China manufacturing activity growth slows in April
Growth in China's manufacturing sector slowed in April, a survey by HSBC showed, adding to concerns about the country's economic recovery.
The preliminary reading of HSBC's Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to 50.5, from 51.6 in March. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.
A drop in new export orders was blamed for the decline, a sign of weak global demand.
Last year, China's economy grew at its slowest pace in 13 years.
"New export orders contracted after a temporary rebound in March, suggesting external demand for China's exporters remains weak," said Qu Hongbin, China chief economist at HSBC in a statement.
Asian shares were lower on the data, with the main index in Shanghai falling 1.4%.
Response expected
Banks have cut their full-year growth forecasts for China after an unexpected slowdown in the first quarter.
Gross domestic product for the first three months of the year declined to 7.7%, compared to 7.9% in the previous three months.
The World Bank, as well as private sector banks, said they expected growth to slow to 8% this year, though that is still high by global standards.
The government had said it will take steps to try and support the economy.
"Beijing is expected to respond strongly to sustain the economic recovery by increasing efforts to boost domestic investment and consumption in the coming month,'' HSBC's Mr Qu said.
Analysts said it was unlikely Beijing would introduce another massive stimulus package like it did after the global financial crisis in 2008.
Boston Marathon bombing: Mystery remains
No mention has been made of any possible motive for the Boston Marathon bombing in the charges filed against surviving suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
Federal prosecutors charged him in hospital with using a weapon of mass destruction and malicious destruction of property resulting in death.
He could be sentenced to death if convicted on either count.
At the hearing, he managed to speak once despite a gunshot wound to his throat sustained during his capture.
Mr Tsarnaev, 19, said the word "no" when asked if he could afford a lawyer. Otherwise he nodded in response to Judge Marianne B Bowler's questions from his bed at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The next hearing in his case has been scheduled for the end of May.
YOUR CHANGE CAN MAKE A CHANGE – this is the National Trust’s battle cry for Earth Day 2013
The Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday April 22nd joined more than one billion people across 192 countries all around the world in observance of Earth Day.
The annual event is held every year on 22 April to highlight environmental issues
Here in the TCI, the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust is celebrating Earth Day today, with a fund-raising campaign entitled “YOUR CHANGE CAN MAKE A CHANGE”.
Proceeds will go towards enhancing our conservation, education and awareness programs, aid in community projects aimed at environmental preservation and enhancement of heritage sites in the country.
Donation Boxes are available as of today Monday, at the cashier area of various establishments in Providenciales including, IGA Supermarket, Graceway Gourmet, Business Solutions, Do-It Centre and Island Pride Supermarket and in Grand Turk at Super Mercado Dominicano and E & R Supermarket.
Jonathan Sayao, Public Awareness/ Education Programme Manager of the Turks & Caicos Islands National Trust, encourages members of the public to support this worthy endeavor.
“Before you check out of the cash register after shopping at your favorite store, make sure to drop some coins and extra money in our donation boxes.
Indeed, your change can make a change. No matter how small or big, you can make a difference and get involved as we take bolder steps at projects that would benefit our mother Earth, our own heritage and our “Beautiful by Nature” environment,” appealed Sayao.
Opposition expresses concern about pending threats to TCI’s environment
The opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), has expressed concerned with what they see as policy decisions being considered by the Progressive National Party (PNP) that they say can pose a threat to our environment. We are aware of a number of projects and un-substantiated matters in the pipeline for consideration and we have in fact posed a question to the Minister of Environment asking her Government’s Policy on the proposed long line fishing and dredging in the Caicos Bank.
Leader of the PDM, Hon.Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson said they became even more concerned after hearing a statement from the Premier that was aired last week on PTV in which he suggested that the Laws may be amended to allow for dredging in the National Parks. She noted that the National Parks have its purpose and that former Governments spent thousands of dollars establishing and educating residents on the importance of the National Parks.
I am admonishing this PNP Government to act responsibly in matters where it appears economically feasible for today and tomorrow, but which can prove to be detrimental to our future.
We as a people rely heavily on the environment and we have a great deal of responsibility to maintain it: be it our clean air, our beaches and/or our marine life,” said Mrs. Robinson.
The Opposition PDM will oppose any proposed Policies that we know are detrimental to the environment of these Islands and we will stand to safeguard our environment as is provided for, in the Constitution. I am from a Fishing Community and the environment is especially important to me. I learnt to be protective of the environment and hence my petitioning to Kate Sullivan in my written submission to have the clause concerning the protection of our environment placed in the highest law of the Land. I remain grateful that the provision was placed there and the Opposition will spare no efforts safeguarding these provisions and our environment,” she added.
Hon. Robinson suggested that the Government places greater effort in strengthening the Department of Environment and Maritime through the provision of more critical staffing needs and training and create clear policies and penalties to protect our environment.
