CARICOM restates support for Guyana in border dispute with Venezuela
The 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has come out in full support of Guyana after Venezuela declared that the “Arbitral award of 1899, which definitively settled the boundary between the two countries, is null and void”.
CARICOM said it had also taken note of the communiqué issued by Venezuela re-affirming its position regarding ownership of parts of Guyana and published in several Caribbean newspapers.
“The Caribbean Community reiterates its firm, long-standing and continued support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and for the unhindered economic and social development of all of Guyana.
“In this regard, the Community, once again, expresses its hope for an early resolution of the controversy which has arisen as a result of Venezuela’s contention that the Arbitral award of 1899, which definitively settled the boundary between the two countries, is null and void,” CARICOM said.
Last week, the Guyana government said it “is extremely perplexed” by the decision of the Venezuela government to use the media here to publicise its opposition to the allegations by Georgetown that Caracas is seeking to stymie the development of the CARICOM country.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said while a communiqué appearing in a local newspaper mentions the fact that leaders from both countries have underscored the “necessity of deepening cooperation” between Guyana and Venezuela, “it fails to recognize that those efforts have in fact been defeated by Venezuela’s threats and actions against investors wishing to operate and those already operating in Guyana, including by the very Communiqué under reference.
“The premise of Venezuela’s objections continues to be its spurious and illegal claim to Guyana’s territory. The land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela was permanently and definitively delimited on October 3, 1899 pursuant to the Treaty of Washington of February 2, 1897. The view expressed in the Communiqué under reference that there is a territorial dispute “inherited from British colonialism” is therefore patently false,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In its statement, CARICOM said it has also taken note that Guyana has commenced a review of the options available under Article 33 of the United Nations Charter, as provided by the 1966 Geneva Agreement.
CARICOM said agreement includes “the judicial option, that could serve to bring an end to the controversy and ensure stability in the relations between the two countries, relations that in recent years have seen positive progress through high-level political consultations and mutually beneficial programmes of functional cooperation”.
Jericho Baptist Church loses first Co-Ed Softball Game
Thursday's Church Slow Pitch Co-Ed league displayed great performance at the National Stadium.
In the first game between the champs Jericho Baptist Church & Prophecy Church, the lead changed hands in every inning; Prophecy went into the fifth innings down one (1) 6 to 4, but they put six runs on the board to lead the game by (5) five runs, the champs try to mount a come back but was unable to, loosing their game 6 to 10.
This is there first loss leaving Prophecy as the only undefeated team in the league.
The second game between the Roman Catholic Church & Methodist Church, went the full 5 innings.
The Catholics led in every inning, winning that game comfortably 15 to 7.
The next games will played on Monday night beginning at 6.30pm at the stadium.
TCIG RECOGNIZES ITS RESOURCES DURING SOCIAL WORK MONTH
March 2015 marks the celebration of Social Work Month. This is indeed a significant celebration and recognition of the numerous contributions which Social Workers throughout the world have made in communities, government, schools and families.
The Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs takes this opportunity to recognize our Social Workers within the Turks and Caicos Islands for their dedication and commitment in helping to bring about social change and stand up against social injustice.
This week, we tip our hats and salute Social Workers Assistant Social Worker Ruthamae Campbell and Mr. Calvert Hamilton for their contributions to the Department of Social Development and Gender Affairs over the years.
Assistant Social Worker Mrs. Campbell, was drawn to the field of Social Worker after recognizing the social problems that existed in her country. She decided to pursue a career in the field of Social Work. Her goal was to promote social justice and equality among all. She is knowledgeable of Community Resources and able to connect clients to services. She mostly enjoys working with children in foster care, the elderly and attending Court. This year gives her 12 years working in the Department of Social Development, which she takes great pride and joy in working in all areas of social work. Mrs. Campbell, in her capacity of Assistant Social Worker, assess the needs of clients and families and make recommendations for changes; with the assistance of a Social Worker investigate cases of abuse and manage assigned cases; engage in Community work which promotes awareness and educational events of the Department.
As a Senior Pastor, certain elements of Social Work appealed naturally to Rev. Calvert Hamilton; such as counseling and providing care to those in need. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to become a Social Worker, he did not hesitate to apply. Mr. Hamilton also felt that he had the temperament, discretion and knowledge of community resources necessary to be a Social Worker and link clients to services. Responsibilities include – counseling client and their families; investigate cases of abuse; complete applications for welfare benefits; community work i.e. Disaster management, Child Abuse Presentations, Devotions at school, International Men’s Day coordination; attend Court in support of client.
