Trump Again Defends Son's Meeting with Russian Lawyer
President Donald Trump is continuing to defend his eldest son's meeting last year with a Russian lawyer he expected was going to hand him incriminating material about Trump's election challenger, Democrat Hillary Clinton.
"Most politicians would have gone to a meeting like the one Don jr attended in order to get info on an opponent. That's politics!" Trump said Monday on his Twitter account.
Trump has tried several times now to defuse the controversy over Donald Trump Jr.'s June 2016 meeting with Natalia Veselnitskaya. The younger Trump agreed to the meeting after being told by an intermediary in an email chain she was a Russian government attorney who would give him material damaging Clinton to support Moscow's effort to help Trump win the election.
The younger Trump said the lawyer had no information about Clinton and the meeting quickly ended.
President Trump has said he only learned of the meeting in the last week, a gathering at Trump Tower in New York that also was attended by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Trump's then-campaign manager, Paul Manafort, and a long-time Russian-American lobbyist in Washington who was a one-time Soviet military officer.
But Senator Mark Warner, the leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, says that he finds it "unbelievable" that Trump was not told about the meeting a year ago.
The meeting is now one focus of several Washington investigations into Russian meddling in the election, with numerous congressional panels interviewing witnesses and scheduling hearings.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is now heading a criminal investigation. He is probing contacts between Trump's campaign and Russian interests and whether Trump obstructed justice by firing James Comey, then the FBI director who was leading the agency's Russia investigation before Mueller took over.
A new Washington Post-ABC News poll said that 60 percent of those it surveyed believe the younger Trump's meeting with the Russian lawyer was inappropriate.
President Trump on Sunday fumed at the American news media for its reporting on the meeting, accusing reporters of "distorting democracy."
Source-VOA
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY & TOMORROW 17TH & 18th JULY 2017
GENERAL SITUATION: DEEP LAYERED TROUGH IS MOVING ACROSS THE BAHAMAS & WILL MAINTAIN SOME UNSETTLED WEATHER CONDITIONS OVER OUR ISLANDS THROUGH TONIGHT
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS AND BEACH GOERS SHOULD REMAIN ALERT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY. HEAVY DOWNPOURS AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY COULD PRODUCE LOCALIZE FLOODING IN LOW LYING AND FLOOD PRONE AREAS.
FOR THE TCI AND ALL AREAS:
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY TO CLOUDY SKIES WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND WIDELY SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS, SOME HEAVY AT TIMES THROUGH TONIGHT
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. A SMALL CRAFT CAUTION WILL COME INTO EFFECT IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS LATER TONIGHT
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST 10 TO 15 KNOTS BUT INCREASING TO 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST LATER TONIGHT OVER OPEN WATERS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET BUT INCREASING TO 4 TO 6 FEET TONIGHT IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS TONIGHT
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 91°F 33°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE: 75°F 24°C
SUNRISE: 06:30 AM MOONSET: 02:12 PM LOW TIDE: 08:35 AM
SUNSET: 08:02 PM MOONRISE: 01:59 PM TUE HIGH TIDE: 02:59 PM
LOW TIDE: 09:20 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:13 AM TUE
EXTENDED FORECAST: HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE WILL EXTEND OVER THE ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH BRIEF PASSING ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS TURNING FAIR AND WARM AT NIGHT
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH BRIEF PASSING ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS TURNING FAIR AND WARM AT NIGHT
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: 1. A SMALL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM LOCATED ABOUT 800 MILES EAST OF THE WINDWARD ISLANDS IS MOVING WESTWARD AT ABOUT 15 MPH. ASSOCIATED SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY IS BEGINNING TO SHOW SOME OF ORGANIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO BE MARGINALLY CONDUCIVE FOR SOME OF THIS SYSTEM BEFORE IT REACHES THE LESSER ANTILLES IN TWO TO THREE DAYS. AFTER THAT TIME, LESS UPPER-LEVEL WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO HINDER ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
AN AIR FORCE RESERVE AIRCRAFT IS SCHEDULED TO INVESTIGATE THE DISTURBANCE THIS AFTERNOON, IF NECESSARY. CHANCE OF THROUGH THE NEXT 48 HOURS TO 5 DAYS IS MEDIUM AT 40 TO 50%. 2. AN AREA OF DISTURBED WEATHER HAS SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS. SOME DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SYSTEM IS OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS WHILE IT MOVES SLOWLY TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST OR NORTHWEST OVER THE OPEN ATLANTIC CHANCE OF FORMATION THROUGH 48 HOURS IS LOW AT 10% AND THROUGH 5 DAYS IS LOW AT 20%.
