Sri Lankan Airlines accused of 'culture of corruption'
The Sri Lankan government has launched a criminal investigation into the country's national airline over allegations of "shocking" corruption.
A statement from the prime minister's office said that an inquiry had unearthed "major security breaches" at Sri Lankan Airlines.
The statement alleges irregularities in a $2.3bn purchase of 10 aircraft made under the previous government.
The loss-making airline is 95% state-owned and 5% owned by staff.
It is the latest in a string of corruption allegations made against the administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The statement, issued by the office of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, accuses Mr Rajapaksa of making management changes within the airline to allow the $2.3bn-dollar purchase of 10 new aircraft "despite the availability of more cost-effective alternatives".
The former chairman of the airline, Nishantha Wickramasinghe, is also singled out by the statement, accused of a "gross abuse of power".
Mr Wickramasinghe - who is Mr Rajapaksa's brother-in-law - is accused of exposing the airline to "reputational damage" by his "penchant for young air hostesses", as well as falsifying documents to lease a luxury sports car.
The statement also accuses the airline of attempting to "hush-up two serious flying mishaps", although no details are given.
Mr Rajapaksa, in power since 2005, was defeated in an election in January 2015, by Maithripapa Srisena.
Source-BBC
Cuba's Fidel Castro makes rare appearance after 14 months
The former president of Cuba, Fidel Castro, has made his first appearance in 14 months.
He met a delegation of Venezuelan officials on a solidarity mission to Cuba at a local school.
The 88-year-old revolutionary icon was described as "full of vitality" by local press.
He was last seen in public in January 2014 at the opening of a Havana cultural centre sponsored by one of his favourite Cuban artists, Alexis Leyva.
This time, official media showed images of a seated Mr Castro shaking hands with the Venezuelan visitors through the window of his vehicle, wearing a baseball cap and windbreaker.
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, oil-rich Venezuela has become Cuba's closest ally.
Mr Castro was a close friend of the former Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, who ensured Cuba received cheap oil. In return, Cuba supplied its ally with Cuban advisers, doctors and teachers.
Fidel Castro provisionally stepped down due to illness in 2006, and formally announced his retirement in 2008, handing over to his younger brother Raul, 83.
He occasionally writes a newspaper column and receives dignitaries at home, but rarely appears in public.
Source-BBC
Kenya Easter Services Mourn Slain Students
Kenyan churches used armed guards to protect their congregations Sunday, as Easter services were dedicated to the 148 victims of Thursday's massacre by al-Shabab militants at a university.
Ceremonies were held across Kenya in memory of those killed at Garissa University College by the Somalia-based Islamist extremist group.
For the several hundred members of Garissa's Christian minority, which is fearful following the attack by al-Shabab, Sunday's service was laden with emotion. The gunmen who attacked Garissa University College on Thursday singled out Christians for killing, though al-Shabab has a long record of killing Muslims over the years.
"We just keep on praying that God can help us, to comfort us in this difficult time," said Dominick Odhiambo, a worshipper who said he planned to abandon his job as a plumber in Garissa and leave for his hometown because he was afraid.
In Garissa, where masked gunmen in 2012 killed more than a dozen people in simultaneous gun and grenade raids on two churches, six soldiers guarded the town's main Christian church and about 100 worshippers ahead of Sunday mass.
"Thank you for coming, so many of you," Bishop Joseph Alessandro said to the congregation at Our Lady of Consolation Church. He said some of those who died in Thursday's attack would have been at the service, and he read condolence messages from around the world.
Lagho said churches in the Indian Ocean port city of Mombasa were hiring armed police and private security guards for mass on Easter Sunday. Christians make up 83 percent of Kenya's 44 million population.
During a televised address Saturday, President Uhuru Kenyatta declared a three-day mourning period to begin Sunday, appealing to Kenyans to safeguard the nation's "peace and stability."
Kenyatta stressed his belief that "Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance." He said “the radicalization that breeds terrorism” is conducted “in the full glare of day.”
Also Sunday, Kenya identified one of the al-Shabab gunmen who massacred students at a northeastern university as the son of a Kenyan government official, Interior ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka told Reuters.
Some material for this report came from AP, Reuters and AFP.
TCI Tennis Academy tournaments helping to grow the sport in Provo!
TCI Tennis Academy recently concluded a series of successful age-group tennis tournaments, helping to grow the sport in Providenciales and stimulate a healthy lifestyle amongst our youth.
The tournaments, organized by head coach Rey Garcia, were hosted at the Provo Golf & Country Club and players in the Academy School Program were invited to participate. The groups were structured according to the Tennis 10’s format, which is the official program of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), making use of modified courts, balls and racquets to allow young players to compete and enjoy the game in conditions suitable to their development.
More than 80 children participated in the various round-robin matches, held over multiple weekends. Parents and supporters ensured a vibrant and festive atmosphere, with the matches contested in good spirits. While the best performers were invited to compete in semi final, 3rd place playoff and finals matches, all players were rewarded with a medal for the most improved aspect of their game.
