Boosting schools’ IT’s and literacy skills through fishing and beaches” – the Governor’s latest FCO blog
His Excellency, Governor Peter Beckingham labled his most recent FCO blog from the TCI, “Boosting schools’ IT’s and literacy skills through fishing and beaches,” where he after experiencing his first Grand Turk Fishing Tournament. The Governor said he had heard that the Tournament was a big event for the island, but had not expected the crowds it drew to Governor’s Beach right next to his residential home towards the end of last month.
He noted the Tournament which was arranged by a group of volunteers who in the months before approached numerous companies and organisations to sponsor the event, far outnumbered the visitors from the cruise ships who regularly stroll along the beach.
He said no one has yet explained to him why the auction is called the Calcutta – which to his mind, was the British name for a very big city in India.
Apart from the attractive prize money for the winners of the heaviest fish in a number of categories all the proceeds went for a bank of computers to the H J Robinson High School.
The Tournament’s organisers raised a huge $20,000 dollars for the school, which included the money raised from auctioning the fish caught in the two days, generously given by each of the crews, and the support of many sponsors.
With the biggest fish going for over 200 dollars, and many more reaching healthy sums, the atmosphere in the auction tent was competitive but friendly.
The Fishing Tournament only restarted last year after a gap of some years, and is a great event for the island and Turks and Caicos.
Gov Beckingham shared on his FCO blog that the volunteers who got it going again deserved the well-earned rest after giving hours and days of time to encouraging so many participants.
“Like all successful events their problem will be that everyone who took part will be anticipating an even bigger party next year!
In the meantime he credited another group, sponsored by the major Beaches resorts in Providenciales, who did their bit to support education in Turks and Caicos.
Gov Beckingham said he met with Butch Stewart, the founder of Beaches, recently in Grand Turk, who told him of the work of his Foundation to help promote literacy within local schools.
The Foundation is also organising a “Pack for a Purpose” Programme, which is encouraging guests travelling to Beaches TCI to bring along supplies to adopted schools, and arranging weekly Reading Road Trips to boost literacy at schools.
“It’s another great illustration of community and business support for the children who represent the future hopes of our islands,” his Excellency said.
It’s is wonderful how you and your wife attend all the functions around the TCI and it’s nice to know that we got your support, thank your Excellency!! Is how one person responded to the Governor’s FCO blog.
Emancipation Day 2014
Emancipation Day is celebrated annually on August 1st, but will be observed as a Public Holiday throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday, August 4th, 2014.
The Department of Culture under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Heritage today announced plans for the observance of Emancipation Day.
Emancipation Day is celebrated annually on August 1st, but will be observed as a Public Holiday throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday, August 4th, 2014.
Commemoration of Emancipation Day will begin with an Ecumenical Service at the Methodist Church in Grand Turk on Sunday, August 3rd, 2014 at 3:30pm. Officiating will be the Rev. Mark Christmas, with Guest Speaker, Father Bernard Been.
Government officials scheduled to bring remarks include H.E. Governor, Peter Beckingham, the Acting Premier and (Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson,) the Opposition Leader; with performances by the All Male Choir, Ms. Dixie Smith, Mr. Dudley Been, Mr. Newman Moore and Ms. Ludwina Fulford.
Organizers have put together an Emancipation Day, Family Beach party will take place on Monday, August 4th, 2014 at the Governor’s Beach at 2:00pm where the entire family can enjoy and participate in the cultural games and be entertained by the fabulous Band Boys & DJ, L32. Vendors will also be on hand to provide food and refreshments.
The entire community of Grand Turk is invited to attend these momentous occasions as the country celebrates its history and freedom.
The Bahamas’ Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell champions the cause of TCI at 35th Regular Meeting of Caricom
Restrictions imposed on the government of Turks and Caicos by the British, was one of the issues tabled at the 35th Regular Meeting of Caricom last week, by The Bahamas’ Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell said the Bahamas made representations for the timely resolution of two constitutional matters: the controversial Dominican Republic ruling that has led to the de-nationalisation of persons of Haitian descent and British restrictions imposed on the government of Turks and Caicos.
“As the lead country and spokesperson for the Turks and Caicos within CARICOM, we just updated colleagues on the status of things between the British government and Turks and Caicos. Right now, the complaint is that the constitutional restrictions imposed are choking off the ability of the (Turks and Caicos) government to invest in social projects,” said Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell drew an example where the country needs a high school and is unable to do so because it does not have the fiscal space.
“Our view is that there be a return to full democracy in the Turks and Caicos and the only thing that should be reserved to British government, is defense and foreign affairs,” Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mitchell at CARICOM’s 35th Regular meeting, stated his country’s position on marijuana, noting that it remains unchanged, despite the regional bid to further studies on its medicinal use, with no further consideration on legalization.
He made the comments following CARICOM’s decision to establish a commission to research the social, economic, health and legal issues related to the regional use of the plant.
Mr. Mitchell said: “The question of marijuana hasn’t been advanced. The commission is not meant to deal with legalization, but whether or not (marijuana) has medicinal uses, the issue is to be studied,” he said.
