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.
Police put out an APB for a Grand Turk native
The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force on Friday 13th March 2015, added an all-points bulletin for another young man in the community - 25 Years old KEVINO SMITH.
KEVINO SMITH is Male Turks and Caicos Islander, of Grand Turk, born 2nd September 1989.
Smith is wanted in connection with an altercation that occurred two weeks ago at a home in Breezy Brae in Grand Turk.
Up to Saturday afternoon, a group of concerned friends joined a posse of horseback riders in search of the young man, who is described by Police as a 25 year old Turks and Caicos Islander who goes by the alias Bah, with brown skin and brown eyes.
If you have any information on the whereabouts on this subject, please contact the Police by dialing Grand Turk Station on 946 2299 or 911 Police are also urging anyone with information about this person, his location or any other information to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
All calls are answered by Miami Dade Police and no one from the RTCIPF will know who called. Only the information received will be provided to the RTCIPF. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Turks and Caicos Premier invited to Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival
Turks and Caicos Islands Premier, Hon Dr. Rufus Ewing was all smiles as he formally accepted the official invitation of himself and residents of the TCI to the upcoming Bahamas JUNKANOO Carnival, which begins in Grand Bahama in April. Ginger Moxey, President & CEO of Immerse Bahamas and representing the Grand Bahama Cultural Carnival Company, was in Providenciales for the courtesy call at the Office of the Premier at the Hilly Ewing Building.
The visit, arranged by Magnetic Media (Bahamas and Turks and Caicos), allowed Ms. Moxey a face to face opportunity to share on the events line up and roll out a red carpet invite to the residents and guests of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, which sits southeast of The Bahamas.
“Bahamas JUNKANOO Carnival is one of the cultural experiences that we would like Turks and Caicos Islanders/Belongers to come to The Bahamas to experience. The event will take place in Grand Bahama Island from April 17-18, and begins with the Music Masters semi-finalist concert where 19 Bahamian artists will compete, and 10 finalists will be determined to perform at Music Masters in Nassau on May 9. This concert will be followed by a Midnight Rush, where all are invited to jump in the line to sweet JUNKANOO music. On April 18th there will be a JUNKANOO Carnival Beach Party, with that second night of the Music Masters semi-finals, featuring Jay Mitchell and T-Connection."
The events will be staged at Taino Beach in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing called it the beginning of new way to deepen the linkages and share the heritage of the two nations. “I would like to congratulate you on your endeavor in terms of The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. I know that the Turks and Caicos Islands and Grand Bahama, in particular, Eight Mile Rock have a strong heritage and strong cultural relationship and we would like to see that cultural relationship and heritage grow, together and so I am sure this initiative will resonate well with a number of the individuals here in Turks and Caicos who may find it necessary to experience our strong cultural and heritage bond.”
A supersized special invitation was presented and reads: “The Grand Bahama Cultural Carnival Company considering the special bond between Grand Bahama Island and The Turks and Caicos Islands; the Community of Grand Bahama Island and the GBCC cordially invite the Hon Dr. Rufus Ewing, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the People of the Turks and Caicos Islands, to experience „The Grand Life‟, Grand Bahama kick off weekend of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival…”
The Premier endorsed the idea of residents travelling to Grand Bahama and Nassau for the two weekends of festivities; adding that by Summer there will be events to entice Bahamians and others into the Turks and Caicos Islands for a similar cultural exchange. “In Turks and Caicos we are continuing to grow our culture and heritage (which is shared with yours) and we have a number of activities coming up throughout this year including our Culture and Heritage month, in the month of October.
There will be numerous activities and we are looking forward to you likewise, and the people of Grand Bahama supporting us here in The Turks and Caicos, visiting our shores and participating in our activities throughout the year – like Maskanoo - and some events to be announced for this Summer.”
Hon. Rufus Ewing was unable to confirm his attendance; yet was intrigued by the possibility that some Bahamian airliners are considering running direct flights between Providenciales, Turks and Caicos and Freeport, Grand Bahama. It was among the marketing pitches within The Caribbean region for the inaugural „Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival: In the Spirit of Junkanoo‟ which opens in Freeport April 17-18, and continues in Nassau May 7-9, 2015.
