Mexican President 'Indignant' at US Deportations
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said he is “indignant” at the United States' deportation of Mexican migrants and described U.S. lawmakers as demonstrating a “lack of conscience” in failing to pass immigration reform.
In a television interview aired late on Wednesday Pena Nieto said he and U.S. President Barack Obama discussed the issue during their meeting at a North American leaders' summit held last week in Mexico.
His emboldened comments to Mexico's Univision channel followed days after his administration announced it had captured Mexico's most wanted man, drug lord Joaquin “Shorty” Guzman.
Pena Nieto has said any extradition of Guzman to the United States is likely to take time, underscoring the fact the drug lord still has outstanding time to serve in Mexico after a daring 2001 jail break, reportedly in a laundry cart.
“Yes it makes me indignant, and it makes Mexicans indignant,” Pena Nieto said in the interview, when asked whether deportations angered him.
“There's a lack of conscience, something which shouldn't only alert and worry Mexicans, it should also worry the American government and they should take up the issue,” said Pena Nieto.
Pena Nieto added that he sees a willingness on the part of the Obama administration to change immigration laws, and that reform which provides a path to citizenship should “have the backing and aid of the various political forces” in the United States.
A bill that would have provided ways for the approximately 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally to obtain citizenship recently stalled in the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives.
Many opponents of comprehensive immigration reform in the United States argue that Obama's position would reward lawbreakers and deportations are warranted since the immigrants entered the country illegally.
Under Obama, deportations have hit record highs.
Mexican government officials last week criticized the U.S. Border Patrol for the use of deadly force in a confrontation in which a Mexican migrant was killed.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot the man near San Diego after being pelted with rocks while trying to apprehend a group of suspected illegal border crossers.
No endemic transmission of measles in the Caribbean since 2002 - PAHO
The Pan-American Health Organization ((PAHO) says there has been no endemic transmission of measles in the Americas, including the Caribbean, since 2002.
PAHO said since Venezuela reported the last case in 2001, measles deaths have “disappeared from the region.”
“These successes, achieved by the countries of the Americas with support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (WHO), make the Americas the first region in the world to eliminate one of the world’s most contagious diseases and a leading cause of death for young children,” said PAHO in a statement here.
It said key reasons for the success include high rates of vaccination coverage in regional countries and early detection of cases.
However, PAHO said the region continues to face the threat of imported cases from countries outside this hemisphere, where the virus still circulates.
As of 2012, according to WHO estimates released last week, there were 226,722 measles cases and 122,000 deaths in other regions of the world.
These figures represent declines of 77 percent in cases and 78 percent in deaths since 2000.
“For more than a decade, there has been no endemic measles in the Americas, thanks to countries’ efforts to vaccinate children and maintain high coverage rates,” said Dr. Gina Tambini, director of PAHO’s Family, Gender and Life Course Department.
“But until the rest of the world eliminates the disease, we must be on the alert for any reintroduction of cases that could lead to outbreaks and jeopardize the continuity of this public health milestone,” she added.
Before the establishment of PAHO/WHO’s Expanded Immunization Program in 1977, more than 250,000 measles cases and 12,000 deaths were recorded yearly in the Americas.
Starting in the 1990s, PAHO said cases declined, but the most notable drop came after the region launched a major measles elimination initiative in 1994.
The last recorded endemic outbreak of measles was in Venezuela and Colombia in 2001-2002.
PAHO said vaccination campaigns to eliminate rubella have helped to maintain measles elimination by using a combination measles and rubella vaccines for adolescents and young adults.
A study on the cost-effectiveness of measles elimination in Latin America and the Caribbean, which included PAHO/WHO experts, estimated that the cost of preventing one measles case is US$71.75, and preventing one death costs US$15,000, indicating cost-effectiveness.
Ukraine's Parliament Approves Yatsenyuk as New PM
Ukraine's new prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, is accusing the government of ousted President Viktor Yanukovych of stealing billions from the state treasury.
Parliament approved Mr. Yatsenyuk, a popular opposition leader, as the head of the new interim government Thursday.
Mr. Yatsenyuk said $70 billion in Ukrainian government money had been sent to offshore accounts over the last three years, and that $37 billion of credit it received has disappeared -- leaving Ukraine with severe financial problems.
Yatsenyuk is a pro-Western former foreign minister and economy minister. One of his first major jobs is preventing the Ukrainian economy from collapse.
The International Monetary Fund and European Union are sending teams to Ukraine to assess the country's needs. The United States also is considering $1 billion in loan guarantees.
Earlier Thursday, the Kremlin sent Russian fighter jets to patrol its border with Ukraine -- a day after announcing large-scale military exercises in the area.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who assured him that the exercises were previously scheduled. Lavrov repeated Russia's pledge to respect Ukrainian sovereignty.