Jamaica announced last month plans to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of marijuana through amendments to its Dangerous Drugs Act.
More than 40 countries are now considering changes to legislation against the plant for medicinal or recreational use with notable efforts, including Uruguay’s sweeping legalisation in December, and booming medicinal and recreational industries.
UK warship supports Turks and Caicos during hurricane season
Royal Navy warship HMS Argyll will visit Grand Turk this weekend in a practical demonstration of the UK's support to its six Caribbean Overseas Territories (UKOTs), 12-14 July 2014.
The main purpose of her visit is to strengthen relationships with Turks and Caicos disaster management and recovery officials (DDME), especially in relation to improving crisis communications.
The visit builds on previous meetings between the Royal Navy and Turks and Caicos Government, and disaster management representatives from the other UKOTs, ahead of the Atlantic Hurricane Season in Miami in May.
During her visit Argyll's 191 crew will meet a range of Turks and Caicos Government Officials and provide an aerial reconnaissance of the islands for the Deputy Governor, DDME officials and personnel from the ship, as part of their planning work.
The crew also hope to carry out a community project, helping with the ongoing refurbishment of the Crabtree Corner family park, and there are plans for them to take on local teams at basketball, football and golf when in Grand Turk.
HMS Argyll is in the Caribbean region as part of the Royal Navy's Atlantic Patrol Task (North). This provides a UK a maritime presence in the region all year round. During Hurricane season the ships are on standby to provide humanitarian support to the six UKOTs in the region throughout the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season: Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
During her time in the Caribbean, Argyll will also work with other regional navies and coastguards to combat illegal activities on the high seas.
Lebron “King” James soaking up TCI sun
It couldn’t have gotten any better for Basketball superstar, the Miami Heat’s Lebron “King” James who took a well-deserved vacation after the grueling NBA competition, and guess where he chose to get away from paparazzi and unwind - right here in the beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
While in the TCI, Lebron James, who stayed at the upscale, exclusive, Amanyara Resort in Providenciales, participated in a number of activities, including the popular bone fishing tournament.
TCI Sun newspaper had a photo op with the Heat legend, who took time from his fun in the sun to meet with the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Dr. Rufus Ewing, who presented a keepsake from the TCI to James, who is regarded as the greatest basketball player in the NBA today.
The presentation took place on the tarmac of the Provo Air Centre in Provo.
Source-TCI Sun
TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet at the House of Assembly Building, Grand Turk on Wednesday, 9 July 2014.
All Ministers were present except Hon. Premier and Hon. Minister of Health.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Advised the Governor to agree and sign the Development Agreement with Circle Holdings (Third Turtle) which will see a new $100m hotel, casino and marina built on the Turks and Caicos Islands. The 17 acre vacant site includes 775 feet of sea frontage and 1300 feet of marina frontage on the famous Grace Bay. The Development is expected to create 300-400 new jobs and bring additional tax revenues of around $9m to TCIG;
· Reviewed a proposal from Adventure Resorts Ltd on the development of an eco-adventure resort for Five Cays, Providenciales. The development proposes a low-rise, low density development designed to blend in with the environment and will include tourist accommodations, spa, fitness areas and recreational areas. Cabinet confirmed its support for the development subject to satisfactory completion of investment processes;
· Advised the Governor to agree amendments to Regulations 3 (1) (g) and 3 (2) (f) of the National Parks Ordinance. The amendments will facilitate passenger transportation services by hovercraft to South Caicos, North Caicos and other areas that are currently difficult to access with traditional vessels including transportation of passengers through National Parks and Nature Reserves;
· Approved establishment of an International Finance Marketing and Promotion Working Group. The working groups terms of reference will include development of new financial services products, new legislation and a strategy to market TCI as a well regulated International Financial Services Sector with superior products and services. Membership of the working group will include private and public sector financial services practitioners;
· Welcomed two proposals from shrimp farming developers and confirmed the Governments support for the development of shrimp farming and shrimp farming methods that have minimal negative impact on the TCI environment. The developments will be subject to full environmental impact assessment and planning regulations;
· Advised the Governor to agree amendments to the Fisheries Protection Ordinance that are in keeping with recent developments in TCIs fisheries and advancements in fisheries science in order to improve the management of finfish, pelagic species and other marine species;
· Agreed that the Caribbean spiny lobster season 2014/15 shall open on 15th August 2014 and close on 15th March 2015;
· Agreed that a Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) sponsored Green Economy initiative be undertaken in TCI July - October 2014. The initiative will involve a review of existing environmental literature and knowledge, including legal capacity, governmental capacity and capacity of non-governmental organisations to implement management protocols. The review will be conducted by expert consultants , who are retained by JNCC. Their findings will be presented to a Project Oversight Group, which will include stakeholders from government and the public and private sector;
· Received a report from the Department of Environment and Marine Affairs on the development of appropriate measures for the sustainable management of queen conch (strombus gigas) and agreed that the matter be subject to public consultation including a public awareness campaign to alert key stakeholders to these important developments;
· Approved the appointment of members to the following Boards and Committees; Immigration Board; Ms Dorothy Malcolm (member) and Ms Jennifer Glinton (member); Planning Board; Mr Marvin Simmons (member); Education Advisory Committee; Ms Alexandra Missick (Deputy Chairman.)
