SHADOW MINISTER FOR BORDER CONTROL AND LABOUR DISAPPROVES OF MINISTER’S HANDLING OF IMMIGRATION
Shadow Minister for Immigration, Shawn Astwood has released the following to RTC on Immigration.
It is really disheartening to see the approach that we seem as a country to be taking towards Immigration. A few months ago in the House of Assembly we were told by the Minister of Border Control that a draft Bill was with the Attorney General’s Chambers. Since then the country has seen the Minister announcing bits of new policies that he and his Government intends to implement and now also having to defend its position regarding an alleged proposal from a Private Sector Organisation.
Whilst the Premier and his Cabinet are the leaders on policy design, there are rules that govern us which states that all major Policy must be announced in the House of Assembly first and also that there must be a consultation with the people of these Islands. Over the past 9 years, this country has been talking Immigration Reform and we believe that there must be some action in this area. The current Minister was the Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Immigration and subsequently the Change Manager. He is now the Minister and the responsibility yet again falls on him to bring a law and policies to this country that we can dialogue on and agree.
Read the rest of the Editorial on our Editorial page under press room.
OPPOSITION LEADER AND SHADOW MINISTER FOR BORDER CONTROL AND LABOUR DISAPPROVES OF MINISTER’S HANDLING OF IMMIGRATION
It is really disheartening to see the approach that we seem as a country to be taking towards Immigration. A few months ago in the House of Assembly we were told by the Minister of Border Control that a draft Bill was with the Attorney General’s Chambers. Since then the country has seen the Minister announcing bits of new policies that he and his Government intends to implement and now also having to defend its position regarding an alleged proposal from a Private Sector Organisation. Whilst the Premier and his Cabinet are the leaders on policy design, there are rules that govern us which states that all major Policy must be announced in the House of Assembly first and also that there must be a consultation with the people of these Islands. Over the past 9 years, this country has been talking Immigration Reform and we believe that there must be some action in this area. The current Minister was the Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Immigration and subsequently the Change Manager. He is now the Minister and the responsibility yet again falls on him to bring a law and policies to this country that we can dialogue on and agree.
Immigration is perhaps at the root of the majority of the problems that TC Islanders face and it requires a holistic approach. Recent announcements of intentions should be supported by numbers through the census and also futuristically by a Population Policy. Whilst we cannot wait on all the Studies to be completed, the urgent need for a Population Policy and a National Skills Database cannot be ignored. A system can be designed to address the immediate needs.
Contrary to what is being suggested, the Constitution does not stop the Government from dealing with the high level of unemployment or from reviewing our Immigration needs. We believe that the Government has found itself in a position where the need for revenue requires a certain level of work permits to be approved and maintained and there must be a serious effort to move away from this. This is a rather difficult place we acknowledge but there must be a balance strike. Too many of our people are unemployed and are losing hope daily. Hopelessness will only implode and can manifest itself in ways that we can ill afford.
We too often think that the face of the unemployed in this country are those who did not or barely completed High School, those who lack skills and qualifications or who do not want to truly work. We must realize that some of our brightest and experienced minds are unemployed: they are qualified, ready, willing and able. Last night I was again disheartened to see a qualified welder of over 30 years on the News speaking to the difficulty to find employment in his own country. We must make every effort to address our immediate issues and get our people to work. I have always encouraged persons to register and I know the discouragement when one hears no response but it is the only way that the Government will know how many jobs are required. I am calling on the Government to pay serious attention to the collection of this data and to then create a Jobs Policy, one that will plan for our youth as they leave School each year.
We will continue to do our country a disservice if we neglect to take a holistic approach to addressing our immigration problems: the high costs to repatriate the increasing number of illegal migrants when monies can be spent elsewhere, overcrowding at schools, drain on other social services, unemployment and underemployment, friendly processes that encourage an investor and business friendly environment, to say the least. We await the draft Bill and the Policies that will have be introduced as a consequence, we await the Government’s Full Statement on how it intends to combat illegal immigration, how it intends to ensure that our people are at work and its plans to create jobs and encourage growth, as well as the need to ensure that our people begin to take senior management positions in key areas in Government and the Private Sector and training. To this end I applaud the efforts of the companies that have come together to stage a Job Readiness Seminar. I encourage persons who are able to, to support this initiative.
It is time to get serious about Immigration and Border Control.