Four Defendants faced the Providenciales Magistrate's Court
Earlier on Monday July 17, 2017, Legal Assistant John Ewing Jr. appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate court representing the National Insurance Board in the following matters.
Defendant Edwin Hernandez Cueto was bond to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court to answer to complaints filed by the NIB for failing to pay NIB contributions and additional charges as an employer in the amount of $5,572.22. A bench warrant was issued for the defendant. The matter was adjourned for mention on Monday, August 14, 2017 at 9am.
In the second hearing, Defendant Ricardo Forbes was bond to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court to answer to complaints filed by the NIB for failing to pay NIB contributions and additional charges as a self-employed person in the amount of $6,434.16. A bench warrant was issued for the defendant. The matter was adjourned for mention on Monday, August 24, 2017 at 9am.
Mr. Steven Jennings of Steel Unlimited appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court to answer to complaints filed by the NIB for failing to pay NIB contributions and additional charges as an employer and self-employed person in the amount of $28,283.83. The matter was adjourned for mention on Monday, August 14, 2017 at 9am.
The final defendant, Tracey-Ann Ewing-Hurdle was bond to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court to answer to an application for a writ of execution filed by the NIB for the levying of $23,760.28. The matter was adjourned for mention on Monday, August 14, 2017 at 9am.
C&W COMMUNICATIONS IN THE VANGUARD OF PRE-5G TESTING IN THE CARIBBEAN
At the 33rd CANTO Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition, John Reid, CEO of C&W Communications (C&W), announced that C&W has completed a groundbreaking pre-5G (fifth generation wireless broadband technology) trial in Antigua. Once installed, Antigua will be the first country in the region with the most advanced pre-5G network, delivering download peak speeds of up to 800 Mbps. In the trial’s next phase, the Company expects to test a 5G prototype reaching 2 to 5 Gbps peak speeds, which will have a profound positive impact on the island.
The announcement came as part of Reid’s keynote address today to prominent Caribbean officials at the 33rd CANTO Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition in the Dominican Republic. “These are exciting times for C&W Communications, as we continue to invest and develop more pioneering innovations to meet the needs of our customers and enable growth in the region through transformative technology,” said Reid. “This pre-5G trial in the Caribbean, is a significant step towards the evolution of C&W’s mobile networks across the region to 5G, and providing Gigabit speeds to our customers in Antigua,” he continued.
C&W’s pre-5G technology trial, a combined effort with parent company Liberty Global, is based on LTE Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro), the latest LTE evolution, that delivers lower latency, more capacity and improved reliability for customers. This translates into a faster mobile internet experience where customers can better participate in advanced technology such as richer video experience and new apps.
In early October, the Company will further test a 5G prototype network designed to deliver wireless data connections above 2 Gbps. If the trials are successful, and the business case favorable, the Company plans to invest another $5 million in Antigua alone to significantly upgrade the wireless infrastructure there. C&W has invested $1.5 billion in the region over the last three years.
5G is a new set of standards beyond traditional 4G/LTE technologies. This set of standards will allow operators to deliver wireless data connections above 1 Gbps and to enable the Internet of Things (IoT). C&W’s pre-5G trial and 5G prototype trials are part of a partnership with Ericsson, who will provide the equipment and software in Antigua and across the Caribbean.
