PABA STANDINGS & HIGHLIGHTS
The PABA games continued last week and here are the results. The Five Cays Knights defeated the Sonics 104 - 40.
M. Handfield led the way with 27 points six rebounds and six three pointers for the Knights while Darly Francis scored 20 points for the Sonics.
The Kings defeated the Huslterz 103-86. Lofton Seymour scored 30 points 4 rebounds, 2 assists and ended with 7 steals. Shardanno Clarke scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Huslterz. While Kirk Adams added 19 points, Javardo Smith chipped in with 17 points and nabbed 5 rebounds.
The North Caicos Spartans rebounded after a losing streak to shake up the the Harborr Boys in a thrilling 66-60 win.
Reco Forbes scored 16 points, 13 Rebs and handed off the ball to earn 4 assists while Trevente Williams ended the evening with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals for the Spartans.
Duran Dean was the highpoint man for the Harbour boys with 19 points and 5 rebounds while Alvardo Parker added 13 pts.
The following games will be played this week:
WEDNESDAY - HARBOUR VS SONICS
- STALLIONS VS KINGS.
THURSDAY - POLICE VS NORTH
-SOUTH VS HUSTLERZ
FRIDAY - FLYERS VS HUSTLERZ
-KINGS VS KNIGHTS
SATURDAY- FLYERS VS SONICS
-KINGS VS SPARTANS.
The PABA standings up this point are also attached for fans to note.
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Russian Public Unfazed by Panama Papers
People around the world have reacted with shock and outrage to the trove of documents leaked from a law firm in Panama that revealed secret bank accounts connected to hundreds of public officials, politicians and celebrities. The list of notables includes the current leaders of Argentina, Britain, China, Iceland, Russia, and Ukraine, among others, or people closely linked to them.
But, while the Panama Papers named close friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and suggested Putin himself might be involved, the reaction of the Russian public has been muted.
While thousands of people protested outside the prime minister’s office in Reykjavik Monday demanding Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson’s resignation, a mere three demonstrators showed up outside the Russian parliament building in Moscow Tuesday, and they were quickly detained.
The fact that even such a small public protest was quickly silenced comes as little surprise to political analysts, who say authorities are taking no chances with parliamentary elections scheduled later this year.
The Russian public's general apathy to the Panama Papers' allegations of high-level corruption may perplex some outside observers.
A public opinion poll released Wednesday by the independent Levada Center sheds some light on Russian thinking on the issue. It shows that while 56 percent of Russians think that corruption and bribery can be reduced, only 15 percent say it can be eliminated while 24 percent believe it is permanent.
The poll was conducted in February, before the Panama Papers leak was made public.
While Russians have to deal with everyday corruption - paying bribes to avoid tickets from traffic police, to get decent care in hospitals, and to more quickly navigate the state bureaucracy - they rarely get a glimpse of high-level corruption.
Most Russians get their information from ubiquitous Russian state media, which all send the same message, designed to show officials, especially at the very top, working hard for Russia. As Western media, and the few independent media in Moscow, were awaiting the revelations of the Panama Papers, the Kremlin prepared the public by announcing an expected “information attack” against Putin and his associates. Meanwhile, Putin confirmed a proposed National Anti-Corruption Plan for 2016-2017.
Russian state media gave only dismissive coverage to the Panama Papers, portraying them as part of a Western conspiracy to diminish Russia by any means necessary. According to Grazhdankin, most Russians buy into this conspiracy theory.
“Under the present confrontation with the West, they are interpreted by most Russians as ‘anti-Russian propaganda’ and the attempts of the West to discredit Russia,” he said.
The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office told the Interfax news agency it plans to investigate the data in the leaked documents to see if any Russian laws or international commitments were broken.
Source-VOA
NIS Pays Out $116.5 Million in Benefits 2016, 24th Anniversary
On reflecting on the critically important role that the NIB has played over the past 24 years in the lives of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, newly appointed Director/ CEO of the National Insurance Board, Mr. Walter Gardiner, has released some overwhelmingly important statistics to the public that the NIB has paid in excess of 116.5 million dollars in benefit payments in the TCI since its inception in April 1992.
April 6, 2016 marks the 24th anniversary of the country’s social insurance programme and, in looking back on the introductory years, Mr. Gardiner commented:
“The NIS legislation today is undoubtedly the best pieces of social protection legislation ever implemented in the TCI. Introduced under an extremely dark cloud of suspicion, mistrust and bitter opposition from employers, employees and the self-employed alike, convincing the general public to “buy in” was a very difficult sell at that time as this was the very first time that monies were mandatorily deducted from the salaries of their employees.