Lobster season extended
Cabinet in a extraordinary out of the regular bi-weekly scheduled meeting on Thursday March 12, 2015 agreed to the extension of the Lobster Season to March 31, 2015.
The season, which would have closed on Sunday March 15th, was impacted during the last few weeks due to unfavorable weather conditions and the extension was granted to give fishermen the opportunity to get a few last good yields in before the close, which lasts up to six months.
The extension is in the process of being Gazetted and will be further elaborated on at a Post Cabinet Media Brief this Friday March 20th following the next regular meeting of Cabinet which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday March 18, 2015 in Providenciales.
Advised HE. 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.
Chartered Directors’ training sessions begin today
Caribbean Governance Training Institute, in collaboration with the Turks & Caicos Financial Services Commission, present the Chartered Directors’ 3 day program, which got underway today Monday March 16th to March 18th, 2015 9:00 AM - 4:30 pm daily Blue Haven Resort & Marina, Turks & Caicos
Great Boards help drive and sustain the success of their organizations. CGTI’s Chartered Directors Program is a dynamic educational initiative which focuses on the latest best practices that Caribbean Board Members need to know if they are to competently carry out their roles as both “organizational stewards” and “active participants” with Management in major strategic and capital spending decision.
Sessions got underway today with Monday March 16th, 2015 9:00 am - 12:00 pm with The Principles of Good Governance and the Roles, Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Culture.
Sessions 3 and 4 on Tuesday March 17th, will cover the Introduction to “Basic” Financial Literacy-Strategy-Thinking and Leadership and Good Boards Need Good Directors
Wednesday March 18th, 2015 Session 5 and 6 will deal with Developing Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning and Risk Management.
Session begin from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Facilitators at the workshop include Marcel Mongeon has a rare combination of education and experience over a broad range of subjects. He is a practicing lawyer, active director and operates an international consultancy offering insights in the fields of governance, professional training and intellectual property management. Marcel’s governance experience covers both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He has served on the boards of many international, national, provincial and local organizations including family enterprises.
Ted Sehl is a financial executive with 25 years of experience in senior financial roles. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Hammond’s Manufacturing, a TSX listed company, and chairs their audit committee. Ted attained his C.A. designation in 1982, articling with Touche Ross in Toronto and then graduating from York University’s MBA program in 1985. He started his career at McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, where he sat on the board as an Honorary Director and played a role in the startup of the Moscow McDonald’s operations. Subsequently, he became the Senior Vice President of Finance and Secretary Treasurer at W.C. Wood Company, an international appliance manufacturing company headquartered in Guelph, Ontario. I
Kate Bursey is the Managing Director of Bursey International whose work has taken her on assignments around the world. Kate’s international practice in corporate governance and acquisitions focuses on board governance and succession planning, stabilization management, strategic planning, turnaround management, site location planning, labour negotiations, and capacity building. In both the not-for-profit and private sector, Kate has been involved with and taught Governance. Her consulting work focuses on bylaw development, strategic planning, director’s liability, board oversight, risk management and internal controls. She is known as an engaging lecturer who brings frontline experience to her presentations. As an inaugural faculty member of the McMaster Not for Profit Governance Program and the Institute for Not-for-Profit Governance, Kate lectures on Director’s responsibilities and accountabilities, board culture and risk management.
Dr. Chris Bart, FCPA is the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Caribbean Governance Training Institute in Saint Lucia. He is also the Founder of The Directors College where from its inception in 2003 to 2013, he served as its inaugural Principal and Lead Professor. Currently, Dr. Bart is the CEO of Corporate Missions Inc – an international consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations excel in the execution of their strategies. He has also authored several books including the 10 year Canadian business best seller (2003-2013), “A Tale of Two Employees and the Person Who Wanted to Lead Them” as well as the widely acclaimed publication: “20 Essential Questions Corporate Directors Should Ask About Strategy (2013) – 3rd Edition”. A retired Professor of Strategy and Governance, Dr. Bart currently serves as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Business Governance & Ethics and he continues as a Research Fellow of the Asian Institute of Corporate Governance at Korea University.
