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.
FCA's big cars extended to 2020
Fiat Chrysler will refresh and stick with its stable of large cars until at least 2020, two sources told Automotive News.
The Dodge Challenger coupe and Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans won't be redesigned onto the automaker's new Giorgio platform until the 2021 model year, when FCA is likely to discontinue production of one of the large sedans, according to one internal FCA source and one at an FCA supplier.
Information from those sources confirms vague details released in a contract highlighter sent to union members that explained the company's new four-year labor contract with the Canadian auto workers union Unifor.
The agreement, ratified by Unifor members last month, calls for FCA to invest $325 million Canadian ($242 million U.S.) in the Brampton, Ontario, plant to rebuild its antiquated paint shop. Construction is to begin in the summer of 2017, according to the contract highlighter from union President Jerry Dias.
The Giorgio platform underpins the new Alfa Romeo Giulia, which is due to go on sale in North America by the end of the year.
On the company's third-quarter conference call with analysts late last month, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said he was "encouraged by the versatility of the architecture that was planned at the time in which the Giulia was launched. I think it's proved out to be all and more than we expected, and I think its utilization across a wide range of applications within the group is probably the most beneficial thing we've done from a technical development here in a long time."
The Giorgio platform would be stretched and likely widened for use by Dodge in North America for a next-generation Charger and Challenger. It is also rigid enough to allow FCA to potentially return to the convertible market for the first time since it canceled the Chrysler 200 Convertible in 2014.
At the most recent FCA dealer's show in Las Vegas in August 2015, FCA showed a potential future convertible Dodge that it called the Barracuda -- a name borrowed from Plymouth's muscle car past.
Until the switchover to the Giorgio platform, FCA plans to freshen the Charger, Challenger and 300 for the 2018 model year. The three large rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive cars were last updated for the 2015 model year, but Dodge has wrung further sales out of its two offerings with a continued emphasis on specialty trim levels.
For example, for the 2017 model year, Dodge is returning its T/A name to the Challenger for the first time in 46 years, offering three new subtrims that tack new performance parts and appearance upgrades onto the R/T trim lineup.
However, when FCA begins manufacturing the Giorgio-based Dodge cars, it could mean the end of the line for the Chrysler 300 sedan.
Since taking over Chrysler after its 2009 bankruptcy, FCA's executive leadership has consistently eliminated the badge-engineered twinned vehicles that were so common under former owner Daimler AG. Most recently, that has played out with the Jeep Compass, which will replace both the current model Compass and Jeep Patriot when it goes on sale in North America early next year.
Source-AutoNews
UK halts Facebook's WhatsApp data dip
Facebook has been told it must not use data gathered from UK members of its WhatsApp messaging app to target ads on its core social network.
The country's Information Commissioner said she did not believe the firm had obtained valid consent for the move and added that people must be given "ongoing control" over their data.
Elizabeth Denham said that Facebook had agreed to "pause" its rollout but had not met all her demands.
Facebook has yet to publicly comment.
The California-based company bought WhatsApp in 2014 and pledged to keep the chat app independent.
However, in August, WhatsApp made changes to its privacy policy, prompting an investigation by the UK watchdog.
"I had concerns that consumers weren't being properly protected, and it's fair to say the enquiries my team have made haven't changed that view," blogged Elizabeth Denham, the Information Commissioner.
"I don't think WhatsApp has got valid consent from users to share the information.
"We've set out the law clearly to Facebook, and we're pleased that they've agreed to pause using data from UK WhatsApp users for advertisements or product improvement purposes."
Ms Denham said she now wanted Facebook and WhatsApp to:
offer customers' more details about how their data will be used
let WhatsApp members restrict access to their information beyond the existing 30-day cooling-off period
let users completely opt-out of the agreement at any time
Ms Denham said that Facebook had not agreed to these terms.
"If Facebook starts using the data without valid consent, they may face enforcement action from my office," she warned.
WhatsApp has already been cautioned warned by European privacy watchdogs about sharing user data with its new parent company.
Source-BBC
Stars kick off movie awards season at Hollywood Film Awards
Mel Gibson, Natalie Portman and Tom Hanks are among the stars who were honoured at the Hollywood Film Awards.
Gibson won best director for World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge, a sign he has been accepted by the industry a decade after an infamous anti-Semitic rant.
Portman won best actress for Jackie, in which she portrays Jacqueline Kennedy after John F Kennedy's assassination.
The event styles itself as the start of the awards season, but is regarded with scepticism by some industry observers.
Winners were announced in advance with no nominations. Many of the winning films have not yet been released and an anonymous panel chooses the recipients.
