Smiley Culture death: No crime committed, says IPCC
An investigation into the police operation during which reggae singer Smiley Culture died has found no evidence of a criminal offence.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission carried out the inquiry.
The singer, whose real name was David Emmanuel, died from a single stab wound during a police raid at his home in Surrey on 15 March.
His family had demanded more information after a report that he stabbed himself during the raid.
An inquest into his death three days later was told he stabbed himself through the heart with a kitchen knife as four Metropolitan Police officers carried out a search of his home in Hillbury Road, Warlingham.
He died at the scene despite attempts at resuscitation.
The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.
The 48-year-old had been due to face trial accused of conspiracy to supply cocaine.
'No individual failings'
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigated the actions of the individual officers, as well as the planning of the operation as a whole.
IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin said after "careful consideration and in consultation with lawyers from both the IPCC and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)" he had taken the decision not to formally refer the report to the CPS as the investigation has found no evidence that a criminal offence may have been committed.
The investigation also found there were no individual failings with regard to the actions of individual officers which amounted to misconduct.
However, the IPCC said its investigation had raised concerns about several areas of the operation, which included operational planning and risk management.
A separate report is being sent to the Metropolitan Police so that it can consider the recommendations and respond to the IPCC with actions for implementing learning where required.
The investigation report into Mr Emmanuel's death has been sent to the coroner ahead of an inquest, which will be held with a jury and will not take place before the conclusion of the criminal trials to which Mr Emmanuel was allegedly linked, the IPCC said.
The two trials are scheduled to be heard in early 2012, after which the IPCC will publish its investigation report.
Mr Franklin said all the evidence gathered had been passed to the coroner who was liaising directly with Mr Emmanuel's family.
"I hope that arrangements can now begin for the inquest - which will be the opportunity for all the evidence to be heard, and tested, in public," he said.
Pacers talk with Celtics about Rondo deal
As Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge aggressively pursues possible deals for Rajon Rondo, the Indiana Pacers have emerged as an intriguing suitor for the point guard, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
For the past few days, Pacers officials – and third-party surrogates – have been making calls and gathering information and insight into Rondo’s reputation as a teammate and leader, sources said.
The Pacers and Celtics have discussed the preliminary framework of a deal, but two sources said Indiana would need a third team to provide Boston with the talent it wants to do a deal. The Celtics are likely trying to gather the necessary pieces to make a bid for Ainge’s ultimate target: New Orleans point guard Chris Paul, sources said.
It was unclear if the Pacers had begun to reach out to broaden discussions, but there was an expectation they would do so.
The Celtics have been gauging Rondo’s trade value for more than a year, and have held discussions with teams about him across the past few trade deadlines and NBA drafts. There have long been divides within Boston’s front office, coaching staff and locker room about Rondo. He can be moody, difficult and stubborn, and several league sources were dubious if the Pacers’ young coach, Frank Vogel, would have the stature to deal with Rondo.
Boston could be trying to gather players to make a more attractive bid for Paul, sources said. New Orleans has shown no interest in a deal that would include Rondo and any combination of Celtics teammates. Yet, New Orleans GM Dell Demps is determined to get maximum value for Paul, if it’s clear the point guard sees his future elsewhere. Demps has no desire to simply let Paul walk away as a free agent to New York.
Most teams in the league are engaging New Orleans about Paul, whose intentions are to get to the New York Knicks as a free agent in the summer of 2012. Paul does have some history in Oklahoma City, having played there with the Hornets in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, but the Thunder have resisted dialogue on a Paul-for-Russell Westbrook deal, sources said.
The Thunder are prepared to make Westbrook a substantial contract offer – probably a maximum deal – in the near future.
Jamaica, T&T victorious
Hosts Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago got off to winning starts after victories over The Bahamas and Guyana, respectively, as the Under-17 women's Caribbean Football Union (CFU) World Cup final-round qualifiers got under way yesterday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
Jamaica had to dig deep to overcome the stubborn Bahamians 2-0, while Trinidad and Tobago easily brushed aside Guyana 8-0.
