Trump signs new travel-ban directive
President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order placing a 90-day ban on people from six mainly Muslim nations.
Iraq - which was covered in the previous seven-nation order - has been removed from the new one after agreeing additional visa vetting measures.
The directive, which includes a 120-day ban on all refugees, takes effect on 16 March.
The previous order, which was blocked by a federal court, sparked confusion at airports and mass protests.
Presented as a means to strengthen national security against terror threats, it was blocked by the courts and effectively remains on hold.
The new order was unveiled by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Homeland Security John Kelly.
"The fact remains that we are not immune to terrorist threats and that our enemies often use our own freedoms and generosity against us," said Mr Kelly.
In justifying the refugee ban, Mr Sessions said there are more than 300 refugees under investigation for potential terror offences. But no further details were given.
Citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, the other six countries on the original 27 January order, will once more be subject to a 90-day travel ban.
Traveller from Guyana ingests 44 cocaine pellets before flight
A man travelling from Guyana was Saturday arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston following the discovery of cocaine pellets in his body.
Reports are that about 2:25 pm, the man, who had just disembarked the flight, was observed acting in a manner that aroused the suspicion of the police.
The lawmen accosted the man, who they said admitted to having ingested cocaine pellets.
He was taken to hospital where he expelled forty-four pellets of cocaine weighing approximate one pound. The drug has an estimated street value of $598,000.
The accused, whose identity has not been released, is to be charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine and importation of cocaine.
END
GT woman charged with perverting the course of Justice in Kevino Smith`s murder probe
31 year-old Lavina Griffith of Grand Turk has been charged with attempting to pervert the course of Justice in the ongoing Kevino "Bah" Smith murder investigation.
According to a Police statement on (Friday 24th February), detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have formally charged and cautioned the woman.
Griffith who appeared in the Grand Turk Magistrate's Court on (Thursday March 2nd) pleaded not guilty to the charges laid before her.
Last month three Grand Turk women ages 19, 28 and 53 were re-arrested on suspicion charges.
However, the two other females who were previously arrested have been released from all bail obligations.
Prior to their arrest, 3 males on Grand Turk and Providenciales, ages 24, 25 and 31yrs were charged with the murder of Kevino Smith of Grand Turk.
The men appeared in court on February 3 where the matter was heard by Magistrate Tanya Lobban Jackson in Court 1 Providenciales where Krishna Penn, Conrad Thomas Jr and Lamar Griffiths were arraigned.
Penn is being represented by Laura Maroof; Oliver Smith is representing for 31-year old Lamar Griffiths and Smith served as attorney in lieu for Conrad Thomas Jr when his lawyer, Keith Thomas, could not appear on his behalf.
The men will appear in the Grand Turk Supreme Court for a sufficiency hearing on April 7.
It has been two years since 25-year-old Smith went missing after a reported heated confrontation
Kevino Smith was reported missing by his family on Friday 6th March 2015.
After continuous and extensive searches, his body was found on Thursday 16th April in the Breezy Brae area of Grand Turk by members of the community.
Young Smith's family, especially his mother Patsy Smith, have been highly critical of the handling of the investigation, regularly writing on social media, that her boy had been forgotten. Smith's dismembered remains were found in Breezy Brae, Grand Turk, in late April 2015 following an aggressive police search. And it was in July that police finally confirmed that the remains discovered were indeed that of young Smith.
Subsequent to the discovery of his body, several suspects have been arrested on suspicion and some are currently on bail for numerous offences which include murder, conspiracy to commit murder and perverting the course of justice.
The police, in a statement on their facebook page, said: "We are determined to establish what happened to Kevino and how he came to lose his life, which we hope will bring some closure and small comfort to his family.
TURKS AND CAICOS POST 5th CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Dr John Freeman, chaired the 5th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 1 March 2017, at the N J S Francis Building on Grand Turk.