But that did not stop an A-list crowd turning up to the ceremony, which was compered by TV host James Corden - although he did joke at one point that they were "fake awards".
The night was also peppered with references to Tuesday's US presidential election.
"Tonight is actually rigged," Corden told the audience at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, referring to Donald Trump's complaints about the election. "Literally, none of this is real."
He also joked that it was "the last awards show before the apocalypse".
Robert De Niro, who won the comedy award for the film The Comedian, compared Mr Trump to the "totally insane" General Jack D Ripper from Stanley Kubrick's Dr Strangelove.
He said: "It's two days until a frightening election. The shadow of politics is hanging over us whether we like it or not.
"It's hard for me to think about anything else so let me lay it out right here. We have the opportunity to prevent a comedy from turning into a tragedy. Vote for Hillary Tuesday."
Tom Hanks won the best actor award for the film Sully, in which he played Captain Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot who safely landed a passenger plane on New York's Hudson River in 2009.
Nicole Kidman won the supporting actress award for Lion, while Hugh Grant was named best supporting actor for his role in Florence Foster Jenkins.
He was presented with the award by Andie MacDowell, his co-star in the 1994 film Four Weddings And A Funeral.
Addressing her on stage, Grant said: "I'm just depressed at how much better preserved you are than I am after 22 years. Do you use any special creams or anything like that?
"It's amazing. You're still a southern peach and I am, according to Twitter, a scrotum.
"I almost never get a prize and I'm so pleased with this one. It will not be in my loo or used as a doorstep."
British actress Naomie Harris received the breakout actress award for her work in Moonlight, while Lily Collins, the daughter of singer Phil, was given the New Hollywood award for Rules Don't Apply.
Awards season kicks off in earnest when the Golden Globe nominations are announced on 12 December, and will culminate with the Oscars on 27 February.
The full list of Hollywood Film Awards winners:
Hollywood career achievement award - Eddie Murphy
Hollywood actor award - Tom Hanks for Sully
Hollywood actress award - Natalie Portman for Jackie
Hollywood director award - Mel Gibson for Hacksaw Ridge
Hollywood comedy award - Robert De Niro for The Comedian
Hollywood supporting actor award - Hugh Grant for Florence Foster Jenkins
Hollywood supporting actress award - Nicole Kidman for Lion
Hollywood breakout actress award - Naomie Harris for Moonlight
Hollywood breakthrough director award - Tom Ford for Nocturnal Animals
New Hollywood award - Lily Collins for Rules Don't Apply
Hollywood song award - Justin Timberlake for Can't Stop the Feeling! from Trolls
Hollywood documentary award - Leonardo DiCaprio and Fisher Stevens for Before the Flood
Hollywood blockbuster award - The Jungle Book
Hollywood animation award - Zootopia
Hollywood ensemble award - Gold
Source-BBC
Trump team tries to ease global concern
Donald Trump's campaign team has sought to allay negative views expressed overseas towards their candidate, a day before the US goes to the polls.
Campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told the BBC such antipathy "doesn't reflect why Donald Trump is running and who he would be on the global stage".
She also attacked Hillary Clinton's "unremarkable to chequered" record as secretary of state.
Both candidates are undertaking a blitz of campaigning in key states on Monday.
The latest opinion poll, on Fox News on Monday, gave Mrs Clinton a four-point lead, double that of Friday.
Mr Trump has faced a barrage of criticism from some world figures during campaigning. French President Francois Hollande said the businessman made people "want to retch". The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described him as a danger internationally.
Mr Trump "does say America First and he means it", she said, spelling out the reasons - stopping the loss of American jobs overseas, making sure all partners, including Nato, pay their fair share and renegotiating trade deals that are bad for the US.
Ms Conway also responded to a jibe from President Barack Obama that Mr Trump could not be trusted with US nuclear codes.
The president, during a rally in Florida on Sunday, said that if Mr Trump could not be trusted with a Twitter account, he should not be in charge of US nuclear weapons.
He was referring to a New York Times report that Mr Trump's team had taken control of his Twitter account from him.
But Ms Conway denied the Times report and said Mr Trump could be trusted with the nuclear weapons.
She said that Mrs Clinton had herself "not proved to be qualified with nuclear codes" citing her use of a private email server for classified information when she was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 in the Obama administration.
Ms Conway condemned Mrs Clinton for allegedly allowing her maid to print off classified documents.
On Sunday, the FBI's director said a fresh inquiry into the Democratic candidate's communications had found nothing to change the bureau's conclusion this summer that she should not face criminal charges.
Source-BBC