Jamaica's chief goal-getter, Shantell Thompson, opened the scoring for the Reggae Girlz in the ninth minute, but the local supporters' nerves were not settled until the 89th minute when vice-captain Khadija Shaw netted again.
Diarra Simmons netted a four-timer for the twin-island republic, scoring in the ninth, 43rd, 88th and 89th minutes. Marlique Asson (second), captain Anique Walker (17th), Khadisha Debesette (47th) and twin sister Khadisha Debesette (71st) were the other scorers, as Trinidad and Tobago routed the Guyanese.
Jamaica dominated possession for much of their game, but poor decision making in the final third resulted in them failing to convert their advantage into clear goalscoring opportunities.
Nervy moments
The Bahamas were not willing to roll over, and though their attacks were few, they did cause the Jamaicans some nervy moments.
Jamaica's head coach Vin Blaine had a lot of praise for The Bahamas' team, which pushed his charges to the wire.
"Definitely a hard-fought game, not what we had expected ... hats off to Bahamas, they played a very good game, but I think we stuck in there and defended well," Blaine expressed.
"I think we made some bad choices in front of goal, but I am glad for the 2-0 victory," he added.
Jamaica will next face Guyana at the same venue tomorrow in a 6 p.m. encounter which will be preceded by a 3 p.m. meeting between Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas. The Reggae Girlz will close out against Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday at the Harbour View Stadium, with kick-off also set for 6 p.m., following the 3 p.m. meeting between The Bahamas and Guyana.
-Gleaner
WI Lose Nail-Biter
Rohit Sharma slammed a fighting half-century yesterday as India recovered from 59-5 to beat West Indies by one wicket with seven balls remaining in the first one-day international (ODI).
Sharma's knock of 72 resurrected India's innings at Barabati Stadium, but it was left to the last pair of Varun Aaron and Umesh Yadav to hit the winning runs as India reached 213-9 after West Indies had totalled 211-9.
Sharma was focused and did not let a flurry of wickets and a five-minute interruption due to crowd disturbance waver his concentration. He rebuilt the innings with an 83-run stand for the sixth wicket with left-handed all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (38).
Sharma struck three fours and a six off 99 balls during his ninth one-day half-century and was out just when he seemed to have sealed the game, bowled off his pads by Martin. Vinay Kumar's (18) dismissal immediately afterwards reduced India to 201-9.
Winning runs
Aaron and Yadav, who had bagged two wickets each earlier in the day, scored six apiece to ensure victory. Yadav's shot off Darren Sammy through mid-on brought up the winning runs.
"Rohit and Jadeja batted really well in that partnership and we should have won it easily from there,'' India captain Virender Sehwag said. "But it is still good to win and we hope to learn from our batting mistakes in the coming games.''
The world champion Indians struggled against pace bowlers Kemar Roach (3-46) and Andre Russell (2-29).
Parthiv Patel hit a ball straight to point to be dismissed for 12, while fellow opener Gautam Gambhir edged a bouncer to be caught behind three deliveries later for four. Roach bowled Virat Kohli for three with a ball that moved in to take his third wicket in nine deliveries.
Russell chipped in with two crucial wickets to suffocate the experienced Indian batting line-up. He bowled Sehwag (20), who hit three fours off an over from leg-spinner Anthony Martin, and had Suresh Raina (5) caught at mid-off as India slipped from 37-0 to 59-5 in little more than seven overs.
Earlier, Yadav (2-33) and Aaron (2-47) led a fine bowling display, justifying Sehwag's decision to bowl first in front of a packed stadium of 45,000.
In-form left-hander Darren Bravo top-scored for the visiting side with 60 and put on a 75-run stand for the fourth wicket with Danza Hyatt, who chipped in with 31.
No. 4 batsman Bravo, who scored two centuries in the three-Test series which India won 2-0, batted himself in with singles before opening up. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dropped a return catch when the batsman was on 26.
Bravo struck six fours off 74 deliveries before he was bowled playing the wrong line to part-time spinner Suresh Raina.
Bravo and Hyatt came together when the top three were removed by the young India pace attack after initially showing promise.
