More time to comment on Kate Sullivan TCI Constitutional and Electoral Reform
Turks and Caicos Islanders have been given more time to comment on Ms Kate Sullivan, TCI Constitutional and Electoral Reform Adviser?s revised recommendations for constitutional and electoral reform in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).
Following the interest shown by TCI residents throughout 2010, Ms Sullivan added a second opportunity for the public to comment on formal proposals for change. Her revised recommendations were published in November for this purpose and remain available for consideration and reaction until 14 January 2011.
Interested persons are welcome to make a written response to some or all of the recommendations. Such responses can be made via: their PO Box 68 Grand Turk
Ms Sullivan has published her report on the Governor's Office website and copies are available from the Governor's Office in Grand Turk at Waterloo and from the Governor?s Office in Providenciales at the Hilly Ewing Building.
Ms Sullivan further noted that once UK ministers have considered the areas for possible constitutional change, a draft constitutional order will be prepared to incorporate those changes.
This draft order will be published in TCI and opportunities for further public input will be provided before UK ministers decide on the submission of the final version for the Queen's Assent.
A new gospel showcase for TCI
Churches from all denominations from across the Turks and Caicos Islands have signed on to be of a new gospel showcase in the country entitled TCI Sunday Best.
As it name suggests, the religious event will be based on the popular BET television programme Sunday Best in which various singers compete for a top cash prize and recording contract one of the local organizers Hilton McCartney explained to the public that the first set of auditions will be held on January 7th in Grand Turk and on the 8th in Providenciales where 20 persons will be selected to compete on the last Sunday of every month until the elimination process is complete leaving a grand winner.
Interested persons are free to see whatever gospel and religious song of their preference.
Pedro Williams also one of the organizers will reveal more information in a later newscast..
Clyde Robinson placed on administrative leave
Director of Planning Clyde Robinson has been placed on administrative leave.
The news was confirmed today via a statement from the Government Press office.. It read quote: On 12 November 2010, the Turks & Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) issued civil proceedings against Mr. Clyde Robinson arising out of his acquisition of Crown Land and the sale on of that land at a substantial profit. Those proceedings have now been served on Mr. Robinson. Proceedings have also been issued against Susannah Robinson, but these have not yet been served.
TCIG's claim against Clyde Robinson alleges that he acquired the freehold of parcel 61112/286 in Long Bay Hills, Providenciales, from TCIG for $70,000 in March 2007, at a time when he was Director of Planning, owing a duty of good faith to TCIG and a duty not to put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicted with his duties and responsibilities.
The Land Transfer contained a covenant that Mr Robinson would use the land for his only or main residence and that he required the property for his own or exclusive use and that of members of his family.
The statement continued : In May 2007, Mr Robinson agreed to sell the parcel for $1,500,000 to a third party developer, Wawa Co Ltd. On 14 June 2007, Mr Robinson transferred the parcel to Susannah Robinson for no consideration, and in September 2007, the parcel was transferred to Wawa Co. Ltd for $1,500,000.
TCIG argues that Mr and/or Mrs Robinson have been unjustly enriched, and it is unconscionable for them to retain the proceeds of sale, and that they are liable to account to TCIG for the profit from the sale, equaling $1,220,000 after payment of a Crown charge, as well as interest and costs.
These are the next set of proceedings issued by the Civil Recovery team since they began their work at the end of 2009, and the second set of proceedings in connection with the 'flipping' of land.
In view of the serious allegations against Mr. Robinson he has been required to go on leave until these proceedings have been resolved. No decision has yet been taken in relation to possible disciplinary proceedings.
Robinson who had been Director of the Department for several years was instrumental in the approval of several projects across the Turks and Caicos Islands some of which have been heavily scrutinized by many.
He was also placed in the limelight during talk of a proposed Star Island development project off the Leeward Marina which never materialized as environmentalists and residents of the area lobbied hard against it .
Parts of the Nation's Capital without power for approximately 14 hours Sunday
The Turks and Caicos Utilities Limited (TCU), issued a public announcement regarding a planned outage that would affect the following areas between 12:30 am and 5:30 am on Sunday December 19, 2010.
