US granted Venezuela permission to enter airspace
The United States said Friday it granted access to its airspace so Venezuela's president can fly to China, denying claims by Caracas that permission was denied.
On Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro bristled with outrage at the "serious offence" of denying his plane rights to US airspace for the weekend voyage.
The leftist leader — successor to the late anti-US firebrand Hugo Chavez — also accused the US of refusing visas to some of the members of his delegation to the UN General Assembly opening next week in New York.
But the United States said it had in fact granted fly-over rights, and denied that visas had been withheld from the Venezuelan delegation.
"The US has granted permission to Venezuelan authorities to enter US airspace," deputy State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said in an email.
"I can tell you that no visas have been denied for the Venezuelan delegation to this year's UN General Assembly," she added later.
Harf said that although the air space request was not submitted properly, US authorities worked with the Venezuelan embassy to resolve the issue.
"US authorities made an extraordinary effort to work with relevant authorities to grant over-flight approval in a matter of hours," Harf said.
"As a result we were able to notify the Venezuelan authorities last night that permission was granted."
Harf said the request for diplomatic clearance for the aircraft – which she said was not a state aircraft as required for such clearance – to enter the airspace with just a day's notice.
"Diplomatic flight clearances are required to be made with three days advance notice," she said.
"We advised Venezuela on the correct way to get the clearance and notified their authorities last night that permission was granted," she said.
Source-JA.Observer
Cayman Police Launch New Probe of Former Premier
Former Cayman Premier McKeeva Bush was questioned by police earlier this week as part of a new probe into actions during his time in office.
The probe reportedly involves limousine transport in the Unite States.
Bush was not arrested, according to a statement from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Force.
“Mr Bush was not arrested,” the RCIPS said. “He as interviewed in connection with the alleged misuse of public funds to finance limousine services provided by a company owned by an employee of the Cayman Islands office in Miami.”
Bush denied any wrongdoing in a news conference this week.
Bush was formally charged with corruption in March, relating to alleged misuse of a government credit card. He was first arrested on suspicion of corruption in December 2012.
His trial will likely take place next year.
Source-Caribbean Journal
Minor Earthquake Shakes Jamaica
A minor earthquake caused light shaking in Eastern Jamaica early Friday morning, according to the United States Geological survey.
The 3.3-magnitude quake, which occurred at around 12:34 AM local time.
Its epicentre was around 13 kilometres southeast of Port Royal, and about 15 kilometres south-southeast of Kingston.
It struck at a depth of 15.5 kilometres, according to the USGS.
There were no reports of damage or injuries.
Source- Caribbean Journal
JLP threatens boycott if Azan remains in office
The opposition Jamaica labour Party (JLP) says that it will boycott all official activities including meeting of Parliament, if Junior Minister Richard Azan is not relieved of his post by noon on Tuesday.
At a press conference at his office this morning, Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness, called for the resignation of Azan, as Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing.
The embattled Azan is caught in a scandal after Contractor General Dirk Harrison announced that the MP took actions to facilitate the illegal construction of wooden shops at the Spaldings Market in his constituency.
Azan is expected to speak on the report made by the Office of the Contractor General today.
Richard Azan resigns in Jamaica
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) issued a release a short while ago saying that the Prime Minister has accepted the resignation of Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing Richard Azan.
However, minutes after issuing the statement, the OPM issued a recall on the information. It did not state the reason for the recall.
According to the OPM in a letter submitted to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller Friday, Azan said, "I wish to assure you and the Cabinet, that I have received no money, favours or personal benefit, financial or otherwise from the erection or rental of the shops by Bryant Construction."
The letter also said his legal team recommended that he challenge the report tabled by the Contractor General.
Source- Ja.Observer
Shadow Minister Celebrates Recent Tourism Wins
Over the past years these Islands have captured coveted awards that continue to strengthen our place as a leading world tourist destination. Our natural beauty has positioned us for some of these awards but none would be possible without the hard work of many of our tourism partners and their staff. I wish to congratulate the recent awardees, Regeant Palms, Amanyara and Beaches on capturing Caribbean's Leading Spa Resort, Caribbean's Leading Villa and the Caribbean's Leading All Inclusive Family Resort respectively. To year after year solidify our place like this is encouraging but imagine if we were all as committed to making this country the number one sought after destination in the world. It is so important that we each realize our roles. These times call for a more aggressive and comprehensive strategy and plan that markets these Islands while simultaneously ensuring that our residents understand that we are all ambassadors and that we each play an important role in keeping our islands beautiful by nature but more so by choice.
We are yet to see a serious approach to Tourism by this Government and I am disappointed that the promised Tourism Conference is nowhere in sight. Moreover, there isn’t a greater effort to develop our product and enhance our visitor's experience.
We must not rest on our laurels; more can and must be done. Tourism remains our mainstay and we must protect what we have whilst expending every effort to increase our arrivals especially our long stays. Also the need to have our people's positive participation in the Industry at all levels cannot be overstated.
Regards,
Hon Sean R. Astwood
DEMA spearheads TCI clean-up for International Coastal Clean-up Day, 2013
The Department of Environment and Marine Affairs (DEMA) is spearheading a Clean-up of beaches and the sea floor in areas around the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) in Celebration of International Coastal Clean-up Day, this Saturday September 21, 2013.
The Department is working with residents, government workers and private organisations in the TCI to clean-up beaches and other coastal areas including roads and will oversee an underwater clean-up, in support of the Ocean Conservancy’s coastal clean-up day efforts. The Day has been celebrated worldwide for more than 25 years.
Each year on International Coastal Clean-up Day volunteers from all over the world gather along coastlines and waterways to participate in the massive clean-up effort. Last year, more than half a million volunteers participated, collecting more than 10 million pounds of trash over a distance of nearly 18,000 miles.
