Leader of Opposition, Hon. Edwin Astwood Responds to Outrageous Claims of Board Corruption.
Response to Outrageous Claims of Board Corruption.
I want to address the recent allegations made by the Hon. Premier Misick and his Administration, towards Board members previously appointed by the immediate past PDM administration. These comments were disingenuous, very reckless, and is only being used to justify an end.
The Hon. Premier has recently accused persons previously appointed to Boards as being corrupted, unqualified, and incompetent.
He has also stated that former members were on boards for the sole purpose of collecting a paycheck, even though the majority of Boards pays a very minute amount to its members and some Boards do not pay anything.
The Hon. Premier also stated that persons are now having to submit a C.V before being approved to serve on Boards. This is nothing new, or maybe just new to the current Government. It has been the previously established protocol for the appointment of Board members during my tenure as a Cabinet Minister. I know for a fact that all persons serving on Boards during the immediate past PDM Administration were required to submit a C.V to be presented in Cabinet.
In addition, the responsible Minister for the particular Boards was the one who solicited suitable persons’ willingness to serve on a Board, not persons looking for a paycheck. We had actively recruited qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders to serve, matching knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities with Board functioning.
I challenge the Hon. Premier to go back and review the Members appointed to the various Government and Statutory Boards under the PDM Administration. It would rightly show that all persons appointed were suitable, qualified, and experienced to serve on their respective Boards.
The Premier’s intent is to create a one-sided narrative about persons serving on Boards appointed under the immediate past PDM administration, A narrative that is clearly in all respects untrue.
This mischaracterization of the truth, has the effect of smearing the character of persons that were serving on Boards.
It is discouraging for our people to see this shameful action by a newly elected Government to be on this rampage of spreading Baseless Claims of Corruption and Mismanagement on Boards, and moving in such a way to permanently tarnish the reputations of Board serving Turks & Caicos Islanders.
I state this disclaimer, that I fully support the notion that an elected Government should have the ability to appoint Board members after winning a general election, and that the Board appointments should have the same life of the Administration appointing them, four years, with substitutions being made when situations call for it. However, our current system does not allow for the removal of sitting members from Boards, before the expiration of their appointment time, without having just cause.
During my time as a Cabinet Minister, advice was given that it is unconstitutional to action the removal of sitting members from Boards who have not violated any law or code of conduct. In addition, we were strongly cautioned that pursuing these actions will enact serious repercussions to ourselves and the Turks & Caicos Government.
Therefore, in order for the new PNP Administration to legally remove persons from Boards, a plan was incorporated to perpetuate false and unproven narratives about the conduct or Board Members, in order to justify the removing all PDM appointees from Boards.
It is with some concern that I note how this purge of Sitting Board members is being allowed to pass through Cabinet, and the willingness to allow this unjustified removal to take place by Non-Elected Government Officials.
I am not aware, or have been informed, of any Independent review or Inquiry conducted on allegations of corruption of the aforementioned Boards. Nor am I aware of any investigations being carried out into the conduct of members previously serving on Boards. Also, I am not aware of any findings of mismanagement or corruption being published in any forum.
This tactic is clearly only being used as a justification for termination of PDM Board members.
This is a sad day at this time in the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands, to witness what this New PNP administration is doing. The Government claims that they are fighting against corruption, but in actuality are applying corrupt tactics as their modus operandi. They have exposed their hypocrisy and their true motives. The removal of Board members has nothing to do with eliminating any perceived corruption or mismanagement, it has everything to do with getting more Power to further their sleazy campaigns.
Our country is witnessing a shameful act of disenfranchising our citizens, by using the tactic of labelling our law-abiding sitting members as being corrupt, unskilled, and unqualified, so that they can be replaced by PNP supporters that have been promised positions for rewarding their supporters.
If it is now the desire to have the particular Laws changed, to allow for the constitutional removal of sitting persons serving on Boards without having just cause, then the proper procedure should be followed by making amendments in the House of Assembly, and not by destroying the reputation of our citizens, who have patriotically accepted to serve on Boards, and showing a complete disregard for damaging their lives and livelihoods.
Actions such as this by new PNP Administration, can have the effect of rapidly moving our country from Democracy to Tyranny, by tying to use the force of law to punish their political opponents and non-supporters.
These actions are also seen as a Government turning its back on the rule of Law and poisoning the democratic system of a country. We have to also be able to trust that our leaders will not spew something out there that is wrong, unproven, and not verified.
It appears the Hon. Premier and his Administration are looking to find a fall guy, they want to find a scapegoat to justifying their actions. If this was not the aim, then they would have only target the Boards, or a particular Board member, in question.
It is important for leaders to tell the truth at all times, and not spread unproven falsehoods. We need to discontinue living in this nonfactual political reality.
As a country we need to be focused on getting things done for our people right now, and not engaging in this extreme Partisan rhetoric.
We have to focus our attention on what is best for our nation on a whole.
We have to stick to standards and facts, and not stand with things that are damaging for the country, damaging for our people, and damaging for our future.
We need to love our People more than we love our Party.
Over 1 million Honda Accords may have a steering problem
Federal safety regulators are investigating reports that more than 1 million Honda Accords have a steering problem that can a cause a car to veer out of its lane.
The investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, disclosed late last week, involves Accords from model year 2013 to 2015. There have been 107 incidents involving steering reported to the agency or Honda, according to NHTSA, including two incidents which involved crashes and injuries. No deaths have yet been reported.
This is only an investigation at this point — not a recall of the possibly affected vehicles.
"Honda takes all safety-related concerns seriously and will continue to cooperate with the NHTSA through the investigation process, as we also continue our own internal review of the available information," Honda said in a statement Monday.
Despite US car buyers shifting preference away from sedans and towards SUVs, the Honda Accord is still one of the best-selling vehicles in the country.
There are an estimated 1.1 million of these vehicles on US roads, according to the agency.
Source-CNN
A STRONG HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM IS BUILDING
PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND BREEZY WITH A PASSING SHOWER, BECOMING FAIR AND WARM WITH A LIGHT SHOWER TONIGHT
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION CONTINUES
WINDS:EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS WITH HIGHER GUSTS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET
TEMPERATURE:
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 88F 31C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 73F 23C
SUNLIGHT:
SUNSET: 7:42 PM SUNRISE: 6:28 TUE AM
MOON:
MOONSET: 6:05 PM MOONRISE:5:52 AM TUES
TIDES
LOW TIDE: 1:19 PM 1:55 TUE AM
HIGH TIDE: 7:34 PM 7:47 TUE AM
OUTLOOK: THE HIGH PRESSURE WILL GENERATE WARM, BREEZY AND PLEASANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACROSS THE BAHAMAS & TCI THROUGH MID WEEK.
Ministry of Tourism hosts high-level meeting on Grand Turk Master Plan
The Cruise Steering Committee and the Ministry of Tourism under the patronage of the Hon. Charles W. Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) hosted a daylong high-level discussion on the Grand Turk Master Plan and the way forward, in particular as it relates to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG)/Carnival Infrastructure Fund. The master plan provides an adaptable blueprint to control, coordinate, and direct change on the island that comes from development and improvements to infrastructure. This plan integrates with the vision and planning initiatives improved lifestyle and preservation of the island's cultural and natural heritage.
Premier Misick was joined by Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health; Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism; Hon. Akiera Missick, Minister of Infrastructure; Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs; and the Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration. Other attendees included members of the House of Assembly headed by the Hon. Speaker, Hon. Gordon, Permanent Secretaries and support team along with the Cruise Steering Committee with others joining virtually. Issues pertinent to the holistic enhancement of Grand Turk were discussed and not limited to cruise tourism.
Sessions were facilitated by Permanent Secretary, Cheryl Ann Jones and Tourism Risk Manager, Mr. Brian Been of the Ministry of Tourism alongside Infrastructure Officer, Mr. Bradley Coalbrooke. Partners such as the Grand Turk Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Services Providers and others discussed the prioritization of high impact projects for Grand Turk and TCIG's commitment to providing a unique and high-quality environment on Grand Turk.
Mrs. Cheryl Ann Jones, stated; "this session is evident of the Ministry of Tourism's commitment, ensuring an integrated approach is taken with clear goals and objectives that are measurable. She further commented, 'that the plan is a live document, we will all benefit from in the long-term but must ensure planning and policy is reflective of sustainability; whilst being proactive."
In solidifying the partnership, the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connelly stated her ministry's commitment to the initiative and thanked all participants for their support since the start of the programme in 2016. She expressed gratitude to organizers for guidance in hosting the session and said this project will surely benefit the TCI in general and Grand Turk in particular from a development standpoint.
Premier Misick stated that God has been good to us. And we must use the opportunity to leverage development especially as it relates to the rich, architectural history of the country and align it with the good ratings the country receives. He stressed that there is a need to focus on product development. With corridors in now economically depressed communities holding immense historical wealth such as Middle Street there is a huge opportunity to convert this into potentially millions of dollars in sustainable livelihoods, thus creating a paradigm shift. These areas are posed to be great tourism clusters, with buildings such as the Old Constabulary being converted in art houses and museums. Sustainability will monetize these areas but a collective decision-making approach is needed to accomplish such. The focus is to preserve what we have and enhance it through incentives, whilst having a community tourism approach where everybody benefits.
Tourism Minister visits Pine Cay
Hon. Josephine Connolly along with members of her Ministry namely, Permanent Secretary Cherylann Jones, Deputy Permanent Secretary Arthur Been and Executive Administrator Leandrea Missick were invited to the beautiful and tranquil island of Pine Cay to present the Pine Cay Meridian Club staff with a very eminent achievement.
The Pine Cay Meridian Club has gone from a 2.5-star hotel to a now 5-star luxury hotel. The hotel received confirmation on Friday, April 30, 2021 of it being accredited under the Relais & Chateaux Flag. With only six hotels previously under this prestigious title, Pine Cay Meridian Club has now become the 7th hotel in the Caribbean and the 1st hotel and restaurant in the Turks and Caicos to achieve Relais & Chateaux title.
About Relais & Châteaux: Relais & Chateaux is a worldwide association of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants representing many of the finest resorts in the world. It offers an introduction to a lifestyle inspired by local culture and a unique dip into human history. Its members have a driving desire to protect and promote the richness and diversity of the world's cuisine and traditions of hospitality.
Hon. Connolly in her comments to management and staff stated, "Tourism as we know, is the breadbasket of these islands, and though the pandemic may have changed the way we do business, one thing that remains untouchable is our Tourism product. Heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Kirk Aulin and his amazingly small, but mighty team on this huge achievement. To now be one of 7 countries to hold such a prestigious title is certainly a big deal. I am immensely proud of each and every one of you and I encourage you to continue striving for excellence for you will indeed reap the fruits of your Labour".
The day ended with touring of the property with management. The Minister and her team were able to sample meal offerings prepared by the talented chef and kitchen staff.
Pine Cay Meridian Club is open for business and ready to be of service to you!
Musk's SpaceX to launch dogecoin moon mission
Elon Musk has said his rocket company SpaceX will now accept the meme-inspired cryptocurrency dogecoin as payment.
In a tweet he said the commercial space exploration firm will launch the "DOGE-1 Mission to the Moon" early next year.
It came as dogecoin continued to fall after the technology billionaire said on television that it was a "hustle".
Last month, he tweeted that SpaceX was going to put a "literal Dogecoin on the literal moon".
Canada's Geometric Energy Corporation announced the dogecoin-funded mission earlier on Sunday, although the statement did not reveal its financial value.
"This mission will demonstrate the application of cryptocurrency beyond Earth orbit and set the foundation for interplanetary commerce", SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales Tom Ochinero was quoted as saying in the statement.
Mr Musk's tweets in recent months have helped to turn the once-obscure digital currency, which was started as a social media joke, into the world's fourth-biggest cryptocurrency.
It has soared by more than 800% over the last month, with its total market value rising above $70bn, according to cryptocurrency data tracker CoinGecko.com.
However, dogecoin lost more than a third of its price on Sunday, after Mr Musk called it a "hustle" while he was hosting the Saturday Night Live comedy sketch television show.
In February, electric carmaker Tesla, where Mr Musk is chief executive, said it bought $1.5bn worth of bitcoin and was planning to accept the cryptocurrency as payment for its vehicles.
The announcement was seen as another major step towards the mainstream acceptance of bitcoin and helped to boost the price of the cryptocurrency to a fresh record high of nearly $62,000.
Last month, Tesla announced that its profits for the first three months of the year were $438m, up from $16m last year, ,bolstered by sales of Bitcoin and environmental credits.
Mr Musk also revealed on Saturday Night Live that he has Asperger's syndrome.
People with Asperger's interpret the environment around them differently to other people.
It is thought to be the first time Mr Musk has spoken about his condition.
Source-BBC
Ransomware cyberattack shuts down major US pipeline
A cyberattack has forced the shutdown of a major gas pipeline in the U.S. that supplies 45 percent of all fuel consumed on the East Coast.
The cyberattack against Colonial Pipeline, which runs from Houston to Linden, New Jersey, began 7 p.m. on Friday night, according to a Federal Emergency Management Agency report reviewed by ABC News.
Colonial Pipeline said in an update Saturday the attack involved ransomware.
Colonial's network supplies fuel from U.S. refiners on the Gulf Coast to the eastern and southern U.S. and transports 2.5 million barrels a day of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other products through 5,500 miles of pipelines, the company said.
It's not clear how long the pipelines would be shut down. The shutdown will affect other pipeline operations such as the Buckeye and Twin Oaks Pipeline, which runs through the New York City-Long Island area and Maine, FEMA said.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, according to a White House spokesperson.
Preliminary results of the investigation at this point suggest the attack was the handiwork of the so-called DarkSide criminal organization that operates in Eastern Europe, according to two officials briefed on the probe. Federal officials are continuing to firm up their findings and are actively trying to determine whether a foreign nation could either be behind the attack or working together with the criminals.
Source-ABC
NBA fines New Orleans Pelicans Executive
The NBA fined New Orleans Pelicans executive David Griffin $50,000 on Sunday for publicly criticizing officiating over how star Zion Williamson is handled and making comments the league considered detrimental
The decision came two days after Griffin, the Pelicans' executive vice president of basketball operations, spoke out strongly about his concerns on the amount of contact NBA referees allow Williamson to endure.
Williamson is currently out indefinitely with a broken left index finger, an injury that occurred on a play where he did not appear to be fouled. Griffin said the Pelicans have told league officials many times that they feared Williamson was being exposed to injury because of the way defenders are allowed to play against the 6-foot-7, 284-pound forward.
''He's injured now because of the open season there's been on Zion Williamson in the paint,'' Griffin said Friday. ''He's been absolutely mauled in the paint on a regular basis.''
Williamson is averaging 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this season. The Pelicans began Sunday two games behind San Antonio for 10th place and the final play-in tournament berth in the Western Conference.
Source-AP
Mariah Carey's reaction to rapper sampling her work has Twitter abuzz
Mariah Carey's response to a viral clip of Baltimore rapper YTK's sampling of her hit song "Shake It Off" has many people wondering if she's being serious or just kidding around.
On Friday RNB Radar CEO Tommy Banks tweeted a snippet YTK's new track "Let It Off," which samples her 2005 hit, along with the caption, "Mariah Carey has 24 hours to respond."
Mimi answered his challenge and replied, "How about y'all have 24 hours to respond to my lawyers."
However, the Twitter feud seems to be a big joke.
"Hey I want to reiterate that Mariah was joking, please stop saying rude stuff to her," RNB Radar wrote alongside a screenshot of what appears to be a DM with he Roots drummer Questlove about clearing the sample.
"She told that same joke to Quest Love hours before she responded to the tweet and put us in contact with the people who can help us clear it! so it’s not a problem on her end," the tweet continued.
Questlove also responded by recalling a similar situation in which Erykah Badu needed Paul McCartney's permission to sample a Wings track on her song "Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long."
"I’m DYIN. I helped with the Mariah sample cause 11 years ago we were in the same situation in which Erykah has 24 hours to clear 'Gone Baby Don’t Be Long' which Paul McCartney & Lenny Kravitz saw the tweet & hit up Stella to hit her pops & the song was saved!" Questlove tweeted, along with the hashtag #PayItForward.
Whatever the case, YTK's "Let It Off" is blowing up Twitter. "In 24 hours: I was able to get YTK 5 million impressions Almost 1 million views 100’s of celebrities retweeting it and Mariah herself responded," Banks claims.
Source-ABC
Sandals to employ 500 Vincentians
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) says it will employ 500 Vincentians when the company begins its recruitment drive in the next few weeks for a planned Beaches Resort on that island, which has been hard hit by explosive eruptions at La Soufrière volcano.
“In light of the displacement many are experiencing due to the volcanic eruption, we are fast-tracking our plans for employment and training opportunities,” a company news release quoted Executive Chairman Adam Stewart as saying.
“We are committed to supporting the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, especially during these challenging times, and we remain even more committed to delivering on this exciting Beaches project,” stated Stewart, who is also executive chairman of this newspaper.
Last year, Sandals announced plans to bring its Beaches brand to St Vincent, a move which promises expansive economic growth for the Eastern Caribbean island. According to Stewart, the recruitment drive ahead of the resort's opening represents only the first move towards fulfilling this promise.
“Increased employment, which will continue throughout construction and beyond, is only one aspect of the massive economic footprint the Beaches brand will bring to St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Stewart said. “The economic benefits will be significant — from increased airlift benefiting all surrounding islands, to direct and indirect linkages to critical sectors such as transportation, tours and excursions, agriculture and manufacturing.”
Sandals said the upcoming recruitment drive is a manifestation of its continued commitment to providing Caribbean nationals with training and employment opportunities across the region under its Team Member Exchange Programme.
“Qualified Vincentians will be encouraged to apply for a raft of positions across the region which will be advertised in the coming week, ranging from bartenders and cooks to concierge and front desk agents and restaurant managers. Applications will be accepted by e-mail and, thereafter, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with successful candidates placed at various resorts across the region,” SRI explained.
“We are very excited to get this programme under way,” Stewart said. “The successful applicants will be the very ones who will come back to lead and train other Vincentians when we officially open Beaches St Vincent and, as a company built on training and development, we look forward to what will definitely be a full-circle moment for these team members.”
In addition to this recruitment drive, the company has also supported post-eruption relief efforts through its philanthropic arm, Sandals Foundation, which has been working closely with local authorities to provide support.
Beaches St Vincent is just one of several exciting new projects announced by Sandals Resorts in 2021.