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.
DEPUTY GOVERNOR MATERNITY LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS
Deputy Governor of the Turks and Ciacos Islands, Hon Anya Williams, has begun her maternity leave, it was announced by the Governor’s Office today, Thursday, 27 February 2014.
During her absence her duties will revert to Governor Beckingham as head of the TCI civil service, assisted by the remaining staff in the Office of the Deputy Governor and the TCI Government Human Resources Directorate. Mrs Williams will return to office at the beginning of May 2014.
Violent clashes at Venezuela march
Venezuelan police and opposition demonstrators have clashed at the end of a march that gathered tens of thousands of people in Caracas.
Several people were injured, as police fired tear gas and activists hurled stones in the Altamira district.
Supporters of left-wing President Nicolas Maduro marched in central Caracas and other cities.
Ten people have now died in nearly two weeks of protests, which Mr Maduro has called a coup attempt.
He says the violence is part of a strategy devised by right-wing groups, with the support of the US, to destabilise his government.
“We have a strong democracy. What we don’t have in Venezuela is a democratic opposition,” Mr Maduro told thousands of his supporters in Caracas.
Mr Maduro was elected last April, following the death of Hugo Chavez, who was in office for 14 years.
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles, who was defeated in last year’s presidential election, led a march in the capital.
He spoke against the arrest, on Tuesday, of fellow opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez, accused by the government of inciting violence.
Mr Capriles called on his supporters to carry on protesting, but to avoid any form of violence.
“There are millions of reasons to protest, there are so many problems, so many people suffering. But his movement we have built must be different,” he said.
The opposition’s main grievances are rampant crime, high inflation and the shortage of many staples. It blames the economic problems on the left-wing policies of the past 15 years.
Opposition demonstrators also took part in marches in western Tachira and Merida states.
The current wave of protests began on 12 February. Three people were shot dead at the end of those marches in Caracas by unknown gunmen.
Daily protests have been held in the capital for the past 11 days.
Source-BBC News
Caribbean can pool resources to cash-in on lucrative Chinese market
A world economist has suggested that the upswing in the global economy will filter down to the Caribbean.
Dr. C. Fred Bergsten Director Emeritus of the Peterson Institute, an international Economic think thank - told the first ever Caribbean Economic Forum staged by the Central Bank of Barbados on Wednesday that the worst of the global recession has passed and the region must now look to new economic interests as it repositions itself.
According to Bergsten, the Caribbean must release its grip on traditional trading partners such as the United States and Europe and look towards new partnerships and linkages with the world’s emerging markets; Latin America, Brazil and more so East Asia and China.
“The truth is neither North America or Western Europe are the new dynamic leaders of the world economy. The emerging markets of developing countries around the globe now account for the half of the world economy, they are growing three times as fast as high income, traditional economic power houses and that’s where the dynamism is and so to have a good shot at expanding dynamic economic growth in this region I think you need to diversify beyond those markets.”
He believes China is a potential goldmine for the region’s tourism dependent economies which have been losing their market share in the US and British markets.
“China is already the second largest spender in tourism in the world, over a 100 billion dollars but it’s only begun. China is going to explode as a source of tourism. There is going to be a tsunami of Chinese tourists flooding the world over the next several decades and if the Caribbean can get a small slice of that huge market it would do wonders for the economy.”
But even as he tells Caribbean economies to diversify, Bergsten warns countries to choose their niche markets wisely. He says when small economies try to pursue too many ventures they run of the risk of doing nothing well.
“I believe in the principle of comparative advantage and that says do more of what you do best. Now if you are a huge, continental economy like China or the US and a few others, you can provide a wide variety of industries and services and some agriculture as well. But if you are a small economy I think you really have to emphasise those few things that you do best and try to make sure you do them well and really well means you do them on a competitive basis.”
Bergsten believes Tourism is the game changer for the Caribbean – which he says already has a competitive edge.
He tells Caribbean countries to pool their resources to cash in on the lucrative Chinese market.
“If you develop targeted strategies for increasing airlift from China to the Caribbean via either Europe or the West Coast of the United States, if you could put together packaged deals where Chinese tourists could go for three days to Barbados, three days to Antigua, three days to St. Lucia….if you could put together what I think would be somewhat new, creative devices of that type you might be able to tap a massive, new market,” he said.
Source-Caribbean360
New OECS director general appointed
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has announced the appointment of St Lucian Dr Didacus Jules as the organisation’s new director general.
Jules, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) will take up his new position on May 1, 2014.
He replaces Dr Len Ishmael, who demitted office at the end of December 2013.
“The Authority is confident that the correct choice has been made and we look forward to working with Dr Jules in ushering in a new dispensation at our organisation,” said OECS Chairman and Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer.
He said the nine-member regional grouping had canvassed widely and received applications for the position from across the region and beyond.
Source-Caribbean Media Corporation