Pope condemns treatment of migrants in Europe
The Pope has denounced "narrow self-interest and nationalism" over the way European countries treats migrants.
Speaking on the Greek island of Lesbos, Pope Francis called the neglect of migrants the "shipwreck of civilisation".
The Pope first visited Lesbos in 2016, when it was a major entry point for people trying to reach Europe.
Since then, new flashpoints have emerged and the Pope expressed regret that little had changed.
Last month 27 people died when their inflatable dinghy sank in the Channel between France and the UK. The number of people attempting the crossing has been growing, with more than 26,000 people arriving in the UK so far this year, more than double last year's total.
Several people have also died in freezing temperatures attempting to cross into Poland from Belarus, which denies accusations it has been orchestrating the crisis at its border to destabilise the EU.
"In Europe there are those who persist in treating the problem as a matter that does not concern them - this is tragic," Pope Francis said.
"History teaches us that narrow self-interest and nationalism lead to disastrous consequences."
The pontiff was speaking at a temporary camp housing about 2,000 asylum-seekers, which replaced the overcrowded Moria camp that was destroyed in fires last year.
While the coronavirus pandemic had shown that major challenges had to be confronted together and there were some signs of this happening on climate change, there was little sign of such an approach to migration, he said.
"It is easy to influence public opinion by instilling fear of the other," Pope Francis said.
"The remote causes should be attacked, not the poor people who pay the consequences and are even used for political propaganda."
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This was a speech delivered in front of refugees but aimed squarely at political leaders across the European continent. The Pope's words betrayed frustration at what he sees as the failure of politicians to adequately address the migrant issue.
His message of compassion for asylum seekers is not new but his language on Lesbos was exceptionally forthright.
Pope Francis was speaking against the backdrop of pushbacks of migrants at sea - including close to Lesbos - and on European land borders, as well as the erection of fences to prevent them reaching the EU.
The number of people entering Europe reached a high point in 2015, when more than a million people fleeing the Syrian civil war and other crises made the journey.
Francis said he understood that there was a lot of "fatigue and frustration" over migration that had been exacerbated by the pandemic, but warned that without change there was a risk that civilisation itself would find itself "shipwrecked".
"Let us eradicate the prevailing mentality revolving around our ego and personal and national egoisms which determine every decision we take," he said.
Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who was accompanying Francis, said the migration issue was the responsibility of all Europe, not just Greece.
More than 8,000 people have crossed into Greece by land and sea this year, down from about 15,000 last year and about 75,000 the previous year, according to EU figures.
Greece is building closed camps on several islands to house asylum seekers until their claims are processed. It denies that Greek coast guards push back migrants at sea, insisting that they are saving lives.
British Home Secretary Priti Patel has cited the Greek pushbacks as a possible model for the UK to push back migrant boats in the Channel.
Source-BBC
Selfridges set for £4bn sale to Thai retail giant
Luxury department store group Selfridges is set to be sold to a Thai conglomerate for up to £4bn.
The UK retailer owns 25 outlets, including a huge flagship store in London's Oxford Street, and branches in Dublin, the Netherlands and Canada.
Selfridges' owner, the Weston family, agreed sale terms with Central Group in the last few days, according to the Times, which first reported the deal.
Selfridges was founded in 1908 by US retail magnate Harry Gordon Selfridge.
It has been owned by the billionaire Westons for 18 years.
The Weston family put the chain up for sale in June, a few months after the death of Galen Weston, who oversaw the move to take the department store private in 2003.
The family control Selfridges through Wittington Investments Ltd, in Canada, which is separate from the UK arm of the same name that owns a large stake in Primark-owner Associated British Foods.
Central Group is a family-owned conglomerate that started in Bangkok but went global when the founder's son, Samrit Chirathivat, opened Thailand's first department store in 1956.
It now has 3,700 shops around the world, from supermarkets to electronics outlets, and department stores in Europe.
Central Group's non-executive director Vittorio Radice ran Selfridges between 1996 and 2003 and has been managing a department store in Italy since 2006. His role includes responsibility for expansion in Europe.
A division of the group, Central Retail, sparked confusion about whether a Selfridges sale had fallen through when it issued a short stock exchange announcement that it was "not currently involved" with a deal.
However, it is understood the Westons, one of Canada's richest families, are in talks with a different arm of the giant Central Group company.
It is unclear why the family has decided to sell, although like many retailers the business has suffered during lockdown and the absence of high-end tourists in city centres.
The business had sales of almost £2bn in the year to February 2020, but when more recent accounts are published they are likely to show a big fall.
Selfridges declined to comment, and Central Group could not be reached.
Source - BBC
New Peacemaker trailer shows that John Cena's vigilante character has daddy issues
HBO Max has released a new trailer to its upcoming spin-off of The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and in it, John Cena's over-the-top anti-hero shows off a vulnerable side.
Not only is Cena's titular character apparently having second thoughts about his peace-through-violence mantra, hesitating when ordered to fire on innocent people so that he can kill a target, but he's also having issues with his dad.
Terminator 2 and Sons of Anarchy veteran Robert Patrick plays his father, and he's tough to impress. When Cena's character mentions that he survived being shot -- and had a building fall on top of him, referring to the close of The Suicide Squad -- Patrick's character replies, "You let somebody shoot you?!"
Despite his reservations, however, Peacemaker isn't afraid of the action: In one scene he's shown boasting about a new tool he created -- a hand grenade attached to an old Russian tank shell. "A grenade only kills like two people!" he says in explaining his need for the upgrade.
Source - ABC
Divock Orgi scores game winner for the Liverpool
Liverpool substitute Divock Origi scored a last-minute winner to sink Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux as the Reds continued their superb form in the Premier League.
With seconds remaining, Origi latched on to a Mohamed Salah pass, smashing the ball beyond Jose Sa in the Wolves goal.
His goal sparked wild celebrations from the visiting players, while Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ran straight to the centre circle to hug the striker after the full-time whistle.