It was not an easy task enforcing compliance as the majority of persons viewed us at that time as just another form of taxation guised as social security to put monies into the coffers of government to abuse and borrow from. Indeed, we received strong resistance from many self employed persons; large and small employers, who refused to pay unless prosecuted, threatened to reduce staff or close business- even petitions from the then Chamber of Commerce that an introduction at that time would prove to be a deterrent to potential investors.. Indeed, many predicted that we would fail because we were managed by young, inexperienced personnel.
However, today, we have certainly proven our worth to the people of the TCI and have earned their confidence, trust and admiration for the social and financial protection that we have provided these past 24 years and will continue to provide in countless years to come. Literally, thousands of people depend on us, but more importantly, thousands of people can depend on us”, commented Mr. Gardiner.
Mr. Gardiner reported that as at March 2015, the reserves of the NIB excess of $191 million.
The institution currently collects $27 million annually in contribution income and provides over $13 million annually in benefit payments.
To date the programme has paid out $87,743,225 in long term pensions since its inception and currently supports 1,505 persons with long term pensions as follows:
Pension Type # of Recipients Total Amount Paid
Retirement Pension 971 51,596,052
Non Contributory Old Age Pension 221 15,873,154
Survivors Pension 178 8,901,841
Invalidity Pension 95 6,845,975
Disablement Pension 29 2,577,141
Death Benefit 8 1,822,220
Constant Attendance Allowance 3 126,842
Total: 1,505 87,743,225
Mr. Gardiner further revealed that the institution paid out a total of $28,778,835 in the remaining short term benefits as follows:
Benefit Type Total Amount Paid 1992- Feb 2016
Maternity Allowance 11,337,920
Maternity Grant 2,499,200
Injury Benefit 1,637,139
Medical Expenses 76,961
Sickness Benefit 10,555,807
Funeral Grant 1,580,978
Retirement Grant 894,021
Travel Expenses 77,459
Survivors Grant 90,547
Death Grant 28,800
TOTAL $28,778,835
These payouts combined means that the NIB has been responsible for the distribution of $116,522,060 within the local economy since its inception.
On behalf of the Honourable Minister, C. Washington Misick, the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the NIB, we say Happy 24th Anniversary to all our contributors and beneficiaries as we look forward to continue providing you excellent social insurance coverage.
TCIHTA sponsors reparation of Police Patrol Bikes
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Community Policing Unit bicycles are repaired and properly packed with new gadgets for better biking patrols, thanks to the Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association.
On Monday 4th, April 2016 Mrs. Stacy Cox handed to the Commissioner of Police Mr. James Smith, fully functional and newly maintained bikes on behalf of the TCIHTA.
“I am delighted that TCI HTA continues to support the Police as we seek to ensure we maximize our visibility in the communities we serve. The use of bicycles allows our officers to patrol in a way that they can interact with people, particularly in our tourist areas and are accessible to them. As we deliver more patrolling officers, these bicycles will ensure offices are mobile, visible and responsive." Said Commissioner Smith.
“Bicycles help the police interact more with the public.” Said Assistant Superintendent of Police Hilton Duncan. “Unlike patrolling in vehicles, persons can stop the police and speak to them. Also, on a bicycle, common obstacles are easily cleared. It’s faster to stop, manipulate the bike over a fence, and then ride on. Therefore, It makes it easier for the police to get to areas that a vehicle cannot access."
The bicycles were repaired and geared with sirens and flashing lights. Helmets and gloves were also purchased for the officers who will be using them.
These bikes will be used to patrol the Lower Bight and Gracebay areas.
SANDALS RESORTS FIRST HIGH STREET STORE OPENS
Sandals Resorts International – operators of Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple resorts across the Caribbean - continues to raise the bar and cement its status as industry leader and innovator with the recent opening of its first ever global dedicated high street retail store. The Luxury Travel Store is based in Chelsea, London and is the first overseas hotel brand to have a stand-alone high street outlet in the UK.
The new 5,000 sq ft interactive store, which saw an investment of over one million pounds, will immerse visitors into the world of Sandals’ Luxury Included® offering through a range of educational and sensory experiences, all designed to evoke consumers’ imaginations as soon as they walk through the door.
