Church slow pitch Co-Ed league on Monday night, will be recorded in the history books
The church slow pitch Co-Ed league on Monday night, will be recorded in the history books, as one to be remembered, said Godfrey Been.
The first game between Methodist Church and Paradise Baptist Church tool two extra innings before this game came to an end.
The game got started a bit late, but you could see from the beginning that Paradise came to play, but Methodist took them very lightly and found themselves in a real fight.
After (3) three extra innings in overtime, Paradise finally took the game 30 to 19 in the bottom (8) eight inning.
The second game of the night between Harvest Bible & Global United Fellowship, was a quick one.
Global United Fellowship ended the game in the third inning with the Ten (10) Run rule where they comfortably won 15 to 4.
Games will continue tonight and again on Thursday night at the National Stadium and all are invited.
AirAsia 8501 crash: Official search for bodies ends
The head of Indonesia's rescue agency has confirmed that the search for remaining bodies from a plane crash in the Java Sea ended today Tuesday.
Bambang Soe-list-yo told the BBC that the ships involved in the search will then be pulled out on Wednesday, Bambang Soe-list-yo.
AirAsia lost contact with flight QZ 8501 on 28 December as it was flying from Sura-baya in Indonesia to Singapore with 162 people on board.
The search effort has recovered 106 bodies, with 56 unaccounted for.
The families of those missing are disappointed but understand that the search cannot go on indefinitely, reports the BBC's Alice Budi-sat-rijo in Jakarta.
Frangky Chandra, the older brother of Gani Chandra, an Indonesian man who was on board the plane, and whose body has not been found, said it was difficult for his family to move on and that they will never stop waiting.
He said "the most important thing" was that DV1, the official search team, has said it will help with the identification process if any more bodies are found.
Tony Fernandes, the CEO of AirAsia, told reporters last week that he was satisfied with the search operation.
Bad weather in the Java Sea has hampered the recovery operation of AirAsia flight QZ8501
"We have been successful... To get more than 50% is considered a huge success," he said. But he added that the search could not "go on indefinitely".
The fuselage of the crashed plane was located in the Java Sea in mid-January and the final part of it that was recoverable was removed at the end of February. Divers established that those elements of fuselage that had to be left in the sea did not contain any bodies.
The bodies that were recovered were mostly found in and around the wreckage, with a few discovered some 1,000km away, off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Three were found as recently as 14 March.
The plane's two "black box" flight recorders were also found. They revealed several alarms were "screaming", drowning out the sound of the pilots' voices.
Indonesia's transport minister has said that radar data showed the plane climbing at an abnormally high rate. This could have caused it to stall, experts say.
The plane is thought to have been attempting to fly above a storm. The pilot's last contact was a request to divert around bad weather.
The less experienced co-pilot was at the controls at the time, investigators have said.
TURKS AND CAICOS AUTHORITIES INTERCEPT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ATTEMPT
A sloop carrying 115 would be illegal immigrants (97 males and 18 females and 3 children) was intercepted by the marine division of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) at 12:40am, Tuesday, 17 March 2015.
The government’s press office reports that the Marine Police were alerted by immigration staff at the government’s coastal radar station 11:35pm of a suspicious vessel being tracked. They deployed shortly thereafter.
At 3:35am, all Marine Branch officers returned safely to the Marine Base at South Dock where they were met by Immigration and Police Officials.
All 115 individuals are now being processed by health and immigration officials and will be deported at the earliest opportunity. All appear to be of Haitian origin.
The Police can be contacted anonymously on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
Unemployed local releases ‘Moving Forward’!
Damian Wilson, an unemployed recently returned university student, has released a somewhat detailed proposal document entitled ‘Moving Forward: Thoughts on building a better Turks & Caicos’.
‘Moving Forward’ is a comprehensive collection of thoughts on national issues plaguing the Turks & Caicos Islands. It is Damian’s vision what he believes a better TCI could be. It includes discussions on the local political culture, the constitution, the economy, healthcare and education, just to name a few. According to Damian, ‘Moving Forward’ is meant to be a document that hopefully gets people talking about important national issues and not shying away from hard discussions.
“It isn’t a book or a guide but merely a proposal of what I believe the people of this country could do to make the TCI a better place for all,” Damian said. “For far too long we’ve allowed only the elite in this country to shape the national agenda, while the rest of us hide and complain in our little corners, I’m sorry but I don’t want to be relegated to a corner anymore. The voices of young people aren’t being heard.”
Mr. Wilson went on to say that: “God woke me up at 2am one night and told me that I should start writing my thoughts down if I was truly concerned about my country. I started off with only two concerns really; however, eight weeks later it has grown into what you see now. I simply wrote what God laid on my heart. Whether anyone agrees with my thoughts or not, one thing is true, we cannot move forward in this country without confession and forgiveness. I am seriously concerned about the country that our children and grandchildren are going to inherit.”
Damian returned from studying in the UK in December of 2014, after completing a BA (Hons) in Communications, Media and Journalism, and has been unemployed since. He is a husband and father, and says that in such a partisan divided country he expects that there will be some who would want to take issue with him independently speaking his mind; however, God has laid it on his heart to speak. The full documented can be viewed, commented on, downloaded or printed from Damian’s blog page: http://www.damianwilson.blogspot.com
LIME’s customers win cash
Big smiles on the faces of 3 of LIME’s customers, were evidence of their big win and in this instance, one grand ($1000) in the company’s Top Up promotion.
Each of the winners only had to top up $15 or more and they were automatically entered for a chance to win $1000.
Ms. Rolanda Robinson, Mr. Gregory Pinder and Mr. Dudley Stokes each won $1000 cash. The winners were pleasantly surprised when they got the call. “I have never won anything before,” commented Ms. Robinson. Another winner wanted to take the “big cheque” to the bank. All winners thanked LIME for the initiative and were happy to win.
GM, James Pitt, “LIME continues to offer relevant promotions that meet the customers’ needs as they continue to use the company’s products and service,” commented LIME’s General Manager, James Pitt He said, “Thanks to all who participated in the promotion and congratulations to all the winners,” he added.
LIME’s promotion continues throughout the month of March where there will be daily winners. Customers who top up $15 or more will be entered for a chance to win prizes daily. These include $250 cash, Alcatel Tablets, 1GB data & Alcatel PIXI 2. Customers are encouraged to continue to top up to participate.
The 12 Most Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts in the World
When you’re talking a luxurious getaway, there is no question that the Turks and Caicos has been proven time and time again to have little rivalry.
Let's face it -- all-inclusive vacations really take the worries out of travel. No matter the destination where you're heading on your all-inclusive getaway, it's nice to know that once you get there, everything will already be taken care of; that is, as long as you pick a top-notch spot that won't shock you with any unwanted surprises.
The Huffington Post reported in the travel section of MSN that during their travels, they've discovered that there are all kinds of all-inclusive resorts, from adults-only to budget-friendly, from family-focused to downright unusual. But we must say, "luxurious" may be our favorite and topping the list of their 12 favorite all-inclusive luxury resorts around the world is the
1) Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat, Turks and Caicos
Set on a private island, accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat offers a level of privacy and intimacy unavailable anywhere else in Turks and Caicos. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, world-renowned COMO Shambhala Spa, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service, and more than three miles of pristine beaches, Parrot Cay is easily one of the most luxurious hotels in all of the Caribbean. You'll be pampered by personal butlers, wined and dined by incredible restaurants and bars, and will certainly leave your vacation feeling refreshed -- especially if you indulge in treatments at the exclusive spa.
2) Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
3) Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa
4) Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, Botswana
5) Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas, Maldives
6) Grand Velas Riviera Maya
7) The Village Coconut Island, Phuket
8) Fowl Cay Resort, Bahamas
9) Pullman Marrakech Palmeraie Resort and Spa
10) Princess Andriana Resort & Spa, Rhodes
11) Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
12) Adler Thermae Spa and Relax Resort, Tuscany
TCINIB Compliance Officers Complete Court Prosecutors’ Course at Regional Police Training Center, Barbados
NIB Senior Compliance Officer, Mr. Dexter Parker and Compliance Officer, Mr. Arthur Ashton are expected to return to the Islands this weekend following completion of a four – week Court Prosecutors’ Course.
The four week Court Prosecutors’ Course, which got underway on Monday 23rd February, will end on Friday March 20th and is being held at the Regional Training Center in Barbados.
Parker and Ashton are among a number of Inspectors, Sergeants and other law enforcement personnel from the Caribbean attending the course, which concentrates on developing and enhancing the professional courtroom skills of the Officers to function as Court Prosecutors.
The main objectives of the course are to:
1. Enlighten candidates regarding the fundamental principles of prosecution
2. Sensitize candidates regarding the operations of the courts and procedural matters
3. Educate participants regarding the legal interpretations of statutes and laws
4. Make participants proficient in presenting case files: and
5. Prepare participants to function as effective court prosecutors.
“I’m happy to have the officers undergo this important training at this time to accelerate the number of cases currently being prepared for prosecution,” commented Deputy Director of Operations and Officer responsible for Compliance and Enforcement, Mr. Walter Gardiner. “This coaching will further strengthen our Compliance Department’s efficiency and productivity; and increase our numbers to 5 officers on staff who have the capacity to attend to matters in the Magistrates Court on behalf of the National Insurance Board,” Gardiner added.
TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, presided over the 8th meeting of the TCI Cabinet last Thursday 12th March 2015 at the House of Assembly Building on Grand Turk, with a full member compliment.
At this meeting Cabinet:-
Advised H.E. the Governor to extend the lobster season for a further two weeks until the 31st March 2015. During the extended period fishermen should report any sightings of spawning or egg bearing lobsters. The report should indicate the number of locations where the spawning lobsters were observed. Any egg-bearing lobsters that will be caught should be returned immediately to the sea. The current size limit will stand as it is. No lobster less than 3.25 inches in length should be caught. The length of 3.25 inches measured from the front of the groove between the horns directly above the eyes along the middle of the back to the rear of the carapace or back shell or when the tail has been separated, a tail weight of 5 ounces whether processed or not.