Klopp then told BBC Radio 5 Live he thought Origi "was a legend", saying he hoped "people will write books about him" as he acknowledged the Belgian's cult hero status at Anfield.
The win meant Liverpool briefly went top, leapfrogging Chelsea, who lost 3-2 to West Ham in Saturday's early kick-off, but they returned to second after Manchester City beat Watford 3-1.
Defeat was cruel on Wolves, who had defended heroically for 94 minutes and were 60 seconds away from becoming the first team to stop Liverpool scoring this season.
Liverpool came into this match in blistering form, having scored at least twice in each of their past 18 matches and scoring 14 times in their past four.
But for most of the afternoon, it looked as if they would be denied in front of goal for the first time since drawing 0-0 with Real Madrid last April.
In the first half, former Wolves forward Diogo Jota headed a deep cross narrowly off target while Romain Saiss produced a superb sliding tackle to deny the Reds' Salah a tap-in.
And in the second period, Liverpool continued to dominate as Thiago was denied by a combination of Raul Jimenez and Sa before Jota missed a huge opportunity, seeing an effort blocked on the line by Conor Coady with the keeper stranded.
It looked as if that would be the game's best chance but the Reds kept up the pressure and were awarded for their attacking intent with just one minute of stoppage time remaining when Origi broke the deadlock with his fourth goal of the season.
Spirited defensive efforts have become a regular habit for Wolves who boast the third-best defensive record in the Premier League and were seconds away from a fourth clean sheet on the bounce.
As they were cheered on by a boisterous home crowd on a cold afternoon in the West Midlands, the hosts were content to sit back and rarely threatened going forward. Wolves managed just three shots compared to Liverpool's 17.
Bruno Lage may look towards his attackers as one area to improve upon going forward.
Wolves, who have Chelsea and Manchester City to face before Christmas, have now failed to score in eight of their 15 league games this season.
Defeat sees them remain in eighth, six points off the top four and 11 clear of the relegation zone.
Source - BBC
Uber to pay $9m in sex-assault report settlement
Uber is to pay $9m (£6.8m) to settle a complaint over its sexual-assault and harassment reporting in California.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) had told Uber to hand over information about assault and harassments - but it did not do so.
At the time, Uber had argued it would be a "shocking violation of privacy" for victims.
The payment - reduced from an initial $59m fine - will help fund passenger-safety promotion, CPUC said.
The settlement between Uber, CPUC, and the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (Rainn) brings to an end a dispute lasting almost two years, over whether Uber should hand over records about reported incidents involving its drivers.
Uber had argued that disclosing such records publicly could be traumatic for those who had been assaulted and might discourage reports in the future - particularly because CPUC was asking for the names of all "witnesses" - which would include those attacked.
Rainn had raised similar concerns about whether the California officials would be able to treat the sensitive information with appropriate care.
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But the CPUC said it only needed the information "under seal" - meaning the details of each individual case would be kept secret. It suggested Uber's response was an "effort to frustrate commission oversight".
In December 2020, a year on, CPUC initially fined Uber $59m (£44.5m) for refusing to comply.
Uber will also provide reports to California officials from now on, using "unique identifiers", rather than names, to protect the identities of individuals. It will also build an "opt-in" process for "survivors" who want to provide more information about what happened to state officials.
In a statement, Uber said it was "glad the full commission has adopted this agreement", adding: "Most importantly, we can move forward with a solution that preserves the privacy and agency of survivors."
CPUC said the reduction of the planned $59m fine was, in part, down to months of negotiations where "all parties gain advantages and give concessions".
The ride-hailing app had been under pressure to disclose details about its safety record, and first published its US-based safety report in December 2019, with a promise to release a further report every two years.
The 2021 edition has not yet been published. But the first report showed that Uber had nearly 6,000 reports of sexual assault in 2017 and 2018 - a number the company pointed out was a tiny fraction of the more than two billion rides it provided in that time.
It is not the only such company facing such issues.
Lyft, another ride-hailing app popular in the US, reported more than 4,000 incidents of sexual assaults between 2017 and 2019 in its first safety report published earlier this year.
Source - BBC
CNN fires Chris Cuomo over help that he gave politician brother
US anchor Chris Cuomo has been fired by CNN for help he gave his brother, ex-New York governor Andrew Cuomo, while he was battling harassment allegations.
The decision came after CNN said additional information had emerged over the extent of Chris Cuomo's involvement in his older brother's defence.
Andrew Cuomo resigned in August after prosecutors said he had harassed staff.
Chris Cuomo, 51, said in a statement that he was disappointed and it was "not how I want my time at CNN to end".
He had worked for the network since 2013 and became one of its most recognisable news presenters, most recently leading CNN's coverage of the 2020 US presidential election.
A CNN statement said that a "respected law firm" had been hired to investigate Chris Cuomo's efforts to help his politician brother fight allegations of sexual harassment. But while that review was happening, "new information has come to light" leading to the network terminating his contract, "effective immediately".
Chris Cuomo had already been suspended by CNN on Tuesday after the extent of his behind-the-scenes efforts to help with the scandal were revealed.
At that time, the network said that while it "appreciated the unique position [Chris Cuomo] was in and understood his need to put family first and job second", the advice he offered to his brother was a breach of journalistic ethics.
Documents released by New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday showed that the younger Cuomo continuously pressed the governor's staff to let him play a larger role in his brother's defence.
"You need to trust me," he texted Melissa DeRosa, his brother's secretary, in March, adding: "We are making mistakes we can't afford."
He also pledged to contact other US media outlets to try and learn of other allegations that were forthcoming.
In a staff email seen by the New York Times, CNN's President Jeff Zucker said: "It goes without saying that these decisions are not easy, and there are a lot of complex factors involved."
The star anchor's dismissal will raise serious questions about journalistic standards in the US. CNN's media correspondent Brian Stelter said that "viewers need to be able to trust what they're hearing here on television when we're covering a sensitive story, even if it involves the family member of a colleague".