South Base, Waterloo Road, Old Airport Road, Prison Road, North & South Back Salina, Old Power Station Road, Breezy Brae, Church Folly, Lighthouse Road & all roads leading off.
RTC News understands that while power should have been restored at 6am, the team suffered a major set back at the plant.
Due to an unexpected development that resulted in the replacement of one of their main transformers at the Power Station, the final restoration was not completed until 2:38 pm Sunday afternoon.
TCU in a press statement said it regrets the inconvenience caused to the public in the affected areas and wishes to apologize for the delay in restoration of power. The release further thanked Otis from Otis Construction.
Senior police officers in Turks and Caicos retired by governor
In a surprise move, Governor Gordon Wetherell, who heads the direct rule Interim Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, has announced that commissioner of police Edward Hall, deputy commissioner Hubert Hughes and a third assistant commissioner, whose name has yet to be confirmed, are being retired.
It appears that, while these top police officers are approaching retirement age, they are being excused early because of accumulated leave time. Their official retirement is due to take effect in March 2011.
However, this move has drawn particular attention locally as a result of reports that officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who were recently contacted to assist the police management, will now in fact replace them. The replacements are under contract to serve for two years through March 2013.
Recent visits to Canada by Wetherell may have served to cement these arrangements Reportedly the RCMP officers are already present in the TCI and will continue to ?assist? until the TCI belonger police officially retire..
This follows the recent arrival of additional police officers from London's Scotland Yard -- also brought in to assist. Five experts were brought in for a short period, which will end soon. Andrew Rosindell, chairman of the British-TCI All Party Group and elected member of parliament of the Conservative Party in Britain, had called for a much larger group to be present for a longer period of time.
Many local residents are celebrating the retirement of Hall, who had been under pressure as a result of the gradual escalation of crime over his term of service. This escalation has recently experienced a dramatic upswing.
On a number of past occasions, Commissioner Hall publicly announced crime figures that he portrayed as light to moderate. However, in 2010, the police admitted that the incidents of crimes had in fact doubled. The 2010 crime wave was also marked by increased violence.
The arrival of Canadian replacements is, however, is receiving a mixed reception from locals. Other Canadian entities, including the Canadian-owned power company and Canadian-run health care system, have themselves been the target of discontent in recent weeks for the high costs and somewhat compromised service associated with their operations.
Many here believe that local or possibly British replacements would have been more easily accepted.
It appears Governor Wetherell will use the two year contract period to recruit or promote new police leaders.
The introduction of greatly increased penalties for unauthorised gun possession and use of guns in crime has also been recently pushed through by Wetherell.
Eight unsolved murders, including one of a policeman, and what appeared to be an organised crime wave in mid 2010 has brought increasing pressure on the governor to take action.
Hall?s apparent inability to resolve the alleged involvement of the police in crime has also been at the heart of discontent with his leadership. This problem has ranged from police sponsoring illegal jitney drivers to a recent drug bust involving a police official. Rumours have also been circulating that the guns and drugs confiscated by police have gone missing.
It appears that all the focused attention and moves by the governor has forced some criminal elements to back off, as there have been few serious crime issues in recent weeks. One exception is arson. There was a failed attempt by an unknown arsonist to set fire to the Labour Department building in Providenciales. This has refocused attention on the recent fire that destroyed most of a large primary school in Grand Turk.
Appointment of new Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police
With early rumors flying around on Friday afternoon about the Commissioner & Deputy being sacked by HE Governor Gordon Wetherill, those were quickly dispelled by the Governor in a press release issued on Friday.
With the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner and one Assistant Commissioner all due to retire or start using up their accrued leave prior to retirement over the next few months, and another Assistant Commissioner nearing the end of his contract, discussions with the Canadian Government on assistance for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands PoliceForce (RTCIPF) have increasingly focussed on filling crucial leadership positions in the Force.
