Commissioners of Police attend Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) was held in Christ Church, Barbados
Present at the meeting were Commissioners from Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos Islands. Bermuda and Jamaica were represented by their respective Deputy Commissioners.
Apologies for absence were received from the Commissioners of Police of Anguilla, Aruba, Grenada and United States Virgin Islands.
At the Opening Ceremony, the Acting Commissioner of Barbados, Mr. Birdie Hinds welcomed participants and reminded the Commissioners that the focus of this inter-sessional meeting was the delivery of community based policing and combating organised crime for the survival of the region. The President of the ACCP, Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, QPM, MBA in his brief remarks said that he was pleased for the ACCP to be here in Barbados to discuss with partners regional crime issues and the importance of partnerships in crime fighting.
HE Ruth Archibald, the Canadian High Commissioner in her remarks expressed the importance of police training and that Canada had funded a recent senior command course. Mr Phil Culligan, Deputy British High Commissioner Barbados identified the importance of donor country coordination and the importance of partnerships in fighting crime. Mr Christopher Sandrolini, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the United States Barbados identified the importance of the role of the ACCP in coordinating regional crime fighting efforts.
The key note address by the Hon. Adriel Braithwaite MP, Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs, Barbados stressed the importance of engaging strategic partners in the fight against crime. His comprehensive and wide ranging address covered drug and firearms trafficking, seizing criminal assets, the need for effective witness protection program, videotaping of suspect interviews, witness engagement, intelligence sharing, community policing and schools programmes, complaints against police and police integrity.
In the plenary sessions of the meeting the following was presented and discussed:
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Community based policing and its impact on community safety
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Regional approach to dealing with organised crime and attendant challenges
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Obtaining forensic evidence from bank notes and other items
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A framework for regional cooperation for training and development
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A regional approach to ethics and integrity education
The meeting received reports from:
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Carnival Cruise Lines and Cruise Lines International Association on crimes committed on board cruise ships
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Regional Security System
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Federal Bureau of Investigation
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Drug Enforcement Administration
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Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
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Serious and Organised Crime Agency
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US Department of State INL
Among the topics/subject areas presented and discussed at the business sessions were:
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Minutes of the 26th AGM of the ACCP held in Antigua and Barbuda in 9th-12th May 2011;
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Secretary/Treasurer Financial Report;
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Review of ACCP Permanent Secretariat;
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Post of Secretariat Manager;
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Proposal for a new IT Environment at the Permanent Secretariat;
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Discussion on 2012 Conference to be held in the Bahamas 21st – 25th May, 2012.
During the meeting Mr. Arnaldo Martinez, Systems Sales Manager Caribbean Region of Motorola Solutions Inc awarded ten scholarships to the under-mentioned children of police officers in the Caribbean:
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Kerry-Ann Jacobs Antigua & Barbuda
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Hermon Harewood Barbados
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Jason Wilkinson Barbados
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Jamika Yearwood Barbados
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Lybron Sobers Barbados
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Ranaldo Sealey Barbados
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Michelle-Ann Segura Belize
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Calber Francis Jr Jamaica
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Chamion Golding Jamaica
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Kerlyn Williams St. Christopher & Nevis
The ACCP is deeply indebted to the Government of Barbados and the Royal Barbados Police Force in providing assistance to the ACCP Permanent Secretariat who organised the meeting and to the Divi Southwinds Resort for the venue.
Armed robbery on South Dock Road
Police in Providenciales were kept rather busy this past weekend, with one of their call-outs being in response to an armed robbery.
Media relations Officer, Detective Inspector Calvin Chase reported to RTC News that on Saturday night the 10th of December, the Police responded to
a report of a robbery at gunpoint on South Dock Road, where a male subject was shot and robbed of a computer by a masked gunman.
The victim was treated for his non-life-threatening injury at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and released. The investigation is continuing.
The Police are asking for the public's assistance as it relates to this incident. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Police at 946-4259; 999 or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or through a web tip on www.crimestoppers Turks and Caicos on facebook.
A couple was accosted and the female subsequently sexually assaulted by armed bandits in Provo
Police in Providenciales are seeking the public's help in apprehending and bring to justice the culprits responsible for the robbery of a couple and
the subsequent sexual assault of the female.
Police reported to RTC News that on Saturday night 10th December 2011 a couple was accosted along South Dock Road Providenciales by an armed subject.
The couple was forced to drive to an area off the South Dock road where Police say two additional male subjects became involved. The driver of the vehicle was robbed of his personal belongings and had his vehicle stolen.
The female was taken to the nearby bushes where she was sexually assaulted by one of the males before he made good his escape.