Look out next week for excerpts on other dedicated Social Workers. “Social work paves the way for change. We are the Changers”
TCIG ELABORATES ON KRAFT FOODS RECALL
Kraft Foods is recalling about 6.5 million boxes of original flavor Kraft Macaroni & Cheese because some of the boxes contain small pieces of metal.
According to the Environmental Health Department, the boxes have "best when used by" dates ranging from Sept. 18, 2015 through Oct. 11, 2015 and are marked with the code "C2." They were sold throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and in some countries in the Caribbean and South America.
The recall covers 7.25 ounce boxes that were sold individually and in packs of three, four and five. It covers 242,000 cases of the product.
Kraft Foods Group Inc. said Tuesday it is aware of eight incidents of consumers finding metal in the boxes, but hasn't been informed of any injuries. It says consumers shouldn't eat the macaroni and should return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
The Environmental Health Department is kindly asking persons to contact them for information on the proper disposal of these original flavor Kraft Macaroni & Cheese products.
TCIG REDUCES BUSINESS LICENSE FEES AS OF 1 APRIL 2015
The Revenue Department in the Ministry of Finance would like to inform the general public of the following in regards to the Business License program:
o Cabinet has approved a reduction in fees averaging 50% across the board with effect from 1 April 2015.
o The Department is now accepting applications for renewal of licenses for Financial Year 2015/16
o Deadline to renew licenses is 30th April, 2015. Thereafter, penalty of 10% per month will apply.
o All applications for renewals must be properly completed and all relevant supporting documents/clearances must be submitted with applications.
The Business Community is also kindly reminded that cheques for Business License refunds are now available for collection at the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Treasury and Sub-Treasury.
National Insurance Board heard a number of matters in the Magistrates’ Court # 2
The following matters were heard in the Magistrates’ Court # 2, IGA Complex, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
1. NIB v Alvin Garland of Royal Flush Gaming for failing to pay national insurance additional charges in the amount of US $2,403.79. The defendant did not appear and a summons was issued to be served on the defendant for his appearance at the next hearing. The matter was adjourned to April 17, 2015.
2. NIB v (1) Konk Holdings; (2) Russell Garland; (3) Wayne Garland; (4) James Lightbourne for failing to pay national insurance contributions and additional charges as an employer in the amount of US $55,533.68. The defendants failed to appear and a summons was issued to be served on the defendants for appearance at the next hearing. The matter was adjourned to April 17, 2015.
3. NIB v (1) Central Security Services Ltd; (2) Kerlin Smith for failing to pay national insurance contributions and additional charges in the amount of US $9,411.89. The defendant failed to appear and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The matter was adjourned to March 30, 2015 at 9:00am.
4. NIB v Terrence Robinson trading as Lorters Computers for failing to pay national insurance additional charges in the amount of US $8,927.47. The matter was adjourned sine die.
5. NIB had a case against Wayne Hall, trading as Ocean Vibes Scuba and Water Sports for failing to pay national insurance contributions in the amount of US $47,349.53. The defendant did not appear and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The matter was adjourned to April 17, 2015.
The 10th Compliance Conference gets underway in the TCI
The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) of the Turks and Caicos Islands will be hosting the 10th Compliance Conference: ¨Keeping in step with regulatory requirements as the Standards evolve” from the 23rd - 24th March 2015 at the Regent Palms Resort in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
The CFATF pursues the objective of achieving effective compliance with and implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Standards to prevent and control money laundering and the financing of terrorism. In that regard, the CFATF, the Attorney General´s Chambers and the FIA are preparing the national framework for the upcoming Mutual Evaluation of the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system of the Turks and Caicos Islands, which will measure the effectiveness of the TCIs efforts in countering money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
The Compliance Conference will provide an opportunity for training to all those representatives of the public and private sector who must comply with the TCI Anti-Money Laundering and Prevention of Terrorist Financing (AML/PFT) Regulations. Knowledge gained will enable them to face the challenges of the Mutual Evaluation. Additionally, participants will be provided with an in-depth and practical learning experience while encouraging participation in honest dialogue with key parties from different segments of the complex world of anti-money laundering risk management.
This Conference will feature international and local experts in the Anti-Money Laundering and Prevention of Terrorist Financing field who will make presentations on the new FATF Standards; discuss Risk Assessments, Customer Due Diligence, Supervision, Challenges for the TCI and the most relevant trends and topics that all stakeholders in the AML/PTF industry need to be aware of.
