UN disaster assessment team arrives in flood-hit Colombia
A three-member United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team (UNDAC) has arrived in Colombia to support the ongoing response to the floods, which are affecting over 2 million people.
Heavy rainfall associated with the La Niña weather phenomenon has affected Colombia since the middle of this year, causing floods in the Andes region and the Caribbean coastal area, according to the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
UN agencies and partner non-governmental organisations have already been assisting those affected in some of the worst-hit areas. Among the most immediate needs are food assistance, water and sanitation, shelters, emergency education and health services.
Earlier this month $6 million was allocated for the post-flood effort from the local UN emergency response fund.
The UNDAC team that arrived in the country yesterday will assist in information management tasks and strengthening of humanitarian partners, both national and international, OCHA stated.
It is initially expected to stay in the country for three weeks but this period could be extended.
Royal Caribbean crew tried to smuggle heroin, cocaine from Dominican Republic
Crew members on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship attempted to smuggle heroin and cocaine into Baltimore from the Dominican Republic, according to criminal complaints filed by US officials on Tuesday.
According to accounts by agents of the Department of Homeland Security filed in federal court, three employees of the cruise line -- 35-year-old Gavin Excell and 27-year-olds John Swart Garth and Kishurn Neptune -- obtained narcotics in the Dominican Republic during a stop of the Royal Caribbean's "Enchantment of the Seas" trip in mid-December.
When the ship arrived in Baltimore on Dec. 18, the documents state, the three men had planned to deliver those drugs at the Port Covington Wal-Mart, near the cruise terminal, to Loxly Johnson and Shenika Nicole Graves, who appear to have driven to Baltimore from Virginia.
Johnson, also known as Desmond Williams, is a Jamaican citizen and a legal permanent resident of the United States, according to the documents. He, Excell and Graves were indicted by a grand jury on charges of conspiring to import drugs into the country.
Customs officials were tipped off by Elhadad David, a ship security officer for Royal Caribbean.
Agents searched Excell when the cruise ship arrived in Baltimore on Dec. 18. According to the documents, agents said they found 700 grams of heroin and 300 grams of cocaine hidden in his waistband and shoes. The documents state that Excell told agents he had picked up the drugs from a Jamaican man in the Dominican Republic with Garth and a man later identified as Neptune, who both worked in the galley of the cruise ship.
That same day, agents said they saw Johnson and Graves in a black GMC Envoy with Virginia plates outside the Wal-Mart, and saw Garth entering and exiting the vehicle. When questioned later, Garth told officers that he had been paid $4,000 to deliver three packages of narcotics to Graves and Johnson, the documents state.
Shortly after Johnson left the Walmart, customs agents stopped him on the 1300 block of Hanover St. in Baltimore and searched the Envoy and found $8,000 in cash. Other agents approached Graves, who was still inside the Wal-Mart, and found 700 grams of heroin and 300 grams of cocaine in her purse, according to documents.
Johnson is being represented by a federal public defender.
Thomas L. Crowe, Graves' attorney, said his client is a "solid citizen" and pleaded not guilty to the charges last week.
"She has absolutely no criminal record," Crowe said. "She's never been accused of being involved in anything like this. She maintains her innocence."
Graves was released and promised to appear later to answer the charges, Crowe said, and is now back home with family in Virginia.
Source:The Baltimore Sun
Turks and Caicos Crown land sales indicate manipulation of policies
Jon Llewellyn, the British adviser who was reportedly brought in to assist the Turks and Caicos Islands Land registry computerise the land records,
is now chasing land leases with a total of $3 million in default and is now promising new rules for Crown land sales.
Llewellyn has organised the systematic logging of all land ownership records. Recently, the third and more comprehensive registry has been
published and is available online. This record gives immediate access to the ownership status of all TCI Crown land.
Previous Minister of Natural Resources McAllister Hanchell had promised to computerise land records years ago but the programme was never started. In
fact, when Llewellyn arrived, he reported he found the written records in a shambles.
Llewellyn has hosted a number of town hall meetings around the islands, where he met with residents to discuss his assigned duties. The principal
discovery Llewellyn made public was that the previous government, led by Michael Misick, with Hanchell as cabinet Minister (responsible for public
land), had sold off most of the territorys thousands of acres of Crown land.
In the last fiscal year of the prior administration under the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), which overlapped the incoming administration of
the Progressive National Party (PNP) for fiscal year April 1, 2003/March 31, 2004, sales of Crown land totaled $16 million.
The Misick/PNP administration took over officially in August 2003. Sales continued in the mid teens until March 2006. Later in 2006, an election
was nearing and, in February 2007, Misick gained a landslide victory, gathering 57 percent of the popular vote.
