Venezuela calls early election, Maduro ready to run
Venezuela will hold presidential elections by the end of April, the ruling Constituent Assembly said Tuesday, pulling forward a vote in which President Nicolas Maduro hopes to triumph over a divided opposition and win a second term.
The 55-year-old Maduro, a towering mustachioed former bus driver who was Hugo Chavez's handpicked successor, said he is ready to run if he receives the party's nomination.
"I am a humber worker, a humble man of the people," he told reporters before taking the stage at a rally in Caracas.
"If the United Socialist Party of Venezuela... believes that I should be the presidential candidate... I'm at your service."
It is the closest that Maduro — who assumed power in April 2013 after Chavez died in office from cancer — has come to declaring his candidacy outright.
He has yet to formally be nominated by his party, but it seems a foregone conclusion.
Top party official Diosdado Cabello confirmed to the Assembly that Maduro would be the party's sole candidate.
"We are not going to have a problem. We have only one candidate to continue with the revolution," he said, as delegates chanted "Nicolas, Nicolas."
Vice President Tareck El Aissami told a party rally late last year that Maduro would seek a second term.
The polls had been scheduled to be held by the end of the year, but analysts had predicted Maduro would seek an early election to seize the advantage over his opponents as they reel from a string of recent defeats.
"It's completely logical for the government to advance the election, first because it faces a very complicated year economically, and second it's trying to catch the opposition at a time of much disruption," said analyst Benigno Alarcon.
Maduro's unpopularity rating has risen to 70 per cent as his oil-rich country slipped inexorably into a severe economic crisis compounded by corruption and the fall in the price of crude. A divided opposition, drawn into a coalition called the Democratic Union Roundtable (MUD), however has been unable to capitalize.
Instead, it has slipped to a series of defeats in regional and municipal elections it has blamed on massive government fraud, but which have seen the Socialists consolidate their hold on power. "Today, tomorrow, in the past, the only great truth is that this government and its leadership is abhorred by the vast majority of Venezuelans," former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles wrote on Twitter.
Cabello said the National Electoral Council (CNE) — accused by the opposition of serving the government — would set an exact date for the elections, which he said would be "before April 30." Cabello said the decision to bring forward the elections was a response to the United States and the European Union for imposing sanctions on Venezuela, which he said had the sole objective of "seeking a change of government."
"If the world wants to apply sanctions, we will apply elections," Cabello told the Assembly, created last year to usurp the power of the opposition-dominated legislature.
"Imperial powers have unleashed a systematic and hateful campaign against Venezuela," he said. Last week, the EU blacklisted seven senior Venezuelan officials over human rights violations, including the interior minister, the intelligence chief, the attorney general, the head of the CNE and Cabello himself.
The US also announced a series of sanctions against Venezuela as Maduro has consolidated power amid a crackdown on opponents.
Source-AFP
Tsunami warnings cancelled after massive earthquake hits off Alaska's coast
The tsunami warnings that were issued after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska early Tuesday have been cancelled.
The quake had triggered fears of a tsunami along the state's coast; alerts reached all the way south to the U.S. mainland's West Coast.
The earthquake happened just after 1 a.m. local time about 175 miles south of Kodiak, Alaska.
Residents of Kodiak were asked by police to move at least 100 feet above ground as a precaution. Kodiak Police Department said slightly before 2 a.m. local time (7 a.m. ET) they had not seen any increase in waves.
Tsunami warnings were issued for the south coast of Alaska and the western edge of British Columbia. Watches were extended as far south as California. Hawaii was under a tsunami watch as well.
Sirens warned residents in Kodiak to head for higher ground ahead of a tsunami feared to hit the Kodiak area at about 1:45 a.m., according to the Kodiak Police Department.
There were no reports of damage from the initial quake.
Source-ABC
Marin Cilic beats Rafael Nadal to reach semi-finals
World number one Rafael Nadal retired hurt in the fifth set of an enthralling quarter-final against Marin Cilic at the Australian Open.
The top seed was in visible pain on court and Cilic of Croatia will now face British number two Kyle Edmund in the semi-finals following his 3-6 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 2-0 victory.
It was only the second time in 264 Grand Slam matches that Spaniard Nadal has retired - the last being against Briton Andy Murray in the quarter-finals of the 2010 Australian Open.
Speaking following the match, Nadal said he would provide an update on his injury after an MRI scan on Wednesday.
Two teenagers dead and 17 injured in Kentucky
Two people have been killed and 17 injured in a high school shooting in the US state of Kentucky.
