Shyne reacts to Diddy's arrest, clarifies their relationship
Former Bad Boy rapper Moses “Shyne” Barrow, who now serves as the leader of the opposition party in the Belize House of Representatives, is sharing his thoughts on Sean "Diddy" Combs, who he blames for his eight-year prison term.
“When I was [an] 18-year-old kid just wanting to do nothing other than make my mother proud and make Belize proud ... and be recognized for [my] talent and take over the world, I was defending him, and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me," Shyne told the media Wednesday, following Diddy's arrest on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and more.
Simply put, Shyne said Diddy "pretty much sent me to prison," noting that's "the context by which you must always describe that [relationship]."
"I forgive. I moved on. But let us not pretend as if I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
For the uninitiated, Shyne was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection to a nightclub shooting in December 1999 that he, Diddy and Jennifer Lopez were all present for. He was charged with assault in 2001, released in 2009 and then deported to Belize.
He's since been seen with Diddy, but insists it was just business.
"This was not someone who I vacationed with and who he and I enjoyed this great, intimate relationship of brotherhood. This is someone who destroyed my life, and who I forgave and who I moved on, and for the better interest of Belize, because he was in a position at that time to give scholarships and to maybe invest, I would not deny attempting to bring the investment to Belize and contributions to education to Belize," Shyne said.
Despite the past, he said he's not taking joy in Diddy's legal troubles.
Statement from Robert Been Jr., Deputy Leader, Peoples Democratic Movement
Good afternoon to the members of the media and all Turks and Caicos Islanders listening and viewing online. I am aware that the government, just yesterday, announced a joint press conference later this afternoon on the issue of crime and I hope that they will be listening to the PDM now as we voice the concerns of the people and discuss solutions to this ongoing crisis. Certainly, today is a sad day, our hearts are heavy, and many are left in disbelief at the out-of-control crime situation we are facing.
Crime is tearing apart our communities, claiming the lives of our young people, particularly our young men. I want to assure the people that this press conference today is not about politics; this is not about scoring political points; our nation is in serious crisis, and this is a matter of urgency.
We’ve witnessed 31 murders so far this year, and we are on track to surpass the record-breaking 34 homicides of 2022. Just this past week, we lost three more young men, gunned down senselessly. These statistics are not just numbers—they represent lives cut short, families left to grieve, and communities ripped apart and gripped by fear. We simply cannot continue down this path; this path will lead to destruction.
We also cannot ignore the fact that crime in Turks and Caicos is closely linked to illegal immigration. Our borders are open, and criminal networks are exploiting this vulnerability. Criminal gangs, drug trafficking, and the influx of illegal firearms are fueling the violence we see on our streets.
Illegal immigration is a national security threat that requires immediate attention. A PDM Government will implement Stronger border control measures, including advanced surveillance technology and increased patrols.
We must send a strong message to the violent criminals amongst us, we will no longer tolerate your operations; a PDM administration will support law enforcement and the people to take back our streets, our neighbourhoods, our communities and our country from criminal enterprise.
A PDM Government will increase resources, training, and manpower for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. This includes recruiting more officers, enhancing their benefits, and equipping them with the modern tools they need to combat crime effectively.
At the same time, we must also address the root causes of crime. The high cost of living is a serious contributing factor to the crime situation – when people can’t meet their basic needs, when persons struggle to put food on the table or keep a roof over their heads – desperation creeps in and some may feel they have no other options but to engage in criminal acts to survive. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity are pushing too many of our young people to a life of crime. This is the reality that must be addressed.
A PDM Government will focus on a holistic approach—one that not only strengthens law enforcement but also tackles the socio-economic factors driving our youth into the arms of gangs.
As a young entrepreneur, I understand the value of opportunity. When young people are given a chance to succeed, they seize it. But when doors are closed, they are left with little choice but to turn to crime. That’s why the PDM is committed to creating more opportunities for our youth. We will establish a National Trade School to equip them with the skills they need to enter the workforce with confidence. Whether in construction, technology, or hospitality, we will provide the training that opens the door to legitimate employment. By giving our youth a sense of purpose and direction, we can turn them away from crime and violence.
