Donald Trump testifying in New York investigation
Former US President Donald Trump and two of his children must answer questions under oath in a New York investigation into their business practices, a judge has ruled.
New York's attorney general has accused the Trump Organization of obtaining tax breaks and loans through "fraudulent or misleading asset valuations".
Mr Trump must sit for sworn testimony within 21 days.
He denies the accusations, and is expected to appeal the decision.
He could also invoke his right to remain silent in any deposition.
The Trump Organization said in a statement to the BBC: "The entire system is corrupt."
On Thursday, New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron said that Mr Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr, 44, and daughter Ivanka Trump, 40, must each comply with legal orders that prosecutors issued in December.
New York Attorney General Letitia James' investigation had uncovered "copious evidence of possible financial fraud", the judge said, giving her a "clear right" to question under oath the former president and two of his children involved in the business.
The investigation, which was opened in 2019, aims to prove the government's claims that Mr Trump inflated the value of his assets to banks when seeking loans. The fraud is alleged to have taken place before he took office.
Attorneys for Mr Trump had attempted to sue Ms James in a bid to prevent her from questioning the former president and his children.
Ms James hailed the judge's decision as a victory, saying that "justice has prevailed".
The civil case is separate to a Manhattan criminal investigation into the Trump Organization's practices.
In court, attorneys for Mr Trump argued that testifying in the civil case would improperly allow the state to circumvent a law that bars prosecutors from calling someone to testify before a criminal grand jury unless they are granted immunity.
"If she [Ms James] wants sworn testimony from my client, he's entitled to immunity," Mr Trump's defence attorney, Ronald Fischetti said.
"He gets immunity for what he says, or he gets nothing."
Source - BBC
Dominica signs contract with Iceland company for geothermal development
Dominica has signed an multi-million dollar agreement with an Iceland-based company to drill two wells as the island continues with its efforts to develop its geothermal energy sector.
Planning, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy Dr. Vince Henderson said the agreement was signed on February 15.
“We signed the contract with Iceland Drilling Company and they will be coming to Dominica later this year to drill two new wells…in Laudat,” Henderson said as he toured the area with a delegation from the World Bank headed its Country Representative for the Caribbean, by Lilia Burunciuc.
He said they would be remaining on the island for three months “and we are looking forward to that”.
He said the contract is worth US$12.5 million and “most of that money is grant money from the UK …so we are utilising about 12 million dollars in grants to carry out some of the work that is being done in Laudat for geothermal development so far.
“So that is really good news and the World Bank Country director is here and we explain to them so they have a first-hand view of what is happening on site and it is very exciting for us,” Henderson added.
The World Bank has approved US$27 million project to support the construction of a seven megawatt small geothermal power plant in Dominica, which aims to increase the share of renewables, diversify the country’s energy matrix, and identify a clear road map for private sector investment in geothermal development.
Dominica has a small power system that relies heavily on diesel to produce electricity. The average price of electricity on the island is amongst the highest in the world, around US$0.33 cents/kWh and customers are exposed to the volatility of international oil prices.
The Geothermal Risk Mitigation Project is expected to significantly lower electricity costs in Dominica and increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix from 25 to 51 per ent, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 38,223 tons of CO2 per year. It will also assess the potential to export homegrown geothermal energy to its neighbours.
The project will be implemented by the Dominica Geothermal Development Company Ltd and is financed by a US$17.2 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA), US$9.95 million from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), as well as grants from the UK’s Department for International Development – US$10 million from DFID and US$2 million the Small Island Developing States DOCK Initiative – and technical assistance from the government of New Zeland and the Agence Française de Développement.
Source - CMC
Luxurious cars up in smoke after ship catches fire
Thousands of Porsche and Volkswagen cars have been abandoned on a cargo ship after it caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean en route to the US.
The ship, named Felicity Ace, was travelling from Emden in Germany before it caught ablaze off the coast of Portugal's Azores islands.
