IS Video Purports to Show Jordanian Pilot's Killing
New photos surfaced on social media on Tuesday that appear to show captured Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh being burned to death in a cage.
In the gruesome photos, circulated by supporters of the Islamic State militant group and which have not yet been independently verified, al-Kaseasbeh appears to be alive while his body is covered in flames.
According to Jordanian State television, Jordan confirmed the pilot's death after video surfaced online appearing to show him being burned to death. Repots by Jordanian State television say he was killed on January 3.
"Our brave hero Muath will always be remembered as a symbol of courage," said Jordan's ambassador to the United Nations, Dina Kawar, in a post on Twitter. "May God bless his soul and rest him in peace."
The Jordanian military condemned the killing and vowed it would not go unpunished.
A family member of the pilot told Reuters that the chief of Jordan's armed forces informed the family he had been killed.
Source-VOA
Chadian Troops Enter Nigeria to Battle Boko Haram
Hundreds of Chadian ground troops entered northeastern Nigeria Tuesday as part of a growing regional offensive against Boko Haram insurgents.
Witnesses said Chadian soldiers and vehicles crossed a bridge from Cameroon into the Nigerian town of Gambaru. Another Chadian force of at least 300 soldiers positioned itself near Bosso, a town on the border between Nigeria and Niger.
Nigerian government spokesman Mike Omeri told VOA's Hausa news service that Chad is operating under a bilateral protocol that allows them "to pursue terrorists into this territory."
Chad is one of four countries that have pledged to help fight Boko Haram, along with Cameroon, Niger and Benin. The Islamist insurgents control parts of Nigeria's Borno state and seized a multinational base on the shores of Lake Chad last month.
The Nigerian government said late Monday its forces have retaken a number of towns from Boko Haram, including Gambaru, Mafa, Mallam Fatori, Abadam and Marte.
But the French news agency AFP quoted a Chadian army officer as saying Boko Haram fighters remain in Gambaru and "they have posted snipers everywhere."
Northeastern Nigeria has seen several days of heavy fighting, with both the Chadian and Nigerian air forces targeting the militants.
Source- VOA
Suge Knight taken to hospital after court hearing
Former US rap music mogul Marion "Suge" Knight has been taken to hospital shortly after pleading not guilty to murder and attempted murder in court.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Mr Knight was seen by doctors after complaining of chest pains.
His earlier court appearance came five days after he was involved a hit-and-run incident in which one man died.
Prosecutors claim he intended to run over two men after an argument, but his lawyer has said it was an accident.
The 49-year-old faces a total of four charges under his real name Marion Hugh Knight and faces life in prison if convicted.
A truck Mr Knight was driving hit and killed his friend Terry Carter, 55, in the incident in the suburb of Compton last week. Another man, Cle "Bone" Sloan, 51, was injured.
The former record label boss's lawyer said his client was trying to escape an attack at the time.
At a brief court hearing in Compton, the judge set a bail hearing for Monday and Mr Knight was remanded in custody.
On Monday, a court commissioner revoked the $2m (£1.3m) bail after police said the defendant had a violent past and could intimidate witnesses.
Mr Knight founded Death Row Records in the 1990s but later declared bankruptcy and the company was sold at auction.
He helped launch the careers of artists including Dr Dre, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.
The music producer has previously been convicted of armed robbery and assault with a gun.
Trinidad PM announces major Cabinet re-shuffle
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has asked that the President revoke the appointments of Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, National Security Minister Gary Griffith, and called for the resignation of the Director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West, for their roles in witness-tampering investigation ordered by Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams.
Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, attorney Garvin Nicholas will be the new Attorney General, and retired Brigadier Carl Alfonso is the National Security Minister.
The prime minister has also removed Senate President Timothy Hamel-Smith, Sports Minister Rupert Griffith, Ministry in the Works and Transport Minister Stacy Roopnarine, and Justice Minister Emmanuel George. Persad-Bissessar has given up the portfolio of Social Development and People Ministry.
Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar will take on the Justice Ministry. Former advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister Christine Nawal Hosein is the new Minister of Social Development and the People. Soca Warrior footballer Brent Sancho is the Sports Minister, NJAC member Kwesu Motumba is now a minister in the Works and Infrastructure Ministry.
In an 18 minutes address that began eight minutes later than its planned 7.30p.m start, Persad-Bissessar said that he had asked for and received the resignation of Ramlogan, and has asked for the resignation of Griffith, she said later he did not offer his resignation, and had been fired.
