HON. JUSTICE TUNDE ADEMOLA BAKRE Appointed as Judge in Grand Turk
Her Excellency, the Governor, Ms. Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission in accordance with section 87(1)(a) of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (as amended) has appointed The Hon. Justice Tunde Ademola Bakre as a judge in the Supreme Court, Criminal Division, sitting in Grand Turk, effective 1st October 2025.
Hon. Justice Tunde Ademola Bakre was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993. Thereafter, he practiced with several leading law firms in Nigeria for 20 years before being appointed a judge in Nigeria in 2013.
Justice Bakre was then, in 2018, seconded on technical assistance by the National Judicial Council in Nigeria to support the judiciary in The Gambia on a 3-year contract, along with 2 other Nigerian judges. Upon completion of the initial term, the Gambian judiciary requested an extension of his contract for another term for meritorious performance.
In 2023, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed Justice Bakre as a judge of the Supreme Court to sit at the Criminal Court in Antigua and Barbuda on a 2-year contract.
Having worked in three different Commonwealth jurisdictions, Justice Bakre comes with a wealth of experience in civil and criminal practice both as a practitioner and as a judge.
He is a fellow of the Institute of Arbitrators in Nigeria and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the United Kingdom.
He is married with children.
We welcome Justice Bakre to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
GM job cuts loom in Oshawa
General Motors announced that they would lay off about 750 workers earlier in May 2025 at its Oshawa Assembly plant, as they made changes to shifts due to U.S. tariffs, according to the president of the union representing the workers.
The plant, which employs roughly 3,000 people, has moved from a three-shift to a two-shift operation starting this fall, according to a news release from Unifor, which represents workers there.
"We will not allow GM to barter Canadian jobs to gain Donald Trump's favour," Lana Payne, Unifor national president, said in a news release.
Payne called the move a "reckless decision that deals a direct blow to our members and threatens to ripple through the entire auto parts supplier network."
About 750 workers will be laid off at the plant, in addition to 1,500 people who work in other places throughout the supply chain
GM spokesperson Marie Binette confirmed in an email the shift change "will impact approximately 700 workers," though she did not refer to the move as layoffs back in May.
However in an update released on Monday September 9, some 2,000 workers will be laid off when GM cuts a shift at its Oshawa plant in January 2026.
The layoffs also come as the national unemployment rate reached its highest pandemic-excluded level since 2016 last month, with Ontario leading the decline, shedding about 26,000 jobs.
The Oshawa Assembly directly employs around 3,000 GM workers, with an additional 2,000 supply-chain workers from eight different companies inside the plant daily, said Jeff Gray, president of Unifor Local 222, which represents workers at the plant, as well as some suppliers.
Earlier this month, GM workers and its suppliers were granted a four-month reprieve when the planned shift cut was postponed to the new year from its initial November date.
GM workers at the plant are afraid for their livelihoods, says Chris Waugh, the Unifor chairperson for the Oshawa plant.
"I have members selling homes, selling their vehicles, getting ready to be laid off," he said.
For its part, GM says it "will continue to take proactive, strategic steps to respond to evolving market conditions and production needs to support a sustainable manufacturing operation at Oshawa," company spokesperson Ariane Pereira said in an email to CBC News.
"GM has been building vehicles in Canada since 1918, and we are implementing a plan to keep building here for Canadians for another 100-plus years," the email read.
Oshawa's jobless rate currently sits only behind Windsor — another auto city dealing with uncertainty caused by the U.S. President Donald Trump's auto tariffs. Trump levelled a 25 per cent tariff on auto parts that aren't CUSMA-compliant and the non-U.S. portion of assembled vehicles in April.
A month later, GM Canada announced it was cutting its third shift amid what it called an "evolving trade environment."
But GM has also increased production at its Fort Wayne, Ind., plant, hiring roughly 250 temporary workers south of the border. Both the Fort Wayne and Oshawa Assembly build the light-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
Source- CBC
Hon. Alden C. Durham passes away
Hon. Alden C. Durham served with distinction as the Minister of Works, (as it was then called) in the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. His tenure was marked by a strong commitment to infrastructure development, public works modernization, and prudent stewardship of resources that laid a foundation for the country’s growth. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a deep dedication to public service, collaborating across departments and with communities to deliver practical solutions that improved transportation networks, public facilities, and essential services for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. His leadership and vision helped shape the country’s infrastructure landscape and inspired many to serve.