The Luxury Travel Store tailored customer journey includes:
Research Area – visitors can virtually sightsee through the world of Sandals and Beaches by engaging with inspirational content across up to 30 55” flat LCD screens, including video footage, apps and real time social feeds
Sandals Showcase – dedicated Sandals team members will take guests through a personable and stress-free booking service, whilst getting a taster of the Luxury Included® offerings available, including lavish surroundings and premium brand refreshments
Dedicated Wedding Lounge - visitors can explore Sandals and Beaches’ tailor-made wedding offerings in one-on-one consultations with members of the Weddings team
Beaches Family Zone – families can book their dream holiday whilst enjoying the fun experiences on offer, including a photo booth and XBox station.
Tour desk – As island exploration is encouraged at Sandals and Beaches, the store will also give visitors a chance to experience a taste of Islands Routes, Sandals and Beaches’ adventure tour company with a dedicated desk showcasing the variety of tours on offer, from sunset cruises, to voluntourism experiences.
The Sandals Bar – to complete their journey, visitors will be able to relax and soak up their Luxury Included® surroundings, whilst enjoying some of the top-shelf spirits and Robert Mondavi wines available throughout Sandals and Beaches Resorts.
Sandals Select counter – A dedicated area for our exclusive reward members
Karl Thompson, managing director for Sandals UK & Europe comments: “We are very excited to be making our mark on the high street and extending our longstanding commitment to providing a high quality of customer service to our guests. The substantial investment in this retail experience further demonstrates the growth potential in the UK market.
The immersive nature of the store will allow us to showcase the incredible Sandals and Beaches’ experience for both existing and new customers, as well as provide a more personable holiday booking experience.”
Immigration Policies: Are We Paying Attention?
I would probably be the last person to complain about TCI Belongers expressing concerns about any issue of importance in this country; especially when we consider our traditional passive attitude towards most things. However, what troubles me about our concerns for certain issues is our timing to speak out about them and our lacklustre interest in investigating the facts, figures and implications before they have an opportunity to impact our lives.
One such example of our lacklustre attitude to be abreast of important issues is the many pertinent concerns related to labour and immigration. First and foremost, there is a traditional saying which states "Knowledge Is Power"; but I often wonder if enough of us grasp this concept when it comes to being informed. We cannot simply rely on our cultural attitudes, fears and hearsay conversations to form opinions on immigration policy. We need to read the proposed policies, reason its merits and loopholes and then voice our concerns. The impact of Immigration policies on our small country is too severe for us not to be properly informed. We need to pay more attention to the immigration laws and policies as a nation.
When a proposed immigration and labour policy opens the door for foreign labour in this country; it raises a number of questions. Firstly, is the importation of labour denying a belonger a job or delaying an opportunity for a potential job. Secondly, are the labour and employment policies creating an economy which gradually decreases our dependency on expat labour? Thirdly, if we have had a consistent shortage of labour in the last few decades in this country, why are many belongers still calling for the creation of more jobs? Moreover, it is fair to state that the demand and supply of foreign labour in this country has placed a heavy burden on the immigration department to police the movement of people in this country, regulate status and determine who becomes belongers, and how they become belongers. Are we paying attention?
Are we paying attention to impact of granting more belonger status to permanent residences on our franchise? Let us be honest, in a country where the majority of the population is indigenous to that country; the process of naturalization might not be a big issue. However, in a country such as ours, in which the citizens are outnumbered or nearly outnumbered by expats, expanding the franchise recklessly could 'open pandora's box'.
Are we paying attention to the fact that although the qualification for citizenship is enshrined in most countries constitution; ours is established in an immigration ordinance subject to the legislature policies or political interest which might not be in the best interest of the country? Should members of parliament have the final say over who should become belongers of this country or should that decision be made by the people through a direct referendum. For example, when the FNM government had proposed amending the Bahamas citizenship law as it relates to the granting of citizenship to the male spouse of Bahamian women, they had to put it to the people of the nation in referendum. Simply put, should citizenship or 'belonger status' be governed by an Ordinance (subject to legislative amendments) or should it established as an article in our Constitution? Are we paying attention?
A new immigration law is about to take effect in this country. Did you read the bill before it was past? Did you attend any discussion of the bill or participate in any domino table or family table conversations on its implication? Did you seek to understand your elected representative position on the bill? I am hoping we start paying attention to immigration policies or our country's policies and laws in general because in the twenty first century, 'knowledge is not power anymore'; the use of knowledge is power.
On the bright side of things, if indeed the new bill has provisions contrary to our interest, it is a bill and bills can be written and then re-written or repealed.