PDM Welcomes Recent Announcements
The PDM in a release to RTC news states that they believe that the Government has made a step in the right direction by withdrawing the ill-fated Payroll Bill.
We believe the decision to bring this Bill in the first place was a waste of time. We also believe this is another look into the mind of a Government who refuses to accept the social plight and difficult circumstances in which our people are living and seem prepared to throw up barriers to inward investment than to make it more conducive for investment. We are disappointed that the Minister of Finance announced that he had alternatives in the event that the Bill failed but we are left wondering what they are even weeks later. We see a rolling back of taxes as we have been calling for, a move which many countries have already proven to be a stimulating factor for their economies. The PDM held this position since it was elected to Office and the Government continue to introduce tax after tax. We are hoping that this is the first step of many steps to providing relief to the people. We will continue to stand firm in our position that we can not tax our way out of a recession and to push the importance of growing the economy through inward investment.
We are calling on the Government to stop playing politics with the defeat of this Bill and to stop insulting the right thinking people of this country. The amount of $5.6m projected could never fund the projects that the Government is now claiming. It claims a loss in revenue but there is a lot of fluff in areas that will be revealed next week.
We maintain that this Government is not serious about savings because if it were, it will deal with the white elephant in the room - the monster healthcare cost. When it pays more than lip service to the budget killer - healthcare, then we will believe that it is truly interested in developing a solid, realistic fiscal strategy.
NHIP
We are also please with the NHIP Amnesty and call on the Government to release the amount being abandoned in the interest of transparency and the amount due to be collected. We await the NHIP Audit and will address our concerns during the Budget Session next week.
Credit Rating
The triple B rating places these Islands solidly in the investment bracket and we are hoping to be able to only go higher in future ratings. The PDM was happy to meet with the representatives of S&P and to play our part in this important exercise. However we must be clear that this rating is valid for unsecured debt. We maintain that our Alternative Plan was best as secured debt will capture better rates. We know PDM's
Plan is certainly a step in the right direction and the Government's venemous attack revealed their lack of maturity in the governance of this country and their willingness to in good faith hear ideas from anyone other than their small circle.
We believe that the people of these Islands deserve something better.
During the Budget Session we will unveil the full PDM Alternative Plan.
IMF warning for Trinidad and Tobago
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Wednesday warned that Trinidad and Tobago remains vulnerable to a decline in energy prices, and called for structural reforms to diversify the economy and improve its growth potential.
The IMF said while it welcomed the improved growth outlook, and noted the strong external position and limited fiscal vulnerabilities, it agreed, however, that the reduction in economic slack and the need for a durable consolidation of the fiscal position suggest that a tightening of macroeconomic policies may be necessary in the near future.
Source-Caribbean Media Corporation
St Lucia Security minister denies getting report from Jamaican police on extra-judicial killings
St Lucia National Security Minister, Victor La Corbiniere has denied “rumours” that members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have submitted a report on their investigation into alleged extra-judicial killings by members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).
Last year, the government of St Lucia enlisted the help of the Jamaican police to investigate the RSLPF. This came on the heels of the United States withdrawing security related assistance after claims of human rights violations.
On Wednesday, La Corbiniere dismissed suggestions that the JCF report, which some say is long overdue, has been tendered as “absolutely untrue”.
“When the report is received, at the appropriate time it will go to the appropriate places and there will be appropriate disclosure, but I can say to you that the report is not here... The report is just not in St Lucia,” the Minister declared.
In August 2013, the United States suspended all forms of assistance to the RSLPF, citing allegations of serious human rights violations.
“The Department of State has made a policy decision to withdraw training and material assistance to the Royal St Lucia Police Force due to credible allegations of gross human rights violations," the US State Department said in a statement at that time.
This was also acknowledged by Prime Minister, Dr Kenny Anthony, in a nationwide radio and television broadcast.
As a result, Police Commissioner, Vernon Francois, was prevented from travelling to the US to represent the Regional Security Service (RSS) at a conference of Black Police Chiefs.
Source-CMC
FIFA dismisses Uruguay/Suarez biting appeal
FIFA has dismissed appeals by the Uruguay Football Association and Luis Suarez over the striker's four-month global ban for biting, it was confirmed Thursday.
"The FIFA Appeal Committee has decided to reject appeals lodged by both the Uruguayan player Luis Suarez and the Uruguayan FA," a statement said.
"The terms of the decision taken by the FIFA Appeal Committee were communicated to the player and the Uruguayan FA today."
The FIFA statement said the decision was not binding, meaning Liverpool star Suarez could still appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Suarez was thrown out of the World Cup and banned from all football activity for four months after being found guilty of biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini in a Group D game on June 24.
It was the third time Suarez had been found guilty of biting an opponent in his career.