Deputy Governor’s wife dies suddenly
An autopsy has been ordered on the body of the wife of Deputy Governor David Arkley after she was found dead last night.
Forty-two-year-old Melissa Arkley was fourd lifeless at ‘Clifton,’ the Deputy Governor’s official residence around 8.40pm. It is believed the Deputy Governor was off the Island, and only returned home yesterday.
Last night more than a dozen cars, including several police vehicles, parked outside the Devonshire home. A Police Spokesman said of the sudden death: “There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Mr Arkley took up his post in October. Governor Richard Gozney who was at the scene called the incident “tragic”.
Carlos Simons cautions the British
Former Chairman of the Consultative Forum, Queen’s Counsel Carlos Simons said that the British occupation of the TCI is creating uncertainty among residents and investors.
Making his contribution to the Consultative Forum on Tuesday, January 11, Simons said the period which the new proposed Constitution takes to be finalized and ratified by the UK Parliament was making life uncertain for international investors and locals alike.
He however, cautioned that while the process of the final document needs to be speeded up, in the final analysis it should be geared towards advancement of the country and not taking it backwards
Simons also noted that there was urgent need to revitalize the economy so that the private sector could provide the jobs needed to get the country up and running again, and also that Government could collect the required funds to make the public service more efficient and end the overhanging cloud of mass layoffs within that sector.
Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission
As part of its on-going commitment to the advancement of human rights in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the TCI Human Rights Commission will continue its participation in the project Building Human Rights Capacity in the UK Overseas Territories.
A workshop, originally scheduled for November last year but postponed due to the passage of hurricane Tomas, has now been rescheduled for January 17th through 21st with the UK trainers holding sessions in Grand Turk and Providenciales.
The project is being sponsored by DFID in partnership with the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The goals of the workshop are to:
- Increase the commitment by Overseas Territories Governments and partners to an improved human rights agenda
- Increase the awareness and capacity of governments and civil society to address human rights issues in the long term
- Strengthen human rights reporting and monitoring arrangements in accordance with relevant international treaties.
This is the second in a series of proposed workshops to be held. The aim is to provide all participants in the training sessions with the foundation/building blocks about human rights and to address the needs of particular government departments and civil society in order to enable them to apply rights in practice/in their work. The training will seek to address matters that arise in the various Government Departments and other institutions and agencies such as Immigration, Labour, SPICE, the Police, Education, Health, Social Services, Gender Affairs, NGOs, Media, Business/Corporate Community, Statutory Bodies, Youth Affairs, Courts and Civil Society Groups.
Participants will, among other things examine;
- the role of civil society in promoting and protecting human rights
- rights as regards to gender equality, access to justice, immigration and labour rights, and
- how best to encourage civil society to monitor human rights, advocate for greater human rights protection, lobby authorities and use the international machinery for human rights protection.
Millennium Highway to get much needed attention
The Millennium Highway in Providenciales is due for a major set of repairs as residents have cried out to government to address the much traversed roadway.
The highway which has become increasingly used since the development of several low cost homes in the area is perhaps one of the busiest roads in Provo but has had major officials since its inception in 2003.
Government officials have said that they are “aware” of the problems affecting – the main thoroughfare to densely populated Blue Hills and Wheeland – and has named it the “highest priority”.
Drivers forced to traverse the road on a regular basis are all too familiar with the vast craters which line one long stretch. Recent bad weather has made some sections almost impassable with vehicles swerving across the road to avoid the largest holes.
A spokesman for the Government told one local news agency t that an increase in traffic and heavy rains had resulted in a considerable amount of damage to the road’s surface. The official said quote: “This is exacerbated by the increase in development along the highway, much of which does not include adequate provision for drainage.”
Temporary repairs are however being conducted by members of the EMS team but these measures will not permanently fix the problem as extensive road work is hoped to be started by the middle of the year.
Saunders calls for re-evaluation of British takeover
Former PNP leader hopeful E. Jay Saunders was addressed the state of affairs in the TCI since the takeover by the British Government.
In an open letter, Saunders said quote: “Most residents of the TCI are not happy with the way the country is being governed. The nonchalant manner in how the present administration engages the public has caused them to lose any goodwill that the public had for them.”
