Region Now Has a Common Fisheries Policy
The Caribbean Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) adopted a regional policy on fisheries to improve sustainable use and management of the region’s aquaculture and fisheries resources, at its meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname on October 10.
The Council, which comprises Ministers responsible for Agriculture from across the Caribbean Community, confirmed the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP) which is aimed at fostering greater harmonisation and the sustainable management and development of the region’s fisheries and aquaculture resources. The Policy also places emphasis on the efficient use of shared resources and improvement to food security and poverty reduction in the region.
The Policy as with other CARICOM policies, is binding on all member countries, the Caribbean Court of Justice has advised. In giving its stamp of approval, COTED agreed that the Policy should be applied by Member States as far as possible.
The CCCFP seeks to operationalise Article 60 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which created the Caribbean Community and Single Market. The provision allows for the collaboration of competent regional and international agencies in the promotion, development and conservation of regional fisheries resources on a sustainable basis. In addition, the implementation of a common policy on fisheries will contribute to the enhanced treatment of the Caribbean Sea as a special area in the context of sustainable development. The Policy recognises the importance of fisheries to social and economic development, food and nutrition security and the welfare of the peoples of the Caribbean.
The CCCFP is aimed at securing the maximum benefits of the resources for the peoples of the Caribbean. The Policy is expected to transform the region’s fisheries sector into a market-oriented, internationally competitive and environmentally sustainable one, based on the highest international standards of quality assurance and sanitary and phyto-sanitary systems
The recommendation for the acceptance of the policy came out of the 5th Special Meeting of the CRFM's Ministerial Council, which was held on Thursday, 9 October 2014, also in Paramaribo. Both meetings coincided with the Caribbean Week of Agriculture at which CRFM’s Executive Director, Milton Haughton, presented a paper on First CARICOM Strategic Plan (2015 – 2019).
The Secretariat as well as other CARICOM Institutions and member states countries will for the first time be following a single plan.
CRFM members are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Nassau Grouper considered by US as threatened species
The Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has raised concerns over the recent decision by the US government to pursue the listing of the Nassau Grouper, a commercially traded species in the region, under the US Endangered Species Act.
At its meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname on October 9, the Council expressed grave concern at what it considered “extra-national activities and decisions” on the social and economic activities and international trade of CRFM member states.
On 2 September 2014, the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), issued its finding based on the petition from the US-based WildEarth Guardians to list the Nassau Grouper as a threatened or endangered species. The US Government Agency found that the Nassau Grouper was not endangered, but that it met the definition of a threatened species and proposed its listing as such under the Endangered Species Act.
The listing of the Nassau Grouper as a threatened species could impact the region’s ability to fish for and trade the fish. The Council has therefore called on member states to be “proactive in addressing the challenge” noting that the Nassau Grouper is an important commercial species with significant economic value to regional fishers.
The Ministerial Council has also called on Member States of the CRFM to compile the best available data and information on the status and active management of Nassau grouper in their countries, particularly information that could inform NMFS’ final listing and proposed conservation measures. The region must submit its comments to the NFMS by 31 December 2014.
CRFM members are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
A year of warm welcomes..says TCI Governor
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham has dubbed his latest blog, a year of warm welcomes.
He said it hardly seems possible that a year ago this October, that he and his wife Jill flew into Provo airport, took a connecting flight to Grand Turk, and 24 hours later were in the charming House of Assembly building for his swearing-in ceremony as the Governor of Turks and Caicos Islands.
“I said in my short speech then that I had a number of emotions about arriving in TCI, including humility about the challenges which lay ahead, and excitement about the prospect of working in one of the world’s most attractive destinations.
Those feelings still persist, as they should, but they are now mixed with gratitude and appreciation for the warmth of the welcome we continue to receive from all the islands, and a much greater awareness of how fortunate we are to be able to share this extraordinary environment of natural beauty,” he said.
He said challenges of course continue, and he would be amazed if some don’t remain throughout the time he lives here. “I saw the physical challenges for many of us with the 48 hours of continuous rain from Tropical Storm Cristabal, the tragic death of a Grand Turk citizen recently was another reminder of the risks from our environment, and we’ve been fortunate to avoid Category Three Hurricane Gonzalo.
Everyone I have met, without exception, looks forward to the time when the forthcoming “SIPT” trials are over. I hope that they will be concluded by next year, and that TCI can move ahead from them with confidence and self-belief, whatever the outcome,” he said.
