US Foreign Aid Budget Targets Terrorism, Mideast Instability
The massive, year-end spending bill passed by Congress on Friday contains a boost for foreign aid, putting a strong focus on anti-terrorism efforts and addressing instability in the Middle East. It also aims to protect American diplomats and facilities abroad and to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need.
Overall spending for State and Foreign Operations in 2016 totals roughly $53 billion – up almost $3.5 billion from the 2015 budget. That money funds the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development and a number of other international programs, including the Voice of America.
Some development professionals say they are happy about the increase, but are concerned about an overreliance on the Overseas Contingency Account (OCO), created to finance the global war on terror. A media platform for the development aid community, Devex, says foreign aid advocates worry that a heavy reliance on OCO money may help in the short term, but may expose their programs to long-term risk when anti-terrorism operations wind down.
The rise in OCO funding is offset by a decrease in what is termed "base appropriations," the basic pool of funding that has paid for international aid programs for many years.
The House Appropriations Committee says the OCO funding is to combat the Islamic State terrorist group and other U.S. enemies. Republican Committee Chair Hal Rogers says the bill exceeds President Barack Obama’s request for embassy security and provides funding to prevent and protect against future terrorist attacks, unrest and other acts of violence. The funding increase for embassy security comes in response to the 2012 attacks on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.
Source-VOA
The PDM Speaks On Police Transfer From Grand Turk
In a release to RTC News, "The PDM says they are concerned over the recent transfer of Officers from Grand Turk to Providenciales."
Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Leader of the Opposition says, "On hearing the news of the number of Officers transferred, we wrote a letter to the Head of Police asking for a confirmation of the number among other information," Hon Cartwright Robinson said.
She further stated their representations included that while "we understand that transfers are a normal process... , the needs in Providenciales, the desire of officers for greater exposure and the needs of the Force to make available further training. However without an indepth knowledge, it gives the perception that there is not a proper balancing." We informed the Police Heads that we are concerned due to the spate of robberies and burglaries, the increase number of tourists on shore and other pressing issues that are brewing.
The Police has responded and informed us this decision was taken after extensive and careful consideration to our policing needs across the Turks and Caicos Islands together with the need to strengthen our presence in some areas and further stated that they wish to reassure [us] and the community of Grand Turk that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force remains committed to providing all communities across the Islands with effective policing services 24/7.
The PDM has informed the Police that they will be making further representations on this matter.
RTC News will have more on this story as it unfolds.
3-DAY PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2015
3-DAY PUBLIC FORECAST
FORECAST FOR THE BAHAMAS FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2015
GENERAL SITUATION: A STATIONARY FRONT REMAINS OVER THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS CREATING UNSETTLED WEATHER OVER THE ISLANDS.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: RESIDENTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF LOCALIZED FLOODING IN LOW LYIING AREAS DURING HEAVY OR PROLONGED RAINFALL EVENTS.
NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: CLOUDY TO OVERCAST SKIES WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS TODAY THROUGH TONIGHT..
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER THE EXTREME NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES ELSEWHERE IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS TODAY THROUGH TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 81F 27C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 70F 21C
SUNRISE: 6:43AM SUNSET: 5:21PM
MOONSET: 4:19PM MOONSET: 5:49AM THUR.
HIGH TIDE: 6:05AM LOW TIDE: 12:30PM
HIGH TIDE: 6:17PM LOW TIDE: 12:23AM THU.
EXTENDED FORECAST: A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP ALONG THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY NEAR THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS BY TONIGHT AND QUICKLY MOVE OFF TO THE NORTHEAST.
FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: NORTH TO NORTHEAST AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS OVER THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS...NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES OVER THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS...3 FEET OR LESS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
WEATHER: A MIX OF SUN AND CLOUDS WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS MAINLY ACROSS THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS...NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS...4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
GOVERNOR PRAISES TCI’S CARIBBEAN FIFA REPRESENTATIVE AT ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY
Speaking at the Integrity Commission's Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December, the Governor Peter Beckingham highlighted the importance of the smallest countries like Turks and Caicos getting more involved in good governance.
"While it may be natural to associate corruption with some of the biggest countries or organisations in the world, like FIFA, it is important that even the smallest countries have a role to play in setting an example. TCI is no exception."
The Governor noted that, in a recent publication by journalists of the London Times on corruption in FIFA, it was reported that TCI's Ms Sonia Bien-Aime, the Caribbean Representative on FIFA's Executive Committee, had returned a gift valued at several thousand dollars at a FIFA function. "Unlike other delegates" the Governor said "Ms Sonia Bien-Aime didn't hesitate to return the watch she had been presented, given its substantial monetary value. By doing so she demonstrated that, representing TCI, she was not to be bought. It was a fine and laudable example."