This will provide the continuity of leadership necessary for reforms of the Force to be taken forward. It will also provide the time necessary for Officers of the RTCIPF to gain the further experience and training they need to succeed to command positions.
I am therefore pleased to announce that, during my visit to Ottawa last week, we reached agreement that two senior Canadian police experts will fill the posts of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police for a period of two years from March 2011 to coincide with when the current Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner go on pre-retirement leave.
I am very grateful to Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)and its Anti-crime Capacity Building Programme for this generous offer which will ensure a managed succession for two of the most important posts responsible for the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands and all who live here.
At the same time I would like to take this opportunity to thank Commissioner Edward Hall and Deputy Commissioner Hubert Hughes for their years of distinguished service to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. I look forward to a smooth transition and to announcing details of the new Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner in due course.
PDM LEADER CALLS FOR ROYAL HOLIDAY
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TCI 
ISLANDERS can look forward to an extra day’s vacation next year if Doug Parnell gets his way.
The PDM leader is calling for a public holiday to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
The royal couple, both 28, got engaged while on holiday in Kenya in October and will tie the knot on Friday April 29.
Parnell said: “Firstly I would like to send congratulations to the Royal couple from both the PDM Party and everybody here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Royal weddings don’t come along very often and this is sure to be a very special occasion and one that will be enjoyed by millions around the world.
“In the UK, a public holiday has been announced and I would urge the TCI interim government to do the same here. I think, as a British Overseas Territory, islanders should be given the opportunity to celebrate the occasion if they wish.
“The British Royal Family is much loved and respected here in the TCI and it’s nice to have something like this to look forward to. Prince William’s mother, Princess Diana, has a special place in the hearts of so many and therefore so does has her son.”
With the last Royal visit having taken place in 1966 when the Queen and Prince Phillip toured Grand Turk and South Caicos aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, Parnell wants an official invitation to be extended to Prince William and his bride.
“We have waited a long time for a Royal visit”, added Parnell, “and maybe this is the perfect opportunity. What better way for any newlyweds to spend their time than relaxing in the beautiful TCI.
“I’m sure their honeymoon arrangements are already taken care of but I would like to see us extend an official invitation to the couple to visit in the near future.
“Certainly I will be extending that invitation on behalf of the PDM Party and hopefully it’s something that can be done at government level, and with a degree of real conviction.
“Not only would we be proud to host such a visit, it would also act as a perfect opportunity to show off our wonderful islands, which would be a massive boost for tourism and our economy in general.”
The Royal Family and the Middletons will pay for the wedding itself, but the British taxpayer will meet the cost of extra security and transport.
It will take place at Westminster Abbey, a venue that has hosted the weddings of the Queen and Queen Mother and was the venue for Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.
It’s expected the ceremony will be beamed live around the world, including here in the TCI, which are five hours behind London.
NIB takes Rounder’s Ltd, Tucker’s Hill Nursery & Island Publishing Ltd to court
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The National Insurance Board continues on their quest to collect outstanding arrears owed to them.The following persons appeared in the Magistrate’s Courts in Providenciales on December 13th, 2010.
Providenciales
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Mr. Rhynie Campbell Director Rounder’s Ltd appeared in the Magistrate Court before Chief Magistrate Mr. Clifton Warner, for failing to pay contributions and additional charges for the period June 2009 to July2009 in the amount of $2,731.60 He was represented by Attorney Ashwood Forbes. He requested a further adjournment. The matter was adjourned to February 10th 2011 pending settlement.
The matter was adjourned to the 10th February, 2011 Settlement pending.
The following persons appeared in the Magistrate‘s Court #1 on December, 16th 2010 before Honorable Magistrate Mrs. Joann Joyner.
