Moderate Weather for the TCI
WEATHER: VARIABLE CLOUDINESS, HOT AND BREEZY WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON.
MOSTLY CLOUDY TO OVERCAST AND BREEZY WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS TONIGHT.
ADVISORY:A SMALL CRAFT CAUTION IS IN EFFECT.
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 4 TO 7 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMP: 91°F 33°C
UK Treasury rejects U-turn on mini-budget
The UK government will not abandon its mini-budget despite the Bank of England having to step in amid market turmoil, a Treasury minister has said.
Labour called for the tax-cutting measures to be ditched after they sparked a fall in the pound and a surge in borrowing costs.
Government departments are also being asked to find spending cuts.
Treasury minister Andrew Griffith said the government's proposals were the "right plans" to grow the UK economy.
He claimed "every major economy is dealing with exactly the same issues" and said the impact of "Putin's war in Ukraine is cascading through things like the cost of energy, some of the supply side implications of that".
The value of the pound dropped to $1.05 on Wednesday, after the Bank of England stepped in to stabilize the economy, before later rallying to about $1.08.
On Wednesday, the Bank announced it would buy government bonds on a temporary basis to help "restore orderly market conditions".
Some pension funds hold a lot of government bonds because they are normally a stable investment, but as their value dropped there were concerns over the solvency of some funds, the BBC has been told.
The Bank's moves on Wednesday followed a highly-critical intervention from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which warned the measures were likely to fuel the cost-of-living crisis.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Chris Philp, has confirmed he is asking government departments to find savings.
Speaking on ITV's Peston, Mr Philp said government departments are being asked to "look for efficiencies wherever they can find them".
These efficiencies will "stick to the targets" of the 2021 Comprehensive Spending Review "that set out a three-year spending plan", Mr. Philp said.
Any savings will "enable us to target spending on things that target growth," he added.
Source-BBC
Tesla recalls over 1 million cars
Tesla is recalling nearly 1.1 million cars in the US because the windows might close too fast and pinch people's fingers.
Documents produced by American regulators show the windows may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk criticized the description as a recall calling it "outdated and inaccurate".
The car giant says a software update will fix the problem.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the fault is a safety-standards violation.
The world's largest electric-vehicle manufacturer has had repeated run-ins with federal safety regulators, whom Mr Musk calls "the fun police".
Previous recalls have been due to:
rear-view cameras
bonnet latches
seat-belt reminders
sound-system software
The latest recall covers all four Tesla models, specifically 2017-22 Model 3 sedans and some 2020-21 Model Y SUVs (sports utility vehicles), Model S sedans, and Model X SUVs.
Source-BBC
Apple makes new handset in India
Apple says it has started making its iPhone 14 in India as it diversifies its supply chains away from China.
The company makes most of its phones in China but has shifted some production outside the country as tensions rise between Washington and Beijing.
China's 'zero-Covid' policies, which have triggered widespread lockdowns, have also caused major disruptions for businesses during the pandemic.
The technology giant unveiled its latest iPhone earlier this month.
"The new iPhone 14 line-up introduces groundbreaking new technologies and important safety capabilities. We're excited to be manufacturing iPhone 14 in India," Apple said in a statement.
Taiwan-based Foxconn, which manufactures the majority of Apple's phones, has had an operation in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu since 2017, where it makes older versions of the handsets.
But now, Apple is betting big to make in India its newest product - the iPhone 14.
By betting on India, Apple is also looking to increase its footprint in the country. As of last year, its market share was about 4% there.
The US giant has been struggling to compete with the much cheaper South Korean and Chinese smartphones that continue to dominate the Indian smartphone market.
But manufacturing in India does not mean the phones will be cheaper in the country because of high import duties on components and other taxes.
So while Indians might be looking at the 'Made in India' tag on their iPhones they will still have to pay a hefty sum to own it.
The announcement that iPhone production has increased in India is a win for prime minister Narendra Modi's administration.
His government launched its flagship "Make in India" campaign eight years ago as it aimed to boost the country's manufacturing and exports.
Apple's announcement marks its latest move towards diversifying supply chains to avoid disruptions as tensions rise between China and the US over Taiwan and trade.
Earlier this month, analysts at investment bank JP Morgan said that they expect Apple to move around 5% of iPhone production to India this year.
The report also predicted that a quarter of all iPhone production will be in the South Asian nation by 2025.
Last year, Apple supplier Foxconn invested $1.5bn (£1.4bn) in Vietnam, according to the South East Asian country's government.
