Egypt’s Islamists Await Election Gains, Challenge Military Rule
Egypt's powerful Muslim Brotherhood says the high turnout for parliamentary elections indicates a popular demand for civilian control, challenging the country's military rulers as Islamist parties prepared to dominate the freest polls in living memory.
Media reports indicate the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice party has secured more than 40 percent of the vote after counting so far. Ultra-conservative Salafist groups also are expected to score major gains in Egypt's second city, Alexandria.
Partial results are expected later Wednesday, with runoff votes for some parliamentary seats to be held next week. Full tallies for the lower house will not be announced until January, after two more rounds of voting in the rest of the country. The entire election will not be over until March.
Authorities said turnout likely exceeded 70 percent in the nine of 27 Egyptian provinces that have voted so far in the first elections since a popular uprising forced President Hosni Mubarak to resign in February.
Freedom and Justice party leaders said Egypt's new parliamentary majority should form the next government and choose the prime minister. They said the high turnout Monday and Tuesday showed that voters want parliament to have that power, not the generals.
But Egypt's ruling military council has said the newly elected legislature would not have the authority to dismiss their latest appointment, Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri, or his government.
The embattled military chiefs hailed round one as a success, claiming the high turnout meant protesters camped in Cairo's Tahrir Square and those demonstrating elsewhere do not represent most Egyptians.
Security officials said about 80 people were hurt late Tuesday when clashes erupted between angry street venders and activists who attempted to evict them from the square. The masses that once demonstrated in Tahrir have dwindled to a few thousand and talks are underway among youth groups to leave the area.
Many Egyptians were worried the elections would see widespread violence between rival supporters. Instead, the vote won international praise.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon congratulated Egyptians for what he called their enthusiastic participation at the ballot box. U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner calls the voting peaceful and a success.
But the chief of Egypt's National Human Rights Council, Hazem Mounir, said the voting process is confusing, blaming it on what he called a weak legal framework for elections and no independent election commission.
Nine days of clashes between protesters and police leading up to the elections killed 42 people and left more than 3,000 injured.
The historic elections will determine whether Egypt moves down a more Islamic path after nearly 60 years as an authoritarian secular state essentially run by the military.
Haitian president faces renewed pressure for Duvalier trial
The administration is facing renewed pressure to bring former dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier to justice for human rights abuses committed under his regime.
Some 16 Canadian organizations under the grouping Concertation pour Haiti (CPH) have written to President Michel Martelly demanding a “just and fair” trial for the former dictator.
“We are also aware that to complete a just and fair trial against Jean-Claude Duvalier and other officials under his command is a huge challenge for the Haitian judicial system,” the group wrote.
“We are convinced that can be met with technical support from the international community. If the Haitian authorities send a request to this effect to the government and civil society of Canada, the Concertation pour Haiti will (put) pressure so that an adequate response would be given.”
Many individuals and groups, including Amnesty International, have criticised the pace of investigations following Duvalier’s return to Haiti in January this year after 25 years in exile.
CPH, in its letter to the president, asked that the government publicly state that it would not interfere in the work of the judicial authorities.
It said this would “lead to the end of thorough and impartial investigations into the violations committed during Duvalier’s 1971 and 1986 rule.”
“Hold a just and fair trial, would be bring justice to the thousands of victims of Duvalierism and restore confidence in a Haitian justice system strengthened. On the contrary, put an end to the process would confirm the idea that there is no justice in Haiti, even for the worst crimes,” the group said.
“We recognize that moving forward is a difficult decision and that many reasons, sometimes of noble appearance, may be invoked to avoid it. But there is no possible escape, because the history has shown that for a genuine reconciliation and national agreement worthy of the name, it is necessary to go through the path of truth, justice and reparation.”
The letter is signed by Amnesty International Canada (french section), Quebec Association of International Cooperation Organizations, Faith and Justice Centre, and United Church of Canada among other groups.
Caribbean 360 News
American Airlines files for Ch. 11 protection
American Airlines' parent company is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it seeks to unload massive debt built up by years of accelerating jet fuel prices and labor struggles.
The nation's third largest airline also said its CEO Gerard Arpey will step down. He's being replaced by Thomas Horton, currently the company's president.
Fort Worth, Texas-based AMR Corp., along with its regional affiliate AMR Eagle Holding Corp. said Tuesday that they filed voluntary petitions to reorganize.
American says it sought protection to reduce its costs and debt to remain competitive.
The airline says it will continue normal flight operations during the reorganization.
American was the only major U.S. airline that didn't file for bankruptcy protection after the 2001 terrorist attacks. The last major airline to file for bankruptcy protection was Delta in 2005.
American says labor-contract rules force it to spend at least $600 million more than other airlines.
Besides higher labor costs, American also struggled with rising jet fuel costs. Jet fuel cost an average of $3 per gallon so far this year — a record according to government data that goes back to 1990. Jet fuel is more expensive now than the average of $2.96 per gallon in 2008, when oil rose above $147 per barrel for the first time. It's risen 56.4 percent in the past five years. The average price of jet fuel was $1.92 per gallon in 2006.
American lost $162 million in the third quarter and has lost money in 14 of the last 16 quarters.
Historic general elections underway in two Caricom countries
Stephenson King is for the first time seeking his own mandate to become the prime minister of St Lucia, while in Guyana, the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) is aiming to extend its 19-year government rule.
The historic elections are taking place today in both countries – the first time polls are being held on the same day in two Caricom states, according to reports.
King, the United Workers Party (UWP) leader, was appointed in 2007 following the death of former Prime Minister Sir John Compton.
He is being challenged by Kenny Anthony of the St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) which was defeated at the 2006 polls.
Overall, five political parties are contesting the election in which more than 151,000 people are registered to vote. Only the UWP and the SLP are fielding full slates of candidates.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said all systems were in place for today’s polls.
“We are ready, GECOM is ready to carry out that mandate that was given to us by the state,” GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally stated.
More than 475, 000 nationals are eligible to vote at 2,075 polling stations across the country.
The incumbent PPPC is being challenged by the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
Observer missions from the Caribbean Community, the Organization of American States and the Commonwealth Secretariat are monitoring the two general elections.
Caribbean 360 News
OAS electoral mission in Saint Lucia deploys observers
The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) and Saint Lucia’s Electoral Commission signed the agreement on the electoral observation process of the 2011 general elections in Saint Lucia on Friday.
At the ceremony, which took place in the Electoral Department of Saint Lucia, Dr Rosina Wiltshire, chief of mission, thanked the government of St Lucia for the invitation to observe the election. She highlighted that the OAS mission is committed to support the country in deepening the democratic process through ensuring peaceful, fair and transparent elections.
On behalf of Saint Lucia’s Electoral Commission, Kenneth Monplaisir, chair of the Electoral Department, welcomed the team of observers and provided them all the guarantees to grant access to all aspects of the electoral process.
The agreement stated that the electoral observation missions shall be carried out at the request of the member state concerned and should be carried out in accordance with the principles and norms of the OAS. The Organization shall ensure that these missions are effective and independent and shall provide them with the necessary resources for that purpose. They shall be conducted in an objective, impartial, and transparent manner and with the appropriate technical expertise, among other things.
The members of the OAS electoral observation mission have initiated their work in the country with meetings with key stakeholders and will be deployed throughout the territory on Monday. The OAS/EOM is composed of 14 observers coming from 8 countries (Barbados, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, St Vincent, United States, Venezuela). The Mission received financial contributions from Bolivia, Chile, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
Caribbean News Now
CHINA DEAL DELAYED IN CAYMAN
Premier McKeeva Bush yesterday announced extension of the memorandum of understanding with infrastructure giant China Harbour Engineering Company until 31 March next year.
The agreement, originally due to be completed by tomorrow, 30 November, has now been delayed four months while the Cayman Islands government, accounting firm KPMG and London’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) scrutinise its terms.
In a brief three-paragraph statement yesterday, the Office of the Premier said the work was ”detailed and complex” and, in the wake of last week’s London signing of the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility, both Mr Bush and the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands (PACI) would “formulate a business case and a value-for-money proposition for development of the George Town cruise-port project.
The framework, sought by FCO Minister for Overseas Territories Henry Bellingham, required strict accounting for all capital construction projects, seeking ”effective risk management and improved accountability in all public-sector operations” as well as better financial planning.
Saying that limits on borrowing “cannot reasonably be achieved in the short term”, Mr Bellingham hoped the framework “would return the public finances of the Caymans Islands to a sustainable footing” by next summer
In yesterday’s announcement, Mr Bush said he and PACI would “formulate a business case and a value-for-money proposition for development of the George Town cruise-port project.
“[Mr Bush] further advised” Mr Bellingham, the statement said, “that KPMG had been contacted by PACI from August 2011 to carry out this exercise and the work has been ongoing.”
As a result, “the current MOU will be extended beyond its expiry date of 30 November, 2011. The Cayman Islands government, PACI and China Harbour Engineering Company have agreed to extend their MOU to 31st March, 2012,” the statement said.
The premier also faces a 30 November deadline for a final agreement with Dart Realty, formalising the Dart-government ForCayman Investment Alliance, a $1.2 billion, 30-year programme of infrastructure improvement and economic revitalisation involving roads, hotels, schools, parks and relocation of the George Town Landfill to 110 acres near Bodden Town.
“We are working on the agreements,” Mr Bush told iNews Cayman yesterday, “but I’m not sure which one will be ready. I will let you know.”
CXC developing primary school exit examination
The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) is developing a primary school exit examination, professor of research, measurement and evaluation at the University of the West Indies’ School of Education, Dr Stafford Griffith, has disclosed.
Griffith said the exam will focus on pupils in primary schools in the region, acquiring the skills which will enable them to make a “proper” transition to secondary education.
He said the move is in response to multiple requests from CXC member countries, and is guided by a study in which he served as a lead consultant.
Headquartered in Barbados, CXC was established in 1972 by an agreement among 15 English-speaking Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories.
The CXC’s objectives are to provide regionally and internationally recognised secondary school leaving examinations, relevant to the needs of the region; assist in Common Entrance and other types of examinations; produce teaching materials and train teachers to use the CXC syllabi; and advise regional governments on education matters.
The council administers a number of courses and examinations at the secondary, post secondary levels, and vocational levels. Griffith advised that the council has expanded its use of technology and social media, “as a way of staying connected with the CXC community, and keeping that community connected.”
“It has also initiated a number of administrative reforms, which will make its work increasingly more relevant to the changing needs of the Caribbean, while stimulating efficiency gains in its operations. This will, ultimately, accrue to the benefit of the Caribbean community,” he added.
Caribbean News Now
French Departments mull closer ties with Caribbean region
A three-day conference opens here this week that will focus on closer integration of French Caribbean Departments with non-French speaking countries and territories in the region.
The conference called Forum FDA (French Departments of the Americas), is slated for November 30 to December 2.
“Today it is necessary to redraw our borders and to engage with the American continents to the North and the South, by learning about our history and by investigating the future of this melting pot of civilization and development – regional integration must be managed while protecting and favouring its rich diversity,” said Xavier d’Arthuys of the Forum FDA Secretariat.
The French Caribbean has an important role to play, he added, and must find a way to work more closely with their Caribbean neighbors regardless of linguistic heritage.
Other areas for cooperation and collaboration, he asserted, included research and development, ecological development, as well as artistic and cultural development.
The French Departments of the Americas include French Guyana, Guadeloupe and Martinique, while St. Barthélemy and St. Martin are considered territories.
Forum FDA delegates are hoping to position the French West Indies as the “Mediterranean of the Americas”.
They also intend to position the French Caribbean as a center for training, professional development, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Numerous academics and professional experts from France, the French West Indies, Barbados, Cuba, Jamaica and Mexico will participate in the conference.
Caribbean 360 News
Conrad Murray to be sentenced in singer Jackson's death
Dr. Conrad Murray, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of pop icon Michael Jackson, will be sentenced Tuesday.
Jackson's mother, Katherine, hopes Murray gets the harshest sentence possible: four years in a state prison.
"I don't believe that he intended for Michael to die," Katherine Jackson said Monday. "He was just taking a chance."
At the sentencing Tuesday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor has a choice ranging between probation and up to four years in a state prison. But measures to relieve California prison and jail crowding could significantly shorten his time locked up.
Prosecutors successfully argued that Murray's reckless use of the surgical anesthetic propofol to help Jackson sleep, without proper monitoring equipment, led to the singer's death.
Testimony during his trial revealed that Murray gave propofol nearly every night in the two months before the singer's death on June 25, 2009, as Jackson prepared for his comeback concerts set for London the next month.
Murray was found guilty three weeks ago.
Katherine Jackson and several of her children will be in court for the sentencing Tuesday, but her grandchildren Prince, Paris and Blanket will not. They'll be at school, she said.
She was uncertain whether anyone from the family would speak in court, but she was interviewed by a probation officer who will include her thoughts in the report to the judge, Jackson said.
Murray's mother, Milta Rush, wrote a letter to the judge asking for mercy, saying "his compassion and his soft heartedness for others led to this dilemma."
Prosecutors are asking for the maximum four years behind bars, and they want Murray to pay Jackson's children more than $100 million in restitution. Defense lawyers want probation, not prison time.
Each side will have a chance to present oral arguments Tuesday, but their positions were detailed in sentencing memos filed with the judge last week.
Murray has "displayed a complete lack of remorse" about Jackson's death, and is, "even worse, failing to accept even the slightest level of responsibility," deputy district attorneys David Walgren and Deborah Brazil wrote.
The prosecutors cited Murray's decision not to testify in his own defense, even while he was giving interviews for a documentary that aired days after the verdict.
"In each of these interviews, the defendant has very clearly stated that he bears no responsibility for Michael Jackson's death," the prosecutors said. "Moreover, the defendant has continued to express concern only for his individual plight and portrays himself, not the decedent, as the victim."
"I don't feel guilty because I did not do anything wrong," Murray said in the documentary quoted by the prosecution.
"Finally, the defendant consistently blames the victim for his own death, even going so far as to characterize himself as being 'entrapped' by the victim and as someone who suffered a 'betrayal' at the hands of the victim," the prosecutors said.
Jackson's death came as he was preparing for a series of comeback concerts in London, which the defense argued pressured the singer to seek sleep or risk having the concerts canceled.
The prosecutors contend in their sentencing memo that Murray should be ordered to pay Jackson's three children restitution for the subsequent "wage and profits lost," as provided under California's "victim's bill of rights" law.
The singer's "estate estimates Michael Jackson's projected earnings for the 50-show O2 concert series to be $100,000,000," the prosecutors said.
With nearly $2 million in funeral expenses and 10% interest added each year, the prosecution is asking Pastor to order Murray to pay Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson more than $120 million in restitution.
While it is doubtful that Murray, who is unlikely to ever practice medicine again, could pay much of that sum, it could prevent him from reaping financial benefits from any books, interviews or film projects in the future.
Defense lawyers, in their sentencing memo, said Murray is suffering "manifold collateral consequences" because of the felony conviction.
The memo included a biography of Murray that described him as "a self-made man of humble origins," who paid his own way through medical school without scholarships or family funds.
"He was raised in a home that lacked indoor plumbing or electricity, and he walked to school barefoot for his first couple years of school," the defense said.
He worked as a doctor for 20 years, with "no prior contacts with the law," and many of his patients were elderly in low-income, underserved communities, the defense said.
"It seems reasonable that the transgression for which he is to be judged should be viewed within the context of the larger life of which it is a part," it said.
The defense challenges the prosecution's contention that Murray is not remorseful.
"Dr. Murray wishes to make it unmistakenly clear to everyone that he deeply mourns the loss of Michael Jackson's life, and he profoundly regrets any mistakes or oversights on his part that may have contributed to it," the defense said.
The judge should also consider "the manifold collateral consequences that Dr. Murray has sustained as a result of his mistake," the defense said, including the loss of his medical career, the public disgrace and loss of privacy.
"Dr. Murray has been described as a changed, grief-stricken man, who walks around under a pall of sadness since the loss of his patient, Mr. Jackson," the defense said.
The defense memo included a letter from Murray's elderly mother, Milta Rush. She sat in court for much of her son's trial, just a few feet away from Jackson's mother.
"I sympathize with Mrs. Jackson as a mother," Rush wrote in a letter to the judge. "I sense she was very close to her son. I really wanted to approach her personally and tell her I am sorry for the loss of her son, but I was unsure if she would be receptive, and I did not want to take the chance of violating court rules. I am sorry for all her loss."
While Murray's mother told the judge her son is "saddened and remorseful" about Jackson's death, she said "his compassion and his soft heartedness for others led to this dilemma."
The defense contends that Murray was trying to help Jackson, who was desperate for sleep so he could be ready for rehearsals. "His compassionate intentions should not be overlooked," it said.
"The victim was a willing recipient of the medications administered," the defense said. "In fact, Mr. Jackson had repeatedly begged Dr. Murray for propofol to overcome his insomnia so that he could sleep."
Murray does not pose a safety threat to the public, it said. "The likelihood of recurrence is essentially nonexistent since Conrad Murray's medical license has been suspended."
Aside from the arguments of what Murray deserves, the defense contends that California's prison and jail crowding mean that "neither the space nor the public funds exist to continue imprisoning nonviolent, nondangerous offenders who do not need to be incapacitated for the sake of public safety."
"Dr. Murray is clearly such a defendant," the defense said. "He is an individual who remained free on bond for more than two years prior to the jury verdict, adhering assiduously to all of the bond conditions that had been imposed."
If Murray takes up a state prison or county jail cell, it "may mean that someone else with higher potential for violence will be released," the defense said.
Instead, the defense proposed that Murray could be sentenced to community service along with probation.
"Though he will perhaps not again be a doctor qualified to make diagnoses, he could educate and counsel patients about heart care and disease prevention," it said. "There are many nonprofit clinics and organizations that would benefit from his participation, if ordered to perform community service as a condition of his sentence and a means of 'putting some water back into the public well.'"
Bow Wow in tax problems with IRS
Rapper/actor Bow Wow is the latest artist to run afoul of the IRS, TMZ.com reports. Bow Wow, born Shad Gregory Moss, owes $91,105.61 to the government for back taxes accrued in the state of Florida for the year 2006.
As a result, the government filed a tax lien against Bow Wow, who is signed to Cash Money Records/Young Money Records. At press time, Bow Wow was preparing to release his Young Money/Cash Money debut, Underrated.
The album was due in stores on December 6, but has since been delayed until 2012. In a new blog post, Bow Wow brushed off reports of financial trouble and explained the reason Underrated has been delayed. “I know yall want this album just as much as I want to deliver it,” Bow Wow said in a new blog
Post. “The thing is tour just ended like 3 n half weeks ago. I left studio to tour which of course set me back. I have to mix all the records which I have just now kinda started.”