US, Cuba spar over migration policy at historic Havana talks
The United States (US) said yesterday it dispatched additional ships to the Florida Straits to halt Cuban rafters but rebuffed demands for broader changes to US migration rules that dominated the first day of talks between Cuban officials and the highest-ranking US delegation to the island in more than three decades.
Cuba urged the US to end immigration privileges that grant virtually automatic legal residency to any Cuban who touches US soil. Its government blames the Cold War policy for luring tens of thousands of Cubans a year to make perilous journeys by sea and land to try to reach the United States. Still, many Cubans are worried the elimination of the rules would take away their chance to have a better life in the US.
"I don't want them to get rid of it," said Mile Nieves, a 42-year-old Havana resident. "I've got my whole family there and I'm desperate to leave."
US officials reported a spike in the number of rafters attempting to reach Florida after the December 17 announcement that the countries would move to normalise ties. Those numbers appear to have slowed in recent days.
In Washington, US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson issued a statement saying additional Coast Guard cutters have been deployed to stop Cuban and Haitian migrants from reaching the United States by boat.
America's 'wet foot, dry foot' approach, which generally shields Cubans from deportation if they touch US land, remains in effect, Johnson said. But he stressed that those trying to come by sea would most likely be interdicted and returned.
"Cuba wants a normal relationship with the US, in the broadest sense but also in the area of migration," said Cuba's head of North American affairs, Josefina Vidal. She called for the US to end "exceptional treatment that no other citizens in the world receive, causing an irregular situation in the flow of migrants".
American officials instead pressed Cuba to take back tens of thousands of its nationals whom US authorities want to deport because they have been convicted of crimes. No progress was made on that issue, according to an official present in the meeting. The official wasn't authorised to speak on the matter and demanded anonymity.
Re-Establish Embassies
The talks continue today with broader negotiations on how the US and Cuba can end a half-century of enmity - as promised last month by Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro. The nations hope to re-establish embassies and post ambassadors to each other's capitals in the coming months.
After meeting with the Cubans for more than three hours, State Department officials said the annual migration talks had been easier than usual because the two sides felt comfortable focusing almost entirely on migration. In past years, the migration talks served as a pretext for a wider range of bilateral disagreements.
"Today's discussions prove that despite clear differences that remain between our countries, the United States and Cuba can find opportunities to advance our mutual, shared interests as well as engage in respectful and thoughtful dialogue," said the State Department's Alex Lee, who headed the US delegation ahead of yesterday afternoon's arrival of Roberta Jacobson.
Jacobson is the top American diplomat for Latin America and most senior US official to visit Cuba in more than three decades.
Lt Cmdr Gabe Somma, spokesman for the Coast Guard's 7th District in Miami, said "aggressively" stepped-up patrols have eased the spike in rafters seen immediately after the twin announcements last month by Castro and Obama.
"We have seen a slowdown in the last two weeks," Somma said. He wouldn't say how many more US boats were patrolling the Florida Straits and Caribbean.
The Havana talks were occurring hours after Obama said US efforts to loosen the five-decade trade embargo have "the potential to end a legacy of mistrust in our hemisphere" and are a "new hope for the future in Cuba".
Source-AP
China leader gets pay raise to US$22,300 a year
Chinese President Xi Jinping's base salary is rising from about US$13,600 to US$22,300 a year under a recent general pay increase for public employees, state media reported Tuesday.
The reports gave Chinese citizens a rare glimpse into how much their leaders make, though it was far from the whole picture because it excludes extra allowances and other perquisites of power.
And, officials later declined to confirm even the base salary figures and dampened online discussion. Comments sections following online news reports about the matter were closed.
The China Daily said the base salaries of Xi and six other members of the Communist Party's powerful Standing Committee were rising from 7,020 yuan (US$1,140) to 11,385 yuan (US$1,850) a month - a 62 per cent increase. It said the pay of lowest-ranking officials would double to US$2,580 per year, that these were the first such raises since 2006, and that many lower-level civil servants have been quitting because of low pay.
Liu Bangxiu, a car assessor, reacted with sarcasm on his microblog, suggesting that government officials have plenty of other ways of enriching themselves.
"Congratulations! Haven't got a pay rise for 10 years? How could you feed your families during that period?" Liu wrote on his verified Sina Weibo blog. "Everyone knows that public servants have low pay, so why are there still so many people trying to become a public servant? Isn't that contradictory?!"
Higher salaries could also be a defence against corruption, a problem Xi has attacked since taking charge of the ruling Communist Party more than two years ago. Chinese leaders have expressed admiration for Singapore and other countries where the salaries of public servants are similar to those in the private sector as a guard against graft.
The state media reports cited a January 12 notice from the Human Resources Ministry that was circulated online. However, Vice Minister Hu Xiaoyi denied that the ministry had published the notice and declined to confirm its figures.