“We need to be more proactive to protect what we have for our future generations and two of our country’s economic sectors and for the general enjoyment of our people and visitors to our shores,” Opposition leader Robinson added.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR HOLDS JOINT WORKING MEETING WITH TCI AND HAITIAN OFFICIALS TO PREVENT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
More talks have been held with TCI and Haitian officials to see how best both countries can better work together to tackle the issue of illegal sloops leaving Haiti, headed for the TCI.
His Excellency Governor Todd met jointly with Turks and Caicos' Immigration Minister Don Hue Gardiner, permanent secretary Clara Gardiner and the TCI-based Haitian Consul General, Karlo Pellissier, last Thursday, 18 April 2013.
Here’s Chris Jarrettwith details of that meeting.
Chris Jarrett:- At Thursday’s meeting, it was agreed:
1. That the Haitian government would send an expert delegation to discuss with TCI officials how to build cooperation, focused on deterring illegal immigration and prosecuting the traffickers;
2. That Governor's Office will investigate having the Royal Navy warship stationed in the Caribbean to provide hurricane relief and to interdict drugs and people trafficking, contribute more to maritime patrolling more between TCI and Haiti.
The officials further agreed that
3. Both countries would stress in public information campaigns, that any illegal immigrants making such a journey, are taking a serious risk of death; they will almost certainly be caught and deported; and if they do get into TCI they will not find work.
Todd had earlier visited the TCI immigration detention centre in Five Cays where he met director of immigration Larry Mills and detention facility manager Peter Parker. He personally thanked them and their colleagues for all of their hard work in difficult conditions and efforts to successfully process and repatriate nearly 300 illegal immigrants from three Haitian sloops over the past two weeks.
"Preventing illegal immigration is everyone's business. While positive steps have been taken such as the new coastal radar stations, clearly too many people are trying to make the dangerous 90-mile sea journey to TCI, said Governor Todd.
"While it is true that many of them have been lied to about the possibilities of finding work and a new life here and indeed many think that they are being taken to Miami, we must also face up to the fact that some people in TCI are prepared to employ illegal immigrants. Employing illegal immigrants is illegal and wrong. We are determined to enforce the law, but we must work to make this as socially unacceptable as drunk driving. When an illegal person is employed it denies a legal resident the chance of a job and deprives the government of work permit income," Governor Todd added.
This is Chris Jarrettfor RTC News.
Police still Seeking Help from the Public related to the homicide of Kaziah Burke
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force say they are seeking the public’s assistance regarding information related to a homicide which occurred on Saturday April 13, 2013.
According to Police, 911 received a call at approximately 8:30PM reporting several gunshots in the vicinity of New Era gas station along Airport Road in Providenciales.
It was determined that 25 year old male, Kaziah Burke had been fatally shot by an unknown person. The ongoing investigation has determined that there were a number of other persons at the location where Kaziah Burke was shot, who would have witnessed the shooting or events leading up to, and after the shooting took place.
Police are also looking for information as it relates to a subject of interest seen in the area at the time of the shooting. This person is described as approximately six feet in height, clean low hair cut with a beard. At the time of the shooting this subject was reported to have been wearing dark colored pants and a white top.
It has been ten days since this incident occurred and the police are still requesting persons who may have seen something that can further assist in the investigations to come forward.
Police are reminding the public that information can also be given anonymously be calling 1-800-8477 or online at www.cimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
PABA scores for the weekend of Friday 19th April 2013
in The GTBA Night League Playoffs (Semifinals) th to the finals.e teams are winding down and commanding big plays as inch closer
Game 1 – G.T Stallions defeated the Police 86 – 54
Stallions’ Ira Taylor: 20 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal. M. Lightbourne: 19 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assist, 2 steals.
Police’s Sandro Jermain: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals & K. Doughty: 11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist.
In game 2, the Flyers defeated S.C Habour Boys by a mere 2 points; 66 – 64
Flyers’ Steev Brass: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist. A. Cash: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assist, 1 block, 1 steal.
Habour’s Kirk Adams: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assist, 2 steals. J. Paul: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assist, 2 steals.
Meanwhile on Saturday 20th April 2013 in Game 1 of the High School League (Semifinals)
Clement Howell High defeated TCIPS by 19 points 56 – 37
CHHS Guy Joseph: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals. P. Sylvain: 20 points, 2 assist, 1 block, 1 steal.
Tcips’ Kenley Walters: 21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assist, 1 steal. R. Suero: 5 points, 1 steal.
Moving onto Game 2 – Maranatha High defeated the E.G Youth Center by only 3 points, 33 – 30
Maranatha’s Raymeko Smith: 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assist, 5 steals. D. Hamilton: 9 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assist, 4 steals.
Youth Center’s B. Hall: 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assist, 1 block, 3 steals. H. Gedeon: 7 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block.
And in the Night League (Semifinals)
Game 1 – G.T Stallions def. Police 78 – 58
Stallions’ Kino Williams: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assist, 5 steals. M. Lightbourne: 14 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assist, 1 block, 3 steals.
Police’s Sandro Jermain: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal. R. Smith: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 steals.