Saunders charged that rather than treating Turks and Caicos Islanders as partners in the rebuilding of the country, the British Government has taken the position that the only way to fix the problems is to take away privileges, create more rules, and implement detailed procedures to ensure that going forward persons will have no choice but to do the “right thing.”
He asserted that quote: “What we need along with the right set of rules are leaders who are prepared to lead for others and not themselves. And we have that! However, the one way this country will not get back on track is through the indefinite suspension of its constitution.
“As such, I am publicly calling on the Prime Minister of Britain and Leader of its Conservative Party, Rt Hon David Cameron MP; the Prime Minister of Canada and Leader of its Conservative Party, Rt Hon Stephen Harper MP; and all the world leaders who believe in democracy to look into this distributing issue and help the people of the TCI stop this open-ended Order from going into force.”
Saunders was unsuccessful last August in his bid to be Leader of the Progressive National Party, that election saw Attorney at Law Clayton Greene elected as the party’s leader.
DRUGS STILL A QUESTION
Police and Immigration officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands are still at a loss for words as to how two Bahamian men managed to leave the Providenciales Int airport and arrive at the Lynden Pindling Int Airport in the Bahamas with 16 taped packages of cocaine.
The men, aged 38 and 45, had flown in to New Providence from the Turks and Caicos on a private aircraft and DRUG Enforcement Unit (DEU) officers arrested them on Monday morning.
Officers at the airport made the discovery shortly before 10am after they searched a suitcase carried by one of the men. And were later taken into custody. A Senior member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force told RTC that the men will appear in court hopefully by this week and they will be contacting the Turks and Caicos Islands police to ascertain the origin of the illegal substance.
Obama hosts China's Hu at rare private White House meal
Chinese President Hu Jintao has kicked off a four-day US visit with a rare private dinner at the White House with President Barack Obama.
Analysts say Mr Hu's visit is the most important by a Chinese leader in 30 years given China's growing military, economic and diplomatic clout.
Relations have been strained on issues from currency controls and trade disputes to human rights and Taiwan.
Talks are also expected to include North Korea's nuclear activities.
Mr Hu stepped off a jet plane to a show of pomp at Andrews Air Force base outside Washington on Tuesday, greeted by US Vice-President Joseph Biden.
In the US capital, meanwhile, raucous demonstrators protesting against China's Tibet policies gathered in front of the White House, waving signs and flags and chanting slogans.
Workers hung US and Chinese flags along Pennsylvania Avenue, one of Washington DC's chief arteries, which runs between the White House and the Capitol building where Congress sits.
Tuesday's dinner will be followed on Wednesday by talks in the Oval Office, during which White House aides pledged the US president would engage his counterpart on the top issues facing the two nations.
"Whether we're dealing with economic discussions, whether we're dealing with those in the security realm, or whether we're doing those with human rights, I think this is an argument that we have and we'll continue to make to the Chinese and push them to do better," spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters.
On Wednesday evening Mr Obama will host an opulent state dinner.
Later in the week, Mr Hu is expected to travel to Chicago, where some predict he will sign a series of trade and investment agreements.
China's foreign ministry called Mr Hu's visit "an important one".
"We hope the visit will promote positive and co-operative China-US relations, map out new directions for bilateral relations in the new era and raise co-operation to a new level," said spokesman Hong Lei.
This is likely to be Mr Hu's last state visit to the US before a handover of power is completed in China in 2013.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that America and China are "at a critical juncture, a time when the choices we make, big and small, will shape the trajectory of this relationship".
Both sides recognise the deep divisions that have dogged relations over the past year: the value of the yuan, the huge trade gap, human rights, US arms sales to Taiwan.
The US is also concerned by China's growing military strength.
Earlier this month, during a trip to China by US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, Beijing confirmed that it had tested a prototype J-20 stealth fighter, invisible to radar.
The US has also bolstered its support for its East Asian allies, most notably South Korea and Japan amid maritime rivalries with China in the Pacific.
The two powers have also been at loggerheads over how to curb North Korea's belligerent behaviour and advancement of its nuclear programme.
In a rare interview with foreign media, Mr Hu acknowledged the "differences and sensitive issues", but said co-operation rather than confrontation would serve both sides best.
