Indonesian Islamist on Trial for Plot to Attack Burmese Embassy
An Indonesian court has opened a trial of a man suspected of plotting to bomb the Burmese embassy in Jakarta in revenge for killings of minority Rohingya Muslims in Burma.
The 29-year-old Indonesian suspect, who goes by the single name of Separiano, faces terrorism charges that carry a maximum sentence of death. He was arrested in May as he and another man rode a motorbike in Jakarta toward the Burmese embassy, hours before they allegedly planned to stage the attack.
Police found five homemade bombs in a backpack the two men were carrying and later seized other explosive materials from them.
At Wednesday's trial opening in a Jakarta court, prosecutors accused Separianoof seeking revenge against Buddhist-majority Burma for its treatment of minority Rohingya Muslims. Several other Islamists also have been arrested in connection with the plot, including its alleged mastermind, Sigit Indrajit.
Buddhist-Muslim violence has flared in Burma since June 2012, killing at least 240 people. Most of the killings have happened in the western Burmese state of Rakhine, home to Muslim minorities including the stateless Rohingyas. The unrest and perceived Buddhist targeting of Rohingyas has upset many in Muslim-majority Indonesia.
The Burmese government refuses to grant citizenship to the impoverished Rohingyas, labeling them as illegal migrants from Bangladesh.
US Unveils $75 Million for Palestinian Economy
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Wednesday announced $75 million in new aid to the Palestinians aimed at building roads, schools and health clinics.
Speaking at a ceremony in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Kerry said boosting economic development will show both Israelis and Palestinians "that peace has the benefits of economic opportunity and prosperity and a better quality of life."
The money adds to the $25 million pledged by the United States in September for West Bank infrastructure improvements.
In addition, Germany will put up $10 million towards about 200 projects being identified by the Palestinian Authority. The efforts are due to start within the next six months.
The United States sees the economic track as a vital complement to ongoing direct final status negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians . Washington has provided more than $4.5 billion in assistance to the West Bank and Gaza since 1994, creating tens of thousands of temporary jobs.
SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT TOPS VIRGIN HOLIDAYS' PLATINUM COLLECTION 8TH YEAR IN A ROW
Grenada's premier luxury retreat, Spice Island Beach Resort has once again been awarded the Virgin Holidays' Gold Award for the eighth consecutive year as the #1 property in the tour operator's exclusive worldwide Platinum Collection.
With over 450 travel industry buyers and suppliers present this prestigious honor was presented during World Travel Market 2013 in London at the Virgin Holidays' awards presentation, which recognizes hotels, airlines and car rental companies worldwide.
Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays shared the good news with RTC News this morning, in declaring the resort the Gold winner, emphasized the resort's commitment to excellence, stating: "Spice Island Beach Resort consistently maintains the highest standard of service and continues to reinvest its product."
Her reference to the resort's reinvestment was in recognition of its just completed renovations and upgrade.
TCI 2nd Annual Captive Insurance Conference to address industry key issues
The Turks and Caicos Association of Insurance Managers (TCAIM) will once again welcome more than a hundred international and locally based delegates for its 2nd Annual Captive Insurance Conference in Providenciales on November 15th 2013 at the Regent Palms.
During this year’s Conference, Industry Professionals and Specialists as well as members of the financial services industry will share information and discuss topics such as financial regulatory and taxation aspects of Captive planning, and the utilisation of Turks and Caicos as a perfect domicile for Captive Insurance.
Speaking about the event, TCAIM President Adrian Corr stressed that this Annual Conference was designed to educate business owners and their advisors on all aspects related to structuring, implementing and operating captive insurance programs.
“This forum is also a perfect opportunity for all members of the financial industry in the region and beyond to know or be reminded that our jurisdiction is indeed an International Financial Centre which has been open for business for the past twenty plus years “ he continued.
Insurance professionals are expected to take the opportunity to network and to put questions forward to the TCI regulatory authority, as the Financial Services Commission (FSC) is to take part in the presentations offered on the day.
Confirming FSC support, Managing Director Kevin Higgins stated: “The Financial Services Commission is pleased to see that the Turks and Caicos Association of Insurance Managers took the initiative to organise and bring the 2nd Annual Captive Insurance Conference to the TCI. This event is building on the momentum of the previous year, addressing key issues related to the Captive market”
He further added: “The Commission will continue to support the Industry in their efforts to showcase a well regulated jurisdiction which has a wide range of services to offer.”
The 2nd Annual Captive Insurance Conference is open to Professionals from the Insurance industry and other related financial services. Registration is open until 13th November, 2013.
Commonwealth Games Association April 15 – 17, 2014
The Commonwealth Games Association held their first meeting in preparation of the Queen’s Baton Relay that is scheduled to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands from April 15 – 17, 2014 on its epic journey of 71 countries of the Commonwealth over 248 days before concluding its journey at the 20th Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland on the 23rd July, 2014.
CGA’s President, Mrs. Rita Gardiner chaired the meeting that saw a cross - section of Stakeholders in attendance.