The Governor noted other ways in which elected representatives of Turks and Caicos could set an example to society as a whole. He remarked that, quite correctly, Cabinet Ministers and officials had recused themselves from discussions in Cabinet where there was a risk of personal interests clashing with those of the country as a whole. "Absenting themselves was the correct thing to do, and I hope that their example will be followed by all politicians of whatever persuasion. I am also pleased that the Declaration of Interests is now taken so much more seriously as a living document for the country."
The Governor concluded by applauding the work of the Integrity Commission, especially its work in highlighting among schools and other groups the importance of integrity in public life. "The Commission" he noted "is unique in TCI in having a responsibility to shine a light on good governance, integrity and anti-corruption. This is inevitably a difficult and sometimes challenging role" the Governor said, "but with the inspirational leadership of its Board, whose work I applaud, TCI is beginning to stand out in the region as something of a model on how to organise a successful anti corruption body".
TCAAF COMMEMORATES WORLD AIDS DAY WITH A COCKTAIL PARTY AT SEVEN STARS
World AIDS Day is commemorated annually on December 1st around the world and provides an opportunity for us to unite in the fight against HIV, remember those who have died and strengthen our efforts in the battle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The UNAIDS World AIDS Day theme for 2011 to 2015 is: “Getting to Zero” This theme, echoes the UNAIDS vision of achieving “Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.” This year the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) hosted a Cocktail party at Seven Stars to promote this theme, raise awareness, remember those who died and support the people who are living with HIV/AIDS in the TCI.
“I call upon all of us to stop discriminating against persons infected with HIV. World AIDS Day serves as a time to renew our collective community. We should not discriminate against fellow human beings irrespective of race, religion or health status. Let us focus on prevention and education as well as remembrance of those who have died and support for those infected,” said Hon. Galmo Williams, patron, founder and director of the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation. Guests in attendance of the cocktail party were entertained live by Crystal Charles and members of the Towers of Babel. Former Coordinator of the National HIV Prevention Unit Mrs. Cheryl Ann Jones, was honoured for her dedication and works in the field of HIV/AIDS in the TCI and Goldsmith was honoured for their continued support to the Foundation.
In 2016, TCAAF anticipates, continued works in partnership with the National HIV Prevention Unit, strengthening local services to the people living with HIV/AIDS, eliminating HIV-related stigma and discrimination and preventing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths added the release.
DOMUS SEMO SANCUS (DSS) LAUNCHES GLOBAL BACKGROUND CHECK APPLICATION SAFETYNET
E. Jay Saunders, Founder & CEO of Domus Semo Sancus, is on a mission.
In an unforgettable night at Jai’s Jewelry Store, located in the Regent Village, Grace Bay; E Jay stepped out in a cloud of smoke as new character, Bond, E Jay’s Bond; and disclosed his mission to bring the KYC (Know Your Client/Customer), AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and background checking world into the cognitive era. Event attendees watched as E. Jay revealed DSS’ new online application SafetyNet, which is poised to revolutionize the way background checking is done.
SafetyNet is a global background checking utility that is powered by IBM Watson. Watson is a cognitive computing platform that is designed to understand, reason, and learn. Like a human, it can read and understand natural language, but at a rate of 800 million pages per second. SafetyNet utilizes Watson’s cognitive power to search high risk individuals and persons in public life (politically exposed persons) in several databases along with big data from the internet at large to help companies tackle their onboarding risks. In addition, it also gives companies an in-depth view of their current clients. With features such as Personality Insights, SafetyNet not only helps companies manage risks, but it also helps them improve their customer service, as companies can use the date to tailor their products and services to match a customer’s needs.
When it comes to background checking, SafetyNet powered by IBM Watson is helping businesses “outthink the limits of what’s possible.”
”SafetyNet breaks new ground in the background checking space.” stated E. Jay, who went on to say that “We are confident that it has the potential to revolutionize not just the KYC and AML space, but also background checking for the on-demand economy. Once customers try SafetyNet they’ll see that they’re not just doing due diligence, but enhanced due diligence. And to top it off, they can get a full report on an associate or entity-of-interest within minutes.”
Since 2013, financial institutions around the world have been fined over US$10 Billion dollars for KYC and AML lapses. With SafetyNet, DSS customers have a tool that can help them avoid adding to that figure.
SafetyNet is a business to business (B2B) application. To learn more visit www.safetynetkyc.com
Oil Prices Fall to 7-year Low; Stocks Falter
Crude oil prices fell to their lowest level since 2009 in Tuesday's global trading.