But Kerry said "everybody needs to step back and avoid provocation."
Gunmen seized control of government buildings in Crimea -- a Ukrainian region with strong ties to Moscow and home to a Russian naval base in Sevastopol. The gunmen raised the Russian flag.
Acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchyno warned that any movement of Russian forces outside the base would be considered "military aggression."
The Crimean parliament voted Thursday to dismiss the regional government and hold a referendum to determine Crimea's status in Ukraine. The referendum is set for May 25, the same day Ukraine will hold a presidential election.
In Brussels, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called the seizure of the buildings in Crimea dangerous and irresponsible. He called on Russia to avoid any action that could lead to what he called a "misunderstanding." Fogh Rasmussen also urged Ukraine's new leaders to establish an inclusive political process.
Russian news agencies report that Moscow has approved President Yanukovych's request for personal security "on Russian territory." They give no details. They also report that Mr. Yanukovych will hold a news conference Friday in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.
Nigerian Witnesses Link Militants to At Least 33 More Killings in Northeast
Witnesses and local authorities in northeastern Nigeria say suspected Boko Haram militants have killed at least 33 people and firebombed a theological college in Adamawa state.
The military, which regularly understates witness death tolls, said six assailants were killed in the attacks, along with one soldier and three civilians in three attacks..
Thursday's attacks near the Cameroon border came just one day after witnesses reported nearly 60 students killed at the Federal Government College in nearby Yobe state. Local reports said students at the federal college were attacked in their sleep and killed as they tried to flee burning dormitories.
The Associated Press quoted what it described as an angry Yobe Governor Murtala Hammanyero Nyako as saying he suspects collusion between government forces and the militant group.
"Either this is controlled by unknown fellows, or unknown Boko Haram strategic commanders in the [government] defense system, or it is being stage-managed," he said. Referring to an attack last year on a nearby government air base, Hammanyero alleged that soldiers in the vicinity did not respond until militants had destroyed all five aircraft at the facility.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states in June 2013. But he is facing mounting criticism as the attacks have continued since then.
Fighters from Boko Haram, a name meaning "Western education is a sin," have carried out similar attacks on schools, government facilities and other targets, since launching a 2009 uprising against the government. The group is blamed for thousands of deaths.
Source-VOA
British Spy Agency Snooped on Yahoo Webcam Chats
A published report say Britain's communications spy agency intercepted and stored screenshots from hundreds of thousands of webcams, and says the multi-year operation yielded a huge trove of intimate photographs of unsuspecting users.
The Guardian says GCHQ intercepted video chats of 1.8 million users in a six-month period of 2008, and that the program was still active in 2012. The report said the project, code-named "optic nerve," targeted video chats such as those offered by the Yahoo Messenger service.
The Guardian report is based on data leaked by former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden.
In a written statement Thursday, Yahoo said the report represents " a whole new level of violation of our users' privacy." The California-based company also said it was not aware of the snooping and would never condone it.
The newspaper said the spy agency refused to answer a series of questions about the reported program. It said the snooping was at least in part aimed at identifying targets using automatic facial recognition software.
The report also said the British agency eventually excluded images in which software had not detected any faces from search results, as part of an effort to prevent staff from viewing explicit images.
Previous disclosures from Snowden, who faces criminal charges in the United States and lives in exile in Russia, show the NSA was actively exploring the surveillance potential of video game consoles. NSA analysts also are thought to have infiltrated virtual games like "World of Warcraft" to spy on targets.
Source-VOA
World Bank Holds Up Uganda Loan Over Anti-Gay Law
The World Bank on Thursday said it postponed a $90 million loan to Uganda's health system over a law that toughened punishment for gays, an unusual move for an institution that usually avoids wading into politics.
“We have postponed the project for further review to ensure that the development objectives would not be adversely affected by the enactment of this new law,” World Bank spokesman David Theis said in an email.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed an anti-gay bill earlier this week that strengthens already strict legislation against homosexuals, and makes it a crime to fail to report anyone who breaks the law.
Homosexuality is a taboo in almost all African countries and illegal in 37, including in Uganda where it has been criminalized since British colonial rule.
The World Bank, a poverty-fighting institution based in Washington, typically refrains from getting involved in countries' internal politics or in contentious issues such as gay rights in order to avoid antagonizing any of its 188 member countries.
The bank still has a $1.56 billion portfolio of projects in Uganda, which it ranks as one of the world's poorest countries.
The loan postponement follows the announcement by Norway and Denmark that they would hold back donations to Uganda because of the law. Other donors have also threatened to follow suit, and the United States said it was reviewing ties.
Western anger over the anti-homosexuality law has triggered a sharp fall in Uganda's shilling currency, leading the central bank to intervene for two days in a row.
The World Bank's executive board had been set to approve the Ugandan health project on Thursday. The money was meant to supplement a 2010 health loan that focused on maternal health, newborn care and family planning.
Source-VOA
CABINET MEETING HELD IN THE CAPITAL THIS WEEK
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 26 February 2014, at the House of Assembly Building on Grand Turk.
All Ministers were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Approved the draft 2014/15 TCIG budget and directed that the annual budget be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval in accordance with section 109 of the Constitution;
· Considered a proposal to permanently retain daylight saving time when the clocks go forward in the spring and agreed that the matter be the subject of public consultation later in the year;
· Approved a Turks and Caicos Islands stamp in honour of James Alexander George Smith McCartney the First Chief Minister and National Hero of the Turks and Caicos Islands;
· Advised the Governor to grant approval for the mutation of Parcels 60706/104 PT and 60706/16 to create two lots and to grant a 25 year lease over 0.27 acres to the National Trust for the purpose of the management of the Cheshire Hall plantation, at a rent of $10 per annum. In addition, to grant 25 year leases to the National Trust over Wades Green Plantation (Parcels 50301/61, 50301/62, 50301/63 and 50304/4), North Caicos at a rent of $10 per annum. The granting of leases are conditional on the National Trust submitting to TCIG for approval: an infrastructure development plan, a business plan and a site management plan for the development of the visitor experience at the Cheshire Hall Plantation;
· Advised the Governor to approve in principle the grant of a 25-year lease over Crown Land Parcel 60809/103 to Mills Institute for the expansion of the learning institution currently located on an adjacent parcel - 60808/104 subject to the terms and conditions of the Crown Land Ordinance 2012 and the filing of a planning application by Mills Institute;
· Advised the Governor to endorse the proposed development of a National Television Network by ACL from Providenciales through North, Middle and South Caicos to Grand Turk and Salt Cay. In addition, to approve a license over a portion of Parcel 20207/31, consisting of 0.18 of an acre for the construction and operation of Telecommunications Equipment Building and Transmission Tower in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance;
· Advised the Governor to approve the drafting of regulations to the Electronic Transactions Ordinance. The primary purpose of the proposed legislation is to create regulations to give effect to the provisions of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, particularly in relation to regulations to prescribe the criteria for the issuance of an accredited certificate;
· Received a presentation from the National Assessment Team setting out preliminary findings from the Turks and Caicos Islands Country Poverty Assessment (CPA). The study, carried out during 2012 with the support of the Caribbean Development Bank, is the second such study carried out in TCI with the first having been completed in 2000. The findings will be communicated to the public in a series of public meetings;
· Approved a Provisional Warrant 2014 in the amount of $63,648,694 in respect of the recurrent expenditure of the Islands for part of the fiscal year 2014 and agreed that this proceed to the House of Assembly for endorsement in accordance with Section 25 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
· Approved the wording of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill for Financial Year 2012/13 that will be submitted to the House of Assembly;
· Advised the Governor to amend the Hotel and Restaurant (Taxation) Ordinance CAP 10.09 (2009) to establish a registration threshold of $150,000 based on annual turnover. The amendment will be implemented from 1st April 2014;
· Agreed that a policy should be developed and immediately implemented that requires all uninsured freight vessels entering TCI territorial waters to pay a cash bond via the responsible agent in accordance with Ports Authority Regulation 15. The measure is being introduced to protect the economic and environmental interests of TCI;
· Advised the Governor to revise the Fisheries Protection Ordinance to change and improve regulation of the traditional turtle fishery in TCI waters;
· Advised the Governor to amend the Fisheries Protection Regulations to allow for the export of queen conch (strombus gigas) shells, jewellery, pearls and crafts during the closed season (July 15 - October 15);
· Advised the Governor to amend the Electricity Ordinance to effect measures to ensure only licensed electricians can perform electrical works in the Turks and Caicos Islands;
· Received a report from the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture on the recent incident at the Clement Howell High School and Teacher Sick-Out. The Minister confirmed that the Ministry has received confirmation from the Principal of CHHS that the Teachers will return to the campus on Thursday.
Also Notice is given to the Business Community and General Public that Cabinet, at its meeting held on Wednesday, January 29th 2014 has approved the following amendments with effect from April 1st 2014:
• The method for assessing Customs Duties will change from Free On Board (FOB) to Cost Insurance Freight (CIF).
• As a result, the Customs Processing Fee (CPF) rate will be reduced from 7.5% to 6%.
• The Hotel & Restaurant (Taxation) Ordinance will be renamed the Hotel & Tourism (Taxation) Ordinance and the tax will be referred to as the “Hotel and Tourism Tax”.
• The Hotel & Tourism Tax base will be expanded to include ‘Independent Tourism Service Providers’.
