St.Martin Prime Minister to Submit Report To Parliament on Establishing Electoral Reform.
During her weekly radio program One on One with the Prime Minister, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams gave clarity on her push for electoral reform. The Prime Minister commented on the program aired weekly on 98.1 Pearl FM that since the constitutional change of the tenth of October 2010 many issues had to be ironed out: "We had to have elections in 101010 for a new political system; a system that we never knew before; from an island council to a parliamentary system.
We put everything in place to have that new constitutional system and what we have noticed is that, because of the frequent changes in the political landscape there is a need for reform in the system in order to put more emphasis on political stability. What we have seen is that in our young democracy there is a tension of two parts; persons are elected and get into Parliament depending on how many seats the party gets and not necessarily with regards to the amount of seats that person gets. Because of that you have had frequent changes in Government and in the minute you have a shift in the coalition position in parliament following the composition in 101010 you had a shift in the allegiance of Parliament thus effecting Government.
The Prime Minister emphasized that her focus with regards to electoral change is to ensure that there is stability in the system and clarity for the people who have elected their representatives, doing so on the basis of a clear program and vision of a particular political party, with the party then being able to execute their respective programs.
"Based on the frequent changes because of the shifting of alliances and allegiances in Parliament that is one of the matters in electoral reform that I have received advice on and there are various options to look at. I am now preparing a paper to submit to Parliament in order to have a discussion, a discussion devoid of politicking but in the interest of the people. There are various options with regards to electoral reform. For example within a Political Party itself or ultimately, which I believe should be the ultimate option, with changes to the constitution.
"It is also important to make the public aware of the dynamics of our politics and how important it is to elect persons who voters understand have a clear vision and clear objective. Tied into this is the issue of campaign reform, the change in the way we conduct politics. During the budget handling Parliament passed a motion on electoral reform. The content of the motion was to not bribe, pay or accept cash, give objects or give preferential treatment to influence the vote for or against a candidate. Also not to coerce persons to nominate or not to nominate a candidate. I indicated that much of these matters are already outlined in our laws, but it does require educating and informing Parliament and the people of St. Maarten. I therefore gave an overview where this is already mentioned in our law. Matters like bribing someone to vote are outlined in the penal code, specifically in article 2.14 that states that the person who bribes someone to vote in a particular through the giving of money or gifts or in any other way will be punished with incarceration for two years or fines as categorized by the law. The voter or a representative of a voter who allows his or herself to be bought will be punished in the same manner," commented the Prime Minister.
The PM stressed that, with regards to elections it is the duty of all responsible parties to adhere to the law, which clearly outlines what is and what is not allowed during National Elections. "Eventually, as our society becomes more complex and larger, you may have a situation where elections might be contested because things have not happened according to the law. The initiator of the Parliamentary Motion, MP Frans Richardson, may not have been aware of the law so I will be pointing this out in my reply to Parliament so that the necessary discussions will take place," concluded Wescot-Williams.
From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister
UK issues travel advisory for British nationals visiting Trinidad
The British Government has updated its safety and security travel advice on Trinidad and Tobago.
In the update on its website, dated Tuesday, December 17, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has warned British travellers of “violent theft by gangs who follow cars from the airport and attack their victims when they reach their destination”.
“There have also been a number of incidents of debris (broken down cars and bricks) being left on the highway in order to force cars to stop.
Always drive with windows closed and doors locked,” the office advised British travellers. The office has advised British nationals in Trinidad and Tobago to always drive with windows closed and doors locked.
It said over “30,000 British nationals visit Trinidad and Tobago every year and most visits are trouble-free”.
However, the office stated: “Crimes including rapes, assaults, robberies and thefts have taken place inside route taxis (which stop to pick up additional passengers) or maxi-taxis. You should make sure your taxi is not a route taxi before getting in. If possible, use hotel or pre-booked taxis and drivers who work with set fares. Private taxis in Trinidad and Tobago are unmetered and unmarked, but can be identified by vehicle registration plates beginning with ‘H’.”
In addition, the office has introduced a new section on Trinidad and Tobago, called Road Travel.
“The standard of driving in Trinidad and Tobago is mixed. High-speed road accidents on the main highways in Trinidad often result in fatalities. Some roads are narrow and winding, and the surface of a low standard. Take care when driving,” the updated advisory says.
The advisory warns that British nationals, “if possible”, should “avoid travel outside major populated areas after dark, especially routes to and from Piarco International Airport”.
“There have been incidents of violence and fatal accidents caused by local erratic driving standards to and from the airport, particularly on the Beetham/Churchill-Roosevelt Highway,” the Foreign Commonwealth Office says.
If further says if British nationals in Trinidad and Tobago don’t have a vehicle, “they should use hotel taxis to get around, particularly after dark”.
Richard Branson request Boycott of Uganda over gay rights
UK business tycoon Richard Branson has called on companies and tourists to boycott Uganda after its parliament approved a bill to toughen the punishment for homosexual acts.
It was against his conscience to support a country which carried out a "dreadful witch hunt against the gay community", he said on his website.