Vietnamese state media reported last month that the company had signed a $300m agreement to expand its facility in the north of the country to increase production.
Source-BBC
RTCIPF SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR CHAPLAIN PROGRAM
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is pleased to announce that the Reverend Lynden Douglas will serve as chaplain for the Force.
Reverend Douglas was welcomed yesterday (September 26th, 2022) by Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting and Police Welfare Association representative Sgt Jepson Victor, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed.
The new Chaplain will address the needs of police officers by providing a supportive presence and individual counseling. Some of the responsibilities include:
· Accompanying officers to assist in death notifications and other traumatic events.
· Attending funerals and memorial ceremonies hosted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
Following the signing, Commissioner Botting thanked Reverend Douglas for his service and commitment.
“The emotional trauma that comes with the job of being a police officer is never easy. My officers face a series of threats daily, coupled with being exposed to gruesome crime scenes and verbal abuse from the public when performing their duties. I am happy that my officers have an outlet where they can seek assistance confidentially and embrace spirituality. This Chaplin program is welcomed and I urge my officers to embrace it”.
Leader of the Opposition- Response to the Hon. Premier’s National Address
The leader of the Opposition addressed the public after listening to and watching the Hon. Premier’s National Address, I am feeling no safer or more assured than I was earlier this week. My heart is aching to see what is taking place in our beloved country, and it bleeds for the many men, and woman, we have lost as a nation. Many of whom were productive and contributed to the development of our nation. The attack on our men is condemned in the highest order and must be addressed with the fierce urgency of now.
The hon. Premier gave a good reading presentation of things to come, but we need action like yesterday. While good, the country and our people can not wait three months for reinforcements to come, or for laws to be amended in the House of Assembly. The “Bad Guys” are not going on vacation until December, or until the reinforcements reach. They are out every day looking to gun down their targets.
We needed solutions for tonight, and the immediate days to come. We cannot risk more of our people dying. We the public do not need the tactical details, bet we need to be assured that new forms of actions and new strategies are being executed immediately.
Regarding those who are responsible for law and order:
The buck stops with H.E the Governor, who is given this responsibility under our failing constitution, the Hon. Premier, and the Commissioner of Police. We sat, heard, and watched H. E the Governor, and the Hon. Premier go to bat to defend and save the Commissioner of Police and continue to throw in the people’s faces, that the Commissioner of Police has their full confidence.
We have also heard recently that same tune being adopted by the other elected leader of our country who seems to forget that their 14 Members of Parliament team were elected to stand up for the people of this country, regardless that standing up includes calling out to the Governor and the Commissioner of Police when the public is of the opinion that they are not performing well in their constitutional capacity.
This is not a personal attack on any of the gentlemen (Governor, Premier, Commissioner) it is an attack on their performance. I am merely representing the views of many of our citizens throughout the TCI. All one has to do is talk to random people, and 3 out of every 4 would state the same.
With the constant public sentiments being expressed by the Governor and the Premier about their utmost confidence in the commissioner of Police, it is no wonder why COP Botting can tell the people of our country, that firing him will not stop the crime, and will not change anything. I was very much taken aback by hearing this. The arrogance of this statement almost seems as if he is insinuating that there is no new nor better idea, strategy, method, or leadership style that any other Commissioner could bring to the job.
Evidence would show that from the time representation was made to the British Government to dismiss our last local Commissioner Edward Hall under the pretense of retirement, our country has been going on a downward spiral under foreign Police Commissioners at the helm. This is a clear indication that the foreign Commissioner is not the answer to our problems.
If the heads are not producing results, then remove the head and start fresh. That is how it is in my world, if one does not perform you, the people will remove you- democracy at its best. I will continue to voice the people’s displease with the performance of the Governor, Premier, and Commissioner of Police when it comes to fighting crime.
Before tonight, ears have not heard nor eyes have not seen any action from the country’s PNP Government, save and except a few mealy mouth press releases that are devoid of any immediate solutions. Where are the elected members for these “hotspot” constituencies?
It has also been brought to my attention that there have been PNP MPs postings, in a very juvenile manner, as if they are playing the game of jeopardy asking Alex silly questions about what is lockdown and 500 soldiers. The crime wave is serious business and must be approached with the seriousness it demands.
As Opposition Leader, my team and I don’t play this kind of silly childing games with the lives of the People of our country, and neither do we recommend these kinds of games being played with the livelihood of our people-
To slam our country in lockdown or a state of emergency will signal to the outer world that they should not come to TCI and spend their Tourism dollars with us this season. This is a harmful suggestion that does not mirror a realistic solution to address the crime. This would further hurt already hurting families who are struggling with the current cost of living.
