limo)
(c) On public service vehicles: PRIVATE TRANSFER (RESORT) $5,000.00
In addition, Joseph B.A Swann, Acting Director of Road Safety, is reminding all Public Service Vehicle Operators that:
In accordance with Section 26 (3), an application for the renewal of a license granted under regulation 3 or 8 shall be made in the same manner and form as an application for the grant of an original license and shall be made at least 60 days before the expiry of the license.
Mr. Swann is therefore appealing to ALL PUBLICE SERVICE OPERATORS to ensure that their Public Service Operators Licence and their Taxi(s) are
inspected and Licensed or renewed before 1st January 2012.
Failure to comply with these pieces of legislation will mean that those persons concerned, will not be permitted to operate their public service vehicles.
The countdown is on for the one millionth cruise ship visitor to the Turks and Caicos Islands
The countdown is on for the one millionth cruise ship visitor to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
T-shirts with the slogan "1,000,000 and Counting - 2011" will be given to industry partners and will also be available for sale - $5.00 each.
Banners with the slogan will be placed at the Providenciales International Airport, the Jags McCartney International Airport and the South Caicos airport. Banners will also be sent to Salt Cay, Middle and North Caicos.
The TCHTA and other stakeholders in the tourism sector hosted a press conference earlier today Thursday, December 15, at the Tourist Board's office in Provo, to launch the week of activities to celebrate TCI's 1,000,000th visitor.
The week of activities will kick off at Maska-noo 2011 on Monday December 26. The Tourist Board is expected to have a booth at the event and will provide persons with information about the initiative.
December 27 - 30, 2011 - Rum and Fruit Punch will be served at the PLS airport and GT Cruise Centre along with rum cake. Island Boys will provide entertainment
December 31, 2011 - Celebrations continue at the Providenciales Airport and the Grand Turk Cruise Terminal, when the 1,000,000th (one millionth) visitor will be identified and presented with a round trip ticket to the destination along with accommodation for a future stay.
Governor Ric Todd has responded to requests for clarification re: SIPT cost
His Excellency Governor Ric Todd has responded to the many requests received for clarification re SIPT cost.
A press statement from Gov Todd said:-
"The costs of the SIPT and Civil Recovery Programme will be recouped several times over from the proceeds of their work.
"Each year the SIPT costs approximately $7m and Civil Recovery $4m. Both are expected to run for three years each. To date (until 30 Sep 11) the cumulative cost of both operations is $17.4m, already abated by a $10m payment by the UK Government.
"The remaining costs for this, the second year, and next year will be initially met by TCIG, with the costs ultimately abated by the proceeds from the Civil Recovery programme. This has already made significant progress recovering $2.25m in cash and some 800 acres of land valued at $150m. The pace, success and sums recovered throughout 2012 is expected to accelerate greatly, recovering millions of dollars in misappropriated funds and assets for benefit of the people of the TCI.
"The original Ministerial statement about both the SIPT and Civil Recovery programme was clear that the UK would make a contribution to the costs in year one. I am sorry if TCIG did not make this clear enough at that time.
"We will investigate all means of reducing this burden to TCIG, including asking the UK for additional support, but, clearly, this is not guaranteed. However, and it is worth repeating: we expect that the costs of these investigations will be recovered many times over and will significantly boost the coffers of the TCI Government."
Turks & Caicos Hotel Introduces Complimentary Sunshine Savings Value Package of $300 in Savings for 2012
The Alexandra Resort, a beachfront resort located on famed Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, has introduced a complimentary value package for the 2012 season for an amazing Caribbean Vacation.
The Alexandra Resorts new value package is designed to help consumers stretch their vacation dollars while visiting the exclusive destination.
'We know consumers have really been feeling the effects of the economic downturn,' observes Alexandra Resort General Manager, Anette Mullings.
'Even though, as hoteliers, we work hard to keep our room rates affordable, even more we want to help our guests stretch their limited vacation budgets so that they have a wonderful vacation here. The complimentary value package, appropriately titled the 'Sunshine Savings Value Package', represents at least $300 in savings and includes*:
- Hearty continental breakfast for up to 4 people at Mango Reef Restaurant for three days
- 20% off spa services at Sanay Spa
- One complimentary round trip to IGA for two people
- Complimentary airport pick up for up to 4 people (must share one taxi)
- Late check-out up to 4pm - subject to availability. Must request at time of booking reservation.
- $100 in free casino chips to the Casablanca Casino
The Sunshine Savings Value Package is included with any five night minimum stay in a one or two bedroom unit at the Alexandra Resort, for travel from January 4 to April 30, 2012.
*Bookings can be made directly with resort or by calling 800.284.0699. Some conditions apply. Please contact resort for more details.
For more information visit http://www.alexandraresort.com or contact Anette Mullings, General Manager, at anette@alexandraresort.com or call
649-946-5807.
Top Turks & Caicos Resort targets tech-savvy travelers
The Sands at Grace Bay is committed to providing tech-savvy travelers with the most current tools to access real-time information, make reservations
and easily research resort and island information when planning their Turks & Caicos vacation. In response to the rise of web-based bookings over the past year, the resort has unveiled a new mobile application that will enable travelers to book real-time reservations and browse hotel information via their smart phones. The resort is also pleased to debut a new resort blog that provides prospective travelers with local insight, tips and expert advice for planning the most memorable trip to the Turks &
Caicos Islands.
The decision to enhance the resort's online and mobile booking capabilities was made in response to the significant increase in occupancy numbers and vacation inquiries that the resort has been experiencing this fall and winter travel season, after debuting a newly revamped website and Facebook page in the beginning of the year. The Sands at Grace Bay is pleased to announce a successful fourth quarter that is on pace to be the second best year in sales since the resort first opened in 1998, with December occupancy numbers already 27 percent ahead of this time last year. The resort also reports strong first quarter 2012 bookings that are
pacing well ahead of last year and forecasts 2012 to be a record breaking year in sales overall.
By simply typing 'thesandstc.com' into their mobile web browsers, travelers will now be redirected to the resort's new mobile-optimized webpage 'm.thesandstc.com' that offers a quick and easy format for booking vacation reservations online and accessing timely resort information. The resort blog will provide guests with resort news and announcements, exciting excursion and day trip ideas, up-to-date information on island events and festivities, advice for planning weddings, family trips and special vacations in Providenciales and much more.
By embracing social media over the past year, the resort has kept more travelers on the pulse with resort and island news through the resort's well received Facebook page, which increased from 150 active monthly users in January 2011 to over 790 followers to date. The resort's Facebook page serves as a platform for travelers to inquire about the vacation experiences of past resort guests, through personal recommendations, photo sharing and more.