PDM on South Caicos Constituency Debate
Keno Forbes, the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate for South Caicos won last night's constituency debate, topping Ruth Blackman, McAllister Hanchell and Christopher Hall according to most who tuned into last night's debates, giving Forbes a clear victory against all three South Caicos candidates. This debate has sparked unprecedented excitement and we are pleased as this is our first.
Monday's debate watchers and listeners were mainly in favour of trusting Keno Forbes more on the issues most important to them.
Overall, most who watched last night's matchup also thought Forbes did the best job in comparison to the other South Caicos candidates. Most who tuned into last night's debate believe that Forbes agreed with them on the issues that matter most to them. More than half of who tuned into last night's debate said Forbes agreed with them more on the important issues. Most also thought Forbes had the better understanding of the issues and was better prepared to represent the people of South Caicos.
Ruth Blackman and McAllister Hanchell were seen not only as spending more time attacking each other rather than acknowledging the problems faced by the people of South Caicos but also failed to offer solutions. PDA candidate Christopher Hall appeared too often to be a non-factor and seemed lost in the shuffle in a debate highlighted by the bickering between Blackman and Hanchell. Forbes on the other hand was better prepared and seemed more in touch with the issues affecting South Caicos.
Forbes was also widely seen as honest and authentic during the debate and have been bombarded with calls not only from well-wishers and supporters who are now more energised by his campaign but also by some new supporters who view Forbes as the right choice for South Caicos.
Obama's Farewell Calls on Europe to Work with Trump
Outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama has bid farewell to European allies, capping his final trip to Europe as president with reassurances of America’s enduring support and calls for allies to stand up to Russia.
The U.S. leader left Berlin Friday after a four-day tour of the region that started with Greece, the cradle of western-style democracy, where he reflected on the importance of fighting for democratic values, and ended in Germany, Europe’s top economy whose Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is regarded as Europe’s most influential leader.
The top item on Obama’s agenda was reassuring nervous European allies about the future of Transatlantic relations under the presidency of Donald Trump, whose campaign remarks raised uncertainty, especially about America’s commitment to NATO, the EU, and other multilateral institutions.
Before departing Berlin, President Obama met with leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain and repeated those reassurances. A White House statement says Obama “expressed confidence that, even at a moment of great change, democratic values have done more to advance human freedom and progress than any other system in history, and will continue to do so going forward.”
He thanked his European counterparts for their close cooperation and urged them to work with the Trump administration “on the basis of the core values that define the United States and Europe as open democracies.”
Obama and the other leaders agreed on Friday to maintain sanctions on Russia over the conflict in eastern Ukraine. They called on Moscow to abide by the Minsk agreements and allow for a security environment that is conducive to elections.
They agreed Europe should keep working toward de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Syria, and they called on Russia to stop its bombing of Aleppo, where they said the humanitarian situation is of “grave concern.”
Obama headed to the last stop of his last foreign tour, Peru, to attend the Asia Pacific Cooperation summit (APEC).
Talks with Obama & Trump 'Excellent'
Just two days after his stunning election victory, President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, visited the White House, invited by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
No press was allowed to film their arrival Thursday, but the president and the president-elect gave brief statements to reporters in the Oval Office after the meeting.
Despite a long history of animosity between Obama and Trump, both were gracious.
"I just had the opportunity to have an excellent conversation with President-elect Trump,” Obama said. “It was wide-ranging. We talked about some of the organizational issues in setting up the White House; we talked about foreign policy, we talked about domestic policy, and, as I said last night, my number one priority in the coming two months is to try to facilitate a transition that insures our president-elect is successful."
Trump told reporters the meeting was supposed to last about ten minutes but lasted 90, and it could have gone on even longer.
"I look forward to dealing with the president in the future, including counsel," he said. "He explained some of the difficulties and the high-flying assets and some of the wonderful things that have been achieved. Mr. President, it was wonderful meeting with you and I look forward to meeting with you many more times in the future."
The White House said Obama officials are making sure that Trump and his yet-to-be-named key officials are "prepared from day one to protect our national security." U.S. intelligence and defense officials are starting to give Trump daily briefings on threats to the country's security and overseas military operations.
In addition, the Obama administration plans to host two exercises involving several government agencies to help familiarize Trump officials with how the government responds to domestic emergencies, whether terrorist attacks or such natural disasters as violent tornadoes and hurricanes.
After the meeting, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest was asked if the meeting was awkward.
"The meeting might have been a little less awkward than some might have expected," he said.
Trump said it was the first time the two men have met personally.
The president campaigned exceptionally hard for his former secretary of state and fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton. Obama often derided Trump, the blunt-spoken real estate mogul who has never held elected office, as unfit to lead the country.
Meanwhile, Trump for years questioned whether Obama was born in the U.S. before recently acknowledging his citizenship. He says he plans to undermine key Obama policies, including the health care reforms, environmental regulations, protection of some immigrants from deportation, and the Iran nuclear deal.
Source-VOA
Holness, Simpson Miller congratulate Trump
Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday congratulated US president-elect Donald Trump on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica.
