Cameroon reach African-record seventh finals
Cameroon booked their place at the 2014 World Cup after blowing Tunisia away in a convincing 4-1 victory in Yaounde.
After last month's first leg in Rades ended goalless, Pierre Webo gave the hosts the perfect start when capitalising on a defensive mix-up.
Benjamin Moukandjo doubled the lead in the first half, before Tunisia substitute Ahmed Akaichi halved the deficit with a fine volley.
But Jean Makoun's late double sent Cameroon to their seventh World Cup.
After making an unbeaten debut at the tournament in 1982, the Indomitable Lions have qualified for all but one World Cup since reaching the quarter-finals in 1990.
They failed to qualify for Germany 2006 when a missed Pierre Wome penalty in stoppage time of their final World Cup qualifier led to rioting in Yaounde.
There were very different scenes in the Cameroonian city on Sunday, as Volke Finke's side negotiated a test against four-time World Cup qualifiers Tunisia with relative ease.
Their progress was significantly boosted by hesitation in the Carthage Eagles' defence after just four minutes, allowing veteran Webo to steal in and sweep a left-footed strike past Moez Ben Cherifia.
While the Tunisian goalkeeper may have had little chance with that strike, he should have done more to prevent the lively Moukandjo from doubling the hosts' lead on the half-hour.
The Nancy player showed good awareness to tip-toe his way through three half-hearted challenges before steering the ball home from the edge of the area, with Ben Cherifia seemingly wrong-footed.
The visitors, who have now failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, had an immediate chance to respond only for an unmarked Syan Ben Youssef to head a Wissem Ben Yahia free-kick over when well placed.
Tunisia coach Ruud Krol, who had been drafted in at short notice ahead of the first leg after previous coach Nabil Maaloul resigned, brought on Ahmed Akaichi and Fabien Camus at half-time.
The changes paid instant dividends when just five minutes later, the Tunisia-based Akaichi displayed considerable composure as he drilled a left-footed volley past Charles Itandje from the edge of the D.
Trailing 2-1, the visitors knew another strike would take them through on away goals but it was Cameroon who scored the all-important next goal.
Just minutes after a previous corner had been inadvertently turned against the bar by a Tunisian defender, Jean Makoun profited from slack defending once again as he powered home a header from close range.
Moukandjo could and should have made it four just moments later, but he was denied by a mix of poor finishing and a decent Ben Cherifia save.
Having had a hand in the third goal, substitute Eric Choupo-Moting helped with the fourth as his low strike was tipped against the post - so giving Makoun the chance to turn inside two men before gleefully firing into an empty net as he sent his nation to the World Cup.
The celebrations across Cameroon could finally begin in earnest, with captain Samuel Eto'o, 32, leading the way despite a quiet 90 minutes.
One of the greatest African footballers of all time will now travel to Brazil for what may be his last World Cup and a final opportunity to emulate the feats of his childhood hero Roger Milla.
The then 38-year-old lit up the 1990 World Cup as Cameroon reached the last eight and the challenge for Eto'o, Finke and the rest is to reach the knock-out stages for the first time since that unforgettable run.
PDM Convention concluded this weekend in the city
The People’s Democratic Movement over the weekend held their national convention in Providenciales.
Acting Chairman Clarence Selver was confirmed as the party’s national chairman.
RTC News understands that elections were held for the positions of first Vice President of the PDM that went to 2012 candidate, Ashwood Forbes; while Rosabell Selver was voted in as the Assistant Secretary General of the party.
The party will be holding a press conference in Providenciales on Monday November 18, 2013.
TCI CABINET MEETING AT HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the 24th meeting of the Cabinet at the House of Assembly Building on Grand Turk on Wednesday 13th November 2013.