Source-Trinidad Express
Calls for T&T AG to step down
Calls continue to pour in for Trinidad’s Attorney General Anand Ramlogan to resign, the AG remained in the position up to yesterday.
But the question remains if he will be fired or resign shortly as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to make an announcement later today.
The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has joined the chorus of calls for Ramlogan to resign.
The association, which has a tendency to remain reticent with respect to controversy, issued a brief, one-page release, following a meeting with its executive which was chaired by its vice-chairman Gerry Brooks.
The Sunday Express understands LATT President Seenath Jairam is in Guyana.
The release stated: “It is the view of LATT that the police investigation into the conduct of the attorney general has the ability to adversely affect and undermine the public perception of and confidence in the Office of the Attorney General. In the circumstances, it is LATT’s considered view that Mr Ramlogan SC must forthwith step down as Attorney General.”
The probe by police officers arise out of allegations made by director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West that Ramlogan requested that he withdraw a witness statement in a defamation matter involving Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley and Ramlogan.
West, on Thursday, made an official police complaint and submitted a signed statement of his claims.
Shortly after the statement was delivered to police, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service issued a media statement announcing the commencement of a probe.
Ramlogan, who is titular head of the Bar, then issued his own media release, calling on the investigation to commence with haste, repeating the allegations against him are untrue.
LATT, in its release, also expressed concern over the allegations.
“The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) notes with grave concern the recent allegations by Mr David West, director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), and the launch of a criminal investigation by the Commissioner of Police (Ag) Stephen Williams. This investigation concerns the allegations of an attempt to pervert the course of justice made against the attorney general of Trinidad and Tobago.
“To prevent erosion of confidence in the Office of the Attorney General, LATT urges that the investigations which have been embarked upon by the Police Service of Trinidad and Tobago be conducted thoroughly and expeditiously, in the interest of the national community.
“Once the investigations are completed, any and all appropriate legal steps should be taken thereafter with due expediency. LATT makes no comment on the innocence or guilt of the attorney general and awaits the outcome of the police investigation.”
This is not the first time that LATT has called on an AG to demit office.
Source-Trinidad Express
3-DAY BAHAMAS & TCI MARINE FORECAST
THIS IS THE MARINE FORECAST FOR THE BAHAMAS FOR 24 HOURS FROM 12AM TUESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2015, ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY AT 0900UTC.
GENERAL SITUATION: A VERY WEAK COLD FRONT ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS WILL CONTINUE PUSHING SOUTHEASTWARDS WHILE DISSIPATING TODAY.
NORTHWEST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: NONE SIGNIFICANT.
WINDS: SOUTHWEST TO WEST AT 15 KNOTS AHEAD OF THE FRONT BECOMING NORTH TO NORHTEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS BEHIND THE FRONT.
SEAS: 3 TO 5 FEET AHEAD OF THE FRONT BECOMING 2 TO 4 FEET BEHIND THE FRONT.
TCI AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: NONE SIGNIFICANT.
WINDS: VARIABLE LESS THAN 10 KNOTS
SEAS: LESS THAN THREE FEET OVER OPEN WATER
MOONSET 6:32 AM MOONRISE 5.55 PM
HIGH TIDE AT 7.22 AM LOW TIDE 1.46PM
HIGH TIDE AT 7:39 PM AND LOW TIDE 1.44 AM WED
EXTENDED FORECAST: HIGH PRESSURE WILL DOMINATE THE WEATHER ACROSS THE ISLANDS WEDNESDAY AND SHIFT EASTWARDS AS ANOTHER FRONT PUSHES INTO THE BAHAMAS LATE THURSDAY/EARLY FRIDAY.
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY:
WEATHER: NONE SIGNIFICANT.
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER OPEN WATERS.
FORECAST FOR THURSDAY:
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT IN THE NW BAHAMAS URGED TO EXERCISE CAUTION
WEATHER: CHANCE FOR SHOWERS BY NIGHTFALL AS A FRONT MOVES INTO THE NORTHERN BAHAMAS.
WINDS: S TO SW 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE NW BAHAMAS AND SE TO S 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CNTRL/SE BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE NW BAHAMAS AND 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE CNTRL/SE BAHAMAS.
PREPARED BY: GREG THOMPSON /A.T.
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR NEW PROVIDENCE
THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING WITH EFFECT FROM 7:50 AM EDT UNTIL 9:45 AM TUESDAY 03rd FEBRUARY 2015.
A SEVERE WEATHER WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR NEW PROVIDENCE.
AT 7:43AM WEATHER OBSERVATION AT THE LYNDEN PINDLING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTED A FUNNEL CLOUD TO THE SOUTHEAST OF THE AERODROME.