Trump, a billionaire businessman who ran on an anti-establishment platform, beat Democratic rival Hillary Clinton at the polls on Tuesday and is set to become America’s 45th president.
In his message, Holness communicated the “great value” Jamaica places on the longstanding friendship and co-operation “which has shaped our bilateral relationship with the United States for more than 50 years”. He also articulated commitment to achieving and maintaining economic growth and development for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and the wider hemisphere.
According to a statement from Jamaica House, the PM also emphasised his intention to build on existing initiatives between the two countries, to explore new opportunities, as well as to strengthen US/Caribbean and Jamaican relations.
“[My] best wishes to president-elect Trump, and for peace and prosperity for the people of the United States of America,” said Holness.
Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller also congratulated Trump on his election win, hailing him for joining “a select group of men who have attained the distinction of becoming leader of the Free World” and describing him as a hard and tireless worker who has built a successful brand.
“The United States is a strong democracy and Mr Trump’s victory is an expression of the confidence of Americans in his ability to push for the changes in Washington that many have advocated over the years,” Simpson Miller said in a statement to the press.
She noted, however, that there are concerns about Trump’s proposed immigration policy direction especially because “Jamaicans are a big part of the immigrant community in the US”.
“We look forward to hearing and seeing how president-elect Donald Trump’s Administration will take shape,” Simpson Miller said. “We hope that he will quickly reach across the political divide... and try to build bridges in the global space so that we can continue to foster peace and development around the world.”
Source-Jamaica Observer
TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Dr John Freeman, chaired the 28th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 9 November 2016, at the Hon. Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales.
All Ministers were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Approved the grant of a concession order to the company, Conch Sensation, for the manufacture of high quality portable Bluetooth speakers made with conch shell casings subject to the conch shells being used for the casings meeting specified size regulations;
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the drafting of amendments to the Insurance Regulations to establish a fast-track service for the processing of Producer Owned Reinsurance Companies (PORCS) licence applications and to introduce fast-track application fees of $1,000 for the processing of credit life PORC applications and $1,500 for the processing of non-credit life PORC applications;
· Approved entering into a 3-year lease agreement with K H Capital for the Magistrate Court No.2 to move to Unit 207 on the second floor of IGA Plaza, Providenciales, for the purpose of carrying out government business;
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve amendments to the salaries of the Deputy Director and Financial Controller of the TCI Tourist Board;
· Received an up-date on progress on outstanding critical works at HM Prison and agreed that urgent sewage and lighting works should be undertaken immediately;
· Noted the appointment of Mr Ramon J Andrews as Director of Tourism for a period of two years;
· Noted the recommendations of the Procurement Board to award contracts in line with the Public Procurement Ordinance 2012 as follows – TR 16/19 Ambulance for Middle Caicos; TR 16/25, Salvage Consultant for the removal of the MV Mega One Triton from Governor’s Beach, Grand Turk;
· Agreed that proposed draft amendments to the National Parks Ordinance be gazetted for a six week public consultation period and that following the consultation period a report be prepared for Cabinet consideration;
· Considered the qualification criteria under the National Scholarship Policy for the allocation of National Scholar awards to the top performing students in TCI;
· Discussed the payment of NHIB contributions for pensioners and agreed that all pensioners who are Turks and Caicos Islanders and over 65 years of age should not pay NHIB contributions;
· Received an up-date on staffing issues at the NHIB and discussed proposals for resolving the situation;
· Requested that the Deputy Governor present a paper to Cabinet on the process for the award of contracts.
CIVIL SERVICE ASSOCIATION APPOINTS EXECUTIVES
The Civil Service Association (CSA) has appointed Five (5) persons to its executive body earlier this week.
The names of the CSA Executives are:
Patterson Williams - Ministry of Finance (Computer Unit)
Temard Butterfield -Ministry of Education (HJ Robinson)
Nelene Swann- Ministry of Education (Enid Capron Primary)
Lekensay Missick - Ministry of Finance ( Revenue Control)
Juliet Arthur-Thewell - Ministry of Education (Eliza Simons Primary)
Mr. Williams stated; "My Fellow Civil Servants, as part of the process of the formal re-establishment of the Civil Service Association, we want to have an Executive Board that has broad representation and is inclusive of every island in the Turks and Caicos chain where Civil Servants are employed."
"To this end, the Civil Service Association Administrative Executive through an election process will be electing island Representatives from each branch, to serve and represent their island on the Civil Service Executive team."
"Nominations were submitted by the civil service at large through a democratic survey process, where you, the civil service sent in your submissions for your choice of island representative. The Island representatives selected for each Island will, voice the concerns and be a direct point of contact between you the Civil Servants and your Civil Service Executive."
"We as the Civil Service Association would like to ensure, you the Civil Service body that we are working on your behalf and request your continued support and patience as we move forward. We want all civil servants across this county, to be a part of and play an active role in the decisions made by your Civil Service Executives."
"Come out and support the Elections process, as scheduled, and let your voices be heard. Thanks and God Bless!"
The CSA will also be hosting branch elections over the next week. The dates for the upcoming Branch Elections are:
Grand Turk - November 15, 2016
Salt Cay - November 15, 2016
South Caicos - November 17, 2016
North and Middle Caicos - November 17, 2016
Providenciales - November 18, 2016
PABA League resumes the new season on this weekend
THE most prolific basketball league in the TCI, the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League tips off this Friday with a new look HAB Sonics side battling in the opening game.
The team will see the likes of Harbour Ballers’ centre Alvardo Parker and point guard Jonathan Paul joining the ranks. Also coming on board are former Flyers Dorado Fulford and Jordan Garland.
Galvin Hall Jr. and Darly Francois, the two main players on the Sonics last season, have joined the Predators, while a few new faces will play for the Five Cay Flyers, including Kijauana Doughty and Jake Been from Police and Ray Harris from the Stallions.
Eight teams will battle in the seven month league which will be played on Fridays, Saturdays and some Wednesdays.
In the opener, at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court (the venue of the league), the Sonics will meet the Kirk Adams’s led Hustlerz from 19:00h onwards.
In the feature clash it will be a battle of the Five Cays as the Flyers will meet defending champions the Knights. Sports Watch host Donavan Fulford on Sports Watch Thursdaly last says he wants to see if the Flyers can provide any real competition for the champion Knights.
The 2015-16 champions, the Knights will also collect their championship rings in a special ceremony.
On Saturday night, former champions the Grand Turk Stallions will battle the Nazarene Kings, while the Spartans will challenge the Predators.
The much anticipated high school league also kicks off on Saturday November 12th at the Gus Lightbourne center between 9am -1 pm. Games are played every Saturday.
Robbery at Quality Supermarket, Bay Road.
Detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a Robbery that occurred on Wednesday 2nd November 2016 at the Quality Supermarket located on Bay Road, Blue Hills Providenciales.
Around 7:41 PM on that date, Police responded to the scene in Blue Hills where the complainant reported that three males wearing all black with Halloween masks and guns entered the store and ordered the cashier and customers to get on the floor and not to move. One of the men was wearing short blue jeans with black t-shirt and the other a long black jeans with black t-shirt. The three culprits removed a cash register containing an unknown amount of cash before making good their escape in an unknown direction.
No injuries sustained during the incident.
If you were in the area of Quality Supermarket during that time and may have seen or heard something the police are urging you to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 3385901. The information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter page.
Election Pack Issued in TCI
The Candidates Nomination Pack for Turks and Caicos Islands general election schedule for December 15, 2016 has been launched by the Supervisor of Elections Lister Dudley Lewis on Friday November 4, 2016.
The pack contains all the various items that every candidate or political party will need to complete to ensure that they are correctly nominated and that they have met all of the necessary legal requirements to allow them to stand for election.
It includes detailed guidance notes about these requirements and a helpful checklist so that candidates can ensure that their nomination paper has been properly completed, including all of the other required forms that must be submitted to either the Returning Officer or the Supervisor of Elections.
According to the election timetable, the Governor has issued the formal Writ for election on Monday 31st October, 2016 and the published notice for nomination day is November 18th 2016.
Candidates must submit their nominations at the venues specified in the notices between the hours of 10am and 1pm and then 2pm and 4pm on Nomination day. All nominations have to be made by that last time stipulated.
The list of Candidates for each electoral district and for the All Island district nominated will be published no later than November 19, 2016.
Mr. Lewis stated; "Although many people have come forward and said that it is their intention to stand for election, they cannot do so unless they have met all the requirements stated in the nomination pack and they submit the correctly completed application by the deadline and pay the required deposit of $500.00."
The nomination pack can be obtained from the elections office in Grand Turk or Providenciales.
Government ministry issues Mosquito prevention tips
The recent rains have given rise to greater opportunities for mosquitoes to have a wider number of breeding areas. As you know mosquitoes spread three illnesses which have affected the Turks and Caicos Islands. Though the impact of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika has been minimal, we need your help to ensure that it stays that way.
Ensure that all containers used to collect water are covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in them. Do not allow old bottles, buckets, toys, plant pots, or other vessels to collect any stagnant water since these also allow mosquitoes to breed.
Ensure that your surroundings are clear of high grass and bushes, old derelict vehicles, old tires, old drums or garbage. Do not allow these items to collect around your houses or other spaces as these harbor mosquitoes which can bite and infect you. Clean your surroundings of these items regularly to make sure you don't give these pests the chance to bite and infect you or your family members.
It is important to cover up exposed areas of your body to prevent being bitten, long sleeved clothing to cover up especially arms and legs at dusk and dawn when these mosquitoes bite is important. Use insect repellent and sleep under the cover of a mosquito net where possible to add to your prevention efforts.
If they slip past your guard and you are bitten be careful and look out for fever, skin rash, red eyes, joint pain, discomfort and weakness. You can take medicine to bring down the fever and relieve the pain and keep close watch. If these symptoms get more severe, go to a doctor or medical facility immediately. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen as treatment because these medicines are blood thinners and the diseases may cause internal bleeding.
Fighting these pests and keeping diseases at a low rate is in our hands. Let's work together to keep mosquitoes from harming our families and communities.