US Secretary of State Recognizes International Day of Democracy
Monday was International Day of Democracy and the theme this year was "Engaging Young People in Democracy."
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that "powerfully underscores the importance of youth in building and preserving democracy."
He added that "Democratic societies are strong societies, because people are free to speak out against injustices and to discuss, debate and work together to drive positive change."
Kerry called these ideas the inspiration from the Egyptians who took to Tahrir Square, to democracy activists in Burma, to the brave Ukrainians who took to the ballot box earlier this year.
He concluded by saying, “As the United States works to strengthen our democracy at home, we will continue to support those around the world fighting for their voices to be heard.”
Source-VOA
Ebola Outbreak Tests Human Rights
West African governments are being urged to ensure human rights are respected as they battle the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Human Rights Watch says the response to the crisis has been slowed by ignorance, fear, denial and mistrust.
Human Rights Watch says protecting rights is “a crucial element in controlling the unprecedented Ebola epidemic ravaging the region.”
Corinne Dufka, senior West Africa researcher, said, “We do call on these governments to adopt a human rights framework in addressing this illness, which is creating an incredible strain on these countries, which are recovering from armed conflict in the case of Sierra Leone and Liberia – and then decades of authoritarian rule in Guinea.”
She says Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone have histories of corruption, abuses by security forces and media restrictions.
Dufka said the protection of health care workers is a top priority. At least 140 have died in the outbreak. She said many have raised concerns about a lack of protective suits and equipment needed when treating patients.
“We are asking that the governments step up to the plate – that [the] international community help them do that to ensure that the right they have for protection during epidemics is respected.”
Besides health professionals, Human Rights Watch said better protection is also needed for janitors, cleaning staff, drivers and burial staff.
Recently, tension filled the West Pointe neighborhood of Liberia’s capital Monrovia when it was placed under quarantine. Dufka agreed that quarantines are needed at times, but said they’re often more effective in isolated communities.
“Because quarantines necessarily address liberty and freedom of movement – as well as freedom to make livelihood – we’re asking that other measures that involve public education, working with the community, cooperative measures be used instead. These measures are really the least intrusive and restrictive available to be able to reach the same objective,” she said.
HRW said quarantines must be based on scientific evidence. And when they are imposed governments have an obligation to provide food, water and health care. It said that “quarantines imposed during this epidemic have frequently not met these standards…and have been applied arbitrarily and been overly broad in implementation.”
There’s a gender dimension to the Ebola crisis, too. UNICEF reported that women account for 55 to 60 percent of the deaths. HRW’s Dufka said it has to due with the role women play.
“Women are disproportionately represented among nurses and cleaning staff at hospitals and so on. They also care for the sick and then prepare the dead for burial. They’re also more likely to be cross-border traders. So, all of these professions and occupations leave them more vulnerable to infection.”
Dufka said governments must take steps to bridge the information gap about Ebola, which has led to fear and mistrust. This includes public education campaigns and community involvement in prevention strategies. She says that’s an obligation defined under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
“Now, the local human rights community, local radios, local NGOs are doing a fantastic job at trying to educate the public. They’re using community radio. They’re using local, traditional and religious leaders. And so we’re calling on the governments to work directly with them. They already are in many places to really systematize that relationship, as well as for the international community to support these groups,” she said.
Dufka said security forces “are playing a central role” in the epidemic and are charged with enforcing quarantines. She said since the end of regional conflicts in the 1990s and early 2000s they have received much training and are more accountable for their actions.
“That said -- we have been receiving reports of particularly extortion and bribe taking during periods and places of quarantine.”
Human Rights Watch called on the governments of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone to adopt a zero tolerance policy when it comes to abuse by security forces.
Also, HRW said the international community must do much more to help African governments deal with the health crisis – and ensure transparency into how donor funds are being spent.
Source-VOA
UN Condemns Deadly Attack on Mali Peacekeepers
The United Nations has condemned an attack in northern Mali that killed a Chadian soldier and wounded four more of its peacekeepers.
A vehicle carrying the group struck a landmine Sunday near Aguelhoc, in the Kidal region of Mali. A similar attack in the area killed four U.N. peacekeepers earlier this month.
In a statement late Sunday, the U.N. Security Council urged Mali to investigate the attack and said those responsible shall be held accountable.
The Council reiterated its support for the peacekeepers in their efforts to bring "lasting peace and stability" to the people of Mali.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was deeply saddened by the Chadian soldier's death and said the attacks will not affect the U.N.'s support for Mali.
Northern Mali fell under control of Tuareg separatists and then al-Qaida-linked Islamic extremists following a 2012 military coup. A French-led intervention last year scattered the extremists, but some remain active and there have been continued bursts of violence.
Jamaica gets EU funding for justice reform programme
A euro 46-million agreement between Jamaica and the European Union (EU), signed at the recent third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), will assist the justice reform efforts, says Minister of Justice Senator Mark Golding.
Senator Golding told the Senate on Friday that money would help to improve the use of technology in the justice system; for example, in terms of the electronic reporting of evidence, using audio-visual links between remote locations, correctional facilities and the courts.
"... So we can have pre-trial administrative hearings without having to move prisoners, and a variety of things around technology and other efforts to improve the flow of cases, and so on," Golding stated.
He was responding to queries from Opposition Senator Alexander Williams on how the portion of the package for the justice system would be used, following confirmation of the signing by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator A J Nicholson.
Senator Golding said the EU had committed "a fairly substantial envelope of funding" to Jamaica's justice system.
Nicholson told the Senate Friday that he had signed an agreement during the SIDS conference in Samoa, which was held September 1-4. Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Robert Pickersgill, also attended the meeting.
Senator Robert Montague (Opposition) asked that some of the funds be used to mitigate the effect of climate change on the fisheries sector, Senator Kavan Gayle (Opposition) suggested that the partnership of public and private sector institutions be included in making decisions on the use of the funds.
Senator Nicholson explained that the agreement was part of the National Indicative Programme, under the 11th European Development Fund. He said that it will be used to fund projects in climate change and the environment, as well the justice sector. He described it as another tangible contribution from the EU to Jamaica's sustainable development, and an example of the value of international partnerships.
He said that during the conference he also had bilateral meetings with representatives from Canada, Germany, Israel, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland, and joined five other Caricom officials on a visit to New Zealand, which is seeking a seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2014.
Trinidad highway to continue despite calls from environmentalist
The Chief State Solicitor has written to environmentalist Dr Wayne Kublalsingh, saying the state cannot accede to his request of halting the construction of the Debe to Mon Desir section of the Golconda to Point Fortin Highway.
In a letter dated September 3, Kublalsingh, called on the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, to abide by the recommendations of the Armstrong report, and to stop the construction of the highway.
Kublalsingh has threatened to go on a hunger strike within 14 days if the Prime Minister did not accede to his requests.
The Prime Minister passed the letter to Attorney General Anand Ramlogan who said “….such action would lead to consequences and risks, which are unknown. However, you do so at your own peril. While you have the right to protest in a lawful manner, the State has the duty and responsibility to protect life and will not be deterred in adhering to that responsibility as it had done in the past.”
“While you have the right to protest in a lawful manner, the State has the duty and responsibility to protect life and will not be deterred in adhering to that responsibility as it had done in the past,” the letter stated.
Meanwhile, the Chief State Solicitor has pointed out that the issues raised by Kublalsingh, and his Highway Re-Route Movement (HRM), formed part of the constitutional motion filed against the State.
“You and the members of your movement have invoked the original jurisdiction of the High Court under section 14 of the Constitution seeking constitutional protection of the court, alleging breaches of your constitutional rights.
“The Attorney General is representing the interest of the State in this matter. Both parties are being represented by eminent senior members of the Inner Bar. Substantial resources have been devoted by both parties.
The Chief State Solicitor reminded Kublalsingh that the High Court had ruled that the Highway Re-Route Movement was not entitled to injunctive relief in this matter and as a result he intends to seek further relief from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Source-Caribbean Media Corporation
Caribbean RADO Board Strengthened With Legal Training
Mr. Onye Ikwuakor, Director of Legal Affairs at the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) conducted a Results Management Workshop for the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) in Georgetown, Guyana on September 7, 2014. This was done to solidify the results management process across the 15 Caribbean RADO member territories to ensure that the provisions of the revised World Anti-Doping Code are enforced as of January 1st, 2015 and applied fairly to all athletes and their entourage.
The Caribbean RADO also held its annual board meeting on September 6 highlighting its anti-doping education and testing programme and received reports on compliance from member countries.
The meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport with the support of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Addressing the opening ceremony was the Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport who thanked the organizers for showcasing Guyana’s commitment to anti-doping. Chaired by Dr. Adrian Lorde of Barbados, 14 member countries were represented at the board meeting.
The Caribbean RADO continues to ensure that all athletes who compete nationally, regionally and internationally are clean and free of prohibited substances and methods. A significant boost has been provided through a WADA Testing Grant for out-of-competition purposes which is available to all member countries. To date for 2014, nearly 100 urine tests have been collected from athletes from a range of sport disciplines, all with negative results.
Acting Governor & Premier attends National Disaster meeting
The Acting Governor and the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) convened a national disaster committee meeting about the country’s ongoing recovery works from the floods caused by Tropical Storm Cristobal today, Tuesday, 2 September 2014.
Following the 14 inches of rain that deluged the islands of North Caicos, Middle Caicos and Providenciales over the weekend of 22-23 August 2014, there was significant flooding on each of these islands. The meeting also discussed the country’s readiness for the remainder of this year’s hurricane season which ends on 30 November.
At the National Disaster Committee meeting today the Acting Governor the Hon. Anya Williams and the Hon. Premier Dr Rufus Ewing were advised that:
· To date TCI Government has incurred approximately $250,000 in estimated recovery costs. This cost is directly attributed to the rental of heavy equipment, the creation of the new access route, the construction of five new additional wells in the Leeward district and other recovery costs, such as anti-mosquito chemicals.
· All major roadways in the island of Providenciales have now been cleared, with pumps now being mobilized to assist private residents. Government workers have begun clearing debris from the main highway today, with this work due to be completed tomorrow.
· In North Caicos major roadways in Bottle Creek have now been cleared and in addition to a new access route having been created in Kew, a trench is currently being put in place to allow drainage off the old existing road.
· In regards to anti mosquito fogging, the Environmental Health Department has advised that fogging has already commenced in Middle Caicos, North Caicos and in Long Bay and Leeward coming down to Richmond Hills. The areas of Chalk Sound and Downtown Providenciales will be fogged tonight and it is expected that this work will continue over the course of the next two weeks.
· Damage assessment teams have been mobilized to the various affected areas on both North Caicos and Providenciales and will be assessing damages that are still in place.
· That all residents should report all damage caused by Cristobal to DDME in order that the full impact of the storm can be reported.
· The meeting also noted that in comparison to the flooding in North Caicos in 1995, when recovery took over month, all major recovery efforts have been concluded this time in one week.
“The positive way that our residents, civil servants and the private sector have come together to successfully deal with adversity is quite remarkable ,” said Anya Williams. “Of particular note was the Rotary Club of North Caicos who paid for two pumps and hoses on that island, and the developers behind the Shore Club helping out in the Leeward and Long Bay areas. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.”
“Our country is bouncing back from these floods,” said Dr Rufus Ewing. “The efforts of everyone involved are very much appreciated - lots of people have been working very hard to help return things back to normal as soon as we can. The good news coming out of this situations that the Turks and Caicos can successfully deal with adversity, and I am sure that this experience will help ensure that we are even better prepared for whatever might come our way in the future. God, bless these Turks and Caicos Islands.”
CLERK TO THE HOUSE ATTENDS COMMOWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENTAL WORKSHOP
The Clerk to the House of Assembly recently attended a two-day Parliamentary Staff Development Workshop hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA.) Ms Tracey Parker’s attendance at the event, held on the 12-14 August in Belize, was funded by the Governor’s Office Jubilee Fund.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was established over nine decades ago to connect, develop, promote and support Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It regularly hosts regional and international seminars for its 17,000 members, assisting them with their professional development and giving them an opportunity to keep abreast of the latest developments in the sphere. The Belize workshop focused on a number of core skills required by parliamentary staff to carry out their duties, including research services and information technology, effective committees, the administration and funding of parliament and engaging civil society and the media.
‘The greatest asset of any civil service is its staff, and I’m pleased that the Governor’s Office has been able to assist our Clerk to the House in her continued professional development,’ commented Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Hon. Anya Williams. ‘Being able to draw on the expertise and resources of the CPA is extremely beneficial to TCI, and I look forward to the Island’s relationship with the Association continuing to thrive.’
The Governor’s Office Jubilee Fund supports capacity building activities for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and has disbursed more than $125,000 of funding over the last three years. Projects supported have included international and regional secondments for TCIG staff members, the provision of world-class training and the support of numerous environmental protection projects.
Back to School Address from Hon. Cartwright Robinson
On Monday, September 1st, schools across the country open their doors for the new school year. Coming on the heels of TS Cristobal, many premises are not in the optimum conditions. Some, namely the government schools, will remain closed until the environment is better suited for learning to take place.
As new staff and students join our educational institutions, I wish to greet you with a sense of optimism. Each year, you are forced to deal with less than stellar conditions but time and time again you rise to the occasion.
On that note, I pause to congratulate those who have recently passed through the ranks, especially those who achieved distinction, merit and all other accolades. I implore you to maintain that excellence in your quest for higher education or whatever your next phase may be. Your success is the country's success. You are the future.
For those who are back for another year, I wish you God's speed. Stay focused; stay committed.
Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson
Leader of the Opposition
The Peoples’ Democratic Movement
BACK TO SCHOOL MESSAGE FROM SHADOW MINISTER EDUCATION
"He who opens a school door, closes a prison," Victor Hugo
It is a true saying that the richest resource of a nation is its people. I venture further to say that the most valuable asset of a people, apart from their spiritual strength, is their education. Our strength has been tested over the past weeks as some of our islands experienced mass flooding from TS Cristobal. As a result, our government schools remain closed for another week. But for those schools that will open as scheduled, I take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome for the new school year.
Education gives you a good start in life. It gives you a chance to open your minds because anything you can learn expands the mind. It will also make a difference to your future. Above all, it is about your personal development. It is up to you whether or how you will make the journey. As the saying goes, “The mind is like the stomach. It is not how much you put into it but how much it digests.”
So, I urge you students to work hard this school year. Take optimum advantage of all the opportunities that are available to you. You are the future of this country and the future Turks & Caicos will need the skills you are acquiring. It is our job as members of the legislature to provide you with the educational tools and infrastructure so that you can fulfill your God-given potential.
Therefore, on behalf of the Opposition and the wider Peoples Democratic Movement, I would like to extend words of welcome and support for all the returning and new students to all schools in the Turks & Caicos Islands. I wish also to welcome all returning and new teachers as well as returning and newly appointed Principals and Vice Principals.
Hon. Josephine O. Connolly, BSc (Hons) MSc., CIPD
Shadow Minister for Education