President Biden has no plans for pardoning Hunter Biden & more
President Joe Biden does not plan to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted on federal gun charges, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated during a press briefing on Thursday.
Hunter Biden is scheduled to be sentenced next month on the gun charges, as well as federal tax-related charges in a separate case.
No son of a sitting president has faced a criminal trial before.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden addressed the results of the 2024 election Thursday, saying "We're going to be OK," and urging people to come together even as they are divided in their feelings about the outcome.
"You know, the struggle for the soul of America since our very founding has always been an ongoing debate, and still vital today," Biden said from the White House Rose Garden.
Source-ABC
Pharrell's Black Ambition to award over $2.7 million to next generation of Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs
Pharrell Williams' nonprofit Black Ambition is returning for its fourth annual Demo Day, during which over $2.7 million will be given to the winners of the 2024 Black Ambition Prize Competition.
The applicants were first narrowed down to 250 of the most compelling Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, then to 40 people who got pitch training and participated in a public voting competition. The top eight will pitch live onstage during Demo Day for a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000,000.
Other winners of the competition, including 10 people from the eight-week HBCU Pre-Accelerator program, aimed at funding innovators from HBCUs, will receive between $25,000 and $250,000.
A panel discussion with Pharrell and CEO Felecia Hatcher will also take place, with the focus on the next chapter of Black Ambition and their support for Black and Latinx founders. Guests will then have a chance to celebrate with a cocktail hour and network at a reception with VIPs and the founders of Black Ambition.
"Now in its 4th year, I'm so proud of the doors that have been opened and the many seats at the table that Black Ambition has helped to facilitate," Pharrell said in a statement. "Each year, the pool of talented innovators, thought leaders and business owners grows, further affirming Black Ambition's continued mission of unlocking the potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs."
Since its inception in 2020, Black Ambition has provided over 30,000 diverse founders with support and resources to help them navigate their businesses. All award winners have access to corporate leaders, mental health workshops and life coaching. They can also attend town hall meetings alongside Pharrell
UK Minister Stephen Doughty held a productive bilateral meeting with Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick.
UK Minister Stephen Doughty held a productive bilateral meeting this morning with the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick. This meeting focussed on the acute security challenges facing law enforcement in the Turks and Caicos Islands and steps that the TCI Government and Her
Excellency the Governor are taking to tackle serious crime and illicit maritime activity. As part of a discussion around further UK support, Minister Stephen Doughty announced that the UK is funding two new marine assets for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Marine Unit and that HMS Medway, a Royal Navy warship, will deploy to TCI waters in the coming weeks.
The Minister and Premier also discussed investment in social infrastructure and key projects, including airport redevelopment. The Hon. Premier welcomed the submission of Constitutional Reforms to the Privy Council for final approval – which will mark a milestone in the TCI-UK modern partnership.
Following the announcement of HMS Medway’s upcoming deployment to TCI, Minister Stephen Doughty issued a joint statement with the UK Minister for Armed Forces:
“In response to the security issues affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), we are delighted to announce that HMS Medway, a Royal Navy warship, will visit TCI in the coming weeks to undertake patrols of TCI’s territorial waters. We are working with the Governor and local agencies to work up a range of operational engagements.
This forms part of wider enhanced measures of support from the UK to the Islands to build local capability to respond to the ongoing security challenges. We are pleased our new UK Government has been able to respond directly to a number of requests made by the Governor and Premier, and we will continue to work in partnership between the UK and TCI on these critical issues.” Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Armed Forces Stephen Doughty MP, Minister for the UK Overseas Territories.
Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick commented:
“The discussions conducted today underscore our collective commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is vital that the United Kingdom Government works with my Government to strengthen our law enforcement capability and fortify our borders. I am pleased to have secured the deployment of the Royal Navy warship, HMS Medway, and additional assets for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
These are important steps as we work together to fulfil our shared responsibility to secure the safety and prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I look forward to further engagements with the Minister this week and during the Joint Ministerial Council later this month to strengthen the TCI-UK relationship.”
PPID Observes World Project Management Day
The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development observes World Project Management Day, recognising the dedication and impact of Project Managers in advancing infrastructure projects that shape the future of our communities throughout these Turks & Caicos Islands.
Held annually on the first Thursday of November, this global observance highlights the essential contributions of Project Management professionals and the critical role they play in delivering successful projects on time, within budget, and with excellence.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Hon. Jamell Robinson expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s Project Management teams stating: “Project Managers are the backbone of our infrastructure initiatives. Their skills and dedication drive the complex planning, coordination, and execution required to deliver the essential services and structures that support our society. Today, we celebrate their contributions to our Country’s growth and development.”
The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. This commitment ensures that the Ministry’s Project Managers are equipped with the best skills, tools, and best practices to address the evolving demands of modern infrastructure development.
Mrs. Bridget Newman, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development emphasised the importance of professional growth in the field stating: “As our world advance, so too must our approach to managing projects. Today is a day to reflect on our achievements, but also to look forward, embracing innovation and sustainability as core pillars of the work we do for our Country.”
The Ministry is dedicated to planning, developing, and maintaining the infrastructure that serves these Islands. From road repairs and extensions, to housing development initiatives, the Ministry's projects are designed to build a resilient, interconnected, and thriving Turks & Caicos Islands.
The Ministry reaffirms its dedication to excellence in development and public service through these initiatives and again expresses our profound gratitude to our Project Managers for their hard work and dedication throughout the years and years to come.
Cricket West Indies suspends Alzarri Joseph for two matches
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has issued a two-match suspension for fast bowler Alzarri Joseph following an incident during the third CG United ODI at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
In line with CWI’s commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity in the sport, the incident was thoroughly reviewed in coordination with the Senior Men’s coaching staff and determined to fall short of these standards.
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, commented on the decision. “Alzarri’s behaviour was inconsistent with the core values that Cricket West Indies strives to uphold. Such conduct cannot be ignored, and this action underscores the seriousness with which we view these standards.”
Following the announcement, Joseph publicly apologized, recognizing the incident and expressing remorse. “I let my emotions take control. I’ve personally apologized to Captain Shai Hope, my teammates, and management. To the West Indies fans, I extend my deepest apologies, one moment of poor judgment can have a wide-reaching impact, and I regret any disappointment this may have caused.”
Cricket West Indies continues to champion a culture of respect, integrity, and discipline on and off the field.
Source-CMC
Scotland Yard, FBI join probe into legislator’s murder
The government has requested assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States to probe the recent tragic death of independent legislator Ascot Michael.
In addition, the Govenrment has also approached Scotland Yard to not only assist in the investigation into Michael’s death but that of two other recent homicides.
The experts will assist the Royal Antigua and Barbuda police force as they probe not only Michael’s murder, but the murder of two teenagers.
Concerning the murder of the legislator, a young male suspect, reportedly of Jamaican descent, was detained while allegedly attempting to flee the country.
However, the authorities have withheld further case details as inquiries continue.
According to Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney, Michael’s murder is shaping up to be one of the country’s largest and most significant homicide investigations.
“We are committed to bringing justice to this case,” Commissioner Rodney stated.
“In a crime of this magnitude, it is essential we use every available resource—local, regional, and international. I’ve already begun reaching out to our counterparts abroad to strengthen our investigative capabilities and bring specialized expertise,” the commissioner said
Meanwhile – the government has announced plans for an official funeral for the Michael.
Source-CMC
Trinidad and Tobago government seeks removal from the European Union tax blacklist.
Finance Minister Colm Imbert arrived in Paris on Wednesday as the Trinidad and Tobago government moves to have the country removed from the European Union tax blacklist.
Imbert told a virtual news conference that he will be signing the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters that was developed jointly by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Council of Europe.
“So for the last several years we have asked the OECD, which is where the Global Forum is located, the global forum is a department within the OECD in Paris, to allow us to sign this treaty because once you sign this treaty, then you can have tax sharing arrangements with all of the countries that are members of that.
“They have not allowed us to sign this before because they said we were not ready as our laws were not up to standard,” Imbert told reporters adding that he will also visit the EU headquarters in Brussel on Thursday to request that Trinidad and Tobago be moved from the blacklist to a “grey list” which recognises that progress is being made.
“The EU has two lists. A black list which is the more severe one, and the grey list which recognise that you are making progress towards coming off the list and then you come completely off the list.
“So I am going to EU headquarters in Brussels the following day to meet with EU officials to show them I have just signed the treaty with the global forum and we would now like to be put on the EU grey list which again will be significant progress,” he told reporters.
Last month, the European Union removed Antigua and Barbuda from its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, but kept Trinidad and Tobago and Anguilla on that list describing them as countries that do not cooperate with the EU or have not fully met their commitments.
“The Council regrets that these jurisdictions are not yet cooperative on tax matters and invites them to improve their legal framework in order to resolve the identified issues,” the European Council in a statement announcing Antigua and Barbuda’s removal.
Apart from Antigua and Barbuda, the other Caribbean countries deemed to be cooperative for tax purposes are The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Turks and Caicos Islands
The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes was established in December 2017. It is part of the EU’s external strategy on taxation and aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to promote tax good governance worldwide.
Jurisdictions are assessed on the basis of a set of criteria laid down by the Council. These criteria cover tax transparency, fair taxation and implementation of international standards designed to prevent tax base erosion and profit shifting.
Port of Spain said then it has developed a strategy to address the country’s removal from on the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.
Imbert delivering the 2025 national budget, said that the government is maintaining ongoing dialogue with the OECD Global Forum and the EU on this matter and that ensuring compliance with the European Union’s criteria for noncooperative tax jurisdictions is vital for Trinidad and Tobago to uphold its global standing and maintain access to international markets and financial systems.