The investigation is being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division and the Sexual Offence / Domestic Violence unit. Meanwhile, Police are cautioning persons traveling in the area of the South Dock road to use extreme caution in slowing to pick up persons or parking in unlit, unpopulated areas. They are also advising persons to
keep their vehicle doors locked at all times and only open for persons known to them.
The Police are asking for the public's assistance as it relates to this incident. Persons with any information which may be of assistance are asked to contact the Police at one of the following telephone numbers 946-4259 or 999. They can also utilize Crime Stoppers by contacting 1-800-8477 or through a web tip on www.crimestoppers Turks and Caicos on facebook.
Police in Provo execute a routine stop and search which led to cocaine and cash being seized
Police in Provo also reported that on Friday night, the 9th December 2011, during the execution of a routine stop and search on a vehicle and its passengers, information was gleaned which led to the execution of a search warrant at a premise in the Bight area.
The subsequent search resulted in a significant quantity of suspected cannabis, cocaine and cash being seized.
Two men and three women were arrested at the time and the investigation is continuing. Charges are anticipated to be laid later this week.
THE TCI INTEGRITY COMMISSION ON THE OCCASION OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Integrity Commission joins the nations of the world to observe today, the 9th December, 2011 as United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day. Since 2003, the United Nations (UN) has designated the 9th of December as a day to raise people’s awareness of corruption, and its devastating effect on the economic, social and political lives of a people and to identify the tools to combat and prevent it.
Corruption undermines democracy, good governance, justice and the rule of law; it breeds poverty in the midst of plenty; insecurity where there should be safety. Corruption is a deadly cancer that corrodes and destroys the social, economic and political fabrics of any nation. ACT AGAINST CORRUPTION!
The global reach of corruption and its scourge, led to the passing of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and The OECD Convention on the Bribery of Foreign Officials in International Transactions--- two very important global legal instruments in the fight against corruption. Countries were urged to incorporate the provisions of these Conventions into their domestic laws.
In 2008, TCI enacted the relevant legislation namely, the Integrity Commission Ordinance 2008 (the Ordinance) which essentially mirrored the provisions of these Conventions. The Ordinance came into force on June 1, 2009. On May 10, 2010, the Integrity Commission was established under this Ordinance with a mission to lead in combating corruption and promoting integrity, honesty and good faith in public life so that public resources are used fairly and equitably for the benefit of all TCI citizens and residents. Since its establishment, the Commission has worked to help set up the legal, infrastructural and institutional framework necessary to effectively and efficiently carry out its statutory and constitutional mandate.
The passage of the Integrity Commission Ordinance and the establishment of the Integrity Commission is a clear message of commitment by the TCI government and its people to fight corruption.
On this International Anti-Corruption Day, the Integrity Commission reaffirms its resolve to play a leading role in this anti-corruption campaign, and wishes to thank the government, citizens and residents of TCI, especially persons in public life for their support and cooperation since its establishment.
Manuel Noriega extradited to Panama to serve jail terms
Panama's ex-leader Manuel Noriega has been extradited back to his home country from France and taken straight to a prison.
His plane touched down in Panama City on Sunday evening after flying from Paris via Madrid.
He was convicted in absentia of crimes committed during his time in power in the 1980s.
The 77-year-old has already spent more than 20 years in prisons in France and the United States.
Last month, a French court approved a request from Panama to send him back home to be jailed over his convictions for murder, corruption and embezzlement.
He had the right to appeal, but his lawyers said he wanted to return to Panama.
Foreign Minister Roberto Henriquez has said the government's priority is to guarantee Noriega's safety.
Noriega travelled with a team of Panamanian officials, including the country's attorney-general and a doctor. After his arrival, he was escorted to El Renacer jail, south east of Panama City.
Murder of opponents
Although he was never president, General Manuel Noriega served as Panama's de facto leader between 1983 to 1989.
Once a US ally, he was arrested by invading American troops in January 1990, amid allegations he had turned the Central American nation into a drug-trafficking hub.
He spent 20 years in prison in the US after being convicted there of the charges.
In 2010, he was extradited from the US to France, where he had been convicted in absentia of laundering money from Colombian drug gangs through a French bank to buy property in Paris.
He received a seven-year jail sentence from the French court.
In Panama itself, he faces three 20-year jail terms for crimes committed during his rule, including the murders of political opponents.
However, it remains unclear whether he will remain in prison, as Panama allows people aged 70 years and above to serve their sentences at home.
Job creation, crime among issues at first political debates in Jamaica
The first of three political debates between the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) got underway last night in the studios of the Creative Production and Training Centre in Kingston.
For 90 minutes the Peoples National Party's Team (PNP) represented by Dr Dayton Campbell, Lisa Hanna and Raymond Pryce went face to face against the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP's) Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte, Dr Saphire Longmore and Senator Warren Newby.