Gracing the meeting was His Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Beckingham. The President welcomed them and expressed her gratitude in having them attend the meeting and lending their input and support which she deemed very inspiring and encouraging.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is the world’s most engaging relay, a unique tradition of the games that unites the 2 billion citizens of the Commonwealth in a celebration of sport, diversity and peace, allowing each nation and territory the opportunity to showcase its unique culture, hospitality and friendliness of its people.
The official launch of the Baton took place on the 9th October from Buckingham’s Palace where her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 placed her message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. We are honoured once again that we are included in this prestigious journey.
Organizers of the committee are planning exciting and spectacular activities over the 2 day period, that will showcase our most prized attributes, historic sites and the uniqueness of each island. It is the hope of the committee members that each child in the Turks and Caicos will experience the visit of the Queen’s Baton and have memories that will last a life time.
NEW WORK PERMIT FEES & TAXES FACES TCI
Turks & Caicos woke up today to new fees and taxes.
Taxes have now been added to your Internet bill which becomes effective today Friday November 1st, 2013.
At a noticed posted at the WIV Office, the note stated that the tax will amount to 12% of the selected package.
Other taxes that affects the general public stems from visas and work permits.
On October 22 The Ministry of Border Control and Labour announced the following:
The following provisions and fees shall now apply for Visas:
• for a single entry visitor’s visa -$150
• for a one year multiple entry business visa - $500
• for a student visa - $300
• a seaman’s visa - $300
• and a person for a visa to attend a charitable, sporting or religious event -$25
In addition a non-refundable application fee of $100 is payable.
Revised fees were also announced for the endorsements of spouses and children, and work permits.
CABINET MEETING HELD IN PROVO
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the 23rd meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 30 October 2013 at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales. All Ministers were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Received a presentation from Peter Hayes, Director of the Overseas Territories Directorate. Mr Hayes thanked Cabinet for receiving him, and reaffirmed the UK's continued commitment to assist TCI to develop its economy. He also gave an overview of what the Joint Ministerial Council to be held in London in November would focus on, and looked forward to the Premier's attendance.
Hayes was pleased with the better than anticipated financial position of TCIG for the period July to September 2013, as submitted in the Second Quarter Financial Report from the Accounting General.
For the second quarter of FY 2013-14 the Consolidated Fund recorded a deficit of $1.4m, which was better than anticipated, however it was noted that there will be additional challenges as the year progresses through unavoidable additional costs and implementation delays in some of the already-announced tax increases. It was agreed that the report would be passed to the House of Assembly for discussion and released to the public.
The Cabinet agreed on and discussed contracts for the construction of restroom blocks at Ianthe Pratt Primary School and Clement Howell High School, draft Young Adult Empowerment Policy, amending the Customs Ordinance and a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bankers’ Association was also discussed.
FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL STARTS IN PROVO
The third annual Food and Wine Festival started on November 1st and will feature products from top class wine-makers and chefs, three of which are Beckstoffer wines, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards and new comers House of Mandela wines; which is led by former South African President Nelson Mandela’s daughters.
The wines will be incorporated in each of the 3-day events, where foods served at each event will be paired with a brand of wine.
Wine Cellar’s CEO, Galmo Williams said there has been a 78% growth in wine sales over the past 10 years and despite the challenges in the economy and reports that wine production will be decreased, the Wine Cellar, which his home to nearly two million dollars in wine will continue to invest in the inventory.
Wine-makers explained that they are happy to be in the TCI for the festival.
Police seeks assistance in locating runaway teen
The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force are asking for the public's help to find a 14 year old child who ran away from home on Saturday October 26th, 2013.
Officers of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force have now stepped up their investigation into the disappearance of a habitual runaway teen (Stantavia Tucker Domoah) who resides in the Five Cays area of Providenciales.
She is described as a female with short hair, a medium brown complexion, standing at about five feet tall and of a medium build weighing about 145 pounds.
No information could be given to police as to what the teen was wearing before running away from her home nor were family members able to produce any photographs of the teen.
Stantavia Tucker Domoah has an extensive history of running away from home and this is now the fourth time of a report being made of her running away.
In past incidents, the teen has ran away from home for several days to as much time as a week and then returned home. She is a second form student of the Clement Howell High School in Providenciales.
Police have now expanded the search for the runaway teen as they believe that there are persons in the community who are assisting the teen to avoid detection and the public is reminded that it is an offense to do so.
LIME announces reduced roaming rates
LIME, has announced today plans to dramatically cut data roaming costs for customers traveling to the USA, new rates will be as low as just $4.99 per MB.
Ms Lacal Palmer, Acting GM of LIME Turks & Caicos Islands said in her release to RTC News that “Customers have been telling me that they need better pricing for roaming to the US.., so from November 1, we will introduce our new data roaming rate which will bring the price down significantly and enable customers to roam without breaking the bank. The new rate provides incredible value and significant savings.
Palmer continued “Now, customers who travel can use all the services they need but without the worry of incurring unexpected fees.”
LIME’s lowered data roaming rate is designed to encourage customers to turn on their smartphones when they travel, instead of leaving them at home for fear of large roaming bills.
According to the company, the message is clear, LIME is determined to distinguish itself from competitors by offering customers the very latest technology and the absolute best value.