PREMIER EWING COMMENTS ON RECENT TRAGEDY IN NORTH CAICOS
The Premier, Dr. the Hon. Rufus W. Ewing on hearing the news of the latest fatality which occurred in North Caicos over the weekend, has released this statement:
“Let me first express, on behalf of the Government, sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life suddenly this past weekend. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May God be your comforter and your source of strength as you go through this very difficult time.
“I was saddened to hear of this fatal motor accident which occurred in North Caicos on Saturday during the celebration of the Crab Fest. While the details are still a bit sketchy, I am made to understand that a vehicle carrying four passengers, two males and two females, crashed while maneuvering a curve, and resulted in the death of the driver, a male, and serious injuries to the others. The survivors were airlifted to Cheshire Medical Center in Providenciales, where they continue to receive life-saving treatment for their injuries.
“I must commend those nurses, firemen and other residents who assisted in the removal of the trapped victims from wreckage, as I understand a fire crew was in North Caicos and were in possession of the jaws of life, which was critical to their being freed to receive the necessary medical assistance.
“The islands of North and Middle Caicos are in desperate need of ambulances and medical equipment that is critical to successful first response in emergencies. The Ministry of Health has made effort to source these ambulances in the past, through the prescribed methods in the Procurement Ordinance, which were all futile in attracting the necessary bids in the tendering process to secure purchases.
“On Wednesday of last week, the Government sought the right to purchase directly these critical vehicles, as it is our view that the residents of our family islands can no longer be expected to live daily without the security of knowing that they have adequate facilities to assist in times of emergency.
“Towards this end, the Ministry of Health requested that funding for five ambulances be released for purchase and the purchasing process has begun. The furniture and equipment for the Middle Caicos Clinic is also on island and will be released throughout the course of the week.
“While I acknowledge that the time has been lengthy in getting to this point, I am certainly relieved to know that we are progressing in this critical area and that the residents in those islands can rest assured that they have not been forgotten.
“While we continue to improve the presence of medical response teams, we will also be looking to erect signs warning of the dangers of upcoming curves, which will assist in prompting and alerting motorists to the dangers that lay ahead.
“I call on us all now, to continue to pray for the families affected by the death and injuries of their loved ones, and for the speedy recovery of those who remain in the fight for their lives. May God bless you and bless these beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Major accident in North Caicos claims the life of one
Sad news reaching RTC News over the weekend, as a green infinity motorcar flipped over en-route from Middle to North Caicos from Bambara.
RTC News was told that 2 persons were trapped inside of the vehicle and 2 persons were outside of the vehicle.
Medical personnel and the Doctor in Middle Caicos along with Police and Fire Fighters rushed to the scene of the accident.
We are told that the Royal Turks & Caicos police acted quickly, after receiving the information.
RTC news was told that the driver of the said vehicle appeared to be deceased at the scene.
The deceased we’re told was the Blue Hills, Providenciales community while the other two passengers are in the hospital in a critical condition.
The passengers were in North Caicos for the annual festival.
TURKS AND CAICOS SECURES FIRST S&P CREDIT RATING OF BBB+
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) is pleased to announce its first sovereign credit rating of BBB+ from international ratings agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P), today, Tuesday, 1 July 2014.
S&P’s rating highlights that the Turks and Caicos is a prosperous country with a gross domestic product of around $24,000 per head, and benefits from high educational standards and good infrastructure.
This strong rating will benefit investors by allowing them access to cheaper investment funding for their businesses in the Turks and Caicos. TCIG will also be able to use the rating to borrow at significantly lower costs.
“This is terrific news for the Turks and Caicos economy, and just reward for the hard work of everyone who has helped the country reach this latest stage in its development,” said His Excellency Governor Peter Beckingham. “I am pleased too that it notes that the Turks and Caicos benefits from the stability imparted though its status as a UK Overseas Territory.”
“This rating is at the high end of our expectations and places us alongside countries like Aruba, Curacao and Montserrat. This is crucial to our plans to continue to build and broaden our nation’s economy,” added TCI Premier the Honourable Dr Rufus Ewing.
“We can take great pride in noting that this terrific rating news bucks the trends of other Caribbean economies, some of whom have been recently downgraded and given negative outlooks.”
Finance Minister, the Honourable Washington Misick added, “We pledge to continue to work to maintain and, if possible, to improve our credit rating, by continuing to do what we already do well and to examine further ways in which we can broaden and strengthen our economy.
“Today’s announcement supports our growth strategy and will play a significant part in allowing TCIG to begin to reinvest in the public services that our people want.”