United States President Barack Obama earns a base salary of US$400,000 a year.
Source- AP
INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL HOST SPONSOR OF CARIBBEAN TRAVEL MARKETPLACE IN PUERTO RICO
Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services, will be a host sponsor of the 33rd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in conjunction with the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association and Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the conference will be held January 28-30 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan.
"We are delighted to sponsor CHTA's largest tourism marketing event of the year," said Neil Kolton, Interval's director of resort sales and service for the Caribbean and Florida. "Marketplace gives us the opportunity to make valuable contacts with hotel and resort owners and helps us generate additional vacation opportunities for our members."
"This conference provides a forum for us to welcome potential international buyers and showcase the variety of the region's tourism product and richness of its destinations," said Emil Lee, president of CHTA. "The ongoing support of our strategic partners, including Interval International-the longest-serving partner-has been instrumental in making Marketplace a success."
Attendees spend two days participating in pre-scheduled business meetings to discuss existing contracts, develop packages, and contract for future business. In 2014, Marketplace confirmed approximately 12,000 business meetings between suppliers and buyers, who represented 20 countries.
Grand Turk Fishing Tournament Donates Computers to the H.J. Robinson High School
Today the Governor HE Peter Beckingham, the Minister of Education, Hon. Akierra Missick and the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Cheryl Ann Jones joined the members of the Grand Turk Fishing Tournament Committee (Mr. Seamus Day, Mr. Everette Freites, Mr. Mitchell Loeb, and Mr. Jack Seerey), at the H. J. Robinson High School to officially turn over the computers donated through their Community Project.
The school received two Multi Point servers along with 30 client work stations and an additional five systems loaded with AutoCad software. Mr. Patterson Williams treated all present to a demonstration of the capabilities of the multi-point system.
This setup now gives the teachers more control over the actions of students, it also uses less energy than traditional computer arrangements and will be better able to cater to the needs of all our fifth form students and ultimately be able to begin offering Technical Drawing to students using auto CAD.
Deputy Premier, Hon. Akierra Missick Minister of Education stated; “The H. J Robinson High School and the Ministry of Education extends its appreciation to the members of the Grand Turk Fishing Tournament for the contribution made, it brings the school a step closer to the goal of integrating technology more effectively into the teaching and learning environment.
“We would also like to thank the community of Grand Turk for purchasing tickets, all those individuals that sold tickets and Mr. Carl Simmons of Tropical Shipping for shipping them free of cost to the country.”
Hon. Missick, closed with; “Our thanks also go out to the Computer Unit of the TCIG and in particular Mr. Patterson Williams who was instrumental in ensuring that the system was properly set up and ready.”
UNICEF, DFID & TCIG HOSTING WORKSHOP IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Department for International Development (DFID) is currently hosting a Follow-up National Workshop on Administrative Data Systems for the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector from January 22-23, on Grand Turk.
The Administrative Data System will help to monitor the survival, development, education and protection of children in the ECD sector.
The objectives of the workshop are:
Develop a draft plan with clearly defined actions
Identification of responsible persons and timeframes to support the process of strengthening systems
Closing gaps in data what exists in the Early Childhood Development Sector
Identification of the tasks to be done on a quarterly basis which will be linked to the reporting requirements for DFID
“The early childhood sector is one area that the Ministry of Education has committed to strengthening both from a human capital development standpoint and infrastructure wise” stated Deputy Premier & Minister of Education, Hon. Akierra Missick, who was on hand this morning to declare the workshop opened. “According to The Education Sector Plan, 2013-2017, Strategic Imperatives 6, some progress has already been such as the establishment of standards and guidelines for practitioners.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Cherylann Jones added; “We welcome facilitators Sandra Agarrat and Frederic Unterreiner from UNICEF, as well as other local educators, and participants representing various departments and ministries who have, and continue to work collaboratively to accomplish national education goals. The Ministry extends thanks to UNICEF, DFID and UNESCO for its sponsorship and continued support.”
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS UNDERTAKE LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING
UK Immigration operational trainers, Ashley Robinson and Steve Smith joined TCI Border Control senior trainer, Tito Forbes, in delivering an intensive 2 week Leadership and Operational Skills training programme, for a select group of 6 Immigration Officers.
During the course, the officers were tested on a number of demanding activities, ranging from emergency life support to operational field deployments, technical skills such as handcuffing, restraint and searching, command training and coaching. Only those officers consistently demonstrating high levels of physical and mental competence and who passed a tough end of course ‘Knowledge Check’ examination were certified as Personal Safety Training (PST) trainers, able to support senior TCI trainers Tito Forbes and Wendy Seymour in delivering future operational skills training and refreshers to new and existing staff.
This course represents the final piece in a carefully crafted and co-ordinated programme of operational skills development for Border Control enforcement staff that, over the past 3 years, has delivered a cohort of highly skilled and professionally equipped officers, able to meet the myriad migration threats of illegal working, unlawful entrants and sloop arrivals.
This will be the latest in a series of training and development activities for the Ministry of Border Control and Labour that have been facilitated and co-ordinated by Immigration Adviser, Simon Excell and funded by the joint DFID/FCO – UK Technical Assistance Programme, which is managed by the Governor’s Office. It has seen the Ministry emerge as a regional lead in areas such as immigration intelligence, forgery detection, victim identification, human rights, citizenship processes and operational skills.
By realising this final group of immigration enforcement trainers, the programme will have delivered a lasting legacy of professionally skilled operational leaders, equipped to protect the Islands against immigration abuses, now and into the future.
TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT FOR JAN 21st,2015
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 21 January 2015 at the NJS Francis Building on Grand Turk.
All Ministers were present except; Hon. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Noted the death of the former speaker of the House of Assembly Dr. Rosita B. Butterfield, MBE and confirmed that Dr. Butterfield will be honored by a state funeral on 5th February 2015 in recognition of her service to the Turks and Caicos Islands. In addition Cabinet confirmed that Thursday 5th February 2015 will be a holiday in the TCI Public Service. Further details of the state funeral arrangements will be published shortly;
· Received a report from Rodney Adams, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police setting out the latest crime statistics and the actions being taken by the RTCIPF to counter crime and their plans to strengthen community policing. The RTCIPF will communicate these matters to the public in a news conference in due course;
· Advised HE. the Governor to approve the appointment of Sanfra Foster, Country and Branch Manager (TCI) RBC Royal Bank and Patricia Adams, Senior Manager Business Support Scotiabank (TCI) as members of the TCIG Audit Committee;
· Approved the budget structure for the management and operation of District Commissioners Offices in line with the Governments long-term vision to strengthen the role of District Commissioners and to establish effective local Government across the islands;
· Noted waivers of the Public Procurement procedures granted by the Director of Contracts and the Permanent Secretary Finance. Waivers are granted in accordance with section 21 (12) of the Public Procurement Ordinance which makes provision for a waiver in exceptional circumstances;
· Approved arrangements for the establishment of the Turks and Caicos Islands London Office in the UK. The role of the TCI London Office is to establish and strengthen relations between TCIG and the UK Government, the EU and other Government and Non- Government Organisations. To serve as media spokesperson for TCIG in the UK and to actively market and promote tourism, investment and financial services throughout the UK and Europe in partnership with the TCI Tourist Board;
· Advised HE. the Governor to approve revisions to the TCIG Travel Policy. The revisions make provision for a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for local travel;
· Noted the National Insurance Board (NIB) Audited Financial Statements 2013/14 and the 7th Actuarial Valuation Report as of 31st March 2013 in preparation for submission to the House of Assembly;
· Considered a report from the recent public consultation on Company Beneficial Ownership and maintenance of a publicly accessible central beneficial ownership registry. A full statement setting out Cabinets position on the matter will be made in due course;
· Received a report from the Minister of Home Affairs and agreed in principle proposals to make Front Street, Grand Turk a one way street. The matter will be the subject of further consultation with the Police and Road Safety officials and businesses and residents in the area;
· Advised HE. the Governor to approve the reappointment of Permanent Secretaries Susan Malcolm and Wesley Clerveaux to the Executive Council of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust. The appointments are made in accordance with Section 6 of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust Ordinance.
THIS IS THE FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT THURSDAY 22ND JANUARY 2015
GENERAL SITUATION: A WEAK HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE WILL PROVIDE PLEASANT CONDITIONS ACROSS THE BAHAMAS & TURKS & CAICOS AS IT CONTINUES TO BUILD OVER THE AREA
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH THE SLIGHT CHANCE OF A PASSING AFTERNOON SHOWER…FAIR TONIGHT
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10-15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15 KNOTS IN THE TCI AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS RUNNING: 2-4 FEET OVER THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 3-5 FEET IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE IN NASSAU 82F 28C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE IN NASSAU 64F 18C
SUNSET AT 5.47 PM AND SUNRISE AT 6.56 AM FRIDAY
MOONSET AT 8.23 PM AND MOONRISE AT 9.11 AM FRIDAY
LOW TIDE AT 3.19 PM AND HIGH TIDE AT 9.20 PM AND LOW AGAIN AT 3.31 AM FRIDAY AND HIGH AGAIN AT 9.44 AM FRIDAY
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS: A DEEPENING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IN THE GULF OF MEXICO WILL MOVE ACROSS FLORIDA AND INTO THE WESTERN ATLANTIC WHILE DRAGGING A COLD FRONT ACROSS THE EXTREME NORTHWEST BAHAMAS ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON
DIGICEL GROUP ANNOUNCES UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP WITH RDIO TO OFFER WORLD CLASS MUSIC STREAMING SERVICE
Digicel Group today announced a ground breaking service with leading global music streaming provider, Rdio, to offer Digicel customers across the globe access to over 35 million international titles – as well as the very best local and regional music – all on their own smartphones.
To mark the launch of the service, Digicel is giving all customers who purchase a prepaid data plan, 30 minutes of free music per day, up to a maximum of 30 days. This offer will be rolled out across all markets in the coming weeks. In addition, the Rdio app is being tailored for Digicel customers to include customised playlists with the very best of local, regional and international music.
The free app is available to download from the Google Play store, the Apple App Store, Windows Phone Store and online at www.rdio.com. Customers simply sign up for the Rdio Free service in the app using their email address and a password of their choice. From there, they can immediately begin to create personalised stations based on their favourite artists and music genres. The Rdio Free service will then suggest new music based on those choices and allow customers to share their stations on social media.
Another unique feature of the Digicel/Rdio partnership is the special access to Digicel’s musical Brand Ambassadors whose music selections are sure to attract many fans.
One of these Ambassadors is Jamaican native, Tessanne Chin. Winner of Season 5 of The Voice (as part of Adam Levine's team), ‘the song bird’ is very excited to be connecting to her Digicel fans through Rdio.
“Making music and keeping my fans happy is at the heart of everything I do. That’s why this partnership between Digicel and Rdio is so important because it means that for the first time ever, fans in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific can follow me, check out what I’m listening to, hear my new music first and equally, I can get feedback from them, know what they like and what they want more of – all through the app,” she said.
Digicel Group CEO, Colm Delves, said; “We are delighted to be bringing the gift of music to our 14 million customers across the globe. This is a unique partnership which delivers the widest range of music – from local artists to international superstars – all through the app on their own smartphone. And, to mark the launch, we are offering all customers who purchase a data plan, 30 minutes of music per day for up to 30 days, absolutely free.”
Customers can upgrade from Rdio Free to the premium, ad-free Rdio Unlimited service using their credit card. Priced between US$6 and US$7 per month, the Rdio Unlimited service offers customer additional benefits such as the ability to download music for offline listening and listen to any track on-demand. However, in the coming weeks, Digicel customers will be able to pay for Rdio Unlimited using their phone credit or monthly postpaid bill.
Commenting on the partnership, Rdio CEO, Anthony Bay, said; “Launching Rdio in each of these markets is a huge milestone for the company. We are excited to bring the vibrant music of these regions onto Rdio for the world to hear while also providing users in each new market access to international artists. Digicel will be instrumental in shaping the streaming experience locally and we look forward to a continued fruitful partnership with them.”
TCIG Thanks Various Sponsors for Holiday Season Assistance
The Department of Social Development and Gender Affairs sends a special thanks to all who have helped, along with persons in the various communities during this Christmas Season.
Tiffany Thomas-Browne, Deputy Director of Social Development and Gender Affairs stated, “One of the real joys of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to say thank you and to wish our many partners the very best in the New Year.
“From the bottom of our heart, we are grateful for these people, who continue to be selfless and thoughtful. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. It is very much appreciated. We welcome additional partners throughout 2015.”
Below is a schedule of Christmas gifts presented during December.
11th December 2014 - Scotia Bank TCI Ltd – Providenciales Branch (Presented food gift baskets to the elderly of the Department and other needy persons in the community)
17th December 2014 - Beaches TCI Resort and Spa – Providenciales (Christmas Treats for Foster Care and S.E.A. Children’s Party held at the Key West Resort)
19th December 2014 - Beaches TCI Resort and Spa (Hosted a Christmas party for the elderly in Middle Caicos at the Conch Bar Community Center)
22nd December 2014 - Beaches TCI Resort and Spa (Christmas Treats for Foster Care and S.E.A children’s party in North Caicos at the Pelican Beach Hotel)
23rd December 2014 - Beaches TCI Resort and Spa – Environment, Health and Safety Department held a “Share Your Christmas” Drive - Providenciales (Tin food donations for the needy in the community of Providenciales were shared with Social Development and Gender Affairs and HIV/ AIDS Prevention)
24th December 2014 - Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Association (CAPAA) (Gift bags to the children of Social Development and Gender Affairs including: Toothpaste, washrags, soap, mouthwash, lotion, deodorant, toys for children on South Caicos)
24th December 2014 - Sisters of the Household of Ruth and the Odd Fellas Lodge - Grand Turk (Toiletries gift bags i.e. toothpaste, deodorant, powder, lotion along with Food gift baskets will be distributed to the Elderly clients and elderly in the community)
Other agencies on Providenciales reached out to our clients and distributed food items and Christmas meals to persons at their homes including:
CBMS Ltd, Cindy Jarrett of New Birth Agape Fellowship, St. Monica’s Anglican Church & Scotia Bank.