Cayman Police issues warnings over latest scams
The RCIPS are warning people to be on the look-out for fraudulent adverts and callers as a result of mounting scam reports. Police said that over the past few weeks the Financial Crime Unit has been receiving reports of numerous scams taking place within the Cayman Islands. One of the scams involves fraudulent advertisements being placed on local internet classifieds as well as in the local newspapers in an effort to con money out of people. Police are also warning people about con men calling phones posing as Microsoft support staff looking for credit card numbers and other key personal information.
The police noted that the ads are often for large ticket items, such as cars or boats and even pets that are being sold by a seller from overseas. The seller will usually request payment through a money service, such as MoneyGram or Western Union but may sometimes request a money transfer through a local retail bank.
Some job scams have also been reported to CNS in the classified of the local papers that have caught out a number of genuine job-seekers who have ended up under a mountain of spam and being the target of scammers as a result of responding to the advertisements.
“Caution is advised when buying large ticket items like these from websites. Never buy large ticket items online without first being able to verify that it is being sold locally and being able to verify the identity of the seller,” the financial crime cops warned.
They also pointed to scammers calling local residents claiming to be from Microsoft Support. These con artists usually request credit card details, so that your Microsoft Windows license can be updated. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Support, do not provide them with any personal details, credit card details or any details about your computer.
Member of CFGG,involves US in Dominica’s politics
The United States government has been advised of Dominican citizens who have US citizenship and intend to participate in the 8 December 2014 general election, a representative of the Citizen’s Forum for Good Governance, Atherton Martin has revealed.
Martin disclosed on Tuesday, 18 November 2014 that he had obtained a list of persons in the Diaspora who will be “illegally participating” in the election and made that list available to the US government.
According to the Electoral Commission, a person who is registered remains registered and is eligible to vote unless his/her name is deleted from the register because he/she has died, an objection to his registration has been allowed, he has been absent from Dominica for a period exceeding five years or he has become disqualified for registration as an elector.
“We have the names of the organizers, we know what cities they are from, in the United States, in Canada, in the UK, we have their telephone numbers”.
Martin said letters were also sent to the US Department of State and the Homeland Security.
He noted that the list of names will also be sent directly to the US, Canada and UK authorities.
“We have started getting the list from the diaspora of persons who are organizing the illegal vote, some of these people are on welfare”.
“Some of these people are illegal immigrants in the United States and they are participating in an illegal activity and so we have their names,” Martin said.
While Martin accused the Dominica Labour Party of having a targeted list of constituencies, he only mentioned St Joseph.
He added that these individuals, whose names are on the list, are being contacted via telephone against participating in the election.
“We have to call their homes, call their families, email and WhatsApp and tell them what you are doing is illegal,” Martin said and added that these individuals could be in “serious violation of the Internal Revenue laws of the US”.
However, campaign manager for the DLP, Ambassador Dr. Vince Henderson said this is a clear attempt by Martin and the United Workers Party to intimidate Dominicans.
“Seeking to threaten Dominicans who are going to exercise their franchise to vote for a party of their choice, as far as I am aware is an offence under the House of Assembly Elections Act and that is what they are doing, people have a right to support a party of their choice,” he said.
In the 2005 and 2009 general elections, the UWP was unsuccessful in a court matter where it claimed that the DLP bribed voters with cash to come in and vote.
The DLP argued that it had only facilitated transportation for citizens who wished to return to the country to vote.
“The court has settled the matter on assisting people to get to a polling station where they are registered to vote. That has been settled, it is the law of the land and we are a country of laws and therefore people must be allowed to exercise their democratic right”.
“What Mr. Martin and the other UWP members are trying to do is to intimidate Dominicans and putting Dominicans at risk by contacting the United States government on this matter,” Dr. Henderson added.
He further stated that this is not a matter for the United States government as it is not illegal for any party to organize transportation for voters.
“This is not a matter for the United States government and they are trying to get the United States government involved in our domestic affairs by seeking to expose Dominicans who will be coming down to vote,” Dr Henderson said.
Obama to Unveil Immigration Reform on Thursday
The White House has confirmed reports that U.S. President Barack Obama will announce details about an executive action on immigration reform on Thursday.
The White House blog said Wednesday that President Obama will address the nation late Thursday to talk about his plans for reform.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has told reporters President Obama's immigration actions will be comprehensive and will include border security measures.
Obama promised to take executive action on immigration reform earlier this year, after a reform measure that passed a Senate vote was rejected by the U.S. House of Representatives.
At least one media report says the plan will eliminate the threat of deportation for five million undocumented immigrants, strengthen border security, and broaden assistance to undocumented residents who were brought to the U.S. as children, although they would not be entitled to federal benefits, such as health-care tax assistance.
Four Sentenced to Death in Pakistan
A Pakistani court sentenced four men to death Wednesday for the murder of a female relative in what the murderers considered an "honor killing."
The crime was well-documented: The victim, Farzana Iqbal, was beaten to death outside a courthouse where she tried to seek protection from her relatives, who were angered that she had married a man against their wishes.
Her husband tried in vain to get nearby police to intervene.
The revelation that Iqbal's husband had killed his first wife to marry her only added to the case's notoriety.
But what has made Iqbal's case truly remarkable is the sentence, said human rights activists, who noted that the murders of hundreds of women go unpunished every year in Pakistan.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the country's largest independently run rights group, more than 900 women were killed for honor in 2011. The Aurat Foundation, a women's rights group, said more than 3,000 people have been killed for “honor” in Pakistan since 2008.
GOVERNOR BECKINGHAM AWAY FROM TCI FOR 2 WEEKS
HE The Governor Peter Beckingham will be visiting the UK, and briefly New York, from 24 November – 8 December. In London the Governor will have an audience with Her Majesty the Queen, and take part in the annual Joint Ministerial Council of Overseas Territories. He will also be taking some leave. In New York the Governor will attend an event arranged by the Hotel and Tourism Association to promote TCI, and to meet potential and existing investors.
“I look forward to having the honour of an audience with Her Majesty,” the Governor said “as well as having the opportunity to describe the exciting developments in Turks and Caicos. The Joint Ministerial Council will also provide an excellent opportunity for the Premier and I to discuss our progress with other Territories, and share experiences. There will be a separate meeting with the FCO Minister responsible for the Territories, James Duddridge MP, and after his visit here in 2012 I am sure he will be interested to hear from Premier Ewing about progress.”
“On the way back,” the Governor concluded, “ I will be pleased to return to New York, where I have worked previously, and meet potential and existing investors. It is essential to build on the great reputation TCI has in the US.”
During Governor Beckingham’s absence the Acting Governor will be the Hon Anya Wiiliams.
STATEMENT FROM UK ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CONFERENCE
Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles OBE, along with the Attorneys General of ten of the UK’s Overseas Territories (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (SBAs), St Helena and Ascension & Tristan da Cunha) and representatives from the US and Canadian Departments of Justice attended a UK Attorney General’s Conference last week.
The meeting that was held in Miami from 12- 14 of November to discuss a range of topics relating to the rule of law and administration of justice in the Territories and enhance mutual cooperation was chaired by the UK Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP and co-chaired by Mrs. Braithwaite-Knowles.
In a press release, the UK Solicitor General, Robert Buckland said:
“This Government has set out to reinvigorate our relationship with the Overseas Territories, to increase the UK’s engagement with Territory governments at all levels and to support them where required.
The Attorneys General of the Territories play a key role in driving forward legal reform and helping us meet our wider ambitions for the Territories. Ensuring good governance and respect for the rule of law is a fundamental and vital platform for delivering security and prosperity for our citizens so that Territories present themselves as reliable and transparent partners in business and attract new investment.
During the conference we have discussed cooperation on a number of important topics, including mutual legal assistance and extradition procedures, tackling bribery, fraud and corruption in the territories, improving legislative drafting processes, child safeguarding and constitutional matters.
We have committed to work together to:
1. continue efforts to ensure that the Territories meet global standards in tackling bribery and corruption, particularly through the extension of the UN Convention Against Corruption and other related conventions where they do not already apply;
2. address gaps in Territories’ legislation and provide training support, enabling them to deal effectively with complex fraud and corruption cases, including through the recovery of criminal assets;
3. simplify and improve extradition and mutual legal assistance arrangements, including through the extension to the territories of the UK Extradition Act;
4. ensure Territories develop and implement robust child protection measures, including through the completion of comprehensive child protection reviews, where these have not already been undertaken;
5. improve forward-planning and information exchange on UK and Territory legislative programmes and to improve the legislative drafting process in the Territories, through better coordination and sharing of resources where possible.”
Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE said:
“The meeting was very meaningful and presented a rare but important opportunity for Attorneys General across the UK Overseas Territories to meet and share experiences and lessons learnt. There are clearly similar challenges and successes across the Overseas Territories and coordination and cooperation are key to addressing the wide variety of issues that confront Attorneys General in these Territories. I was very pleased to attend the meeting for the first time and look forward to working with colleagues over the course of the next year to realize the goals we set for ourselves.”
WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2014
THIS IS THE FORECAST FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2014
WARNINGS: SWIMMERS AND MARINERS ESPECIALLY ON THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN SHORES OF THE BAHAMAS SHOULD EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION FOR HIGH SURF CONDITIONS AND THE STRONG POSSIBILITY OF HAZARDOUS RIP CURRENTS
GENERAL SITUATION: A STATIONARY FRONT REMAINS JUST SOUTH OF NEW PROVIDENCE AND WILL CREATE SOME UNSETTLED WEATHER OVER THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS TONIGHT AND TOMORROW
FOR THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: CLOUDY TO OVERCAST AND VERY WINDY CONDITIONS WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND POSSIBLE ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS TONIGHT AND TOMORROW
ADVISORY: A SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT TONIGHT BUT A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WILL COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15-20 KNOTS TONIGHT BUT INCREASING TO 15-25 KNOTS TOOMORROW
SEAS RUNNNING: 4-6 FEET TONIGHT BUILDING 5-8 FEET TOMORROW
FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: FAIR AND A BIT WINDY TONIGHT BECOMING PARTLY SUNNY, WARM AND A BIT WINDY TOMORROW WITH THE CHANCE OF AN ISOLATED SHOWER OR TWO
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15 KNOTS
SEA RUNNING: 3-5 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERTURE IN NASSAU 72F 22C
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE IN NASSAU 81F 27C
SUNRISE AT 6.30 AM THURSDAY AND SUNSET AT 5.21 PM THURSDAY
MOONRISE AT 4.36 AM THURSDAY AND MOONSET AT 4.12 PM THURSDAY
LOW TIDE AT 11.28 PM AND HIGH TIDE AT 5.48 AM THURSDAY AND LOW AGAIN AT 11.26 AM THURSDAY
Rodney Adams issues first statement since cleared
Former Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams issued a release today following yesterday’s verdict in Providenciales.
Mr. Adams recreated his experience “This afternoon in the Providenciales Supreme Court, I was vindicated when a jury returned a verdict of “not guilty” on the one count that they were given directions on by the Chief Justice of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
This was the last remaining count that I faced after being charged with five counts of corruption charges by the Integrity Commission alleging interference in a high profile murder investigation on Providenciales in April 2013.
It is noteworthy that three of the counts never made it to trial and of the two that did, the Chief Justice instructed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on one count before sending them off to deliberate on the one remaining count.
While I was always confident of my innocence in the entire matter, given the delicate situation involving a shocking murder in our otherwise peaceful country, I can understand why reasonable persons would be concern.
In light of these circumstances, I deliberately refrained from speaking out about my charges as I always wanted the legal process to run its course and at the end of the day the results would be there for all to see.
I never doubted my innocence and I had every expectation that once the court heard the evidence that it would conclude that I likewise was innocent of the charges filed against me.
I have dedicated my entire professional career to policing since joining the RTCIPF on 5th March, 1984.
I decided to make policing a career because of love for my country and wanted to do my part in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and those who come to visit and live among us. In all my dealings I endeavored to respect the laws of our country and uphold the decency and integrity of the Police Service.
Now that this matter has run its course and has been resolved by the court, I will be officially advising HE the Governor’s Office and the Commissioner of Police that I am available to continue my duties as a police officer.
I do so out of a sense of commitment and duty to my country and to the many young officers of the Police Service who seek a role model to aspire to.
They need to know that in this life they too will face many challenges, however if you work hard, be respectful of authority and always do right, you will have nothing to fear.
I want them to know that in spite of difficulty they too can overcome challenges and achieve the rank of Acting Deputy Commissioner or higher in an organization like the RT&CIPF.
I would like to thank my entire family and the many persons in the community who believed in my innocence and supported me throughout this very difficult and challenging ordeal over the last year.
Thanks to all for your prayers and words of encouragement. I equally would like to thank my legal team,the court (including the jury) and the prosecution for conducting this trial with a high degree of professionalism.
In all our trials let us continue to be thankful to God for his many Blessings. To him I owe all the Glory thanks and praise.
May the great God above bless, guide and protect us all and may he bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
That’s the full text from Former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams. Mr. Adams was represented by Ariel Missick QC.
Flyers lost to defending Champions 'GT Stallions'
The GT Stallions and Predators recorded wins in the PABA opening night.
Game 1 saw the newest team in the league take on a more matured Predators team.
The predators were forced to show their seniority against a young and vibrant team and eventually prevailed 53-51. # 14, Elliot Johnson led the way for the predators with 13 pts, 6 Rebs, 1 blk, 4stls. He was supported by Troy Saunders with 8 pts and #11 Ervin Walkin added 5 pts & 9 Rebs.
Hustlerz #7 Riko Forbes was the high point man with 12 pts, 3rebs, 3assists, 1blk, 6 steals. #5 Captain Kirk Adams chipped in with 9 pts, 6 Rebs, 4 assists, 1blk, 5 steals.
The feature game of the night started after the GT Stallions collected their championship rings for the second year. Alonzo Garland was named finals MVP 2013 and Bro Will clinched his third coach of the year plaque.
FLYERNATION was anxious to get the ring ceremony over with and get the game started. Both teams started flat footed. The stallions strengthened their squad with the additions of Levensky Missick while the Flyers added veteran Knights players Throy Forbes and Alvardo Hall while Durado Fulford returned for another stint. The Stallions continued their winning ways where they left off last season by galloping all over the Flyers in a 58-41 win.
Damian Seymour scored 19 pts, 5 Rebs, 6 assists, 5 steals. Captain Marcuson Lightbourne chipped in with 9 pts, 9 Rebs, 2 assists. New comer Levensky Missick 9 pts, 7 Rebs, 4 assists, 1 steal.
Flyers Durado Fulford 15 pts, 5 Rebs, 3 steals. Jordan garland helped with 9 pts, 3 Rebs, 4 stls.
Games will continue on Friday night when the Flyers will battle the Steelers and Coca Cola Classics take on the Police Badgers. Games start at 7 pm and admission is 5.00
Also in the PABA, on Wednesday the biggest rivalry in PABA High school basketball is set with a 2013 finals rematch between the King of jungle TCIPS Lions against the King of the air the CHHS Eagles.
The TCIPS lions won the high school summer tournament while the CHHS eagles won the high school development league title. The rivalry also continues between the BWIC Spartans and The Marantha high Blizzards in game 1. Games start at 4 pm. The PABA brings you the best and most exciting basketball in Provo. Come out and support your favorite team school, player or coach.
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS ADVISES ON REGISTRATION
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS ARE AGAIN REMINDED THAT THE REGISTER OF ELECTORS IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED AND THE NEW REGISTER WILL BE PUBLISHED ON 31 MARCH 2015.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NOT ON THE CURRENT REGISTER BUT WISH TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEW REGISTER OF ELECTORS WILL HAVE UNTIL 30 NOVEMBER 2014 TO CONTACT THE ELECTIONS OFFICE WITH THE RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION.
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS MR. DUDLEY LEWIS HAS ADVISED THAT THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY TEN THOUSAND (10,000) ELLIGIBLE VOTERS IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AND TODATE ONLY SEVEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND FOURTY SEVEN (7,247) NAMES ARE INCLUDED ON THE CURRENT REGISTERED.
NEW PERSONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO BE INCLUDED ON THE REGISTER ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE TURNED 18 YEARS OF AGE SINCE 1 MARCH 2014, ALSO THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE OVER 18 AND DID NOT APPLY TO JOIN THE REGISTER EARLIER IN 2014.
MR. LEWIS SAID; “ELLIGBLE VOTERS ON THE PRESENT REGISTER OF ELECTORS DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEW ONE. THEY WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED UNLESS THEY NOTIFY THE ELECTIONS OFFICE THAT THEY HAVE CHANGED THEIR NAME OR PLACE OF RESIDENCE, OR NO LONGER MEET THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. THIS INCLUDES BEING RESIDENT IN THE TCI FOR AT LEAST 12 OUT OF 24 MONTHS.
“AN ELECTOR’S STATUS AS A TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER MUST BE VERIFIED FIRST BY THE MINISTRY OF BORDER CONTROL THROUGH THE PROCESS TO OBTAIN TC ISLANDER STATUS CARD. THEREFORE, THOSE WITHOUT STATUS CARDS SHOULD APPLY FOR ONE PRIOR TO REGISTRATION.”
THE ELECTIONS SUPERVISOR ADVISES THAT HIS OFFICE WILL AWAIT THE COMPLETION OF THE TC ISLANDER STATUS VERIFICATION PROCESS BEFORE IT WILL CONSIDER A PERSON’S APPLICATION TO BE ADDED TO THE PRELIMINARY LIST AND REGISTER OF ELECTORS.
POTENTIAL NEW ELECTORS SHOULD COMPLETE A VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION FORM. THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY OBTAINED THE STATUS CARD, BUT DID NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FORM ARE ENCOURAGED TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT IT BEFORE NOVEMBER 30, 2014 THE CUTOFF DATE FOR REGISTRATION.
MR. LEWIS FURTHER ADVISES THAT IF PERSONS DO NOT REGISTER, THEIR NAMES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THE PRELIMINARY LIST OR REGISTER AND THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO EXERCISE THEIR DEMOCRATIC RIGHT TO VOTE WHENEVER GENERAL ELECTIONS ARE CALLED.