Fraud charges laid against Tessa Malcolm
Detectives of the Financial Crime Unit have charged the former Chief Financial Officer of the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP).
TESSA BEEN MALCOLM, 41, faces the following charges:
One count of Theft; One count of False Accounting and One count of the Use of Criminal Property.
Mrs Malcolm was charged today and granted $50,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear in the Magistrate's Court on October 8, 2024.
The charges against Mrs Malcolm stem from a report lodged in August 2022.
TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE UNVEILS NEW STUDENT LOUNGE AT ITS GRAND TURK CAMPUS
The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) announces the official opening of its brand-new Student Lounge at the Grand Turk Campus. The event took place on Wednesday, September 26, on the campus grounds and was attended by distinguished guests, staff, students, and community members.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by the Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, who, in her remarks, applauded the leadership and vision that have been steering the College toward transformative changes. "Leadership makes a difference in any institution," she stated, alluding to the positive strides TCICC is making toward creating a more engaging and enriching environment for its students.
Other notable attendees included Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chair of the TCICC’s Board of Governors; Dr. Candice Williams, President of TCICC; Dr. Hubert Fulford, Former President of TCICC; Reverend Frednor Toussaint, who dedicated the building; as well as Heath and Tamika Francis, the talented designers of the new lounge. The presence of past and present Guild Presidents, the Guild Vice President, staff, and students further highlighted the significance of this breakthrough in the College’s journey toward enhancing the student experience.
In her inspiring address, Dr. Williams expressed her immense pride in the launch of the Student Lounge, emphasizing its role as a critical element in fostering an inclusive and vibrant student community. "Today marks yet another milestone in our journey toward fulfilling the College’s vision of becoming the first choice for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond," she remarked. "This lounge is a testament to our commitment to creating an environment where students can not only learn but thrive."
The new Student Lounge is designed to be more than just a relaxation space; it embodies TCICC's core values of excellence, inclusion, and collaboration. The facility features a study room, office space for the Student Guild President, a gaming area equipped for dart and pool enthusiasts, a cozy couch area, televisions, a reading nook, collaborative spaces for group work, and a kitchenette. The lounge offers students an ideal environment to connect, collaborate, and unwind in between classes.
Ms. Saphina Blaise, Former President of the Guild, shared her heartfelt sentiments about this achievement: "To stand here today and witness that our voices did not fall on deaf ears fills me with gratitude." Her words captured the spirit of the event, which was a celebration not just of physical space but of the unity and collaboration that it represents.
As a key highlight of the College’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience, the Student Lounge stands as a symbol of TCICC’s dedication to supporting its students' academic and personal growth. "The student experience is at the heart of what makes a college valuable," said Dr. Williams. "We believe that spaces like this lounge are key to creating enriching, empowering, and memorable experiences."
As the students began to enjoy their new space, Dr. Williams urged them to take pride in and ownership of the lounge. "May this lounge be a source of inspiration, relaxation, and pride. Enjoy it, cherish it, and let it remind you that TCICC is committed to supporting you in every way as you reach for your dreams."
US still hoping for “diplomatic solution” as tension rises in Middle East
U.S. officials are voicing concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East amid intensifying fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
“The tensions are much higher now than they were even just a few days ago,” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told ABC’s This Week. “We certainly (have) been monitoring reports of strikes back and forth across that border. But all that does is underscore for us how important it is to try to find a diplomatic solution.”
The Pentagon told reporters Monday that "a small number" of additional U.S. forces are headed to the region "out of an abundance of caution." This would be in addition to some 40,000 troops already in the Middle East. A spokesperson wouldn’t go into detail, citing operational security.
Source-ABC
Israel hits 1,300 targets in expanded Lebanon strike campaign against Hezbollah
The Israeli military expanded its Lebanon campaign with hundreds of airstrikes on Monday, as the long-simmering border conflict with Hezbollah threatened to explode into a larger war.
Dozens of Israeli warplanes struck more than 1,300 targets in southern Lebanon on Monday morning, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
At least 492 people were killed and more than 1,600 wounded in the ongoing strikes, among them women, children and medical personnel, the Lebanon Ministry of Public Health said. Of those killed, 35 were children and 58 were women, the ministry said.
Israel also said it launched a targeted strike in Beirut. At least six people were injured in that airstrike on a residential building in Bir al-Abd, a southern suburb of Beirut, according to Lebanese state media.
Hezbollah officials said senior commander Ali Karaki, who Israeli sources confirmed was the target of the Beirut strike, survived the attack.
