Colombian national charged in connection with plot to Kill Haitian President
A Colombian national, Mario Antonio Palacios, 43, has been arrested based on a criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida on a plot to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moise, who was killed at his private residence in Port au Prince on July 7, last year. His wife, Martine, was also injured during the atack and had to be treated in the United States.
The Department of Justice in a statement said that Palacios has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States and providing material support resulting in death, knowing or intending that such material support would be used to prepare for or carry out the conspiracy to kill or kidnap.
“As alleged in the complaint, which was unsealed today, these charges relate to the July 7, 2021, assassination of the former President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti,” the statement said.
“As alleged, the defendant and others, including a group of approximately 20 other Colombian citizens and a group of Haiti-based dual Haitian-American citizens, participated in a plot to kidnap or kill the Haitian President, with one conspirator (Co-conspirator #1) traveling to the United States on June 28, 2021, to, among other things, provide other individuals with a written request for assistance to further the plot relating to the Haitian President.”
The statement said that the complaint is also alleging that while the plot initially focused on conducting a kidnapping of the president as part of a purported arrest operation, it ultimately resulted in a plot to kill the Haitian President.
“The complaint affidavit alleges that, on July 7, 2021, Palacios and others entered the president’s residence in Haiti with the intent and purpose of killing President Moise, and in fact the president was killed.
“Co-conspirator #1, a dual Haitian-American citizen, was subsequently arrested by Haitian authorities and remains in custody in Haiti. Palacios eluded arrest and travelled to Jamaica. “
Palacios was recently deported from Jamaica and, during a layover in Panama, agreed to travel to the United States. He is currently in custody and was due to appear in court for his initial appearance on Tuesday.
The Department of Justice said that if convicted of the charges in the complaint, Palacios faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
It said that a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The statement sad that the FBI is investigating the case with other law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Goldbarg and Walter Norkin are prosecuting the case with assistance from National Security Division Trial Attorneys Frank Russo and Emma Ellenrieder.
The statement said that a complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source-CMC
General Motors 90-year streak as top US car seller ends
US car giant General Motors has lost its title as America's top car seller for the first time in 90 years.
Japan's Toyota claimed the top spot, selling more than 2.3 million vehicles last year, up 10%.
GM said its sales, which fell 13%, were hurt by the widespread shortage of semiconductor parts that has been affecting the car industry.
The Detroit company had ranked as the number one US car seller since 1931 and vowed it would bounce back.
"I wouldn't rush out if I were (Toyota) and get a 'We're No 1' tattoo," spokesman Jim Cain said, according to Reuters.
Overall, analysts expect the number of new cars sold in the US to have increased roughly 2% in 2021 compared to 2020, when buyers were reeling from the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
But purchases remain depressed compared to their pre-pandemic levels, as companies grapple with supply chain woes, problems that have also pushed prices higher for consumers.
"The key constraint for sales continues to be reduced inventory levels as a result of the semiconductor shortage," GM chief economist Elaine Buckberg said in a statement discussing the firm's sales and outlook for 2022.
GM sold roughly 2.2 million vehicles last year down from 2.5 million in 2020, relying on its profitable pick-up trucks and SUVs to boost its bottom line.
Toyota, which saw strong sales of its hybrids and other models, has been less affected than some other car makers by the shortage of chips, thanks to its decision to build up a stockpile after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. But it has also been forced to cut production amid the shortages.
But America's top car companies have been ceding ground to international rivals well before the pandemic-related snarls.
Ford, General Motors and Chrysler once accounted for as much as 90% of all US car sales and still claimed more than half as recently as 2008. But that has slid lower.
Toyota's Camry has been the top-selling passenger car in the US for 20 years, while its Rav4 has ranked as the best-selling SUV for five years.
Source-BBC
US phone firms agree delay of 5G rollout
Two of the biggest US phone firms have agreed a government request to delay the rollout of 5G services this week.
The US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made the request over concerns about aviation safety.
Plane makers have warned that C-Band spectrum 5G wireless signals may interfere with sensitive aircraft electronics and could disrupt flights.
AT&T and Verizon initially rejected the delay request, before reversing.
Chief executives had pushed back against a second delay request on Sunday, having already put plans on hold since late last year.
They had also offered to mitigate service around US airports for six months as a temporary safeguard, along a similar approach adopted in France.