“At this age, we stress the importance of each player improving his own game, rather than the final result,” explains Rey.
“For these kids, winning is about getting better and progressing every time they step on the court.”
As such, medals were awarded for a variety of categories, including the best backhand, most improved serve or a display of sportsmanship. Each player also received a new grip or shock absorber, to ensure they have the best quality equipment available.
Congratulations to the winners and finalists in the various groups:
MINI-TENNIS
First place: Maddox Zaidan
Second place: Amy Danics
UNDER 12 HALF COURT
Fist place: Carson Greatrex
Second place: Zachary Scholar
Third: Brenten Handfiel
Forth : Joe Canham
UNDER 12 FULL COURT
First place: Jasmine Coles
Second place : Lucas Coles
Third place: Khalid Fulford
15 YEARS AND UNDER
First place: Roman Rose
Second place: Mathew Danics
Third place: Zarek Swann
TCIG SIGNS $220M MOU WITH COOPER JACK DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cooper Jack Development Limited to build a $220 million dollar hotel, spa and residences today, April 2, 2015.
The proposed development will consist of a mixed-use, 281-bedroom resort consisting of a five-star stand-alone hotel of 100 bedrooms and suites, 76 condominium units and 3 luxury villas. The total project site area is situated along 20.92 acres in the Cooper Jack area of Providenciales.
“This new luxury hotel development is indeed indicative of the confidence investors have in the TCI economy and we welcome yet another group that is keen to invest in the TCI ” said TCI Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing.
“Additionally, a new hotel development in the Cooper Jack area now brings about a new frontier of luxury resorts in yet another location away from the Grace Bay area, which means further diversity not only in the sector itself but also in real estate market”.
Minister of Finance, Washington Misick stated; “This new development speaks directly to the investment climate in the country and also its attractiveness to high end developments. This is an exciting time in the TCI and we welcome this new development”.
The construction work is expected to begin in the 3rd quarter of 2015 and last for approximately 2 years.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT SIGNS $224M RITZ CARLTON AGREEMENT
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government has signed a Development Agreement with the Desarrollos Hotel Group to build a $224 million dollar Ritz Carlton hotel, resort, casino & spa in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales, April 2, 2015.
The proposed development will consist of 124 luxury hotel guest rooms, penthouses, resort residences and associated facilities. The new resort will be managed by the Ritz Carlton Hotels Company L.L.C., an international luxury hotel brand operating 84 hotels and resorts in 26 countries.
“This European Plan style hotel development provides a welcome diversification to the TCI tourism sector as it is more of a traditional hotel, rather than the previously prevalent condominium model in the TCI,” said TCI Premier Dr Rufus Ewing. “At the same time, it further develops the luxury tourism offering in this destination with the addition of such an important luxury brand in Ritz Carlton.”
“This is a welcome boost for the people and businesses of the TCI, especially in our construction sector,” added Minister of Finance, Washington Misick. “This announcement clearly consolidates our position as one of the fastest growing, and strongest economies in the Caribbean. The financial stability of the TCI clearly provides the right environment for international investors to come here and grow their businesses.”
The Desarrollos Hotel Group has already developed and owns four Marriott Hotels, of which one is the Ritz Carlton Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa.
It is anticipated that construction work will begin in November 2015 and last for approximately three years.
FortisTCI Prepared for Projected Growth with Arrival of Third Wartsila Engine
A third Wartsila 20V32 generating unit, purchased by FortisTCI Limited (the Company) in August of 2014 arrived in Providenciales (Provo) today. This latest engine will replace a recently retired Caterpillar unit at the Company’s power plant in Provo, offering increased fuel efficiency and enhanced reliability. The purchase also adds to the major capital investments made in the Turks and Caicos Islands by FortisTCI to ensure that the Country has one of the most robust and reliable electricity systems within the region.
The contract for the newest 8.7 Megawatt (MW) Wartsila engine was signed for on June 10, 2014 and will place the Company in a position to meet projected load growth based on economic development forecasts through 2018. Reliable electricity is a precursor to economic development and is one of the first assessments potential investors will make regarding their investment decisions. The unit will be commissioned in September of this year at the Provo plant, which serves customers on Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, as well as the Cays between Provo and North Caicos (excluding Parrot Cay).
FortisTCI President and CEO, Eddinton Powell said, “The load on the electricity system is determined by our customers’ aggregate demand, and FortisTCI must be in a position to meet that demand. Failure to do so would result in rolling blackouts and an unstable electricity grid, a situation common in our region. Moreover, the Turks and Caicos Islands is a high-end tourist destination which must have state-of-the-art electricity infrastructure. Because of the high quality of our system, we offer a competitive economic advantage to the Turks and Caicos Islands, helping to attract direct investment that contributes to the continued economic development of the country.”
The utility business is highly financial-capital intensive, and the Company must invest to efficiently meet the load demand at all times. The new Wartsila engines are amongst the most technologically advanced in the world and have helped to reduce our carbon footprint through lower exhaust emissions over the past several years. FortisTCI has invested millions of dollars’ in infrastructure, from generation and transmission & distribution (T&D) systems to customer service support and delivery infrastructure. The company has also taken the lead in exploring alternative sources of energy, including renewable energy.