In fiscal year April 1, 2006/March 31, 2007, Crown land sales swelled to $55 million and, in the following year ending March 31, 2008, sales
reached an astonishing $58 million. Now it appears this figure (provided in the government budget reports) was seriously understated.
The record sales reported appears to be a reflection of activities by Misick's government prior to the 2007 election, when they encouraged
people to apply for land. In numerous cases, land leases were passed out to prospective supporters without applications being made by the
applicants themselves.
The understatement of $58 million has been revealed in recent weeks by two land flip deals dug out by the Civil Recovery Team, who have indicated
that in two cases alone nearly $3 million in Crown land sales to non belongers were facilitated by flips in this period.
It is unknown how many of these flips occurred but, during the Commission of Inquiry conducted in the first quarter of 2009, two other flips were
revealed. These involved two former ministers, Lillian Boyce and Jeffrey Hall. These flips also amounted to a total of about $3 million.
The only portion of this $6 million in land sales that was officially reported and realised by the government was the significantly lower
assessed value, discounted with a 50 percent belonger discount.
The land sale of upwards of 2,500 acres of prime development land in Middle Caicos for less than US$3,000 per acre also grossly understated the
value of crown land sales. This land alone, at a conservative price of $100,000 per acre, would have yielded the government $250 million.
Private land adjacent to these blocks was selling at the time in the $300,000 to $400,000 per acre price range.
In the second part of this article the land policies of the Misick and Williams PNP administrations, as well as the previous Taylor-led PDM
administration, will be reviewed. Also the drop in private real estate sales affecting the income of the government will be shown.
Constitution reform moves forward in Turks and Caicos
The deadline of January 14, 2011 for interested parties who still wish to comment on the revised recommendations, submitted by constitutional and
electoral reform Advisor, Kate Sullivan. the constitutional reform consultant hired by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), has
announced a deadline of January 14, 2011 for submissions from interested parties.
The constitutional and electoral reform process was one of the top stories of 2010 that grew out of public statements by the FCO's then Director of
Overseas Territories Colin Roberts, a Labour Party appointee, who had indicated that the process would go forward with minimum consultation with
Islanders themselves.
This was vehemently objected to by residents in the TCI who voiced their objection via the local and international media and through their
participation in another of 2010s top stories -- the large and peaceful Unity March in Providenciales in March 2010.
The FCO Advisor later switched gears and conducted two rounds of town hall style meetings on all the populated islands. Ms. Sullivan met with
concerned citizens, who did not hesitate to speak out and network with her. In her first round of meetings, many reported she had a laid back,
unconcerned attitude and was not taking notes.
However, her second set of meetings, which came after her first set of recommendations were published and, after the May 2010 general election in
Britain, which put the former Labour government who appointed her into opposition, she appeared more open and consultative.
Unfortunately, on the most populated island of Providenciales (Provo), she was met not only by concerned residents but also by angry demonstrators
who burned her recommendations in the parking lot and who caused her to close down the meeting early.
During the earlier second round of meetings she mentioned she would conduct yet a third round after she issued her second revised set of
recommendations. This second revised set included stronger restrictions on enlarging the voting franchise and the mandatory requirement that the
deputy governor remain, as before, a Belonger.
However, Ms. Sullivan and His Excellency Governor Gordon Wetherell became the target of yet another demonstration at the Provo airport the day that
the new Minister of Overseas Territories Henry Bellingham visited and announced a delay in elections from the proposed date of mid 2011.
Demonstrators known to be activists from the Progressive National Party (PNP) hurried to the airport to intercept Bellingham but met Ms. Sullivan
and the governor instead. Sullivan and the governor had to be escorted by police to their waiting plane, which flew them back to the Nations
capital, Grand Turk.
Sullivan later announced she would not conduct any further meetings, but would meet with the TCI All Party team, which had been initiated by the
Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) leadership and who themselves conducted town hall meetings around the islands. The All Party Group is headed by attorney Wendell Swan, who was part of a delegation that appeared before the United Nations Committee on Decolonization, pleading the TCI case.
Constitutional reform is one of the principal milestones recently set by Bellingham that must be met and passed before elections can be
rescheduled.
Sullivan has now said that she will be concluding her recommendations and forwarding them to Mr. Bellingham, who will then prepare a draft
constitution and has set a deadline of January 14, 2011 for late submissions from interested parties.
Incidents of gunfire and house fires mar Christmas Day celebrations
'During the early hours of Christmas Day, persons reported the discharge of a firearm in the area of Blue Hills, Providenciales.
Following initial police enquiries officers mobilised quickly and later that morning executed a search warrant at a house in Blue Hills in what
was a police firearms operation.