Source-ABC
Biden calls rate cut "an important day for the country"
President Joe Biden on Thursday called the Federal Reserve's rate cut the day before an “important signal” from the Fed to Americans that inflation is cooling, but he cautioned that it “doesn’t mean the work is done” to improve the economy.
In remarks on Thursday at the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., Biden said, “Yesterday was an important day for the country.”
“Two and a half years after the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates, it announced that it began lowering interest rates," Biden said. "I think it's good news for consumers, and that means the cost of buying a home, a car, and so much more would be going down. And it's good news in my view, for the overall economy.”
Source-ABC
WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS
GENERAL SITUATION: A weak surface high pressure continues to support light to gentle winds across the islands, while an upper-level trough is generating shower and thunderstorm activity in the vicinity of the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: A HEAT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. THE PUBLIC IS URGED TO STAY HYDRATED AND AVOID PROLONGED EXPOSURE DURING PEAK SUNSHINE HOURS.
WEATHER: Partly sunny in the morning, becoming partly cloudy with a very slight chance of showers in the afternoon (mainly over Providenciales and North Caicos). Chance of rain is 10 percent. Partly cloudy with a very slight chance of showers or very isolated thunderstorm tonight. Chance of rain is 10 percent.
WINDS: East to southeast at 5 to 10 knots
SEAS: 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 92°F 33°C HEAT INDEX 106°F 41°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 06:46 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 05:11 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 10:58 PM (2.3 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: The surface high pressure will gradually weaken, while the upper-level trough gradually shifts eastwards across the Turks and Caicos Islands, maintaining chances of shower and thunderstorm activity in the forecast over the weekend.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: Isolated showers possible during the day. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. A very slight chance of showers at night. Partly cloudy, with a low around 81. Chance of rain is 10 percent.
WINDS: Southeasterly at 5 to 10 knots in the morning, becoming variable at 5 knots or less in the afternoon.
SEAS: 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:37 AM
SUNSET: 06:45 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:09 AM (0.3 FT) 06:08 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:38 AM (3.0 FT) 11:47 PM (2.3 FT)
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WEATHER: Isolated showers possible during the day. Partly cloudy, with a high near 91. A very slight chance of showers or an isolated thunderstorm at night. Partly cloudy, with a low around 80. Chance of rain is 10 percent.
WINDS: East to southeast at 5 to 10 knots in the morning, becoming variable at 5 knots or less in the afternoon.
SEAS: 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:37 AM
SUNSET: 06:44 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:57 AM (0.3 FT) 07:06 PM (1.0 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 12:32 PM (3.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK:
1. Central Subtropical Atlantic (Remnants of Gordon): An area of low pressure, associated with the remnants of Gordon, is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms more than a thousand miles southwest of the Azores. This system has a low chance of tropical cyclone formation through the next seven days.
2. Central and Western Subtropical Atlantic (AL96): Shower activity associated with an area of low pressure located about 650 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands has changed little in organization over the past several hours. This system has a low chance of formation through the next seven days.
3. Northwestern Caribbean Sea and Southern Gulf of Mexico: A broad area of low pressure could form by the early to middle part of next week over the northwestern Caribbean Sea. There is a medium chance of tropical cyclone formation through the next seven days.
TCI DELEGATION ATTENDS LAUNCH OF THE CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF PROBATION AND PAROLE (CAPP) IN BARBADOS
A delegation from the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision (DRCS) traveled to Barbados to attend the launch of the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole (CAPP). The event marked a significant step toward regional collaboration in probation and parole efforts, with participation from several Caribbean Islands. The delegation representing the Turks and Caicos Islands included: Mrs. Bridgette Newman (Permanent Secretary), Mr. Jaron Harvey (Director), and Ms. Drexanna Seymour (Probation and Parole Officer).
During the launch, a presentation on the progress of TCI’s rehabilitation and probation sectors was delivered, highlighting both existing and upcoming innovative programs aimed at reducing reoffending and promoting behavioral change among clients. Director Harvey emphasized, “We are committed to creating a system that not only holds individuals accountable but also empowers them with the tools to transform their lives.” He added, “Collaborating with regional partners through CAPP enables us to build on these efforts by sharing our achievements and learning from one another. Our emphasis on rehabilitation, skill development, and behavioral change is already showing positive results, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”
PS Newman asserted “as a region, we face similar challenges, and this organization allows us to pool our resources and knowledge to develop solutions that work for us. I am proud of the strides we have made in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our partnership with CAPP will further enhance our efforts to reduce re-offending and empower those under our care to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
The launch of CAPP represents a milestone in strengthening collaboration and sharing best practices across the Caribbean to tackle issues related to probation, parole, and reintegration. The association aims to enhance regional cooperation, capacity-building, and policy development to address the needs of individuals within the justice system while promoting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending rates.
