Top Putin opponent urges Russia protesters to act "for yourself and your future"
Russian police arrested a top opponent of President Vladimir Putin on Sunday as thousands of people around the country protested against a lack of competition in presidential elections planned for this spring.
Alexey Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner who has become Russia’s most prominent opponent of Putin, was seized and dragged violently into a van by police as he tried to join one of the protests that he had called for in central Moscow.
"I was detained," Navalny tweeted in Russian after his arrest. "It does not matter."
He added, "You don't go for me, but for yourself and your future."
Navalny also tweeted a video of his arrest and photos from the protests.
The protests, which had been expected in 100 Russian cities, were called by Navalny after he was blocked from the election that is scheduled for March and in which Putin faces no substantial opposition.
In response, Navalny has called for a boycott of the vote. Sunday's protests were meant to back the proposed vote boycott while also tapping into discontent around official corruption and economic malaise. The protests were the first major demonstrations since Russia’s election campaigning began.
People joined demonstrations from Murmansk in the far north of Russia to the port of Vladivostok, which is 11 time zones away. Protests ranged in size from a couple dozen to several hundred people.
In many locations, the protesters were braving blisteringly cold temperatures; one of the coldest sites was in the far eastern city of Yakutsk, where it was 49 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
In Moscow, a few thousand people streamed down the city’s central avenue, gathering at Pushkin Square around half a mile from the Kremlin. Several hundred stood there, chanting, “Putin is a thief” and “Russia without Putin.” Some carried joke signs mocking Putin. One man who was dressed in a Putin mask and wearing a crown walked around the crowd with a bucket asking for “taxes” and telling people he would “take everything there was.”
Police arrested at least 240 people around the protests across Russia, according to OVD-Info, an independent group that monitors arrests.
There was a markedly heavy police presence in Moscow ahead of the protest, with dozens of riot vans and empty buses parked waiting in case of arrests. Camouflage tents and an army-style field kitchen had been set up near the square.
Hours before the Moscow protest began, police raided the offices of Navalny’s organization, the Fund for Combating Corruption (FBK). Police claimed there was a bomb threat at the building, a common tactic used against opposition groups here.
Officers broke in the door to the office as Navalny’s staff conducted a live broadcast on his popular YouTube channel chronicling the protests. When officers arrived, the staff struggled to read their bulletin over the sound of sawing metal as police cut through the door into their studio. Police searched Navalny’s campaign offices in several cities ahead of the protests.
Compared with previous protests, however, the security forces were little used. Major protests in March and June saw large-scale arrests, with over a thousand detained in Moscow alone. This time, less than two dozen were detained in Moscow as police largely left protesters untouched. Police ordered demonstrators to disperse but did not move to seize them as at previous rallies.
Eventually, part of the Moscow crowd -- a few hundred people -- began marching in a column toward the Kremlin, chanting “Down with the tsar." Police permitted the protesters to get within around 1,000 feet, or 300 meters, of the Kremlin before most of the column turned back of its own accord.
The softer approach suggested authorities have adapted their tactics to Navalny, avoiding the mass arrests that had made global headlines last year and instead focusing on detaining the protests' organizers. Demonstrations called by Navalny on Putin’s birthday in October also saw few arrests.
Sunday's protests were seen as an important test for Navalny’s significance during the election, now that he has been barred.
Source-ABC
Russia banned from Winter Paralympics over doping
Russia has been banned from this year’s Winter Paralympics after the International Paralympic Committee found that the country had failed to reform itself sufficiently following its elaborate cover-up of doping by its athletes.
Some Russian athletes however will still be allowed to take part as neutrals in certain sports, provided they are able to meet certain conditions.
The decision means that Russia is barred a second time from a Paralympics over doping, after the IPC suspended it from the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, and it follows Russia’s recent banning from this year’s Winter Olympics.
The IPC’s president, Andrew Parsons, told a news conference in Bonn, Germany, that its board had voted to keep Russia’s national Paralympic committee suspended, meaning that Russia is excluded from taking part in the games in the South Korean town of Pyeongchang this March.
Parsons said although there had been improvement, the criteria for the Russian national committee to be reinstated had “not been met in full.”
"The IPC will allow Russian para-athletes who meet strict conditions to participate in March’s Paralympic Winter Games under the name Neutral Paralympic Athletes in the sports of alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, snowboard and wheelchair curling,” Parsons said.
The Paralympics ban comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) barred Russia from the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang this February over systematic doping, allowing only some Russian athletes to compete under under a neutral flag and forbidding Russia's national colors and anthem at the games.
The IOC has authorized 169 Russian athletes to compete as neutrals at the Winter Olympics after they passed an anti-doping panel.
The Paralympic Committee said Russian athletes allowed to take part in in its games in March will also have to have undergone additional testing. It expects around 30 to 35 athletes from Russia will participate in the Paralympics now.