All Ministers were present except the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve a mutation and rectification and then a tender for applications for the commercial lease of combined Crown Land Parcels 60610/305 and 306 at Norway and Five Cays, Providenciales, in line with section 34 of the Crown Land Ordinance 2012;
· Approved a Provisional Warrant Resolution for forwarding to the next sitting of the House of Assembly for the withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund of an amount not exceeding $85,067,096 for the continuation of government business for the first four months of Financial Year 2017/18 pending passage and entry into force of an approved Appropriation Ordinance for 2017/18;
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to appoint the following as members of the International Finance Marketing and Promotions Working Group (IFMPWG), the body set up to advise the Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment on the strategic direction and promotion of the TCI financial services sector, for a period of 18 months with effect from 1 April 2017 – Mr Peter Savory (Corporate Management/Trust Administration); Mr Kenrick Walters (Banking); Mr Norman Hamilton (Insurance); Mr Clayton Been (Corporate Management/Trust Administration); Mr Mark Lindsay McCann (Trust Administration); Mr Jonathan Katan (Bar Association); Mr David Stewart (Trust/Financial Industry Association); Governor’s Office representative; FSC representative; AG’s Chamber’s representative; Ministry of Finance representative;
· Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Premier’s Official Residence on Grand Turk for a period of four years with effect from 1 March 2017;
· Discussed a paper prepared by the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services on ongoing management issues at the National Health Insurance Board;
· Agreed to extend the 2016/17 lobster season from 15 March to 31 March 2017;
· Noted the recommendations of the Public Procurement Board to award contracts in line with the Public Procurement Ordinance 2012 as follows – TR16/20 Upgrade and extension of the Providenciales morgue and equipment; TR16/33 Repairs to the Lands Division building, Grand Turk; TR16/34 Enhancement of the Standard Integrated Government Tax Administration System for the Revenue Department; TR16/40 Construction of a classroom block, Long Bay High School Phase III; TR16/48 Mental Health Home Phase III, Grand Turk; TR16/51 Replacement roof, Waterloo Phase II;
· Received an information paper from the Ministry of Home Affairs updating Cabinet on progress on emergency works at HM Prison to be discussed further at the next meeting of Cabinet;
· Received a briefing by the Hon. Attorney General on her attendance at the recent Financial Action Task Force Plenary Meeting at the OECD in Paris including steps required to be taken by TCI to meet its financial services related international commitments in relation to the Global Forum on the Exchange of Tax Information’s assessment of TCI set for the third quarter of 2017 and the CFTAF mutual evaluation of TCI which is set for the first quarter of 2018 and, in particular, commitments related to beneficial ownership
· Agreed adjustments to the Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement 2017/21 to be submitted to the UK Government to take account of planned revenue and expenditure related to the European Union grant provided to TCI under the European Development Fund (EDF) 11;
· Received a briefing by the Hon. Premier and HE the Deputy Governor on their recent attendance at the annual EU/Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) meeting in Aruba including on TCI assuming the Chair of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association and on the signing of the Financing Agreement of the EDF 11;
· Received a briefing by the Hon. Deputy Premier on his recent attendance at the twenty eighth inter-sessional meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Guyana including on regional security issues and correspondent banking.
SIPT judge calls in sick -trial delayed again
THE Special Investigation and Prosecution Trial (SIPT) has been pushed back even further as Justice Paul Harrison has reported sick.
On Monday, February 27, when the trial was set to resume after a three week break, the court was informed that the judge would not be attending, as he had fallen ill.
Harrison's absence will continue until March 20, when the trial will hopefully resume.
The 78-year-old Harrison has been the subject of much controversy due to his advanced age, when his appointment to the trial was first made in 2012, and as recent as 2015, when Misick filed an application with the court to have him removed. That application was unsuccessful.
However, while the judge's medical condition does raise questions yet again about is age and agility to preside over such a tedious and long running trial, his absence does stand one person in very good stead.
That person is Michael Misick, chief defendant.
The delay gives Misick additional time to bring his new lawyer – Reginald Armour - up to speed with the progress of the hearing over these last fifteen months.
As previously reported, Misick's senior counsel, Ralph Thorne, a Barbadian, abruptly resigned from the case on January 30, causing a sudden halt to the proceedings.
The former premier was granted the three-week recess, after Thorne's emailed resignation from the case, after he had failed to show up when the trial resumed on January 16, 2017.
Nominations officially open for National Honours and Awards program
NOMINATIONS are now officially open for the third annual National Honours and Awards program, and the public is being urged to submit their suggestions.
This comes as the National Honours and Awards Committee (NHAC) hosted a press conference at the Hilly Ewing building in Providenciales on Wednesday, March 1 to update the public on the upcoming awards ceremony which is expected to be held in October this year.
The program recognizes outstanding locals who have made a praiseworthy contribution to the country`s development.
Speaking at the press conference, President of the Committee Willette Swan said the honors and awards form depicts a description of the achievements, merits and service a recipient should possess.