TCIG has positively transformed its track record of sound public financial management over the past four years turning longstanding annual deficits into surpluses of $47.6m in 2012/13 and $30.7m 2013/14.
The UK Overseas Territory is now showing perhaps the most positive fiscal trajectory in the Caribbean, and consequently rapidly reducing its net public debt.
Depression #1 Becomes Tropical Storm Arthur Offshore of the Central Florida Coast
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) has been advised by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology that the first storm of the season was formed today 1st July 2014, near latitude 27.6° North and Longitude 79.3° West or about 80 miles NNW of Freeport, Grand Bahamas and about 95 miles SE of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands are therefore being reminded to take the necessary precautions to ensure that their preparations are in place.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips:
· Check hurricane shutters and latches to ensure they are in good working condition.
· Check galvanized sheeting and shingles on your roof, to ensure they properly secured.
· Make all necessary repairs to roof.
· Obtain lumber, plywood, and concrete nails for battening up.
· Keep plastic bags, nails, hammers, wire, rope and pliers handy.
· Do you have a Family Plan in the event of a hurricane? It is important that you prepare yourself, your family and home now for any storms that may be ahead.
· Make sure you have emergency equipment such as water boots, raincoats, a flashlight, battery-powered radio (portable), hurricane lamp, and matches in your house, together with simple first-aid supplies such as iodine, eye lotion, petroleum jelly/Vaseline etc.
· Check home, business and vehicle insurance policies to ensure it provides adequate coverage, which includes contents and flooding.
· Photograph all rooms of your home/business for insurance purposes.
· Make an inventory and take photographs of all possessions before and after the storm.
· Clear your yard and drains of debris.
· Trim trees that hang close to your house or could touch power lines.
· If your home is at risk, call the DDME or your District Commissioners for information on the nearest shelter.
· Find a place to move your boat in an emergency.
The following names will be used for the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season:
Arthur Laura
Bertha Marco
Dolly Nana
Edouard Omar
Fay Paulette
Gonzalo Rene
Hanna Sally
Isaias Teddy
Josephine Vicky
Kyle Wilfred
NEWS ITEM ON TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY FORECAST OFFICE SECTION, AT 11AM TUESDAY 01ST JULY 2014.
… DEPRESSION #1 BECOMES TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR OFFSHORE OF THE CENTRAL FLORIDA COAST…
AT 11AM EDT, THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 27.6°NORTH AND LONGITUDE 79.3° WEST OR ABOUT 80 MILES NNW OF FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA AND ABOUT 95 MILES SE OF CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA.
TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST AT 2 MPH, AND THIS GENERAL MOTION SHOULD CONTINUE THROUGH TONIGHT…FOLLOWED BY A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH ON WEDNESDAY. ON THE FORECAST TRACK, THE CENTER OF THE TROPICAL CYCLONE IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN JUST OFFSHORE AND MOVE EAST OF THE EAST-CENTRAL COAST OF FLORIDA DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO. THE SYSTEM IS FORECAST TO PASS EAST OF NORTHEASTERN FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 40 MILES PER HOUR (MPH) WITH HIGHER GUSTS.
RESIDENTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS SHOULD SAFEGUARD THEMSELVES AND THEIR PROPERTY FROM THE POSSIBILITY OF FLOODING IN LOW LYING AREAS DURING HEAVY RAINFALL EVENTS.
Premier Address to the Nation on taxes 2014
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders and Residents of these “Beautiful by Nature" islands, it is indeed with much optimism that I address you today. An optimism that has never faded even through the many challenges and barriers to progress that were placed in our path since being elected to Government. My Government held as its primary mandate, the stabilization of Government finances and the facilitation of economic growth that would create jobs and small businesses that would evolve into the primary drivers of our economy. The Government’s tax rationalization strategy was one of the major pillars upon which we placed the economic recovery of our county.
Since assuming office, we were forced to implement a number of small taxation measures to close the fiscal gap that existed due to the non-implementation of VAT. These measures were essential in the absence of a replacement broad base taxation measure and revenue collected by these means ensured a growth in Government revenue that was predictable and less vulnerable to global economic shocks. All of these taxation measures were implemented or proposed to ensure that the Government was able to deliver on its responsibility in providing for the people, the many critical services that are required. As a Government, we no longer have the opportunity to implement a broad base tax that would have had the least impact on the unemployed. With the failure to pass the payroll tax, we must also recognize the task of providing for the people, through the creation of jobs, the delivery of capital projects and the provision of critical services will be even more challenging, but this is a challenge that we are committed to overcome.
