Budget Address 2021/2022 for Hon. Jameka Williams
Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues, our guest in the gallery, persons listening by internet and radio waves, my fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, good morning.
This morning is indeed an honor and a humbling experience for me to address this nation with my contribution to the budget address for this financial year 2021/2022. I believe a good place to start is by reminding the people of these islands of our promise to you as set out in our citizens contract of our moral and human right obligation to provide safety, security and justice for all within our borders especially the most vulnerable among us.
Mr. Speaker, when we campaigned to the people of these Islands for their support at the polls, we didn’t go to them having all the answers to combatting crime nor did we sell them dreams of a 12 point crime plan like the former administration did that we later learned never existed. There were countless persons who expressed their level of fear and also of concern for the ongoing training of our officers in the police force. I am pleased to see that this government has given the police force an increase in their operating expenditure,just a little over $5.2 million which is significantly higher than last year's budget. There are training opportunities for officers within our police force in several areas:
•Digital Forensics
•Source Handling
•Intelligence Awareness Training to be provided to 100% of our police officers
•Community policing training to be provided to 100% of the community police officers
•Intelligence workshop with the US Coast Guard
•Marine Police officer training with The Bahamas
Defense Force
•Leadership training for 100% of the leaders within the police force.
Mr. Speaker, all these training initiatives are necessary in an effort to combat crime, particularly the joint effort of the Police and the Ministry of Education to develop programs at all schools throughout these islands.
Mr. Speaker in addressing the issue of justice, it would be remiss of me to not mention the ongoing SIPT trials. But in doing so Mr. Speaker, let me be clear, I believe that in any law abiding society it is important that citizens comport themselves accordingly within the law and there should be no exceptions. Whenever there is a breach, it is important that the offender(s) be held to account within the framework of the justice system in that society. But Mr. Speaker, there comes a time when stock has to be taken and we as legislators have to determine what is the proportionate level of expenditure that we will continue through at any particular issue in brining any offender to justice. Our resources are not infinite and as a result I'm compelled to question the expenditure item for this year in the Judiciary's budget for the SIPT.
Mr. Speaker in reviewing the budget booklet for this financial year, I am inquiring as to the line item of $600,000 which seeks to cover the cost of the resident judge presiding over this and other ancillary matters. I pause at this as it is public knowledge that the trials will be heard by the Chief Justice of these islands and as such we would of thought a savings would have occurring in this regard as the Chief Justice is a permanent judge in the islands currently. Mr. speaker this accounts for an increase when compared to last year’s budget with a trail judge that was recruited and imported to preside over this matter only.
These trials are sucking these islands dry and like others I too agree that if the UK government is still hell-bent on continuing with these trials they should at the very least share the cost or bare the the financial responsibility of it on its own. To this day Mr. Speaker, this HOA to my knowledge in spite of repeatedly asking, does not know what is the level of expenditure that is being paid to the Prosecution in this trial.
If I were to go on account of what has been alluded to by others, the total expenditures for this trial to date is approaching $150 million. Mr. Speaker, that is almost 50% of this fiscal year's budget for TCIG. Year after year we advocate to end these trials and today I want to go on the record and say that we must aggressively make this a reality. The people’s money should be used for their advancement and these funds could have been better spent in education, violent crime prevention, and start up capital for our people. Mr. Speaker, I think it is time to say enough is enough and if these trials are to continue, the British Government should be the one to pay.
Mr. Speaker, long lines at our treasury, months on end waiting for drivers licenses and status cards; 21 days for a police certificate; I can go on and on of the many delays and difficulties of doing business in our country. I am overjoyed to see that in this financial year we have budgeted $2 million for the introduction of E Government. This is going to revolutionize the way we do government business in the TCI and finally we will be on par with the rest of the world.
Mr. Speaker, when compared to last year’s budget the department of motor vehicles will receive some increase of little over $200,000 for the implementation of the governance and customer Interface systems to improve service delivery and operations by the fourth quarter. We are also going to improve the service delivery and customer experience in Grand Turk and
the family islands through the extension of services by the end of the first quarter. Mr. Speaker, there’s some 293 licensed public service vehicles and we are well aware of some of these persons request for vehicle plates.
Our economy is booming, and tourists are flocking to these islands. I am aware that there are discussions on whether or not to increase the current quota for public service vehicles. It is my view that existing public service operators who have requested additional vehicle plates should be considered to allow their businesses to grow. I was made to understand that things are progressing in this aspect.
Mr. Speaker $672,500 is allocated on the line item External Donor Expenses. In 2016 the PNP administration negotiated with the Caribbean Developing Bank CDB to address the waste management situation across the TCI. The former government for four years did nothing with those funds other than having it sit there for years while the people of Wheeland and Blue Hills suffered from toxic fumes. I recall schools having to close from the heavy smoke; children couldn’t go outside to play; persons health deteriorated and in some cases attached to ventilators. It seemed, Mr. Speaker, that at that time it was more important for a selective few to be handsomely paid monthly for contract work at the dumpsite rather than addressing the issue once and for all. I am so proud of the people of Wheeland who have made the right choice by electing a competent individual, who not only lives in the district, but also has empathy for its people. This good PNP government, the people’s government is seeking to address this issue once and for all.
Mr. Speaker I accompanied the elected member for Wheeland to a few family homes in the Wheeland district to an unknown area off the grid, but known as the Government Subdivision. We were saddened by the stories from the residents there who felt forgotten over and over by their Government. Those persons were denied and fought for the basic necessities of electricity and access to clean running water. Well today, is indeed a good day, as this good government has budgeted $695,000 for the installation of city waterlines in Wheeland, Blue Hills and Long Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I feel confident in saying that a new day and a new way of doing business has come to the people of our country. I believe that our people now has a government who will listen and not cast blame, a government who will fight for them and not walk on them and a government who will empower them and not consider them to be ungrateful.
Mr. Speaker, except for the areas that I have pointed out, I endorse the programs and initiatives of this year's budget and I'm grateful for the time given to make my contribution. My God continue to bless us all and these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
I thank you.
Hon. Jameka Williams
Governments Appointed Member
FortisTCI Ltd. Elite Youth League June 26,2021 Results
North Caicos Seals 0 - Provo Falcons 7
Grand Turk Dynamos 5 - Grand Turk Dolphins 3
Provo Eagles 1 - Provo Lions 3
South Caicos Mariners 0 - Provo Jaguars 5
Provo Lions 3 - Grand Turk Dynamos 1
Provo Jaguars 2 - Provo Eagles 3
Grand Turk Dolphins 4 - North Caicos Seals 0
Provo Falcons 5 - South Caicos Mariners 1
Top 10 Goal Scorers in the Fortis TCi Elite Youth League
Louis Sandro, Provo Lions - 12 Goals
Roguel Aneston, Grand Turk Dynamos - 10 Goals
Zachary Scholar, Provo Falcons - 10 Goals
Hayden Williams, Provo Eagles - 10 Goals
Dornel Wiles Provo, Falcons - 9 Goals
Christopher Louisy, Provo Falcons- 9 Goals
Carson Greatrex, Provo Eagles- 8 Goals
Nicolas Lewin, Provo Lions - 7 Goals
Chris Valburn, Provo Jaguars - 7 Goals
Mike Legerme, Provo Jaguars - 6 Goals
Successful Interception - Illegal Migrants
The Ministry of Immigration and Immigration Department is pleased to report the interception of an illegal migrant vessel on Friday, 25 June 2021, within the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands and within the vicinity south of west habour bluff , Providenciales.
The vessel, with forty-four (44) persons aboard, comprising thirty-six (36) males and eight (8) females, was detected by the Border Force Unit and the information was passed to the Marine Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, who intercepted the vessel. The vessel was subsequently brought into the South Dock, Providenciales and met by personnel from the Immigration Department and were subsequently taken to the Detention Center for further health checks and to conduct the necessary processing.
On Saturday, 26th June 2021, forty-two (42) of these persons were repatriated to Haiti with two (2) held back to assist the Enforcement Unit of the Immigration Department with further investigations.
Hon Arlington Musgrove in commenting stated, “I wish to thank all officials who assisted in another successful apprehension of an illegal vessel and to remind all that joint enforcement activities has increased and illegal migrant trying to enter Turks and Caicos will be caught.”
The public is remained that a person who is found to be in contravention of the Immigration Ordinance and commits an offence of harbouring is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $20,000.00 or to imprisonment for a term of four years, or to both.
The public is also being urged to provide the Police or Immigration Officials with tips, or any information related to this or any other illegal landing or persons residing and or working illegally.
We encourage the public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA on 1-800-84477.
After Biden's cleanup effort on infrastructure deal, McConnell presses for more
As a group of ten Republican and Democratic senators got ready to jet out of Washington on Thursday for a two-week recess, breathing a sigh of relief that at long last, a bipartisan infrastructure deal had been struck, some had not even boarded their planes before blowback from Republicans over President Joe Biden’s stated intention to link the agreement to a separate, larger package, threatened to sink the just-announced plan.
Then, after a clarifying statement over the weekend from President Biden and some fresh optimism from Republican negotiators, the bipartisan deal seems to be back on track.
But on Monday, taking advantage of the shaky political situation for Democrats, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell demanding even more from Biden, insisting that he tell Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to also back down from their plans to tie the packages together.
McConnell, who is dead-set against opposes the larger package and apparently sensing an opening to divide Democrats, said President Biden needed to do more to reassure Republicans.
In a statement, McConnell called on the president to urge Schumer and Pelosi to commit to unlinking the bipartisan plan from a reconciliation package. Both leaders have previously stated they see the two plans moving together on "two tracks."
"I appreciate the president saying that he is willing to deal with infrastructure separately, but he doesn't control the Congress and the speaker, and the majority leader,” McConnell said.
On Monday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki repeatedly dodged questions about how the president would proceed, saying he has spoken with lawmakers and will leave the timing of the bills to Congress.
Source-ABC
Surfside building collapse latest: Death toll rises to 11
At least 11 people are dead and 151 others remain unaccounted for after a 12-story residential building partially collapsed in southern Florida's Miami-Dade County last week, officials said.
A massive search and rescue operation entered its fifth day Monday, as crews continued to carefully comb through the pancaked pile of debris in hopes of finding survivors. The partial collapse occurred at around 1:15 a.m. local time last Thursday at the Champlain Towers South condominium in the small, beachside town of Surfside, about 6 miles north of Miami Beach. Approximately 55 of the oceanfront complex's 136 units were destroyed, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Raide Jadallah.
The remaining structure that still stands was cleared by rescue crews last week and all resources have since shifted focus to the debris, according to Jadallah.
One body was uncovered in the wreckage on Monday morning and another in the afternoon, bringing the death toll to 11.
As of Monday afternoon, crews had still not physically reached the bottom of the pile but cameras placed inside showed voids and air pockets where people could be trapped, according to Jadallah, who said they are not yet ready to transition their efforts from rescue to recovery.
Meanwhile, 135 people who were living or staying in the condominium at the time of the disaster have been accounted for and are safe, according to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who noted that the numbers are "very fluid" and "will continue to change."
Source-ABC
Bow Wow explains why he's done with rap music: "rap...brings stress"
Bow Wow says he’s don't with the rap game after his viral Verzuz battle with Soulja Boy.
The "Bounce with Me" rapper shared a video on Instagram Tuesday morning, in which he admitted that rapping has become too stressful for him.
"Y'all...see why I don't be wanting to rap no...more? This is exactly why I'm at peace. I'm at peace, man," Bow Wow declares. "I like hosting...making more money than half of y'all rap [dudes]. I like doing my podcast for Fox."
He continues, "This...right here is the number-one reason why [I] don't wanna rap no more. This is the reason why. I do movies, and I do so much other stuff. It's because rap brings stress."
In the caption, Bow explained what went on behind the scenes before Saturday’s battle.
"I was so stressed putting this show together in 4 days for VERZUZ! What yall don’t know is our hard drive CRASHED 6 mins before we went live! SEE," he wrote.
Bow Wow has previously wrestled with the idea of leaving the music industry on more than one occasion. In 2016, the rapper initially announced his retirement from rap. Then in February this year, Bow Wow revealed plans to pursue his "childhood dreams" of joining the WWE after releasing his upcoming and "last album."
Source-ABC
Mexico doubles vaccine donation to Jamaica
Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, is advising that the Government of Mexico has increased its donation of AstraZeneca vaccines to Jamaica to 65,000 doses, which will be delivered to Kingston this week.
Johnson Smith stated, “Just last week, we welcomed Mexico’s generosity for a smaller amount and we were in the process of making arrangements for collection. Further to engagements with the Mexican Foreign Ministry, and in particular, conversations with Deputy Minister Delgado Peralta, we now have an agreement for almost double the amount, to be delivered to Kingston by the Government of Mexico.”
She continued, “We therefore express our even greater appreciation to Mexico for their generosity. We note in particular that although both Foreign Minister Ebrard and Deputy Minister Delgado are at G20 meetings, they ensured that arrangements would be completed this week.”
She also advised that the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Jamaica, and the Secretary of Health of Mexico had now signed to the increased amounts to address Jamaica’s urgent need for vaccines, and that the foreign ministries were working together with the support of Jamaica’s new Ambassador to Mexico, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the National Health Fund.
Johnson Smith reminded that Mexico currently holds the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and in that capacity, has donated supplies of vaccines to several countries in the region. She stated that engagements within the context of CELAC were productive and representative of the great possibilities that can be realised through South-South and Regional Co-operation.
Source-The Observer
Facebook enters the $1 trillion club after Anti-Trust victory
The stock market value of Facebook has topped $1 trillion for the first time after the tech giant won a court victory against US regulators.
A federal court dismissed two lawsuits, from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a coalition of states, sending Facebook shares up 4.2%.
It took the value of Facebook above $1tn, making it the last of the "big five" tech firms to hit the milestone.
The legal actions had accused Facebook of stifling competition.
But Judge James Boasberg ruled that the FTC's anti-trust complaint against the social networking giant was too vague.
Another separate anti-competition lawsuit filed by a group of 46 states was thrown out because the alleged violations occurred too long ago.
In the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruling, Judge Boasberg wrote that the FTC's complaint was "legally insufficient" and had to be dismissed, because the FTC had "failed to plead enough facts" to back up its claim that Facebook was stifling competition.
The FTC's lawsuit had requested that the technology giant, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, be broken up.
"The FTC's complaint says almost nothing concrete on the key question of how much power Facebook actually had, and still has, in a properly defined anti-trust product market," wrote Judge Boasberg.
"It is almost as if the agency expects the court to simply nod to the conventional wisdom that Facebook is a monopolist."
While this is a setback for the FTC that some analysts say could have repercussions for the future of anti-competition law in the US, the watchdog can re-file the charges and has until 28 July to do so.
However, investors saw it as an important victory for Facebook, sending the share price higher. The values of the other tech giants - Apple, Google-owner Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon - have already topped $1tn.
Separately, Judge Boasberg also dismissed an anti-competition lawsuit brought by a coalition of 45 US states together with the FTC.
This lawsuit had also sought to force Facebook to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. It related to Facebook's acquisition of the two apps in 2012 and 2014.
Separately, Judge Boasberg also dismissed an anti-competition lawsuit brought by a coalition of 45 US states together with the FTC.
This lawsuit had also sought to force Facebook to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. It related to Facebook's acquisition of the two apps in 2012 and 2014.
n March, Facebook petitioned the federal court in the US to dismiss them, describing the FTC complaint as "nonsensical".
The firm said the FTC's case "ignores the reality of the dynamic, intensely competitive high-tech industry in which Facebook operates".
In his ruling on this case, Judge Boasberg said that the states did not provide "a reasonable justification" for why they had waited between six to eight years to decide to sue Facebook - an argument the social networking giant previously made.
He added that the states had failed to provide "a factual dispute" and only gave a "half-hearted contention that Facebook was not prejudiced but rather 'benefitted from the states not filing sooner', since it has been and remains a very profitable company".
"Ultimately, this anti-trust action is premised on public, high-profile conduct, nearly all of which occurred over six years ago - before the launch of the Apple Watch or Alexa or Periscope, when Kevin Durant still played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and when Ebola was the virus dominating headlines," wrote Judge Boasberg.
He added that the states' allegations made it clear that the lawsuit could easily have been filed between 2012 and 2014: "The system of anti-trust enforcement that Congress has established does not exempt plaintiffs here from 'the consequences of [their] choice' to do nothing over the last half decade. "
Source-BBC
United Airlines bets on travel boom with big plane order
United Airlines has placed its biggest aircraft order to date in a bet on travel returning post-pandemic.
The US airline confirmed it had ordered 270 Boeing and Airbus planes worth more than $30bn (£21.6bn) on Tuesday.
Its chief executive Scott Kirby said the purchases would "accelerate our business to meet a resurgence in air travel".
The deal will see older, smaller jets replaced - mostly with Boeing 737 Max planes - between 2022 and 2026.
The bigger planes will carry more passengers on domestic routes and enable the airline to sell more premium seats in first class or with extra legroom.
Like many other airlines, United Airlines struggled as demand for travel was constricted during coronavirus-related lockdowns.
At the height of the crisis, it announced that it would need to furlough up to 36,000 staff.
But Mr Kirby said Tuesday's move "underscores the critical role United plays in fuelling the broader US economy".
He added: "We expect the addition of these new aircraft will have a significant economic impact on the communities we serve in terms of job creation, traveller spending and the shipping of goods and services."
In a separate update on Monday, it announced that it expected that July would be its first profitable month on a pre-tax basis since last January. It is, however, still expected to report a quarterly loss between April and June in its next update.
United also plans to build up domestic hubs across airports in Chicago, Houston and Denver, as international and business travel returns at a slower pace.
The US screened 2.02 million passengers on 11 June at airports - the highest number since March 2020, according to its Transportation Security Administration.
But passengers who have been in the UK, Ireland, Brazil, China and Iran in the last 14 days cannot enter the US unless a specific exemption applies, as a presidential decree introduced last March is still in place.
Stan Deal, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said on Tuesday: "We are truly humbled by United Airlines' confidence in the people of Boeing and the airplanes we design and build every day.
"Our strong partnership, dating back to United's founding, has helped us grow and weather challenges through the decades."
Source-BBC
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT TUESDAY 29TH JUNE 2021
GENERAL SITUATION:STREAMING TROPICAL MOISTURE CONTINUES TO GENERATE POCKETS OF UNSETTLED WEATHER OVER THE BAHAMAS WHILE, BUILDING HIGH PRESSURE WILL MAINTAIN MODERATE TO FRESH BREEZES
SPECIAL WARNINGS:BOATERS SHOULD REMAIN VIGILANT DUE TO THE THREAT OF POSSIBLE WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY, GUSTY WINDS, HIGH SEAS, AND REDUCED VISIBILITY TO 3 NM OR LESS IN HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. BEACHGOERS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ALONG EASTERN AND SOUTHERN SHORELINES.
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND A BIT BREEZY WITH ISOLATED PASSING SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS BECOMING VARIABLY CLOUDY, WARM AND BREEZY TONIGHT WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS BUT GUSTY AT TIMES FOR THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS; 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS; 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 90°F 32°C OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE: 73°F 23°C
SUN
SUNSET: 8:02 PM SUNRISE: 6:24 AM WED
MOON
MOONSET: 11:15 AM MOONSET: 12:20 AM WED
TIDES
HIGH TIDE: 12:29 PM LOW TIDE: 6:34 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:48 AM WED LOW TIDE: 7:19 AM WED
OUTLOOK FOR TOMORROW: HIGH PRESSURE CONTINUES TO BUILD ACROSS THE ISLANDS WHILE LINGERING TROPICAL MOISTURE GENERATES SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WITH MOSTLY HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK:
- DISORGANIZED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUE IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TROPICAL WAVE LOCATED OVER THE TROPICAL ATLANTIC, ABOUT 850 MILES EAST OF THE LESSER ANTILLES. SOME SLOW DEVELOPMENT OF THIS DISTURBANCE IS POSSIBLE LATER THIS WEEK AND THIS WEEKEND WHILE THE SYSTEM MOVES WESTWARD TO WEST-NORTHWESTWARD AT 15 TO 20 MPH, LIKELY
REACHING THE LESSER ANTILLES BY WEDNESDAY NIGHT. IT HAS A MEDIUM OR 40% CHANCE OF FORMATION OVER THE NEXT 5 DAYS.
- SHOWER ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH A TROPICAL WAVE LOCATED ABOUT 800 MILE SOUTHWEST OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS HAS BECOME A LITTLE BETTER ORGANIZED SINCE YESTERDAY. ADDITIONAL SLOW DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SYSTEM IS POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS AND IT HAS A LOW OR 20% FORMATION CHANCE THROUGH THE NEXT 5 DAYS.