The Conference also presents an opportunity to showcase the TCI to the world bringing international exposure and recognition regarding our determined efforts to meet international standards in the implementation of our Anti-Money Laundering/Prevention of Terrorist Financing regime.
Ministry of Education Announces Registration 2015/2016 for Public Schools
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Library Services announces the beginning of the registration process for students at the Public Primary and Secondary levels for the Academic Year 2015-2016.
Registration for all Public Primary Schools and High School in Providenciales will commence on Tuesday, March 24th and continue until Thursday, March 26th 2015
High School Registration for all other islands will commence on Friday, July 3rd to Tuesday, July 7th 2015.
Parents and Guardians are being asked to note that registration will be conducted in alphabetical order based on the last name of the prospective student/s.
The following are required for entry into all public schools:
• 2 Passport size photos
• Birth Certificate
• NHIP Card
• Immunization/Medical Certificate
• Proof of Status in TCI (Parents & Prospective Student/s)
• Passport Photo Page of Parent/Guardian
Copies and originals of the above listed documents MUST be presented on the day of registration said the Ministry.
REGISTRATION SCHEDULE: PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS-Students for Infant 1
TIME: 8:30am - 3:30pm
DATE: March 24th -26th, 2015:
• March 24th- Prospective Students with Last Name beginning with A-I ONLY
• March 25th-Prospective Students with Last Name beginning with J-R ONLY
• March 26th-Prospective Students with Last Name beginning with S-Z ONLY
PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS-Students for Form 1
TIME: 8:30am - 3:30pm
DATE: March 24th -26th, 2015 (Providenciales):
• March 24th- Prospective Students with Last Name beginning with A-I ONLY
• March 25th-Prospective Students with Last Name beginning with J-R ONL
• March 26th-Prospective Students with Last Name beginning with S-Z ONLY
DATE: July 3rd-7th, 2015 (Grand Turk, South Caicos & North Caicos):
Registration will be conducted at the following venues:
• Grand Turk: H.J Robinson High School
• South Caicos: Marjorie Basden High School
• North Caicos: Raymond Gardiner High School
• Providenciales: Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex
Three the Hard Way in the PABA
The Hustlerz stole a win from the Steelers in overtime, to win 61-58.
The name Wesley Cherry will be remembered from that game, as he scored 22 points & 10 rebounds; Cherry was supported by Linden Williams with 10 pts and 3 rebounds for the Steelers.
Captain Kirk Adams led the way for the Hustlerz with 24 pts, 6 rebs, 3 assists and 2 steals. The Captain received much needed help from Devonio Quant who scored 11 pts, 7 rebounds, 2 assists & 4 big steals.
Games will continue on Friday night with a 3 bill lineup.
In the motion picture for Game 1, the Stallions will try to drink the already thirsty Coca Cola Classics.
The Grace bay walk of fame in Game 2 will see the Hustlerz taking on the Police Badgers and game 3 will see horror, when the Steelers will try to prey on the Predators.
All these films are rated E for entertaining and can be viewed live at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex!
In the words of the director, Sydwell Glasgow, 'these will be epic, don't miss it!'
Pharrell Williams Breaks His Silence on 'Blurred Lines' Lawsuit
Pharrell Williams talks for the first time about the court ruling that favored Marvin Gaye's family in the "Blurred Lines" copyright infringement case. "The verdict handicaps any creator out there who is making something that might be inspired by something else," he told The Financial Times.
"This applies to fashion, music, design ... anything. If we lose our freedom to be inspired, we're going to look up one day and the entertainment industry as we know it will be frozen in litigation. This is about protecting the intellectual rights of people who have ideas."
"Everything that's around you in a room was inspired by something or someone," he added. "If you kill that, there's no creativity."
Williams recorded "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke and T.I.. They were accused of ripping off Marvin Gaye's 1977 song "Got to Give It Up" and ordered to pay the Gaye family $7.3 million after losing in the court battle.
"If [Gaye] were alive today, we feel he would embrace the technology available to artists and the diverse music choices and spaces accessible to fans who can stream a song at a moment's notice," the family wrote in an open letter. "But we also know he would be vigilant about safeguarding the artist's rights. He also gave credit where credit is due."
They are seeking an injunction to halt "Blurred Lines" sales until both sides can agree on the distribution of future revenue. They also have filed a motion to "correct" the jury's initial verdict which let T.I. and record labels off the hook.
Source-Ace.Showbiz