Governor Beckingham said it is the enormous success of our resorts in attracting hundreds of thousands of well-off, and in some cases super- rich visitors that has been the biggest success over the last twelve months. “Frankly, although I thought I knew a good deal about the islands before I arrived, the up-market appeal they have to our US and Canadian visitors surpassed my expectations. Parrot Cay, Amanyara, Beaches and the Grace Bay Club, are brands which resonate in North America (and increasingly in the UK), and have helped the Tourist Board to position Turks and Caicos as one of the most alluring destinations in the Caribbean.
“It’s a cliché, but none of us from immigration staff, to resort owners and bar attendants and taxi drivers, can take any of this for granted: it only takes a few minutes of hostility at the airport, weeks of crime, or freak hurricanes, to wipe out the positive image of our destination built up painstakingly over years.
Instead I hope that we can polish our reputation. I aim to continue to ensure that our existing, as well as new, investors, realize that this is a business-friendly country welcoming more environmentally-friendly developments. I regard my links to those investors, backing up the work of the Government and Public Service, as of first-order importance, Governor Beckingham said.
Additionally, he said he is determined to support business and the government in their plans to make Turks and Caicos a more energy-sustainable place to live and work. “Our position of having among the most expensive energy costs in the world is not one to be proud of. I’m delighted that the Premier, Minister of Government Support Services George Lightbourne and I were able to welcome this month to Turks and Caicos the Carbon War Room initiative of British entrepreneur and billionaire Richard Branson to bring more alternative energy to our homes and resorts. That has to be a priority for all of us,” he added.
His Excellency expressed hope that he can continue to convey his sense of excitement and pleasure to be working here, to everyone who lives in Turks and Caicos, and to our visitors. He said that there are many other challenges and opportunities he could have mentioned, including healthcare costs, illegal migration and constitutional reform, for example – and can consider them in future blogs and meetings, but for now, he expressed thanks to every man, woman and child who has given he and his wife Jill, such a warm welcome and memorable year.
“We look forward to more: and please continue to come and say hello in that friendly manner when we do our weekly shopping in Grand Turk or Provo, or visit again one of the other beautiful islands every Turks and Caicos Islander should be proud to be a part of. I’m delighted many more of our friends and family will continue to visit the islands over the next year,” Governor Beckingham ended his FCO blog from the TCI.
Government Support Services Ministerial Delegation returns from Conferences
Minister of Government Support Services, Hon. George Lightbourne, has returned to the islands after attending the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) in Miami, Florida and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Conference in Nassau, Bahamas.
CREF, held 6th – 8th October 2014, is known as “the largest and longest establish Caribbean renewables event in the hemisphere” with the “ability to connect Caribbean energy stakeholders to international capital and technology”. The objective of CREF was to bring together key stakeholders in an effort to exchange ideas and to forge a way forward thus reducing the carbon footprint globally with the promotion and implementation of renewables.
Accompanying Minister Lightbourne were Permanent Secretary of Government Support Services, Ian Astwood, and Energy and Utilities Energy Analyst, Sparkle Prentice. While at this forum, Minister Lightbourne also liaised with Carbon War Room representatives, whom he, along with H.E. Governor Beckingham, had previously met at a Creating Climate Wealth event in the British Virgin Islands in February 2014.
The Caribbean Water and Wastewater Conference was held from the 5th and 10th October. Minister Lightbourne also attended a High Level Session of Caribbean Water Ministers, on the 9th – 10th under the theme ‘Caribbean Water Security – Risks and Opportunities’. This forum provided Ministers “with one of the few opportunities for policy discussions on water, wastewater, and waste management in the Caribbean…..more specifically that of Small Island Developing States, in particular within the context of climate change”.
Also attending technical workshops and presentations was Mr. Omowale Harvey, Water Engineer with TCIG Water Undertaking Department.
“It was an eventful week. It was very useful and refreshing to have collaborated with fellow regional Ministers and other stakeholder, particularly at this critical time when water security and affordability is of utmost importance to our people,” says Minister Lightbourne.
He further expressed his determination to “relentlessly pursue, in a collaborative effort between the Carbon War Room, TCIG and Fortis TCI, measures to reduce the cost of energy to consumers.”
Turks & Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) Issues Ebola Travel Advisory
The Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands Disaster Policy Group Co-Chaired by the Governor and the Premier met on Thursday, October 16, 2014, and issued the following travel advisory on the advice of the Public and Environmental Health Board and Ministry of Health and Human Services:
The advisory states; The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands strongly urges all TCI residents to avoid all travel to the West African countries of Liberia, Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Nigeria that are currently experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The Government further issued a Public and Environment Health (Control Measures)(Ebola Virus) Order 2014 on the recommendation of the Public and Environmental Health Board that advises travelers that enhanced screening measures are being implemented by Public Health Officials at TCI Ports of Entry. The Public Health Ordinance empowers Public Health Officials to screen and examine individuals to assess risk. Persons considered at risk, including persons entering the TCI within 21 days of having visited an Ebola affected area, shall be subjected to quarantine for up to 21 days by Public Health Officials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern.’ These measures are, therefore, taken in the interest of the public health and safety of the residents of and visitors to the TCI. TCIG will continue to review the situation as it relates to EVD and decide on additional measures such as prohibition or banning travel to affected countries as appropriate.
Minister for Health and Human Services, Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith stated “Whilst the TCI is currently Ebola free, the MoHHS will continue its efforts. We have been monitoring movements globally, and note that each day additional cases of Ebola are identified in various countries.
“We are not isolated from the world; therefore TCIG has issued a travel advisory as a precautionary measure to persons travelling outside of the TCI and to countries with suspected and confirmed cases of Ebola.”
TCI receives support from the World Bank for National Risk Assessment
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is undertaking a National Risk Assessment (NRA) this year in line with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations that each country assesses its own money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
The TCI NRA which aims at creating a comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of the risks the jurisdiction is facing will start this month.
Around fifty stakeholders and representatives from both the public and private sectors will convene for a three day workshop at the Regents Palms in Providenciales on 21, 22 and 23 October 2014.
The workshop is to facilitate comprehensive exchanges of views and analyses to allow for a consistent approach to assessing the levels of risks, controls and supervisory oversight in each sector.
Participants will be divided into a number of working groups following a risk assessment methodology developed by the World Bank. The methodology encourages delegates to consider factors related to money laundering, terrorist financing threats and vulnerabilities in their individual areas of expertise. A risk rating will be assigned based upon quantitative and qualitative data discussed and evaluated during workshop sessions.
Announcing the launch of the National Risk Assessment, The Attorney General Ms. Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles said: “This is a major initiative here in the Turks and Caicos Islands which will enable us to develop an effective framework to prevent money laundering and combat terrorist financing.”
World Bank experts Ms. Lisa Bostwick, Ms. Francisca Fernando and Mr. Roberto Biel will lead the various workshop sessions. A data gathering process across sectors will follow the initial workshop. Subsequently the last phase of the initiative will consist of a risk assessment report combined with an action plan addressing shortcomings or necessary change of focus for the TCI. The National Risk Assessment is expected to conclude by June 2015.
Grand Turk celebrates Commonwealth Games Beach Olympics
Organizers of the 10th Annual Commonwealth Games Beach Olympics were not disappointed this weekend as their event saw hundreds of children accompanied by their parents gathered at Governor’s Beach for a day of fun, sports and competition. There was not a dull moment as various sports were going on at one time or another.
We saw the swimming competition taking off with children of all ages, some came to just learn how to swim. The Facilitators from Ocean Academy and Big Blue out of Providenciales truly worked the Swimmers that they never wanted to leave the water.
It was a sight to behold as the Beach came alive with action, excitement, and colour as the 4 zones showed up in their zoning colors: Red, Orange, Green and Purple or just anything colourful. Everyone came out to represent and ensure their Zone would walk away with the winning Trophy and title of Best Sporting Zone in Grand Turk.
There were various sports being played: Volleyball, Rugby, Swimming, Horse Back Riding, Cultural Games, Weightlifting and a new sport was also introduced, Boules that showed adults and children taking great interest in.
However, at the end of the day once the points were tallied in all sports, it was South Back Salina, the Orange Team that came out as the Best Sporting Zone in Grand Turk. In the Volleyball Competition it was the Turks and Caicos Community College walking away with the Trophy and cash prize. The Strong Woman Contest went to Rose-Anna Henry, and the Strong Man went to Ronald Parker. The Horse Race was won by Josh Smith whilst many other children won in their sports with medals and prizes.
The President of the CGA, said she was very pleased with the outcome and thanked all those companies that partnered with the CGA, comprising of Kia Motors for sponsoring the T-Shirts, Chloe and Ben of Big Blue and Greg Doolittle of Ocean Academy out of Providenciales for giving of their time and working with the swimmers so diligently, Grand Turk Liquors, Palm Grove Variety Store, Rosa’s Variety Store, Walter Gardiner, Wally’s Restaurant, Cee’s Food Store, Do It Center, Jack Shack and Bohio Resort. Thanks also to the Zone Leaders and volunteers for taking time out of their busy schedule and assisting with this event. It is remarkable that we can give of our time to ensure that our Youths are being empowered through sports and healthy living.
DEPUTY GOVERNOR SPOTLIGHTS PUBLIC SERVICE FOR OCTOBER
In the October edition of the Deputy Governor’s regular articles that mark and celebrate the contribution of public servants to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the head of the civil service this month turns the attention of the 'spotlight’ programme to the Immigration Task Force.
The Honourable Anya Williams said:
“The Ministry of Border Control & Labour’s Immigration Task Force plays a very vital role in the Turks and Caicos Islands and in my belief is second only to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in terms of ensuring our national security.
“Although it clearly has many important functions, I wish to spotlight those key tasks associated with the preservation of national security. These functions act as deterrent to people who arrive on our shores without adequate documentation and people who try to do this are being increasingly detected, arrested and repatriated as necessary.
“Clearly, the Immigration Task Force is essential to the operations of the Border Control & Enforcement Department, culminating the efforts of intelligence, compliance and investigation.
“Theirs can be a challenging job, yet the team conducts its operations in a professional, lawful and humane manner, with desperate people who have often risked everything that they have to try and get here illegally. The Immigration Task Force works closely with other key agencies such as the Police, HM Customs and the Employment Services department towards the benefit of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“It is to their credit that their work is driven by intelligence and evidence, always ensuring that their efforts are complaint with our ordinances.
“So, on behalf of their fellow public servants and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands I would like to recognise and sincerely thank each and every member of the Immigration task force for everything that they do on our behalf.”
NATIONAL YOUTH AMBASSADOR 1ST NATIONAL HERITAGE DAY ADDRESS
To all Turks and Caicos Islanders, residents and visitors, today we celebrate our 1st National Heritage Day. Today is the day in which we celebrate all that was inherited from past generations, maintained in the present, and bestowed to future generations. We thank God that on this special day in history that we can look back at our achievements as a people and be proud of where we have come and be even more driven to where we should go.
Being the National Youth Ambassador, I am proud to be someone who can inform our youths about our historical achievements laid down by distinguished persons such as our only National Hero and first Chief Minister, Hon. J.A.G.S. McCartney. This is a day we embrace national equality, and togetherness. We must be proud of our language, food, music, dress and our indelible spirit to overcome any challenge that comes our way.
We must never put any shade or be ashamed of who we are or as we say in our native tongue ' Who we is’. Many of our teachers and other professionals claim that we must always speak 'proper’ English. As Turks and Caicos Islanders, we have various words that make up our very own dialect or as we call it 'Talking TI" such as “To-rack-ly”, meaning later on or yinna meaning you all, just to name a few. . As student of linguistics I have learned there is nothing wrong with speaking the tongue in which we inherited from our ancestors as it is just another means of communication. In the word of the great Clement Bethel, "preserve your heritage, speak proper English, only when necessary."
As we celebrate this day, we remember those who come as tourists. We hope they will experience what the Turks and Caicos can offer. I echo the words of Miss Turks and Caicos 2014, Shanice Williams “This is what has and will distinguish us from every other nation in the world. It is our unique marker; our signature across history and it is what follows us into the world even as it brings the world to us.” It simply means that we can show our visitors the true taste of T.C.I., our pristine and white sandy beaches, from Salt Ponds to the Conch Farm. Turks and Caicos we must stand proud of what we offer to the world.
In closing, Turks & Caicos Islanders we must stand strong knowing where we come from and ‘who we is’. We must continue to embrace what is bestowed and inherited in our very own Beautiful By Nature country. We are a nation of accomplishments and this National Heritage Day 2014 is a great testament to embrace these accomplishments.
Donte Francis
National Youth Ambassador 2014-15
Turks & Caicos Islands
GONZALO TO BECOME A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE BY THURSDAY
NEWS ITEM ON HURRICANE GONZALO ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY FORECAST OFFICE SECTION, AT 11 AM TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2014.
…GONZALO IS MOVING NORTHWESTWARD OVER THE OPEN ATLANTIC OCEAN…STRENGTHENING IS EXPECTED TO RESUME LATER TODAY…
AT 11 AM EDT, THE CENTER OF GONZALO WAS LOCATED BY AN AIR FORCE HURRICANE AIRCRAFT AND NOAA DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR DATA NEAR LATITUDE 20.3° NORTH AND LONGITUDE 65.2° WEST OR ABOUT 390 MILES EAST OF GRAND TURK ISLAND OR 830 MILES SOUTH OF BERMUDA.
GONZALO IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST AT 13 MPH AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY WEDNESDAY. A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST IS FORECAST BY LATE WEDNESDAY. ON THE FORECAST TRACK, THE CENTER OF GONZALO WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE OVER THE OPEN ATLANTIC TODAY…AND REMAIN WELL TO THE EAST OF THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 110MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS AND GONZALO IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A MAJOR HURRICANE TODAY. ..AND POSSIBLY BECOME A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE BY THURSDAY.
THE NEXT NEWS ITEM WILL BE ISSUED AT 6PM.