US reaffirms commitment to stem flow of guns to the Caribbean
One of the main highlights from last week's mid-year meeting of the Caricom Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) was Uncle Sam's commitment to stem the flow of illegal firearms into the Caribbean.
The guarantee was given during an extensive presentation at the summit by US agencies such as Homeland Security; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Agency for Narcotics, among others, which are seeking to work with the Caribbean for a resolution to the proliferation of illegal firearms from the US to the Caribbean.
In Jamaica alone, it is estimated that as many as 200 guns are smuggled into the island from the US each month, and over time American law enforcement agencies have introduced several measures and assistance to help Jamaica stem the flow.
However, the last official report said that of the almost 1,500 weapons seized in Jamaica between 2016 and 2018, 71 percent came from the US.
Security Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang is the current chairman of CONSLE.
"The US offered to extend itself to work with these Caribbean countries. More critically, a lot of the guns are manufactured and shipped here very easily. We need their cooperation and support to deal with it, and they came forward through the various agencies that they have in this kind of activity," Dr Chang told the Jamaica Observer during an exclusive interview following the three-day summit that was convened in Trelawny between Wednesday and Friday.
"They would like to increase their activity significantly in the region to begin the process of mitigating this really serious challenge in the Caribbean region," he added.
Dr. Chang recounted that during his presentation at last month's staging of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Andrew Holness appealed to world leaders of developed countries to do more to stop illegal firearms from overflowing into developing countries such as Jamaica.
"We recall that the prime minister at the United Nations presentation made a very strong proposal for increased support, and we welcome their [US] outreach and we will work with them to see how we can deal with this aspect of the problem," Dr. Chang said.
He further noted, "We are not replacing our work on the root cause and element of dealing with our social issues but we have to deal with this issue to prevent the guns from coming in and to apprehend and prosecute the violent criminals who commit murder."
During his presentation at the UN, Prime Minister Holness charged that "in the same way that there is a concern about illegal drugs in the streets of the rich countries there must be concern about guns on the streets of developing countries like jamaica".
"The countries that manufacture weapons that are available to the public must implement stronger measures to ensure those weapons do not end up in the streets and in the hands of people for whom they were not intended," Holness stated.
In the meantime, Dr. Chang underscored that the primary issue examined at the three-day summit was, "the continued trafficking of illicit firearms in the Caribbean which is posing a clear and present risk to all the Caribbean leaders".
"We have had it for a long time as a country but it is now, rather than diminishing, spreading throughout the Caribbean. Our friends in the eastern Caribbean are having a serious problem with gun crimes. The threat of the movement of guns in the Caribbean is a major one and is now at the forefront of the Caribbean Council of Security Ministers. It is one that is generating significant levels of criminal violence across the region," the security minister reasoned.
"We have seen recent news coming out of Turks but of course, our Caribbean brothers, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia in particular, [are having] serious issues. We have to find means and ways of cooperating to reduce this particular challenge.
"We don't make firearms. Violence has unfortunately become too much a part of our culture and requires deeper issues in dealing with illegal firearms, which is a major issue. If the firearms are not there then there will be reduced incidents of its use, without any question. So, we have to approach the issue of dealing with this plague which is attacking us now across the region."
He also revealed that the issues of the emerging challenge of cybersecurity and maritime strategy were also examined during the three-day conference.
The CONSLE is responsible for the coordination of the multidimensional nature of security, to ensure a safe and stable Caricom community.
Source-JAObserver
White house: “These comments were not based on new or fresh intelligence”
White House officials over the weekend moved to clarify President Joe Biden’s remarks on Russia’s potential for using a nuclear weapon.
“The stakes are very high right now,” John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, told ABC News. But President Biden’s warning of possible “Armageddon” wasn't about an imminent threat. “These comments were not based on new or fresh intelligence or new indications that Mr. Putin has made a decision to use nuclear weapons and, quite frankly, we don't have any indication that he has made that kind of decision,” said Kirby, adding: “nor have we seen anything that would give us pause to reconsider our own strategic nuclear posture in our efforts to defend our own national security interests and those of our allies and partners.”