The delegation’s participation in this event underscores TCI's commitment to leading by example in probation and parole services, while the collaborative efforts with CAPP promise a brighter future for rehabilitation and community supervision across the region.
Barbados Government announces more measures to deal with crime
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced the establishment of a National Advisory Council on Citizen Security as her administration moves towards dealing with an upsurge in gun and gun-related violence.
“The government of Barbados has agreed that we will establish immediately a national advisory council on Citizen Security. And this council on citizen security is intended to be able to have the widest possible ownership of the things that we must consider and do to be able to ensure that Barbados does not fall down the rabbit hole that regrettably other countries have fallen into as a result of the access in particular to assault weapons and automatic weapons.”
Mottley told a news conference that the council will be headed by Professor Velma Newton with the President of the Senate, Reginald Farley being the deputy chairman. The council will also include security experts, business leaders, religious leaders, union officials and youth representatives.
Mottley said the council will respond to government directives and actively engage with community groups to gather insights and recommendations. She expressed hope that this initiative would stimulate widespread interest and participation among Barbadians.
Acknowledging that no single party or institution is solely responsible for the country’s social challenges, Mottley noted that the new council will complement ongoing efforts by various institutions, including the Law Reform Commission.
The prime minister indicated that difficult discussions would be necessary. She outlined several legislative matters for consideration by the council, including an anti-gang initiative requested by the Opposition and electronic intercept legislation sought by law enforcement agencies.
“The National Council will have to advise as well as the government will have to decide on whether this country wants, like Australia and others, to become a gun-free society; whether even with all of that, there should be a further gun amnesty,” she said.
Mottley also announced fines and new regulations targeting vehicle window tints, number plates, mask-wearing, and the use of 3D printers beginning October 14.
“Persons who are not having tints that are compliant… will be fined. I’m not interested in prosecuting them…. I want money. If you are involved in behaviour that leads to those tints still being there, such that the police or anybody passing by can’t see you… start paying some fines.”
She said the new policies are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance public safety, with an additional focus on regulating vehicle number plates. Mottley announced a crackdown on the manufacture of number plates by “anyone.
“The notion that any and everybody can make a number plate, those days are gone,” she said, warning “the fines will be high fines”.
Mottley told reporters the government’s approach is designed to target those who facilitate criminal activities, particularly for financial gain.
“The prison is for real criminals. The ones who want to claim that they’re helping criminals… If you’re doing it for money, give back all the money that you’re making from it and more,” she said.
Mottely said the authorities are also moving to crackdown on the public use of masks, saying “we have gotten into this awful habit of having people walk around.
“It may seem cool, but it stops the police and other legitimate people in this society from seeing and knowing who is standing next to them.”
The prime minister is relying on a provision of the Highways Act that she said was passed in 1925 – when Barbados was a British colony – which originally prohibited mask-wearing in public.
The regulation was relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic but Mottley made clear that masks are once again illegal unless authorised.
“The bottom line is, unless you have the permission of the Commissioner of Police, you cannot be wearing these masks on your face,” she said, warning car rental owners to be vigilant about the use of their vehicles in criminal activities.
Referencing the Proceeds and Instrumentality of Crime Act which was passed in 2019 and allows law enforcement to confiscate criminals’ property, Prime Minister Mottley said steps were being taken to engage with those in the car hire industry.
“I’ve asked the Attorney General and the Deputy Prime Minister to meet with the owners of the hired car industry, because if your car is used as an instrument of crime… it can be confiscated and forfeited.”
The measures also extend to 3D printers, which will now be subject to a regulatory framework, similar to that of firearms.
“In the same way that you must apply for a licence to import firearms, we will require that you have a licence to import 3D printers,” Mottley said, adding that law enforcement will have the right to periodically inspect the devices to ensure they are not being put to criminal uses.
“The regulatory framework for 3D printers will also include the right of law enforcement to periodically inspect those who have these printers to ensure that they are not being used for nefarious purposes.”
Source-CMC
No criminal charges against Prime Minister Holness
The Integrity Commission (IC), citing insufficient evidence regarding the non-disclosure of four bank accounts in his asset filings, has ruled out criminal charges against Prime Minister Andrew Holness for allegedly making false income declarations.
