Government wants to promote local and manufacturing in the TCI
A recently convened meeting of senior Government Officials from the Office of the Premier, Ministry of Finance and other Government Departments with local manufacturing stakeholders has been lauded as a significant step forward in deepening partnerships, in relation to the development of a National Manufacturing Policy which would guide and promote the further development of the sector in the Turk and Caicos Islands. The meeting which was held at the Disaster Conference room in Providenciales, on the October 31, provided an opportunity to reconnect with the local manufacturing stakeholders and establish clear communication channels with the industry for information sharing.
The engagement was attended by representatives from a diverse group of manufacturers, ranging from persons in the food and beverage sector to steel-framing and manufacturing. The broad aim of the Meeting was to provide for an exchange of views on how partnerships between the Government and Stakeholders could be deepened, not only in the development of a Manufacturing Policy to guide and promote the development of the sector, but more importantly to forge a long term partnership to promote the development and growth of local manufacturing companies to effectively compete with imported goods in terms of quality and quantity, to the point where surplus local manufactured products can be exported and made available throughout the region and possibly the US and the EU.
The meeting attendees received presentations from key Government Departments (Commissioner of Labour, Customs Concession Officer, Director of Environmental Health, and Director of Investment) highlighting current and potential policies and legislations which should be considered in developing a manufacturing Policy. The meeting was held against the backdrop of efforts by the Turks and Caicos Government to attract inward investment, seriously l0ok at the issue of Food Security and to ensure that local manufacturers scale up collaboration with the Government to confront the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities associated with the economic revitalization of the islands.
During the Meeting, industry stakeholders placed strong emphasis on some common priority areas, for which policy guideline is required. These include the need to create the ambient policy environment to strengthen the productive and competitive capacity of local manufacturers. The discussions underscored the need for local manufacturers to formalize themselves as a unified legal body, possibly in the formation of a Manufacturer’s Association as a tool for further and continued dialogue with TCIG.
The Premier, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing commented, “the Manufacturing Policy will not only form the basis for the establishment of a manufacturing industry to diversify the economy in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but it will also form the framework that will allow us to eventually meet our long term goal of becoming a formidable industry as we aim to raise the regional competitiveness of the country. The development of a manufacturing industry will also have immediate positive impacts on the economy in the provision of jobs, there would be more security in the availability and provisioning of food for the country and it will strengthen one of our weaker revenue streams, that is, revenue from exports. A successfully implemented and managed Manufacturing Policy will ensure that the dynamics of our economic activity would eventually shift from being consumer and importer based to that of a producer and exporter.”
The Meeting also emphasized the importance of support in the areas of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, need for clear and concise manufacturing standards. Participants also placed particular emphasis on the issue relating to the practice of “dumping” of inferior and expired shelf-life products into these islands by exporters from the US, Latin America and other regional countries.
Pope Francis named Time Magazine's Person of the Year
Pope Francis has been named Person of the Year by Time magazine.
During his nine months in office, the Pope had pulled "the papacy out of the palace and into the streets", managing editor Nancy Gibbs said.
"Rarely has a new player on the world stage captured so much attention so quickly - young and old, faithful and cynical," she added.
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden was runner-up.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the then cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires, was made Pope last March. He named himself Francis after a 12th Century Italian saint who turned his back on an aristocratic lifestyle to work with the poor.
Since then, he has eschewed some of the more regal trappings of high office, made headlines by washing the feet of prisoners, and is planning some major reforms to the Church.
"In his nine months in office, he has placed himself at the very centre of the central conversations of our time: about wealth and poverty, fairness and justice, transparency, modernity, globalisation, the role of women, the nature of marriage, the temptations of power," Ms Gibbs wrote.
Obama-Castro Handshake Draws Attention at Mandela Tribute
Tuesday's memorial service for Nelson Mandela generated some informal diplomacy and political controversy, alongside the praise for the late South African president.
In a moment caught by television cameras, U.S. President Barack Obama shook hands with Cuban President Raul Castro as he walked to the podium.
The handshake was notable because the United States and Cuba have not had diplomatic relations since 1961, at the height of the Cold War, and the U.S. maintains a trade embargo on Cuba. Relations have begun to thaw in recent years.
U.S. officials say the handshake was not pre-planned. But they say the two leaders did not have a substantive discussion, they only exchanged greetings. White House aides say the United States still has "grave concerns" about Cuba's human rights situation.
Mr. Obama also exchanged greetings with Afghan leader Hamid Karzai, but U.S. officials say Mr. Obama did not see the memorial service as a "venue to do business."
The two leaders have been debating the possibility of a continued U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan after foreign forces withdraw in 2014.
The United States says Mr. Karzai must sign the pact by the end of this year or there will be no choice but to withdraw all American troops after 2014.
Mr. Obama is popular in South Africa, and thousands of people in the stadium cheered when his image appeared on the giant screen overlooking the field.
In contrast, South African President Jacob Zuma was booed each time his image was shown on the screen. Many South Africans have been angered by recent accusations that Mr. Zuma spent close to $25 million in taxpayer money to renovate his private home.
In all, more than 70 heads of state attended the ceremony, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande, Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and India's President Pranab Mukherjee.
Japan to Beef Up Military in Response to China: Panel
Japan will set up a new amphibious military unit and deploy surveillance drones as part of its new defense plan in response to China's growing military power.
The proposals were included in drafts of new security strategy and defense guidelines released Wednesday. They are set to be approved by the Cabinet next week.
Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said the new plans will be "historic" in helping shape the country's national security direction.
"As the security environment surrounding our country is increasingly getting severe, the Abe cabinet has been working on restructuring defense and security policy with our determination to protect the lives and property of people of Japan under any circumstances. At its core, I am certain that the National Security Strategy which we studied with you and new defense guidelines will be historical documents which will shape the direction of our nation's defense and security."
The drafts warn of what is called China's attempts to change the regional status quo by force. They specifically mention Beijing's new air defense zone in the East China Sea, which includes islands also claimed by Japan.
To help defend the area, the plan calls for the creation of amphibious forces at Naha Air Base on the southern island of Okinawa. It also proposes introducing surveillance drones and early-warning aircraft at the base.
The defense strategy says Japan should respond "calmly and resolutely to the rapid expansion and step-up of China's maritime and air activities."
Responding to the Japanese defense plans at a daily briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei called the accusations "unreasonable."
"China is closely watching Japan's security strategy and policy direction. Japan's unreasonable criticism of China's normal maritime and air activities and hyping up of a China threat have hidden political motives. We urge Japan to pay attention to Asian neighbors' security concerns, comply with the historical trend, follow the path of peaceful development, and make due efforts to improve relations between the two countries and maintain regional stability.''
The Japanese defense plans also spoke of worsening regional security. In such an environment, the texts said Japan should strengthen its own military capabilities, while continuing to deepen its alliance with the United States and others. It also proposes relaxing a ban on the export, development and production of Japanese weapons.
Since taking power last year, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed to strengthen Japan's military, boost its global security role, and seek to revise its pacifist constitution.
Source-Voice of America
Burma Frees 44 Political Prisoners
Burma has released 44 political prisoners, in the latest step towards fulfilling President Thein Sein's promise to free all political detainees by the end of the year.
Even after the amnesty Wednesday, activists say at least 40 political prisoners remain jailed in Burma, which is trying to recover from decades of military dictatorship.
Initial reports said some of those freed were only recently detained under a new protest law rights groups have described as oppressive. Others were said to be connected to Burma's decades-old ethnic conflicts
Hundreds of political prisoners have been freed in a wave of amnesties ordered by Burma's reformist, but still military-dominated, government. Many of the releases have come during or just before key international moments.
Wednesday's release was no different, coming as foreign dignitaries gathered in Burma for the Southeast Asian Games.
During a visit to London in July, President Thein Sein promised to free all political prisoners by the end of the year. Critics have called for him to act immediately, saying the dissidents should not be used to win concessions from the West.
Some rights groups also fear he may soon have more prisoners to allegedly use as bargaining chips.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says that in addition to those political detainees in prison, another 230 people face charges over their political activities.
The arbitrary jailing of political opponents was a hallmark of Burma's military rulers, which ruled for five decades until 2011.
In addition to the prisoner releases, Burma's new government has relaxed media censorship and allowed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to successfully run for parliament.
The reforms have won praise from Western Governments, many of which have loosened economic sanctions against the Southeast Asian country.
Ukraine PM Requests $27 Billion in Aid for EU Deal
Security forces are pulling back from crowds of protesters around a central square in Ukraine's capital after a night of clashes between police and pro-European Union demonstrators.
Scuffles between the two groups took place early Wednesday in Kyiv's city hall, as police wielding batons tried to drive protesters out of the building.
Reports say the protesters fought back by spraying water from fire hoses at the security forces. Police buses were later reported to be leaving the area.
Hours earlier, security agents stormed a protest encampment in the square and ripped down a tent city erected by the demonstrators.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement expressing "disgust" with the actions of Ukrainian authorities for introducing bulldozers and riot police to the scene, rather than exercising, in the words of Secretary of State John Kerry, "respect for democratic rights and human dignity."
Kerry said that "respect for democratic principles, including freedom of assembly" is fundamental to the United States' approach to Ukraine. He said these values are universal, not just American. He called for "utmost restraint" and said human life must be protected.
The protests began in late November, after the Ukrainian president backed away from a long-anticipated trade deal with the European Union, in favor of repairing and improving economic and political ties with Russia.
On Wednesday Ukraine's Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Ukraine is requesting $27.5 billion in financial assistance from the European Union before it signs an association agreement with the 28-nation bloc.
Mr. Azarov said Ukraine is inviting the European Commission to consider under what conditions Ukraine's industry and economy will work.
More Than 60,000 Pay Tribute to Mandela in Johannesburg
More than 60,000 people gathered in Johannesburg Tuesday for a memorial service to honor late South African President Nelson Mandela.
A steady rain did not stop mourners from singing and dancing in tribute to Mr. Mandela, as speakers praised his role in ending apartheid and healing South Africa's racial divisions.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Mr. Mandela's passing is an enormous loss.
"South Africa has lost a hero. You have lost a father. The world has lost a beloved friend and mentor. Nelson Mandela was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time; he was one of our greatest teachers."
U.S. President Barack Obama said Mr. Mandela, and South Africa, showed how fights for freedom and human rights can be won.
"Nelson Mandela reminds us that it always seems impossible until it is done. South Africa shows that is true. South Africa shows we can change. That we can choose a world defined not by our differences, but by our common hopes. We can choose a world defined not by conflict, but by peace and justice and opportunity."
South African President Jacob Zuma noted the service takes place on the 20th anniversary on Mr. Mandela's being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mr. Mandela became South Africa's first black president in 1994, after being imprisoned for 27 years for his role in the struggle against white minority rule.
The service was held in Johannesburg's main stadium, which was used for the 2010 World Cup football finals.
The venue is also where Mr. Mandela made his last public appearance, at the closing ceremony of the first-ever World Cup in Africa.
Along with President Obama, the U.S. delegation included first lady Michelle Obama and former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.
On Wednesday, a procession will move Mr. Mandela's body from a military hospital in Pretoria to the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government.
His remains will lie in state at the Union Buildings through Friday.
The memorials and events will culminate in Mr. Mandela's burial on December 15 in his boyhood home village of Qunu.
GTBA had great action in Grand Turk last week
The GTBA kicked started their games over the weekend on Friday December 6, 2013. In Game 1 the Ryders defeated the Police 77 to 70.
Pierre of the Police scored 18pts, 7rebounds, 1steals and 1assits. Forbes scored 10pts and had 2steals while K.Doughty dropped 20points, 2 blocks and 19rebounds for the Police, however it was not enough.
M.Williams of the (Ryders) scored 20points and had 2rebounds while J.Williams scored 17pts, caught 18rebounds, had 4steals and a block.
D.Francois contributed 4 points, 4rebounds and 1 assist to provide the win.
In Game 2, the Dream Team took out West Road with a score of 62-52.
Watkins of (West Road) scored 21points, had 8 rebounds, teammate Mherde scored 8pts, 1ast, 7rebs and 3stls while Calderon shot 7pts, had 5rebs and had 5assits.
Tucker’s (Dream Team) scored 13pts, grabbed 2steals, had 4rebs and created 2 assists. L. Cox scored 13 points, 15rebs and 5 steals while M.Simmons contributed 10pts, 9reb, 3stls, 1assist and2 blocks.
Saturday night saw 2 major games, the first between the Stingers taking on the Old school and Cool Corners taking on the Salt Cay Saltans.
In the first game, the Stingers defeated the Old Schoolers 57 to 38.
A.Smith scored 17points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals while Ferguson Williams scored 10points and had4 rebounds while H.Saunders contributed 8pts, 5reb and1 assists.
Terrel Garland of the Stingers scored16pts, had 3rebounds 3 steals and 5 assist while his brother Sherad Garland dropped a whopping 45 points, 6 steals, 9 rebounds and 5assists.
The final and biggest game of the night was between the Cool Corners and the Salt Cay Saltans. The Cool Corners defeated the Saltans 94-90.
Levard Missick of Cool Corner unleashed his fury with a whopping 44pts, 7 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists while Stanley ‘Strokes’ Taylor scored 16 points, 2 steals, and 17 rebounds. E. Smith also scored 10 points and had 7rebounds.
Enrico Smith formerly of Cool corners now with the Saltans dropped 37points, had 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2assits. He was aided by J.Harvey with 13pts, 6rebs,1 steal while Rel Williams closed out with13pts, 2steals, 5rebounds and 2 assists.
Next GTBA games will be played on Friday night .
PABA continues in Provo
The Knights made a grand return to the PABA league by whipping the Tci Supersonics 102-41.
Point guard for the Sonics Rangel Suero scored 21points and John Mimes assisted him with 17 pts and 8 Rebounds.
But the player of the game was Kadis Simmons for the Knights with 21 points, 26 Rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals. David Campbell also chipped in with 20 points and 4 assists.
Tonight's line up will show the Predators taking on the Spartans, Nazarene Ballers vs the Flyers and the rebirth of an old rivalry between the GT Stallions and the Knights will show its ugly head tonight.
Games starts at 7pm at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex and the organizers are inviting everyone to come out and support the games.
RTC Sports will have more for you in the week.
India face Olympic ban over 'rules of good governance'
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach says India face expulsion from the Olympic movement unless they comply with ethics rules.
India were suspended by the IOC last year because of government interference in its election process.
They have yet to agree to IOC demands to bar officials who have been charged with a criminal offence - an impasse which has led to the final ultimatum.
The Indian body is due to meet on Sunday to consider their position.
"The [Olympic] charter is clear," Bach told Associated Press. "If the suspension leads to no solution, then further steps could be withdrawal of recognition."
No country has been banned from the Olympics since the South Africa team was expelled between 1968-1988 during the apartheid era.
"We need to be strict and to make sure the rules of good governance are being applied," Bach added.
India won two silver medals and four bronze at the London Olympics last year.