A male person was arrested shortly after that and is assisting with their enquiries.
A police spokesman said that the police response to this report was swift and effective, resulting in one person being arrested, however, he
appealed for any witnesses to come forward and reminded the public that anyone can call Crime-Stoppers on 1 800 TIPS (8477) with information
relating to this incident or any other crime should they wish to help.
He continued that the police response shows our continuing commitment in responding quickly and effectively through our zero tolerance approach and
in taking the fight against crime to the criminal, in this instance while most people are celebrating Christmas Day morning.'
Assistant Commissioner of Police Dave Ryder and Detective Sargeant Calvin Chase, wish everyone a Happy and crime free Christmas and New Year.
But it wasn't altogether a crime free holiday here in the nation's capital as residents here awoke to news of two fires one at the vacant residence
of former Premier Michael Missick at Cork Tree Beach and the other at the very popular and only fish plant Missick's fish market as well as the
adjoining Dominican food store on Front Street in the West Road district of Grand Turk.
That business establishment area has for years been the hang out spot for young and old alike, most of whom gather under the tree for a game of
dominoes, and to chat about the social issues confronting this country.
While Police have launched an investigation into both fires, speculation is rife that arson may have played a part in both fires.
Just a few weeks ago a vacant building, formerly used as storage area for TIMCO, was destroyed by fire, which also caused the adjacent Poop-Deck
fast food establishment to go up in flames.
This came on the heels of the fire at the Ona Glinton Primary School which resulted in the displacement of faculty, staff and students.
Those fires are still under investigation.
Talks underway to develop TCI Christian Council
The Assemblies of God Executive Committee met recently for the first time in the Turks and Caicos Islands and while visiting discussed the
possibility of helping to create an official TCI Christian Council.
Pastor Bradley Handfield and the Community Fellowship Center, welcomed the contingent from the Bahamas that included Rev. Patrick Paul,
Assemblies of God general superintendent and Bahamas Christian Council President.
A legally recognized Christian Council representing all Christians in the TCI is a dream that Handfield has had for some time.
Rev. Patrick Paul, president of the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC), told the Free Press during his visit that he had meetings with the
Providenciales Ministerial Fellowship (PMF) to facilitate talks about helping to create a TCI Christian Council and said prospects look very,
very good.
It is unfortunate the TCI is finding itself in the position they are in, he said. Paul believes it is a good time for the local community to come
together in this way, pointing to the success the organization has had in the Bahamas since it was created some 39 years ago.
Paul says the organization in the Bahamas has brought counsel, support and strength to the holistic development of that country. The undercurrent of
the church also changed the political situation in the country, he said, with more than 80 percent of all major denominations participating.
There are more than 50 churches on Providenciales and another dozen on Grand Turk. Handfield said pooling the power and resources of those
churches could have an incredible influence on the direction of the TCI.
In addition to wielding political influence, the Christian Council could assist in areas such as education and the economy, he explained.
It is clear in my mind we have tremendous influence. We are really concerned about where we are as a people in the TCI, Handfield said.
Their Christian approach is a holistic approach, supporting the individuals and families and through that kind of support they could make
a difference for the better in the TCI, he explained.
Handfield noted that they do not have the support of all the ministries yet, but hopes are high for the future. Paul said he anticipates a second
meeting to take place within the next 30 days to continue the discussions.
Paul was joined on his visit by Rev. Robert Lockhart, Assistant Superintendent; Rev. Stafford Symonette, General Presbyter; Rev. Unay
Jones, Secretary; Terrance Jones, Presbyter for Grand Bahama; and Tamiko Collie, Presbyter for Nassau.
Beyonce is 2010’s Highest Earning Musician; Oprah Tops List Overall
Beyoncé’s estimated earnings of $87 million this year were enough to make her the highest-ranking musician on Forbes’ list of Hollywood’s 20 Highest Earners of 2010.
The R&B/pop star ranks at No. 9. on the list overall, while the No. 2-highest earning musician Britney Spears comes in at No. 13 overall with $64 million netted over the past year. Lady Gaga was the third highest earning musician, and ranks No. 14 overall with $62 million earned.
Other musical artists who made the bottom half of the list include Madonna (No. 15 with $58 million), Miley Cyrus (No. 18 with $48 million) and Taylor Swift (No. 19 with $45 million).
Oprah Winfrey easily snagged the top spot on the list with a whopping $315 million netted in 2010, while “Avatar” director James Cameron came in second with $210 million.
With Beyoncé earning $87 million in 2010, she and husband Jay-Z further prove their status as an unstoppable power couple.
In August, the rapper topped Forbes’ “Hip-Hop Cash Kings” list after making $63 million over a 12-month period.