The category of awards are: The Order of National Hero, The Order of Turks and Caicos Islands, The Patriotic Award, The Long Service Medal, The Meritorious Award and the National Young Achievers Medal.
He said: "The honors and awards consists of two orders, one award, and three medals, the first order is the order of National Hero, it may be granted to an islander for extraordinary and outstanding achievement in merit in service to the islands or to humanity, the person may have the title "The Right Excellent" and may wear the insignia of the order.
"We`ve named only one National Hero, the Order of Turks and Caicos is the second Order , it may be granted to an islander who has served with distinction in a field or discipline ,the recipient may have the title "The most Honorable" and the letters "OTCI" after his name and may wear the insignia of the order.
"The Patriotic Award comes in tow categories, the gold for Turks and Caicos islander and silver for a non- Turks and Caicos Islander ,it maybe granted to someone who has demonstrated a keen sense of national consciousness and rendered exceptional sacrificial service to the islands and the people and of the islands.
"And the silver to a non-islander for demonstrating a very high regard for national integration and for philanthropic contribution to the development of the islands."
He explained that the recipient of that award will have the title the "The Much Honored" and the letters "PA" after his name and may wear the insignia of the order; the committee has so far named eight nominees.
Swan said: "The Meritorious Service medal may be granted to an islander who has been giving sacrificial and meritorious service in a field that is inherently challenging or has performed a brave or humane act whether in the islands or abroad."
Swan further pointed out that there are specific guidelines which must be followed to ensure that the nomination process is fair and balanced.
"It is of utmost importance that you nominate persons that you believe are worthy to receive an award.
"Additionally, a nominator must match the person that is nominated to the award since the committee cannot nominate him or her for a different honour or award."
It was noted that the process must gain public confidence, trust and respect; and as such, special care should be taken to ensure the honours and awards process is carefully managed, and more importantly, to be seen as fair and balanced.
The guidelines which clearly define and outline eligibility and criteria need to follow a framework carefully crafted, studied and adopted as intended. There must be no room to accommodate subjectivity and discretion.
The committee must honour their role paying particular attention to judgment, and discharge their duty with integrity and dignity.
Forms are available at the Premier's Office in Grand Turk and Providenciales, The District Commissioners Office and on the Government's website.
The completed nomination should be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked: National Honour and Award Programme or any member of the National Honours and Awards Committee on or before June 30, 2017.
The form only introduces the nominee. Information regarding the nominee's work, service and merits should also be added.
"Ensure that you provide all the information, in whatever form that information takes, to support your reason why your nominee should be so honoured," Swan said.
"Whether documents, newspaper clippings, letters, testimonials."
The Ordinance provides that an honour or award may be revoked if the awardee allows persons to whom the award was not granted to wear his insignia or commits an act the committee sees as bringing the honours system into disrepute.
Honours and awards are a particularly important means of recognition that can show not only how much the contribution of individuals are valued, but also can provide inspiration to others to perform to the standards.
Stars of hotel and tourism industry honored at 9th annual Star Awards
While our 'Beautiful by Nature' Turks and Caicos Islands are naturally attractive to visitors, it is also the excellent services provided by personnel in the hotel and tourism industry that keep the destination flourishing and famed.
Last Thursday evening the ninth annual Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association's (TCHTA) Star Awards celebrated the dedicated individuals "who go above and beyond the call of duty" to deliver stellar service to our visitors.
The opulent event, held at the Tropicana Show and Supper Club, was well attended by tourism and hospitality industry partners, nominees and supporters.
Attendees enjoyed an entertaining evening and dinner as they saluted the nominees and winners that keep our tourism industry growing.
Welcome remarks from TCHTA's Executive Director Stacy Cox, Director of the Tourist Board Ramon Andrews and The Hartling Group's Karen Whitt, all hailed a bright future for TCI's tourism and lauded the island chain as a strong destination, while thanking every industry worker who makes its success possible.
Cox said: "The pursuit of excellence in our sector can never be obtained without the continued dedication and commitment of every worker. Excellence is also, of course, about hard work. It is the hard work of
everyone sitting here tonight that propels us forward."
A riveting keynote speech by psychologist Darron Turnquest, Director of Youth Bahamas Corporate Training, who inspired patrons as he reminded everyone how difficult it can be in the service industry and that it was about the process in getting the award, rather than the actual award.
Other highlights of the evening included a fashion display by 'House of Jeritt' models, performances by Clement Howell High School Choir and Wesley Methodist School dance group and a captivating rendition of the British Anthem and National Song by Chrystal Charles.