The ruling, by the IC’s Director of Corruption Prosecutions, Keisha Prince-Kameka was laid in Parliament on Tuesday and stems from a recommendation by the Commission’s Director of Investigations, Kevon Stephenson.
Stephenson had investigated concerns that Prime Minister Holness owned assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings and omitted four joint bank accounts from his statutory declarations between 2019 and 2022.
The investigation was triggered by a September 2022 referral from the commission’s commissioners who had flagged the prime minister’s net worth growth of J$51.6 million(One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) over five years ending December 2021
But Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson said that the IC had no power in law to refer an individual for investigation by an authority such as the Financial Investigation Division (FID).
The IC had sent a letter asking Parliament to support its referral concerning Prime Minister Holness to the FID. The investigation report, an addendum, the commission’s ruling and a special report were all tabled Tuesday in the House of Representatives, marking the culmination of a two-year investigation during which the prime minister’s statutory declarations remained uncertified.
Speaking after the conclusion of Parliament on Tuesday, Tavares-Finson said the IC is asking the Parliament of Jamaica to support the investigation and he is satisfied that the Parliament of Jamaica has no such power and for good reason.
“There is nothing in the constitution, in the laws, and certainly not in the Standing Orders of the Parliament that would authorize the Parliament to refer of support the referral of any member to any agency for investigation.
“Indeed, if that power were to exist, it would be absurd because it would allow any majority in Parliament for any reason to refer any member to police or any competent authority for investigation,” the Senate President said.
Stephenson’s investigation confirmed that Holness had omitted four bank accounts, rendering his declaration “incomplete and inaccurate,” which is contrary to the Integrity Commission Act.
The accounts were linked to Holness’ parents and his St Andrew West Central constituency office.
As of May 2023, the accounts held a total balance of J$445,748, and three had recorded transfers connected to Holness between 2019 and 2022.
One of the primary issues in the investigation was a reporting error by a bank, which initially listed one of the accounts as a US dollar account instead of a Jamaican dollar account.
The bank later corrected the mistake while the probe was at “an advanced stage”, prompting the investigation’s closure in February 2023.
Following that initial probe into Holness’ statutory declaration for 2021, the Integrity Commission requested an updated submission. Holness complied.
The IC said an examination of the revised declaration raised “further concerns”, to include “prima facie that Holness owned assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings”.
The commission then referred the 2021 filings for a second investigation on May 3, 2023. The commission said Holness was sent a letter advising him of the probe in relation to alleged illicit enrichment in a letter dated May 5, 2023.
The second investigation differed from the initial September 30, 2022 referral, which did not undergo a full examination due to omissions in the original declaration, the investigator said.
Stephenson referred the full investigation report, dated August 30, 2024, to the Director of Corruption Prosecutions to determine whether criminal charges for making false statements should be brought against the Prime Minister.
“It cannot be ignored, that as prime minister, and head of government, PM Holness has a higher duty to the public, to ensure that the laws of Jamaica are maintained,” Stephenson noted in his report.
However, Prince-Kameka ultimately decided against pursuing criminal charges, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove Holness knowingly made false statements in his declarations.
“There is insufficient evidence on file to establish that the HPM, by way of omission, made a false statement,” she wrote, noting also that records for two of the accounts involving Holness’ mother were either unavailable or unreadable, making it impossible to establish Holness as a joint-holder at the time.
In relation to the account linked to his constituency, while Holness was identified as a joint-holder, no transactions involving him were found.
For the fourth account, which he shared with his father, Holness had his name removed in September 2023.
Holness argued he had no interest in the account and said the constituency-linked account was for paying an employee.
Prince-Kameka said that a critical factor in prosecuting false statements is whether the individual had actual knowledge or a reasonable belief that the declaration was false.
In this case, she determined that the evidence did not meet that threshold.
“The prosecution would again be challenged to establish that the omission was intentional, as required for the ‘knowingly’ element of this offense,” she added.
Source-CMC
GM to recall over 449,000 pickup trucks, SUVs in US
General Motors (GM.N), opens new tab is recalling 449,671 pickup trucks and SUVs in the U.S. due to inoperative low brake fluid warning, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday.
The recall includes some 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV models.
The electronic brake control module software on impacted vehicles may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs, the NHTSA said.
Dealers will remedy the issue with an over-the-air update to fix the electronic brake control module software, the NHTSA added.
Source-Reuters