The 169 Russian athletes allowed to compete in the Winter Olympics is around half what the Russian Olympic Committee had hoped to send.
Russian officials have denounced the Olympic ban as a U.S.-led plot to pressure Russia. Russia’s president Vladimir Putin in December suggested that the doping allegations against his country were designed to harm his re-election chances and implied American intelligence agencies could be behind them.
Source-ABC
Bruno Mars sweeps, Song, Record and Album of the Year at the 60th annual Grammy Awards.
Bruno Mars swept the top categories at the 60th annual Grammy Awards, and Kendrick Lamar took home five awards, leaving the event’s most nominated man (Jay-Z) and woman (SZA) shut out. But with only nine awards handed out on air out of 84, the focus of the night was, as usual, on the performances.
Here's the complete list of winners in key categories:
Record of the Year
"24K Magic" — Bruno Mars
Album of the Year
24K Magic — Bruno Mars
Song of the Year
"That's What I Like," Bruno Mars
Best New Artist
Alessia Cara
POP FIELD
Best Pop Solo Performance:
"Shape of You" — Ed Sheeran
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
"Feel It Still" — Portugal. The Man
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album:
Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 — (Various Artists) Dae Bennett, Producer
Best Pop Vocal Album:
÷ (Divide) — Ed Sheeran
ROCK FIELD
Best Rock Performance:
"You Want It Darker" — Leonard Cohen
Best Metal Performance:
“Sultan’s Curse” — Mastodon
Best Rock Song:
“Run” — Foo Fighters
Best Rock Album:
A Deeper Understanding — The War On Drugs
ALTERNATIVE FIELD
Best Alternative Music Album:
Sleep Well Beast — The National
R&B FIELD
Best R&B Performance:
“That’s What I Like” — Bruno Mars
Best Traditional R&B Performance:
“Redbone” — Childish Gambino
Best R&B Song:
“That’s What I Like” — Bruno Mars
Best Urban Contemporary Album:
Starboy — The Weeknd
Best R&B Album:
24K Magic — Bruno Mars
RAP FIELD
Best Rap Performance:
“HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar
Best Rap/Sung Performance:
“LOYALTY.” — Kendrick Lamar Featuring Rihanna
Best Rap Song:
“HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar
Best Rap Album:
DAMN. — Kendrick Lamar
COUNTRY FIELD
Best Country Solo Performance:
“Either Way” — Chris Stapleton
Best Country Duo/Group Performance:
“Better Man” — Little Big Town
Best Country Song:
“Broken Halos” — Chris Stapleton
Best Country Album:
From A Room: Volume 1 — Chris Stapleton
ELECTRONIC FIELD
Best Dance/Electronic Album:
3-D The Catalogue — Kraftwerk
Best Dance Recording:
“Tonite” — LCD Soundsystem
OTHER
Best Music Video:
“Humble.” — Kendrick Lamar
Best Roots Gospel Album:
Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope — Reba McEntire
Best Traditional Blues Album:
Blue & Lonesome — The Rolling Stones
Best Americana Album:
The Nashville Sound — Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit
Best Folk Album:
Mental Illness — Aimee Mann
Best Children’s Album:
Feel What U Feel — Lisa Loeb
Best Comedy Album:
The Age Of Spin & Deep In The Heart Of Texas — Dave Chappelle
Best Song Written For Visual Media:
"How Far I'll Go" — Lin-Manuel Miranda, songwriter (Auli'i Cravalho), Track from Moana: The Songs
Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling):
The Princess Diarist — Carrie Fisher
Best Musical Theater Album:
Dear Evan Hansen — Ben Platt, principal soloist; Alex Lacamoire, Stacey Mindich, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, producers; Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media:
La La Land — Various Artists
Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media:
La La Land — Justin Hurwitz, composer
Best Music Film:
The Defiant Ones — Various Artists
Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical:
Greg Kurstin
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL HOLDS 1ST MEETING FOR 2018
His Excellency the Governor, H.E John Freeman, and the Hon. Premier, Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson co-chaired the TCI National Security Council (NSC) at the Hon. Hilly Ewing Building in Providenciales on January 15, 2018.
In attendance as members of the NSC were Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Anya Williams, Hon. Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Vaden Williams; and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Trevor Bottin.
At this meeting, the NSC:
-Received an update from the Deputy Commissioner of Police on:
Recent successes in the fight against crime including joint operations with partners
Immediate priorities for enhancing the capability of the RTCIPF
Post Hurricane Irma and Maria damages on Estates noting that the Headquarters is now operational.
UK National Crime Agency in its effort to provide financial assistance for the reconstruction of a defense building.
Custody facilities in Providenciales: making court time more efficient to minimize travel
911 system challenges and strategic provisions for addressing this matter
Further efforts to engage the Tourism sector to discuss a strategic collective approach in the fight against crime
Air Crash Incident that occurred on December 23, 2017; which was handed over to the Air Accident Investigation Bureau in the United Kingdom to proceed with the investigation.
The recent gun related incident that occurred on January 1, 2018
Crime; trajectory showing a downward trend. Crime Report will be published in the coming weeks.
Progress made for the installation of a CCTV' system in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Community Policing around the Turks and Caicos Islands with emphasis on challenges in Salt Cay and South Caicos.
-Received an update from the Minister of Home Affairs, Telecommunication and Communication on:
The continuing challenges at the prison and strategic steps to remedying.
Human Resource matters at HM Prison following the departure of the current Superintendent of Prison.
-Received a report from the Deputy Commissioner of Police on TCI National Security Strategy that addresses the current and long term security issues facing TCI.
-Discussed the Drafting of the Security Bill, Interception of Communications legislation and Policing and Community Engagement (PACE).
Ongoing Roadwork - Paradise Road West
Please be advised that Paradise Road West is scheduled to be paved beginning by 8:00am on Monday, January 29th. Paving activities will last a full day.
During this time, Paradise Road West will serve as a one-way road. It will be closed to incoming traffic from Windward Road and Paradise East, however, it will remain open to incoming traffic from Cooper Jack Bay Road as displayed above.
If you are a resident of this street, your property access may be temporarily blocked with equipment as paving progresses. We ask that you please make appropriate arrangements to depart and/or return to your residence prior to paving commencing. Similarly, please do not plan to depart or return while paving operations are taking place immediately in front of your property.
Traffic controllers will be present onsite to give necessary directions to motorists thereby ensuring safe and efficient operations.
We apologize in advance for any disruptions caused by this work. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the roads in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR MONDAY 29TH JANUARY 2018
GENERAL SITUATION: THE STRONG HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM ACROSS THE BAHAMAS WILL SLIDE EASTWARDS AS A COLD FRONT MOVING INTO THE AREA TONIGHT.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS AND BEACHGOERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO ROUGH SEAS AND SURF AND THE HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS ALONG EAST COAST BEACHES. RESIDENTS IN WESTERN NEW PROVIDENCE SHOULD ALSO MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO SMOKE EMANATING FROM FIRES AT THE DISPOSAL SITE.
FOR THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: CLOUDY AND WINDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWER AND ISOLATED SHOWERS AHEAD AND IN VICINITY OF THE FRONT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS AHEAD OF THE FRONT BECOMING NORTHWEST TO NORTH BEHIND THE FRONT IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 5 TO 8 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
FOR THE TURKS & CAICOS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND WINDY.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT.
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 20 TO 30 KNOTS WITH HIGHER GUSTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 8 TO 12 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82F 28C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 72F 22C
SUN
SUNRISE: 6:54AM SUNSET: 5:51PM
MOON
MOONRISE: 4:04PM MOONSET: 5:55AM
TIDES
LOW TIDE: 12:00PM 12:01AMTUE
HIGH TIDE: 5:51PM 6:27AM TUE
EXTENDED FORECAST: THE COLD FRONT MOVE INTO THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS TONIGHT AND EXIT THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS BY WEDNESDAY WHILE A STRONG HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL BUILD IN THE WAKE OF THE FRONT.
Public Reminded, Smoking in Non-Smoking Areas is an Offense
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence within the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services hereby reminds the general public that it is unlawful to smoke in non-smoking areas. Based on the Tobacco Control Law which came into force on April 1st 2016, a person shall not smoke or hold a lighted tobacco product in an enclosed public place, enclosed workplace or public conveyance.
Schedule 3 of the Ordinance also bans smoking in the following:
Government Buildings & Vehicles Public parks
Hospitals & Medical facilities Restaurants
Public lounges and Canteen Areas Cinemas
Areas for public transportation Corridors, toilet areas, stairways and elevators
Hotels, motels, inns Vehicles used for public transportation
Bars, Pool Halls, Clubs & Casinos Reception rooms, lobbies or areas where the public have access.
Schools Meetings and interview rooms
Shops & Shopping centres
A person who contravenes this section of the law is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years. A manager, owner or lessee who consents to the smoking commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding eighteen months. A person who wishes to smoke may smoke at least 35 feet beyond an enclosed public place or any place previously listed.
Notice is also being given to Owners or Managers of outdoor bars or outdoor restaurants that an application must be made first to designate an outdoor smoking area. All outdoor smoking areas must be in line with the Tobacco Control Regulations and approved by the Environmental Health Department and the Planning Department.
Tobacco use is the second leading cause of death globally and is one of the main risk factors for chronic diseases, including cancer, lung diseases and cardiovascular diseases. This Law is part of the Ministry of Health's ongoing efforts to mitigate against the harmful effects of second hand tobacco smoke and to ensure that the health of the general population is being preserved.
For more information about Tobacco Control Laws contact the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence by calling (649) 338-3613/(649) 338-4737.
DSS WINS TWO 2017 ACQ5 Global awards
Domus Semo Sancus (DSS), was today announced the winner of two 2017 ACQ5 Global Awards, with it winning the 2017 "International – Company of the Year (FinTech)" award and its Chairman & CEO, E. Jay Saunders picking up the "International – Game Changer of the Year" award.
The ACQ5 Global Awards, currently in its 12th year, honors "...the leading deal teams, firms, and professionals whose activities set the standard." According to Jake Robson, Group Editor of The ACQ5, "Experts whose intimate knowledge and expertise in the corporate, cultural, financial and legal arenas are redefining our industry. The 2017 ACQ5 Global Award winners represent the best of breed in all industry sectors and have earned these honours by standing out in a group of very impressive finalists."
Nominees were voted for by over 83,000 industry professionals, who rated each nominee from 1 – 5 on criteria such as experience, value for money, and responsiveness.
Only nominees who received an average 4-star rating or above were shortlisted for an award.
Commenting on DSS winning the awards, Saunders stated, "One of our goals for 2017 was to make our brands more well known. While we're confident that we're building best-in-class products, that means nothing if we're not getting the word out. We're proud and honored to have won these ACQ5 Global Awards, as it confirms to us that the DSS brand profile is increasing internationally and that industry professionals are starting to take notice of our products and services."
PREMIER ROBINSON SPEAKS TO FCIB SERVICES IN SOUTH CAICOS
Premier Robinson today told RTC News that wishes to inform the residents of South Caicos that as Premier and Minister with responsibility for District Administration, she is aware of First Caribbean International Bank's decision to cease weekly banking services to customers on South Caicos with immediate effect.
Premier Robinson, "We are aware of the announcement made overseas of the Bank's intention to withdraw its weekly services in South Caicos. We regret this decision and have written to them asking for a reconsideration of this position and have suggested an alternative to the provision of services under another arrangement. We are awaiting their response and we will communicate this as soon as we are in receipt of a response.
This challenge has presented itself before many years ago and I invite residents to allow us the opportunity to make representations on the community's behalf. We are aware of the challenges that arise from this decision and have outlined them in detail to the Bank citing the risk to business owners, the extreme inconvenience and difficulty that persons who receive welfare or social services checks will now face, and the difficulty overall for public officers and customers generally who have been the beneficiaries of these services since Barclays Bank came to our shores.
We hope to reach a quick resolution. "
Trump says no trade war despite Asia outcry over tariffs
US President Donald Trump has brushed off concerns that new tariffs the US has imposed on imported washing machines and solar panels will lead to a trade war.
The announcement of the tariffs - of up to 50% - have prompted outcry from China and South Korea, the primary targets of the measure.
Some US businesses that rely on the imported products are also concerned.
Mr Trump dismissed the talk and said the tariffs would add jobs in the US.
At a signing ceremony on Tuesday, he said they "demonstrate to the world that the United States will not be taken advantage of any more."
"There won't be a trade war," he later added.
The action is part of US President Donald Trump's "America First" trade policy, which aims to protect local manufacturers from foreign competition.
South Korea said it would complain to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
China, the world's biggest solar panel producer, said the move was an "overreaction" and pledged to "work with other WTO members to resolutely defend its legitimate interests".
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke against tariffs at the World Economic Forum in Davos in an apparent reference to the US measures, although India's own finance ministry is planning a 70% tariff on Chinese solar panels.
"Forces of protectionism are raising their heads against globalisation. Their intention is not only to avoid globalisation themselves but they also want to reverse its natural flow," Mr Modi said.
Samsung, a South Korean company, said consumers in the US would be negatively affected by the measures.
"Everyone will pay more with fewer choices," a company statement said.
South Korea's LG Electronics also said the move would harm employment prospects at its new factory.
Mexico said it was "regrettable" that it was not excluded from the tariffs, adding that it would "use all available legal resources in response to the US decision".
In the US, the Solar Energy Industries Association, which campaigned against the decision, estimated that 23,000 American jobs would also be lost. It believes the US will not be able to keep up with demand for panels, meaning there will be less work for those producing complementary technology and fittings.
The tougher policy was approved by President Trump after the US International Trade Commission (ITC) found local manufacturers were being hurt by cheaper imports.
Manufacturing companies - Whirlpool, a US-based maker of washing machines, and the solar firms Suniva and Solar World Americas - had complained to the ITC and it found in their favour.
The ITC said that China had been selling "artificially low-priced" solar components in the US, assisted by state subsidies.
Mr Trump has talked about taking the action ever since coming to office. In his inauguration speech a year ago he promised to protect US borders from other countries "making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs".
Source- BBC