Kirby’s comments come after Biden's unusually stark remarks at a fundraiser on Thursday. Biden said then that Putin, the Russian president, was “not joking when he talks about the use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons” and that “we have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis” in the 1960s
Source-ABC
Putin accuses Ukraine of “a terrorist act”
Vladimir Putin is accusing Ukrainian special forces of blowing up that critical bridge connecting occupied Crimea to Russia over the weekend, calling the action “a terrorist act.”
Putin’s words came just hours after Russian missiles hit several apartment buildings in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, killing at least 12 civilians. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attack on the bridge.
Russian officials say explosives were hidden in a truck traveling on one of its spans.
Source-ABC
Dwayne Johnson reveals why his run for presidency is "off the table"
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson won't be adding President of the United States as one of his roles any time soon.
The wrestler-turned-actor has toyed with the idea of becoming POTUS for a while, but during a new interview, he declared that the run for office is "off the table" so he can focus on being a dad.
"I love our country and everyone in it I also love being a daddy. And that is the most important thing to me," he explained during CBS Sunday Morning on October 9.
"Especially during this time, this critical time in my daughters' lives," continued Johnson, 50, who has three daughters -- Simone Johnson, 21 with ex Dany Garcia, and Jasmine Johnson, 6, and Tiana Johnson, 4, with wife Lauren Hashian. "Because I know what it was like to be on the road and be so busy that I was absent for a lot of years for my first daughter's growing up, [at] this critical age at this critical time in her life. And that's what the president will do."
"Sure, CEO sounds great, but the #1 thing I want to be is daddy. That's it," The Black Adam star added.
Source-ABC
Tampa Bay Lightning suspend Ian Cole pending investigation
The Tampa Bay Lightning suspended defenseman Ian Cole on Sunday night pending an investigation into allegations made on social media that he sexually abused a woman when she was a minor.
In a statement, the Lightning said they are aware of the allegations against Cole and are cooperating fully with the NHL on an investigation.
"Our organization takes these allegations very seriously," the team's statement read. "While we continue to gather more details, we have decided to suspend Ian Cole pending the results of an investigation. No members of the organization, including players, will comment further at this time."
Cole, in a statement released through his agent, Kevin Magnuson, said he "completely" denies the allegations and will cooperate with the league, the team and their legal departments in the forthcoming investigation.
"I take the allegations made against me today in an anonymous tweet very seriously,'' Cole said. "I look forward to clearing my name and demonstrating to the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning that these allegations are unfounded.''
The allegations against Cole were made in a statement posted to Twitter on Friday by an anonymous user. The person wrote that Cole groomed her for four years "starting when I was a minor in high school" and noted that Cole was "well aware of my age" at the time of the alleged sexual abuse.
The Twitter post did not specify where or when the alleged encounters occurred.
The Lightning would not clarify when contacted by ESPN whether the investigation into the allegations against Cole would be conducted by the team, the league or law enforcement.
A source told ESPN's Emily Kaplan that Cole's suspension is considered paid leave.
Cole, 33, is entering his 13th NHL season. He signed a one-year free-agent deal worth $3 million with the Lightning during the offseason and was expected to be in their lineup when Tampa Bay opens the regular season on Tuesday at the New York Rangers.
Source-ESPN
US ramps up curbs on chip sales to China
The US is introducing further measures to restrict sales of computer chip technology to China in a bid to hobble the country's military advances.
Under new rules, the US said it would bar US firms from selling certain chips used for supercomputing and artificial intelligence to Chinese companies.
The restrictions also target sales from foreign firms that use US equipment.
The US is engaged in an arms race with China over control of the supply of semiconductors.
The sweeping new measures will make it harder for China to obtain advanced chips for cutting-edge technologies.
Alan Estevez, undersecretary at the US Commerce Department announced the rules, saying his intention was to ensure the US was doing everything it could to prevent "sensitive technologies with military applications" from being acquired by China.
"The threat environment is always changing and we are updating our policies today to make sure we're addressing the challenges," he said.