CGTI’s Chartered Directors Program provides Board Members with the frameworks to effectively oversee the CEO, constructively engage with Management to help set and execute their organization’s strategy, and ensure the financial integrity of their organization’s financial (and other) reporting systems CGTI,
will provide the Directors of Caribbean organizations with the latest tools needed to help them excel in the boardroom.
Upon completion of the 3 day Chartered Director’s Program delegates will be eligible to write a qualifying examination that will earn them the designation “Chartered Director” (C. Dir).
Gamers targeted by ransomware virus
Gamers are being targeted by a computer virus that stops them playing their favourite titles unless they pay a ransom.
On infected machines, the malicious program seeks out saved games and other files and encrypts them.
A key to unlock encrypted files is only supplied if victims pay at least $500 (£340) in Bitcoins.
The malware targets 40 separate games including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Minecraft and World of Tanks.
Dark web cash
The malicious program looks similar to the much more widely distributed Cryptolocker ransomware that has caught out thousands of people over the last couple of years.
But analysis of the malware, called Teslacrypt, reveals that it shares no code with Cryptolocker and appears to be have been created by a different cybercrime group.
Researcher Vadim Kotov from security firm Bromium said the file was catching people out via a website its creators had managed to compromise. The site involved is a Wordpress blog that is inadvertently hosting a file that abuses a loophole in Flash to infect visitors.
One a machine is infected, wrote Mr Kotov, the malware looks for 185 different file extensions. In particular, it seeks out files associated with many popular video games and online services such as Steam that give people access to them.
"Interestingly, although these are all popular games, none of them matches any particular 'Top Sellers' or 'Most Played' chart, " said Mr Kotov. "They could just be games the developer loves to play."
Files holding gamers' profiles, maps, saves and modified versions of games are all sought by Teslacrypt, he said.
He said anyone who tries to outwit the malware by uninstalling a game they obtained via an online service may end up disappointed.
"Often it's not possible to restore this kind of data even after re-installing a game via Steam," he wrote.
Once target files are encrypted the malware pops up a window telling victims they have a few days to pay up and retrieve their data.
To decrypt, victims can either pay $500 in Bitcoins or $1,000 in Paypal My Cash payment cards. The virus tells victims to send payment details to an address located on the Tor anonymous browsing network.
The encryption system used by Teslacrypt has yet to be cracked meaning victims would have to turn to back-ups to restore scrambled files.
Source-BBC
Madonna criticises BBC Radio 1 'ban'
Pop star Madonna has called Radio 1 "discriminatory and unfair" after it declined to play her latest single.
Living For Love failed to make the station's playlist, which dictates its most-played songs, when it was released last month, leading to accusations of ageism from the 56-year-old's fans.
Speaking to The Sun, Madonna said she was "shocked" by her exclusion.
"I was like, 'Wait a second. Shouldn't it be to do with whether you wrote a good, catchy pop song?"
Radio 1 says Madonna's age had nothing to do with its decision, saying it chooses songs on "musical merit and their relevance to our young audience on a case-by-case basis".
"An artist's age is never a factor," it said in a statement.
However, BBC News has learned that the station turned its back on Madonna long before Living For Love was released.
Speaking at a Radio Academy event last year, Radio 1's 49-year-old head of music, George Ergatoudis, said the station had "moved on" from her music.
Ergatoudis, who chairs the weekly playlist meetings, had been asked whether he would play Madonna's next single if she agreed to appear at Radio 1's Big Weekend festival.
In response, he said: "The BBC Trust have asked us to go after a young audience. We've got to concentrate on [people aged] 15-30. We have to bring our average age down. That's something we're very conscious of.
"The vast majority of people who like Madonna, who like her music now, are over 30 and frankly, we've moved on from Madonna."
Source-BBC