Providenciales
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Tracey Ann Ewing -Hurdle Contractor of Tucker’s Hill Nursery appear in the magistrate Court Sitting at Providenciales before Chief Magistrate His Hon Mrs. Joann Joyner, for (14) counts failing to pay contributions and (14) counts additional charges as an employer and (2) counts of failing to pay contributions and additional charges as a self employed person. During the period November 2008 to June 2010. Mrs. Ewing pleaded guilty on all charges and was ordered to pay the amount of $1500.00 by the 30th December, 2010 on each complaint or 30 days imprisonment. Magistrate Miss Joann Joyner also ordered that Mrs. Ewing pay the amount of $2500.00 per month commencing on the 30th January 2011 and every month after until the full amount of $85,207.35 is extinguished.
Committal proceedings
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Director of Island Publishing Ltd appeared in the Magistrate Court #1 before Chief Magistrate Joann Joyner on the charges of failing to pay contributions and additional charges as an employer and self employed person, during the period November 2005 to April 2009. Mr. Boyce was represented by Attorney Mr. Clayton Green in the matter. The NIB was represented by Attorney Mesick. A Warrant for committal to prison was issued by the court. Mr. Boyce was ordered to pay the full amount of $24,000.00 by the 17th January 2011 or 30 days imprisonment. Mr. Green requested a further adjournment which was granted by the court.
The warrant was put on hold until the 17th January 2011, in default of the payments, Magistrate order the warrant of commitment to be executed on the 18th January 2011 without delay.
The matter is adjourned to 17th January 2011 for payment.
TCI Governor signs International Tax Information Exchange Agreement with Portugal
On Friday H.E The Governor Gorgon Wetherill departed the Turks and Caicos Islands for consultations with Ministers and senior officials in London.
He will also be signing an international Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands with the Republic of
Portugal. This will bring the total number of TIEAs signed to sixteen.
The Governor will return to Grand Turk on 12th January 2011. In his absence Mr Mark Capes will be Acting Governor throughout the intervening period.
Building Civil Society Capacity for Conservation in the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories
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Turks & Caicos National Trust executive director, Ms. Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams and president of the Providenciales Rotaract Club, Ms. Nicquell Garland recently returned to the islands after spending five days, December 6-10, in Bonaire on a Study Tour organized by CANARI (Caribbean Natural Resources Institute).
The National Trust and the Rotarac Club have teamed up to further advance biodiversity conservation in the Turks and Caicos Islands through a project implemented by CANARI and funded by the Darwin Initiative. The purpose of the project is to enhance the organizational capacity of at least 10 civil society organizations, including the 5 National Trust organizations in the UK Overseas Caribbean Territories to function as strong, effective and sustainable organizations that can play a significant role directly in biodiversity conservation in their territories and the Caribbean region, as well as indirectly by catalyzing and coordinating wider civil society participation.
To launch the project, workshops were held in each of the 5 UK Caribbean Overseas Territories and facilitated by CANARI personnel, during the latter part of 2009. This was followed up by an Action Learning Group workshop in Nevis in February of 2010.
The Study Tour is just one of the activities earmarked for the 3-year project ‘Building Civil Society Capacity for Conservation in the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories’.
The case studies chosen for the study tour were two organizations which play significant roles in the conservation institution of Bonaire. DCNA (Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance) which is the umbrella organization established to assist parks and protected areas to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable management in the six Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten) and STINAPA- (Stitching Nationale Parken) National Parks Foundation Bonaire.
Both organizations play vital but separate roles in biodiversity conservation in Bonaire. Interestingly, the government does not manage parks and protected areas in Bonaire but has delegated this responsibility to STINAPA.
Participants on the study tour were able to get a close-up look at both organizations approach to biodiversity conservation, learn about their relationship with stakeholders and analyse the institutional and organizational structure, funding and strategic focus.
The group visited areas managed by STINAPA including the visitor centre, the Washington Slaagbai National Park and the Bonaire Marine Protected Area.
Objectives of the study tour were:
(a) to identify key lessons on what has helped or hindered civil society participation focusing on institutional arrangements, policy environment, organizational capacity, strategic direction and approach, funding environment and financial stability, stakeholders and leaders.
and
(b) to identify what lessons can be applied in the UKOTs and UKOT organizations.
The experience was highly beneficial and best practices observed will be adopted to improve management structure of both partner organizations in TCI.