Adrian Barath was the first to go, fishing outside off stump to be caught behind off Vinay Kumar for 17. Marlon Samuels was bowled off the pads by Aaron for 10, while Lendl Simmons
Statement from H.E Governor Todd
H.E Governor Todd released a statement to the people of the TCI on the on going CSA strike.
I appreciate the efforts of the Grand Turk Ministers Fraternal and the Provo Ministerial Fellowship in proposing a meeting between the CSA and the Government. I remain willing to meet the CSA if and when the views of the CSA and TCIG are close enough together so there is a
realistic chance that I can assist in bringing the dispute to an end.
I hope and believe that the CSA share my vision of an efficient, sustainable and skilled public service providing first rate, professional services to the people of the TCI and visitors alike. This vision requires appropriate terms and conditions for public servants. To this end our negotiating team, led by Susan Malcolm and Mark Greenway, will establish contact with the CSA today to arrange for a meeting on Wednesday. This we hope will help clear the way towards an agreement in the interests of public servants, taxpayers and the wider TCI community.
I am committed to keeping the government open for business and to ensuring citizens and visitors continue to have the access they require to government services. In this regard I have asked the Commissioner of Police to look into reports I have received of acts of malicious damage to government property which have led to health and safety concerns for staff and visitors to government offices.
I have been advised that the protests of the past two days have been largely peaceful and devoid of the harassment and intimidation of last week’s protest, and would like to express my appreciation.
I wish to record my gratitude to those public servants who have turned up to work over the past two days, particularly those in critical and essential services.
Devon Williams calls for mediator re: CSA Strike
Local activist and Blaze CEO Devon Williams has called on the interim administration to approach the Civil Service strikes with higher a degree of maturity and order. In a statement issued today Williams said “It is disheartening to see the vigor in which this administration has taken up arms against their own servants. The government need to take a lead role and must draw the CSA to the table in an organized fashion so that this matter can be resolved quickly and so it can serve as a standards for industrial actions in the TCI in future, both in the government and private sector.”
Williams said that the process of strike resolution has played out in international media in recent months and that the governor should follow international protocol when dealing with the striking CSA. He said “IN recent months we have seen similar scenarios in the NFL and NBA, both have been settled by the lead party submitting to international protocols and negotiation. Tomorrow the UK is set for the biggest strike in over a century and I am sure that the striking British citizens will be dealt with with utmost respect and according to international conventions, why should it be different here in TCI?”
The radio personality said that he is convinced that the interim administration is acting with out proper advice from London and that their superiors are unaware of the true situation in the TCI, he said, “I am almost certain that this CSA strike is not known to anyone of significance in the UK, Henry Bellingham can not know that members of an overseas territory’s government workforce are off the job – striking for a better conditions, David Cameron must not know that while government workers are striking, the interim administration has done nothing, save to present a hard-nose approach, suspending workers established rights without notice and issuing intimidating statements.”
“This government needs to be mature and it must be mature now more then ever: I call upon governor Todd to confirm to the people of the TCI that this matter has been reported to the FCO and that efforts have been made to procure the relevant expertise from the UK to resolve this issue between the Government and the CSA within the next business day; I further call upon Mr. Todd to announce the appointment of a mediator to liaise between the CSA and the Government within the next 24 hours so that this country can return to normal in time for Christmas; I also call upon the TCI Human Rights Commissioner to attach an internationally recognized observer to monitor the situation, and for the sake of fairness, to remove herself from all government and Advisory Council discussions on the matter.”
“In my opinion, as long as the Union Jack fly over the TCI, all international protocols and conventions that are the norm for citizens in England should be the norm for citizens of the TCI. God save our noble Queen.”
WILLIAMS ARRESTED IN THE TCI
Jamy Williams a 31 year old Turks and Caicos Islander was convicted for Wounding in the Providenciales Supreme Court and sentenced to nine (9) months in prison at Her Majesty Prison Grand Turk on Friday 25th November 2011.
RTC News understands that this sentence was as result of an incident which occurred on 3rd November 2009 in Five Cays Providenciales.
New Gov't in St Lucia
The return of Dr Kenny Anthony as prime minister of St Lucia following Monday's general election has resulted in an amusing political chorus among the more exuberant supporters of his victorious St Lucia Labour Party (SLP).