WHILE THERE IS LITTLE PRECIPITATION ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SYSTEM AT THIS TIME, RESIDENTS ARE BEING ASKED TO REMAIN VIGILANT AND TO SEEK REFUGE INDOORS UPON SEEING ANY FUNNEL CLOUDS OR IF WEATHER CONDITIONS WORSEN.
RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT SEEK SHELTER UNDER TREES OR IN WATER AS THESE CAN BECOME LIGHTNING CONDUCTORS.
DEMA Recognizes World Wetlands Day 2015 with Wheeland Pond Clean-up
The Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and National Trust (TCNT) hosted a clean-up in support of World Wetlands Day on Saturday, 31 January 2015.
It marked the Islands’ support for the global event which took place on February 2nd and marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
Amy Avenant, DEMA Environmental Outreach Coordinator stated; "We were able to visit a number of schools in the area to promote the importance of wetlands and the need to appreciate and conserve the Wheeland Pond Wetland in Blue Hills.
Wetlands are often an undervalued natural resource and are important as they:
ensure fresh water and replenish ground water;
purify and filter harmful toxins;
are a breeding ground for many commercially important fish species;
provide vital habitats for migratory birds;
ease flooding and safeguard against drought;
reduce the impacts of erosion; and
provide sustainable livelihoods.
RTC News understands that the clean-up was well supported by teachers, students and family members from Oseta Jolly Primary School, Clement Howell High School, TCI Middle School and the FilCom Inc. Individual volunteers from all over Provo also took part in the clean up.
CONDOLENCES FROM THE TCI ON THE TRAGIC DEATH OF OFFICER LATORIO DEMERITTE
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government extends sincere condolences to the Government and citizens of The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, on the tragedy which claimed the life of Officer Latorio Demeritte of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, in Nassau, early Monday morning.
It is understood that Officer Demeritte was a part of the escort convoy for the ceremonial handover of the body the late Hon. Dr. Rosita Butterfield, MBE, Former Speaker to the House of Assembly of The Turks and Caicos Islands and was en route to the airport for the arrival of Officials from the Turks and Caicos Islands when he met with the fatal crash.
On receiving the news of the accident, which came during the third meeting of Cabinet in Grand Turk this morning, Premier, Dr. the Hon. Rufus W. Ewing commented:
“The death of Officer Demeritte is extremely unfortunate and I am terribly saddened by this news. Death is never an easy thing to bear, and death of a colleague or loved one from most illnesses, often gives us time to reconcile or say our goodbyes. But tragedy comes so swiftly and unexpectedly, leaving us shocked, heartbroken and with many unanswered questions.
“Our thoughts are with the Government, the Commissioner and Members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the family and friends of Officer Demeritte, and I want them to know that they are not alone in mourning his passing. We are eternally grateful for the selflessness of Officer Demeritte, the Bahamas Government and Police Force for their profound generosity, and while we lay to rest our Hon. Dr. Butterfield, we will forever remember and revere the life that was given in service to her and to our country.”
Games heats up in the PABA
The Grand Turk Stallions stole a game from the Steelers on Friday night, as the Provo Amateur Basketball games continued last weekend.
The Stallions won that game 65-60. Scoring came from Tamaurri Lightbourne who amassed 19 points & 7 rebounds. Marcus Lightbourne scored 17 points and collected 6 rebounds while Kino Williams scored 12 points, 2 assists and had 2 steals for the Stallions.
Wesley Cherry led the way for the Steelers with 23 pts and 6 rebounds.
Saturday Night action kicked off with the Kings losing to the Steelers in a lopsided victory 67-36.
Scoring for the Steelers came from Randy Rigby who scored 10 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals, Wesley Cherry added 12 points, 3 rebounds and 5 steals. Ralph McKinnon scored 15 points and grabbed 2 rebounds while Lofton Seymour scored 11 points, 2 rebounds, 6 steals for the Kings.
In game 2, the Spartans fought valiantly to ground the Flyers but failed. They lost 66-60. The Spartans only had 6 players to battle the full squad from Flyernation. Devon Williams scored 20 points with 2 rebounds and 3 steals. Javanio Fulford scored 19 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block for the Spartans. Darado Fulford scored 17 points and caught 6 rebounds, Javin Greene scored 11 points and Shanovan Williams chipped in with 7 points and 6 rebounds for the Flyers.
Games will continue Wednesday night at the Gus Lightboure Center with 2 great match ups, the Hustlerz challenging the Sonics and the Spartans vs the Nazarene Kings.