Conviction of two men to be squashed in regards to Malcom X's 1965 assassination.
A senior US prosecutor says two men convicted of the murder in 1965 of the US civil rights leader Malcolm X are to have their convictions quashed.
Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam did not get the justice they deserved, the Manhattan District Attorney says.
Prosecutor Cyrus Vance Jr told the New York Times that the FBI and police had withheld evidence that would have likely resulted in their acquittal.
Malcolm X was shot dead at a New York City ballroom in front of his family.
Aziz and Islam - along with a third man, Thomas Hagan - were convicted of the murder, and sentenced to life in prison.
The three men - members of the Nation of Islam political and religious movement - have all since been paroled. Islam died in 2009.
In an interview with the New York Times newspaper, Mr Vance apologised on behalf of the law enforcement agencies, saying they had failed Aziz's and Islam's families.
"This points to the truth that law enforcement over history has often failed to live up to its responsibilities.
"These men did not get the justice that they deserved."
Mr Vance tweeted that more information would be given on Thursday.
In 2020, the Manhattan District Attorney launched a review of the convictions after meeting representatives of the Innocence Project, a non-profit legal group campaigning for justice for individuals it said had been wrongly convicted.
Earlier this year Malcolm X's daughters requested that the murder investigation be reopened in light of new evidence.
They cited a deathbed letter from a man who was a policeman at the time of the 1965 killing, alleging New York police and the FBI conspired in the murder.
Malcolm X was a charismatic advocate for black empowerment. After years as the prominent spokesman for the Nation of Islam - which advocated separatism for black Americans - his views later became more moderate. He was 39 when he was killed.
Source-BBC
Jeremy Renner, Hawkeye, shares struggles through the pandemic.
Jeremy Renner suits up again as archer Avenger Clint Barton/Hawkeye in his own Disney+ series, Hawkeye, which debuts next week -- but it wasn't easy, the actor admits.
In a new Men's Health cover story, Renner says that, like many people, his fitness took a back seat to living during the pandemic. "I got, I wouldn't say fat, but a little lazy," he admits. "I was like, it was sloth life."
Getting back into superhero shape, however, was what the job he loves required. "It took me two months of working out just so I could get enough energy to be in the stunt gym," Renner says.
The actor explains that while some stars collect cars, or pump their own liquor brands, one of his hobbies is more practical: restoring a fleet of fire trucks to keep his Nevada home and community safe from wildfires.
"I had 30 fire trucks a hundred feet from a hydrant," he says, during a recent dangerous period. "Not because they're there to firefight, but they all potentially could."
One has even been retrofitted to be a hit at kids' birthday parties, the father of 8-year-old daughter Ava reveals, complete with a bounce house, Slurpee and snow-cone machines, and more.
In the article, Renner also speaks movingly about the reaction to his Oscar-nominated role in The Hurt Locker.
"So many soldiers would come up to me like, 'This is something I cannot explain to my wife. Now she can watch and [understand] what I'm talking about.'"
One soldier who did eight tours in Iraq told him sharing the film with his wife saved his marriage, Renner recalls, his eyes tearing up. He adds, "It was amazing, man. I don't get that out of a Marvel movie."
Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
TCI Observes World Diabetes Day
November 14th marks the global commemoration of World Diabetes Day, when particular focus is placed on raising awareness of diabetes, its impacts on an individual’s health and well-being, and the strategies to prevent and manage the disease. 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, which transformed Type 1 diabetes from a deadly diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition
Diabetes is a serious, chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Raised blood sugar is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes (Source: PAHO). Insulin is the hormone which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
The main types of diabetes are:
· Type 1 – Body does not produce enough insulin
· Type 2 – Body produces insulin but cannot use it well
· Gestational Diabetes – a temporary condition in pregnancy
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-2023, “Access to Diabetes Care: If Not Now, When?”, emphasizes the need for access to continuous care and support, in order to effectively manage and treat diabetes. It is reported that diabetes care is inaccessible to millions of people with the disease worldwide. The theme also raises concern over the unavailability of technologies, medicine and diabetes care to all persons that require them. It is therefore imperative that governments all over the world increase investment in diabetes care and prevention.
The Covid-19 pandemic has further impacted accessibility to medicine and care; due to restrictions on mobility, limited access to hospital/health care and the risk of care providers transmitting the virus. It is reported that persons with underlying conditions such as diabetes, can experience more severe effects, if they contract the Covid-19 virus.
In 2020, the TCI Hospital reported a total number of 1,011 cases of Type 2 diabetes: 385 males and 626 females. These figures do not include persons who seek private care, those with Type 1 diabetes and unreported cases. Almost half of persons with diabetes don't know they have it.
The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes and it can be prevented. The effects of Type 2 diabetes can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercising, treatment for complications and regular screening.
If you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes, making lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
Avoiding the use of tobacco and tobacco products and reducing the intake of fats and sugar is very important.
The Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit (HPAU) commenced several initiatives to raise awareness of diabetes. These included visits to private organisations to conduct health screenings. A series of free public health screenings (blood glucose and blood pressure testing) was held on Thursday 11th November in Providenciales, Friday 12th November in Grand Turk and another will be held on Friday 19th November in North Caicos. Social media has been used to actively post information pertaining to diabetes. We would like to thank PAHO for their financial support during World Diabetes Day activities.
The HPAU would like to encourage members of the government to also stay informed and conduct the following assessments to determine your risk and knowledge of diabetes.
Republicans attend Biden's infrastructure bill signing
President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill into law on Monday, the largest such spending legislation since the "New Deal" that was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt nearly 90 years ago. To mark the occasion, a bipartisan group of lawmakers were on hand as the president authorized the bill that underwent months of negotiations in Congress.
"My message to the American people is: America is moving again. And your life is going to change for the better," President Biden said ahead of the signing. His administration claims the bill will create about 1.5 million jobs every year over the next decade.
"Our infrastructure used to be rated the best in the world. Now, according to the world economic forum we rank 13th in the world. Despite the cynics Democrats and Republicans can come together and deliver results."
The bill allocates $110 billion for roads, bridges and highways; $65 billion in high-speed internet; $17 billion for ports; $66 billion for passenger rail, the largest investment since Amtrak was established; $39 billion in public transit; $55 billion for water; $25 bullion for airports; and $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging stations.
Source-ABC
Maxwell drops new single "Off" and announces 25-city NIGHT tour
Maxwell dropped his first new single in three years Tuesday, and also announced a 25-city tour.
The sensual track "Off" is the first release from his upcoming blacksummers’NIGHT album, coming out spring of 2022.
“From announcing a new partnership with BMG for my label Musze, to receiving the Legend Award at the upcoming 2021 Soul Train Awards, I couldn’t be more excited to share this new single with loved ones offering a glimpse into NIGHT,” the three-time Grammy winner said in a statement.
blacksummers’NIGHT, which will be Maxwell's first new album in five years, closes out the trilogy he began with the RIAA-Platinum BLACKsummers’night in 2009, followed by blackSUMMERS'night in 2016.
The "Fortunate" singer will headline the NIGHT tour in 2022 featuring Anthony Hamilton and Joe. They will perform 25 shows, beginning March 2 in Dallas. Cities will include New Orleans, Charlotte, Memphis, Chicago, Detroit, and Oakland, and the tour will wrap up in Miami on May 8.
Pre-sale starts Monday, November 22 on Maxwell's website. Tickets go on-sale to the public on Monday, November 29.
Source-ABC
Chico DeBarge arrested for drug possession
Chico DeBarge has reportedly been arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia
The "Talk to Me" singer was taken into custody after officers found methamphetamine in his motor home, according to TMZ. Police reportedly received a complaint about a man causing a disturbance inside a RV. Drugs were found, and when it was discovered that DeBarge's registration had expired over six months ago, his motor home was impounded.
The 55-year-old was previously arrested for drug possession in 2007, 2019 and January of this year. For his latest arrest, he was also charged with false impersonation for pretending to be his brother, James DeBarge. James married Janet Jackson in 1984, though their marriage was annulled one year later.
.
Chico has recorded six solo albums, beginning with a self-titled project in 1986. His latest solo album, named Addiction, was released in 2009.
Chico's brother, 64-year-old Tommy DeBarge from the group Switch, passed away October 21 after suffering from liver and kidney failure.
Source-ABC
CHTA predicts strong winter rebound for Caribbean
President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Nicola Madden-Greig, is predicting a strong winter rebound for regional tourism based on strong health protocols in place and the increase in air service to several destinations across the Caribbean.
“The worst of it has been contained,” said Madden-Greig basing her optimism on containing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to sound health safety protocols under the guidance of local ministries and departments of health, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and other regional and international organizations.
Her optimism is backed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which recently reported that the Caribbean is recovering faster than any other region in the world with tourism’s contribution to GDP expected to rise more than 47 per cent this year.
In contrast, the global economy is set to receive a 30.7 per cent year-on-year increase from Travel & Tourism in 2021, representing US$1.4 trillion and mainly driven by domestic spending. The Caribbean region’s forecast increase represents an increase of nearly US$12 billion, driven by both international and domestic travel spend.
Among the region’s protocols have been requirements for visitors to pre-screen and produce a negative test before boarding Caribbean flights, as well as the increased vaccination rates for tourism professionals.
“We have been extremely successful in implementing such protocols as shown by the low positivity rate of returning travellers, and there has been little evidence of visitors needing care in local hospitals,” Madden-Greig.
“This means that we have successfully leveraged our protocols to protect team members, visitors and the wider community.”
Madden-Greig, who is also Group Director of Marketing & Sales of The Courtleigh Hospitality Group in Jamaica, also applauded Caribbean tourism stakeholders for speedily setting up health safety training programs for staff, which resulted in a well-trained tourism sector workforce alert to the dangers and knowing how to avert them.
Nearly 10,000 supervisors, managers and owners of tourism-related businesses throughout the Caribbean have participated in health safety training designed specifically for the tourism industry by CARPHA in collaboration with CHTA.
They have in turn trained thousands of more employees in their operations. This has complemented and underpinned an aggressive training regime also put in place by local companies, countries and territories.
“We’re ready and able to receive visitors safely,” Madden-Greig said, adding that plans continue to train tourism industry staff in these protective measures while continuing to deliver an excellent customer service experience.
“Our success is also dependent on the ability of our source markets to continue controlling this pandemic as the world collectively seeks to recover and move back to normality,” she said.
WTTC research suggests that at the current rate of recovery, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to the Caribbean economy could see a further year-on-year rise of 28.7 per cent in 2022, representing a boost of US$10 billion.
Source-CMC
ST. Lucia PM says the island’s economy is in a bad shape
The St. Lucia government Tuesday said that the island’s debt at the end of July is EC$3.93 billion (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) saying that for the next three months it will have no access to institutional lending.
Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre told Parliament that the last administration had been reckless in its financial management.
“As of July 31, 2021, the former government has used EC$301 million meaning that of the COVID-19 borrowings this government only benefitted from EC$19 million of these loans. My government is able to draw down on a US$10 million loan from the Republic of Taiwan,” Pierre told legislators.
“We have found a situation where government expenses have to be financed from revenue, rollover financing, and bond financing, and treasury bills. For the last three months and before the next budget cycle begins, we have no access to institutional lending as was available to the last government,” said Pierre, who is also Finance Minister.
Pierre, expressing the state of the country’s finances when his St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration came to power on July 26, said St. Lucia now requires prudent financial management to avoid falling into “a financial abyss”.
In a breakdown of the debt, Pierre told parliament that the public debt is estimated at EC$3.932 billion, local payables EC$154 million, design finance contracts EC$184.5 million, unpaid land acquisition EC$60 million and EC$27 million owed to the University of West Indies.
“Other balances due by ministries, example, Ministry of Economic Development is indebted for work done under the Constituency Development Programme (CDP) is EC$4.18 million, even if the grant allocation by the Taiwanese was provided to cover CDP payments,” Pierre said.
He said the former government, which was headed by Allen Chastanet had received five loans totalling EC$323.8 million from four existing international creditors.
Pierre said that his administration’s first 100 days in office “underscores our sworn commitment, regardless of circumstances, always to put the St. Lucian people first”
Prime Minister Pierre said that despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the future.
“Our tourism sector is on the up. Businesses are beginning to return to some normality. Investors are showing greater interest in St. Lucia,” Pierre said, adding that there are plans for some significant capital works.
“I call on the St. Lucian public to be patient. We are in government to work in the interest of the St. Lucian people,” Pierre said.
Tuesday’s sitting of the Parliament provided the first opportunity for Chastanet to make an appearance since the change in government.
Supporters of ruling party as well as the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) were presented outside the Parliament beating drums and cooking pans, cheering for or against Chastanet as he made his way to Parliament.
Chastanet told reporters he felt fantastic and was overwhelmed at the response he received from UWP supporters.
“The opposition will do everything we can to hold this government accountable, and if we cannot hold them accountable in this parliament, we will hold them accountable in that parliament,” Chastanet said, pointing to supporters lined up outside the building.
“I always knew that the supporters were there. But, while it’s 15-2 up here, it was not 15-2 in the polls,” Chastanet said.
Source-CMC
CEO Graves hails the Caribbean for hosting 2024 T20
Cricket West Indies chief executive, Johnny Grave, has hailed the Caribbean’s hosting of the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup as a “massive” boost for cricket in the region, and believes the tournament will provide a unique cricket experience for all stakeholders.
Pointing to the fact an International Cricket Council men’s tournament has not been staged in the Caribbean since 2010, Grave said the 2024 showpiece would further add to the region’s profile, especially with the Under-19 World Cup already set for January next year.
“We’re very much in the final stages of planning the Under-19 World Cup that will come to the Caribbean next year in the early part of 2022, from January until the early part of February,” the Englishman said.
“And to have this news that we will hosting the men’s T20 World Cup in 2024 is absolutely brilliant. It’s brilliant news for all Caribbean cricket fans and everyone associated with cricket in the West Indies.
“Not since 2010 have we hosted a men’s event in the Caribbean and it will therefore be 14 years without one, so it’s massive news for West Indies cricket.”
He continued: “We’re absolutely delighted and I’m sure everyone in the Caribbean will be looking forward to hosting that T20 World Cup in 2024.”
The ICC on Tuesday announced West Indies, in partnership with USA Cricket, would be joint-hosts for the showpiece. They were two of 14 nations announced to host eight tournaments between 2024 and 2031.
West Indies successfully delivered the 50-over World Cup in 2007 – the first-ever ICC tournament to be staged in the region – and followed up by successfully hosting the men’s and women’s T20 World Cup in 2010 and the women’s T20 World Cup in 2018.
Grave said the partnership with USA Cricket would ensure “unparalleled fan experiences”, thanks to the combination of Caribbean and American culture.
“We are extremely delighted to have been chosen by the ICC to host the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, in partnership with our friends at USA Cricket,” Grave said.
“We are developing a really important strategic partnership with USA Cricket and we firmly believe that this is the right time to stage a marquee ICC event in the Americas.
“We are confident that we can blend the unique Caribbean matchday experience with the very best in American sporting entertainment and infrastructure, creating unparalleled fan experiences for those in and out of the venues, including inspirational and well attended Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Fan Zones and a Trophy Tour that inspires a million school kids across the Americas region.
“This is a big challenge but also a fantastic opportunity to grow the game in this region and I’m confident that we can deliver a brilliant showpiece event for world cricket.”
Source-CMC
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT HONORABLE AKIERRA M. D MISSICK
Greetings to you Mr. Speaker, Members of this Honourable House, Strangers in the gallery, the amazing people of Leeward and Long Bay, those listening via Radio Turks and Caicos and those streaming online. Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide this honourable house with an update on the various activities of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.
Grand Turk Cruise Ship Grant Assistance Program Policy
Mr. Speaker, we are very happy to report that our Government has approved the policy to draw down on one million dollars in funding for the Grand Turk Cruise Ship Grant Assistance Program, which will see qualified persons involved within the Cruise Ship Industry in our Nation’s Capital, receive some financial assistance towards getting themselves ready for the return of cruise shipping to Grand Turk, December 2021.
Mr. Speaker, the assistance package aims to provide eligible Grand Turk businesses only, with a one-time payment, ranging from $3,500 to $10,000 and is expected to address the following areas for assistance for targeted categories:
• Necessary plant and or infrastructure repairs.
• Staff training.
• Upgrade of business software.
• Digitalization of business processes.
• Purchase of business equipment and supplies.
• Enhance business image standards.
Mr. Speaker, some of these Approved Business License Activity Areas are as follows:
Category ID Activity Automotive 106 Motor Vehicle Rental Agriculture, Manufacturing & Processing 136 Native Art and Craft Specialty Stores (Wholesale/Retail)
Personal Care Services 352 Hair Braiding (Beach) 179 Spa/Massage Parlors and Body Works
Transportation Services 185 Bus Services – Mass Transport 193 Taxi Services 196 VIP Transport
Entertainment, Recreation and Events 226 Event Planning and Coordination
Tourism, Real Estate & Hospitality Services 242 Eco-Heritage Tours and Camping Site Operations 248 Land Based Tour Operation 256 Provision of Tourism Services - Other 357 Water Sports 358 Water Sports Equipment Sales and Rentals 263 Water Tours – Less than 30ft. (Per boat) 264 Water Tours – Over 30ft. (Per boat)
Mr. Speaker, the approval of this policy, confirms that you are a TC Islander and or a British Overseas Territory Citizen, to qualify. In addition, applying persons will also have to show proof that their business is still in operation and that they will be operating when the cruise industry returns in December 2021. Proposed applicants are encouraged to dust off their business licenses from 2019/2020 or 2020/2021, as Mr. Speaker, the Portal and its requirements will launch this week and we are encouraging persons to be prepared to upload all the required documents, in an effort to take advantage of this opportunity.
GT Beach Vendors Market
Mr. Speaker, we confirm that the tender for the Grand Turk Beach Vendors Market will be released this week. The location will house law enforcement officials, including the Police and members of the DECR, is expected to be ready for operation as quickly as possible.
National Beach Vending and Coastal Commercial Business Policy
Mr. Speaker, on the heels of both the Cruise Grant and the purchase and renovation of the Local Village property, we also inform this honourable house that the Cabinet has reviewed and discussed the National Beach Vending and Coastal Commercial Business Policy and it is expected to proceed to the House of Assembly for consideration during the week of November 22nd, 2021. As a result of this, today’s session will be shortened to allow the Ministry of Tourism to present the policy and draft legislation to Hon. Members in a consultation, so that their thoughts and views can also be taken in to consideration.
Sapodilla Bay Beach Vendor Market
Mr. Speaker, permit to update this honourable house of the Future Sapodilla Beach Market, the PPID team shall continue to work with the Ministry of Tourism on the delivery of this very important project. Mr. Speaker, the design, scope and estimates are being finalized and will be ready for tendering process before the end of this week. It is the intention of this ministry to seek a reduced tender period so that the bids can be evaluated and a contract issued to allow for the works to be completed for January 1, 2022.
COVID Works Evaluations
Mr. Speaker, please be advised that our team recently concluded an evaluation exercise of bids received under the Covid Works Program, for Providenciales for verge cutting in the various communities of (Blue Hills, Wheeland, Five Cays, The Bight, Leeward and Long Bay areas). A total of 91 projects were evaluated. The evaluations for Middle & North Caicos will commence this week. Due to the share volume of the last batch, we once again apologise for the ambitious approach we took. As a result, we will not be in a position to notify the successful bidders until all evaluations are concluded, which is projected to be the end of the month.
Law Enforcement Training Centre & TCI Regiment New Home
Mr. Speaker, please be advise that the TCI Regiment has an official home on Airport Road, Providenciales. We have now concluded the purchase of two adjacent parcels, consisting of a commercial development including apartments, and a parcel which will become the home of the Law Enforcement Training Centre. This facility which will also be the official training academy for Law Enforcement Officers from the various organizations throughout the Islands. The scope, estimates and Tender documents are being finalized for release of tender shortly.
Sea Defences & Mitigation Measures
Mr. Speaker, as an Administration and a Ministry, we want to assure the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and in particular residents of both Grand Turk and Salt Cay, that as of August 2021, our Ministry has taken a holistic review of the sea defences for Grand Turk and Salt Cay, with funding assistance in the sum of six hundred thousand ($600k) dollars from the Caribbean Development Bank, CDB.
Mr. Speaker, this review will not only cover the designing measure aimed at breaking down the waves, but will also assist with the development of the necessary coastal infrastructure for both Grand Turk and Salt Cay.
Mr. Speaker, the Consultants are expected to be in these islands shortly, where they are expected to present a preliminary report to both the Cabinet and my Ministry, so that we can have the necessary breakwater designs, in preparation for tender, in the upcoming financial year 2022/2023.
Mr Speaker, we will dispatch our team to the Island of Salt Cay this week, as we have received reports that the sea wall presently in need of an urgent temp solution. This solution will be agreed between PWD and the CDB consultants whilst the remaining measurers pursuant to the consultancy progress, and installed to protect the current structure.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Matters
Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to announce that the Turks & Caicos Islands will be the Caribbean Representative on the Commonwealth Parliamentary Human Rights Working Group. Mr. Speaker, I will be attending our first meeting today with 8 other senior Members of Parliament from around the world, to discussion, highlight and champion the Turks & Caicos Islands Human Rights Legislation, passed during my first term. Mr. Speaker, it is really coming full circle. We will also be in a position to lend support to our colleagues who have questions and concerns on how they can address Human Rights challenges as MPs and how we can build on best practices from across the world.
Lastly, I thank the Legislature of Montserrat for requesting I conduct specialized training for their Members of Parliament on Communication in a Parliamentary context. The session was insightful not only on the work we were conducting but also appreciating that as one of the small OTs, there is more scope for partnership between TCI and them. I also confirm that I will head to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas next month as a speaker and trainer for the newest batch of MPs in their Post-Election seminar.
Mr. Speaker, we want to thank you for the opportunity to provide the update and also to our team at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development for their continued hard work on behalf of the people of our Turks and Caicos Islands. May God continue to bless you and the Turks & Caicos Islands.