In its closing arguments, the JLP, through Malahoo Forte, emphasised the need to end the blame game and highlighted the importance of putting Jamaica first. She added that the JLP boasts "leaders of today for tomorrow".
In countering the JLP's appeal, Pryce called on Jamaicans to support the PNP and to ask whether they are better off today than they were four years ago, when the JLP won the general election. He highlighted job losses, foreclosures and hardship on the Jamaican family as reasons why the JLP administration should not be returned to power.
The 90-minute debate focused on social and economic issues, from the perspective of the youth.
Source: jamaicaobserver
VAT day option in Barbados
Barbadians could benefit from a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) – at least for one day – on the heels of Duty-Free Day and calls for a repeat of the initiative.
Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler told the DAILY NATION that was one of the options that could be considered once an evaluation of last Friday’s exercise was complete.
While he could not say whether there would be a repeat of Duty-Free Day – which saw thousands of customers flocking to Bridgetown from very early morning until after nightfall, to purchase a maximum of $1 000 in items at prices usually reserved for visitors – Sinckler said other initiatives to ease the strain on consumers would be examined.
“We will look at it again to see where we can do something like this again, not only for the businesses but for the people of Barbados,” he said.
Cuban medics to stem shortages at hospitals
Minister of Health Dr Fuad Khan says more than 200 Cuban doctors and nurses are in T&T to help reduce the shortage at the Eric Williams Medical Science Complex in Mt Hope and the San Fernando General Hospital. The specialists are scheduled to undergo an orientation programme at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port-of-Spain, this morning. “It will have a great impact on the shortage and service given to the people of T&T. I intend to open the hospitals later and also on weekends. These doctors are going to do that,” Khan said.
He said the initiative will also be used “to prevent the haemorrhage of patients into the private sector.” He said the Intensive Care Units “will be fully manned instead of what currently exists.” Khan said that “certain doctors are going to be up in arms for me using the Cubans but I am going ahead with it. I think that’s the only way the people of T&T could be served.” Khan said the Cuban doctors are bilingual. He said two neurosurgeons will be placed at the Mt Hope Complex and one at the San Fernando General Hospital.
$4m A DAY IN LOSSES
Businessmen are bracing for massive losses over the upcoming Christmas season after the continued stand-off between union and management left the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago crippled for four days.
With over 4,000 containers at a standstill, Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) head Gregory Aboud described the situation as a "hostile" attack on the business community.
"It is an understatement to say that this situation is a catastrophe," Aboud said in a telephone interview yesterday.
Aboud said the demurrage on stalled containers cost businessmen as much as $1,000 a day and with 4,000 containers still to be cleared, businessmen were looking at almost $4 million in daily losses.
"This situation now is like an upper-cut after a tough bout," he said.
With businessmen facing these crippling losses, Aboud feared it would create more disharmony between business and unions.
"It will create a further separation between all the parties and especially among those in the business community who are made to suffer at this crucial time," he said.
He is also warning the striking workers that once this situation is settled, they may find themselves "irrelevant to the equation".
"We have travelled far and carried the heavy burden of the inefficiencies and unreliability of the Port operations. It is time for us to think of a solution. When there are big problems, we need big solutions," he said.
Aboud said it was a well-known fact that even under "normal conditions and if everyone reports to work" the Port was considered inefficient.
Aboud said Christmas sales and goods were already lost.
"Even if they resume operations immediately, in this current scenario, some cargo may not return to this Port for several weeks," he said.
He said it was time to consider alternative arrangements to circumvent the continued inefficiencies at the port.
"Several shipping lines want to set up privately owned ports for operations," he said.
Michael Annisette, head of the SWWTU, said he was preventing this action by port workers for over 40 months. He said on Friday he was told the workers were frustrated and would start withholding their labour.
He said he met with management until 4 a.m. on Sunday morning with no resolution.
"Negotiations broke down, but I have spoken to the Minister of Transport and he intervened," Annisette said in a telephone interview yesterday.
Annisette said there was no wage offer on the negotiating table just yet.
"I know how volatile this situation is. I am painfully aware of how important the port operations are to the country," he said.
"But you have to have a satisfied workforce," he said.
"I'm trying to say and like the Government not understanding the mass majority of people demanding more than the five per cent. The new attitude of the frustrated workers has me worried," Annisette said.
He said he was told if the Government offered more than five per cent, it would compromise its agreement with fellow trade union leader Watson Duke.
"What Duke have to do with this?" he asked.
Transport Minister Devant Maharaj said he spoke to both negotiating parties and they agreed to re-visit the negotiating table.
He said if the parties needed him to intervene or help with policy changes, he was always available.