We also recognize the importance of community-based crime prevention. Our communities must be part of the solution. The PDM will implement programmes that focus on youth empowerment, job training, and mentorship for at-risk individuals. We must intervene early, offering our youth an alternative path before they are drawn into criminal activities. By addressing the root causes of crime, we can prevent it before it happens.
We will also enhance forensic capabilities by establishing a dedicated Forensic Science Laboratory right here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
But we cannot stop there. The PDM recognizes that supporting victims is just as important as preventing crime. We will enhance support services, including counselling, legal aid, and financial assistance to help them recover from the trauma. A coordinated, accessible system for victim support will be a priority under a PDM Government.
Finally, to those committing these crimes, I have one message: Put down your guns. The path you are on only leads to death or prison. But there is another way. Take up a trade, pursue education, and build a future for yourself. Think of your families, think of your children, and think of the pain your actions are causing.
I want to assure all Turks and Caicos Islanders that on day one, a PDM Government will lay the groundwork to implement these policies to address crime and the root causes of crime. We will act swiftly and decisively. This is not just a fight against crime—it is a fight for the soul of our nation.
May God bless the Turks and Caicos Islands, and may we find the strength to rise above this crisis together.
TCI Police Investigates homicide in Dock Yard
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Serious Crime Unit are investigating a suspected homicide in Dock Yard, Providenciales.
Shortly after 11 pm yesterday, the Police Control Room received reports of a body being found. Officers and medical personnel responded to the location, and upon arrival, the body of an unidentified male was discovered.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Social Development and Welfare Hosts Child Safeguarding Training for Daycare Workers and Owners
The Department of Social Development and Welfare recently concluded a series of child safeguarding training sessions for daycare workers and owners across the islands of Providenciales, Grand Turk, and North Caicos. The sessions were held throughout July and August 2024, and 20 individuals, including daycare workers and owners, were successfully trained.
The primary objective of the training was to increase awareness of child abuse and neglect and equip all daycare centers in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the knowledge and confidence to recognize and report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Also, to ensure that all daycare employees were fully aware of the Department of Social Development and Welfare’s procedures for reporting such suspicions and the legal ramifications of failing to do so.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare will conduct these trainings throughout the remainder of the year as part of its ongoing child safeguarding initiatives. Upon completion, participants will receive certificates from the Director of Social Development and Welfare.
Looking ahead, the Department is excited to announce the upcoming implementation of safeguarding licenses for all groups working with children, including but not limited to daycare centers, youth groups, and youth camps. These licenses will play a crucial role in upholding high standards of care and safety in all settings that serve children. The safeguarding license will ensure that individuals working with children are trained to recognize, prevent, and respond to signs of abuse and neglect. It will also enforce adherence to law mandates for child safeguarding, such as background checks, continuous education, and specialized training. Facility owners will also be responsible for ensuring that their facilities meet the required safeguarding standards. This initiative is a vital step in safeguarding the well-being of children throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare is dedicated to safeguarding all children and young people and will continue to provide support through education, advocacy, and services to those working in childcare settings.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare is dedicated to safeguarding the safety and well-being of children and young people. We will continue to offer support through education, advocacy, and services for those working in childcare settings. Our mission is to foster a safe and healthy environment for every child.
The Department of Youth Affairs shares National Youth Week Activities.
This September, the Turks & Caicos will observe Youth Week. In recent years, the community has been plagued with violence, particularly among Youth. It is a significant concern that requires urgent attention and intervention. It is important to explore innovative and effective solutions that empower young individuals to reclaim their communities and foster environments favorable to peace and collaboration. Considering this positive approach, the theme for National Week Celebrations 2024 is "Reclaiming Our Community- Youth Solutions to Violence". The goal is to continue to explore various strategies that can be used to mitigate youth violence, underlining the importance of community engagement, education, and the cultivation of resilience.
Commenting on the National Youth Week Activities for 2024, The Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Library Services commented, "By empowering Youth to take initiative, communities can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility that is crucial for sustainable change. Moreover, youth engagement can lead to innovative problem-solving approaches that are often overlooked by traditional leadership. For example, young people may be more adept at utilizing technology and social media to spread awareness and mobilize their peers, thereby amplifying their impact".
