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
TCIG sees significant progress in nationwide recovery efforts
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) has reported that the Turks & Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has seen significant progress in its recovery efforts around the islands.
Dr. Virginia I. Clerveaux, Director, DDME reported “With a continued increase in manpower and equipment, the recovery process is expected to be completed in approximately one week. All major government roads in Provo are cleared and most in North and Middle Caicos, with the exception of the Kew settlement.”
“We are still working in Providenciales, where mostly private yards are still inundated with flooding as well as Enid Capron Primary School. Sufficient relief and shelter supplies have maintained throughout including blankets and cots.”
She further stated that, “The vector control team has been around Providenciales and North Caicos treating stagnant waters. Fumigating is scheduled to take place over the weekend and into next week. This process could be delayed by the wind and rain.”
“The new access road linking Bottle Creek and Kew, North Caicos has been completed since Friday. And since then, has had quarry placed on it to increase traction.”
The Director closed with; “The previous road that was flooded has started to decrease naturally however; the Public Works Department will recommence pumping as of Monday, 1 September along with pumping water in the Kew Settlement. This is expected to last for 4-5 days. Although, residents are no longer stranded as they have new access route.”
A Damage assessment Team has been mobilized and will be conducting a comprehensive damage assessment of impacted communities of Bottle Creek and Kew in North Caicos by Thursday September 4, 2014.
The Executive Policy Group is scheduled to meet in September, where they plan to not only discuss the final stages of the Tropical Storm Cristobal Recovery Plan and the steps to be taken, but also TCIG’s readiness and approach for the remainder of the hurricane season.
TURKS AND CAICOS AUTHORITIES INTERCEPT ILLEGAL HAITIAN IMMIGRATION ATTEMPT
A sloop carrying 82 would be illegal immigrants was intercepted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and brought safely to port at South Dock, Providenciales at 10.00am today, Monday, 1 September 2014.
The vessel was captured following a report passed to the police by immigration staff at the government’s coastal radar station.
The 60 males and 22 females were handed over to immigration officials at the detention centre. After processing they will be repatriated to Haiti in the next few days.
Two of the group were sent to the Cheshire Hall Medical Facility for treatment due to extreme fatigue and another for a laceration to their leg sustained when they tried to jump overboard and escape the authorities.
“I urge the Haitian authorities to stop these attempts at illegal migration from their shores to the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said the Hon. Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner, Minister for Border Control and Labour. “Not only is it extremely dangerous for those concerned - this vessel was taking on water when we caught it - but, it is a disproportionate burden on the resources of this country. It must stop.
“I commend all of our responders and agencies for their hard work and commitment to duty.”
The communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands are encouraged to contact law enforcement with any information concerning the whereabouts of any illegal migrants or on pending sloop arrivals.
Education Department strengthens relationship through Meeting with Private Sector Partners
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services looked to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector on Providenciales on Friday, 16 August 2014.
The session was called to discuss a way forward to strengthen the partnerships and address challenges that either parties were experienced in ensuring that assistance were meeting the priority needs. It provided an opportunity to say thanks to partners for all the assistance with providing supplies and equipment and assisting with financial support.
Currently the Annual Primary School Science Fair and Science Quiz is sponsored by Fortis TCI. The Clement Howell High will soon have a new lunch shed thanks to Sandals Foundation whose also responsible for training and certification of Special Education Teachers in 2013, while also contributing to the New Beginnings School Project and Enid Capron Primary.
Noteworthy new projects suitable for support were outlined, including the library at the Oseta Jolly Primary, the sick bay at the Enid Capron Primary, training of members of the Student Council at Clement Howell High and the apprentice programme managed by Fortis TCI.
It was confirmed at the meeting that the Grace Bay Foundation will provide backpacks to students in government schools in South Caicos, North Caicos and the Ianthe Pratt Primary in Providenciales as a part of their annual back to school programme.
“We are very grateful to our private sector partners for their contribution and assistance over the past two years,” said Edgar Howell, Turks and Caicos Director of Education. “It is important for us to maintain relationships with them and educate them about some of the critical needs of our students and how our partner organizations can continue to support and invest in our young people and their communities.”
Present at the meeting, Talisha Simons (Fortis TCI), Dwayne Krysnowski (Fortis TCI), Elanor Krysnowski (Sandals Foundation), Sheba Wilson (The Grace Bay Foundation) along with Edgar Howell, Director, Education Department and Cheryl Ann Jones, Permanent Secretary, The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services.
InterCaribbean Airways Increases Caribbean Connections
InterCaribbean Airways extends their partnerships with the travel agent community and is hosting an event to meet The Bahamas Travel Agents and Travel Press.
interCaribbean Airways has been expanding their schedule, created well timed connections from cities for easy connection across the Western Caribbean. For the non USA visa holder, now is easier than ever to travel without flying into the USA to cross the Caribbean. From Nassau (NAS), interCaribbean Airways offers your clients non-stop flights to Providenciales (PLS) in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
With a quick transit onward flights to Puerto Rico (SJU), the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata (POP), Santo Domingo (SDQ), Santiago (STI) and Cap Haitien (CAP) and Port au Prince (PAP) in Haiti. In addition from our Providenciales (PLS) hub we offer domestic flights to Grand Turk (GDT) and South Caicos (XSC). The company also made history after being awarded the rights to operate domestic flights in Jamaica between Montego Bay and Kingston.
New distribution capabilities means all flights can be booked and ticketed conveniently at a Bahamas Travel Agency with all electronic tickets.
When Agents plan client travel in the Western Caribbean, be it for business or leisure, interCaribbean may be the best way for clients to reach their destination easily and simply. Why fly all day when arrival is possible in an hour or two?
Trevor Sadler, CEO at interCaribbean Airways said, we have more places in mind to fly, so we look forward to working with you as we grow giving you much more of the Caribbean.
Source-Bahamasweekly.com