In addition, FortisTCI has engaged consultants to investigate the feasibility of off-loading solutions that will facilitate streamlining the Company’s fuel supply chain, which has the potential of further reducing the cost of electricity to our customers.
NIB Announces increases to take effect in April
The Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board informed the general public of the following increases in various benefits provided by the National Insurance Program which will take effect on April 15, 2015.
1. Increase in minimum Retirement Pension
The minimum retirement pension will increase from $335 per month to $370.00 per month
2. Increase in minimum Invalidity Pension
The minimum Invalidity Pension will increase from $335 per month to $370 per month.
3. Increase in Funeral Grant
Funeral grant will increase from $2000 to $2,190 for the contributor and from $1300 to$420 for a dependent of the contributor.
4. Increase in Maternity Grant
Maternity Grant will increase from $500 per child $550 per child
5. Increase in minimum Widow/ Widower’s Pension
The minimum Widow / Widower’s Pension will increase from $250 per month to $270 per month
6. Increase in minimum Children’s Pension
The minimum Children’s Pension will increase from $100 per month to $110 per month
7. Increase in Non Contributory Old-Age Pension
Non Contributory Old-Age Pension will increase from $250 per month to $275 per month
Deputy Director Mr. Walter Gardiner will be sitting down with Expressions to discuss the following next week on Radio Turks & Caicos before resuming his radio show NIB & You on Tuesdays at 11am.
Amendment effective January 1, 2015
8. Retirement Pension Calculation Formula
The formula for calculation of retirement pension has been amended from being previously based the best three years of the last 10 contribution years to now being based on the best five years of the last 10 contribution years effective retroactively January 1, 2015.
Hon. Sean Astwood returns to the Turks & Caicos Islands
The Peoples Democratic Movement is extremely excited to announce the return of their Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament for Five Cays, Hon Sean Astwood.
Hon Astwood has been overseas seeking medical treatment and returned to the islands on Sunday, March 29. 2015.
We are pleased to report that he continues to recover and we are assured of a full recovery. He is currently spending time with his family and will make a statement in due course but wishes to state the following until that time-
“There is no place like home. I am grateful for the prayers, love and support shown during what can only be described as a frightening experience. At the outset, I wish to thank those who attended me during my illness - the physicians and nursing staff at home and stationed at Doctors’ Hospital."
"I am thankful to the residents of Five Cays who held a Prayer Service on my behalf and those others who continued the work in the great constituency of Five Cays. I wish to assure the people of Five Cays, the PDM and the entire Turks and Caicos that I will be back stronger than before. I see this for what it is and that is a test in many respects and I am even more confident in my vision and plans. I continue to solicit your prayers as I continue to fully recover. May God bless you all and may He continue to bless these Turks and Caicos Islands” says Hon. Sean Astwood.
Members of the House of Assembly & Appropriations Committee were thrilled to hear of the return of the Member to the Turks & Caicos islands including supporters of the PDM Family.
March was observed as National Nutrition Month
The month of March was internationally and locally observed as National Nutrition Month. The theme for this year’s observation was “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle.”
Nutrition in Demand, a local non profit aimed at raising awareness to health and healthy eating, hosted a number of activities to mark the month long celebration.
Registered Dietitian and director of the non-profit, Mrs. Tamika Handfield said, “March is not the only time we bring awareness to the importance of nutrition, but this is a time when health professionals around the world put the spotlight on nutrition.” Mrs. Handfield added, “This year’s theme encourages you to consume fewer calories, read food labels and get daily exercise; all of which leads to a healthier lifestyle.”
As part of the month’s celebration, Nutrition in Demand held Nutrition education and culinary classes with various schools including: B.E.S.T Institute in Providenciales, Doris Robinson Primary in Middle Caicos and Adelaide Oemler Primary school in North Caicos. Children learnt about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast and the foods they should be choosing for breakfast. To reinforce the teaching points, the students were also involved in a cooking activity. They made 100% whole wheat and, with supervision, were responsible for all the cooking steps involved—measuring, mixing, cracking eggs and cooking the pancakes. Using fruits, the children were asked to create faces on their pancakes. Mrs. Handfield said, “This was done as a way to show the children that eating healthy can be fun.”
A student from Adelaide Omeler had this to say about their school visit, “It was a fun and educational day! We learned about healthy breakfast foods. Now, when my mom goes to the store, I will tell her to buy whole wheat flour because it actually tastes better than the regular flour.”
Nutrition in Demand also collaborated with Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Beaches Resorts to bring a healthy eating seminar to the students of the Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays. Hundreds of children at the school received whole grain cereal, low fat milk and fruit as part of the Big Breakfast initiative of the Sandals Foundation.
In addition to all of this, a Public Service Announcement (PSA) was produced for television and radio to further bring awareness to the month long celebration. A workshop for the Fillipino community had to be reschedule for a later date.