SPORTS MINISTER CONGRATULATES COLBY JENNINGS
Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services has congratulated Colby Jennings on an impressive performance in the track and field event at the IAAF World Under 18 Championships in Nyrobi, Kenya where he won Bronze medal in the final 400m.
Hon Malcolm stated; "My Ministry is looking forward to welcoming Colby back home and celebrating his achievement. Colby is still quite young and I'm confident that he will achieve many more records in his career."
"I am elated to see our athletes demonstrating their phenomenal skills competing against larger countries on the world stage performing at the highest level and actually securing medals."
The Minister encourages the public to attend the celebrations when Colby returns to the Turks and Caicos Islands. "We must come and support our athlete. I admire the humility of our athletes in both victory and defeat. Qualities which signifies the making of great athletes."
Colby Jennings will join the team of athletes from Turks and Caicos Islands in Nassau, Bahamas during the course of the week. The team left the islands on July 16, 2017, to participate in the Commonwealth Youth Games.
A representative from the Department of Sports, Mr. Kyle Knowles will also accompany the team. Hon. Malcolm wishes all the athletes, their coaches and support teams all the best in the Commonwealth Youth Games and will be following the team's progress with great interest as they perform in the Bahamas. The government remains committed to providing the necessary resources to help the athletes achieve success.
Investigative Officer Completes Attachment in Saint Maarten
The Investigative Officer within The Turks and Caicos Islands Office of the Complaints Commission, Ms. Ciphany Skippings, recently completed a one week attachment with the Bureau of the Ombudsman in Saint Maarten. The objective of the attachment was to bring about an awareness of the overall structure, capabilities and functioning of the Complaints Commission and to enhance the knowledge, skills, expertise and social behavior of the Investigative Officer.
Ms. Skippings was able to participate in a number of planned programmes which allowed for the exchange of ideas, techniques, practices and procedures, ultimately being able to receive the benefit of observing and experiencing the day to day activities and functioning of the operation of the Bureau of the Ombudsman in Saint Maarten, with an aim to being able to compare and comprise an analysis of the similarities and differences in the carrying out of investigative duties here in the Turks and Caicos Islands with those of our counter parts.
The training aspects targeted areas which included:
Investigative Planning Strategies
The Importance of Establishing Guidelines for Procedures
Report Writing
The Importance of Maintaining Equilibrium and;
Progressive Patterns of Interdependence in the workplace
Ms. Skippings stated; "The experience gained was very rewarding, comprehensive and thought provoking."
Weather Update for Sunday July 16th,2017
GENERAL SITUATION: A SURFACE TROUGH ACROSS THE BAHAMAS COUPLED WITH DEEP LAYERED TROUGHING CONTINUES TO INCREASE SHOWER CHANCES OVER THE ISLANDS.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS AND BEACHGOERS SHOULD REMAIN ALERT FOR THE RISK OF WATERSPOUTS.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY AND WARM WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, SOME BECOMING HEAVY AT TIMES.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS, BUT FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 91°F 33°C
LOW TEMPERATURE TONIGHT: 75°F 24°C
SUNRISE: 06:30 AM MOONSET: 01:12 PM LOW TIDE: 07:42 AM
SUNSET: 08:02 PM MOONRISE: 01:12AM MON. HIGH TIDE: 01:59 PM
LOW TIDE: 08:14 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:12 AM MON.
***LAST QUARTER MOON @ 3:26PM***
EXTENDED FORECAST: THE SURFACE TROUGH WILL GRADUALLY SHIFT WEST OF THE ISLANDS THROUGH TUESDAY AS HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS ACROSS THE AREA.
FORECAST FOR MONDAY
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDY AND WARM WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
Social Media Statements on Brandie Nova Anderson false says IC & AG
The Integrity Commission & the Attorney General's Chambers jointly released a statement to RTC News following a fake story.
This matter on a publication by someone who appears to be under a pseudonym has been published on various social media sites viciously defaming the Registrar of Lands, Ms. Brandie Anderson.
Ms. Anderson was appointed Registrar of Lands, on November 3rd, 2014 following an open competition for the post and was successful having gone through the procedures set out in the Public Service Ordinance.
Ms. Anderson came to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government with various qualifications and having had over twelve years of legal practice in the private and public sectors in Jamaica and has transformed the Land Registry into an efficient operation in accordance with the requirements of the Registered Land Ordinance and has garnered the respect of her peers both within and outside of the public service. Ms. Anderson came to the Turks and Caicos Islands with a clean police record.
Having seen the public statement from the Integrity Commission, it is now very clear that some person or persons hiding behind the name "Joshua Pierre" made a malicious and damaging publication that has no basis in truth as it has been confirmed that no investigation into Ms. Anderson is being carried out by the Integrity Commission.
The Commission has a constitutional and statutory obligation to investigate every complaint or report of alleged act of corruption or breach of the Code of Conduct with a view primarily, to establish the truth or falsity of the complaint or report. This is what the Commission proposes to do in this case.
The Commission recognizes that social media provides a platform through which persons freely interact and communicate various information on any matter, using their names, pseudonyms or plainly anonymous. When social media exchanges relate to or concern the Commission or its operations, it is not the policy of the Commission to respond to such exchanges, unless it is absolutely necessary to safeguard not only the effective discharge of the Commission’s mandate but also public confidence in its ability to continue to do so. This includes the discharge of its strict confidentiality obligations. Equally to be emphasized, is that persons who use the liberty of social media as a cloak to make or give false and malicious information, complaints or reports against other persons, agencies or institutions, must be prepared to face the severe consequences under the law for so doing.
The Government's funds, including that, which have been appropriated to the Land Registry, are managed and paid through strict financial management and procurement procedures, and audited at the end of each Financial Year. There has been no finding to implicate Ms. Anderson of any wrongdoing since she commenced her service with TCIG.
All persons are reminded of the serious legal consequences of causing damage to the professional reputation of public officers who are merely seeking to carry out their functions in accordance with the high professional standards of the public service. Public officers are reminded of Circular No.2 on Social Media issued by the Deputy Governor in June 2017 and in particular, that under penalty of law, officers are reminded to uphold and maintain the highest ethical and processional standards and to not -in activities that would bring himself or herself or the public service into disrepute, and at all times shall discharge his or her duties and generally conduct himself or herself with integrity, impartiality and honesty."
This matter has been referred to the Police.
Floyd Mayweather uses homophobic slur after accusing Conor McGregor of racism
Floyd Mayweather used a homophobic slur after accusing Conor McGregor of racist comments during the media tour to promote their Las Vegas fight.
Mayweather will face UFC lightweight title-holder McGregor in 12 rounds under boxing rules in August.
"He called black people monkeys," said the American, 40, during a news conference at Wembley Arena on Friday.
Mayweather then addressed McGregor as: "You punk. You faggot. You ho."
In response to accusations of racism, McGregor has said that he is a "multicultural individual".
The 29-year-old is alleged to have made racist comments during the third stop of the tour in New York on Thursday.
"He totally disrespected black women," added Mayweather. "Then he spoke disrespectfully to my mother and he spoke disrespectfully to my daughter."
Former five-weight boxing world champion Mayweather and his opponent McGregor have conducted a series of press conferences in recent days to promote their fight, with stops in Los Angeles and Toronto before the trips to New York and London.
Source-BBC
Knicks halt Carmelo Anthony trade talks
The New York Knicks are reportedly putting the brakes on talks to trade Carmello Anthony.
League sources told ESPN that the team is considering the possibility of reincorporating the small forward into the franchise.
The Knicks were in talks for nearly a month with the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers to work out a deal for Anthony. New York is now stepping back from trade talks for a short period of time, league sources told ESPN.
Anthony was said to be eager to waive his no-trade clause to join either team.
Source-ABC