PDM explains Walkout of the House of Assembly
Today, Tuesday, November 12, 2013 the Opposition walked out of Parliament in protest of an action taken by the Speaker. It is the Opposition’s position that the Speaker erred and infringed on the rights of the minority by using a casting vote to allow the Premier to revisit an item on the Agenda passed yesterday. The Speaker in accordance with the Agenda, yesterday invited Ministers to make Ministerial Statements and only one responded. Today was a continuation of yesterday’s Meeting and it is the Opposition’s position and a fair one that the House of Assembly should not be subject to motions being suspended to allow the Premier to recover a missed opportunity yesterday for today. Today is not a new Meeting and the Agenda ought to have continued on from yesterday where the House of Assembly had ended. It is wrong in principle and fact to allow the Agenda to be rearranged to include Items that were already passed in a continuing Meeting.
The Premier moved for the suspension of Standing Orders to allow for him to make a Ministerial Statement which was passed on the Agenda yesterday. The Opposition voted on the principle that Agendas must be certain and that the House must have some Order in its Agenda. The seven government members and its Appointed Member voted yes while the two Governor’s Members abstained. The Speaker announced that House was at an impasse. The Deputy Leader of the Party, Hon Sean Astwood told the Speaker that it was not truly an impasse but that the Motion had failed. The Speaker maintained that the House was at an impasse and made his Ruling that he had no casting vote despite the advice of the Acting Attorney General that he could vote under the Standing Orders which specifically states that this applies only to a Speaker who is an elected member. Though he had made his Ruling, the Speaker allowed the Minister of Border Control to speak and he made reference to the Constitution which the Opposition agrees is supreme, an argument that we have been making over the past year and which gives the Speaker a casting vote.
A few months ago, the Hon Goldray Ewing cited the breaches of the Code of Conduct as it related to Ministerial Statements. The Premier stated that the House of Assembly is operates only under the Standing Order and no other document. The Hon Clarence Selver rose to say that the Statement of Good Governance Principles, the Constitution and the Code under the Constitution were all documents that the House must be governed by. The Speaker agreed with the Premier that the Standing Orders alone applies to the House of Assembly.
The Leader of the Opposition wrote to the Integrity Commission the same day following this incident on July 1, 2013 for guidance. The Integrity Commission referred the Opposition to the Attorney General who is adviser to the House. The Opposition in response declined to address it to the Attorney General as he was present in the House and offered no assistance. Yet the Meeting immediately following, the Attorney General sought to have the Speaker take action against the Leader of the Opposition and the Hon Vaden Williams under sections of the Code of Conduct and the Constitution because of their Statements regarding salary disparities between the contract Head of Department and the local Head of Department in the Civil Service. But he failed again to correct the record of the House following Statements made by the Premier and the Speaker dismissing the Code of Conduct which is in fact a creature of the Constitution, the supreme law of the land.
As it relates to the incident today, the Opposition has spoken publicly and the Leader of the Opposition included in her Address to the new Governor her concerns over the failure of the Speaker to appoint crucial Oversight Committees. This she cited in another House Meeting was because the new Constitution was not in line with the Standing Orders. The Speaker himself today in abandoning his earlier Ruling to not vote mentioned the pleas of the Opposition and committed to a meeting of the Standing Orders Committee to address the matter which the Opposition since November had asked him so to do. This is why the Opposition feels strongly that the Speaker should not have exercised his casting vote until he had fixed the problem that he chose to ignore. Whilst the Constitution said that he had a casting vote, he should not have exercised it knowing that he was at the core of the problem as Chairman of the Standing Orders.
The Speaker should not have voted as he was at fault for the position of the Standing Orders and the Constitution still being at odds nearly a year later and the Government in its becoming apparent style uses laws to its advantage when it wants to and do away with even provisions of the Constitution when it suits them.
Over the months the Opposition wrote and spoke to the Speaker, the Government, the AG’s Chambers and made statements in the House of Assembly more recently during the Budget Address and the Welcome Address to the new Governor regarding the need to address the Standing Orders and to bring them in line with the new Constitution and all efforts have failed and pleas to the Speaker has failed. This failure was communicated to the former Governor Ric Todd and the new Governor H.E Peter Beckingham. Today we see how the inaction of the Speaker against the urging of the Opposition has caused an incident in the House of Assembly that could have been avoided.
We maintain that there must be a certainty of the Agenda of the House of Assembly and that Items passed should not be revisited unless it is of an urgent nature. Persons who missed opportunities ought not to be allowed to manipulate a system and use the Constitution previously ignored to further personal agendas. The House is the Peoples’ House and though the Government is the Government of the day, the Speaker is to govern the House and to ensure that all members’ rights are protected. We reject the Speaker’s position that the Opposition’s rights were not infringed.