DEMA is being supported by the Environmental Health Department (EHD), Tourist Board, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, schools, NGOs such as TC Reef Fund, and the migrant workers’ associations. Water sports operators will spearhead the underwater clean-up.
Last year 63 bags of trash consisting of beer cans, bottles, plastic bottles, soda cans and other general debris were collected in areas around TCI. The years event is expected to be even more successful that last year’s.
DEMA is encouraging community groups and organisations to participate in this years International Coastal Clean-up Day, because the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands depends on keeping them beautiful by nature.
In Providenciales, the group will assemble at 7:00 AM at the Bight Park for short briefing before being dispatched to work. On Grand Turk the clean-up will take place on Friday September 20, starting at 9:00 am at both the Sunset Cabana beach and North Beach (just south of Bohio). Any interested individuals or groups are encouraged to contact the DEMA Office at Tel No. 941-5122 or send an email to environment@gov.tc for further information.
$11,346.00 VALUED STAY AT PARROT CAY RESORT TO BE AUCTIONED AT ‘GLAM & CHIC COCKTAIL PARTY
Valued at $11,346.00, a three night stay at Parrot Cay Resort will be auctioned off at the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization’s fundraising ‘Glam & Chic Cocktail Party’ this Saturday, September 21st at Brayton Hall of Providenciales. The highest bidder will enjoy the luxury of a one bedroom villa.
Tucked away amidst the crystal-clear waters of the Turks and Caicos, Parrot Cay is one of the most secluded and exclusive resort islands in the northern Caribbean. Just 35 minutes by boat from Providenciales, Parrot Cay beckons with over a thousand acres of pristine white-sand beaches and lush tropical landscapes. Much more than a resort, Parrot Cay is a sanctuary – a mystical place in which to renew your spirit and discover your bliss.
Parrot Cay’s award-winning Shambala Retreat soothes, restores and nurtures with Asian-inspired holistic therapies. The island’s world-class cuisine tempts the palate while nourishing the body. Parrot Cay’s lavishly appointed guest accommodations, styled in understated elegance, surround you in tranquility and comfort. And the attentive staff provides discreet, meticulous service.
The ‘Glam & Chic Cocktail Party’ which starts at 7:00pm will provide complimentary welcome cocktail and hors d'oeuvres from 7:00pm - 9:00pm and boasts of an electrifying entertainment lineup featuring Band Boys V6, DJ Colors, Soulful Sax with Dex, Soloist Khambreal Garland, a Saint George Fashion House Fashion Showcase and a performance by Chrystal Charles. Admission is $25.00 presold and $30.00 at the door. Tickets are sold at the Unicorn Bookstore. Call 941.5458, 331.9363 or 333.3030.
Premier Partners: Saint George Fashion House, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation. Proud Sponsors: Parrot Cay, TCI Sun Newspaper, Caicos Express Airways, Tremm Jocale, Fetish TCI, TCI Weekly Newspaper, Everything TCI, Got U Covered, Visual Storytelling and The Unicorn Bookstore.
All proceeds will benefit the Turks and Caicos Islands representation at Miss Universe 2013 Moscow, Russia. Miss Universe 2013 will be the 62nd Miss Universe pageant and will be held on November 9th 2013, at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia. Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012 from the USA will crown her successor at the end of the event. This will be the first time Russia will host. The pageant will be televised on NBC and Telemundo.
For additional information visit www.MissTCI.org and www.ParrotCay.com.
Premier’s HOS Appointed Gets Training in Isle of Man.
Head of Secretariat in the Office of the Premier, Mr. Ronlee James in currently in the Isle of Man on a one-week training programme designed for support staff of senior government officials. The Programme will run from Monday September 16 to Thursday 19 September2013.
During this period Mr. James will meet and work with members of the Isle of Man government and senior officers in the Legislature; observe the recording and ratifying of executive decisions and experience first hand, the operations of government.
The visit was arranged by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in coordination with the Isle of Man Government and funded by the FCO.
Mr. James left the TCI on September 6, 2013 along with Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing for the Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Oversees Territories Governments in Gibraltar. On September 12, he attended his first meetings as the TCI Sherpa or Emissary in preparation for the Annual Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Conference (JMC) for Leaders of British Oversees Territories (BOT) scheduled for London in November.
As Sherpa, Mr. James is the personal representative of the Premier and is responsible for aiding in the development of agenda items for meetings of BOT leaders. The role is expected to contribute to a deepening of the relationship between the UK and its Overseas Territories.
In the lead up to the meeting, the Sherpas are expected to work along with the leaders to among other things:
(i) identify the issues which were priorities for the Territory and UK Governments and the action that leaders wanted to initiate;
(ii) draft a communiqué which reflected those aspirations and identified concrete priorities for joint action
(iii) Plan and organise other meetings/events during the week of the meetings.
Mr. James will return to the islands on September 22.
CLAIMS AGAINST DEPUTY GOVERNOR FABRICATED SAYS POLICE COMMISSIONER
Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Commissioner Colin Farquhar confirmed today, Tuesday, 17 September 2013:
“There is no case to answer for Acting Governor Anya Williams following, what have proven to be, frankly, scurrilous suggestions that she had verbally abused my officers at Grand Turk Police Station on 31 July 2013.”
Reports of this incident were investigated by the RTCIPF Professional Integrity Unit.
“Our procedures require us to investigate complaints of wrongdoing, which my officers have completed thoroughly. Our primary investigations found that the claims were without foundation and were fabricated. These initial conclusions have now been borne out by the concluded investigation,” Farquhar concluded.