The Cuomo family has long been one of the most dominant dynasties in US politics. Andrew Cuomo was elected to three successive terms as New York governor and their father Mario led the state for over a decade between 1983 and 1994.
Prior to his resignation in October, Andrew Cuomo was a leading political figure, before after an investigation conducted by his own Attorney General concluded that he had sexually harassed and groped 11 women working for him.
Source - BBC
New Plant for Ultium Battery Materials on the Way
GM and POSCO Chemical have revealed plans to create a joint venture that will include the construction of a new plant to process battery materials for Ultium battery cells. The new plant will be aimed at processing Cathode Active Material (CAM), which accounts for approximately 40% of the cost of each battery cell, the automaker says, with a planned opening expected in 2024.
This new plant, the location of which has not been revealed for now, will supply the facilities that GM and LG Energy Solutions are building in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and Lordstown, Ohio.
"Two more U.S.-based Ultium cell plants are planned by mid-decade as GM drives mass adoption of EVs with high-volume Ultium-powered EVs, including a Chevrolet crossover priced around $30,000," the automaker said.
The move by GM and POSCO is seen as another in a series of automakers working to secure more parts of the battery supply chain, instead of relying entirely on third-party suppliers. Control of the battery manufacturing process is increasingly seen as one of the biggest challenges for automakers in the current decade, as battery components and raw materials are expected to become much more sought-after as more automakers turn to EV production.
The fact that the mining and processing of some battery components is already becoming an issue, even as EV adoption rates are still below 5% in most countries, is increasingly seen as a wake-up call to the auto industry to secure as much of the battery manufacturing process as possible.
“Our work with POSCO Chemical is a key part of our strategy to rapidly scale U.S. EV production and drive innovation in battery performance, quality and cost,” said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. "We are building a sustainable and resilient North America-focused supply chain for EVs covering the entire ecosystem from raw materials to battery cell manufacturing and recycling.”
GM's announcement follows the opening of Factory ZERO in Michigan last month that was attended by President Joe Biden. The plant, based on a renovated Detroit-Hamtramck assembly facility, had been producing pre-production versions of the GMC Hummer SUT for weeks before its formal opening, with the first customer deliveries of the electric Hummer model scheduled for later this month.
The GMC Hummer is one of two electric vehicles that use Ultium batteries and motors whose assembly has begun in 2021, with the other being the BrightDrop EV600 that, for now, is being assembled by a GM partner ahead of a full-scale production start in 2022.
Source - Autoweek
Ministerial Statement on Beach and Vending Coastal Bill by Honourable Josephine Connolly
Good morning, Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for God’s protection and mercies as I represent my people. Mr. Speaker this bill, the Beach and Vending Coastal Bill, is of importance to our tourism product. But Mr Speaker it is also important to the people of this country and future generations. God gave this country the best beaches in the world, Mr Speaker. He bestowed on this country a gift and we, and I mean all of us, are trustees of this gift. We have an obligation and duty to protect that gift so that our people and our visitors can enjoy the best beaches in the world right here in the Turks & Caicos Islands..
Mr. Speaker, members of this honourable house, my people of the Turks and Caicos Islands listening via radio or other means. I stand before you to present the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill. Mr. Speaker this is an important Bill. This Bill was crafted through many endless nights of civil servants wanting the best for our country. Local professionals deemed experts in their respective fields in this country. Mr. Speaker this is a controversial Bill, over the last week you would have heard, no doubt - like many of us, the many misconceptions that was spread about this Bill. In presenting this Bill Mr. Speaker, I will present the relevant sections of the Bill and explain the importance and the goal of each section. While doing so
Mr. Speaker, I intend for each section to correct the misinformation that has been spread on the various sections of the Bill.
But Mr Speaker before I say what the Bill is, let me first say what it is not. It is not a bill to stop our people going to the Beach, it is not a White Man’s Bill, it is not going to stop people playing with their boom box or having parties. Unfortnetly there are some in our community who love the soap box of social media, cannot pass a bandwagon without jumping on it and try to reduce complicated issues to slogans. The same social media warriors will be the first to ask where the government was when a child is killed by an unregulated water ski, or the Beaches end up dirty and dangerous. I am sure my friends on the other side have come to plead for the people, and I am ready to see if we can find ways to deal with their concerns, but I think it is intellectually dishonest to suggest no legislation is needed. So I hope we hear constructive suggestions not just slogans pandering to the people's worst fears..
Mr. Speaker, the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill was released for a 1- week consultation, where residents were encouraged to read and submit their comments to vendingconsultation@gov.tc. Mr. Speaker, the Bill was then amended after the first reading in the House and released again for another week of consultations. Mr. Speaker, we have read the comments and hope to address the concerns of those submissions.
Background to the Beach and Vending Coastal Bill
Mr. Speaker allow me to give a brief background on why the Beach and Vending Coastal Bill is necessary for sustaining the livelihoods of our people.
Mr. Speaker, over the years, the success of TCI’s tourism industry, has been based on a coastal tourism product. In fact, most of our tourism infrastructure is within a mile’s drive from the coastline. This has created many entrepreneurs (including vendors) that operate especially on our country’s beaches. What happened is that beach vending spread across the Island without structure. Mr. Speaker, this means that there was a simultaneous increase of tourists along with the growth of vending on the Beach and Coastal areas. Mr. Speaker, the unregulated and unchecked increase in vendors will cause problems at some point in time. And it means that it has to stop, we have to be able to put solutions in place for the problems that have started arising. What were these problems, Mr. Speaker?
Overcrowding in vendor situation; vendor harassment; persons complaining about how the beaches are being utilised and cleaned; unattractive unstandardised structures on the beach.
In instances Mr. Speaker, when the police would try to intervene or make an arrest for certain illicit behaviour on the beach,the police business persons and members of the public complained that the laws weren’t strong enough; the fines were not a deterrent for them. the fines were not a deterrent for them the process wasn't effective to deter illicit activities
While there was no specific beach and coastal vending license, vendors received business licenses and then a permit for vending. This too wasn't structured, as there was an overpopulation of vendors in specific physical areas and areas of activity.There were gaps in the compliance framework between various licensing and compliance authorities.
Mr. Speaker, pre-pandemic, the situation of vending concerns grew. The vendors themselves, visitors and local users complained about the lack of safety and security on the beaches. There were complaints of irregular patrols, lateness in responding to incidents that would have occurred on the beach and among the tourists. Mr. Speaker, we live in a virtual world, where information is shared instantaneously and incidents that happen can be spread in a moment and have the potential to negatively impact our tourism dependent country. Mr. Speaker, there had to be a response. The response was for order on the beaches. This Bill is a response to the problems and any responsible government must act.
Mr. Speaker I mentioned last week about the ‘Common Good’. And Mr. Speaker, I noted that the responsibility of representing the rights of all our people, is not one that I take lightly. In my endeavours Mr Speaker, I strive to be fair, responsible, transparent and ensure that what is done is for the common good. It is said that if you do something for the ‘common good’ that you do it for the benefit or advantage of everyone. Whether material, cultural or institutional – it means for members of the community they address interests that we all have in common. Mr. Speaker it is with the understanding of this ‘Common Good’ that I believe our beach and coastal vending policy were developed.
Mr. Speaker the same is true today, this is about the Common Good. Mr. Speaker, the beach is for all of us, and this is our answer to ensure that it happens. Mr. Speaker while I will tell you about the various sections and what the sections aim to do and what they provide for. I must tell you that this is not a Bill that would seek to correct issues pertaining to Crown Land, The Rights and Ownership pertaining to land and issues related to parking. Those are subjects of other Bills, other areas, and other amendments. Rest assured though Mr. Speaker, that this Bill and the implications it has for other bills have been considered and that work will begin and has begun. But Today Mr. Speaker, I am here to discuss the Beach and Vending Coastal Bill.
That Bill followed months of consultation on the policy. It is with the understanding that the rights and interest of our citizens, visitors and in fact all users are to be protected and that it is in the interest of our citizens that the policy of the various sections of the Bill and the regulations to be made under it were developed. It would be remiss of me not to reinforce this fact Mr. Speaker as we have introduced this Bill to give effect to that policy which was the subject of an extended period of comments from the community.
Mr. Speaker, there is a delicate balance. We are aware that we must protect the environment and our product is centred around the environment. However, as stated the Beach and Coastal areas provide opportunity for entrepreneurship, for our local people to earn a decent livelihood. That is the balance which this Bill is hoping to achieve. Besides that, Mr. Speaker, we are all users of the beach.
Mr. Speaker, we are a progressive and proactive government, thinking of the future for all. We are no longer in the 1990’s where you had a few vendors on the beaches but now there is an accumulation of vendors and we must ensure balance Mr Speaker. It is a conversation that must be had and as a responsible government it is our task to do so. Mr Speaker we have been here before. There are many persons who have criticised without understanding, but who later saw the benefit of the action they had earlier opposed and have come to see the bigger picture.
Many policies done years ago such as the formation of the protected area system where we saw a third of the country protected was opposed by groups but now those protected areas are here for us to build our economy on and for us to enjoy.
Mr Speaker, those who were once in opposition to the change have since resigned from their positions and can now see the bigger picture and they are now enjoying the benefits. Mr Speaker this bill is no different.
Mr. Speaker, this Bill does not seek to disenfranchise any one, but by amalgamating existing policies and codifying good practice we will protect the beaches and the economy of the TCI. Mr. Speaker, we have real issues that need to be addressed. These issues have lingered for years, such as damage to beach dunes and habitats, impact on aesthetic appeal, improper conduct of some vendors, as well as inconsistencies in regulating the beach vending activities but nobody wanted to touch them and make it right. Mr Speaker I met on my desk a draft policy on beach vending prepared by the previous government. It had sat gathering dust not because it was not needed, but because the previous government did not want to deal with it. Mr Speaker I understand why previous governments and Ministers of Tourism have shied away from this bill, it is a sensitive subject. Easier to let it slide, leave it for the next guy. Well Me Speaker, I am the next guy and I will not shy away from my responsibilities to this country.
Mr. Speaker, these issues that I have referred to have interfered not only with the enjoyment of the beaches by residents but with the quality of delivery within our tourism product. Mr. Speaker, we are a beach destination, this drives our tourism industry which is our biggest economic sector. Mr Speaker, our pristine beaches put food on the table.
Mr. Speaker, this Bill is national and not specific to just one island as some have tried to notion. We need to be cognisant that the world is changing and we have positioned ourselves as 5 star and must deliver on such. In order to do so quality control is important as fallout is far reaching. With over 36 regional competitors alone we must get it right. Mr. Speaker, facilities were constructed in the 2000’s to accommodate vending activity in the coastal areas. Mr. Speaker, the demand for vending facilities at or near the beach and coastal areas, has outgrown the number of spaces available to accommodate vendors. Mr. Speaker, this has resulted in a high influx of vendors congregating near accesses where the density of tourists is predominantly high, in an effort to attract more customers for their goods and services.
Clean and well presented, non polluted beaches and coastal areas are crucial to establishing and maintaining our tourism product. Other jurisdictions have lost the charm of their beaches by pollution, overcrowding and disorder and as a result they have diminished their tourist product. Mr Speaker, if we are to maintain our status as the number one beach in the world , it is imperative that we keep to the high standards that we are known for so that we can all continue to enjoy the cultural and economic benefits from our beaches and coastal areas.
Beach Vending legislation
Mr. Speaker, currently, there is no comprehensive law that covers beach vending in the Turks and Caicos Islands that allows DECR to issue permits for vending. While most persons must have a business licence but not a beach vending licence or the authority to issue fines or tickets if persons are breaking any laws on the beaches. Mr. Speaker, the police have issued charges to users and others who have misused our beaches. They recently proposed amendments to strengthen the fines under the Offenses against the Persons Ordinance and the summary offences ordinance to act as a further deterrent to unacceptable behaviour.
Introduction of the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill 2021 and What It Seeks To Do
Mr. Speaker, the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill 2021 addresses several issues regarding vending in the beach and coastal areas. Mr. Speaker, firstly, the bill seeks to provide for efficient regulation of beach vending activities on the beaches and coastal areas with the TCI. Secondly, The Bill seeks to respond to the major challenges and concerns resulting from an upsurge of vending activity on the beach and coastal areas of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Speaker, the Bill also seeks to provide a system of regulating beach vending in a way where persons can go through a transparent approval process to offer their services to the public with a spirit of excellence and professionalism in a well regulated vending industry worthy of the status of our jurisdiction. Lastly, The Bill also seeks to provide a monitoring and enforcement mechanism to ensure the safety and protection of all users of beaches and coastal areas where beach vending activities are conducted. Mr. Speaker, to achieve the objectives of the Bill has been divided into six (6) sections.
Explanation of The Bill
1. Mr. Speaker, Part 1 of the bill provides an explanation for the preliminary provisions. Where Clause 1 provides the short title and commencement of the Bill. Clause 2 offers the Interpretation of terms used within the Bill. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, Clause 3 provides that the Bill will apply to vending in the beaches and coastal areas of the Islands, including those in national parks. Mr. Speaker, the major concern for Part 1 was the definition of the word “Beach”. Mr. Speaker we have noted the comments from the members of the public, but I must stress that it is not the purpose of the Bill to seek to define the term beach, but to regulate the vending activities undertaken there to ensure order safety and enjoyment in those areas. Clarifications about how beaches are defined in the islands is the subject of work that is underway through the National Physical Development plan in conjunction with the crown lands unit tand proposals to recognise the historic treatment of these issues will be brought forward in the new year.. Additionally, Mr. Speaker for the purposes of this Bill, we have focused on the definition of ‘zones’ and have indicated that zones will not be placed in front of existing properties.
Mr. Speaker, Part 2 of the bill provides an explanation for the administration relating to the authority who will be responsible for authorizing licenses and permits. Where clause 4 establishes the Beach Vending Committee which shall oversee all beach vending and coastal commercial activity in the Islands. Mr. Speaker, this technical committee is comprised of :
A. the Director or representative of DECR,
B. The Director or representative of whom is responsible for revenue,
C. a representative from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force,
D. The Director or representative of planning and
E. the Director or representative of the department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management.
We consider this a good step, Mr. Speaker, as it allows for a more coordinated approach to the issuing of licenses. So that we will ensure there is no overcrowding or too much of one licensing in one area. Thus, having fair distribution.
Mr. Speaker a person can have several business licenses, but they can only have one beach and coastal vending license that will permit them to operate on the beach. This would prevent them from tying up several booths while denying other local vendors the same opportunity to earn a decent living where there are vending facilities. Mr. Speaker, the committee is central, but will be accessible through the use of the internet as well as district Commissioners on the Islands outside of Grand Turk and Providenciales. Appeals lie from the Director in certain cases to the committee and from the Committee to the Hon Minister.
Mr. Speaker, Part 3 of the bill for the authorization of licenses for beach vending and permits for special events that shall take place on the beaches and coastal areas. Mr. Speaker there has been some controversy in this section, in particular Clause 16. Mr. Speaker there has been numerous discussions about the disenfranchisement of locals and their inability to use the beach and have parties on the beach. Mr. Speaker, that is simply not so. There are many activities that require permits to be held, especially with large numbers. Mr. Speaker, it has always been the case that parties apply for a permit from the DECR to hold certain activities on the beach. The reason for the application is that in many instances, the beaches are not restored to their original position – garbage is left, filth is left, structures are left, and no one is held responsible. Mr. Speaker, by having persons registered and identified for events over a certain number, it allows for the maintenance and preservation of our Number 1 product.
We are clear if there is damage or abuse to property on the beaches that we know who is held responsible. Mr Speaker, we care about and cherish our environment, the beaches are where we make our livelihood. Mr Speaker should we leave our beaches unregulated and unattended ? No.Mr Speaker, I think not. Our children and our grandchildren will question why we allowed such a precious resource to be mishandled and destroyed by carelessness and indifferance.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, clause 16 in the bill, working in conjunction with Regulation 3 spells out that for commercial activities and large gatherings DECR registration is mandatory except for proscribed special events set out in the regulations Regulation 3 of the draft regulations which have been circulated publicly and which members of this honourable house have in their possession , make clear that a family event is a special event , where there is no commercial activity, and that an application for a permit is not required for a family event. But where the family event is more than fifty persons, notification of the family event is required to be given so that there is an identifiable responsible person to ensure that the beach is cleaned after the event.
Mr. Speaker, Part 4 is a crucial subsection of the bill. It provides an explanation for the monitoring and enforcement. Mr. Speaker, clause 30 establishes the Beach Patrol Unit which shall be the enforcement unit to patrol and provide law enforcement on the beach and coastal areas. These will be assisted by the conservation officers appointed under the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, and the members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Mr. Speaker, these conservation officers will undergo training with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as well as be trained in Tourism. Therefore, it should be noted that these conservation officers cannot be interchanged with police officers. Mr. Speaker, Part 4, sets out the powers given to the officers of the Beach Patrol Unit to be able to conduct patrol and law enforcement.
Mr. Speaker, Part 5, provides an explanation for the offences, sanctions, and penalties. Under this Part, various sanctions are provided, including offences with a penalty on conviction by a fine or imprisonment, or ticket offences which can be discharged on payment of a fixed penalty. During the two-week consultation process, comments were raised about the amount of fines. Mr. Speaker, fines are to act as a deterrent to crime, people should not be comfortable enough to commit the crime because the penalty is too light.. Fines must dissuade you from acting and so that is the purpose of the fines. Extensive research was done to compare fines that already exist. These fines are proportionate and consistent with fines imposed in other areas for similar breaches. Mr. Speaker, we are a five-star destination, Mr. Speaker if fines are what it is going to have to take to raise standards, then we simply must do it. However, Mr. Speaker the goal is not to imprison people. So, once you are a law-abiding citizen, you have no need to worry about the fines. And that goes for users too, Mr. Speaker this is not only for vendors, but also for all of us.
Mr. Speaker, Part 6, provides an explanation for miscellaneous provisions. Where clause 51 empowers the Director to set out zones where various vending activities will take place. These will be specified in the license. And Clause 52 provides that all vendors and all employees must wear a uniform and use an identification card during the hours of operation. Mr. Speaker, Vendor identification is very crucial as this would allow our conservation officers to easily identify if a vendor is out of a zone or selling in unauthorized areas or selling illicit items. Mr. Speaker, identification is really for law and order; we must be able to identify persons more readily, just in the event where situations have to be instantaneously addressed. Moreover, Mr. Speaker, it is pleasing to the eye to have the standardization of vendor uniforms and identification. Mr. Speaker Clause 53 of the bill provides an appeal to the Minister for persons aggrieved by decisions taken by the Committee. While Clause 54 provides for the Fee schedule; whilst clauses 55 and 56 provide for the amendment of the Schedules and the making of regulations. Mr. Speaker Schedule 1 sets out the forms of application of license and permit; and the form of license and permit itself. Schedule 2 sets out the fees. Schedule 3 sets out the ticket to be issued for the ticket offence; whilst Schedule 4 provides for a list of fixed penalties to be paid to release from the ticket offence.
Mr. Speaker, I have the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands interest at heart. I believe in my heart that I am doing the right thing. Tourism is our life blood, 70 % of our GDP derives from Tourism. So we have to protect it for the future. Thanks to my team in the Ministry for all their hard work. I really appreciate it. Thanks Mr Speaker I look forward to the debate. God Bless you and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
REBUTTAL SPEECH: The Beach and Vending Coastal Bill
Mr. Speaker, Colleagues of this Honorable House, visitors in the gallery, those listening. Mr. Speaker I thank my colleagues and all members for their spirited contribution to the debate of this important Bill. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for the research of their contributions, to this debate- From this side. Mr. Speaker they correctly presented the aims and objectives of this Bill, putting clarity and passion to a number of concerns raised by a public that- most of all -wanted to be ASSURED that they were not being disenfranchised.
I must say thank you to them. And yes Mr. Speaker I thank the Leader of the Opposition and his colleague, for their contribution as well.
Mr. Speaker it is important to address some issues raised yesterday. To a public who were listening for answers – some of the dissonant voices may have only served to add more confusion and indeed caused more mischief in their mind- In wrapping up Mr. Speaker it is important that we clarify and bring light where there was none!
1. We thank the leader of the opposition for his suggestions for business license and providing discounted rates/fees because of the pandemic. I want you to know that we are not afraid to put measures in place to alleviate the plight of our people. Mr. Speaker we did that when we issued he stimulus earlier this year, Mr. Speaker we did that with we waived vendor market fees a total of over $75,000 we are introducing the Cruise Grants which starts from $3,500 to $10,000, Mr. Speaker we know about grants to assist our people. Mr. Speaker we have considered our vendors, especially those on Grand Turk where the industry is late to start up. Mr. Speaker you would have heard that we have purchased property to be allocated as a vendor facility this unit can accommodate 20 vendors as it is now but will be expanded with additional units as we move forward.
2. Mr. Speaker just for information sake, we will begin today and the rest of the week, a series of workshops for service providers and vendors. Mr. Speaker we promised vendors when we met with them earlier this year that my Ministry along with the Tourist Board will be working with vendors to assist with promotional and marketing strategies for their booths. On Wednesday we will be working closely with Invest TCI and Center for Entrepreneurial Development in capacity building for vendors and service providers.
3. Mr. Speaker we have to address the miscommunication about fees! Mr. Speaker The fees are set out in schedule 2 of the regulations Mr. Speaker- these fees are not new! Mr. Speaker there are new activities captured in the bill as I mentioned, but the fees are not different from what was paid. Let me give you an example Mr. Speaker. If you were or are a hair braider- you must have your business license- You must pay for a business license to do business right! Then to ply your trade in the space of the beach you pay a one-time yearly fee of 400 dollars. Always. This was paid previously under the National Parks Ordinance. Now Mr. Speaker you are paying the same fee but under the ordinance developed for this activity. Your rent is basically 400 to ply your trade on the beach for the year. Vendors please – do not be dissuaded your fees are not increased.
4. Mr. Speaker The leader of the opposition wants us to think that being responsible and paying your NHIP and NIB, paying for safety equipment and insurance is a burden- Mr. Speaker- Consider this please- in 2019 pre-pandemic we welcomed a little over 1 million visitors on GDT and over half million by air. Most of these visitors come from the United States. A highly litigious nation. Mr. Speaker we have also had our share of accidents and with the increases in guests and operators there is the risk of increased accidents. It is prudent that business owners now begin to think of coverage that would help cover them in the event of disasters. We have not set a minimum at this time- this can change over time Mr. Speaker for now we say adequate given that we know there is some difficulty in accessing various policies at this time.
5. Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition (quoted section 17 (1) (h) keeps inferring that we are over regulating. He seems to be saying there is no need for a license, no need for fees, that it is not in the best interest of the people to have insurance. Mr. Speaker we have had deaths, accidents and serious injuries in the past. Mr. Speaker we have been blessed that there has not been litigious action. [(17 (1) (h)]
6. Mr. Speaker we are acting in conjunction with Business License Ordinance. It is necessary by law to have these things if you are in a business and working. It is also prudent Mr. Speaker as service providers, providers of tours and activities that involve customers, it is important that we should have coverage, as much as possible, this is not a bad thing, it is a safety measure for the vendor especially if there are accidents, or loss Mr. Speaker It is in the best interest of the vendor and client.
7. Mr. Speaker safety equipment and training and orientation are provided for as mandatory training for those high-risk tours. I encourage all tour operators to ensure that safety equipment is on board, do not short change yourself nor your clients. These are necessary start up costs. Mr. Speaker apart from the Cruise Stimulus, Invest TCI is still available to assist small and medium sized enterprises.
8. Are churches to pay to gather , to baptize?- Mr. Speaker I am not sure why the leader of the opposition spent his time being disingenuous – Mr. Speaker, churches – as they do now must apply for a permit. Mr. Speaker the Churches know this because they have done this before, the reason for this is that we must ensure that we do have accountability. Pastors, leaders, please use your beaches to gather.
9. Mr. Speaker, the churches and NGOs will be allowed to conduct events however, they will be required to notify the DECR. This bill looks at vending for economic gain.
10. Mr. Speaker if there is doubt in the way this is articulated, we can make the amendments – this is the reason for the debate Mr. Speaker we agree with the Hon. Appointed Member that it is time to positively discriminate for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands! And this is what this bill does.
11. The Hon. Appointed Member inferred that this bill was rushed, may I remind the member that this bill came from a policy that was drafted and circulated online for the public to access. I will not rehash the outline on the consultation of the policy, you heard it from other speakers.
12. Mr. Speaker - this is a debate on a Bill that came out of a policy that was consulted on. Mr. Speaker we recognize that Bills can be amended, we are in the House to do just that later today. We also realize that we can place aspects of a Bill into regulations for the cabinet to agree on.
13. Mr. Speaker those are the means for changes in a Bill, we know that there will be teething problems, let us give our people a chance to make this work, to regulate this sector, to manage the zones, to improve law and order on our beaches.
14. Mr. Speaker, this bill seeks to regulate vending through the establishment of zones. The regulating of land and boundaries rest in another ordinance and division and will be addressed.
15. Mr. Speaker, the ability for the Director to establish zones is nothing new. Section 6(1) of the National Parks regulations provides for the director to establish Zones within the National Parks. Mr Speaker I do not like what the Hon Oppositions appointed members commented on the Director of DECR. He said that she has too much power, which at a time when we are trying to ensure Turks & Caicos Islanders are empowered is a strange comment. Mr. Speaker the Honorable members will know that if a regulation is to be amended or added, it must make its way to cabinet. That means that while the Director may identify zones, the regulation itself will rest with the cabinet who must agree to the recommendation and who, as it does in many instances may call for consultation on the matter.
16. Mr. Speaker, the questions was asked about Boat Captain Licenses for waters sport (17 a) operators. Mr. Speaker – why not? First Mr. Speaker safety, quality assurance, standardization uniformity are concepts of this bill. Mr. Speaker t is important for the operators to have Boat captains’ licenses. Currently all Boat Captains ae required to complete the Standards of training Certification for Seafarers conducted by Fisheries and Marine Resources. This is a standard training and covers safety and response. This ensures that they have to proper training to navigate and operate in our waters and they understand the signage and rules of the marine space. This is aligned to the orientation that must be put in place for water operators outlined in section 17.3
17. Mr. Speaker, there was a lot of doubt expressed about the Patrol Unit and their ability to properly manage the beaches by the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Speaker the initial Training of our Beach Patrol Officers is for three weeks, however, there will be continued training with the police to ensure that the officers have the necessary skills and capacity to address the enforcement of this bill. Support of the Police is embedded in the law ( Part IV-31) I must add that one of thinking behind a special unit is that there is less risk to have these men transferred to other units- that is if they were police. This is a Unit committed to the patrol of beaches-Only
18. Mr. Speaker we must have more confidence in our young men and women and in the law we ourselves as legislators are passing for implementation. Mr. Speaker the police themselves made this recommendation, worked with us to develop the Patrol Unit and its training component and have committed to working alongside the recruits! This is another opportunity for employment and self-development for at least 15 young men or women, let us give it a chance to make it work
19. Mr. Speaker – (section 45 (1) (b) re-abusive language) – you have heard a lot about abusive and threatening language from the opposition. Simply put Mr. Speaker- we cannot police private and casual conversations. Mr. Speaker this is a problem, abusive behavior to vendors and from vendors and users of the beach. This section is designed to protect all users of the Beach. And- Mr. Speaker- We do not expect the officers to be listening to every private conversation. They will be taught the parameters of abusive behaviors.
Mr. Speaker we have to trust our people to enforce this bill as planned.
In closing Mr Speaker. I want to state firmly and without fear of contradiction the beaches are for the public. All licenses for Beach vending are for Turks & Caicos Islanders only. And moving forward all water sports license will be restricted to Turk s and Caicos Islanders only. Mr Speaker I was disappointed in visiting Sapodilla Beach that the Villa owners appear to be trying to hijack the beach y spreading chairs and umbrellas all across the beach. I could hardly pass. This type of action stokes people’s worst fears and I understand the concerns of my people. I wrote to the lawyer involved and shared my disappointed. My Ministry is involved in solving the problem
Mr. Speaker I close off with where I began yesterday that this is an important and long needed Bill to regulate a sector left un-regulated for sometime now.
Mr. Speaker this bill the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill is of importance to our tourism product. But Mr Speaker it is also important to the people of this country and future generations.
God gave this country the best beaches in the world, Mr Speaker. He bestowed on this country a gift and we, and I mean all of us, are trustees of this gift. We have an obligation and duty to protect that gift so that our people and our visitors can enjoy the best beaches in the world right here in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Weekend Weather
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH FEW SCATTERED SHOWERS NEAR THE TROUGHS. FAIR AND WARM AT NIGHT.
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS, EASTERLY AT 12 TO 18 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS, AND EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS, 3 TO 5 FEET IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS, AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY TO CLOUDY WITH SOME SCATTERED SHOWERS OR POSSIBLE ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND EASTERLY AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 5 TO 8 FEET IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO WILL BUILD ACROSS THE AREA AS LOW TO MID LEVEL TROUGHING SUPPORTS POCKETS OF SHOWERS OVER THE BAHAMAS.