There must be some order in the House of Assembly and sadly the Opposition believes that this precedent set by the Speaker is an unfortunate one. The House of Assembly is an Institution and the Speaker and the Premier ought to not be changing the way business is done in the House of Assembly frivolously and for the furtherance of personal Agendas to capture missed opportunities.
The Opposition returned to the People’s House when the Speaker returned the House to the Committee of the Whole, the stage on the Agenda where we ought properly to resume this morning. All matters cannot be left to the House for a vote and requires a firm, unbiased and fair Ruling for the furtherance of order and the protection of the rights of the minority.
We will continue to urge the Speaker to abide by the Laws including the Constitution at all times and to do the right thing which is entirely within his powers as Chairman of the Standing Orders Committee to follow the advice of the Opposition and bring the Standing Orders in line with the Constitution.
WE ARE ALSO CALLING ON THE PREMIER AND THE SPEAKER TO RETRACT THE STATEMENTS MADE BY THEM BOTH DURING THE MEETING OF THE HOUSE OF THE ASSEMBLY ON JULY 1, 2013 WHERE THEY BOTH MADE REFERENCE TO THE INAPPLICABILITY OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT IN THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.
Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (Grand Turk) presents its 2013/14 Executive Body of The Student Guild.
Today, the Grand Turk Campus of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) swore in the 9th Executive Body of The Student Guild at a brief ceremony held in the campus’ Auditorium. College officials including the Academic Dean, Mrs. Claudia Smith and the Registrar, Mrs. Mandi Archbold; members of faculty, and other well wishers were in attendance.
This year’s Executive Body consists of President Dixie Smith, Vice-President Anya Thomas, Secretary Layton Lewis, Treasurer Michel’Lee Williams, and Public Relations Officer Donté Francis. Their leading objectives are to:
· Provide a forum for the expression and representation of student ideas and concerns
· Promote such activities that enhance the academic, social, spiritual and recreational life of college students
· Engage in community outreach activities as deemed appropriate to student/college development
Shelby Francis, a first year student in the General Studies Humanities Department and 2013 National CXC Awardee, delivered the Charge and reminded the Executive Body that they were elected to execute on the promises they made during their campaign and enhance the TCICC experience. President Dixie Smith in her response exclaimed, “This Executive Body is here for your every need; we will listen to your issues and concerns and ensure that they get the attention of administration. We want to make a difference and make the TCICC the institution of choice.” She stated that every member of the Executive Body enjoys working with others and looks forward to helping the students of the TCICC achieve their goals.
Collectively, the members of the Executive Body pledged to fulfil their duties to the best of their ability. They will begin focusing on health, anger management, and recreational programmes immediately; with a commitment to leaving an inspirational and indelible mark on the TCICC.
The TCICC family congratulates the members of the 2013/14 Executive Body and stands ready to lend support to their efforts.
New Mixtape from Local Recording artist Trigga Appi
Local recording rap star from Blakout Crew,‘Trigga Appi’, has just completed the much anticipated mix tape called, ‘Am Only Human’.
The album has 11 tracks currently and is receiving rave reviews on the Blackoutcrew website according to Appi.
He told RTC Entertainment that the hard copy album is PG but the online version is rated R.
This is his second mixtape from the artiste who garnered success with his most talk about ‘My Secret Society.’
The hard copy cd has two bonus tracks called while the download version only has 11 tracks.
RTC Entertainment looked at the album through the eyes of the artist who broke down the album.
1) Intro - this breaks down the method of being successful at anything we do.
2) Dear Trigga Api – is based on Letters/Messages I have received and just wanted to show my appreciation for the people who support him.
3) My Victory - Two Stories of 2 different young women, in two different obstacles and how they over came.
4) 2pac & Biggy - A Rare freestyle of two of Raps Greatest Presents in their moment of Unity as I would Rather to remember them.
5) For My Haters - Taking away the power from people who might not like me for whatever reason and giving it to the people who show me love.
6) Heaven Or Hell - Talks about taking the good with the bad and making it into what I would want it to be.
7) TCI Celebrity Girl - Paying Homage to the women in the spotlight, balancing beauty and hard work.
8) Love In Da Morning - a track for that special lady that you meet and you both feel like teenagers again creating sparks every time you touch.
9) One For Me - Talks about the deteriorating connection of two people after a break up.
10) Higher - Talks about never letting go off our dreams no matter what we are facing and always aim higher.
11) Am Only Human – (Title track of the mixtape)Talks about the personal battle between me and my subconscious and my personal achievements fairs and doubts.
Bonus Track
12) Dollar - Talks about artist in Turks and Caicos not being appreciated for their JOB and not being paid for their craft.
13) Facing da Facts - My Personal Favorite Track off the mix tape, its me putting my flaws, fairs, mistakes, failures, personal obstacles, and Why I am who I am.
The mixtape is available now and can obtained through www.ReefEntRecords.com.
Police Crime and Incident Report for Monday Nov 12 2013
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a number of incidents reported between Monday November 11th, 2013 and Tuesday November 12th, 2013 within the districts of Providenciales, including:
• (1) Burglary: Early investigations revealed that nothing was stolen during the commission of this crime but a complete inventory is being done. Investigations continue into this incident.
• (1) Motor Vehicle Interference: Prelimininary investigations revealed that two vehicles were damaged. One vehicle had the front and rear windshield damaged. The other vehicle had a damaged rear windshield. Investigations continue into this incident.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are also investigating an incident reported between Monday November 11th, 2013 and Tuesday November 12th, 2013 within the districts of Grand Turk:
• (1) Burglary: Initial investigations revealed that one (1) grey tablet and one (1) black tablet were stolen during the commission of this crime. Investigations continue into this incident.
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.
Tessanne dedicates song to husband ... during The Voice performance
Hours before The Voice started, Jamaicans once again reignited their voting campaign for singing sensation Tessanne Chin.
With the Top 12 performers taking the stage, only 10 will move on after Tuesday night's elimination round.
Before hitting the stage, Tessanne dedicated her performance of Emeli Sandé's, My Kind of Love, to her husband. "I want to sing with him with every ounce of passion I can muster," she said.
With her husband and her sister Tami Chynn in the audience, Tessanne once again delivered an emotionally charged, passionate and authentic performance, which blew the judges away. She showed a different side of her vocal dexterity.
"Every single time that you get up there, you sing in a way that is emotional and flawless. Every time you sing, my mind is blown. I am just enjoying listening to you and watching you grow," her coach Adam Levine said.
"That was beautiful. You sang with a lot of passion. Your voice is so amazing and rich and it feels like you could do anything," Christina Aguilera said.
Viewers of The Voice are getting a new chance to be heard via Twitter. After the 12 finalists perform and viewers cast their votes, fans will be able to save one of the three lowest vote getters from elimination with a first-of-its-kind Twitter vote during Tuesday's live results show, with the results announced later in the programme.
Source-The Star
Patti LaBelle's Bodyguard Acquitted of Misdemeanor Assault
Patti LaBelle's bodyguard has been cleared in a 2011 confrontation with a drunken cadet, Richard King, at a Houston airport terminal. On Monday, November 11, a Harris County jury returned its verdict, acquitting Efrem Holmes of misdemeanor assault charge against him.
LaBelle and her son Zuri Edwards had previously testified in the trial for the case. In his testimony, Edwards said King was "intoxicated, loud, obnoxious" and launching racial epithets at his mother. He added that when he tried to block King's way, King punched him on the right side of his face.
That's when Holmes sprang out and punched King several times. King landed in a hospital with a head wound as the result of the clash. He later filed a civil lawsuit against LaBelle and Holmes, but the singer countersued.
Holmes' attorneys said their client was defending LaBelle and Edwards from King's onslaught. Moreover, trial evidence revealed that the 23-year-old West Point cadet had a blood-alcohol level of .28 percent, more than 3 times Texas' legal threshold for intoxication. During his testimony, King said he didn't remember what happened on the day of the incident.
Leonardo DiCaprio Partying With Kanye West and 2 Chainz on 39th Birthday
Leonardo DiCaprio celebrated his 39th birthday in style over the weekend. The movie hunk threw a star-studded party at TAO Downtown in New York Sunday, November 10 with 2 Chainz giving special live performances along with Kanye West who was currently on a break from his tour.
2 Chainz gave a shout out to his "brother Leo" and invited him onto the stage for a speech. Both rappers wished the actor a happy birthday in their own signature styles. Kanye performed his collaborations with 2 Chainz, "Mercy" and "Birthday Song", in addition to his own "Good Life" and "Runaway".
Kanye's fiancee Kim Kardashian also attended the bash along with DiCaprio's girlfriend Toni Garrn and a number of his closest friends like actors Orlando Bloom, Benicio Del Toro & Tobey Maguire, athletes Alex Rodriguez & Derek Jeter, socialite Nicky Hilton, and rapper Busta Rhymes.
During the party, the birthday boy managed to raise $3 million for his charity dedicated to keep the harmony between humanity and the natural world. The item auctioned at the bash included bottles of Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 1921 featured in "The Great Gatsby", and a rare handcrafted Rosegold Mathusalem of Dom Perignon.
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DiCaprio officially turned 39 on Monday. One day before the party, he was pictured spending time with Maguire and his daughter Ruby who coincidentally celebrated her 7th birthday on Sunday.
Khloe and Lamar selling their home
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom are selling their marital home.
The couple – who tied the knot in September 2009 after just one month of dating – have reportedly put their mansion in Tarzana, California, on the market.
The pair’s marriage has been rocked in recent months by allegations of drug abuse and infidelity by Lamar and news that they have listed the property will further fuel rumours their relationship is in trouble.
While Lamar insisted last week their marriage was “unbreakable”, Khloe is said to be struggling to forgive the NBA player for his apparent bad behaviour.
According to TMZ, Khloe has given the Federal San Fernando Valley realtors a pocket listing, which means the house will only be advertised privately to avoid public speculation.
The gossip website claims the ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ star told estate agents she hopes the sale will help her “start fresh and move on”.
Khloe, 29, and Lamar, 34, are asking $4 million for the property, which they originally purchased for $3.95 million.
Buyers must pre-qualify before seeing the house, meaning they must provide proof they have the funds to make a purchase.
Meanwhile, Khloe made a series of philosophical postings on Twitter Thursday, saying she was grateful to have met so many significant people in her life and is thankful for the life lessons they have given her.
She tweeted: “We don’t meet people by chance. We all are destined to cross paths for a reason. Even if its only for a lesson, an impact, (1) an awakening or a lifetime. Everyone serves their purpose. Every encounter, every life lesson, every trial, every (2) smile… Was individually given because God knew which angels he could trust with HIS missions (sic)”.
Source-(Bang showbiz)
World Bank warns A&B of effects of climate change
A new World Bank report is warning Antigua & Barbuda and other Caribbean countries to plan for “catastrophic” climate change consequences. The study said the poorest will be the worst affected.
The research said if the sea continues to rise at the current rate, salt-water erosion and coastal flooding will be major concerns.
It notes that 70 per cent of the Caribbean population lives on the coast, which is also of vital importance for the region’s economy. The report noted, to begin with, there is more flooding to come.
World Bank Climate Change expert Jerry Meier told the international body that in the region, there is a lack of knowledge about floodplains and a lack of exclusion zones.
“There is a lack of knowledge about the floodplains and there aren’t any exclusion zones, so the situation will stay the same,” Meier warns.
Another grave challenge highlighted is coastal erosion. The report said, given that the majority of the region’s capital cities, ports and airports are to be found on the coast, this is a serious threat for the development for a region with deep ties to the sea.
Coastal erosion caused by rising sea levels is also listed as a real threat for the tourist industry.
The World Bank adds the Caribbean faces the problem of salt-water infiltration into its freshwater.
Caribbean countries to benefit from new health initiative with Canada
Caribbean countries, limited in the care they offer for specialized nature of childhood cancer, have welcomed an initiative involving the University of the West Indies (UWI), The Hospital for Sick Children in Canada, and the Centre for Global Child Health.
Health Minister John Boyce, speaking at the launch of the SickKids-Caribbean Initiative, said that due to the specialised nature of childhood cancer, Caribbean countries were limited in the care that they offered.
“Our shortcomings include limited paediatric pathological expertise to assist in diagnosis, staging and treatment modules; availability of specific drugs which may be imported to treat particular cancers which require interventions; and the lack of a targeted linear accelerator which will reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. The establishment of the Shaw Family Telemedicine Room, therefore, addresses some of our limitations.”
The Telemdicine Room at the UWI Clinical Skills Building, will house the SickKids-Caribbean Initiative, launched in Toronto, Canada, earlier this year, and works with stakeholders across the English-speaking Caribbean to improve the outcomes and quality of life for children with cancer and blood disorders, as well as their families.
Boyce said the initiative provide the delivery of clinical care to persons who would otherwise require transfer overseas for consultation.
“The health profile of children in the English-speaking Caribbean reflects a picture of overall good health. This is supported by the child health programmes which support the healthy growth and development of children under five years of age and aim to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases through immunization.
“Unfortunately, there are some medical conditions to which children and adolescents may be susceptible which cannot be prevented, treated or cured by vaccines or other low cost interventions.
“These may result from genetic predisposition and autoimmune response, environmental factors and in many cases, unknown causes. Amongst such diseases are diabetes, respiratory illnesses… mental and physical disabilities, lupus, sickle cell disease and cancer,” he said.
Boyce said that there was an average of eight to 10 childhood cancer cases annually in Barbados.
“The average survival rate is 75 per cent and this represents the cases that are cured,” Boyce said, noting that each case of childhood cancer was “a very personal tragedy that can strike any family with children at anytime and anywhere.
“This facility offers connectivity with overseas medical specialists that will assist doctors resident here in Barbados with continuing education and offer support to parents and doctors managing sick children.
He said family and medical staff would have access to a team of medical experts in the diagnosis and treatment options that are available”.