Four Arrested for Witness Tampering in ICC Case
Four men have been arrested for alleged witness tampering in the war crimes trial of former Congolese vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba.
The International Criminal Court announced the arrests Sunday, saying the suspects bribed witnesses to give false testimony and presented evidence to the court that they knew to be false or forged.
The four include two members of Bemba's legal team, lead counsel Aime Kilolo Musamba, arrested in Belgium; and case manager Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabonga, arrested in the Netherlands.
The other two are defense witness Narcisse Arido, arrested in France; and Fidele Babala Wandu, a leader of Bemba's party, who was arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bemba faces charges of murder, rape and pillaging for actions his rebel group allegedly committed in the Central African Republic in 2002 and 2003.
He was arrested in Belgium in 2008, after fleeing the DRC because of clashes between his forces and those of President Joseph Kabila. His trial began in November 2010.
The ICC on Sunday thanked authorities in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Congo for helping to arrest the witness tampering suspects. It said these are the first arrests made in relation to such charges before the ICC.
It said Wandu is being transferred to ICC headquarters in The Hague and the other three will turned over at a later date.
CIA secretly collects data on money transfers to Caribbean
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been accused of secretly collecting bulk records of money transfers to the Caribbean and other places handled by companies like Western Union and MoneyGram.
Government officials said the transfers include transactions into and out of the United States under the same law that the US National Security Agency (NSA) uses for its huge database of Americans’ phone records.
The New York Times, quoting several current and former government officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the matter is classified, said the programme is authorised by provisions in the Patriot Act and overseen by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
“The intelligence community collects bulk data in a number of different ways under multiple authorities,” one intelligence official told the paper.
Dean Boyd, a spokesman for the CIA, declined to confirm whether such a programme exists, but said that the agency conducts lawful intelligence collection aimed at foreign “not domestic” activities and that it is subject to extensive oversight.
“The CIA protects the nation and upholds the privacy rights of Americans by ensuring that its intelligence collection activities are focused on acquiring foreign intelligence and counterintelligence in accordance with US laws,” he said.
Juan Zarate, a White House and US Department of Treasury official under former President George W Bush, said that, unlike telecommunications information, there has generally been less sensitivity about the collection of financial data, in part because the government already collects information on large transactions under the Bank Secrecy Act.
Luella Chavez D’Angelo, a spokeswoman for Western Union, which operates extensively in the Caribbean, declined to directly address questions about whether the company has been ordered to turn over records in bulk to the CIA or the surveillance court.
She, however, said the company complies with legal requirements to provide information.
“We collect consumer information to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act and other laws. In doing so, we also protect our consumers’ privacy and work to prevent consumer fraud.”
MoneyGram issued a similar statement, saying “we value our customers’ privacy and work hard to protect it, just as we work hard to protect customers and others from fraud and other crime.
“We comply with the laws of all the countries where we do business, including the laws that govern privacy, government investigations, and compliance with lawful subpoenas and court orders.
“We have reporting obligations related to suspicious transactions, money laundering and other financial crimes around the world. The laws to which we are subject generally prohibit us from discussing details,” the company said.
Intelligence officials here say the CIA programme is a result of terror finance-tracking programmes that were established in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
Source-Caribbean Media Corporation
Lottery winnings to be taxed in Barbados
The Ministry of Finance in Barbados has advised Bajans of a 15 per cent tax on lottery winnings over a $100,000 which was announced in the 2013 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals will be implemented fully, albeit with some changes, following the passage of the appropriate legislation.
The Ministry notes that following the Budget presentation, some industry players wrote to ask the Ministry to re-look the proposal, highlighting some challenges which they believed might have been encountered given the changed structure of their industry.
The Ministry examined those concerns, found some to be valid, and formally indicated to at least one major player that it had decided not to pursue the measure in its original form.
The Ministry, however, also took the decision that it would make necessary adjustments to the original proposal, allowing it to achieve the objectives which it set, and re-submit it to Parliament on the occasion of passage of the appropriate governing legislation, following Cabinet approval.
In this regard, the Ministry is currently putting the finishing touches to the proposal, following which industry players will be duly informed. It is expected that this process will be completed in a few weeks.
The Ministry of Finance would also like to take this opportunity to inform the public that with respect to the Consolidation Tax, The Tax on Bank Assets, and the Municipal Solid Waste Tax, the governing pieces of legislation for these impositions have been completed or are in the final stages of completion and will be laid and debated in Parliament over the next three weeks.
When passed, together with the passage of the Lottery Winnings Tax, they would represent the full legal implementation of the tax component of Government’s fiscal measures from 2013.
Additionally, the administrative arrangements for the implementation of reduction of VAT on Direct Tourism Services (DTA) are now complete, have been communicated to the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, and the draft amendments to the VAT Act to support this are also expected to be moved in Parliament this month.
Finally, the Ministry also wishes to inform the public that in keeping with the commitment of the Minister to update the Parliament and the country on the implementation of aspects of the 19-month Fiscal Adjustment Programme, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Christopher Sinckler, will deliver a Ministerial Statement in Parliament during the first week of December on the progress which has been made thus far on this important aspect of Government’s economic programme.
Particular focus will be paid to the implementation of the expenditure reduction aspects of the proposals announced.
PR
Trinidadian teacher charged with sex crime against schoolgirl
Senior Primary school teacher and guidance officer Swain David appeared in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with committing an act of grievous sexual assault on a child.
David, 44, of Ste Madeleine, appeared before Magistrate Annette Mc Kenzie. It is charged that on May 24, he committed the act against a girl under the age of 14 at school.
The court was told that David, a teacher for the past 24 years, had certification at the University of the West Indies and was a volunteer at a south rotary club. David, the father of a nine-year-old boy, is married and his wife was in court for his appearance.
David was represented by attorney Jason Jackson who told the court that in June, the accused went to the San Fernando Police Station and gave a statement. He was arrested at a school on Tuesday.
Court prosecutor Cleydon Seedan made no objection to bail and David was granted bail of $60,000 with Clerk of the Peace approval, or a $30,000 cash alternative. The case was adjourned to December 12.
Source-Trinidad Express
Caricom & Materlly to meet on Dominican Court Ruling
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), will be meeting next week to discuss the recent controversial ruling by the Constitutional Court in the Dominican Republic which has stripped thousands of their citizenship.
This was revealed by President Michel Martelly of Haiti who is on a three day official visit to Jamaica.
The CARICOM officials will be meeting with Martelly, however the Haitian President told reporters that the issue is not a Haitian one.
“And if I am not mistaken, the Dominican constitution states that when born on Dominican soil, one is a Dominican , so this issue is a major Dominican issue,” the President said.
Concerning Jamaica’s position on the matter, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said the stance taken by CARICOM will be stronger than a position taken by Jamaica on its own.
“We have not yet had a full discussion on CARICOM on it and I think that the position should not be that of a single country. We have Jamaica’s position , but we need to take position as a region and the fact that the Dominican Republic is also seeking membership with CARICOM,” she said.
On Thursday, the international human rights group, Amnesty international, again called on the authorities in the Dominican Republic to suspend the implementation of the Constitutional Court ruling until the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) visits the country.
Amnesty International said the ruling should be suspended until the IACHR formulates its recommendations based on the Dominican Republic’s international human rights obligations.
Amnesty is also urging the IACHR to “ take all necessary measures to protect from racism, xenophobia and violence, persons with actual or supposed foreign origins, as well as human rights defenders, journalists and other individuals who might be at risk for having spoken out against the ruling 0168-13 of the Constitutional Court.”
Amnesty says the IACHE should initiate a national consultation with civil society and groups of persons affected by the ruling “in order to take all administrative and/or legislative measures possible to restore Dominican nationality to all of those who were deprived of it by the Constitutional ruling”.
Source-Caribbean Media Corporation
New promotion launched to boost stay over arrivals
The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has launched a cruise conversion programme dubbed “Return & Win” as part of its efforts to reach 90,000 stay over visitors by 2015.
The initiative which was launched on Wednesday, November 20, is aimed at converting cruise visitors to stay over visitors by offering them an incentive upon their return.
To be part of promotion, cruise passengers and crew members will be invited to sign up at the Bay Front Visitor Information Office in Roseau.
They will receive a unique redemption code which is valid for US$200 credit towards their next land-based vacation for a minimum 5-night stay.
This will include, US$100 credit towards stay at a certified property of their choice and one of the following, dinner at a local participating restaurant valued up to US$100, a tour to attraction(s) of choice valued up to US$100, one World Creole Music Festival season pass, passes to Carnival season events valued up to US$100, US$100 towards a vehicle rental from a participating rental company with a minimum four (4) day rental.
“We believe that that stay over program that we are putting up, together with the monies that we are putting up, will in fact entice persons to come back,” chairman of the board of directors of the Discover Dominica Authority, Benoit Bardouille said at the launching.
He noted that visitors will be able to enjoy the true vacation experience that is home to Dominica; the Nature Island of the Caribbean, through this promotion.
“We would really like passengers to come back and to romance as we would call it with nature in such a way that they could go back and bring more persons to Dominica”.
Bardouille believes that if the program is successful it will significantly boost the numbers being targeted.
The programme, which is only open to certified service providers, will be fully funded by Discover Dominica Authority for the first year (2013/2014).
GOVERNOR HEADS TO UK TO DISCUSS GROWTH AND PROSPERITY
The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) will depart for London ahead of one on the most important Overseas Territories (OTs) events of the year today, Wednesday, 20 November 2013.
His Excellency Governor Peter Beckingham will take part in the UK OTs Joint Ministerial Conference (JMC) in London on 25-29 November 2013 along with TCI Premier, the Hon Dr Rufus Ewing and Deputy Premier Akierra Missick.
This year the JMC will focus upon growing the economies of the UK OTs, and include a networking event with potential UK-based and international investors.
Beckingham and Ewing will join their peers from all other UK OTs for a series of meetings with UK Ministers and other Government departments.
“The UK has repeatedly stated its long standing commitment to all of the people of all of its inhabited Overseas Territories,” said Governor Beckingham.
“The JMC is a once a year opportunity to concentrate up how we can all work better together across and within the UKOTs family. The focus of this year’s conference is jobs and growth, which chimes well with the priorities I set out when I arrived in October.
"I’m delighted to have an opportunity to be with the Premier and Deputy Premier for these important meetings, which will include with potential investors in Turks and Caicos.”
The Hon Anya Williams has been sworn in as Acting Governor.
Air Turks & Caicos Changes name.
Air Turks & Caicos, the national airline of Turks & Caicos Islands announced at a press conference the changing of its name to Inter Caribbean Airways.
The "Inter Caribbean" name was chosen to reflect the greater Pan-Caribbean expansion of air service in the Western Caribbean in the coming months. With this a new slogan adopted to reflect the mission.... Connecting you and the Caribbean.
For the first time, traveling between the islands of Western Caribbean may take an hour or two instead of a day or two. For years the ability for business and leisure explorers to travel between the islands has been nearly impossible. With the forthcoming expansion of air services, the citizens, residents and visitors will be able to travel faster and easier to create new business and leisure opportunities.
Mr. Lyndon Gardiner, the chairman of Air Turks & Caicos said "it is important for us to capture the life and the color of the Islands. We believe our new brand and colors represent all of the Caribbean."
Air Turks & Caicos selected design firm, Lila Design Associates, to create the development of the new brand. "An important part of this process was to translate the airline's vision in producing a Pan-Caribbean brand that reflects the route expansion and growth of network plans." says Norbert Lambriex, the founding partner and creative director of Lila Design.
The lively and joyful Caribbean colors are renowned worldwide and should be recognized while our brand matures into a timeless and powerful image. The logo represents elements of the sea, air, palm trees and flamingos.
RTC News was told that Inter Caribbean will have flights from Kingston to Montego Bay, Dominca to Puerto Rico to name a few routes.
Inter Caribbean will commence their new routes in January 2014.
Delta Expands Service to Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands is set to become more accessible and more affordable as Delta Air Lines recently announced plans to increase its services to the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) from Boston. Effective March 8, 2014 Delta will commence a new Saturday-only flight from Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, using an Airbus 320.
“We continue to see a growing demand in Boston and increased flights next year will give our customers more direct service at more convenient times,” Bob Cortelyou, Delta’s SVP to Network Planning, says in a press statement.“Boston is a key domestic city in our network, and we are committed to providing service that continues to keep us the preferred airline of our customers.”
With a $10 million expansion to the Providenciales International Airport terminal building now well underway and on target to be completed in late 2014, Delta’s announcement comes as much welcomed news for tourism stakeholders, as it signifies market growth.
"While many airlines are decreasing services, we are pleased that Delta acknowledges Turks and Caicos as the foremost destination in the Caribbean," said Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism. “The additional airlift from Boston will undoubtedly make the Turks and Caicos more attractive to potential vacationers traveling from the eastern seaboard of the United States or connecting through these gateways; a sign of great things for the future of our tourism market.”
Delta currently operates daily non-stop service from Atlanta to Providenciales. Delta's new Boston service will offer customers the option of First Class, Economy Comfort or Economy seating, along with in-flight Wi-Fi.
Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing commented, “The addition of the new flights from these major gateways further underscores the appeal of our islands to the traveling public and the confidence our airline partners have in us as a destination. I wish Team Turks and Caicos, including the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, the Turks and Caicos Airports Authority, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, along with Delta Air Lines every success in this new endeavor.”
Delta’s planned schedule between Boston and Providenciales:
Depart (BOS) at 11:00 a.m. – Arrive (PLS) at 2:51 p.m.
Depart (PLS) at 3:55 p.m. – Arrive (BOS) at 7:40 p.m.
Delta’s planned schedule between New York and Providenciales:
Depart (JFK) at 7:40 a.m. – Arrive (PLS) at 11:00 a.m.
Depart (PLS) at 12:00 p.m. – Arrive (JFK) at 3:45 p.m.
Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. Delta was named by Fortune Magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2013 “World's Most Admired Companies” airline industry list, topping the list for the second time in three years.
LIME TO SHARE CHEER WITH CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN
Customers will be able to own one of the latest smartphones without breaking the bank as telecommunications company LIME launches its “Share The Cheer” campaign to kick off the holiday shopping season.
Beginning, Friday, November 15, customers will have the opportunity to get a new handset, from a choice including the iPhone 5S, BlackBerry 9720 and the Alcatel T POP. Additionally, the Share The Cheer campaign gives new customers double data for up to six months* when they sign up for a mobile data plan.
Rachel Harvey, Marketing Manager, explained that the Share the Cheer campaign also includes opportunities for existing LIME mobile customers.
“Every time a customer tops up or pays their postpaid bill in full and on time, they are entered to win weekly prizes including 7-inch Samsung Galaxy tablets. On top of that, as a gift to our existing mobile data customers, we are giving them double data on their plan until the end of this year,” Rachel said.
“This is a fantastic offer for the holiday season. LIME is making it more affordable for customers to get the latest handsets and with our flexible mobile plan programme called My Plan, customers can design a plan which best suits their lifestyle needs. Customers also have access to make their selection and purchase online through our revamped website lime.com which is also being unveiled as part of this campaign.”
Rachel Harvey also noted that there is an aspect of the promotion which focuses on giving back to the community.
At LIME, we are always working to do our part to improve life in the Caribbean. As part of this Share the Cheer campaign, we are asking customers join us in the spirit of giving by donating gifts or food items and depositing them in the boxes at LIME stores. Our teams will distribute these items to less fortunate families this Christmas.”