By: A TCI Patriot
Trinidad defends decision to turn away Jamaican nationals
Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses says 12 Jamaicans were denied into the twin-island republic last month because they were deemed “likely to become charges on public funds”.
The group of Jamaicans had accused immigration officials at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad of treating them badly after refusing to let them enter the country when they arrived on two Caribbean Airlines flights on March 21 at 7:53 p.m. and 8:43 p.m.
In a statement issued after he received a report on the matter, Moses said all 12 visitors were denied entry in accordance with Section 8 (1) (h) of the Immigration Act which speaks to persons who may be deemed likely to become charges on public funds. And he said within 12 hours of their arrival, they were put on planes to return home.
The minister explained that both the passengers and airline were notified and served the relevant notices when it was determined that the group would not be allowed in.
“At approximately 11 p.m., the passengers were taken into the care of the airline…to await an outward-bound flight to Kingston, Jamaica on Caribbean Airlines flight BW414 at 7:50 a.m. on 22nd March, 2016,” he said.
Outlining the Jamaicans’ treatment at that point, Moses said: “They were taken to the Customs and Excise section of the airport for a baggage check, then escorted upstairs to the departure lounge area where they remained in the presence of the security company contracted by Caribbean Airlines. The 12 persons were served a meal and drinks and were provided with blankets by representatives of the airline in keeping with usual airline procedure.
“They had access to a water cooler and were escorted to the washroom facilities on the lower level of the terminal building upon request, as repairs to those facilities in the departure lounge were then being undertaken.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister said he had met with High Commissioner for Jamaica to Trinidad, David Prendergast, and the matter was discussed in “an open, frank and courteous fashion befitting the strong relationship between both countries”.
Haiti police arrest 35 including five cop killers
The National Police of Haiti (PNH) says law enforcement officials have arrested 35 people including five for the murder of four police officers and three for lynching three disabled women last week.
PNH deputy spokesman and the Principal Inspector, Garry Desrosiers, said the 35 individuals arrested are accused of various crimes including: criminal conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and kidnapping simulation and rape.
Last week, the Defense National Network of Human Rights (RNDDH) in a report noted that the police officers were killed during the period January 3, 2015 to March 18 this year.
It said that 34 police officers were shot and one died as a result of a knife attack. It said five inspectors were among those killed while 37 others were also injured during the period.
Desrosiers said that the PNH had been actively investigating the murders and that three members of a gang were arrested during the police sweep for allegedly murdering police agents Jean Ralph Coq and Johnson Jean Pierre in April and November last year.
He said two others were arrested in connection with the murder of police officer David Dumé on February 12, this year and murdering police officer Wagnac Warrior on December 19, 2015.
Desrosiers said that three people were arrested in Cabaret in connection with the murder of the three women last week and that other suspects were being sought.
Hundreds of people took to the streets last Friday to protest the murder of the three disabled women.
Several human rights organisations and groups representing disabled people said that the three women, who were deaf and dumb, had been lynched after being taken for “witches”.
Source-CMC
Rihanna Tops Billboard's Hot 100 for Seventh Week
According to the publication, the club banger has logged its seventh week at #1 on both the Hot 100 and the Streaming Songs charts with 28.8 million U.S. streams. It also tops Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for a ninth nonconsecutive week.
Of course, Rihanna continued to celebrate the news on social media. "#WORK at No 1 on the #HOT100 for the 7th week! Glory to God! Thank y’all for the continued love and support! ? #ANTI #CaribbeanTing," she tweeted.
Rihanna has now tied her second-longest Hot 100 reign -- her 2007 hit "Umbrella" and guest feature on Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie," also led for seven weeks each.
Source-ABC
Jennifer Hudson Ranked Among Most Talented American Idol Albums
Jennifer Hudson didn't win American Idol, but her talent is seemingly undeniable. In fact, the Grammy and Oscar winner has ranked in the top five of a new consumer survey conducted by E-Score.
The survey ranked past American Idol winners based on their talents and Hudson came in at No. 4 on the list with an overall score of 64 percent. She is followed by Jordin Sparks at No. 6, Ruben Studdard at No. 12 and Fantasia at No. 17. Other contestants that appear on the list include Candice Glover, Pia Toscano, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, among others.
In the case of this study, alums were also ranked based on appeal, however their talent served as the deciding factor.
In related news, Hudson and various Idol albums will perform during the American Idol series finale, airing April 7 from the Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre.