NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF THE PROGRESSIVE NATIONAL PARTY ISSUES RELASE ON MISICK'S RETURN
National Chairman of The Progressive National Party, Trevor M. Cooke today issued a release to RTC News, on the return of Michael Misick to the TCI.
‘Today our former Premier, the Honorable Michael Eugene Misick, returns home to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Hon. Michael Misick is one of our country's greatest leaders who advanced our country through innovative and progressive social and economic policies.
It is the hope of the Progressive National Party that he will be given the due process of the law and treated fairly by the justice system; and that the premise that justice is blind and that everyone is equally protected under the law, is upheld.
I know that, however his story unfolds, he will continue to fight for the rights of Turks and Caicos Islanders, even if he has to use a different platform, whether it be as a politician or just regular citizen, advocating social and political change.
On behalf of the Progressive National Party, I say welcome home Honorable Michael Eugene Misick, and may God give you His strength over the coming weeks and months to steer through the challenges ahead.’
Dr. Misick returned on Tuesday morning landing in the Capital, Grand Turk.
Police Investigates More Reports Of Robbery Over the Weekend
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a number of incidents reported between Saturday January 04, 2014 and Monday January 06, 2014 within the districts of Providenciales, including:
• (3) Burglary: Preliminary investigations revealed that during the commission of these Burglaries, a sum of cash, an Acer Laptop, a pair of Air force tennis, a pair of shades, three hats, one HTC cell phone, a flat screen television, Black Hand bag containing a wallet with a sum of cash, First Caribbean Bank card, a quantity of jewellery and a Samsung tablet were stolen.
• (2) Theft: Initial investigations revealed that during the commission of this Theft, one lady bicycle and a bag containing three passports, one Blackberry Q10 cell phone, and a sum of cash, one gold ring, and one gold earring were stolen.
• (1) Obtaining Property by Deception: Early investigation revealed that a sum of cash was stolen. Investigations continue.
If you have any information about any criminal activity, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
New Year's Message from the Opposition Leader, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson
It is a New Year – New Opportunities! New Possibilities! New Dreams! New Vision!
God in His wisdom and mercy has granted us the gift of a New Year and what we do with this gift is up to us. May we unwrap this gift with care, gratitude and a mind to positively impact our country, our Region and our world.
Whilst individually we may set resolutions for many aspects of our lives, we need to ensure that one includes taking our civic responsibilities seriously and strengthening our civic commitments. Too many of us are sitting in the seat of apathy. Some of us who are can and are expected to do more unfortunately pour our energies elsewhere while the seeds of negativity, discord and maliciousness; deliberate and unintentional misinformation, mistruths and misunderstandings flourish and linger. I challenge us all to search ourselves and see whether our actions and inactions account for positivity or negativity. I challenge us this year to become more active citizens who are committed to the building up of our country and not to its further ruin by our actions or inactions. We lie as it were in ruins and it is an ideal place to stop, think, evaluate, plan and rebuild positively laying each important block, one at a time. But we need maturity and commitment from informed, hardworking, focused and selfless builders. I charge us who understand the issues to share them, help to educate our youth and our citizenry without manipulating the facts or diluting it with opinions that it becomes unrecognizable. Much is required from leaders in every facet of society and we cannot and must not shy away from the responsibility of leading in what will be a challenging year. Misinformation and confusion must not be allowed any place in this New Year in our land.
Likewise, we need to set resolutions for our country. Our country for far too long appears to be moving on auto pilot status without a flight plan. The PDM has always had a Plan and this is why the PDM supported an Opposition led Motion to hold a National Symposium to prepare a broad Plan and Strategy, why we supported the formation of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Revenue and why we continued in the past year to enquire in the actions of the Government seeking to find out its Plans and Policies. Let us take the time to learn and understand the issues, consider them and plan solutions that we can all commit to. WE NEED A PLAN for Turks and Caicos and once this Plan is formulated, every child, every man, every woman, every home, every employer, every employee and every civil servant must know it and know their individual roles. But until this is formulated, I urge us all to seek until we find our individual purpose and then we can collectively achieve our country’s goal from our respective places always remembering that we all have a part to play. It is not only the role of the Government or the civil servant, or the major player in the private sector to realize our national goals.
Let us in this New Year, once we have identified and set national goals, let us purpose to move as a unit towards them and let us combine our efforts nationally towards their achievement. Let us appreciate that specific methods may be different, opinions will differ but the Vision must be the same. Let us not be blinded by selfish ambitions or false sense of importance.
I am not daunted by the challenges ahead – seen and unseen. As an optimist, I believe there is nothing that we cannot face with pride and dignity and nothing that we cannot overcome with God. However whilst we trust Him, we must work towards the end we wish to see. May our challenges knock us to our knees and may God be restored to his rightful place.
I charge us to learn and read as much as we can about the issues and form positions only from the facts – keep informed! Secondly, I charge us to find areas where we can volunteer in an area of national importance - Help to mentor our youth, protect and share our heritage, tidy our Islands, help our elderly, juveniles, prisoners and special needs citizens. There are many civic organisations whose work will be lighter with more hands – volunteer and make a difference!
Demand and desire a National Plan, find your role, try to see the good and the opportunities to improve personally and nationally, shun the negative thoughts and actions, avoid selfish destructive behavior, read and learn as much as you can, volunteer and commit to the cause of rebuilding what can be the best little country. Above all be a voice, be a positive voice!
I encourage us to make individual steps to make a national impact and to achieve our national goals .
On behalf of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement, the Official Opposition and our families, we wish for you a Prosperous New Year. We remain committed to addressing the issues, proposing solutions and working in the best interest of these Islands.
We remain your humble servants.
Burglary & Theft kicks off 2014 for the RTCIPF
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a number of incidents reported between Wednesday January 01, 2014 and Friday January 03, 2014 within the districts of Providenciales, including:
• (3) Burglary: Preliminary investigations revealed that during the commission of these Burglaries, a sum of cash, an Acer Laptop, a pair of Air force tennis, a pair of shades, three hats, one HTC cell phone, a flat screen television, Black Hand bag containing a wallet with a sum of cash, First Caribbean Bank card, a quantity of Jewelry and a Samsung tablet were stolen.
• (2) Theft: Initial investigations revealed that during the commission of these Thefts, one red Honda Generator and a cell phone were stolen.
• (1) M.D.T.P& Theft: Early investigation revealed that the left rear window of a vehicle was broken and a black wallet containing a sum of cash, various ID cards and other documents were stolen. Investigations continue.
If you have any information about any criminal activity, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
Olympic Gold Medalist Sanya Richards-Ross to Speak at Shore Club Ground-breaking Event in Turks and Caicos
Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-‐Ross will visit the Turks and Caicos Islands on January 17.
The Jamaican born Olympic track and field world champion will visit the exclusive Caribbean destination to speak at a ground-‐breaking celebration and career fair for the $100 million Shore Club.
Richards-Ross’ travel agenda includes joining Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing, Governor Sir Peter Beckingham, and Hartling Group CEO Stan Hartling for a ground-‐breaking ceremony at Long Bay Beach, the location of the Shore Club on Providenciales. Richards-‐Ross will then deliver a keynote address to the Turks and Caicos graduating class of 2014 at a career fair being held at the Regent Palms Resort.
“Ms. Richards-Ross is an inspiring individual in so many ways,” says Hartling Group CEO and Shore Club developer Stan Hartling. “Ms. Richards-Ross’ incredible achievements in sport and academics, combined with her commitment to promote literacy and numeracy through her Fast Track Program in Jamaica, provides a perfect example of how hard work and a passion to achieve a specific life goal can be accomplished. We are delighted Ms. Richards-Ross will be joining our event and we look forward to introducing her to the 300+ students who are members of the class of 2014 in Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The Hartling Group is one of the largest employers in the Turks and Caicos Islands, employing approximately 400 people at its resorts The Sands on Grace Bay and the Regent Palms Resort.
The 114 suite Sands Resort celebrated its 15th birthday this year. The resort has earned numerous awards including the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler, Reader's Choice Award for Top 15 Resorts in the Atlantic and Caribbean, and the 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence .
The luxurious 72 suite Regent Turks & Caicos is a multi award winning property that has earned numerous awards since it opened in 2005, and most recently a spot on the Conde Nast Traveler 2014 Gold List, and the Conde Nast Traveler 2013 Readers’ Poll Awards #1 Top Resort Spa: The Caribbean.
The Shore Club is the third resort to be developed by the award winning Hartling Group. DECCO, a Dart Enterprises company based in Cayman Islands, will provide construction management and financing services for the project. Upon completion, the Shore Club will feature 38 condos and six luxury villas on a nine acre property spanning over 800 feet of beachfront on Long Bay. Project construction starts in January. For more information visit www.theshoreclubtc.com.
Police updates the Nation on the capsized Haitian sloop
Following the capsize of a Haitian sloop on Christmas day, (Wednesday, December 25, 2013) in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), the Ministry of Border Control and Labour has confirmed to RTC News that 31 of the survivors who were detained have been questioned by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) were repatriated to Haiti on 1 January 2014.
The 32nd member of this group is assisting the RTCIPF with their inquiries and will be released back into the custody of immigration officials today. He will be repatriated in due course.
The Coroner is still holding the bodies of the 17 Haitians who perished.
The TCI Government is in discussions with the local Haitian Consulate who will determine what will happen to these remains when they are released to them. One option is for the remains to be repatriated with the costs of this effort being met by the Haitian authorities, although this is has not yet to been confirmed to RTC News.
New Non Stop Flights to Puerto Plata, Samana and Providenciales
After Air Turks & Caicos recently unveiled its new name-change to InterCaribbean Airways, the company told RTC News,'We are pleased to announce new air service schedules connecting San Juan to Puerto Plata and Samana in the Dominican Republic, and for the first time a flight connection between San Juan and Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands. With onward connections, now 1 stop connections in the Caribbean to Kingston Jamaica and Nassau, Bahamas are now possible.'
Effective January 20, 2014 traveling from San Juan is convenient, affordable and available to business and leisure travelers with the introduction of these new routes. The Citizens, Residents and Visitors of Puerto Rico looking to create new business and leisure opportunities can take advantage of the following flights starting January 20th 2014, and are now bookable immediately.
Flight No Dep Arr Days Dep Time Arrival Time
SAN JUAN TO PUERTO PLATA
JY291 SJU POP Mo We 4:25 PM 5:55 PM
JY236 SJU POP Fr Su 4:25 PM 5:55 PM
PUERTO PLATA TO SAN JUAN
JY292 POP SJU Tu Th 11:50 AM 1:20 PM
JY235 POP SJU Fr Su 2:00 PM 3:30 PM
SAN JUAN TO SAMANA
JY 291 SJU AZS Fr Su 4:25 PM 5:40 PM
SAN JUAN TO PROVIDENCIALES
JY 292 SJU PLS Mo Tu Th Sa 02:10 PM 3:00 PM
PROVIDENCIALES TO SAN JUAN
JY 291 PLS SJU Mo We Fr Su 12:45 PM 3:35 PM
Flights from San Juan to Providenciales offer immediate connections to Nassau, Bahamas and Kingston, Jamaica making connections to Islands within the Caribbean a reality. To book a flight contact your local travel agent, call interCaribbean at 1-888-957-3223, or book on-line at flyairtc.com.
Cubans can now buy new and used cars freely
Cubans are now able to buy modern cars freely for the first time since the revolution in 1959.
Previously, Cubans had to get a government permit to buy new vehicles. That requirement has now been abolished but only a minority will benefit.
The state has a monopoly on new car sales and is marking up prices by 400% or more.
Freeing up car sales is the latest in a series of reforms in Communist-run Cuba.
Until new regulations in 2011, people could only sell cars built before the 1959 revolution.
For new cars, people needed a much-sought government permit - a privilege mainly bestowed on senior officials, top athletes and artists.
Permits were often traded on the black market for large sums of cash.
Now, Cubans will no longer need the government's approval to buy new cars from state-owned sellers.
But prices remain out of reach for many.
The BBC's Sarah Rainsford, in Havana, says a new Peugeot 508 estate at a showroom in the Cuban capital is on sale for an extraordinary $262,000.
That is eight times more than what it would cost in Britain, for example.
And used cars are not much cheaper. Our correspondent says a five-year-old Peugeot 206 is priced at $85,000.
The vast majority of people in Cuba earn a state wage of around $20 (£12) per month.
The government says some of the profits from sales will go towards developing Cuba's decrepit public transport system.
Following reforms adopted two years ago, Cubans could buy and sell used cars from each other, but had still to request authorisation from the government to purchase a new vehicle or a second-hand one from state-controlled retailers.
Priority for the permits was given to people "in positions of benefit to the government", such as doctors and diplomats.
From Friday, new regulations came into force allowing "the retail sale of new and used motorcycles, cars, vans, small trucks and mini buses for Cubans and foreign residents, companies and diplomats".
People who already have permits are expected to be given priority, however. And buyers will still need to purchase vehicles through state retailers.
Cubans and foreigners will not be able to import their own cars.
The move is part of a series of reforms driven by President Raul Castro aimed at updating the Cuban economic model.
Raul Castro has championed limited free-market reforms since taking the reins of power from his brother Fidel in 2008.
Source-BBC
US visitor - first road fatality in Trinidad
Twenty year old Leon Jagroop has become Trinidad's first road fatality in Trinidad for 2014.
The United States resident died while being treated hospital, after the car he was driving overturned on the north bound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Trinidad yesterday morning.
Jagroop, a safety officer who lived in Queens, New York came to Trinidad on vacation on December 4.
He is the son of Police Inspector Salick Jagroop who is attached to the Point Fortin Police Station in Trinidad. Jagroop was expected to return to the US next week to take up a position in the United States army.
However, around 3.30 a.m. Jagroop, who was staying at Mohess Road, Debe, lost control of his silver Toyota Corolla along the south bound lane of the highway, near Claxton Bay.
The car overturned and landed on the north bound lane of the roadway. Jagroop was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where he died while being treated.
Source-Express
St Lucia’s records its first murder for 2014
A police officer came under fire from gunmen as St Lucia recorded its first homicide for the new year.
A police statement confirmed that a 27-year-old man was shot and killed in New Village in the capital last night, adding that “subsequent to that incident, several shots were fired at a police officer who was in the vicinity of New Village”.
It gave no further details, but residents of he area said that police officers came under fire from gunmen when they turned up to investigate the murder of Joel Nobal, who was shot in the head.
In the statement, the police said they had observed Nobal’s body seated on a bench under a shed with a gunshot wound to the head. He was later pronounced dead on the scene by a medical practitioner.
Police said that one man is assisting their investigations.
Source-CMC