Prior to and during his time in the Ministry of Works, Hon. Durham was known for his principled leadership, technical insight, and collaborative approach. He worked to ensure that projects were implemented with a focus on long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike. His legacy includes a commitment to quality, and safety in public works, as well as mentoring colleagues and fostering a culture of service.
Hon. Durham was a steadfast advocate for robust public works programs that balanced advancement with accountability. He championed projects that enhanced accessibility. His commitment to ethical governance and prudent stewardship remains a guiding example for current and future public servants.
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development; Hon. Arlington Musgrove acknowledges with profound sorrow the passing of Hon. Alden C. Durham. “As a former Minister of Works, Hon. Durham played a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure that has benefitted generations. His dedication to service set a high standard for leadership within our public service. On behalf of the Ministry team, I take this opportunity to offer heartfelt condolences to the esteemed family of Hon. Alden C. Durham, particularly his beloved wife, and children, and all who were touched by his service. May his memory inspire ongoing commitment to public service and national progress.”
During this time of mourning, we reflect on Hon. Durham’s contributions with gratitude and respect. May all who mourn, find comfort in the support of a grateful nation, and may his memory endure in the continued development and prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Our thoughts are with you as you navigate this profound loss of a giant!"
Barbados Central bank releases new regulatory framework for payment service providers
The Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) has published a new comprehensive regulatory guidance, which it says is designed to strengthen oversight of the national payment system and provide clarity for payment service providers (PSPs) operating in Barbados.
The CBB has released three key documents on its website that establish a transparent regulatory environment for payment service providers.
It said that the Oversight Policy Framework outlines the bank’s commitment to ensuring optimal payment system services that support economic growth and financial stability across and that the Licensing and Authorisation Framework provides clear guidelines for payment service providers seeking to operate in the Barbadian market, while the Supervisory Framework details ongoing supervision requirements.
The CBB said that under the Compliance Requirements and Timeline of the National Payment System Act (NPSA), all relevant entities must now submit a formal compliance programme to the Central Bank within three months of this announcement.
It said that this programme must demonstrate how the organisation will achieve full NPSA compliance within six months, including licensing applications where required.
“These frameworks represent our commitment to fostering a robust and innovative payment ecosystem in Barbados,” the CBB said, adding “we want to ensure that payment service providers have the clarity and guidance they need to operate effectively while maintaining the highest standards of consumer protection and system integrity. The Bank therefore encourages all PSPs to review the documents carefully”.
The Central Bank said that it recognises that implementing these new requirements may raise questions for payment service providers and are encouraging PSPs to contact the bank for guidance and support throughout the compliance process.
Source-CMC
Jamaica defeat Scotland to finish fifth, T&T place 15th
Jamaica’s junior Sunshine Girls ended the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in fifth position after they defeated Scotland 53-44 in a close game here on Sunday.
It was a commendable effort by Jamaica, who started the tournament brightly with two victories before suffering back-to-back losses to England and then Australia in the quarterfinals, which derailed their chances of a podium finish.
For Scotland, their sixth-place finish equaled their best placing at the event, matching their performance in 2000 when it was held in Wales.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago finished in 15th position after conquering the hosts 45-34 on Saturday.
The match was evenly contested for the first two quarters before T&T surged ahead in the second half to register their second victory of the competition.
At the halftime break T&T led by just four (22-18), but they outscored Gibraltar 14-7 in the third period to open up a comfortable 36-25 lead, and they were able to sustain that 11-point lead until the end of the match.
Meanwhile, Barbados ended a rough outing at the tourney when they were beaten 49-29 by Northern Ireland in the 17th-place playoff, to end the tournament without a win.
Source-CMC
West Indies stunned by minnows Nepal in opening T20
West Indies’ batsmen faltered once again, this time against minnows Nepal, on their way to a humiliating 19-run defeat in their opening T20I here on Saturday.
