Five broad areas for CARICOM-Cuba talks
Heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Cuba meet in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, 8 December, CARICOM-Cuba Day.
All independent member states of the Community will be represented, with ten at the level of head of government. The Cuban delegation will be led by the President Raul Castro.
This fourth CARICOM-Cuba summit will be focussing on five broad areas. These are sustainable development, CARICOM-Cuba relations, regional integration, Haiti and security.
The summit was preceded by a meeting of the foreign ministers of both sides on Wednesday.
Caribbean News Now
Diego Corp awaits report on damaged homes
The Diego Martin Regional Corporation is awaiting a report from its engineering department to determine whether or not victims now housed in shelters can rebuild their homes, damaged by recent floods and landslides.
The corporation’s chairman, Anthony Sammy, told Newsday that the Engineering Department has been mandated to conduct a Disaster Emergency and Needs Assessment (DENA) of the areas where landslides toppled several homes and damaged others making them uninhabitable. He expects the report to be ready by next week.
The report along with assessments conducted by the Ministry of the People and Social Development, he said, will determine whether the victims will be able to return to the area, and what assistance could be provided.
Over 80 persons are still in shelters, including many children and two differently-abled persons. More than 100 had been accommodated in the shelters. A small number has returned to their homes, and 11 have been given keys to Housing Development Corporation apartments in Oropune, Piarco.
Sammy was aware that some persons want to return to their communities because they think they could effect repairs to their damaged homes. The National Self Help Commission and the government, he said, will not dispense with grants if the engineering department recommends that the area is under threat.
“We don’t want to give grants to persons who will go back and rebuild homes in the areas that will experience similar disasters in future,” he said.
Asked how long the corporation will be able to keep the victims at the three shelters set up to accommodate the victims from La Seiva, Cocorite and from other parts of Diego Martin, Sammy said he has written to the relevant government ministries to advise on an exit strategy.
The regional corporation, he said, is mandated to establish shelters within the first 48 hours in disasters. After that, he said, the Ministry of the People and other government agencies would take over.
“I have written to them to let us meet,” he said. In the meantime, he said that the regional corporation is doing its best to keep the people comfortable in the shelters set up in three community centres. The Belle Vue community centre housed a kindergarden school, but the school was closed temporarily because of the shelter.
A lot of recreational and other social activities take place at the community centres, especially during the Christmas season.
Anguilla chief minister warns: country under threat
An ongoing controversy between the Anguillan government and two UK representatives over the transfer of permanent secretaries has taken a turn for the worse with the chief minister warning residents that the country is now “under threat.”
The warning came in a national address delivered more than a week after Chief Minister Hubert Hughes returned from London where he attended the Overseas Territories Conference.
UK Overseas Territories Minister Henry Bellingham, who hosted the meeting, had agreed to ask the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to review the decision of British-appointed Governor Alistair Harrison after complaints from the chief minister and his regional colleagues.
Hughes has accused the governor and his deputy of attempting to “disrupt” his ministry by failing to consult with him, and replacing a veteran civil servant with someone with no experience in finance.
However, the chief minister said Governor Harrison has since informed him that the previous “decision stands.”
“I think at this point our island is under threat by the action of the Governor and Deputy Governor,” the chief minister told residents. “This does not make sense since it is a poor use of our precious human resources and does a disservice to you the taxpayer who pays for the salaries of these civil servant.”
“In addition, given that specific timelines were set for us in relation to our budget, the action of the Governor and Deputy Governor has amounted to a shifting of the goal posts in mid-stream and serve to handicap this administration in our recovery effort on the budget.
“What is more troubling however is that despite the expression of my concern over these transfers when Anguilla is in its toughest economic climate the Governor and Deputy Governor have total disregard for the interests of the people of Anguilla,” he added.
The chief minister and the governor have had an adversarial relationship.
Earlier this year, they were at loggerheads over approval for the national budget and the issuance of visa waivers.