GOVERNMENT TAX INITIATIVES AND THEIR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT by PDM
The introduction of new taxes and the increase or verification of existing taxes seems to be a common feature with the PNP Party when they become the Government. What is disheartening about these taxes is the imbalance between the imposition of taxes and the corresponding social and economic benefit for the tax payers. What is further distressing is the fact that we seem not to have a close season for taxes. New taxes and increases are all year round and there seem to be norelief in sight for the poor and those who are becoming poorer.
VAT
The Economic Reports have concluded that our system of taxation as crude as it appears to be, has produced strong and reliable revenue for the Governments over the years. The Interim Administration was determined to introduce Value Added Tax to the Turks and Caicos Islands without the research, consultation or education on its operation, effects and benefits.
The PDM opposed the imposition of VAT and provided measures the Government should take in the event it no longer which wished to introduced VAT at 15%. The Government has betrayed the support and confidence of both the people and the Peoples’ Democratic Movement’s Members in the House of Assembly by pursuing a battery of tax initiatives that, as we told them, were not suitable or effective and tend to be inflationary when they are put into effect. The overall impact of the package of taxes that the Government is implementing is resulting in a tax level much higher than the 15% VAT. The Government has refused to go after taxes and revenues that are outstanding, reduce unnecessary expenditure especially in the area of travel, or take steps to stimulate the economy and create jobs for Turks and Caicos Islanders.
LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
Despite the calls for a higher level of transparency in Government that is embodied in the Constitution, The Code of Conduct for Persons in Public life and the Statement of Governance Principles, just to name a few guidelines, this Government continues to behave in defiance of all guidelines and conduct business in a manner that not only lacks transparency but they refuse to be accountable to the House of Assembly or the people. At the last meeting of the House of Assembly, the Minister of Finance introduced and led the debate on a Motion to write off balances for loans to staff of Government and Bank balances in access of $5 million. This is a matter that is before the Public Accounts Committee and the Minister ought not to bring the Motion to write off millions without proper documentation. There was no mention of the Bank or Banks that had balances for the Government that the Government is seeking to use its numerical strength to write off. The people had a right to know the truth and there is a duty on the part of the Government to tell the people the truth, and it is the Official Opposition job to press the Government to disclose the truth behind the race to write off and forgive debts seemingly owed to the government, while at the same time the Government continues to levy more tax on the people to raise money.
NEW TAXES HIKES FOR OCTOBER 2013
The number of tax hikes since this government took office almost a year ago is a disincentive to business and a source of discouragement to the hard working people who are struggling to survive off stagnant incomes and wages, a marked reduction in the purchasing power of their disposable income and mounting inflation that seem to be triggered by Government’s frequent announcement of pending tax hikes.
The month of September has been particularly challenging for many, especially parents with school children, and those who are employed in the hospitality industry who are without an income because several Resorts and some restaurants have closed for more than a month.
As of 1st October the people of this country will be faced with:
1. Increase in fuel tax
2. Increase in telecommunication tax from 10 to 12%. This time the net has been enlarged to capture uses of the internet, television and prepaid cell phones.
Increase in fuel cost has an instant knock on effect on the cost of goods and services in an economy. Despite the government claim in July that the tax initiatives introduced would not affect the cost of food items, at best was anaesthesia before they extract more money from an already highly taxed population. Food prices have increased as a result. There is no regards for the needs of the poor. Essential food supplement for the aged and those who have dietary challenges have to pay 36% duties on Ensure or similar liquid nutritional drinks. Further, it is this government’s declared policy that they will not have prices monitored and they will leave it to market forces to determine what merchants charge for goods.
As important as the internet is as a research tool for students at all levels, this Government in an act of desperation has decided to place a tax on the internet use.
The actions of Government has not only broken the pockets of the poor and those who are about to become poorer, but the journey through this economic waste land , has broken the spirits and will of many to continue to try. The future for some is uncertain and bleak and we believe that the spike in non communicable diseases and subsequent morbidity and mortality is directly related to the pressures of life that has taken many of us back to the 1950’s: conditional access to health care, no power or water, no jobs, limited access to education for natives at all levels. On Providenciales there are hundreds of school aged children who cannot gain access to the class room because of overcrowding and the government’s inability to invest in school buildings, equipment and staff.
The government needs to roll out their Plan and vision for this country and start to deliver for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Increased taxation in the present hard times where there is no tangible social or economic benefit is not the way forward. If they cannot get the job done they should demit office and allow capable persons to govern this country and lead it in the Right Direction.