“Adhering to these standards helps us avoid sanctions and penalties that could undermine trade relations, foreign investment and overall economic stability,” he told legislators.
Source-CMC
Abdi Nageeye wins thrilling men's race
Abdi Nageeye surged past former champion Evans Chebet in the final stretch to win the men's race at the New York City Marathon in two hours seven minutes 39 seconds.
Dutch runner Nageeye finished six seconds ahead of 2022 winner Chebet, with Albert Korir taking third place and last year's winner and Olympic champion Tamirat Tola placing fourth.
"I was so focused. When I reached the finish, the emotion was not there. It felt like I was dreaming," said Nageeye - a silver medallist at the 2020 Olympics.
Kenyan runner Sheila Chepkirui, 33, won the women's event in 2:24.35, finishing 14 seconds ahead of 2023 winner Hellen Obiri.
Chepkirui, who won 10,000m bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, led an all-Kenyan podium, with Vivian Cheruiyot taking third place.
"This means a lot to me. It means my training has been good. I had to really dig in and it was really hard. I pushed myself to the limit and I am so happy," said Chepkirui, after winning her first world marathon major.
Stephen Doughty MP, UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and the UK Overseas Territories visits TCI
Stephen Doughty MP, UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and the UK Overseas Territories, has arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He was warmly welcomed to the Islands by Her Excellency the Governor.
The Minister’s first engagement will be with the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick. The Minister’s visit in the coming days will focus on the security challenges faced by the Turks and Caicos Islands, including a visit to the Maritime Operations Centre to see first-hand how UK investment in our coastal surveillance systems is being used to aid the detection of illicit maritime activity; and a tour with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Tactical Unit to understand the crime landscape.
The Minister will meet with key law enforcement leads and representatives from across civic society and will attend a reception to mark the submission of the Constitutional Reforms to the Privy Council. On Friday morning, the Minister will speak on Radio Turks and Caicos to reflect on his visit and his role as Minister with responsibility for the UK Overseas Territories.
Stephen Doughty MP, UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and the UK Overseas Territories, said:
“I am pleased to be in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where I will be engaging with law enforcement agencies to hear and see first-hand the security situation on the Islands. The people of the TCI deserve to live in a society free from the threat of violence, and the UK is fully committed to the defence and security of the TCI. I want to reassure those in the TCI that we take our constitutional responsibility on this extremely seriously. We are working to support TCI’s security forces to tackle rising violence, and I will be discussing further UK-funded support with the Premier when we meet.”
The UK Minister & Governor will visit RTC's Cheryl Forman for a live sit down on Friday at 10am for a special interview.
Grand Turk hosts the second week of Inter-High School Basketball season
The exciting Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports (TCISS) Inter-High School Boys Basketball season takes Grand Turk November 8-9 for two exciting showdowns. The home team of Grand Turk the HJ Robinson High School Stallion, will compete against the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School Hawks on Friday and the Maranatha Academy on Saturday. These games will take place at the NJS Francis Basketball Court, starting at 7:00pm.
This weekend the Stallions will play their first games of the season in Group B, after placing second overall in the 2023-24 season. Their most formidable opponent and last year's champions Clement Howell High School, are in Group A. Last year's champions the Clement Howell Eagles are keen to defend their two-year standing title. Likewise, schools like the Wesley Methodist High Stingrays and Elite High School are gearing up to upset the season.
Games will also take place in Providenciales at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex on Saturday November 9th. These games will feature the Elite High School v Wesley Methodist High School at 11:00am then the Raymond Gardiner High School v British West Indies Collegiate at 12:30pm.
On the new season, Hon. Rachel Taylor shares, "As this Basketball Season commences for the academic year 2024-2025, we take this opportunity to express profound gratitude to our schools for their continuous effort in the engagement of our students through sports in building human capital. It is critical for our students to be engaged in extracurricular activities, ensuring that mentorship is in place through our PE teachers and coaches who continue to have a meaningful impact on the lives of our athletes. Our partnership with the Sports Commission is a testament of our collective efforts in bridging the gaps in the social skills of our youth. Congratulations to our student-athletes! They are all winners and may the best team win!".
This year the groups are as follows:
Group A
British West Indies Collegiate - BWIC
Marjorie Basden High School - MBHS
Raymond Gardiner High School - RGHS
Precious Treasures International School - PTIS
Clement Howell High School - CHHS
Elite High School - EHS
Group B
Maranatha Academy - MA
Alpha Christian Academy - ACA
HJ Robinson High School - HJRHS
Holy Family Academy - HFA
A. Louise Garland Thomas High School - ALGTHS
Wesley Methodist High School - WMHS
How to Watch Games:
Games take place primarily at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, but they are also played in Grand Turk, North Caicos, and South Caicos. For this year's game schedules, visit the TCISS page: https://www.gov.tc/sports/our-events/tci-school-sports. Tickets are sold at the booth: Adults $5, and Children $3.