The bill proposes a life sentence for certain homosexual acts.
It has been condemned by world leaders since it was mooted in 2009.
US President Barack Obama called it "odious".
Mr Branson said he had been seriously considering investing in Uganda after being "courted" by government officials.
However, he had decided not to "support" Uganda because of its "witch hunt" against gay people.
"I would urge other companies worldwide to follow suit. Uganda must reconsider or find it being ostracised by companies and tourists worldwide," Mr Branson said.
Mr Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, which has more than 400 companies worldwide, focusing mainly on travel, entertainment and telecommunications.
He is also a leading philanthropist who supported charities set up by South Africa's first black President, Nelson Mandela.
Mr Branson attended Mr Mandela's funeral last week.
"Governments must realise that people should be able to love whoever they want," he said.
He said it was not for any government "to ever make any judgements on people's sexuality".
"They should instead celebrate when people build loving relationships that strengthen society, no matter who they are," he added.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has not yet signed the bill into law while Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi opposed the vote in parliament on the grounds that there was no quorum.
Amid Darkness in the World, Jesus Brings Light so says Pope Francis
Pope Benedict has urged the world's 1.2 billion Catholics to rejoice this Christmas because "Jesus is the light who brightens the darkness" and brings peace.
The pontiff delivered his first Christmas Eve homily as pope during a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican Tuesday.
His homily focused on humans' historical and personal journey for a promised land and salvation, and - in the pope's words - "the spirit of people who walk to see a great light."
Benedict, known for his humility and service to the poor, said every person has "both bright and dark moments, lights and shadows." He urged the faithful to journey forward with an open heart and cast aside pride, deceit and self-seeking ways.
He said God revealed grace, mercy and love through Jesus, who guides the world. The pontiff closed by saying, "Jesus is the light who brightens the darkness. He is our peace."
The Argentine-born Benedict was elected pope in March, a month after the surprise resignation of Emeritus Pope Benedict.
Since then, the 78-year-old's popularity has soared and he has been praised for helping to reshape the image of the church.
In December, Time Magazine named him "Person of the Year," and lauded his call for the healing of the masses who face disease, poverty and personal turmoil in their lives.
Bomb Blast Hits Egyptian Police Building
A powerful bomb has ripped through a police headquarters in Egypt's Nile Delta region. Authorities say at least 13 people were killed and 130 were wounded.
Officials say most of the blast victims in the city of Mansoura were police. They believe a car bomb was used.
The attack is one of the deadliest against Egyptian security forces since the army deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July.
The interim government suggested the Muslim Brotherhood was behind the attack, calling the group a terrorist organization. Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi vowed that those responsible "will not escape justice."
The Brotherhood issued a statement condemning the attack. It also accused the prime minister of using "inflammatory statements designed to create further violence, chaos and instability."
In Washington, the U.S. State Department issued a statement condemning the attack "in the strongest possible terms" and extending condolences to the families of the victims.
Egyptian Information Minister Mohamed Ibrahim visited the blast site and said the attack was an attempt to affect the country's constitutional referendum set to take place next month.
"Just yesterday we arrested four activists who have confessed to some of these incidents, and they are now aware that we are taking measures against them. And all of these incidents are an attempt to create a diversion and to terrorize people because of the referendum. But I want to reassure people entirely that there is a plan in place in cooperation with the armed forces to protect all of the election centers at the highest level. And God willing the day will pass peacefully."
The Muslim Brotherhood has been the subject of a crackdown since Egypt's military ousted Mr. Morsi in July.
Security forces have arrested much of the Brotherhood's top leadership, including Mr. Morsi, and clashed with those demonstrating against the interim government. More than 1,000 people, mostly Islamists, have been killed in the fighting.
Islamist militants have been blamed for a number of attacks against Egyptian security forces in the past few months, particularly in the Sinai region east of where Tuesday's blast took place.
Clashes in Gaza between Israel, Palestinians
Israel has launched a series of attacks in the Gaza Strip, in apparent retaliation for the cross-border killing of an Israeli civilian by a Gaza sniper.
Israel said it launched the attacks from the air and on the ground, targeting what it called "terror sites" in Gaza -- including a weapons manufacturing facility and a concealed rocket launcher.
Officials of Hamas, the group that rules the Gaza Strip, reported that a three year-old girl was killed in the Israeli attacks.
It was the most serious flareup of its kind in more than a year.
The Palestinian sniper, operating just over the border in the Gaza Strip, killed the Israeli civilian earlier Tuesday.
"This is a very severe incident and we will not let it go unanswered," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Sunday, a bomb exploded on an Israeli bus near Tel Aviv, causing no casualties.
Snowden: "Mission Accomplished"
Former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden says his mission is "already accomplished," after revealing details of the NSA's surveillance programs.
Snowden, who is living under temporary asylum in Moscow, told the Washington Post said he is satisfied with what he has accomplished in leaking the information because members of the public now have access to it and and use it as they choose.
Snowden's disclosures, which first appeared in the Post and Guardian newspapers after he fled to Hong Kong, have revealed government secrets, such as the NSA's secret collection of telephone records from millions of Americans. A U.S. judge ruled December 16 that the program is likely unconstitutional.
In his ruling, Judge Richard Leon said he "cannot imagine a more indiscriminate and arbitrary invasion" of peoples' privacy than the government's collection of such information without prior judicial approval. Leon did not immediately enforce his ruling, giving the government a chance to appeal the decision to a higher court.
U.S. officials have sought Snowden's extradition to stand trial on espionage charges, but Russia has refused.
Source-Voice Of America
Syrian Airstrikes HIt Aleppo for 10th Day
Syrian government air strikes on rebel-held areas of Aleppo continued for a tenth straight day, leaving at least 15 people dead.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Syrian aircraft dropped so called "barrel bombs" on the Sukkari neighborhood of Aleppo Tuesday.
The group says more than 300 people have been killed since the start of the bombing campaign in and around the northern city.
Human rights groups have condemned the use of "barrel bombs" which are made up of metal drums filled with explosives and metal fragments.
The White House on Monday condemned the "indiscriminate" attacks in and around Aleppo. It said the Syrian government must respect its obligation to protect the civilian population and do more to facilitate the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.
International diplomats are preparing a United Nations-sponsored peace conference in Switzerland next month.
The opposition Syrian National Coalition has threatened to pull out of talks if the bombing in Aleppo continues.
Aaron Rodgers out vs. Steelers
The Green Bay Packers' ultra-cautious approach with quarterback Aaron Rodgers will continue for at least another week.
Rodgers did not receive medical clearance to return from his broken collarbone and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field.
In announcing the news, coach Mike McCarthy stressed that it was a collective decision by what he called the team's decision-makers, which likely was headed up by general manager Ted Thompson and team physician Dr. Pat McKenzie. Nine different times during a five-minute news conference on Friday, McCarthy used some of the word "organization" to describe who made the decision.
"He's not medically cleared," McCarthy said Friday. "That's still the case today. But as an organization, we don't feel that this is the right time for him to play."
Matt Flynn will make his fourth straight start. The Packers (7-6-1) can win the NFC North by beating the Steelers on Sunday and the Chicago Bears in Week 17. McCarthy would not say whether Rodgers has a chance to return against the Bears.
"Just as I've stated all along, we've got two different circumstances here," McCarthy said. "We've got Aaron Rodgers' health, and obviously where are as a football team. Until we feel good about where Aaron is medically, that will not be part of the second circumstance. So as an organization, we are not ready for him to play."
A day after he said Rodgers looked ready to play, McCarthy said he agreed with the decision.
"I thought Aaron Rodgers did everything that he can possibly do," McCarthy said. "What you look for in all your players. The man attacked the rehab aspect of it, has done more in the weight room, did some really good things at practice. But obviously this is an organizational decision. The conversation involved, and this is the decision. So this is where we are."
Thompson was not available for comment, a team spokesman said.
It became evident on Thursday that Rodgers probably wouldn't play. After splitting reps in practice with Flynn on Wednesday, Rodgers did not take many snaps on Thursday.
"I have a good sense of what's going to happen," Rodgers said after Thursday's practice.
Rodgers did not speak to reporters on Friday.
"I think Aaron clearly wants to play," McCarthy said. "I mean, he's a very competitive man. He's done everything he possibly can from his end of it. But he understands how the organization feels. And everything was laid out on the table and the organization is not ready for him to play."
Said receiver Jordy Nelson: "I don't think anyone in this locker room is surprised. It's what we have. We'll go out and play well and hopefully get our third straight win."
Rodgers is nearing the end of his seventh week of recovery. He said early in the process that doctors told him a fractured collarbone typically heals in six to eight weeks.
Last week, Rodgers thought he was ready to play and said this week that he was even sharper in practice.
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"I've completed just about every pass in practice," Rodgers said Thursday. "Last week., I had a couple bad ones."
Source-ESPN
Wavell Hinds elected new chairman of national selection panel
Former West Indies batsman, Wavell Hinds, has been appointed chairman of a new-look national senior selection panel for cricket.
Hinds, who is also a director of Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) makes the move up from the national Under-19 selection panel of which he has been chairman for the past two years.
The former middle-order batsman is joined on the selection team by fast-bowling great Courtney Walsh and former national players Delroy Morgan, Wayne Lewis and Cleveland Davidson.
It will be the first time Walsh, the recently elected JCA second vice-president, and Lewis will be serving as national selectors.
However, for Morgan, it will be his third time after serving on the two previous panels with outgoing chairman Courtnay Daley and West Indies Under-19 assistant coach Robert Samuels.
The panel, in the meanwhile, which will be complemented by the addition of two co-opted members – national senior team coach Junior Bennett and a to-be-named national captain – is set to select two national squads over the next few weeks.
The first will be a 14-man squad for the West Indies Cricket Board Super50 Tournament, which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago, beginning on January 30.
This will then be followed by a squad for the West Indies Cricket Board Four-Day Tournament, which is set to start in late February.