The Payroll tax was intended to be the broad base taxation measure component of the Tax Rationalization Strategy that was presented to the people of this county over the past several months and the House of Assembly in the past week. The Payroll Tax Bill, from all indications during the debate in the House of Assembly, did not receive the majority support in the House of Assembly and it was left at the stage of its second reading. It is my Government’s intention, during the next sitting of the House of Assembly, to formally withdraw the Payroll Tax Bill 2014 from the House of Assembly.
Even though such actions and decisions would have some negative impact on Government finances and our ability to deliver on some key and important responsibilities, we remain optimistic about the direction of our economy and confident in our ability to meet all of our obligations, including the servicing of our current and future loans. This is due to the hard work and efforts of your Government over the past year and half in facilitating economic growth with progressive increase in Government’s revenue every quarter. Most of this increase is due to performance in the tourism and related sectors of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and real estate.
Our Government will continue to attract FDI and create the environment for the development and growth of small and medium enterprises (SME) and place an acute focus on manufacturing and processing and financial services sectors, through which we can further diversify our economy. To this end, we will deliver on our promise to give back and rationalize taxes as we work towards our mandate of lowering the cost of living and creating jobs. We will reduce the recently-approved increase in business license in some areas by fifty percent, putting focus particularly on SME and tourism related businesses. We will also reduce the Freight and Insurance Tax (FIT) from 15% to 7.5%. I hasten to add that it was our hope to eliminate both of these taxation measures entirely with the implementation of the payroll tax, but we are now unable to do so until we are confident that the revenue gap is bridged in a sustainable manner.
We will within the next 2 months, implement an NHIP Amnesty Programme that will waive penalty arrears, with persons still being required to pay the principal amount, following consultation with NHIP. It is also intended that going forward, NHIP penalties will be reduced from the current 10% to 3%, non-compounding.
The 2014/15 budget has been finalized, taking into consideration the loss of revenue projected for payroll tax and reduction in revenue from freight and insurance tax and revenue loss from reduction in business licenses. These revenue losses will be offset by the withholding of funds from the Sinking Fund and the transfer of funds from the Airport’s Authority. There was no impact to funding for currently budgeted capital projects for fiscal year 2014/15, save for those additional projects that we would have been able to implement had the payroll tax been passed and were we able to withhold even more funding from the sinking fund.
Therefore my Turks and Caicos Islanders, we have now emerged from a period of mere fiscal stabilization and into a period of economic growth. Our credit worthiness will rest heavily on our ability to drive economic growth that is sustainable with high levels of fiscal responsibility. The Standards and Poor’s Credit Rating Agency will be releasing our credit rating assessment later this evening. This will be the first credit rating for The Turks and Caicos Islands, and whatever it may be, it will stand as the starting point for us to improve upon as we become a more economically progressive, fiscally responsible nation with a high level of integrity and one that retains the respect and confidence of the international community. This is our goal and our plan as we continue to work for you, now even more committed and more dedicated to the cause of our future.
May God continue to bless you and these "Beautiful by Nature" Turks and Caicos Islands.
Band Boyz wins 'Battle of the Bands 2014'
Islandcom’s Battle of the Bands competition was the event of the summer according to many patrons! The Turtle Cove Marina overflowed with concert goers for the free event on Saturday June 21st, where six bands competed for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes.
At stake was the $5,000.00 for 1st place, $2,500.00 for 2nd place, and $1000.00 for 3rd place. The package also included the latest Samsung phones and gift certificates from co-sponsors of the event- The Wine Cellar.
A new category was introduced this year - The People’s Choice award, courtesy of the Department of Culture under the Premiere’s Office.
The cash award valued at $1,000 and was given to the band chosen through text messaging by the audience.
The bands on the roster for the night were the Grand Land Band, Harbour Catch, Obstak, Island Boys, Karib Band and Band Boyz.
The crowd was treated to a surprise performance from two local divas Crystal Charles and Tiffany Thomas.
After all the bands performed the crowd was given 5 minutes text in their vote for the People’s Choice Award.
In third place winning $1000.00 was Grand Land Band while the second place, winning of $2500.00 and 6 months of Islandcom service went to Island Boys.
Taking home the grand prize of $5,000.00, a year of service from Islandcom, the People’s Choice Award for $1000.00 and the chance to record a song with Producers Keno and Kazz was the Band Boyz.