A PDM government, under my leadership, would respond as follows (and is recommended):
1. Immediate stationing of Police Tactical Teams with contracted assistance in the hot spot areas of Providenciales.
2. Conduct immediate tactical and covert operations in hot spot areas (not to be specified here)- which should have happened directly after the first homicide.
3. Dispense with the Helicopter which has only acted as an alarm to notify the criminals of areas of operations, incorporate more unmarked vehicles in operations, and have police presence regularly in our communities, protecting our citizens.
4. Implement the use of cellphone jammers for that window of time when and where tactical operations are in motion.
5. Implement a Shot-spotter system that can provide immediate alarms and data of the exact location where gunshots were fired to the tactical team already stationed in the hotspots.
6. Establish an internal affairs unit, and commence seizing the cell phones of police officers suspected of leaking information immediately -the general public feels that there is no confidentiality in the police force and the leaking of information has to be stamped out.
7. Provide immediate financing to upgrade the weaponry and body armor of the RTCIPF.
Additional Long-term actions (Human Resources);
8. Provide for an increase in Police salaries by 40% and in certain instances in line with modern police forces around the world.
9. Mass recruit of Turks and Caicos Islanders into the force, and Implement a Fast-Track leadership program for Police Officers whereby they are exchange programs with the regional and international police forces, to gain the required knowledge, skills, and experience, and allow local TCI officers to interview for the job of Commissioner of Police.
10. Putting in place a coastguard unit with 24-hour patrolling- for intercepting both weapons and human smuggling.
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, if we can implement these 10 points immediately, I can assure you that it will decrease violent crime, and will bring TCI back to the peaceful country we all know and love.
“The Leaders in the good times must be the leaders in the bad times, the leaders of the day have to be the leaders of the night.
Double Murder Under Investigation
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force officers are investigating the shooting deaths of two men in Blue Hills.
The RTCIPF can confirm that around 6.48 pm yesterday (September 25th 2022), multiple calls were placed to the Police Control Room stating that multiple gunshots were being heard on Bay Road Blue Hills in the vicinity of the basketball court.
Additional calls to Control Room indicated two persons were shot.
Both RTCIPF officers and medical personnel were dispatched and upon arrival at the scene, the lifeless bodies of two men were discovered.
The RTCIPF Major Crimes Team is continuing investigations.
Furthermore, the RTCIPF wishes to debunk information circulating in the public domain that a murder occurred yesterday (September 25th, 2022) in Kew Town. Such reports are false.
Anyone with information about this incident or knowledge about illegal activities can call 911 or contact the nearest police station.
Man Found Dead in Long Bay
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating the circumstances under which the body of a male was found.
At around 7 am this morning, Sunday 25th September 2022, the body of a male was found adjacent to Tower Drive in Long Bay.
The cause of death of this man and the circumstances of his death are not clear and are subject to an investigation by the RTCIPF Serious Crime Team.
Officers of the Traffic Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are asking anyone with information about this incident to please call 911.
Man Shot on Millennium Highway
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force officers are investigating the shooting of a man.
Based on initial information gathered thus far, at 11.48 am today, (September 25th,2022) a male caller contacted the Police Control Room indicating he was shot multiple times in the vicinity of the African Shop.
Acting on the information received, officers were dispatched to the location where they observed the man bleeding heavily in the leg. He was rushed to hospital for treatment where he remains warded.
This Release will be updated as more information comes in.
The public is being advised to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and give any information of illegal activity anonymously.
Rape Suspect Charged in the TCI
A 44-year-old man has been charged with the rape of a minor.
The accused, Latharis Anthony Harvey was charged yesterday, (Thursday 22nd September 2022) with raping a child, who is under thirteen years old.
He is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week.
Harvey, who resides in South Caicos, was arrested on Tuesday (September 20th,2022) after a report was made on the behalf of a seven-year-old girl. Shortly after the report, he was taken into custody, by officers of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit who commenced investigations.
Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting is again reminding the public, that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has a zero tolerance approach against cases of violence and sexual abuse.
“A child who is being abused may only reach out for help once. If a report is made to you, please report the matter urgently. The RTCIPF have a dedicated Safeguarding and Public Protection Team and will deal with any reports professionally, sensitively and discreetly. Parents, teach your children the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch. Let your children know they can confide in you, no matter the situation”.
Additionally, the RTCIPF advises that if you suspect a child is being abused, IMMEDIATELY utilize any of the following options; make a report at the nearest police station, contact the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696, or call 911.