Game 2 (the closest one yet), Flyers defeated S.C Habour Boys 87 – 86 (just 1 poin0) in Double overtime.
Flyers’ Anthony Cash: 27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assist. E. Seymour: 17 points, 11 rebounds.
Habour’s Jonathan Paul: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assist, 1 steal. Alvardo Parker: 22 points, 21 rebounds, 3 assist, 3 blocks, 1 steal.
2 shot, 1 person grazed at 4/20 pot rally in Denver
Police are searching for the two suspects who fired shots during the 4/20 pot rally in Denver's Civic Center Park on Saturday, injuring three people and causing thousands of festival-goers enjoying the jovial atmosphere to flee in panic.
A man and woman, between 20 and 30 years old, were shot in the leg, Denver police tweeted. Their injuries were considered non life-threatening.
A third victim, a juvenile, was grazed by a bullet and walked into a nearby hospital, police tweeted.
A dog, belonging to one of the victims, also appeared to have been grazed or shot and was seen limping from the scene. Several other people suffered some minor injuries from running or being trampled, according to witnesses who talked to 7NEWS.
Police asked those attending the rally for possible photo or video of the shootings, and had no immediate motive for the shooting.
“Everybody in this world has a camera nowadays, so if anybody has any pictures that might assist us, we’d like those as well," said Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson.
AIRTRACKER7 was over the area at the time of the shooting and streamed video of the crowd scattering and one man on the ground, surrounded by police officers. Several police motorcycles were parked nearby and paramedics arrived a few moments later to transport the man to Denver Health.
7NEWS reporter Russell Haythorn said he heard "four to five shots fired" at about 5:02 p.m. and the ambulances arrived while he was live in the 5 p.m. newscast.
Kyle, a witness who was next to the outdoor Greek theater when the shots were fired, said, "lots of people had different ideas of what was happening. Some people were yelling 'Explosion!' some people were yelling, 'Gunshots!' We couldn't really find if it was coming from the stage or from the side because there were just so many people literally just running at people."
Dominica national football coach, player dead
The coach of the Dominica national football team, Kurt Hector, and player Nornan Jno Hope were killed this morning, after the vehicle in which they were travelling plunged down a 100 foot sink hole at Pond Case, south east of here.
The Dominica Football Association (DFA) said a third player, Joslin Prince, is undergoing surgery at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
The players were on their way to the Melville Hall Airport, to join with other members of the national team that was due to travel to St Vincent and the Grenadines to participate in the revived Windward Islands Football championship over the weekend.
The DFA public relations officer, Gerald George, speaking on the state-owned DBS radio, said that the accident occurred during the early hours on Friday and that the national team will no longer participate in the competition.
Update from Helen Garlick of the SIPT
RTC News today received the following from the Special Investigation & Prosecution SIPT’s.
Mrs Garlick explains that the "The Plea and Directions Hearing in this case has been adjourned until September 16th 2013.
According to Mrs. Garlick "I have made it clear that I will not comment on the evidence in this case or on any other issue that is for the court of trial to decide, except that where it is right to do so, I will correct mis statements made in public by other people and will also provide as much information as I can about the proceedings.
She continued: "There are currently 10 defendants awaiting trial before the Supreme Court.
"In May 2012 the defendants were sent for trial on all charges by Justice Ramsey Hale.
"Before a trial date can be fixed there are several preliminary matters that need to be decided by the trial Judge in Plea and Directions Hearings. The prosecution have been ready to conduct a Hearing since July 2012 and all the necessary evidence and written submissions have been served on the accused.
Garlick explained that, "The reason for the continued delay is that the majority of the accused have applied for and been granted legal aid but have rejected the rates fixed by the Registrar and challenged that decision by applying for Judicial Review.
She explained that, SIPT had no involvement in the Legal Aid decision, this was a matter between the accused and the Registrar. However, we have been joined to the Judicial Review proceedings as an interested party. The application for judicial review was rejected after a hearing before on 8th November 2012. The Court of Appeal also rejected an appeal unanimously on 24th January 2013.
"The accused concerned are now applying for leave to appeal to the Privy Council. That application has not yet been made. If they are refused permission to appeal by the Court of Appeal, they have the right to renew their application directly to the Privy Council and it could therefore be some months before this matter is resolved finally.
"The accused have the right to exhaust all legal avenues of appeal but there should be no misunderstanding that however long it may take, the law must take its course and there will be a trial.
Mrs. Garlick then turned her attention to the Former Premier, "As to the position of Michael Misick. His claim for political asylum is being dealt with in accordance with Brazilian law and the SIPT and the AG are not parties to that process. The request for his extradition could not be dealt with until the asylum claim was decided.
The claim had been refused at first instance but he had lodged an appeal to the Minister for Justice. On Monday 15th April the Minister refused his appeal. I am advised that the extradition process can therefore begin. However there should also be no misunderstanding first that, however long it may take, if Michael Misick is returned to the TCI, he will stand trial but in the meantime the trial of his co accused will continue."
That was the full text from SIPT of the pending cases.