All Ministers were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
• Considered the report of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Taxation and agreed that public consultation will commence to gather the views of citizens on the implications of the revenue measures included in the report. The Ministry of Finance will publish further details of the report and the timetable for consultation shortly;
• Approved arrangements for the operation of the Carnival Infrastructure Improvement Account in Grand Turk. The Ministers of Finance and Government Support Services will work with the community to identify qualifying projects for endorsement by Cabinet and subsequent approval by the Carnival Corporation;
• Advised the Governor to approve the recommendations of the Money Laundering Reporting Authority to authorise the following expenditure from the Fund: $35,000 for the Annual Subscription to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, $12,656 for the upgrade of IT systems for the Financial Crime/Intelligence Unit, $69,913 for the replacement of Sea Protector Engines in the RTCIPF, and $4,556 for the annual contribution to the Egmont Group;
• Advised the Governor that the Abolishment of Bearer Shares Bill be enacted to abolish bearer shares in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and to provide a transitional period of six months to enable the holders of bearer shares to convert and register the shares as ordinary shares;
• Advised the Governor to agree an amendment to the 2011 Development Agreement for the Shore Club Development on South-East Providenciales;
• Approved the reorganisation of Public Holidays in the Turks and Caicos Islands as follows: Columbus Day (14th October) will be renamed National Heritage Day and October will become National Heritage month; Human Rights Day (currently 18th October) will continue to be observed but will no longer be a Public Holiday and will move to the 10th December; there will be a new day of observance on the second Monday in November named Remembrance Day that will not be a Public Holiday; a new Public Holiday National Day of Thanksgiving will be introduced and will be celebrated on the last Friday of the month, or the fourth Friday when there are five in the month. As is customary the Governor will publish a full list of Public Holidays in due course;
• Approved the award of a contract for repairs to the clinic on Salt Cay. The award follows a detailed procurement process carried out in accordance with the Procurement Ordinance.
• Approved the award of a contract for design, supply and installation of an integrated digital audio video recording and public address system for the Supreme Court on Leeward Highway, Providenciales. The award follows a detailed procurement process carried out in accordance with the Procurement Ordinance.
The following Ministers will be out of the country on official business:
Premier 23rd – 29th November – Hon. Washington Missick (Acting)
Deputy Premier 23rd – 30th November – Hon. Stubbs-Smith (Acting)
Finance Minister 30th November – 7th December – Hon. Premier (Acting)
CAN CAPTIVE INSURANCE GROW TURKS AND CAICOS GDP?
The Deputy Governor challenged reinsurance experts gathered in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to grow their unique industry sector, today, Friday, 15 November 2013.
The TCI is home to 5,800 registered captive insurance companies, of a global total of around 8,000. The sector is the Islands second largest contributor to GDP, at around 12% or after tourism. The Islands’ GDP is forecast to be worth $558.9 million in 2013.
Captive insurance is insurance, or reinsurance, provided by a company that is formed primarily to cover the assets and risks of its parent company. A captive insurance company, therefore, is an in house insurance company with a limited purpose to deals with the insurance matters of its parent company, and does not sell policies to anyone else.
This type of insurance is becoming a popular means through which companies can protect themselves financially while having more control over how they are insured.
Some 70 delegates will gather at the Regent Palms Resort and Spa, Providenciales. They will be addressed by TCI Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, and a range of industry experts.
The event is hosted by the Turks and Caicos Association of Insurance Managers (TCAIM), a not-for-profit association whose objectives are to protect the interests of the domestic and offshore insurance industries in the TCI.
This is the second annual Captive Insurance Conference. Attendees are a mix of those already with established captive insurance businesses in TCI and those considering starting operations in the territory.
“The captive insurance market offers a tremendous growth opportunity for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Anya Williams. “We have a unique lead in the sector with the majority of the industry being based here. The Turks and Caicos certainly has the right talent and regulatory environment to do this.”
Over the last twelve months, the TCI has worked to ensure it is at the forefront of the global movement towards greater financial transparency.
Working with the UK, TCI has implemented the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, produced an Action Plan for increasing the transparency of company beneficial ownership and laid the groundwork to introduce US and UK FATCA agreements early next year.
Captive insurance companies are regulated and supervised by the Financial Services Commission.
SPEED SOCCER OFF TO A PROMISING START
The first official game of Speed Soccer was held this past Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the TCIFA’s Football Academy with seven (7) teams slated to play various matches for the day. Six of the teams aggressively competed and tried to score as many goals as possible. Unfortunately, team Palmiss forfeited two of their games due to circumstances beyond their control and remains at the bottom of the table with zero points.
Although only playing one game for the day, Earthbenders team - consisting of Academy players, secured sixth place with One (1) point. U12 Trailblazers, the youngest team in the competition, gave a great performance and made their mark by ending the day with a total of three (3) points, securing fifth place.
Trailblazers, FC and Revolution, FC consist of current league players, both secured three (3) points each, earning third and fourth place respectively.
After securing a draw and a win, Blow Pops comprising of former players were able to comfortably secure second position. However, CIBC Cats, a diverse team with respect to age raised the level of play, by out playing many of their opponents and securing first place of the day with a total of 6 points.
CIBC Cats were proud to debut the young and competitive seven year old Anika Sidden who secured the best mention of day as she aggressively pursued the ball and was able to take on her older opponents without fear. Anika exhibited great ball control and confidence for someone so young.
Sunday, November 17th, 2013 will see more great games played at the Football Academy with a kick off time of 3:00PM.
Tourist Board Adds New Executive Administrative Assistant
The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board has recently named Lorenzo Seymour their Executive Administrative Assistant. He is an experienced professional who has 13 years of experience in hospitality, with four of those years spent in Human Resources.
“We are pleased to have the capability and experiences of persons like Mr. Seymour join our organization,” said Tourist Board Director Ralph Higgs. “His appointment is consistent with our commitment to ensure the continued growth of our tourism industry and to guarantee the Tourist Board’s longevity.”
The South Caicos native holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Barry University. Seymour previously worked at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort starting as an intern, where he worked throughout all departments of the resort, and climbed the ranks to an appointment as Assistant Human Resources Manager where he managed the resort’s recruitment efforts as well as their annual internship program.
“I am honored to join the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and work with this exceptional team,” Seymour said. “The Tourist Board is the premiere marketing establishment for travel and trade in the country, with the greatest role in shaping landscape and perception of our Islands for decades. I look forward to sharing my experiences and contributing to the future direction and growth of the organization and the destination.”
Seymour’s portfolio at the Tourist Board includes the coordination of human resources, employee relations, technical and office administrative duties.
Elihu Higgs charged with Handling Stolen Goods
After an in-depth investigation by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), the charge of Handling Stolen Goods has been laid against 36-year-old Elihu Higgs of Long Bay, Providenciales. The charge is relating to items alleged to have been recovered from a Theft.
Higgs was released on $5,000.00 Police bail for his appearance before the Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner in the Magistrate’s Court Number One in Providenciales this morning (Friday November 15, 2013. Higgs case was later deferred to Friday November 22, 2013 for him to enter a plea to the charge of Handling Stolen Goods.
Angelina Jolie and Steve Martin receive honorary Oscars
Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has been honoured for her humanitarian work at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' annual Governors Awards.
The 38-year-old appeared tearful as she accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from director George Lucas.
Steve Martin, Angela Lansbury and the Italian costume designer Pietro Tosi were also recognised in Los Angeles.
"I can't possibly express how excited I am tonight because the Botox is fresh," joked Martin as he accepted his award.
The 68-year-old has never been nominated for an Oscar, despite hosting the Academy Awards ceremony on three occasions.
Lansbury has been similarly passed over by the Academy, despite being nominated three times for the best supporting actress Oscar.
"Ms Lansbury, here is your Academy Award at last," said film historian Robert Osborne as he presented the 88-year-old with her golden statuette.
It was recently announced that a new version of the British-born actress's long-running drama series Murder, She Wrote is in development with Octavia Spencer.
Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton and Mark Wahlberg were among the star-studded audience at Saturday's event, held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
The 86-year-old Tosi was unable to attend, however, and had his award collected on his behalf by Italian actress Claudia Cardinale.
The event marked the fifth year that the Academy has presented its honorary awards at a separate ceremony.
Excerpts from the event may be included in the 2014 Oscar telecast, to be hosted by Ellen DeGeneres on 2 March.
Meanwhile, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in California has announced it is to honour the stars of Oscar-tipped movie The Butler.
Forest Whitaker will receive the Kirk Douglas Award for excellence in film on 15 December, while Oprah Winfrey will receive the Montecito Award on 5 February for her "inspirational" performance in the civil rights drama.
Alec Baldwin apologizes for anti-gay slur
Not only did he give very emotional testimony against an accused stalker, but he also raised the ire of GLAAD after using an anti-gay slur he didn't realize was one.
According to TMZ, the "30 Rock" star chased after a photographer outside his Manhattan apartment on Thursday and called the man a "c**ksucking f*g."
"Get away from my wife and the baby with the camera," Baldwin can be heard yelling on video taken of the incident. "What f***ing language you want that in?"
On Friday Baldwin posted a statement on MSNBC's website saying, "I did not intend to hurt or offend anyone with my choice of words, but clearly I have -- and for that I am deeply sorry. Words are important. I understand that, and will choose mine with great care going forward."
The incident occurred hours after Canadian actress Genevieve Sabourin was found guilty of stalking and harassing Baldwin.
"What I said and did this week, as I was trying to protect my family, was offensive and unacceptable. Behavior like this undermines hard-fought rights that I vigorously support."
The statement came after MSNBC announced a two-week suspension for Baldwin's Friday evening show "Up Late With Alec Baldwin."
"I understand 'Up Late' will be taken off the schedule for tonight and next week. I want to apologize to my loyal fans and to my colleagues at MSNBC -- both for my actions and for distracting from their good work. Again, please accept my apology," wrote Baldwin.
Following reports of the incident, the activist organization GLAAD expressed its disappointment on Twitter.
"Mr. Baldwin can't lend his support for equality on paper, while degrading gay people in practice," GLADD tweeted.
The organization later added via Twitter, "It's clearly time Mr. Baldwin listens to the calls from so many LGBT people and allies to end this pattern of anti-gay slurs."
Baldwin responded with his own series of tweets.
"Anti-gay slurs are wrong," he said. "They not only offend, but threaten hard fought tolerance of LGBT rights. I'm grateful to all of the ppl I meet + hear from who recognize that I would never say something to offend my friends in the gay community."
He also said "1-Rich Ferraro from @glaad informs me that c'sucker is an anti-gay epithet. In which case I apologize and will retire it from my vocabulary."
On Friday TMZ featured video of Baldwin asking his male hairdresser if he thought he was a homophobe, to which the stylist jokingly responded, "Yes. Big time."
This is not the first time Baldwin has had a run-in with paparazzi. In August, Baldwin was photographed holding a paparazzi's arms behind his back and pinning him over the hood of a parked car. Both Baldwin and the photographer called 911 but no charges were filed.
In 2012, a New York Daily News photographer accused Baldwin of assault. Baldwin said the photographer bumped him with his camera.
Source-CNN.
TT participating in biggest ‘Africa carnival’
The 9th edition of the annual Abuja International Carnival has received global acclaim, as 15 countries, among which are China, Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the Gambia, have confirmed their intention to be part of the activities for the biggest carnival in Africa.
Other countries are Sudan, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Cameroon, Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, Niger and Egypt.
The carnival, which first started in 2004 and has now become an annual fixture, is designed to mark the centenary anniversary of Nigeria. It will be staged in the nation’s capital from November 23 to 26.
Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke noted that the participation of Trinidad and Tobago was a special one as Nigeria wanted to model the Abuja Carnival after the one in the Caribbean country, as a tool to maximise the creativity of the Nigerian youth as well as their enterprise.
The High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Nyahuma Metuhotep Obika, said that Trinidad’s Minister of Art and Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas will lead a 23-man delegation to Nigeria on November 22.
The travelling party will also comprise 21 members of the country’s street orchestra. Obika also said that Trinidad and Tobago has undertaken to organise an opera, which is one of the associated activities at the four-day events. The orchestra will perform along dancers from Benin City at the opera as well as at the pre-Carnivals party in Abuja on Friday, November 22.
In addition, the tiny Latin American country, according to the envoy, will present 26 costumes and men and women’s wear to the Ministry of Tourism for the 2014 carnival.
The Ambassador of China was represented at the event by the Cultural Attaché, In Honyue.
The most populated country in the world said it will send its dancers and magicians to Abuja for the events.
Jin Honyue said that the Abuja Carnival is a platform to bolster Chinese-Nigeria cultural exchanges.
Duke, who described Nigeria as a country of great cultural diversity, said that the carnival will define the strength and value of the African continent.
He said the platform will be a potpourri of diverse expression and repertoire of dances for other participating African countries, who might want to surprise Nigeria with what they have in the kitty.
Some of the activities on the card include Art exhibition, boat regatta, durbar, children’s parade, masquerade fiesta, contemporary musical fiesta and traditional hairstyles.
A unique innovation to this year’s activities, which is supported by corporate Nigeria, is the provision of two double-decker buses to be used by the participating countries for sightseeing.