US jury finds Jamaican national guilty of sex trafficking
A Jamaican national has been found guilty for his role in an international sex trafficking operation.
Damion St. Patrick Baston, 37, was convicted on three counts of sex trafficking – both in the United States and Australia – five counts of transporting multiple individuals for prostitution, one count of importation of an alien for prostitution and one count of using a passport secured by false statement.
Baston was also convicted on one count of aggravated identity theft and nine counts of money laundering.
In addition, he was found guilty of illegally re-entering the United States after being previously deported.
According to court documents, Baston victimized seven women in the Middle East, Australia and the United States.
Baston is scheduled to be sentenced on September 5 before US District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga, who presided over the trial. He faces between 15 years and life in prison.
Six victims “bravely testified” at trial that they had been trafficked for sex beginning in 2011 in various cities, including Miami, according to the documents.
Baston had been ordered removed from the United States in the late 1990s but stole the identity of an American citizen, which he used to obtain a Florida ID card and US passport.
He used this false identity for international travel as he continued to recruit and victimize women, court records reveal.
“This case brought us halfway around the world to ensure justice for the victims,” said Alysa D. Erichs, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) Miami.
“HSI, along with our federal and international law enforcement partners, will continue to work diligently to ensure international boundaries do not hinder the enforcement of justice,” she added.
US Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer said “the bravery of the victims in this case is commendable,” adding that their testimony demonstrated that, “despite the terrible abuse that they suffered from this defendant, they are truly survivors.
“We can never forget that human trafficking is a heinous crime that exploits people; it simply cannot be tolerated. This case was the result of the hard work and coordination of the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force in Miami, including our federal prosecutors, as well as that of law enforcement officers and non-governmental organizations in Australia and the Dubai Police Department” he added.
Ferrer said it was also the first time that the US used the recently-enacted extraterritorial jurisdiction provision of the anti-trafficking laws to charge someone for sex trafficking that occurred in another country.
“Working with our dedicated law enforcement partners here and abroad we have ensured that Baston will be unable to continue to exploit more women,”he said.
Source-CMC
CARICOM establishes commission to debate decriminalisation of ganja
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have agreed to the establishment of a Commission to further the debate on the decriminalisation of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
CARICOM Secretary General Irwin La Rocque told reporters that while the composition of the Commission are yet to be determined it will most likely be made up of experts “in their field.
“The objective of such a Commission on marijuana is to conduct an inquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use in the Caribbean.”
World Cup drunkenness worries Fifa
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has expressed concern about the level of drunkeness in Brazil's World Cup stadiums.
Brazil had banned alcohol in stadiums, but football's governing body insisted on an exemption for the World Cup. Beer multinational Anheuser-Busch InBev, is a major FIFA sponsor.
"I was struck and worried by the level of drunkeness of many supporters who do not behave well because of this" in stadiums, Valcke told the SportTV channel late Tuesday in comments broadcast in Portuguese.
"When people drink too much alcohol that can increase the level of violence," the FIFA number two added.
Despite FIFA's pressure to allow beer in the 12 World Cup stadiums, Valcke said controls could be imposed.
"FIFA will never decide anything that puts the organisation of matches at risk. We will always take safety into account and if we believe it should be controlled, it (beer sales) will be controlled," Valcke said.
He acknowledged that it could be a difficult move.
The Brazilian government had to pass a controversial special law authorising beer sales for the World Cup. The law banning alcohol was passed to prevent violence.
"FIFA made the request because we did the same thing for the other World Cups and we did not have a problem," said Valcke. "But it is something we will have to examine," he added.
Source-AFP
TI Summa Jam clears Queens Controversy
Organizers of the longest running festival, the annual T I Summajam wrapped up their festival on Friday night.
But apparently their was a bit of controversary at the festival with. Rita Gardiner joined the Meenie Man on the Block party to set the record straight after the show.
{mp3}Rita on TI Summa Jam{/mp3}
Rita Gardiner on RTC
J&T founders implicated in criminal proceedings
Former Premier of the TCI, Michael Missick is under further investigation by the Czech anti-corruption police, which have started investigating the case of bribery connected with the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In a news release issued on the wire by Lidové noviny or (LN), states Police suspect the Slovak financier Mario Hoffmann, J&T co-founders Ivan Jaka-bovič and Patrik Tkáč, partner Peter Kor-bačka and former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick of bribery and money laundering.
The case is supervised by a Prague district state attorney's office, and the criminal proceedings are being prepared, its spokesman Šárka Pokorná said.
Investigators will decide whether the suspects will be accused.
The news agency states that Hoffmann allegedly planned an investment in a luxurious residential complex, including a golf resort on Salt Cay for some 600 million dollars and that Hoffmann allegedly gave a bribe to the Turks and Caicos government officials, which the J&T Bank arranged.
According to detectives, Hoffmann and J&T Bank representatives tried to cover up the fraud
The businessmen have denied any wrongdoing.
We’ll have more on this story as it develops.
10 Best Island Beaches Around the World” List
Long Bay Beach, the address for the Shore Club Turks and Caicos, has been named a favourite on the “Top International Islands for Beaches” by Condé Nast Traveler.
Condé Nast described Providenciales as, “Surrounded by the world’s third largest barrier reef, all of the beaches here are protected from ocean surges and most are completely waveless. Long Bay is one of the least developed.”
Hartling Group CEO Stan Hartling says that Long Bay Beach is that and more. “I used to live on Long Bay Beach, so I truly appreciate how genuinely idyllic and special this beautiful stretch of sand on Providenciales really is. When I decided to create the Shore Club – the first commercial development on Long Bay – I took the undertaking very seriously to ensure that our resort complements the magnificent landscape.”
Long Bay Beach is located on the southeast shore of Providenciales. It is 2.4 miles long and sparsely populated with luxury residences. The water is shallow and clear, making the beach ideal for various water sports. Constant tradewinds on this coast invite kite boarders and windsurfers to test their skills.
The Shore Club is now under construction. The $100 million condominium hotel is the third project by the award winning Hartling Group on Providenciales. The Shore Club features 38 condos and six luxury villas on a nine-acre parcel of land occupying 820 feet of beachfront on Long Bay. Cayman Islands’ DECCO, a Dart Enterprises company, is providing construction financing and management.
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.