German newspaper Handelsblatt reported the vessel was carrying 3,965 vehicles, which also included Audis, Lamborghinis and a small number of Bentleys.
The ship's crew have been rescued.
Portugal's navy said no one was hurt by the fire, which broke out on Wednesday, and the 22 crew members were taken to a hotel after the navy, four merchant ships sailing in the area and the Portuguese Air Force completed the evacuation.
"The owner of the ship Felicity Ace is in contact with the logistic agent in order to draw up a plan for the towing of the ship," the navy said in a statement.
"So far, no source of pollution has been recorded."
According to Handelsblatt, an internal email from Volkswagen USA stated that the ship was carrying 3,965 vehicles of the VW, Porsche, Audi and Lamborghini brands.
Volkswagen did not confirm the number of cars on board, but Porsche said it had about 1,100 of its models on the ship.
The company said it was "aware of an incident involving a third-party cargo ship transporting Volkswagen Group vehicles across the Atlantic".
Bentley confirmed that 189 of its cars were also onboard the ship.
"We are working with the shipping company to find out further information," said a spokesman.
The ship was travelling to a Volkswagen factory in Davisville, Rhode Island, according to the website Marine Traffic.
One customer tweeted to say his Porsche was on board the abandoned ship.
Source - BBC
Remi Lindholm suffers frozen penis in men's 50km cross-country
Perhaps the worst part of it all for Finland's Remi Lindholm is that it was not even the first time it had happened.
Such was the chance of athletes suffering frostbite, freezing conditions at the Winter Olympics in Beijing had already seen the blue riband men's 50km cross-country ski delayed by an hour - and shortened to a 30km event.
But even those alterations could not save Lindholm from an "unbearable" fate.
The immediate concern for the 24-year-old, in the aftermath of completing the final event of his debut Olympic Games, was thawing out his frozen penis.
A heat pack eventually helped the Finn salvage the situation at the end of what was a gruelling race.
However, having spent almost one hour and 16 minutes out on the course in howling winds and appendage-threatening temperatures of -17C, he was, understandably, left in a tremendous amount of pain.
"You can guess which body part was a little bit frozen when I finished," Lindholm told Finnish media.
"It was one of the worst competitions I've been in. It was just about battling through.
"When the body parts started to warm up after the finish, the pain was unbearable."
Poor Lindholm previously suffered a similar incident at a competition in Finland last year, with the thin suits and under layers worn by racers offering minimal protection from extreme cold.
Source - BBC
Tyler Perry explains the return of Madea
After announcing in 2019 that he was retiring Madea, Tyler Perry is back with A Madea Homecoming, debuting February 25 on Netflix.
Perry says the pandemic and racial tension from the Black Lives Matter movement inspired him to bring the hilarious character out of retirement.
"Everything we have been through during the last few years I thought, you know, 'I just really want to laugh. What do I have that can make people laugh?' And it is totally Madea," the actor/producer/director/writer told Entertainment Tonight. The film adaptation of Perry's stage production Madea's Farewell Play follows Madea planning a celebratory dinner for her great-grandson's graduation, but family secrets threaten to ruin the event.
In other news, Ava DuVernay is joining the Spotify boycott. Following India.Arie, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and other recording artists who pulled their music from the streaming platform, the Emmy-winning director will no longer produce podcasts for the company, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Last year, DuVernay signed a multiyear contract to produce scripted and unscripted podcasts with Gimlet, the studio owned by Spotify. The boycott is in response to Spotify podcaster Joe Rogan being accused of using racist language, and spreading false information about COVID-19.
Finally, The Hollywood Reporter also announced that Amazon Studios has renewed the series Harlem, starring Megan Good, for a second season. Pharrell Williams joined the cast members on Instagram to celebrate the news.
“When I walked into a bar in Harlem and overheard folks excitedly discussing the show, I knew we had a hit,” said creator and executive producer Tracy Oliver. “Harlem has resonated with so many people, and I’m beyond grateful to Amazon for giving it a second season. Most of all, I’m excited to reunite with the beautiful cast.”
Source - ABC
‘What You’re Hearing … Is Not What is Happening’ added Opposition Leader Astwood
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Edwin Astwood responded to the Premiers State of the State address, adding that ‘What You’re Hearing … Is Not What is Happening.’
Tonight, in his one year ‘State of the State’ address, many things that the Premiere said were inaccurate or did not present the real picture of our people and our country. Many times, the Premiere has told us that the Turks and Caicos economy is the best that it has ever been, and that it is really booming. Well, that may be true for the members of his inner circle, and for the wealthiest people in our country. So, he is right, that it is really booming, but for whom? The truth is that for the Premier and many of his friends, they have never, ever, had it so good, but for our middle class, our working families, our mid and lower-level government employees, our small business operators, our small contractors, the truth is the economy is not good.
We see that real wages for the average TCI worker are lower today than they were in 1980. That is, the average TCI worker, after adjusting for inflation, is earning less today than he or she did forty-two years ago despite huge increases in comparison to previous salary levels. Sadly, many of our people are struggling to pay bills and to keep their heads above water, economically. Somehow, the Hon. Premiere neglected to mention this in his address.
Yes, the economy is great for the Premier’s friends and his inner circle, who are each earning more than all our teachers, nurses, policeman, customs and immigration put together. Yes, the economy is booming for those individuals, but it is not booming for the other 80% of the workers in the TCI who are living paycheck to paycheck, praying that their child doesn’t get sick, or their car breaks down, or that they lose their job, or their business closes down. This reality does not reflect a booming economy for ordinary TCI citizens.
I heard nothing that is allowing our people to live their “best lives”, nor any action, plan, or policy that has them on the way to living their best lives. We all can see who are living their best lives.
I heard nothing that puts the interests of Turks and Caicos Islanders first. I heard nothing that indicates that they are building a country that works for everyone. I heard nothing of the vision of the Premier’s and his Government’s vision for our country.
We are facing a moment of great change in the world and in our Country. As we continue to tackle with the symptoms of the Global Pandemic, we must identify and implement an ambitious new plan for our people and our country, that involves asking ourselves what kind of country do we want, and how could our people benefit more from the opportunities available here. In fact, this is not just an opportunity for the Government, it is a duty. The Government must be firmly on the side of its people.
There is no mention of any economic and social reform that has been put in place by this Government that helped to change the conditions of our people and many struggling local businesses. Instead, you only heard mention of many policies and measures that were introduced by the past PDM Admiration that are now bearing fruit such as the customs exemptions on the construction materials, the first-time homeowner’s policy, the home refurbishment policy, the Agriculture Policy, the works program, and the ‘Chance for Change’.
In his address the Hon. Premiere stated that his government is committed to Transparency and Accountability. However, we all know that this is completely false, and we have many examples, such as the Beach & Costal Vending Bill, and the closing down of the Tourist Board, both which have proved that there is no Transparency, and so by him stating this, it is truly a misrepresentation of the facts.
The Premiere stated that tourism numbers are up, and that 2021-2022 numbers are twice that of 2019-2020, and credits this to the country being open early and safely. Yes, the numbers are higher, but it is amazing that in 2020-2021 we were still able to attract visitors when the entire world was on lockdown. Let me remind the Premier that he was the main person initially leading the charge against the safe opening of the country, and other members of his team previously strongly criticize the travel portal (there are videos to prove this).
The Hon. Premier talked about the improved Health Care; however, we have not seen any significant funding or lifesaving policy which improves the country’s ability to manage and care for those severely suffering from the manifestation of COVID-19 Infections, most are being sent out of the country for treatment, most of whom sadly do not return.
He boasted about the high Net cash flow of 180.4 million, but what good is it to have this if the high cash flow is not flowing down to those who need it most.
In addressing the cost of living, the Hon. Premier spoke of waiving 50% of the duties payable on imported construction material. This is nothing new. What we did not hear is what the Government is or intends to do about the overall effects of the supply chain crises on our country and our people. The people want to hear about real stuff for real people.
We heard about the purchase of land and the lowered stamp duty, and a zero-rated option, but Hon. Premiere how many of our people can really benefit from this? How much of our people are buying and selling land, when they can barely afford to put food on their tables? Who is greatly benefitting from this? Nowadays most of our people, especially those who have just entered the labour market, cannot afford the purchase price of land and homes in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and not to mention how difficult it is to get a loan being Turks and Caicos Islanders.
The concession packages which the Hon. Premier mentioned, that are being offered by Invest TCI is nothing new. Signs were all along roadways advertising this for about two years now. People wanted to hear of drastic changes being made in making this program easier to access, and the funds more accessible.
In respect to Crime in our country, all can conclude that there has been the fundamental mishandling of the crime situation by the Elected Government by failing implement measures to combat crime by addressing the root causes of crime. We heard nothing of a laid-out plan to tackle crime, only he talked generally about continuing to increase resources to the police and the TCI regiment, with increased equipment and manpower. He then mentioned the role that our churches, parents, youth groups, and schools have to play, but nothing about the role that his government has to play. Then he went on to talk about the funding for roads being re-directed to address crime. It is unacceptable for a government to not have a plan to at least try to succeed stem out crime.
The Premier affirmed that, finally, they have setup a committee to review the minimum wage, and it is not being addressed in isolation, but with a social services package to make sure it is effective. This is good Hon. Premiere, we welcome this. No one had expected this to be arbitrarily put in place. Even the man on the street knows that a minimum wage number will not be pulled out of the clear blue. What about fair wage and compensation packages and what about a suitable living wage? Nothing was said on that.
Tonight after 1 year, or 12 months, or 52 weeks, or 365 days, or 8,760 hours, or 525,600 minutes, the Honorable Premier and his Administration have not addressed the frustration and concerns being expressed by our people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many persons are already fed-up of being ignored or being told that their concerns were invalid, and even on occasions being told that they were wrong for voicing the concerns that they did have. Our people, including many of their supporters are sending the message that they will not be ignored anymore. They want their government listen to them, and to be on their side.
Many of our people now believe that everything this Government is doing appears to be driven by foreign interest and the privileged few, and those with access to influence. Many now believe that this government’s priorities do not include those of the regular working-class people. From the Premier’s address, he is proving that his government is not working for our people, especially for those whom life could sometimes be a struggle, but who get on with life, and get on with their job, because they have families to support and bills to pay. They don’t ask for much, but they want to know that the people who they have elected to Government are on their side, working for them. Sadly, this one-year-old PNP Admiration has proven that they are not that government for the people. Nothing that was said will bring hope to the regular working-class people and meaningfully improve their lives.
As important as it is to discuss tonight, it is somewhat more important to discuss what he did not say. I will do so in My Party’s press conference scheduled for Monday, 21st February, 2022.
The Honorable Premier and his team are hoping that our people of the Turks and Caicos Islands Deny What We See and Believe What He Says – I will not let that happen.
CIVIL SERVICE SALARY AND BENEFITS TO INCREASE BY 10% IN 2022/2023
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce its plans to increase public service salary and benefits by 10% in 2022/2023 through the introduction of a new Pension and Gratuity Programme (6%) and an across-the-board salary increase (4%).
Commenting on this initiative Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick said:
“As a major part of my governments’ focus on human capital development, my government is fully committed to improving the pay and working conditions of the public service which is the engine of the government.
In 2021/2022 my government budgeted $2m to fund the initial injection into the new Public Service Pension and Gratuity Programme, which I am pleased will come on stream in 2022/2023; and will go a long way in helping to improve the compensation package provided to public servants as well as to assist in preparing for their retirement.
I am pleased as well to advise that my government has budgeted this year for an across the board 4% increase in public service salaries, some seven years since the last increase took place in 2015, during my last term in office.