Advisories and registration will commence immediately. Potentials registrants, brokers and importers are encouraged to cooperate with Revenue Officers.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) is celebrating 100 years of commercial aviation
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is celebrating 100 years of commercial aviation. This year, 2014 marks a century of commercial flights in the airline industry. All stakeholders were invited to join the celebration and encourage conversation on the future of aviation in their region and industry.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority has taken this opportunity to join in on these festivities by featuring their Terminal Expansion Project and its progress with you the adoring public. More importantly we have decided to make available one portion of the terminal expansion by making the new Check In area open to the public for use. This $10 million expansion project has earned much attention not only here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but in the wider world, as it will be one of the first Caribbean counties that will have a fully functioning multiuse check in kiosks complete with bag tag printing system.
Over 60% of the construction works have been completed to date. The Expansion is well in its second phase of construction which highlights the construction of new domestic bathrooms, demolition of the old domestic bathrooms, the extension of the international check in area, extension of the Security Check Point, the Departure Lounge and the Arrivals Hall. It must be noted that phases of construction overlap as care has to be taken to minimise disruption of passenger flows.
The new Check In area has been made available in a raw state, as construction works will have to continue after its opening. The raw concrete floors will have to be levelled with the old structure before tiling can take place. This will be an ongoing venture in the evening to minimise construction in high traffic areas. Persons will be able to drop off passengers in front of the terminal and go directly into check in. The roadway has been widened to accommodate passenger traffic, whilst the construction fence will remain in the Domestic and Arrivals area to continue construction works. The passenger tunnel that connects Arrivals to the Check In area will be demolished in approximately one week to facilitate the build out of offices in the Arrivals area. All persons will be redirected to the tent area through a new tunnel at the Arrivals exit. The TCIAA endeavours to maintain the safety and security of passenger whilst constructing a world class facility that will be available for full operation by winter 2014.
The terminal expansion project at Providenciales International Airport is a part of a much bigger picture that is worthy of celebration. This 100 year celebration highlights the aviation industries achievements that began in 1914 that started with a single flight that connected two cities and has grown to having over 40,000 cities connected worldwide. The airline industry can boost on carrying over 3 billion passengers and over 50 million tonnes of cargo in average in a given year. This booming industry supports over 56.6 million jobs and promotes the circulation of over $2.2 trillion in economic activity. With those impressive facts there is no wonder why the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority is taking time out to join the celebration of commercial aviation.
Fortis Sponsors Science Fair to Showcase the Bright Minds of TCI’s Youth
FortisTCI Limited is gearing up for another annual science fair, making this the fourth year running that the utility company has supported the academic affair. FortisTCI is proud to again be the primary sponsor. The Company strongly believes in encouraging growth and development in the education of TCI’s youth, especially in the fields of science and engineering.
This year’s science fair will feature a multitude of fantastic projects from some of the Islands’ sharpest young minds as they display their interpretation and application of the theme, “Innovative Exploration through the Scientific Method”.
Director of the Department of Education Edgar Howell said, “We want to continue to promote education and encourage our youth to embrace their academic abilities. Together the Department of Education and FortisTCI work to make the science fair a place where students can let their talent shine.”
The FortisTCI Science Fair is just one of a number of events hosted during Education Week and FortisTCI, in partnership with the Department of Education, plans to keep the tradition of showcasing talented youth front and center for years to come.
President and CEO of FortisTCI Eddinton Powell showed his support and encouragement stating, “Our youth already have it in them to achieve greatness, but it’s our responsibility as a community to help them realize their potential and strive toward accomplishing their goals.”
Last year top awards were as follows: Project Competition, Raymond Gardiner High; Quiz Competition, Maranatha High; Creative Art Poster Competition, Clement Howell High; Graphic Art Poster Competition, British West Indies Collegiate.
The science fair is free and open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. The fair will open at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex on Providenciales Wednesday, March 6th at 9:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony and conclude on Thursday, March 7th.
Classes at Clement Howell High to Resume Tomorrow
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services is advising ALL teachers and students of the Clement Howell High School in Providenciales, that the school will resume classes as normal tomorrow Thursday February 27, 2014.
It is public knowledge that on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th, staff at the Clement Howell High School on Povidenciales staged a sick-out to allow the Government time to address issues which arose following an incident at the school on Wednesday February 19th 2014.
Senior Level stakeholder meetings were held during the sick-out to address the list of concerns, which were presented to Government by the teachers for immediate action; and which they believe would alleviate their health and safety concerns and allow the teachers to take back to the class room within 48 hours.
The Ministry and other key Departments of TCIG worked assiduously to ensure that all the listed matters were addressed. They are confident teachers and students will return to a safer compound on Thursday morning. Minister of Education the Hon Akierra Missick is slated to address the school population at 8.25 am on Thursday.