May God bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Premier, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing made clear his position on the AG
Following a release made by the Attorney General, Huw Shepherd, upon his return to the Country regarding his views of the criticisms of his re-appointment as the Attorney General of the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Premier, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing also made clear his position on the matter.
“As I have stated repeatedly, I have nothing against Huw Shepherd as a person. However, I have questioned the actions taken by him during the period of the Interim Administration and during the period of the elected government.”
“As a government, we will continue to press the Attorney General for the answers to the questions that we have asked of him, and we will continue to apply pressure for his recall by the Governor and the FCO.”
TCIG Partners with private Sector, NGOs to Reduce Strays, Promote Responsible Pet Ownership
The Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs is urging Turks and Caicos Islanders to support the Department of Agriculture’s newest partnership to reduce the number of stray animals on the islands.
The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) a partnership between TCIG’s Department of Agriculture, the Potcake Place, Zero Tolerance Committee and the TCI Hotel and Tourism Association aims to promote responsible pet ownership, promote the good relations among animal welfare stakeholders and promote adherence to the local animal control ordinances.
The Committee hopes to not only create awareness for responsible pet ownership but also to bring about solutions that will reduce the number of stray dogs while encouraging proper animal welfare through a public awareness campaign which starts on October 1. The programme comprises of radio and television advertisements, a massive spay and neuter clinic in collaboration with Pets Without Vets in Providenciales and the placements of bill boards across Providenciales and Grand Turk.
The ‘spay and neuter’ clinic will begin October 28 and run until November 1, 2013. Residents are being asked to call 245-9500 to arrange to have their animals spay or neutered.
The AWC carried outs its first fund-raiser in May this year and this public awareness campaign is one of several activities and events planned.
Crime & Incident Reports for September 30, 2013
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a number of incidents reported between Friday 27th and Monday 30th Septembe 2013 within the districts of Providenciales, including:
• 5 Burglaries- Preliminary investigations revealed that a 32inch Toshiba Flat Screen Television, a Blackberry, an Alcatel and a Samsung Galaxy 4 Cellularphone Phone, A Dell and an Acer Laptop Computer, Three (3) Turks and Caicos Islands Passports, one (1) Dominican Repulic Passport, a Swatch watch, assorted fashion jewelries and a PTV Box were stolen during these crimes.
• 1 theft- A Black Ipad and a quantity of books were stolen during the execution of this crime.
• 1 Assault Occasioniong Actual Bodily.
On the island of Grand Turk investigations are ongoing for the offense below which occurred also between Friday 27th and Monday 30th September 2013:
• 1 Attempted Burglary
• 1 Burglary- Preliminary investigations revealed that an Iphone was stolen.
• 1 Theft- One Alcatel Cellphone was stolen at the time of this offence.
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.
AG Huw Shepheard reaches out
Turks and Caicos Islands Attorney General Huw Shepheard marked his return to the Territory by reaching out to those who have called for his removal, last night, Sunday, 29 September 2013.
“As Attorney General, I have always worked tirelessly in the public interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Shepheard. “My appointment was legal, in line with the Constitution, as part of UK Ministers’ commitment to deliver good governance and the rule of law for everyone in the islands.
“I have a tremendous respect for the wide range of responsibilities attached to this esteemed office, and look forward to continuing to work with the Hon Premier, his Ministers, Cabinet and the other key Constitutional institutions and bodies in support of democracy here.
“Of course I know about the criticism of me while I have been away. This has been a difficult experience, but it is also potentially enriching for anyone in public office to be given a clear picture of what is thought of them every now and again,” he added.
“Despite the headlines, I hold no grudges,” he emphasised. “The position of Attorney General in the Turks and Caicos Islands is not a popularity contest; it is far more important than that. It is designed to support the rule of law and the good governance of the Territory, regardless of political office or wealth.
“In light of this, it seems only reasonable to ask, that the Premier and his Ministers continue to work with me for the greater good of the people of this country, even if they do not much like me personally. What they think of me as a person is not at issue.
“As the appointed Attorney General to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I commit to working in their interests for the next three years, and look forward to getting on with business in the first Cabinet meeting since my return on Wednesday, 2 October,” Shepheard pledged.
World Mental Health Day
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence (DMHSD) in the Ministry of Health and Human Services joins the World Federation of Mental Health to commemorate World Mental Health Day on Thursday October 10th. The DMHSD supports this initiative through raising awareness on mental health issues.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Mental health and older adults”.
The Department will be conducting activities including:
• Mental Health Educational lectures/sessions.
Thursday October 10th from 9:00 am to 12:30pm at the Dillon Hall in Grand Turk and Friday October 11th from 9:00am to 12:30pm at the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) in Providenciales
• Appearances on outreach media, RTC, Breakfast program and others.
• A community information drive including information stands at Cockburn Town Medical Center and Cheshire Hall Medical Center.
• A Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday October 12th Check-in and registration is slated to start at 6:00am and walk will begin at 6:30am from the Library Tennis Court in Grand Turk.
Mental disorders affect nearly 12 percent of the world’s population. That means about 450 million or one out of every four people around the world will experience a mental illness that would benefit from diagnosis and treatment. Here in the Turks and Caicos, 75 to 80 percent of persons referred to the DMHSD have a diagnosable mental health disorder. According to the World Health Organization, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which people realize their own potential, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can contribute to their community.
As in many countries, mental health services in the TCI have minimal human and financial resources and more funding is needed to promote mental health to increase people’s awareness of the issue.
For further information on World Mental Health Day, kindly contact the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Department within the Ministry of Health and Human Services at: 649-946-2801 Ext 50504 Grand Turk or Providenciales 82500.
PM Letta wins vote after Berlusconi U-turn
Italian Premier Enrico Letta has won a confidence vote after a last-minute U-turn by former PM Silvio Berlusconi.
Berlusconi had initially promised to topple the government by withdrawing his party's support - a move which prompted the Senate vote.
But he backed down when it became clear that several of his senators would back the government.
Mr Letta had earlier said that if he were defeated in the vote, it might prove a "fatal risk" for Italy.
In the event he won easily: the Senate voted 235 to 70 in favour of the government.
About a dozen of Berlusconi's most hardline followers left the chamber and did not vote at all.
Over the weekend, Berlusconi demanded that five ministers from his centre-right People of Freedom party (PDL) leave the government and bring it down.
But some of his closest colleagues said they would defy him, and the BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome says it gradually became clear that Berlusconi had badly overreached himself.
Our correspondent says the three-time prime-minister has been forced into a humiliating climb-down and will emerge a weakened figure with his capacity to influence Italian politics diminished.
When he finally rose to speak in the Senate, Berlusconi said: "Italy needs a government that can produce structural and institutional reforms. We have decided, not without internal strife, to back the confidence vote."
In his address to the Senate, Mr Letta had defended his government's performance and said Italy "runs a risk, a fatal risk" if it were to fall.
He said: "Give us your confidence to realise [our] objectives. Give us your confidence for all that has been accomplished... a confidence vote for Italy and Italians.''
Berlusconi had accused Mr Letta of allowing his "political assassination through judicial means" - a reference to Berlusconi's criminal conviction for tax fraud in August.
A Senate committee will vote on whether to expel Berlusconi because of his conviction later this week.
Berlusconi ordered his ministers to leave the government, ostensibly not because of the attempts to throw him out of the Senate but because he opposed an impending rise in VAT.
But the prime minister accused Berlusconi of using the VAT issue as an "alibi" for his own personal concerns.
He refused to accept the resignation of the five PDL ministers and called the vote of confidence.
Source-BBC
Chemical Experts Begin Mission on Syria Disarmament
International experts in Damascus have begun an unprecedented U.N.-backed mission to oversee the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.
Experts from the Netherlands-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) boarded several U.N. vehicles at their Damascus hotel and drove off Wednesday for their first working assignment since arriving in the country a day earlier. There was no immediate word on where they were headed.
The international team includes 19 OPCW experts and 14 U.N. personnel.
Syria has promised to cooperate with the mission, which the U.N. Security Council approved last month. It is the first time the OPCW is faced with the challenge of eliminating a large chemical weapons stockpile under a tight deadline in the midst of a civil war.
The U.N. Security Council set an initial target for the inspectors to verify Syria's declaration of chemical weapons sites and destroy its ability to manufacture chemical agents by November. Syria must then allow all of its chemical warfare stockpiles to be eliminated by the middle of next year.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad agreed to give up his chemical weapons under international pressure after an August 21 chemical attack near Damascus that killed hundreds of civilians. The United States and its allies blamed the attack on pro- Assad forces, while the Syrian president and his key ally, Russia, blamed Syria's rebels.
The United States responded to the August 21 incident by threatening military action against the Syrian government. Russia reacted to the U.S. threat by persuading Mr. Assad to eliminate his previously-undeclared chemical arsenal and reaching a deal with Washington to avoid military action.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters