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.”
Crime & Incident Report for November 20, 2013
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a number of incidents reported between Tuesday November 19th, 2013 and Wednesday November 20th, 2013 within the districts of Providenciales, including:
• (2) Burglary: Initial investigations revealed that A quantity of clothing and shoes, One Black iPhone 5, One black iPhone 4, one Silver Mac Pro Air laptop, One black Apple iPad generation 3 with black case, black iPad mini with blue case cover, Silver Go Pro Digital Camera, White with Blue Trimmings Canvas bag initials EAH, Brown Tommy Carry-On bag, all electrical cords and an amount of cash were stolen.
• (1) Theft: Initial investigations revealed that a yellow Dolce & Gabanna purse was stolen during the commission of this crime. Investigations continue into this incident.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are also investigating two incidents reported between Tuesday November 19th, 2013 and Wednesday November 20th, 2013 within the districts of Grand Turk:
• (2) Burglary: Initial investigations revealed that A sum of cash, one white IPod touch 4, one black Samsung Galaxy tablet, one navy blue HP 14” laptop and one Burgundy Samsung chat phone were stolen. RTCIPF are looking for information from the public about these incidents as they continue their investigations.
If you have any information about any criminal activity, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
PABA League starts this weekend
After much debates and delays the 2013 season of the PABA got the green light this morning in Providenciales.
PABA President told our Sports desk that the league is set to officially begin on November 22nd at Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex.
He told us that lights that were affected in the finals has been repaired by the Sports Commission.
The president noted that the first ever ring ceremony will take place in the centre.
Opening night of the Paba will show the GT Stallions the defending champions defending their title against the mighty Five Cays Flyers who they met in the finals.
Game 1 will see South Caicos Harbour Boys taking on the new look Police Badgers.
THE President states that they are in need of the city's support as they resume the Paba and thanked fans, players and patrons for their understanding in the delay to the start of the 2013/2014 season.
RTC will have more on the PABA in a subsequent sports cast.
Alex Rodriguez walks out of MLB’s arbitration hearing
Alex Rodriguez’s future in baseball is more uncertain than ever after a theatrical day in which he punched a wall, pounded his fist on a table, told Major League Baseball chief operating officer Rob Manfred that the process is “f------ bulls---,” and stormed out of his doping arbitration.
And he wasn’t finished.
A couple of hours later, A-Rod took to the radio to castigate Bud Selig and proclaim his innocence in the Biogenesis scandal, denying publicly for the first time (albeit not under oath) that he took the performance-enhancing drugs MLB says he took in what it has described as the most egregious doping case in baseball history.
"Did you do any PEDs?" host Mike Francesa asked.
"No," Rodriguez said.
He added that he had “missed my daughter's birthday, first time; she's 9 on Monday. I was here, and I wasn't there for Natasha.”
“You're saying you did nothing wrong, you did not do what they're accusing you of doing?” asked Francesa.
“That's correct,” Rodriguez said.
Wearing a dark gray suit and polka-dot tie on the YES simulcast, Rodriguez described himself as persecuted by Major League Baseball and undermined by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz’s ruling that MLB had properly designated Manfred as the representative who explained the penalties the league imposed rather than Selig.
“Today I lost my mind,” Rodriguez said. “I banged a table, kicked a briefcase and slammed out of the room.”
He went on to attack the 79-year-old Selig, who lives in Milwaukee and whose office is there.
“I know you don’t like New York, but you’ve got to come face me,” Rodriguez said of the commissioner. “This is my legacy. I’m part of history. You tell me why I should serve one inning. 'Cause you’re retiring next year? That’s not fair, Mike."
“This has been a disgusting process for everyone,” said Rodriguez, who told Francesa he had been prepared to testify Friday if Selig took the stand on Thursday.
“This should end with Selig on Thursday and me on Friday,” he said. “Put your money where your mouth is. ... Let the arbiter decide whatever he decides.”
MLB spokesman Pat Courtney told the Daily News that MLB has the right under the collective bargaining agreement to select the person it wants to use as a witness to explain the penalty the league has settled on in a doping case.
"In the entire history of the Joint Drug Agreement, the commissioner has not testified in a single case,” Courtney said in a statement. “Major League Baseball has the burden of proof in this matter. MLB selected Rob Manfred as its witness to explain the penalty imposed in this case. Mr. Rodriguez and the Players’ Association have no right to dictate how baseball's case is to proceed any more than baseball has the right to dictate how their case proceeds. Today's antics are an obvious attempt to justify Mr. Rodriguez's continuing refusal to testify under oath."
Denying that he used doping products supplied by Biogenesis and interfered with MLB’s investigation of the Miami anti-aging clinic, Rodriguez told Francesa that he deserved to play for the Yankees on Opening Day — but that he was through with arbitration.
"For me, I'm done," Rodriguez said. "I don't have a chance."
Source-Daily News
Lara baffled by Dwayne Bravo, Narine snub
Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has questioned the decision by selectors to ignore Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine for the Test leg of West Indies' tour of India.
Lara has described Bravo as having equal or stronger credentials as an all-rounder than West Indies captain Darren Sammy, who made only 25 runs in the series and went wicketless.
The cricket legend says he is also baffled at Narine's omission, describing the latter as the best spinner in Caribbean first-class cricket.
"I don't need any confirmation from Sammy, I know for a fact that his confidence was shattered and he started to wonder what's going to happen next," said Lara, writing in his column for the Times of India.
"Well, what we saw in the Test series is a result of this chain of events. A captain that looked lost on the field and his personal display especially with the bat, was one even he would like to forget."
West Indies crashed to innings defeats inside three days in their two Test matches against India.
"A more baffling omission is Sunil Narine, the most successful bowler in West Indies regional four-day cricket," Lara said.
"You would think that he knows Indian pitches like the back of his hand. Another one of world's best cricketers labelled by our selectors as not good enough."
According to Lara the selectors had benched the wrong people and the consequences had badly hurt the team.
"What about the Test squad selected for this tour? The very day that Sammy was elected as captain of the team it made it very difficult for someone like Dwayne Bravo to be considered,"wrote Lara.
"Dwayne hasn't played Test cricket for about three years now and knowing him closely it pains him that the selectors seem to only require him for the shorter versions of the game".