Chandra Craigg, of the Islandcom Marketing team talked about the event on Monday, she said. “Team Islandcom has put a lot into this event and we are very happy with everything coming together as planned. We owe a large thanks to many entities on island. The Wine Cellar, of course, as our co-sponsors of the event contributed quite a lot to its success. We also couldn’t have done it without the help of Dion Pratt and the Got You Covered Team. They really had us covered! Special thanks also goes out to our host Obrien Forbes for keeping the crowd entertained and informed. Thanks also go out to the judges for their fair voting. Other companies we owe thanks to are Turtle Cove Marina, TCI Waste, Blue Loos, CSS Security, Leyshan Sounds, Life Productions, Trail Enterprise, Coral Gardens Hotel,Fresh Catch Restaurant, Smart Choice, Graceway Sports Centre, photographer Li Welch, the PABA Association and of course the bands.” added Ms. Craigg.
There were special awards won by individuals, which included- Best Showmanship went to Whitfield Robinson from Island Boys, Best Vocalist went to Kacey Lewis of Band Boyz, and Breakout Musician went to Sherlock Joseph of Band Boyz.
A panel of 5 judges chose the winners.
JA' Government Ponders Law For Illegal Importation Of Banned Supplements
Jamaica is considering the implementation of legislation to address the illegal importation of banned supplements.
Contributing to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Natalie Neita-Headley, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for sport, said that even while new law is being considered, coaches, administrators and athlete-support personnel are reminded that they are equally responsible if they are found guilty of providing banned substances to junior athletes.
Neita-Headley said sport supplements have been found to contain ingredients that are not stated on labels, and urged athletes to "go back to the days of the cornmeal porridge, arrowroot, the Trelawny yam".
She told Parliament that many athletes are using supplements as part of their training or competition regimen, adding that this is due to athletes believing that a normal diet is not suffucient for optimum performance.
Jamaica's drug-testing programme has been the subject of much debate, but Neita-Headley said that since January, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission has conducted 203 tests, 69 out of competition and 134 in competition.
US insists murder of T&T prosecutor was organised
A senior United States official says prominent attorney Dana Seetahal was murdered earlier this year in a "well planned and orchestrated hit" by an international 'player' with a crime organisation presence in Trinidad and Tobago.
"It was not a crime of opportunity where someone felt they should steal her handbag and then found they had to shoot her. This was a well planned and orchestrated hit. This is not something you plan easily," said United States Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield during a teleconference with Caribbean journalists.
Seetahal was shot dead on May 4 after she left a casino for her home. No one has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder despite a TT$3.5 million ransom offered by the Trinidad and Tobago Government and Crime Stoppers for information leading to a prosecution in the death of the former special prosecutor and president of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
Brownfield, who is responsible for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in the US Department of State, said that Seetahal had been murdered two days after he paid a visit to Trinidad and Tobago.
"I stand by what I say, this was quite clearly not a crime of passion, this was not a crime of opportunity. People did not just happen by and believe that they could steal her pocket book and then find that they had to open fire in order to accomplish this. This was a carefully planned operation," Brownfield said.
Big Church Softball Games at the Stadium
RTC Sports caught the recent softball games held earlier this week at the National Stadium.
On Monday in the first game, Methodist church had a ‘by’ because of the no show by Abundant Life Ministries.
In the second game, Paradise took that game comfortably over Harvest, with a win defeating them 13 to 5.
In last night’s game, the Romans took on the Leeward Highway favorites St. Monica’s.
No mercies were shown as St. Monica’s buried the Romans 13 to 5, but in the hotly contested second game between Harvest and Methodist Church; Harvest Bible who was down 13 to 2 in the bottom of the 5th inning and made a historic come back and won the game 14 to 13, this was a must great game missed, if you were not at the National Stadium.
Games will continue on Thursday with Methodist Vs St. Monica's and the Romans VS Bethany.
The action will commence at 6:30pm.
Police humiliates Quality Super Kings in cricket
The Turks and Caicos Cricket Association 2014 Cricket Season continued on Sunday 22st June 2014 at The Downtown Ball Park Providenciales with The Police Humiliating Quality Super Kings.
Police won the toss and elected to bat and then chalk up 206 runs for 8 wickets from 20 overs. Chabbie Charlery top scored with a pugnacious 65 runs which was decorated with 4x4’s and 8x6’s Garvin Bruno chipped in 25 runs..
Bowling for Quality Super Ebbon Caesar took 2 wickets for 15 runs from 2 overs and Damain ST Ange had 2 wickets for 36 runs from 4 overs.
In reply Quality Super Kings were Skittle out for Paltry 66 runs from 11.4 overs. Top Scorer was Damian St, Ange with 15 runs..
Bowling for Police Chabbie Charley Captured 4 wickets for 16 runs from 4 overs and Hayden Spring claimed 2 wickets for 9 runs from 3 overs.
Man of the Match was Chabbie Charley