As news of the plans for new restrictions emerged in recent weeks, Beijing criticised the measures and said the US should stop treating Chinese firms unfairly.
The US has previously barred sales of technology to specific Chinese companies, such as Huawei, on national security grounds. But these measures go much further, with many of the measures aimed at preventing foreign firms from selling advanced semiconductors to China, or providing China with the tools to make advanced chips.
Jim Lewis, a technology and cybersecurity expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in Washington DC said the measures would "set the Chinese back years".
US officials said they hoped that other governments would join them in making similar restrictions, conceding that the controls would lose effectiveness and could hurt US companies' standing in the market without international collaboration.
Among investors, the rules have been greeted with concern over the impact on US chipmakers. Nvidia, for example, had previously warned investors that the export restrictions the US announced in August could cost it $400m in sales.
The Semiconductor Industry Association, which represents chipmakers, said it was studying the regulations. It urged the United States to implement the rules "in a targeted way" and called for collaboration internationally to "help level the playing field".
The measures come as the US pours billions of dollars into its domestic chip industry, moves aimed at boosting US competitiveness.
Source-BBC
FortisTCI and TCI Government introduce Fuel Factor Stabilization Initiative
Residential customers across the Turks and Caicos Islands will see a significant reduction in the fuel factor rate on their electricity bills following an initiative between FortisTCI and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG).
Residential customers will only be billed at a fixed cost of $0.20 per kilowatt hour ("kWh") for the fuel factor rate in September, October, November, and December 2022, and the TCI Government will subsidize any fuel charges that exceed this amount.
Fuel prices continue to be volatile due to external factors and the month of September recorded the highest fuel factor rate to date. The initiative referred to as a TCIG Fuel Factor Stabilization Credit, helps to protect residential customers from spikes in fuel prices for the remainder of the year.
For the month of September, residential customers would have been billed at a fuel factor rate of $0.3008 per kilowatt hour ("kWh") for Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos, $0.2721 for Grand Turk and Salt Cay, and $0.3044 for South Caicos. Due to the initiative, these rates have been reduced to $0.20 per kilowatt hour ("kWh").
Fuel factor rates are authenticated by the TCI Government's Energy and Utility Commissioner's Office every month before the release of bills.
FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, stated: "We are pleased to partner with TCIG to stabilize the fuel factor rate for residential customers. Discussions began in August for a collaborative approach to assist these customers, and I wish to thank TCIG for engaging us to achieve this result. At the same time, FortisTCI continues to integrate more renewable energy sources to the grid, to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels over time, lower carbon emissions and build a more sustainable energy future.”
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment, and Trade of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. E. Jay Saunders, stated: “Our government is committed to combatting the rapid rise in inflation and the cost of living for our people. Where we can assist in driving down costs, the Government will continue to aid TCI residents with stimulants and subsidies to shoulder the burden of the cost of living. This initiative is an example of the latter, and we would like to thank FortisTCI for working with us, on behalf of the people of the TCI, to get the necessary agreements in place, which will collectively save residential customers millions of dollars, in record time.”
Police say dozens are dead after mass shooting at child care center in Thailand
At least 36 people, including 24 children, are dead after a mass shooting at a child-care center in northeast Thailand, the country's Central Investigation Bureau announced.
The suspect, who was identified as Panya Kamrab, 34, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. They determined Kamrab's wife and son were among the victims.
Kamrab, whom officials said was a former police officer, opened fire at the center in a remote area of Nong Bua Lamphu province, officials reported. He then fled the scene in a white pickup truck, police said. While he was on the run, the bureau added him to the "Most Wanted" list and circulated his photo on social media.
A police document viewed by ABC News said victims were located at five locations, along with a local hospital.
