NIB CHAIRPERSON LILLIAN MISICK SAYS PENSION FUNDS ARE SAFE
Chairperson of the National Insurance Board Mrs. Lillian Misick says recent reports in the TCI News Now that the funds destined for national insurance benefits will be directed to the national health insurance program are "absolutely false" .
Mrs. Misick indicated in a recent interview that the Government has empowered a single entity to collect the payroll taxes, but the monies collected will be sent separately to the two institutions and used for their individual programs.
"I want to make it absolutely clear that the monies for the National Insurance Fund will NOT be used to fund health care or vice versa", said Mrs. Misick. "The programs of the NIB and NHIB will NOT be merged and the monies in the National Insurance Fund will be kept absolutely separate.The Government is looking at more efficient and effective ways to collect the monies from our common clients and these improvements will allow us to cut administrative costs while improving service to our clients."
TCI News Now, whose main local contributor is American retiree David Tapfer and which is run by Barry Randall, who was once convicted and jailed in the Cayman Islands for a multi-million-dollar fraud, is a news blog which has become renowned for publishing opinionated articles that are riddled with factual errors. Its article on the NIB is the latest of several of such misleading articles which often contain libelous and defamatory statements. TCI News Now does not carry bylines or corrections to its misleading and untruthful articles.
Its latest article on NIB caused Mrs. Misick to explain that a common collection system is in place in several Caribbean countries, along with developed countries such as Canada and many European nations, and that "this approach just builds upon common best practice".
Mrs. Misick added that Trevor Cooke was named as a Board member of the NIB and has not assumed his old position as the Director/CEO of the organization.
"Mr. Cooke has had many years experience with the organization and this corporate memory will be helpful in moving the NIB forward," said Mrs. Misick.
NIB's Chair also wanted to dispel the incorrect statements of the TCI News Now with respect to the current funding of NIB benefits.
"The NIB earns about $35 million/year at the current time in contribution and investment income and spends about $12 million/year in benefits, with the remaining funds being invested to grow the National Insurance Fund.In total, we have about $175 million invested on behalf of the people in various funds, including equities, bonds, alternative funds and domestic investments and the NIB has enough money to pay all benefits until at least 2025.
The NIB's CEO, Mr Colin Heartwell, said: "The NIF portfolio is broadly diversified to reduce risk, while being designed to earn returns above a global benchmark.NIB's local investments include a significant involvement in local financial intermediaries, Headley Durham Building in Grand Turk and the Hilly Ewing building in Provo."
Mr. Heartwell added: "We are moving to a single investment consultant backed by an oversight watchdog to manage the fund, which has reduced costs substantially while improving performance."
The National Insurance Fund is the people's money and will be protected, noted Mrs. Misick.
Source-TCI SUN
AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL ALL-STAR BIANCA GOLDEN TO HOST TCI FASHION WEEK 2014
A major platform for artistic and cultural expression, Turks and Caicos Islands Fashion Week (TCIFW) celebrates the work of fashion artists, craftspeople and other creators with an effervescence all of its own. Adding to the anticipation, the Producers are excited to announce that America's Next Top Model Cycle 9 and Cycle 17 All-Star Bianca Golden of the Turks and Caicos Islands/New York will host with 2014 Grand Designers’ Runway Fashion Show.
Bianca Golden has been signed by both Major Models and Ford Models, done correspondent work for E! Channel and The Tyra Show and appeared in major television commercials for Macy's, Apple, Sears and others. She has graced the pages of Essence, Cosmopolitan, Vibe, Source and Style Bermuda Magazines and appeared on the runways of five consecutive seasons of New York Fashion Week.
Besides modeling, Bianca encourages youth to follow their dreams and contributes to community service projects as well as speaking engagements at schools across the USA. Being charitable and giving back is one of Bianca's greatest passions and she hopes to launch her own foundation, Be Golden.
Turks and Caicos Islands Fashion Week 2014 will take place March 26th – 29th with the Grand Designers’ Runway Fashion Show “the grand finale” on March 29th at Brayton Hall, Providenciales. Other TCIFW 2014 events leading up to the grand finale will soon be announced.
“I am counting down the days until the hottest date on my calendar: Turks and Caicos Islands Fashion Week at which time I will visit my beautiful island home. What an honor it will be hosting the first presentation of TCIFW Designers’ Grand Runway Fashion Show. Not only will it be an extraordinary show unveiling a myriad of great talent, more significantly, the Turks and Caicos Islands will join the list of countries hosting its own fashion week” says Top Model Bianca Golden.
TCIFW will enhance all aspects of fashion events in the Turks and Caicos Islands by featuring fine local, regional and international designers and boutiques presenting exquisite garments and accessories, supporting local schools alternative career programs, highlighting local culture, history and entertainment, promoting business generation, facilitating workshops, hosting exhibitions of art and luxury products and services, exciting the interest of regional and international media and support marketing the Turks and Caicos Islands to the world.
To date, TCIFW 2014 proud partners are the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Saint George Fashion House, Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Org., Digicel TCI, Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, Power 92.5 FM, 102.5 Kiss FM and Everything TCI.
Acting Attorney General speaks on Michael Misick extradition
In response to queries regarding the extradition of former Premier Michael Misick, Acting Attorney General Rhondalee Brathwaite Knowles, issued a statement to the media on December 23.
Mrs. Knowles said in her statement: "The SIPT wished to ensure that Mr. Misick would be back in the Turks and Caicos Islands in time to participate, if he wished, in the Plea and Directions hearing involving his co accused that is to start on 6th January 2014.
"It was not until 18th December that confirmation was received from the Brazilian authorities to the British Embassy that the necessary formalities have been completed, the TCI authorities now have to make the necessary arrangements to bring Mr. Misick to the TCI. This is being done as soon as possible but is unlikely to now be done before the Plea and Direction Hearing.
"The arrangements for Mr. Misick’s return will be made in accordance with normal policing practice. Those arrangements will be in complete compliance with his human and legal rights.”
Colin Farquhar, Commissioner, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) said:
The search for additional casualties following this morning’s incident has concluded for today due to worsening light conditions and sea state. A scaled down search will begin again tomorrow, but no further casualties are anticipated.
“I can confirm that 33 people were detained as suspected illegal Haitian immigrants. This group consisted of 21 males, including one child, and 12 females. These people will be repatriated to Haiti at the earliest opportunity.
“There is actually one fewer casualty then was reported earlier with 17 confirmed fatalities. This group consists of 12 male and five female adults. The remains will also be repatriated following post mortems (autopsies) to establish the cause of death.
“I speak on behalf of all of the Turks and Caicos Islands authorities, as well as the RTCIPF, when I say thank you to our partners, including the US Coast Guard who provided aerial support in the form of a helicopter and a C-130 maritime patrol aircraft today. Their assistance is greatly appreciated.
“The stricken vessel has now been removed from the water and will be central to our ongoing investigations into this matter.
“Our patrols of the waters surrounding our islands have recommenced, and as ever, we appreciate the support of the general public, especially other water users, in helping us identify and track suspicious vessels n our waters and around out coastline. We must all remain vigilant to combat illegal migration.
“Finally, I would like to thank my own officers, as well as the members of the other emergency services, who acted professionally in particularly challenging circumstances today.”
Updated statement issued on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, emergency services and the Governor’s Office.
Turks and Caicos Islands emergency services are responding to an incident at Providenciales this morning, Wednesday, 25 December 2013.
A sloop believed to be carrying suspected illegal immigrants was intercepted by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) at 3.21am. The vessel capsized as it was being towed into dock by the RTCIPF to offload the suspects at South Dock at 5.17am.
Thirty two people have been confirmed as having been rescued from the water and who are now in custody at the TCI Government’s Five Cays immigration detention/removal Centre.
The RTCIPF have recovered 18 bodies, two from the initial incident and a further 16 with the assistance of divers. The search efforts are expanding in the area to locate any additional bodies. A US Coast Guard helicopter has been scrambled to assist the TCI authorities in locating any additional bodies.
Police are still searching for the handful of people who reached shore and fled the scene, and their investigations into the incident continue.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Governor, Premier and Ministers are aware of the situation.
Further information will be provided as facts and new information are confirmed.
New Year's Celebrations Ringing in 2014
Fireworks are crackling through the night skies across the globe as revelers celebrate the first moments of 2014.
Crowds gathered in public spaces in major cities across the Asia-Pacific region to ring in the new year with music, fireworks and revelry. As clocks marched toward midnight around the world, crowds massed in Moscow, Dubai, London, New York and other major cities ahead of their celebrations.
Dubai created what it called the world's largest fireworks show. About a million people are expected to gather in New York's Times Square to watch a giant ball drop at the stroke of midnight, the best known of the American New Year's Eve rituals.
Fireworks erupted from Auckland's Sky Tower as people danced in the streets of New Zealand's biggest city. In Sydney, Australia, more than a million people watched fireworks launched for the first time in more than a decade from the sails of the city's famed waterfront opera house. Billowing fireworks soared over Hong Kong's skyscrapers.
In Japan, some celebrators ate noodles and seafood -- thought to bring good luck in 2014 -- and offered prayers at Buddhist shrines and temples.
Celebrations were somewhat muted in the Philippines, where officials say about 260 people were injured by fireworks or stray bullets in the days leading up to New Year's Eve. The mood also was somber in areas still recovering from Haiyan, a November typhoon that killed thousands of people.
Cape Town, South Africa, was set for a particularly poignant celebration to include a tribute to anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, who died December 5.
IOC 'confident' Games will be safe after Volgograd blasts
The International Olympic Committee president says he has confidence that Russian authorities will deliver a "safe and secure" Games in Sochi.
Thomas Bach wrote to President Vladimir Putin to express condolences for the "despicable" attacks that struck Volgograd within 24 hours.
Investigators say the attacks on a railway station and trolleybus, which killed at least 31 people, were linked.
They struck just over a month before the Winter Olympics begin.
Volgograd was also targeted in October, when a suspected female suicide bomber killed six people in an attack on a bus.
It is being widely assumed in Russia that the people who carried out the Volgograd bombings were involved in the Islamist-inspired insurgency against Russian rule in the Caucasus republics of Chechnya and Dagestan, and that the target was the Games, says the BBC's Moscow correspondent Daniel Sandford.
In a statement, Russia's foreign ministry did not blame any particular group but likened the attacks to acts by militants in the United States, Syria and elsewhere.
It called for international solidarity in the fight against "an insidious enemy that can only be defeated together", reported Reuters news agency.
Regional Governor Sergei Bozhenov said the bombings were a "serious test" for all Volgograd residents and all Russians.
Huge fire after US oil train derails in North Dakota
Wagons from a mile-long train carrying crude oil have burst into flames as they derailed after a collision in the US state of North Dakota.
A plume of thick black smoke could be seen many miles away and explosions were heard.
No injuries were reported, but officials ordered the evacuation of about 300 people from the nearby town of Casselton as a precaution.
An investigation into the incident has been launched.
A spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services said the last 50 wagons of the train had been uncoupled, but another 56 remained at risk.
The derailment, after a collision involving another goods train, is reported to have happened near an ethanol plant.
Emergency and fire-fighting crews have been sent to the scene.
Cass County sheriff's office said it was "strongly recommending" that residents in parts of Casselton and anyone living five miles (8km) to the south and east evacuate.
Sgt Tara Morris said that as many as 300 of the 2,400 residents of Casselton may have to be evacuated.
A shelter has been set up in Fargo, about 25 miles away.
Casselton resident Eva Fercho said she first noticed black smoke and then heard two explosions, WDAY News reported.
"I could almost feel the house shake... it was loud," she said.
Correspondents say it is the latest in a string of incidents that have raised alarm about a rise in crude oil traffic on the railways.
Israel releases Palestinian prisoners
Israeli authorities have freed a group of 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of a US-brokered agreement to resume direct peace talks.
The prisoners were greeted by cheering crowds on their return to the West Bank and Gaza.
Israel approved the releases on Saturday, but they were delayed to allow victims' families to appeal.
The prisoners committed murder or attempted murder before the 1993 Oslo accords and have served 19 to 28 years.
They make up the third tranche of a total of 104 prisoners to be freed.
Eight of the men were driven late at night to checkpoints leading into Gaza and East Jerusalem.
The other 18 prisoners were heading to Ramallah in the West Bank.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas greeted the prisoners at his headquarters in Ramallah and pledged to continue pressing for the release of other long-serving and sick prisoners.
"We will not sign a final peace deal with Israel before all the prisoners are released," he said.
President Abbas has previously hailed the prisoners as heroes of the Palestinian cause.
Michael Schumacher's family in bedside vigil after ski accident
The family of German motor-racing champion Michael Schumacher is at his bedside as he fights for life following a skiing accident in the French Alps.
Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm, said his wife, Corinna, daughter Gina Maria and son Mick are in a state of shock at the Grenoble hospital.
The seven-time Formula 1 champion suffered head injuries on Sunday in a fall at the resort of Meribel.
He has been put in a medically-induced coma to relieve pressure on his brain.
"The family is not doing very well, obviously. They are shocked," Sabine Kehm told reporters.
Prof Jean-Francois Payen, of Grenoble University Hospital's intensive care unit, told a news conference that they could not give a prognosis for the 44-year-old driver.
"He is in a critical state in terms of cerebral resuscitation. We are working hour by hour," he said.
Prof Payen said that if Schumacher had not been wearing a helmet "he wouldn't be here now".
"We had to operate urgently to release some pressure in his head," the anaesthetist said.
Neurosurgeon Stephan Chabardes said that a post-operative scan had shown "diffuse haemorrhagic lesions" on both sides of Schumacher's brain.
The BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Grenoble says there are precedents for people surviving such injuries.
Induced comas can last several weeks while a patient's condition is stabilised, she adds, and there can be many months of therapy in order to achieve as full a recovery as possible.
Doctors have lowered Schumacher's body temperature to 34-35C (93.2-95F) as part of the coma, slowing his metabolism to help reduce inflammation.
The driver had been skiing off-piste with his teenage son when he fell and hit his head on a rock.
He was first evacuated to a hospital in the nearby town of Moutiers.
Prof Chabardes said the driver was in an "agitated condition" on arrival in Moutiers and his neurological condition "deteriorated rapidly".
He was taken from Moutiers to the larger facility in Grenoble.
Messages of support have come from around the world.
Source-BBC