A 15-year-old girl died at the scene at Marshall County High School in the town of Benton and a 15-year-old boy died in hospital, said Kentucky's governor.
The unidentified attacker was a 15-year-old male student, who was arrested and is in custody.
State police said he was detained about 15 minutes after opening fire at 08:00 local time on Tuesday.
The lone attacker was a student at the school who opened fire with a handgun in a common area before classes started, according to local media.
He will be charged with murder and attempted murder, said officials, who add that the FBI is assisting in the investigation.
"To walk in, the backpacks laying around, the phones laying around, going off, it's indescribable," said Marshall County Attorney Jeffery Edwards, reports the Louisville Courier-Journal.
"I've been doing this for 25 years. It's not like anything I've experienced in my life."
Mr Edwards told the newspaper that the shooter had appeared to open fire at random.
The state governor said the attacker was taken into custody in "a nonviolent apprehension".
Five students were taken to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee for treatment. One died there after suffering a gunshot to the head.
"There's an uptick of these mass casualties across the country... and we can handle a huge load of patients," said trauma surgeon Dr Richard Miller during a press conference.
Governor Matt Bevin called the attack a "tremendous tragedy" in a statement posted on Twitter.
"It is unbelievable that this would happen in a small, close-knit community like Marshall County," he said.
"As there is still much unknown, I encourage people to love on each other at this time.
"Do not speculate, but come alongside each other in support and allow the facts to come out."
The school has 1,146 students. Benton is about 130 miles (210 km) north-west of Nashville, Tennessee.
Source-BBC
"Shape of Water," "Three Billboards" among leading nominees for 90th Annual Academy
Here are the nominees for the 90th Annual Academy Awards, announced this morning by Andy Serkis and Tiffany Haddish:
Best Picture
The Shape of Water
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Lady Bird
The Post
Phantom Thread
Get Out
Dunkirk
Call Me By Your Name
Darkest Hour
Best Director
Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water
Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk
Jordan Peele, Get Out
Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird
Paul Thomas Anderson, Phantom Thread
Best Actor
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour
James Franco, The Disaster Artist
Timothee Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name
Daniel Day Lewis, Phantom Thread
Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out
Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel Esq.
Best Actress
Frances McDormand, Three Billboards
Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water
Margot Robbie, I, Tonya
Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird
Meryl Streep, The Post
Best Supporting Actor
Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project
Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards
Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water
Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World
Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards
Best Supporting Actress
Mary J. Blige, Mudbound
Allison Janney, I, Tonya
Leslie Manville, Phantom Thread
Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird
Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water
Best Original Song
"Mystery of Love," Call Me By Your Name
"Mighty River," Mudbound
"Remember Me," Coco
"Stand Up for Something," Marshall
"This Is Me," The Greatest Showman
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Call Me By Your Name
The Disaster Artist
Logan
Molly's Game
Mudbound
Writing (Original Screenplay)
Three Billboard Outside of Ebbing, Missouri
The Big Sick
Get Out
Lady Bird
The Shape of Water
Best Foreign Language Film
A Fantastic Woman
The Insult
Loveless
On Body and Soul
The Square
Best Animated Feature Film
Coco
The Boss Baby
The Breadwinner
Ferdinand
Loving Vincent
Production Design
Beauty and the Beast
Blade Runner 2049
The Shape of Water
Dunkirk
Darkest Hour
Cinematography
Blade Runner 2049
Darkest Hour
Dunkirk
Mudbound
The Shape of Water
Costume Design
Beauty and the Beast
Darkest Hour
Phantom Thread
The Shape of Water
Victoria & Abdul
Sound Editing
Baby Driver
Blade Runner 2049
Dunkirk
The Shape of Water
Star Wars: The last Jedi
Sound Mixing
Baby Driver
Blade Runner 2049
Dunkirk
The Shape of Water
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Short Film - Animated
Dear Basketball
Negative Space
Garden Party
Lou
Revolting Rhymes
Caribbean Port Management Workshop 2018: Mega-hurricanes, new technologies and Regional Disaster Assistance Network dominate topics
In less than four months since the passing of the last of the five devastating hurricanes of 2017, representatives of the broader Caribbean maritime community gather in Panama on January 22, 23 and 24 to discuss the type and nature of the destruction; and, what technologies, systems and networks are now necessary to deal with future tropical hurricanes.
Registration of participants began this week for the inaugural Caribbean Port Management Workshop, being held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Panama. The three-day event, organized and presented by the Port Management Association of the Caribbean, Portside Caribbean and Caribbean Maritime University, has attracted the attention of a number of regional organizations. Coming soon after the historically violent hurricane season of 2017, this year's Workshop provides an early opportunity to analyse and initiate plans and strategies ahead of 2018's tropical storms.
Already, a number of cruise and cargo ports and terminals around the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico have registered or have indicated intentions to participate. Representatives of cruise ports and cargo terminals that were recently affected by destruction of land and port assets will share and analyse the type nature of port infrastructure damage and how defensive systems performed or failed under the onslaught of 2017's mega-hurricanes. This opening workshop session is a prelude to a broader discussion to take place on the second day of Workshop 2018.
INTEGRATED REGIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE AND RELIEF NETWORK
In the broader discussion, a plenary on January 22, participants will discuss coordination o assistance and relief efforts following major disasters and, specifically, the building of an integrated Regional Disaster Assistance and Relief Network operating across the Caribbean region. Already, representative from organizations, including the Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre, CBCL Consulting Engineers Limited, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), American Salvage Association, Oil Spill Response Ltd., T & T salvage, Panama, DHI. The Inter-American Committee on Ports (OAS-CIP), the American Association of Port authorities (AAPA), the Gulf Ports Association of the Americas, and the Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH) have registered or confirmed intention to attend.
Workshop 2018 will begin, after formalities with Tropical Hurricanes: Recent Phenomena – Impacts, Destruction and Outlook. This will be presented by the Regional Chair of the world Meteorological Organization, Dr. Albert Martis. This will be followed by accounts and recollections of what exactly happened in 2017, as Caribbean port managers show and tell stories not reported by news media but which are vital for the planning and development of sustainable port facilities. Of special interest also is a presentation entitles A Regional Lifeline, by Dr Carlos Manuel Gomez Rudy, Administrator of the massive resource facility of the Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, now under construction in Panama.
DESIGNING, SUSTAINING, EXPANDING HARBOURS AND PORTS
The 2018 Caribbean Port Management Workshop will have three tracks (of workshop presentations) over its first two days. A total of 19 Workshop sessions will be presented in the three tracks. Two tracks will run simultaneously on Day 1, giving participants a choice of reviewing the latest satellite-based technology and systems for designing, sustaining or expanding harbours and port facilities or, otherwise, addressing disaster management and response strategies.
Day 2 will bring all participants into the discussion to establish a region-wide disaster assistance/relief network.
On Day 3, participants will leave the classroom setting at the Sheraton Hotel to visit three facilities, including the expanded Panama Canal and particularly its awesome new set of locks. This will be followed by a visit to the award-winning Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) to see the latest in port operations technology and systems.
RTC News understands that MIT will be hosting the 2018 Caribbean Port Management Workshop in Panama.
Premier Robinson Announces Final Extension For Import Duty Exemption
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is pleased to announce the extension of the Customs (Import Duty Exemption) Order 2018.
The Order may be cited as the Customs (Import Duty Exemption) Order 2018 and will now expire on 31st March 2018.
The import duty exemption shall apply to individuals seeking to import goods of a description specifically furniture, appliances and general construction/building materials for personal use and not for resale. Merchants are excluded from this final extension and residents are reminded that no letter need to be written to the Minister of Finance. Persons are encouraged to consult with the Customs Department to ensure compliance and to avoid unnecessary challenges ahead of imports. Be sure that your items are included within the Order and all documentation is provided even ahead of of shipment.
An individual seeking to import goods of the description specified and; to be granted the import duty exemption shall on importation of any such goods produce to the Collector of Customs –
(a) Evidence of ownership of the damaged property or long-term residence at the property.
(b) Evidence of damage to property, furniture or appliances, either through photographs or insurance assessments and;
(c) Proof of the value of the replacement furniture or appliance either by invoice or quotation. This Government is seeking to channel resources quickly, flexibly and efficiently to ensure that they reach those most adversely affected. My Government will ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders are in a position to rebuild bigger and better.
Premier Robinson in announcing this final extension to RTC News said, "These remain challenging times in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In the face of fallen revenue and early in our continuing early recovery efforts, it is important to support our residents where we can. I am pleased to announce the final extension. We recognize the challenge with insurers, shipping delays and orders being filled and believe that many will be grateful for this final extension. This has been a wait and see period as we watch our revenue performances and are happy to offer this final extension. I wish to remind us all that this is a great sacrifice at this time and I must encourage persons to cease the attempts to abuse this opportunity being presented. We are not at the revenue levels that we wish to record nor have we recovered what was loss but we are committed to helping those who are able to help themselves in their repairs.
As we seek to finalise our firm recovery plans, I wish to encourage our residents by our present state. No Irma, No Maria, no super-storm is superior to our indomitable spirit. We are Turks and Caicos Strong and we will emerge from these natural phenomena better, smarter, stronger and more united as we seek to rebuild.
Rest assured that my Government will explore strategies, implement policies and legislation to ensure that we remain a resilient people".
From the Department of Registration and Citizenship in the Ministry of Border Control and Employment
The Department of Registration and Citizenship in the Ministry of Border Control and Employment hereby reminds the general public that all applications for the TCI Status Cards that are supported by foreign government issued and other official documents must be notarized by the Notary Public of the permanent residence jurisdiction (the issuing country) and verified by an apostle, confirming that the undersigned is a member of the Notary Public in that jurisdiction. The public is further advised that the department will not be accepting affidavits in lieu of birth certificates or other supporting documents.
To assist in the advancement of applications, and to minimize delays, persons are advised to avail themselves of the TCI Status Ordinance which came into effect on April 1st 2016, prior to submission of applications, in order to confirm their eligibility to hold Turks and Caicos Islander status. For further assistance please call our customer service centers on 338-2983 or 338-4121.
TCI POST CABINET STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Dr John Freeman, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 17 January 2018, at the Hon. Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales.
All Ministers were present except the Hon. Deputy Premier.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Noted the recommendations of the Procurement Board to award a contract in line with the Public Procurement Ordinance 2012 as follows –TR17/30 Supply of fencing materials for the TCI Ports Authority;
· Approved the waiver of import customs duty on furniture and appliances which qualify under the list of approved items in the Customs (Import Duty Exemption) (No.3) Order which were imported by a number of applicants to replace items damaged by the hurricanes and which were paid for before but not received by the deadline of 31 December 2017 as stipulated in the Customs (Import Duty Exemption) (No.3) Order;
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve, subject to amendments being made, the draft Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2018 for forwarding to the House of Assembly for Approval;
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve amendments to the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprise Development Ordinance 2015 subject to compliance monitoring of approved concessions being conducted by Invest TCI and summary reports being prepared for Cabinet;
· Received an up-date by the Hon. Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services on the re-opening of schools in TCI following the September hurricanes and on plans to re-open those that remain closed or are still in need of repair, including support from the private sector;
· Received an up-date by the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication on discussions with Digicel and FLOW on plans to restore IT and telephone connectivity on Grand Turk and other islands in TCI which continue to suffer severe communications disruption following the September hurricanes;
· Received feedback from His Excellency the Governor on a meeting which he chaired on 16 January involving the Department for Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) and other agencies involved in TCI's disaster management response. The meeting discussed hurricane preparedness priorities to be addressed ahead of the 2018 hurricane season as well as a revised TCIG command response structure and implementation timescales to ensure that TCI is fully prepared for this year's hurricane season. His Excellency the Governor undertook to forward to Hon. Ministers a list of priority hurricane preparedness issues drawn up at his request by DDME for urgent consideration;
· Discussed the issue of access to the beach at Taylor Bay;
· Received an up-date from the Hon. Premier on action taken following the fire at the control tower at Grand Turk airport on 14 January;
· Received an up-date from the Hon. Premier on measures to repair and restore facilities at Grand Turk airport following damage as a result of the September hurricanes;
· Received an up-date from the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Gaming on problems of banking and ambulance services on North and Middle Caicos. The Hon. Minister further requested an up-date on the situation regarding vector control on North and Middle Caicos and the temporary clinic on North Caicos;
· Received an up-date from the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Gaming on problems encountered by a visiting overseas film crew;
· Received an up-date from the Hon. Premier on the forthcoming National Honours and Awards ceremony in Grand Turk in Grand Turk on 20 January.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
Customs Duty Exemption, Frequently Asked Questions
Customs Duty Exemption, Frequently Asked Questions:
What does the exemption order do?
The exemption Order will allow importers to import the selected goods into the Turks and Caicos Islands duty free.
What goods are listed under the current Customs Order?
For full details of the items listed under the Order, you may visit the TCI Customs Department website at www.customs.gov.tc
However, below are a list of items that are currently included in the Customs Order:
Selected Building materials, namely:
Concrete Blocks
Sheetrock
Aggregate/Fill/Material/Asphalt
Lumber
Plywood
Structural steel and sheets
Fasteners (screws, nails, bolts)
Zinc sheets and other roofing material
Electrical conduits, boxes, fixtures, wires etc.
Plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures
Finishing materials (paint, shore coat, etc.)
Windows and doors materials
Hurricane straps
Floor finishes (hardwood flooring, tiles, stain, varnish, etc.)
Construction tools and equipment(excluding equipment under chapter 84 of the Customs Tariff such as Work Trucks, Cranes, Excavators, Fork lift Trucks, Bulldozers, Levelers and similar equipment)
Electrical wires
Fencing
Roof Sealing
Selected Furniture, namely:
Sofa
Love seat
Accent chairs
Cocktail table
Sofa table
End table
Bed frame
Bed headboard
Bed footboard
Dining room table
Dining room and chairs
Mattress
Box spring
Dresser and mirror
Nightstands
Chest of drawers
Selected Appliances, namely
Television (one per importer/declarant)
Refrigerator
Stove
Microwaves
When does the order expire?
The Current Customs Order expires on the 31st of March 2018, at 11:59pm.
What happens if my goods are shipped before the order expires but arrives after the order expires?
In order to qualify for this Customs duty exemption the goods must be "landed" in the Turks and Caicos before the expiry of the Order on the 31st January 2018.
***Landed means the date that the vessel or aircraft arrives in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Who do I contact to benefit from the Customs Order?
To benefit from this Customs Order a written request must be submitted to the Collector of Customs, requesting the exemption and producing documents stipulated in the order.
What are the contact details for those who process these request?
The Concessions desk contacts are as follows:
gmoultrie@gov.tc or 338-5500
drobinson@gov.tc or 2442355
ldmalcolm@gov.tc or 3313221 or 2313221
For General Inquiries:
Providenciales:
cmwilliams@gov.tc or 2459205
rggibbs@gov.tc or 2414260
jharry@gov.tc or 2448049
Grand Turk:
ncgarland@gov.tc or 2417454
ljoutten@gov.tc or 2411941
dsmith@gov.tc or 2310819
What supporting documents do I need to provide to benefit from the order?
Your letter to the Collector must be accompanied by the following:
Proof of ownership of the property, or long term residence there
Proof of damage to the property
Proof of damage to the furniture and appliances
Invoices for good replaced/purchased
Who qualifies under the order?
Only individuals qualify under the order, Businesses and Companies do not qualify.
Do I need to bring hard copies to the office or may documents be scanned and emailed?
You may drop copies to the office, and you may also scan and email to us.
What can be used to show proof of ownership of property?
As proof of ownership of property, you may submit a copy of the register page for the property, which is obtained from the Land Registry.
What may be used to show long term residence at the property?
A sworn Affidavit to that effect, lease or utility bills.
Does the Exemption cover the 7.5% Customs Processing Fee?
No, the exemption is a full duty exemption ONLY, which means that you will pay 0% duty, but the 7.5% Customs Processing Fee must be paid in full.
What happens if items acquired abroad are not shipped in my name?
In your letter to us, you must indicate that the goods belong to you but was consigned to another individual, and produce documents requested.
What happens if the land documents are in my wife's name, but the items are shipped in my name?
In this case you would apply in the usual way stating this in your letter, and producing a copy of your marriage certificate.
What happens if I have items which are not on the exemption list?
If you have imported items not on the exemption list, they will not be duty free, and you will have to pay the full duty rate.
What happens if I am granted the exemption but some of the items arrive in a later shipment?
Once you have been approved for the concession and items are short shipped, you will not have to be processed again, and you will not have to pay again. Your broker will use the same letter and follow the procedure for short-shipments. You must ensure that the Department is notified of a short shipment either directly or through your broker.
What happens if I am renting an apartment, but the furniture and appliances belong to me, would I be covered by the order?
Yes, if you are able to satisfy the Concessions desk that you are the owner.
What happens if I have multiple shipments? For example, Rooms to g o shipped my furniture on the 13th of January, Brandsmart shipped my appliances on the 24th of January, and Home Depot shipped my ceiling fans on the 14th of February?
Each shipment will require approval. This means that request will be made in each case.
Once I have received approval what do I do then?
Your approval letter must be submitted to your Broker (if you have one), who will attach it to you Customs Declaration, so that you pay 0% duty.
ENDS