Jason Holder and Navin Bidaisee shared seven wickets between them and were the main reason Nepal was limited to 148 for eight from 20 overs, after they were sent in to bat at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
But faced with a seemingly straightforward run chase, Bidaisee was the only batter to score more than 20, as the Windies were restricted to 129 for nine in their 20 overs to give Nepal their first-ever win against a Full Member.
It also propeled them to a 1-0 lead in the three-match Unity Cup series.
For captain and Player-of-the-Match, Rohit Paudel, the victory was not only historic, but also welcomed, as it capped off a difficult few weeks for the people of Nepal.
“I think it feels great, especially after a long wait to beat a Test-playing country. It finally came in a historic series where we hosted it in the UAE.
“…I want to dedicate this Man-of the Match award to the martyrs who lost their lives in the Gen-Z protest in Nepal. The last month has not been great for us, so if we can give a little bit of happiness to the people of Nepal, I think that would be great,” Paudel said in a post-match interview.
For the umpteenth time, the West Indies’ top order batsmen failed to deliver, as their opponent – ranked 18th in the ICC T20I rankings – dominated them with their plethora of medium pacers and spinners.
Opener Kyle Mayers drove the first ball of the innings from pacer Dipendra Singh Airee through cover for four, but after adding just one more run he was spectacularly run out by a direct throw from Kushal Bhurtel stationed at extra cover.
Ackeem Auguste, one of four debutants in the West Indies side, looked good during his brief knock of 15 off seven balls, and together with Amir Jangoo carried the score to 32 for one in the fifth over.
However, when Auguste mistimed his attempted drive off Nandan Yadav to be caught at the edge of the circle, it triggered a collapse that saw them spectacularly lose five wickets for just 44 runs.
Paudel had Jewel Andrew caught at long on for five, Jangoo was outfoxed by Lalit Rajbanshi and was caught at deep backward square for 19, Keacy Carty was needlessly run out for 16 attempting a suicide single and Holder made just five before being dismissed by Bhurtel to see them slump to 76 for six in the 15th over.
Bidaisee, who top scored with 22, Fabian Allen, who made 19 and captain Akeal Hosein who hit 18 from nine balls, tried their best to revive the innings but could not keep up with the required run rate and they eventually fell well short of their target.
Earlier, Holder grabbed four wickets and Bidaisee three, as West Indies did well to contain Nepal.
Nepal also found themselves in early trouble following the early loss of openers Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh that saw them slip to 12 for two, but Paudel, who topscored with 38 and Kushal Malla, who made 30, came to their rescue during a 58-run partnership for the third wicket.
And after Bidaisee removed both batsmen in quick succession to leave Nepal 89 for four in the 13th over, Gulshan Jha and Singh Airee made useful contributions of 22 and 17 respectively to help get them up to their eventual total.
Holder finished with figures of 4-20 from his four overs, while Bidaisee took 3-29.
The second T20I will be played on Monday.
Source- CMC
ICE nabs illegal Haitian immigrant allegedly connected to criminal terrorist organizations
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says agents have arrested an illegal Haitian immigrant allegedly connected to criminal terrorist organizations.
ICE said agents arrested Dimitri Vorbe for violating the Immigration and Nationality Act and contributing to the destabilization of Haiti.
This case was investigated by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations, with the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and US Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate.
“The Department of State determined that Vorbe’s presence or activities in the United States would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States, providing a basis for the charge of removability,” ICE said.
“Specifically, officials determined that he engaged in a campaign of violence and gang support that contributed to Haiti’s destabilization,” it added.
ICE said Vorbe is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
“This demonstrates the Trump administration’s firm commitment to protecting the American people, advancing our national security interests, and promoting regional security and stability,” ICE said.
Source-CMC
Swiss voters narrowly approve plan for electronic ID cards
Swiss voters have narrowly approved a plan to introduce voluntary electronic identity cards.
With all votes counted, 50.4% of those who voted said yes to the proposal, while 49.6% rejected it.
The closeness of the ballot is a surprise. Opinion polls had suggested up to 60% backed digital IDs, which also had the approval of the Swiss government, and both houses of parliament.
It was Switzerland's second vote on digital IDs. An earlier proposal was rejected in 2021, amid concerns the data would be held centrally, and controlled largely by private providers.
Sunday's revised proposal keeps the system in government hands. Data will be stored only on the smartphones of individual users, and digital IDs will be optional.
Citizens can continue to use national identity card if they choose, which has been standard for decades in Switzerland.
To further ease privacy concerns, a particular authority seeking information on a person – such as proof of age or nationality, for example – will only be able to check for those specific details.
It comes after the UK government announced plans earlier this week to introduce its own digital ID - which would be mandatory for employment - as part of efforts to curb the number of illegal migrants living and working in the country.
The proposed British digital ID would have fewer intended uses than the Swiss version, but has still raised concerns about privacy and data security.
Supporters of the Swiss system say it will make life much easier for everyone, allowing a range of bureaucratic procedures - from getting a telephone contract to proving you are old enough to buy a bottle of wine - to happen quickly online.
Opponents of digital ID cards, who gathered enough signatures to force another referendum on the issue, argue that the measure could still undermine individual privacy.
They also fear that, despite the new restrictions on how data is collected and stored, it could still be used to track people and for marketing purposes.
Switzerland has a long tradition of protecting its citizens' privacy. The banking secrecy laws, now much diluted, were designed to shield an individual's personal finances from the prying eyes of the state.
For years, Google Street View was controversial in Switzerland - and even today, following a ruling by the Swiss Federal Court, images taken close to schools, women's refuges, hospitals or prisons must be automatically blurred before going online.
Source-BBC
Selena Gomez marries music producer Benny Blanco
US pop star and actress Selena Gomez has married music producer Benny Blanco in a ceremony in California.
Gomez posted pictures to Instagram of her wearing a white halter-neck wedding gown and Blanco in a dark tuxedo, alongside the caption "9.27.25" bookended by love hearts.
The couple exchanged vows in Santa Barbara on Saturday in front of around 170 guests, including singer-songwriter
Taylor Swift, actor Paul Rudd, and Gomez' Only Murders in the Building co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, according to fashion magazine Vogue.
"My wife in real life," Blanco commented on his bride's post.
Gomez, 33, and Blanco, 37, became engaged in December 2024 after a year of dating, having previously collaborated on several music projects together.
The couple released the album I Said I Love You First in March, which explores their own love story.
They previously released the hits Same Old Love and Kill Em with Kindness in 2015, and the 2019 track I Can't Get Enough featuring Tainy and J Balvin.
Gomez starred in the Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place before beginning her music career in the 2000s. She recently starred in the film Emilia Perez as Jessica Del Monte.
Blanco released his only solo studio album Friends Keep Secrets in 2018, and has produced records for the likes of Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Kesha.
Source- BBC
Four killed as suspect named in Michigan Mormon church shooting
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in the US by Joseph Smith in the 1800s, but its followers are now more commonly referred to as Mormons.
Mormons believe their church is a restoration of the Church as conceived by Jesus, and that other Christians have gone astray.
There is a strong focus on traditional family roles and values, and they oppose abortion, same-sex marriage and the consumption of alcohol.
Although there are Mormon churches all over the US, Utah has the highest population of people who identify as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Michigan police have also commented on the moment when the church-goers responded to the shooting incident, and how they sheltered children at a critical time.
Officials have now updated the death toll from the incident to four people - excluding the suspect who is also deceased.
Authorities also said that the entire church has not yet been cleared because of extensive fire damage, and that some people are still unaccounted for.
The motive remains unclear as police continue their investigation, led by the FBI.
"All indications" point to the suspect using an accelerant to light the church on fire, according to James Deir, Special Agent in Charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
He adds that authorities believe the accelerant the suspect used was gasoline.
Responding to a question about improvised explosive devices (IEDs), he says that some suspected explosive devices were found at the scene, but that officials cannot say whether the suspect used that to start the fire.
This is a developing story.
Source- BBC