With strong competition and over 165 nominees in the eighteen categories, it was mentioned that judges had difficulty deciding the winners as all candidates were outstanding.
2016 TCHTA Star Awards Winners
Bartender of the Year - Carton Waite, The Palms
Chef of the Year - Edwin Gallardo, Seven Stars Resort
Housekeeper of the Year - Carlton Salmon, Beaches Resort Villages and Spa
Employee of the Year - Shanice Williams, Ganseveoort TCI
Supervisor of the Year - Duval Phedre, The Sands on Grace Bay
Manager of the Year - Jessica Rigby, Gansevoort TCI
Hospitality Hero - Kirkford Gardiner, Ministry of Border Control
Taxi Driver of the Year – Edward Barranco, Beaches Resort Villages and Spa
Fan Favourite - Roxanne Wade, Beaches Resort Villages and Spa
Hotelier of the Year- Tendra Musgrove, Villa Del Mar and Urmas Karner ,The Somerset on Grace Bay
Restaurant of the Year - Graces' Cottage, Hemingway's Restaurant & Bar and Parallel 23
TCHTA Allied Member Restaurant of the Year - Mango Reef
Hotel of the Year - Point Grace Resort
Heart of Hospitality - Dennis Been, Windsong Resort
Ambassador of the Year - Sherman Lopez, Beach House
Allied Member of the Year - The Wine Cellar
TCHTA's Shining Star - Lauren Callighen, The Palms
Entertainer of the Year - Chrystal 'TESS' Charles
Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services visits Mental Health Home
On February 27th, 2017, the Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services, Hon. Edwin Astwood, conducted a walk-through of the newly constructed Mental Health Home in Grand Turk.
This building represents the completion of phase 1 of the project and is designed to accommodate up to 12 low risk clients. The objective of the home is not only to provide accommodations for persons with chronic mental illnesses, but to also allow them to receive the therapeutic support and psychiatric interventions necessary to maintain their mental health.
Phase 2 of the project, which includes the construction of two additional buildings, will commence shortly and is expected to be completed by February of next year. This final phase will allow for the accommodation of 11 more persons and will include a unit to manage persons who are acutely mentally ill. It is envisioned that once complete, this home will also allow clients who are currently being treated overseas to return to TCI and receive continued care and management. The Director of Mental Health and Substance Dependence stated that "this project is yet another example of the Government's commitment to take care of persons with mental illnesses".
According to the Hon. Edwin Astwood the services that this home will offer is a much needed service for persons in our communities suffering from mental illness and a support to their families. He further stated "I am elated to see the completion of phase one of the construction of the Mental Health Home, located at the Old Grand Turk Hospital compound. Phase two is scheduled to commence later this year".
For more information concerning this project contact the Director of Mental Health and Substance Dependence on 3383612.
Police are investigating two motor vehicle collision
Traffic Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a two motor vehicle collision that occurred last night (Monday 27th February 2017) in Wheeland Providenciales.
Around 10:56 pm, Police and Medical Services were dispatched to the Tom Lightbourne Drive area where they saw a marked Police Ford bus driven by a 47 year old male who received an injury to his left hand and a white Tacoma Truck driven by a 32 year old male who received an injury above the right eye. They were both transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre by way of Ambulance.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the marked Police bus was heading South into Millennium Heights, while the Tacoma Truck was heading North out of the Millennium Heights when they collided. The Bus received extensive damages and was overturned on its left side. The truck got extensive damages to the left frontal area.
Both persons were treated and released from the hospital.
If you have any information regarding this accident, contact the police at Chalk Sound Police at 338-5901/941-8067 or contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-8477. The information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind you not to report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter page
MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS ATTENDS GSMA WORLD MOBILE CONGRESS
The Hon. Vaden Williams, Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication left the country on Friday February 24th for Barcelona Spain, to attend the 12th edition of the GSMA World Mobile Congress Ministerial Programme.
The GSMA Ministerial Programme provides a critical forum for convening Governments, International Organizations and Industry leaders to share knowledge and debate the key regulatory and Policy issues that are shaping the future of mobile.
The Programme aims to celebrate the positive socio-economic impact mobile has played in both developing and developed countries and identify the policy levers needed to further extend this impact.
The Minister is accompanied by Head of Secretariat (acting) Ms. Karen Higgs, Mr. Kenva Williams, Director of Technology and Mr. Russell Gardiner, Engineer from the Telecommunications Commission. They are due to return on Friday, March 3.