Source-ABC
ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS FOR TCI
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS OR A THUNDERSTORM ALONG THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY. FAIR AND WARM WITH AN ISOLATED SHOWER TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION IN NORTHEAST SEA SWELLS
WINDS: NORTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS, EAST TO NORTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET, BUILDING 4 TO 6 FEET IN NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS ALONG ATLANTIC EXPOSED COASTLINES
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 88°F 31°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 72°F 22°C
SUNSET: 6:50 PM MOONRISE: 5:09 PM HIGH TIDE: 5:54 PM 6:22 AM FRI
SUNRISE: 7:04 AM FRI MOONSET: 4:43 AM FRI LOW TIDE: 12:19 AM FRI 12:35 PM FRI
WEATHER OUTLOOK: THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL REMAIN QUASI-STATIONARY ACROSS THE ARCHIPELAGO WHILE THE SEA SWELLS SLOWLY SUBSIDE ALONG OUR NORTHEAST COASTLINES.
TROPICAL WEATHER: SEE THE LATEST NEWS ITEM ON TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWELVE LOCATED WEST-NORTHWEST OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS.
1. A BROAD AND ELONGATED AREA OF LOW PRESSURE LOCATED OVER THE FAR SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN SEA, JUST OFF THE COAST OF VENEZUELA HAS A 90 PERCENT CHANCE OF DEVELOPMENT DURING THE NEXT 5 DAYS, AS THE SYSTEM MOVES WESTWARD AT ABOUT 15 MPH.
Update on Cabinet Meeting in the TCI
His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 28th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 5 October 2022 at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales.
All Members were present, with the exception of the Hon Minister for Education who is out of the country.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved an agreement between the TCI and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to facilitate policing support to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
- Confirmed its approval of the instructions of the National Security Council for a suite of draft Bills (the majority of which are currently out for consultation) reflecting targeted Criminal Justice reforms aimed at disrupting serious violent and gun crimes in the Islands including:
- a) Higher sentences for possession of firearms and high-powered firearms,
- b) Empowering the RTCIPF to impose stop and search persons and vehicles suspected of criminal activity,
- c) Empowering the RTCIPF to erect road barriers,
- d) Extending periods of police detention for murders and firearms offenses,
- e) Anti-gang legislation to combat organized crime,
- f) Court orders to stop a person’s anti-social behavior,
- g) Mandatory registration of new SIM cards to enable the identification of purchasers,
- h) Imposing higher sentences for assaults on Police, other law enforcement, the TCI Regiment, and judicial officers as well as officers of the court,
- i) Judge authorized interception of communications to assist police in gathering intelligence around suspected criminal activities as an aid to criminal investigations.
- j) Prosecution’s right of appeal.
- Approved policy changes under the “First Time Homeowner Policy Program” to guide the reduction of stamp duty for TCI Islander Status Holders and British Overseas Territories Citizens, and for the program to be re-named “The Property Ownership Incentive Program”.
- Approved a business license in a restricted category for Zion Roots Farm & Ranch Bottle Creek, North Caicos.
- Approved duty concessions on the importation of specific materials and goods, under the Refurbishment Policy, by Waterloo Hotel Management Limited for a refurbishment project at the Alexandra Resort & Spa.
- Approved a new TCI Government Vehicle Policy ensuring the effective use and management, monitoring and future procurement of the TCI Government’s fleet of vehicles for the sole purpose of delivering government programs and services.
- Approved the TCI Ports Authority Supplementary Appropriation 2022-23 to meet urgent and unforeseen expenditures including but, not limited to, professional consultancy, maintenance, and the South Caicos Port rehabilitation.
- Approved the waiving of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Tax for specified accommodation being provided in support of foreign government officials deployed to assist TCI with serious crime issues.
- Confirmed its approval of a series of measures to allow for the urgent remediation of the beach bordering the Grand Turk Cruise Center following damage incurred as a result of Hurricane Fiona.
- Confirmed its earlier approval of a fuel factor stabilization proposal for the TCIG to pay the cost of any increase in the current fuel factor rate charged to residential customers for the period September to December 2022.
- Confirmed its earlier approval of the TCI Sports Commission Supplementary Appropriation 2022-23 to allow for the management and maintenance of the Felix Morley Community Centre and the provision of sports, recreational and educational programs and activities.
- Received a presentation from the MRVL Spa on the use of products from live non-indigenous animals for the development of spa products. Members agreed on next steps.
- Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:
- Immigration,
- Finance, and
- Infrastructure.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.