"Kenny is back, Tom Chou gone," they said, underscoring an inevitable diplomatic defeat for Taiwan, which had heavily bankrolled the incumbent United Workers Party (UWP) of Stephenson King.
The chorus simultaneously signalled the coming triumphant return of the People's Republic of China to re-establish an embassy in Castries.
Within months of the UWP's victory in December 2006 over Anthony's then two-term SLP, King — as successor prime minister to the late founder/leader of the UWP, Sir John Compton — had moved to displace China by having a Taiwanese embassy in Castries.
It came as a very lucrative political gesture for the UWP — against the dying wish of Sir John, who became seriously ill shortly after his party had scored a decisive 11-6 parliamentary majority against Anthony's Government.
Circumventing established constitutional norms in accounting for funds privately allocated for claimed projects in the then 11 UWP constituencies, the Taiwanese Government was to spend an estimated EC$1 million as "gift" development funding in each of those constituencies — as was to be subsequently disclosed in the nation's Parliament by a then dissenting MP of the governing party.
This most extraordinary and unprecedented form of foreign funding in support of a government in the Caribbean region was to prove a recurring political controversy over external interference in the domestic affairs of St Lucia. It grew in intensity long before Monday's general election with the Labour Party's 10-7 majority victory in the 17-member House of Assembly.
For his part, Taiwan's ambassador to St Lucia, Tom Chou, had become so emboldened by the defence and praise he was receiving from Prime Minister King's administration that he was arrogantly displaying his government's financial backing by even making payments directly to contractors, personally or via his embassy, for specific projects.
Little wonder, therefore, for this year's carnival in St Lucia Chou became the object of multi-faceted satire from calypsonians, with some entertaining manifestations of "chewing" on 'Chou".
Now, as Anthony prepares to be sworn in today for the third time as prime minister, Chou would be readying himself to depart St Lucia — if he has not already done so by the time you read this.
Guyana scenario
Meanwhile, in Guyana, the incumbent People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was last evening awaiting official confirmation from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to determine whether it had won Monday's presidential and parliamentary elections against its two challengers — APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) and AFC (Alliance for Change).
Both the GECOM and foreign observer missions had earlier signalled their general agreement of a free and fair poll and commended the security forces for their efforts to maintain the peace, even amid some isolated disturbances at polling stations.
What the GECOM confirmation is likely to officially reveal, possibly by late today, is that the incumbent PPP/C would have succeeded in gaining the single largest bloc of valid votes but not necessarily the outright majority for the 65-member Parliament. This could necessitate the formation of a coalition government.
During the election campaign, both the APNU and AFC had repeatedly spoken in favour of a coalition government, though it was not clear if this meant a coalition between them or a broad-based national unity government that involves the PPP/C.
The latest report out of Guyana, at the time of writing, pointed to the PPP/C securing just about half a percentage point short of an overall 50 per cent of the valid ballots counted.
Since the Guyana constitution provides for the party with the single largest bloc of votes to provide the individual for the post as executive president, this would mean that the PPP/C's candidate, Donald Ramotar, would be invited to take the oath as head of state.
Then the challenging negotiations could begin for the formation of a broad-based coalition government, or possibly for the establishment of a minority government.
The last time a coalition government was formed against the PPP was in 1964 between the PNC and the then United Force under the first proportional representation electoral system. Then, while the PPP had won the largest bloc of seats, the combined votes of the two Opposition parties gave them the plurality of seats and with the now late Forbes Burnham becoming prime minister.
For now, the wait in Guyana is for the GECOM's official declaration of the results of Monday's elections.
What's expected today in St Lucia is the arrangement for Dr Anthony to take the oath as prime minister and, possibly by tomorrow, the swearing in of the PPP/C's Ramotar as president, to succeed Bharrat Jagdeo who served two terms.
Source-Observer
New candidates welcome $7m hike in campaign spending cap
FRESH-faced parliamentary candidates on both sides of the fence say they support the Electoral Commission of Jamaica's (ECJ's) campaign finance reform recommendation which requires them to spend no more than $10 million to fund campaigning in their constituencies.