This investment to the tune of $9m demonstrates our commitment to the Public Service of these islands and our intention to continue to transform lives in these Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams commenting on the initiative said:
“Following months of technical planning, consultation and other meetings, I am pleased to announce that the new Public Service Pension and Gratuity Programme is well on its way towards implementation, with the first draft of legislation having already been prepared and shortly to be debated in the House of Assembly.
This is a momentous achievement for the Turks and Caicos Public Service following the cessation of our previous programme which created a significant disparity in the public service between pre and post 1992 employees that received different post-employment benefits.
This new programme seeks to recognize and to appropriately compensate our long serving employees by ensuring that when they leave the civil service they are assisted in meeting the financial demands that still remain with them at that time.
The government this year will make a major investment in the public service by budgeting for the 6% Pension and Gratuity Programme, while at the same time providing a 4% across the board salary increase to all employees, resulting in a 10% increase in pay and benefits.
We recognize and appreciate the work that our public servants do in all facets of society and hope that this will help to improve their lives and livelihood as we continue to build and to expand the public service across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Cabinet approves Moratorium on Temporary Work Permits
The Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment, and Customer Service advises the general public that Cabinet, at its meeting on the 9th February 2022, approved a moratorium on Temporary Work Permit Applications for the following job categories commencing effectively until April 30th, 2022.
Domestic Workers
Barmaids
Labourer
Barber
Cosmetologists (Nail Techs, beauticians, etc.)
The moratorium will coincide with the development of a National Workforce Development Strategy and Employment Policy. The government is also conducting a review of the Immigration Ordinance in collaboration with The Ministry of Immigration & Border Control, Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy & Utilities and Telecommunications Commission, and the Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services in efforts to ensure that our current laws and regulations help to protect our borders and assist in the economic stability of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The government notes the need to enhance the migrant worker program to meet the demands of the market however, there must be a priority placed on the development of its people. The government is confident that the moratorium will allow for a proper assessment of the market needs, which will, in turn, lead to the development, implementation, and sustainability of a sound National Development Plan and Employment Policy. The government recognizes the need for community engagement which we plan to achieve through a series of key stakeholder meetings including, but not limited to, town halls and interviews.
The Ministry thanks everyone in advance for your compliance and understanding and we look forward to your input in the coming months.
Energy Expo set for Guyana
A four-day international energy conference and exposition began here on Tuesday with President Dr. irfaan Ali underscoring the need for Guyana to develop cheaper sources of energy so as to ensure the socio-economic development of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
“Let me be clear on this, we will remain uncompetitive if we cannot address the cost of energy. We must address the cost of energy,” President Ali, said as delivered the feature address at the event that is also being attended by his CARICOM colleagues, Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley as well as Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
“Our private sector will not be able to grow if we cannot bring down the cost of energy and we will bring down the cost of energy by 50 per cent by 2024,” Ali said, adding in order to do so, Guyana must make strategic investments.
Source-CMC
Simone Biles is getting married!
The Olympic gold medalist shared a post Tuesday announcing her engagement to Jonathan Owens, whom she's been dating since 2020.
Alongside four photos of the moment Owens proposed, Biles wrote: "WOKE UP A FIANCÉE I can't wait to spend forever & ever with you, you're everything I dreamed of and more! Let's get married!"
On Instagram, she said the proposal from the Houston Texans safety was the "easiest yes" she's made. In Owens' post announcing their engagement, he said Biles "really had no clue what was coming."
Biles publicly confirmed her relationship with Owens in 2020. In August 2021, she shared a post to celebrate that she and Owens had been dating for more than a year.
"So happy past 1 year to the best thing that's ever happened to you: ME," Biles wrote, with a laughing emoji.
In a recent interview with NET-A-PORTER's digital title PORTER, Biles spoke about how she is prioritizing her personal life at the moment. She told the outlet she was "making sure I have the proper time to spend with my family, my friends and my boyfriend."