Alison ready for TNT carnival
Soca queen Alison Hinds will be giving her last performance at home for the year at the Ship Inn on Thursday night.
Hinds has not performed locally since Crop-Over, and it is the first time she will be performing in this kind of setting in a number of years.
She has also released a couple of tracks for Trinidad Carnival, which she said were doing well. There is one which was first released in Toronto on the Girl Scout rhythm called Soca Queen.
“It’s been received very well, not only in Trinidad but all over. Now, when you release songs you do an email blast . . . . I’ve been getting lots of really good feedback about it,” she said.
Hinds has also released Makalele, a few Chutney tracks and she is also on a remix with Gyptian for his Nah Let Go.
“It is looking real nice, and I have a couple more songs to release for Trinidad Carnival,” Hinds added.
She plans to be in Trinidad from early February to perform and make other public appearances in the lead-up to the spectacular climax in March. 
Artistes wow Sting crowd 2010
Sizzla Kalonji and I-Octane were the artistes who got the most 'forwards' from patrons at Sting 2010 on Sunday. At 6:16 a.m., Sizzla rejuvenated a dull Jam World crowd as he entered the staged singing Simplicity. He immediately gained the crowd's attention and kept the momentum, as he performed hits continually for more than half an hour. Some of his songs included: Got It Right There, Praise Ye Jah, Run Out and Thank You Mama.
At 7:10 a.m., I-Octane came out to a hail of fireworks and cheers from patrons. The welcome got warmer when MC Nuffy announced that he was from Portmore, where Jam World is located. The artiste had the crowd's attention for his entire performance which lasted for a little more than 15 minutes. Songs such as Mama A You Alone, Mine Who Dem A Dis, Puff It and Lose A Friend were some of the hits featured during his set.
Earlier, Richie Spice, the first of the 13 warriors appeared at 4:45 a.m., and was well received. He was also hailed as one of the best performers for the event. KipRich, Blak Ryno, Beenie Man and Agent Sasco, aka Assassin, ended the event with a blast at 8 a.m. in a joint effort. The collaboration which began with Kip Rich's appearance at 7:43, as he stirred up an already energetic crowd as he made comments about Vybz Kartel. Ryno appeared shortly before Beenie Man with Agent Sasco appearing after. Others among the crowd favourites were Khago, Lady Saw, Etana, Nesbeth, Food Kartel, Iya Blaze, Chuck Fenda, Gyptian, Tanto Blacks, D.I., Ce'Cile, Reggae Queen and Face.
Although he was present at the venue, Bounty Killer did not perform at Sting because it is alleged that the organiser, Supreme Promotions, did not honour its end of an arrangement between both parties.
Bounty Killer was named as one of the '13 Warriors' of Sting and he was scheduled to do a performance with Beenie Man. However, he did not take the stage at the event which was held at Jam World in Portmore on Sunday.
According to a representative of Solid Agency, the company that books Bounty Killer, the decision was made after Supreme Promotions breached their agreement.
"Prior to Sting, both Bounty and Supreme Promotions had a contractual arrangement. On Monday morning, Bounty was present in the venue. Prior to his performance, Supreme Promotions did not live up to their contractual obligations and this in return caused Bounty Killer not to perform," the representative told THE STAR, noting that a statement will be ready by today.
"They breached the terms of the contract. Despite being at the venue, there is no way he could perform based on what had happened."
Efforts were made to get in contact with Isaiah Laing from Supreme Promotions but calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.
SOURCE:The Star
Madonna plays Santa for Malawi children
Madonna wasn't able to visit Malawi this Christmas, but she let the children in the six orphanages she funds there know they were very much on her mind this holiday season.
Boxes of toys, chocolate, other sweets and clothes were shipped with a handwritten note from the star, which read, "To my Malawi children on Christmas and Boxing Day. I wish I was with you. See you soon M."
Inside the goodie boxes were miniature Christmas cards signed by Madonna, Lourdes and Rocco.
"How so sweet this woman is!" said Lucy Chipeta, director of Home of Hope Orphanage in Mchinji, where Madonna adopted son David in 2006, as more than 500 children scrambled for toys and bars of chocolate.
Near another orphanage, Consol Homes, more than 1,000 people from surrounding villages were invited to an open-air party. All the orphans and under-privileged children who registered with the center received clothes.
"Madonna says she always enjoys the traditional dances the villagers perform for her when she visits," said Yacinta Chapomba, director of Consol Homes. "She asked us to invite as many villagers as possible for the Christmas party."
The singer planned to return to Malawi in November alongside U2 singer Bono, but the trip, according to sources, was rescheduled for the spring.
SOURCE:PEOPLE.COM