The $10-million cap is a $7-million hike on the spending limit per candidate that has been in place since 1996. The increase was recently approved by the House of Representatives via changes to the Representation of the People Act.
Leonard Green, People's National Party (PNP) candidate for West St Thomas, said although campaigns are very costly, a $10-million maximum is a workable outlay for campaign expenditure.
"Being a new candidate, I would accede to the wisdom of the parties that came up with that limit and I think we must manage the resources available to us as best as we can," he told reporters and editors at this week's Observer Monday Exchange held at the newspaper's head office in Kingston.
Green explained that candidates are often faced with the task of funding their own campaigns as their political parties tend to offer financial support for only a few things.
"There are some things the party will do as it gets closer to election because there are some standards that all candidates have to abide by, like the posters and the standards relating to images, and they will do something in that regard. But in respect of the campaign, very few constituencies are alike, and you have to appeal to the electorate in different ways," he said.
"The party does not get into the micro-management at that level. You will have to fund it based on your support," he added.
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for South East St Catherine, Keith Blake, said elections can rack up a considerable amount of money for candidates who usually have to personally fund the cost of paraphernalia and advertising.
"There is a cost for T-shirts, advertisement, lunches for the persons canvassing. Buttons, armbands and all these things are very expensive, so to move from $3 million to $10 million is somewhat reasonable," Blake said.
He added further, "I am not saying to put a cap on it, but at least you should be able to control the level of spending, especially when we have to spend enormously".
Blake cited his own first-hand knowledge of the expense, as he was forced to sell two motor vehicles to cover the cost of his campaign when he contested the 2003 local government elections.
Camile Buchanan, the JLP candidate for the newly established East Central St Catherine constituency, also acknowledged that election campaigns are very expensive affairs that force candidates to spend a good deal of their personal resources.
"When you are being interviewed that is one of the questions you are asked for candidacy, "would you be able to fund your campaign, and how would you get financial support to assist in your campaign activities?" she explained.
"There is always the need for more money, so the increase from $3 million is something we appreciate, because you have to get yourself out there, you have to tell people why they should choose you as the representative ," she said.
The PNP's candidate for South East St Mary, Dr Winston Green, said he fully supports candidates staying within the $10-million maximum.
"What happens on many occasions is we tend to go beyond things that really should be done in an election campaign because we need buttons, T-shirts, transportation costs, and other things that money goes into. That shouldn't be the case," he said.
He also noted that although the party assists candidates in some respects, all individuals are expected to shoulder a significant portion of the cost.
"The party might assist us sometimes with T-shirts and sometimes they might receive from manufacturers a discounted rate on certain things and we benefit from it," he said.
"I believe that $10 million can suffice, if it is that we are only covering the cost of paraphernalia and PR (public relations) and if it is not going into buying elections, then that is sufficient," said Dr Green
Source-Observer
US man to exit Aruba jail in missing tourist case
A US businessman was yesterday scheduled to leave jail in Aruba while prosecutors in the Dutch Caribbean island try to put him back behind bars as a suspect in the disappearance of his travelling companion.
Gary Giordano was due to be released into the custody of his lawyer after a judge ruled that prosecutors, after nearly four months of investigation, did not have enough evidence to continue holding him in pretrial detention.
Giordano, who denies any wrongdoing in the disappearance of Robyn Gardner, is free to leave the island. But prosecutors say they are still trying to build a case against him and will seek his extradition if an appeal's court ruling expected yesterday issues a reversal and orders the 50-year-old businessman back to jail.
"The case does not end here. Mr Giordano will remain our prime suspect," said Solicitor General Taco Stein.
Giordano has been a suspect since August 5, three days after reporting to police that Gardner was apparently pulled out to sea while they were snorkelling off the southern tip of the island. Her body has never been found despite extensive searches, leaving investigators with only a circumstantial case that a crime was even committed.
Aruban law allows for pretrial detention while authorities investigate a crime, but it is subject to a judge's review and the threshold of evidence necessary to hold someone increases as times goes on. A judge ruled last week that prosecutors had not met the requirement and ordered release for Giordano, of Gaithersburg, Maryland.