IMF predicts five per cent economic growth for Dominica in 2022
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Friday predicted that Dominica will record economic growth of five per cent next year, as the island recovers from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has had a “heavy toll” on its economy.
The Washington-based financial institution, which has just completed a virtual Article IV Mission to the island, said gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2023, averaging five per cent growth per year through 2022-26.
It said tourism recovery would be supported by the ongoing construction of new hotels and the inauguration of direct flights from the United States from December 2021.
But the IMF noted that risks to the outlook are skewed to the downside. It said main risks include renewed worldwide and domestic COVID-19 contagion waves, leading to loss of tourism revenue and forcing lockdowns and mobility restrictions; a decline in the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) revenue below expectations; and insufficient progress on local vaccination due to continued hesitancy. “Weakness in the financial sector, particularly the credit unions, where four out of six institutions have thin capital buffers below the regulation requirement, could amplify downside risks and may result in contingent fiscal liabilities.
In its statement following the virtual visit, the IMF said the COVID-19) pandemic has taken a “heavy toll” on the economy GDP is estimated to have contracted by 11 per cent last year.
It said Dominica had recorded “a modest recovery of 3.7 per cent in 2021 underpinned by a sharp reduction in tourism and related sectors, plus the Covid-19 outbreak that forced a lockdown in August 2021.
“Since March 2020, the government had a swift reaction to the pandemic by carrying out health spending and social transfers. However, despite ample vaccine and testing availability, vaccination remains below 40 per cent of the population due to hesitancy.”
The IMF said that output decline was contained by strong growth in the construction sector due to the large public investment programme in housing and infrastructure resilient to natural disasters, financed with record-high Citizenship by Investment (CBI) revenue of 30 per cent of GDP.
“Despite sharp declines in tax revenue and increase in spending, large CBI revenue led to a small reduction in the fiscal balance in the financial year 2020. However, the estimated public debt increased to 106 per cent of GDP in 2020 with higher official borrowing.
“In this context, the current account deficit is estimated to have widened in to near 30 per cent of GDP, underpinned by the loss of tourism exports and increase in imports related the public investment, and the increase in commodity prices—albeit contained by a decline in private demand for imports,” the IMF said.
It said that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Dominica hard, impacting tourism and related sectors. Recovery in the medium term is promising, underpinned by a large public investment programme to build resilience to natural disasters, largely financed by buoyant CBI revenue.
“On the fiscal front, near term policies should prioritize expenditure efficiency, while avoiding additional taxes and fees that hamper the recovery of the private sector and the business climate.
“With public debt approaching 106 per cent of GDP after the pandemic, passing the Fiscal Responsibility Bill will support public debt reduction and the sustainability of the government development plan.
“The authorities should also reconsider the allocation of a portion of CBI revenue to build an insurance framework against natural disasters and debt reduction. On the financial sector front, priority should be given to the capitalization of credit unions and the reduction of non-performing loans (NPLs).”
The IMF said the financial sector has remained liquid and stable during the pandemic, but NPLs are above prudential benchmarks. The loan service moratoria authorized by the regulators of banks and credit unions helped support firms and households affected by loss of income, helping contain a deterioration in portfolio performance.
“Despite an improvement relative to 2020, NPLs remain high, in the range of 11-14 per cent of loans for banks and 10-17 per cent for credit unions (the prudential benchmark is five per cent in both sectors”.
The Washington-based financial institution said that to comply with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) requirement, banks have prepared plans to increase provisioning to 100 per cent of NPLs by 2024, pre-COVID precautionary increase in provisions with adoption of IFRS9 standards in 2018 has facilitated this process.
“Most loans under moratoria have currently normalized. The financial sector remains liquid with an increase in deposits underpinned by prudent private spending, government transfers, the loan moratoria, and increase in foreign remittances.”
The IMF said that the growth outlook is promising, supported by the large public investment programme and the projected gradual recovery in tourism with added hotel capacity.
It said the government plans to maintain high levels of public investment into the medium term financed mainly by CBI revenue.
Key projects include a new international airport, housing resilient to natural disasters, roads improvement, a resilient water and sewage network, improvements in the hospital capacity (including a new hospital financed by the People’s Republic of China), and a geothermal electricity plant.
“These projects will accelerate growth in the near term during the construction phase and will also increase potential output in the long term, including spillovers in tourism and reduction of fossil fuel dependency, all of which improve Dominica’s external sustainability and competitiveness.
The IMF said that in the near term, the Roosevelt Skerrit government should continue maximizing the effort to increase vaccination, which is critical from health and economic recovery perspectives. Continuing public communication and education campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and building additional health care centers could prove critical in possible contagion outbreaks.
It said reallocation of windfall CBI revenue to balance public investment with government financial resilience and debt sustainability would strengthen the outlook.
“Thus far, the authorities have used the majority of CBI revenue to invest in infrastructure resilient to natural disasters. This is understandable considering Dominica’s significant exposure. Moreover, the improvements in infrastructure in the public investment plan are important and expected to boost potential output—especially with resilient investments in roads, electricity generation, a new hospital, and the water and sanitation network.
“However, the risks to the outlook justify the allocation of a portion of CBI revenue to the Vulnerability and Resiliency Fund (VRF) for self-insurance against natural disasters – at least 10 per cent of GDP plus annual savings of about 1.5 percent of GDP to ensure its long-term sustainability – and to reduce public debt with targeted net-repayments once output has recovered.”
The IMF said this would increase fiscal buffers, speed up post-disaster recovery with funding for reconstruction and rehabilitation, and create space to access external financing in the event of a large natural disaster or a prolonged pandemic.
“This strategy would better support the long-tern sustainability of the public investment plan and development agenda while protecting public finances, especially considering their long execution horizon.
“It would also support the achievement of the regional debt target of 60 per cent of GDP by 2035 by reducing the impact of natural disaster shocks on public debt, while helping avert a debt crisis after an extreme shock. This allocation, however, would come at the cost of lower public investment, which could reduce the estimated output level by about 3-4 percentage points of GDP in the medium term,” the IMF noted.
Source-CMC