• Received an update from the Minister of Finance regarding the development of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Cooper Jack Development Project. The project relates to the construction of Viceroy Turks and Caicos, a new hotel resort and residential development on Cooper Jack Bay, Providenciales;
• Received an update from the Minister of Finance and the consultants assisting with the implementation of a Business Transformation Strategy. The strategy is designed to streamline systems and processes to enable faster turnaround of business licenses and work permits with the overall objective being to make doing business in TCI more efficient and effective. Implementation of the strategy will attract funding from the 10th European Development Fund;
• Advised H.E. the Governor to approve the appointment of the following persons to the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board for a period of one year effective 1st April 2015 - 31st March 2016; Don Gardiner (Chairman), Crystal Greene (Deputy Chairman), Wayne Garland, Brenda Lightbourne, Lloyd Stubbs, Jayne Hutchinson, Lasheko Seymour, Bianca Harvey-Garland, Permanent Secretary (Ex-Officio) and the TCHTA representative. The appointments are made in accordance with part III of the Tourism Ordinance;
• Cabinet noted the awarding of several contracts, with a total value of $5 million dollars, based on recommendations of the Procurement Board. These include Ball Park Lighting in Providenciales; Shutter Installation All Saints Missionary Church Providenciales; Consultancy for Preparation of Technical Documentation for a Domestic Fire Station Providenciales; Provision of Furniture and Equipment HJ Robinson High School; Reconstruction of Causeway North and Middle Caicos (Phase 2), Design and Construction of a new Wellness Centre Grand Turk, Consultancy for the Preparation of Design and Technical Tender Documentation for the Reconstruction and Upgrading of the Belle-field Landing Road in North Caicos; Pre-Paid Water Metering System for Grand Turk; Road Development Programme in Kew Town Providenciales; Roof Replacement for the Police Station and Barracks South Caicos; Provision of Furniture and Equipment at the Salt Cay Primary Healthcare Clinic; Supply of a 15 Seater Passenger Van for the Marjorie Basden High School in South Caicos; Supply of a Full-Size SUV for the Attorney Generals Chambers; Upgrade of the Gaming Field for the Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos; Provision of Furniture and Equipment for Public Schools and Furniture and Equipment for the splitting of the Clement Howell High School Providenciales;
Again, these matters will be further elaborated on at the Post Cabinet Media Brief that is scheduled for Friday March 20th following the next regular meeting of Cabinet which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday March 18, 2015 in Providenciales.
Integrity Commission launches its new website
The Integrity Commission of the TCI has announced the launching of its new website at the url www.integritycommission.tc.
According to the Commission, the website, at the url www.integritycommission.tc, was created to provide its stakeholders with easy access to information related to the history and operations of the Commission. The site also provides additional communication medium by which the Commission can better serve, interact and improve the quality of service provided to public officials and the general public.
The website provides:-
· A source for press releases, news and updates from the Commission.
· A source for information related to the history of the Commission, its legal framework, functions, the Commissioners and Executive team.
· Advice, guidance and information on Compliance, Enforcement & Investigations, Political Financial Activities and Public Education.
· The download of forms for completion e.g. Declaration of Income, Assets & Liabilities, Register of Interests, Gifts received and a complaint form.
· The facility to report online potential acts of corruption or breaches to the Code of Conduct.
· The facility to make a training request for your team or department.
· To share your feelings, comments and general feedback on topical issues to the Commission.
TCIG EXTENDS THE CLOSE OF LOBSTER SEASON TO 31 MARCH 2015
During Cabinet’s meeting on Thursday March 12th, 2015 it was discussed and approved that the close of the lobster season would be extended to March 31, 2015.
The extension is subject to the following recommendations made by Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA):
• Fishermen should report to DEMA any sightings of spawning or egg bearing lobsters. The report should indicate the number of locations where the spawning lobsters were observed.
• Any egg-bearing lobsters that will be caught should be returned immediately unharmed to the water (sea).
• The current size-limit will stand as it is. No lobster less than 3.25 inches in length should be caught. The length of 3.25 inches measured from the front of the groove between the horns directly above the eyes along the middle of the back to the rear of the carapace or back shell or when the tail has been separated, a tail weight of 5 ounces whether processed or not.
The extension for the lobster season is in congruence to The Fisheries Protection Ordinance Regulation 12(1) which states: “The closed season in relation to crawfish shall be the period from the first day of April to the thirty-first day of July (inclusive) in each year or such other dates as may, from time to time, be appointed by the Governor in the Gazette”. Should there be changes on the opening of the lobster season, an appropriate notice will be issued.
“The extension for the lobster season supersedes any earlier notice. The close season for lobster will start on April 1, 2015” stated Henry Wilson, (Acting) Director, DEMA.
“During the closed season, any person who catches, purchases or is in possession of a lobster will be committing an offence that is punishable by a fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment or both.”
DEMA requests all fishermen, restaurant owners and managers, local and foreign residents and plant owners to ensure that no lobster remains in their possession as of April 1, 2015. Any clarifications regarding the above information can be directed to DEMA at 338-4171 or emailed to environment@gov.tc.