Caribbean 360 NewsChief Minister Hubert Hughes has taken issue with a decision by UK-appointed Governor Alistair Harrison to transfer permanent secretaries without consulting him
Caribbean 360 News
T&T: U.S says no to Hilton
The union representing workers at the Hilton Trinidad hotel Wednesday criticised the United States government over its failure to grant a license to the hotel to host the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-Cuba summit here on Thursday.
Cuban President Raul Castro arrived here on Wednesday for the talks with CARICOM leaders, but the US-based hotel chain, Hilton Worldwide, said it had been denied a special licence from the United States government to allow for the meeting to be held at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre.
The summit, will now take place at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in the capital.
John Julian, general secretary of the Communications Workers Union (CWU), which represents workers at the hotel, told reporters that the move by Washington is wrong.
“The hotel is owned 100 per cent by nationals of Trinidad and Tobago. In fact when they had the upgrade for the (Summit of the Americas) in 2009…more thanTT$250 million (US$41.6 million) of tax payers money (was used) to upgrade the hotel.
“Hilton International did not put any money in it. For it to come now and say that you need to get permission we find that to be insultive to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM”.
Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre general manager Ali Khan read a statement from Hilton Worldwide, entitled “Hilton Worldwide regarding CARICOM/Cuba Summit” that noted “as a US-based company, Hilton Worldwide is subject to US law, which restricts certain activities as a result of the trade embargo with Cuba.
“The US/Cuban assets control regulations administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the US Department of the Treasury generally prohibits US-based companies from providing any services that benefit the Cuban Government unless specifically licensed. Violations are subject to significant civil and criminal penalties.
“While we have worked with the appropriate governmental agencies in the US and Trinidad and Tobago to secure a licence, we have been informed that one will not be granted.”
Hilton Worldwide advised in its letter that further questions should be posed to the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.
Julian said the decision of Washington would also impact negatively on the workers at the hotel who would have benefitted from the various services taxes paid to host the summit there.
He accused the Kamla Persad Bissessar government of “not taking a proactive approach to the situation” and that the action by Washington would cost the hotel “a lot of money.
“In this Christmas period when a lot of activities are no longer at the Hilton…we believe that this was an ideal opportunity for the Hilton hotel to be of prominence again to be the number one hotel in Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the Caribbean”.
Julian said it would be important to know how the United States could determine who stays at the hotel which is owned by the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Nation News
Advanced desalination technology brings clean drinking water to Bahamas
An advanced desalination technology is helping a water scarce region in The Bahamas conserve water, expand water production and improve its access to clean drinking water.
Residents of Tarpum Bay on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas have been suffering with brackish and poor quality water for many years. GE provided its seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membrane technology to a new water treatment plant, which can now produce 200,000 imperial gallons per day of desalinated water. Specifically, the plant uses GE’s SeaTECH 84 SWRO system.
“The completion of the Tarpum Bay/Rock Sound Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant was extremely important to the residents of South Eleuthera who have suffered for many years with poor quality water due to high salinity levels,” said Philip J. Beneby, assistant general manager, Water and Sewage Corporation of the Bahamas. “GE’s water technology enabled us to provide highly improved water quality to the community.”
Although the facility began commercial operation in June, the Tarpum Bay plant held a grand opening ceremony on November 11.
“Lack of fresh water lowers living standards. In regions where the ocean is a predominate source of usable water, desalination using seawater reverse osmosis membrane technology is a viable option to create a new water supply,” said Jeff Connelly, vice president, engineered systems — water and process technologies for GE Power & Water. “GE’s advanced technologies can remove minerals and salt from brackish water, which converts previously unusable water into high-purity water for drinking, irrigation or industrial uses.”
With the commissioning of the Tarpum Bay/Rock Sound Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant, there are now three GE water treatment facilities on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera.
Caribbean News Now
WORLD AIDS DAY COCKTAIL PARTY AT THE VERANDA RAISES $6,000
On Thursday 1 December Turks & Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) observed World AIDS Day 2011 with a cocktail party hosted by the Veranda, featuring a fashion show by talented local designer Kazz Forbes of Saint George Fashion House. Hundreds of people came out to drink champagne and nibble tasty hors d'oeuvres while being treated to a special presentation of two spectacular SGFH collections – first the celebrated “Le Caicos Chic” and then the debut of “Red
Afrique: For a Cause” which is inspired by those affected by HIV and AIDS. SGFH’s showcase wowed the party goers and brought the evening to another level.
The TCAAF Directors took a few minutes out of the night to honour fellow founding Director Dr Dawn O’Sullivan in recognition of her invaluable ongoing contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Turks & Caicos. Dr O’Sullivan graciously acknowledged the tribute: “I am truly humbled, as all the work is done by the unsung heroes of the TCAAF. However I am so proud to accept this honour on behalf of them and the community workers caring for people living with HIV and AIDS.”
The proceeds from the evening will go towards running programmes at the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre. Four years ago the TCAAF began building the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre in order to provide the young people of the TCI with a safe, fun place to spend their free time, develop hobbies and learn new skills. The Centre recently celebrated its 3rd anniversary and currently has over 1000 members and sees over 50 young people per day. It offers a number of fun and productive activities, such as tutoring, playing basketball, doing research in the Centre’s computer suite, dance classes, various art and crafts, and monthly seminars run by Rapport, the youth arm of the National AIDS Programme. The Centre caters for 12-18 year olds. The Youth Centre relies on funds raised by the TCAAF, and various
other donors, in order to keep its doors open. The Centre members do not pay a fee.
“This year’s World AIDS Day theme here in the TCI was ‘Getting to Zero through Community Participation towards Eradication’ which was very fitting as over 200 members of our community came out to support us on the night” said TCAAF President, Jeanne Savory. “Without our community’s continued generosity the Youth Centre could not continue to provide young people with such important programmes which open up doors for a brighter future. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all those who support the TCAAF in any number of ways.”
“We would also like to thank Kazz Forbes for amazing our guests with two extraordinary collections. He is a wonderful example of the huge talent and endless potential found among young people in the Turks & Caicos. Our appreciation also goes to Kulbhushan Tyagi and Angelo Robinson from The Veranda, who were both instrumental in making the evening such a success. Not only was the event carefully planned out and the venue beautifully presented - the Veranda generously donated 10% of the evening’s cash bar as well!”
Further gratitude must go to the sponsors of the party - Wine Cellar and FOTTAC; the humourous MC for the night Penryn Brooks; Pennylane Studios; Hezron Henry and Rapport volunteers; Youth Centre volunteers Cherish and Kelisa; Wilma Dietsche of CBMS; and Raffle prize donors – Goldsmith, the Sands, Hemmingways, Villa del Mar, Caicos Dream Tours, Marin Restaurant at Veranda, and Rouge Grill at Grace Bay Club.
Former Ministers of the Michael Missick administration and others heavily bailed
The Governor's spokesperson Nick Smith confirmed on behalf of SIPT the Special Investigations and Prosecution Team - the levels of bail that was set as a result of yesterday's court proceedings, which saw 9 persons, including former Ministers of the Michael Missick administration, hauled before the court in Providenciales for a sufficiency hearing in connection with allegations contained in Sir Robin Auld's Commission of enquiry report of allegations of corruption.
Sources tell RTC News that the mood of those appearing was very somber as they faced the grim reality of what had been hanging over their heads for years; a trial that could very well result in possible incarceration for some of those persons.
The hearing reportedly lasted well after 6p.m. and when it was all over, former Finance Minister Floyd Hall was placed on $500,000 bail, Lisa Hall, Quentin Hall, Earlson Robinson each received $100,000 bail; Lillian Boyce, Melbourne Wilson, Samuel Been and Jeffrey Hall each received $175,000 bail.
Developer Richard Pagett was initially remanded, however, he was released on stringent bail conditions of $1.8 million dollars late last night, following an appeal to the Chief Justice. Pending the outcome of his bail recognizance, he cannot leave the island.
Government Steps Up Preparations for Country Poverty Assessment
Government's plans to conduct a Country Poverty Assessment (CPA)intensified today Tuesday, with a preparatory training session for the team which will guide the process.
TCIG will conduct the Country Poverty Assessment during the first quarter of 2012, in tandem with the national population census. It will be done with the assistance of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) The CPA's overall objective is to assess the current conditions affecting the welfare of people, and identify policies, strategies, action programmes and projects that would reduce the extent and severity of poverty in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The assessment would emphasise analyses of the poverty situation for men, women, youth and children, the processes that generate and maintain conditions conducive to poverty, existing responses to the poverty situation and the means available for more vigorous and effective actions to reduce poverty. It would also include a baseline assessment of the current status in the attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with respect to national and Caribbean-specific targets and indicators. It is intended to be used by the Government and development organisations to enhance social development and improve
overall quality of life in the Turks and Caicos Islands for all social groups.
CDB has provided a team of consultants to lead the process and give the necessary technical assistance needed for the project to be successful.
Also because of the importance of this exercise, the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (GOTCI) has appointed a National Assessment Team
(NAT) to provide the local implementation guidance and support during the conduct of the CPA.
The NAT comprises a core of persons from Government agencies responsible for statistics and social and economic policy, including the Statistics Department and Ministries with responsibility for Social Development, Education, Health, and Economic Development; Non-Governmental Organisations, Community Based Organisations, and the private sector. They will undertake the assessment, monitor poverty indicators and execute future CPAs. Other persons will also be co-opted by the core members to complement the membership on the NAT. The NAT will also establish sub-committees to advise it, and to take action on its behalf on special
matters pertaining to the CPA.
Man found floating in water on Grace Bay, TCI
Police try to identify a John Doe found floating in the water off Ocean Club West Resort in Provo
Police in Provo are trying to identify the body of a man, found floating in the water off Ocean Club West Resort in Providenciales.
Police reported to RTC News that at approximately 6:55am yesterday Monday 5th December, a deceased African-American male was found floating in the water off Ocean Club West Resort, Grace Bay, Providenciales.
The identity of the deceased male is unknown. Police refer to him as Joe and describe him as approximately 5' 9" in height, 190-200lbs, medium built, with short hair and a round face.
An autopsy is being performed to ascertain the cause of death.
The Police are asking for the public's assistance as it relates to this incident. Anyone who can assist in identifying this John Doe or who has any
knowledge of the circumstances which may have led to his death, are asked to contact the Police at 946-4259, 999, or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477) or through a web tip on www.crimestoppers.tc or as a friend of crime stoppers Turks and Caicos on Facebook.
Turks and Caicos Tourist Board Co-Sponsors Christmas Tree Lighting
The spirit and traditions of the holiday season is here again and the Kiwanis Club of Grand Turk and the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board are partnering to bring about some holiday cheer to the island of Grand Turk.
On Saturday, December 10, 2011 the Kiwanis Club, along with the Tourist Board will be lighting the tree and all that accompanies this festive time of year at the Lester Williams Community Park.
Director of Tourism, Ralph Higgs offered these kind words in supporting this event partnership "the Tourist Board is delighted to collaborate with such a positive, active group in the community that continuously strive for stronger social and community development, a key cornerstone on their agenda. "
The Secretary of the Club and Co-ordinator for the event, Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson said "during this time of great national and personal challenges, it is important that we celebrate the Birth of Jesus, our source of hope. And it is equally important that we not allow our country's traditions to fade."
Mrs. Robinson further added "the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony has become a cultural staple on our Christmas Calendar and we are committed to ensuring that it remains. We have done our best to improve over the past three years and I believe this year's celebration will be the best by far.
We have a number of new partners in this venture and we are grateful for their commitment to the children and communities of Grand Turk. We as a Kiwanis family remain committed as our motto which says 'serving the children of the world.'"
The Christmas Tree Lighting will also be sponsored by corporate partners in the community of Grand Turk, namely, Grand Turk Cruise Center, Turks and Caicos Utilities, Tropical Shipping, The Governor's Office and LIME.
The event, which starts at six in the evening, will have a number of selections performed by members of the community, as well as a musical performances by the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Combo Band.