Opposition Leader Hanged for War Crimes in Bangladesh
Bangladesh on Thursday executed an opposition leader convicted of war crimes hours after the Supreme Court rejected his last-minute appeal.
Bangladeshi officials confirmed that Abdul Qader Mollah was hanged to death at 10:01 p.m. local time.
A VOA reporter in the capital city Dhaka said there is heavy security in the city as the situation remains tense. According to The Associated Press, Mollah's party Jamaat-e-Islami has called for a nationwide general strike for Sunday.
Mollah was convicted of committing war crimes during the nation's war of independence against Pakistan in 1971. Critics fear his execution could begin a fresh wave of political violence before national elections set for next month.
Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami had issued a statement warning of "dire consequences" if he were executed.
The court turned down a request for a review of the death penalty by Mollah's legal team. He was set to be hanged late Tuesday before his lawyers secured a postponement.
New York based Human Rights Watch warned that by executing Mollah without reviewing the death sentence, Bangladesh could be breaking international law.
Jamaat-e-Islami sided with the Pakistan army during a bloody civil war that led to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party says three million people died in the war. Independent researchers put the death toll between 300,000 to 500,000.
Source-VOA
Yemen wedding hit by deadly air strike
At least 13 people have been killed by an air strike on a wedding convoy in southern Yemen, say officials.
The attack happened near the town of Radda in al-Bayda province, a known stronghold of al-Qaeda.
It was unclear what aircraft carried out the attack, though local people said it was a drone.
The US has acknowledged using drones as part of its support for Yemen's efforts to tackle militant extremists, but does not comment on individual strikes.
Human rights groups say US drone attacks in Yemen constitute unlawful killings.
Despite the counter-operations, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) remains active in Yemen.
Last week it said it had carried out an attack on Yemen's defence ministry in the capital, Sanaa, because the unmanned aircraft were being operated from there
That attack left at least 52 people dead, including soldiers, civilians and foreigners.
It was the deadliest attack in Sanaa since May 2012, when a suicide bomber blew himself up during a rehearsal for a military parade.
'American Hustle', '12 Years a Slave' Lead Golden Globes
The 71st Golden Globe Award nominations are here, with historical drama 12 Years a Slave and the 1970s con-artist caper American Hustle leading with seven nominations each.
The nominations were announced in California by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The awards give insight into what films could be this year's Oscar favorites.
Other films that received Golden Globe nods include the space odyssey Gravity and the Somali pirate thriller Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks, who received a best actor nomination.
Many of the American Hustle cast received acting nominations, including Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence. Star Sandra Bullock received a best actress nomination for her role in Gravity.
In the television categories, HBO led with nine Golden Globe nominations. Netflix, which did not offer original programming until early this year, snagged six nominations, including the series House of Cards.
The 71st annual Golden Globes will air on January 12.
Somali President Taps Economist for PM
Somalia's president has nominated a Somali-Canadian economist, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, to be the country's next prime minister.
In a statement Thursday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Ahmed is the man "best equipped" to lead Somalia through the next stage of its "recovery and reform program."
Ahmed, who has never held political office, is currently a senior economist at the Islamic Development Bank in Saudi Arabia. He previously held positions with the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the European Union.
According to his resume, he has lived and worked in over 11 countries and speaks five languages.
At the president's urging, lawmakers recently ousted prime minister Abdi Farah Shirdon after just 13 months in office, in a blow to the country's fragile political stability.
Mohamud said Thursday the Somali government needs to "redouble" efforts to solidify reforms and work towards creating a new constitution and holding national elections in 2016.
The president came to power in August 2012 as part of a U.N.-backed process to give Somalia a stable central government. The country has endured more than two decades of chaos and conflict.
Some information has been provided by Reuters and AFP.
Cabinet Statement 11th December 2013
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the 26th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 11th December 2013 at the House of Assembly Building on Grand Turk.
All Ministers were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
• Considered a proposal from IBC Airways to provide a bi-weekly passenger service from Grand Turk to Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Cabinet welcomed the proposal on the basis that it would assist greatly in expanding and diversifying airlift into the Turks and Caicos Islands and agreed to enter into discussions with IBC Airlines to further the proposal;
• Approved a revised comprehensive Travel Policy for official travel by Ministers, Members of Parliament and Government Officials. The policy will be published in the Gazette;
• Received a presentation from the Senior Management Team of Fortis TCI setting out the company’s integrated strategic training and development approach. Cabinet welcomed the company’s approach to employment and training of local people and committed to work in partnership with them on this and matters such as renewable energy;
• Received a report from the Premier and Minister of Tourism regarding an application to the University of the West Indies for Contributing Country Status and granted approval in principle for the Ministry of Education to submit an application. This will enable students on Government scholarships as well as self-funded students from the Turks and Caicos Islands to benefit from discounted rates. The matter will move forward for debate in the House of Assembly in due course;
• Agreed that HE. the Governor appoint the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Home Affairs, the Permanent Secretary, Premiers Office and Mr Mathew Timothy Stubbs as members of the National Trust Council in accordance with section 6 of the National Trust Ordinance;
• Approved a number of contract awards as follows; L&L Construction in the amount of $28,000 for the relocation and repair works to the MBHS Trailer on South Caicos, Tropical Auto Rentals in the amount of $38,000 for the Purchase of vehicles for the Revenue Control Unit, MPL Enterprises Ltd in the amount of $48,803 for the supply of engines for patrol vessels in the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, Emerson Development Company in the amount of $3,340 for the installation of hurricane shelter shutters on Grand Turk, Carib Construction Company Ltd in the amount of $28,115 for installation of hurricane shelter shutters on Providenciales, Boxco in the amount of $11,287 for the installation of a generator at the Wellness Centre on South Caicos, Carib Construction Company Ltd in the amount of $11,385 for the installation of a generator in the SPPU, Grand Turk and Boxco in the amount of $7,237 for the installation of a generator at Blue Hills Clinic Providenciales. All contracts were subject to open tendering in accordance with the Procurement Ordinance 2012;
• Approved amendments to the Customs (Post Clearance) Order 2013, and Customs (Amendment) Bill 2013. The amendments make provision for the introduction of a post clearance audit function;
• Approved recommendations from the Minister of Education, Youth, Sport, Culture and Library Services on the implementation of an Early Childhood Minimum Service Standards Handbook. The handbook sets out the minimum standards that will govern and guide the delivery of early childhood education in the Turks and Caicos Islands;
• Approved a proposal from the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Library Services to establish a working committee to explore the potential for a Student Loan Scheme in the Turks and Caicos Islands;
• Received a report from the Minister of Health and Human Services outlining preliminary plans to reform the organisation structure, systems and processes of the Ministry to achieve improvements in the quality of care provided at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, contain costs and increase revenue. Cabinet approved commencement of a programme of reform and agreed to establish a senior level steering committee;
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO BE PART OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTION
On Saturday, December 07, 2013 volunteers proved that "Clean is Cool" when they participated in the TCHTA's 5th annual TCI Shines clean-up campaign.
Collecting approximately 180 bags of garbage volunteers not only played their part to ensure that TCI's beauty and natural resources are protected to be enjoyed for generations to come but they also truly lived the Tourism Environmental Awareness Month message of "Tourism is Key - Clean is Cool." Taking on a more focused approached this year the clean-up initiative saw persons assembling at Tropicana Plaza and working Westward along Leeward Highway. DEMA also spearheaded the beach clean-up, beginning at the Bight Children's Park and extending 200 yards on both sides and Mills Institute cleaned up the Juba Sound area.
TCHTA's Executive Director Stacy Cox thanked all volunteers for their dedication and commitment year after year and stated "Protecting the environment is the message we have been advocating since TCI Shines' inception 5 years ago. We are once again pleading with government to enforce penalties for littering but we as a nation need to save the planet through the actions we take as individuals. We can all be a part of an environmental solution and that's why TCHTA is so thrilled that this year's message for Tourism Awareness Month focused on the importance of keeping our surroundings clean in order to have a profitable and long-lasting tourism product. Tourism is indeed key to our livelihoods and we encourage as many people as possible to prevent unsightly litter by always disposing of it correctly and recycling where possible. Let us come together as a community to raise awareness to achieve a healthy environment."
TCHTA would like to thank all volunteers who participated in the initiative: Beaches, DEMA, Gansevoort, Grace Bay Club, Graceway IGA, Quality Supermarket, Hartling Group, Ocean Club Resorts, Regent Palms, Seven Stars, The Sands at Grace Bay, Villa del Mar, West Bay Club, Windsong Resort, Hayes Elevators, Mills Institute,T & C Sotheby's International, TCI Waste Disposal Services, The Wine Cellar, Trail Enterprises and those members of the community who participated by cleaning up their immediate surroundings.
International Anti-Corruption Day celebrated in the TCI
Monday, December 9, 2013 is the International Anti-Corruption Day. Since 2003, the United Nations designated December 9, of every year to raise awareness on the evil and scourge of corruption worldwide and the collaborative efforts of the international community to combat and prevent it.
The theme this year “ZERO CORRUPTION=100% DEVELOPMENT” was conceived by a young student from Rwanda, Southern Africa and adopted by the International Community. It conveys the message of the corrosive effect of corruption on national development and ‘reinforces the idea that development can thrive only when societies tackle the root causes of corruption’
Corruption undermines democracy, creates unstable governments, enriches a few persons but makes many poor and consequently sets countries back economically. Besides the common form of offering and receiving bribery, corruption comes in other various forms such as using of position of power or trust for the purpose of benefiting oneself or another person’s; breaking the law or undermining due process and covering it; silencing those who expose corruption; knowingly or recklessly allowing a private interest to conflict with or improperly influence ones public duties.
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the OECD Convention Against Bribery of Foreign Officials in International Transactions (the Conventions) are the two binding International legal instruments which have continued to provide the legal framework and impetus for the on–going global campaign against corruption.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has fully complied with and surpassed the principal requirements of these Conventions by enacting several local laws which are specifically designed to combat bribery and corruption, ensure integrity, probity, accountability and transparency in public life. These laws include the Integrity Commission Ordinance, the Political Activities Ordinance (dealing with political campaign financing, among others things), the Public Procurement Ordinance, the Public Finance Management Ordinance, the Public Service Ordinance and the Code of Conduct for Persons in Public Life issued by the Integrity Commission in accordance with the 2011 Constitution. Some of these enactments and instrument are the first of their kind in the Caribbean region, including the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories.
The Integrity Commission is pleased that the provisions of these laws are being actively enforced by the respective agencies charged with their implementation. More importantly is that majority of persons in public life and their public bodies have demonstrated their support and commitment to the Commission’s campaign for a TCI where corruption is never tolerated, a TCI where integrity, honesty, probity and accountability are re-integrated into the culture and everyday life of the people. In this regard, the Commission is happy to note in particular:
• That the 2011 Constitution has reinforced the establishment and powers of the Integrity Commission as an independent anti-corruption agency and one of the institutions that protect good governance.
• That there had been up to 98% compliance rate in the filing of Declarations by persons in public life and 100% compliance rate in the filing of Registrable Interests by all Members of the House of Assembly;
• That there was substantial compliance by the political parties and independent candidates on donations and campaign expenditure under the Political Activities Ordinance during the last general and by–elections.
• The approval by the House of Assembly of a 100% increase to $1.1m in the budget of the Commission for the current financial year.
Eugene Otuonye, Q.C, Director of the Integrity Commission, commenting further on this International Anti-Corruption Day said: “Although TCI is currently compliant with the principle requirements of the international Conventions against corruption, the vision of the Commission remains a corruption-free TCI. Realising this vision will be daunting but achievable and more than anything, it will require the continuing and unwavering support and commitment of all citizens and residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
NELSON MANDELA WAS A FATHER OF THE WORLD
Every once in a while through circumstance and divine intervention a Great One emerges to change the course of history and transform the lives of people for the better, "Mandiba" Nelson Mandela was such a Great One. A son of the South African soil but a father of the world, Nelson Mandela fought both peaceful and violently for what he believed in and was relentless in his pursuit for freedom. Nothing good in life comes easy or without a struggle, Mandela gave up his freedom, being incarcerated for 27 years, to secure and ensure the freedom of others; not only the freedom of South Africans oppressed by Apartheid but the freedom and hope of every person in the world to whom injustice was metered out.
Nelson Mandela will be remembers by millions now and millions in the future as he had changed the lives of many, even those unborn. My first encounter with Nelson Mandela was at the National Stadium in Jamaica in July 1991, one year after being released from prison. I could remember that day as if was just yesterday. Even though the distance between us was a few yards, it seemed as if I was in his front of his face and he was speaking to me and me alone as every word he said was transformative and motivating as I listened in awe.
The world will remember him as a man with morale and compassion for human dignity, the world will remember him as a warrior, a peace maker, a President, a Noble Prize winner, a husband and a father to all.
On behalf of the Government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands I wish to extend condolences to the Mandela family during this time of bereavement, and encourage us all to celebrate the life and legacy of the Great One, "Madiba" Mandela.
Blue Haven Grand Opening Weekend
The Blue Haven Resort and Marina had a successful opening celebrating the Resorts a three-day community festival that started from December 6 - 8.
Blue Haven hosted a wide array of events featuring live music, DJs and dancing, pig roasts, BBQs and clambakes, arts, crafts and cultural fairs, beach volleyball and beach soccer tournaments and a bonfire with Fire Dancing Show.
The 1st Annual Corporate Budweiser Beach Volleyball tournament was won by the Amanyara team, which dedicated their USD 500 donation to a charity of choice to the Provo Children's home. Names of the winning team: Geraldine Burtschi, Reinaldo Garcia, Putu Aryanto, Mario Singer, Isaiah Gardiner and Blue Haven's Roland Rutjens (all in photo from left to right). Also on team, but not in photo: Marija Paroscio, Milena Curovic and Daniel Clayton
A group of children from the Provo Children's Home came and supported the Blue Haven team in executing the event. 630 USD were generated for the Provo Children's Home through t-shirt sales and the USD 500 Beach Volleyball tournament. (winners photo attached)
60 children in the Under 12 and Under 15 age groups of the TCI Football Association played in beach soccer exhibition matches and a tournament on the Blue Haven resort beach. (pictures attached)
The TC Friends of the Arts hosted the 4th annual Art and Crafts Expo at Blue Haven with over 35 exhibitors present in the tent. A sum of USD 1,543 was raised for TC FAF's scholarship fund.
10 students of the Turks and Caicos Community College supported the event by joining the Blue Haven Resort and Marina team this weekend to gain experience in event management and resort operations. The team worked in different areas throughout the weekend. This is part of a larger ambassador program that the Community College and Blue Haven Resort and Marina have initiated to support the college's longterm sustainability and give the students hands-on work experience allowing them to enter into the TCI hospitality industry after their studies.
The entire opening weekend was dedicated to the Enable Passion kiteboarding team that is currently crossing the Atlantic ocean expected to arrive in Turks and Caicos at Blue Haven on Tuesday, Dec 17th. Blue Haven and our kiteboarding partner Big Blue Unlimited are organizing for a group of local kite boarders to meet the Enable Passion team and kite onto our TCI shores with great community support. Any local kite boarders that wish to join have to register with Big Blue Unlimited to ensure a safe and well organized process for this global sporting event. Briefing for the kiters is being held on Wednesday, Dec 11th 6pm at Salt Bar & Grill.
Kitch Penn organized a Junkanoo to complete the event activities.
The new Fire & Ice restaurant was successfully opened on Saturday. Special on the menu are the daily signature North Caicos pig roast and clam bake.
We hope to see many community members regularly for dinner according to the Management.
LIME JOINS ANTI-CORRUPTION GROUP
Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), the parent company of LIME, has joined Transparency International’s (TI) Business Integrity Forum, a group of companies committed to ensuring that their operations and business dealings are corruption free.
TI was established in 1993 to monitor and publicise political and business corruption. It now has representation in 100 countries.
The Business Integrity Forum is a group of over 30 leading companies. Member companies must pass a due diligence procedure which ensures that their overall ethos and policies are consistent with TI’s approach and values.
Members commit to uphold the following principles:
• Operating to high standards of integrity and transparency
• Having, or putting into place within a stated period, a detailed anti-bribery & corruption policy
• Commitment to implementing the anti-bribery & corruption policy throughout their operations, and having, or putting into place, a monitoring and evaluation process to ensure effective compliance with the company’s policy
CWC’s Code of Conduct and Anti-bribery policies are regularly reviewed and updated by its Board and are published on the company’s web site.
Dr Robert Barrington, Executive Director, Transparency International UK, said:
“By joining the Business Integrity Forum CWC is demonstrating that it has a serious commitment to act in an ethical manner in all of its markets. Corruption damages economies, the free market and the fabric of society; it is a major factor in perpetuating poverty and creating unfair competition for clean companies. We are delighted to welcome CWC into our Business Integrity Forum, a coalition of companies that are willing to help us in the fight against corruption.”
Tony Rice, Chief Executive of Cable & Wireless Communications said:
“We are pleased to become a partner of Transparency International as we share the organisation’s views about corrupt and unethical business practices. We are committed to operating fairly and with integrity in all our markets and believe that corruption and bribery hurt economies, by deterring inward investment, and impact our customers, by increasing business costs.”
CWC is also a member of the FTSE4Good Index, and in Panama is an active member of the UN Global Compact (renamed locally as Surmase).