The latest in a long string of price plunges follows Friday's meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries that failed to reach a consensus to cut oil production. They might have raised prices by limiting supplies.
Experts say current oil supplies are significantly higher than oil demand. That oversupply is expected to grow even more as Iran, one of the world's largest oil suppliers, gets out from under international sanctions that limit its exports. Worries about slackening demand were also heightened by forecasts for mild winter weather in the United States, which could cut the need for heating oil.
Prices for the benchmark Brent crude fell below $40 a barrel Tuesday, while the closely-watched price for West Texas Intermediate fell to that level in Monday's trading.
Worried investors sold stock in oil companies and the firms that supply and support the oil industry. The selloff of these large companies helped push down stock prices on major indexes around the world.
Declining oil prices also "weighed" on credit profiles of major oil exporters, according to the Fitch rating agency. Fitch experts are calculating the impact of falling oil revenue on government budgets. They are also watching how well the affected nations cope by cutting expenses, finding other revenue sources, devaluing their currencies or taking other actions.
Digicel Play inks deal for child-friendly video service
Digicel Play today announced that it has signed a deal with A Parent Media Co Inc (APMC), owner of children’s over-the-top (OTT) entertainment service, Kidoodle.TV®, to bring a new entertainment and educational experience to its growing customer base.
Digicel Play, which includes fibre, fixed lines and Internet services, has secured the child-friendly subscription video-on-demand service for its markets in the Caribbean, and will begin viewing of the entertainment package over the next few months.
According to Digicel, Kidoodle.TV features robust parental controls, a brightly coloured, easy-to-use interface, a customisable library of content, and Family Moments™ — which is the world’s first kids’ subscription video-on-demand platform to allow consumers to upload and watch family videos and home movies alongside popular children’s programmes.
“This innovative integration of such an advanced app into our ecosystem is an exciting next step in enabling our customers to access opportunities for positive growth and quality entertainment through our connected services,” Digicel Play CEO for the Caribbean and Central America, John Suranyi stated.
“We are also excited to provide parents with the tools to protect their kids’ media experience while incentivising them to engage in education-based consumption and healthy viewing boundaries. Kidoodle.TV provides an exceptional offering,” Suranyi said.
Source-Jamaica Observer
US, Cuba turn to sticky issue of compensation claims
The United States and Cuba began discussions Tuesday on one of the thorniest issues in their budding rapprochement: the outstanding claims for compensation by both former Cold War foes.
Washington is seeking payment of between $7 billion and $8 billion for American citizens and companies whose property on the Caribbean island was confiscated by Fidel Castro's government in the wake of the Cuban Revolution in 1959.
Havana for its part is seeking damages for its losses under the suffocating US embargo imposed in the revolution's aftermath -- an estimated $121 billion to date, according to the Cuban government.
Current Cuban President Raul Castro, the retired Fidel's younger brother, has warned the negotiations will be "long and complex" -- a phrase echoed by Washington ahead of Tuesday's high-level talks in Havana.
"The meeting is the first step in what we expect to be a long and complex process, but the United States views the resolution of outstanding claims as a top priority for normalization," said US State Department spokesman John Kirby.
The US delegation is led by State Department legal adviser Mary McLeod, said a statement from Washington.
Cuba for its part has so far kept mum on the new talks.
News site Cubadebate said the Cuban claim included an additional $181 billion for "human damages" caused by the embargo, which the government in Havana calls a "blockade."
That would bring Cuba's total claim to more than $300 billion.
On the American side, the nearly 6,000 firms and individuals seeking compensation include Coca-Cola and oil giants Exxon and Texaco.
The talks come just before the first anniversary of the historic rapprochement announced by Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro last December 17.
The two former enemies have since reopened embassies in each other's capitals and announced a series of breakthroughs in talks on thawing their Cold War freeze.
But deeply divisive issues remain untouched, including the ongoing embargo and the future of the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
Source-AFP
Baby girl electrocuted in T&T, stepfather detained
The police have detained a man who reportedly tried to revive his two-year-old stepdaughter with live electrical wires.
The police report that the infant, Kristha Knutt, who lived with her mother was suffering from a cold.
The man went to check on the girl and found her unresponsive.
The child’s mother told the police that when the stepfather saw that the child was not responding, they tried to revive her by using live electrical wires with 110 volts of electricity.
The attempt however failed and the child was rushed to the Port of Spain General Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
An autopsy revealed that the child died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head, aspiration due to pneumonia and electrocution.
Source-CMC