Ahead of Mr Hu's arrival in the US, a Chinese trade mission signed six deals with US companies in Houston worth $600m (£376m) - which analysts say is an attempt to create a "positive" atmosphere for the talks.
Trade between the US and China is worth $400bn, up from $100m 30 years ago, when the US formalised relations with the communist state.
The US is also encouraging China to buy tens of billions of dollars of aircraft from Boeing, car parts, agricultural goods and beef.
A series of deals on bilateral trade, energy, environmental protection, infrastructure building, and cultural exchanges are expected to be signed during the visit, Chinese state media reported.
Meanwhile, US senators have been pressing Congress to penalise Beijing for "manipulating" its currency.
They say it is important to punish China if it does not allow the yuan to rise in value rather than manage its exchange rate - making Chinese products cheaper in the US and raising the price of US goods in China.
Mr Hu earlier said the yuan was not undervalued, and that China had adopted a "managed floating exchange rate regime" determined by the balance of international payments and supply and demand.
He also questioned the role of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency and criticised US monetary policy, saying that by keeping interest rates low, the Federal Reserve was devaluing the dollar and creating inflation elsewhere.
Members of Congress have also highlighted China's human rights record.
Laverne Ingham captures top prize for LIME’s Christmas promotion
LIME. For Living. Everyday. That is the new slogan for LIME’s refreshed brand and it was the impetus behind the company’s captivating 2010 Christmas Campaign.
LIME TCI gave the top three winners of the Christmas campaign a surprise to remember. General Manager Drexwell Seymour and Head of Corporate Sales, Delleriece Hall along with the television media greeted each winner who was picked up. Ms. Yohlean Smith, Mr. Henry Harvey and Ms. Lavern Ingham were delightfully shocked and happiness radiated on the faces of the winners as they were brought back to the LIME office in a police escorted limousine for the announcement of who had won which prize.
At the beginning of the campaign, General Manager, Drexwell Seymour commented: “LIME’s grand prize of ‘Live free for a year’ with $24,000 for mortgage plus groceries and communications is the company’s way of helping in this challenging environment which we live. Other prizes include a Family vacation and an Entertainment pack which will alleviate the burden for some customers and help them start 2011 with a bright outlook.”
The winners received a cool drink in their personalized LIME champagne flutes as they received flowers and wine. The atmosphere in the office was pulsing with excitement as the winners were seated and the presentation began.
Marketing Manager, Rachel Harvey welcomed everyone and gave a brief overview of the campaign. She said, “LIME is so pleased to be here today to conclude our Christmas promotion on a high note. All three customers won by using the text method of entry into the competition.” Staff members, Angell Gardiner, Darcia Ingham and Joanne Missick participate in the “big reveal” to indicate who had won. Each of them had a t-shirt with the name of one of the winners.
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The 3D entertainment package which included a flat screen television, surround sound speakers and 3D glasses was captured by Mr. Henry Harvey. The crowd and the winners were then eagerly anticipating who would be announced next. Ms. Yohlean Smith won the Family vacation and when it was announced that Ms. Lavern Ingham had won the top prize, she was overcome with emotions and she cried.
Ms. Ingham said, “I have never won anything in my life. Thanks LIME. This will be a great help.” Ms. Yohlean Smith said, “This is wonderful. I am going to be able to relax and enjoy a vacation compliments of LIME and I am so grateful.” Mr. Henry Harvey commented, “I said that I would enter by texting but I had no idea that I would win. I am in shock.”
Someone said at the end of the presentation, “It brought tears to my eyes.”
LIME Turks & Caicos Islands is so proud that everything worked out well for our winners. Laverne will live free for a year; Henry will kick back with his new system and Yohlean will enjoy a relaxing vacation courtesy of LIME.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CONSULTATIVE FORUM REVIEW
Consultative Forum public meeting on January 11th and closed meeting on January 12th 2011, both attended by members of the Advisory Council to discuss Constitutional and Electoral Reform (CER) in the TCI, and to inform a response to the revised recommendations from the CER Adviser Ms Kate Sullivan. The public meeting received presentations from political, business and civil leaders.
Constitutional and Electoral Reform
Opening the session on Tuesday January 11th the Forum Chair, Lillian Misick welcomed members of the Advisory Council. She noted the particular importance of the meeting and its focus on the CER.
Forum and Council Members received presentations from the Attorney General Huw Shepheard on the main differences between the revised recommendations published last November by the independent Adviser on Constitutional and Electoral Reform Kate Sullivan, and the report of the All-Party Commission. He observed that the All Party Commission Report did not make many changes to the 2006 constitution, while the revised recommendations in the Kate Sullivan report set out a number of amendments.
Presentations from the leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement Doug Parnell, former Chief Minister Norman Saunders Snr, former Chief Minister and former PDM Leader Derek Taylor, lawyer/politician Carlos Simons, and politician Clarence Selver provided the Forum with a number of comments on Ms Sullivan’s recommendations. They largely focused on the responsibilities of the Governor and the cabinet, the size of the House of Assembly, and public financial management. They recognized the need to provide necessary checks and balances but were concerned that these should be carefully balanced so as not to curtail the initiative for future elected officials. The Chairman of the All Party Commission Wendal Swan also made himself available to answer questions from the Forum.
The Forum met in closed session on Wednesday January 12th to reflect on Tuesday’s presentations, again inviting members of the Advisory Council to join them for part of their deliberations. The Forum expressed satisfaction with the contributions of presenters in the open session and agreed to include them in the Forum’s submission on the way forward.
Immigration Reform
In addition to discussions on the CER, the Closed session on Wednesday 12th also received an update from Adviser on Immigration Lorraine Rogerson, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Border Control and Labour Clara Gardiner. This covered plans for immigration reform.
Reflecting on the two day meetings, Chair of the Forum Lillian Misick said:
“The Forum was pleased to welcome members of the Advisory Council and was grateful for their participation and support for these important discussions. We were also pleased to have the input of the political leaders and community representatives who came forward to share their views on the recommendations before us on constitutional and electoral reform. I think this has been a valuable exercise to help us provide a thorough response on the revised recommendations published my Ms Sullivan.
“While we may have some differences of opinion, as is to be expected on such an important issue, there was clearly a strong desire with the Forum, Advisory Council members and contributors to ensure that the end result of this reform process is a new Constitution which promotes good governance and equal opportunities for all of us in the Turks and Caicos islands.
Buju Fans locked down Miami
Buju Banton maybe down but certainly not out and there isn’t more evidence than the huge turn out for his Buju Banton & Friends concert Sunday night at The Bayfront Park amphitheatre in downtown Miami.
The sold out show was to be streamed live by LIME TV and BUJULIVE.com, however technical difficulties prevented the streaming.
The media coverage for the event was stricter than normal, but Urban Islandz reporters and supporters were on hand to send in constant updates.
The press, who came from all over the world to cover the event were allowed only to video or photograph the first five minutes (one song) of each performance.
Every artist who graces the stage was well received by fans. It was the ‘My Cupp’ deejay himself Richie Loop who kicks things off in fine style. From then on every artist consistently raise the bar leading up to the big man himself Buju Banton.
The opening performance include veterans like Freddie McGregor, Nadine Sutherland, Everton Blender, Gramps Morgan, Gyptian and more, who all gave fans above average performances. Gramps send thank you shouts out to Stephen Marley, who gave his Miami home as collateral for Buju bail.
Other notable performances include Tarrus Riley, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Konshens, Dean Fraser, Sly and Robbie, DJ Khaled, as well as, Stephen Marley and Damian Marley who performed their new single ‘Jah Army’ to a receptive crowd.
Security officials were out in their numbers at the venue, which obviously made some patrons uneasy. Police officers, US Marshals and Buju Banton security detail seal the event tight. It was as if the security force was guarding a serial killer. But nonetheless, the concert was incident free.
Buju Banton song for fans from the heart and fans loved it, they couldn’t got enough of the Gargamel as he belt out songs from his huge catalogue of hits. Carlene who was almost at the front, told Urban Islandz that this was her first Buju Banton concert and it felt like magic.
“This was one of my best concert ever, I was at the front and could every sweat from Buju, they need to free the man,” she said.
Money raised from Sunday’s event will help cover security and other costs while on house arrest.
Buju Banton new trial is schedule to begin next month, after his first ended last year September in a mistrial.
Buju Banton has only done one interview since release on bonds late last year, his attorney David Markus says ‘Banton and his team are very thankful to the court for the opportunity to do what he lives for – performing his music.’