The aviation industry and the FAA has raised concerns about potential interference of 5G with aircraft equipment like radio altitude meters.
Last month, the bosses of the world's two biggest plane makers, Airbus and Boeing, made an appeal to Mr Buttigieg in which they said "5G interference could adversely affect the ability of aircraft to safely operate".
The letter cited research by trade group Airlines for America which found that if the FAA's 5G rules had been in effect in 2019, about 345,000 passenger flights and 5,400 cargo flights would have faced delays, diversions or cancellations.
The phone companies both announced they had accepted the proposed two-week delay late on Monday.
An AT&T spokeswoman said they had agreed to the request from Mr Buttigieg, but said in a statement that "we know aviation safety and 5G can co-exist and we are confident further collaboration and technical assessment will allay any issues".
The FAA thanked for firms for the voluntary delay in a statement.
"We look forward to using the additional time and space to reduce flight disruptions associated with this 5G deployment," they added.
Source-ABC
Statement by Hon Rachel M Taylor, Minister of Education on Commencement of School for Term 2 of the 2021/2022 School Year
I use this opportunity to wish all our stakeholders a happy and prosperous New Year. To our committed school leaders, teachers and ancillary staff, I trust you had a warm and memorable Christmas in the company of family and friends. To the new teachers who joined us during the holidays, I welcome you to the Turks and Caicos Islands and I wish for you well during your tenure with us.
I also use this opportunity to congratulate those persons who are taking up acting appointments in one or more of our schools. Students, I can imagine your excitement after receiving your Christmas gifts and enjoying the festivities that are associated with this time of year. The time has come to refocus your attention on continuing your formal learning and developing the skills that are necessary to propel you on your journey through lifelong learning and preparation for contributing meaningfully to the continued development of these islands.
The holidays are now ending and we turn our attention to continuing the 2021/2022 school year. As you are all aware, we have witnessed a rapid spike in the number of positive Covid-19 cases over a relatively short period of time. The spike in cases is an indication that the virus is spreading quickly, therefore as we begin Term 2 of the school year, it is incumbent on us to take every precaution to ensure that our children and teachers remain safe.
Before arriving at a decision, my team and I at the Ministry of Education, consulted with the health experts in the Ministry of Health, and considered all possible options to ensure that effective learning of our students continues, while at the same time, striking a balance with their health and safety.
Consequently, the following measures, which are being implemented in the best interest of all, are to take immediate effect:
1 Public schools will remain closed for the remainder of this week. While this is the case, Teachers in public schools who have already been tested and are negative will report for work to prepare for virtual classes. The remaining teachers should have their tests completed by Wednesday, 5th January.
All Schools are also encouraged to use this time to review their COVID-19 Protocols, refresh and take steps to strengthen these protocols wherever necessary.
2 Classes in public schools will commence on Monday, 10th January, using virtual platforms.
3 Private schools will have the option to begin virtual classes this week or on Monday, 10th January.
4 Virtual Classes for ALL SCHOOLS (Public and Private Schools will continue until Friday, 14th January.
5 During this two-week period, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health will observe the number of Covid-19 cases. If there is an additional spike in the number of cases all schools will remain in virtual mode for an additional two-week period up to 28th January.
6 If the number of positive cases across the country remain the same as they are now or decrease between now and 16th January, the Ministry may give approval for schools with fewer than 200 students to return to full face to face classes. In addition, schools with more than 200 students may be given approval to commence a hybrid programme but stagger the way classes are brought in.
7 All Day Care Centers serving children under 4 years of age will remain open. Management of these facilities are to ensure that caregivers and ancillary staff adhere to the protocols that are in place in relation to testing, wearing of face masks at all times, social distancing and washing of hands and use of hand sanitizer.
The health authorities have advised that although the number of cases are increasing, there is far less severe cases requiring hospitalization because of the vaccination status of these individuals. We therefore join with the Ministry of health and encourage all teachers, students of vaccination age and parents to get vaccinated and or get your booster shots.
We also encourage all teachers, parents and students to get tested using a local community lab if you are experiencing any flu-like symptom. Over the next few weeks, the situation will be monitored with a view to returning all students to full face to face classes in as safe a manner as possible over the coming weeks, provided the number of positive cases decrease.
I take this opportunity to especially thank our teachers in public schools who have gone through the Covid-19 Testing training regime in an effort to assist in testing of teachers at schools. Your support has made the difference in ensuring that the unvaccinated teachers were tested on a weekly basis. This process will continue into this new year. All members of staff, including ancillary staff of both public and private schools around the Turks and Caicos Islands must present a negative test before they return to school face to face.
High school students sitting their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams will continue their exams as scheduled. Examination centers will enforce the mandatory Covid-19 protocols so as to maintain a safe environment for candidates and invigilators.
May the favour of God continue to rest with us.
Boris Johnson plans to 'ride out' Omicron wave
Boris Johnson says he hopes England can "ride out" the current wave of Covid-19 without further restrictions.
But he acknowledged parts of the NHS would feel "temporarily overwhelmed" amid a surge of Omicron cases.
The prime minister said there was a "good chance" he would not impose fresh measures and would recommend continuing the government's "Plan B" strategy in England to ministers on Wednesday.
He also announced plans for 100,000 critical workers to take daily tests.
The testing regime from 10 January will be for key industries including food processing, transport and the border force, in order to reduce the spread of the virus to colleagues.
The PM said at a Downing Street briefing he will recommended England sticks with Plan B restrictions, when cabinet ministers meet to discuss extending them.
The measures, which include working from home where possible, mask wearing in most public settings and Covid passports in some venues, are currently due to run out on 28 January.
As daily UK Covid case figures exceeded 200,000 for the first time with the spread of the Omicron variant, the PM said people who believed the pandemic to be over were "profoundly wrong".
The daily cases include a backlog of two days of cases from Wales and four days in Northern Ireland.
He said this was a moment for caution but also that the UK's position was different from previous waves, as Omicron is milder than previous variants and booster vaccines have been rolled out.
Mr Johnson said the country had a chance to "ride out this Omicron wave without shutting down our country once again".
"We can keep our schools and our businesses open and we can find a way to live with this virus," he said.
Mr Johnson acknowledged the weeks ahead would be "challenging" with "some services disrupted by staff absences". But he promised to "fortify" the NHS to withstand pressure.
The assurances come as many industries are facing staffing problems over the number of workers self isolating with Covid or as contacts of cases, while many people have struggled to get tests over Christmas amid supply and demand issues.
The government would continue to watch what happens in Covid data, but he said the current Plan B level of restrictions in England - like compulsory face coverings in most indoor public venues - were the correct and balanced approach.
"It has to balance the the effect on people's lives and livelihoods of lockdowns, which are painful, which take away people's life chances and which do a great deal of social damage, damage to people's mental health as well as damage to the economy," Mr Johnson said.
He said the health service was moving into a "war footing" with plans to set up coronavirus surge hubs at hospitals across England in preparation for a potential wave of admissions.
Source-BBC
Drake, Snoop Dogg, Future and Ne-Yo featured on Aaliyah's posthumous Unstoppable album
Following the release two weeks ago of "Poison," featuring the late Aaliyah and The Weeknd, the former's posthumous Unstoppable album will be released later this month with more all-star collaborations.
Aaliyah's uncle, Barry Hankerson, confirmed the news Monday on The Geno Jones Show. Hankerson owns Blackground Records, which controls the rights to Aaliyah's music. "Poison" will be on the album, and Hankerson says in addition to The Weeknd, there will be more collabos on the project.
“Because of that success, we think it’ll only get better with people such as Ne-Yo and Snoop Dogg, Future, and Drake — one of her biggest fans," said Hankerson. "Those are the features that’ll be on the record and that’ll be out in January.”
Hankerson did not specify an Unstoppable release date.
Two Aaliyah albums that were released after her death became available on digital platforms for the first time in October. I Care 4 U, from December, 2002, features 14 tracks, including Aaliyah's hits "Back & Forth," "Are You That Somebody?," "One in a Million" and "Try Again." It also has songs that were previously unreleased, including “Miss You,” “I Care 4 U” and “Come Over." The compilation debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ultimate Aaliyah originally arrived in May 2005 as a posthumous box set. The first disc is a greatest hits collection. The second, titled Are You Feelin’ Me?, has songs from the Romeo Must Die soundtrack and additional tracks produced by Timbaland. The third disc is a DVD documentary titled The Aaliyah Story.
August 25, 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of Aaliyah's death at the age of 22. She died in 2001 with eight other people in a plane crash after shooting the "Rock the Boat" video in the Bahamas.
Source-ABC
Reduction of Services - Department of Motor Vehicle
The Department of Motor Vehicles would like to advise the general public that there will be a reduction of services offered at its Providenciales office, effective Wednesday 5th January, 2022 until further notice. Services affected include driver’s license photographs, signs, written exams and driving tests.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Persons will be contacted for those services for which appointments have been made and notified publicly as soon as the above services areas are restored.
WEATHER FOR THE TCI ON WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW STRAY SHOWERS.
WINDS: VARIABLE AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS BUT OCCASIONALLY GUSTY IN THE TURKS & CAICOS.
SEAS: 3 TO 5 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. 3 TO 5 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE CENTRAL AND TCI.
RESIDENTS OF TCI URGED TO AMPLIFY THEIR PROTECTION-TAKE THE COVID-19 BOOSTER SHO
Citizens and Residents and in particular our frontline workers, across all sectors of the Turks and Caicos Islands are being urged to get a coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine to top-up their protection.
The Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry of Health, reminds us that vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves against COVID-19 and the new Omicron variant. Our priority remains to protect our most vulnerable, our frontline workers and our entire country.
In light of the return of Cruise ships to Grand Turk, we particularly implore our cruise industry vendors, business operators and all persons offering service in that sector who have had their second dose of the vaccine to go and get their booster jab. Director of The Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit, Mrs. Aldora Robinson said, "It's absolutely crucial that everybody who is eligible gets their booster shot to top-up their immunity." Mrs. Robinson went on to say, "While brilliant scientists around the world learn more about the new Omicron variant, we need to do everything we can to strengthen our defences and vaccines are the best way to do that."
The Ministry of Health is cognizant that the emergence of this new variant, Omicron is obviously a concern for all of us and urges that we take personal responsibility to protect ourselves, coworkers, and our families.
In support of the booster shot programme, Minister of Health and Human Services, The Honourable Jamell Robinson commented, "More than ever, receiving a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible is an urgent, healthy choice to protect yourself and your family. Even if you were fully vaccinated last year, three shots are better than two. We know immune protection from the vaccines declines over time, so booster shots are critical for everyone who was vaccinated at least 3 months ago. In addition to vaccinations and boosters, masks, testing, ventilation, and distancing, remain as effective multi-layered defences against COVID-19. I encourage persons to stay mindful of risks and take steps to decrease them."
The Ministry of Health and Human Services urges the entire population to recognize this as a national mission- one in which we all have a role to play. Roll up your sleeves and get protected as soon as you can.
Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes convicted on 4 counts of fraud
A jury has convicted Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes on four counts of fraud on their seventh day of deliberations. She was acquitted on another four, and there is no verdict on the remaining three counts.
She was found guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud against Theranos investors and three other counts of wire fraud against investors. She was acquitted on all four counts of wire fraud against patients.
Judge Edward J. Davila, who presided over the trial, is expected to sentence the fallen entrepreneur at a later date. The former multi-billion dollar entrepreneur could face decades behind bars.
Her ex-boyfriend and former company COO, Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, who is also her co-defendant in the case, had his trial severed from Holmes earlier this year after learning her lawyers might use abuse claims as part of their defense. He has firmly denied those allegations and is expected to stand trial in February.
Holmes, who had vowed to revolutionize the health care industry with technology that could run any test from a just a few drops of blood, was convicted of defrauding investors, in the rare criminal takedown of a Silicon Valley CEO.
During his rebuttal last week, prosecutor John Bostic told jurors that Holmes' motive to commit fraud was not to cash in, but to bolster the company she had built.
"She committed these crimes because she was desperate for the company to succeed," Bostic said.
Holmes' conviction comes after the jury in the trial, following over 45 hours of deliberation, said Monday morning that they were "unable to come to a unanimous verdict on three of the counts," and would need more time to reach a decision.
Davila read the jury a deadlock instruction, reiterated Holmes' presumption of innocence, and sent the 12 back to the deliberation room to continue weighing the three counts of fraud on which they could not agree.
The jurors were tasked with weighing 11 fraud charges leveled against Holmes following weeks of witness testimony from insiders who worked at the blood-testing startup, and patients and investors who prosecutors say were defrauded by the Theranos founder once lauded as the next Steve Jobs.
Holmes, 37, was initially charged with nine counts of wire fraud and two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The jury began deliberating on Dec. 20.
Source-ABC