National Youth Week 2024's key features are the upskilling opportunities focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and employment. These sessions will target employable-aged Youth, as well as our 4th and 5th formers, exposing them to various presentations by key stakeholders, focused panel discussions, and breakout sessions promoting interviewing and resume writing skills. Furthermore, there will be a deep dive into how art and music can be used as a tool for Youth to express themselves safely and emotionally. This year will also feature the famous Youth Week speech competition.
Additionally, a major highlight is the extensive collaboration with key agencies that focus on intervention, rehabilitation, and child safeguarding. We seize this opportunity to thank the Departments of Social Development & Welfare, Rehabilitation & Community Services, Community Policing Unit, and the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force for their partnership.
The Department of Youth Affairs encourages the Youth and community to support the Family Fun Day, commencing with a Peace March, as we work together to reclaim our communities. In addition, the Department promotes youth engagement by inviting school bands, choirs, cultural groups, and performing arts groups to showcase their talents.
The attached infographics provide logistical details on the various events across the country. The Department of Youth Affairs encourages the community to contact the Department of Youth Affairs representative on the respective islands for further information.
9 dead, thousands injured after pagers explode across Lebanon: Health officials
At least nine people are dead and over 2,750 people injured after pager devices owned by a large number of workers in various Hezbollah units and institutions exploded on Tuesday, according to Lebanese officials and the group.
Hezbollah blamed Israel for the attack and vowed it would respond. The apparent attack comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
The dead and injured included people who are not members of Hezbollah, such as a 10-year-old girl killed in the eastern village of Saraain, according to Hezbollah-owned Al-Ahed News. Two Hezbollah members were also dead, the outlet reported.
Source-ABC
Mariah Carey is "doing her best" following family deaths, says ex Nick Cannon
Following the loss of both her mother and her sister in August, Mariah Carey is "doing the best that she possibly can." That's according to her ex-husband Nick Cannon, the father of her twins, Monroe and Moroccan.
On Aug. 27, Mariah revealed to People, "My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day.” Her mom, Patricia, was 87; her sister, Alison, was 63. Their respective causes of death haven't been revealed.
Cannon tells Page Six, "She’s doing the best that she possibly can, considering the circumstances. But as a family, we just got to be there to support one another, show love.”
He added, "She’s really having a great time with the kids. That is, you know, the most important thing in the world to her, so it’s outstanding to see them supporting their mom the way they do.”
According to her Instagram, Mariah took the twins with her when she performed in Beijing, China, on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16; she has a show in São Paulo, Brazil, on Sept. 20.
Meanwhile, Nick tells Page Six the fact that the twins are now teenagers is hard to get used to.
“My daughter, she’s wearing makeup now ... it scared me,” he said of Monroe. "Like, we were getting ready to go, we’re in Malibu about to go to dinner, and I was like, ‘What is taking her so long?’” The Masked Singer host said when he went to check, he found tons of hair and makeup products in her bedroom.
"I was like, ‘Wow, you’re just like your mom,’” he recalled. “It’s beautiful to see, but scary all at the same time.”
Source-ABC
BAHAMAS Government to sign new agreement for 400 room hotel
The Bahamas government says it expects to sign on Tuesday, a heads of agreement with Baha Mar for the construction of a new 400-room hotel in the country.
Baha Mar, which is located in the Cable Beach area of New Providence, opened the Grand Hyatt in 2017 with the openings of SLS and Rosewood following months after.
Prime Minister Phillip Davis said his administration hopes the agreement will be signed on Tuesday “or very shortly, we are going to be signing a heads of agreement with Baha Mar where they are going to be developing next door, another 400 rooms, where they have taken down Melia.
“That will be replaced with a 400-room hotel plus 70 luxury condos with amenities,” said Prime Minister Davis, who appeared on the ZNS TV show “The Rundown” on Monday night.
He told television viewers that he met with the owner last Christmas “because I was attempting to get them to open Melia.
‘I’ll do something better Mr. Davis. I’m going to break it down and build something new for you. He kept the promise,” Davis said, as he responded to criticism that his administration’s ongoing battle with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is harming investor confidence in the Caribbean country.
Davis has argued that the GBPA is not living up to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and is failing the residents of Freeport. The government also claims that the Port owes it US$357 million, a claim the GBPA has rejected.
Source-CMC
Women to receive record prize money for 2024 T20 World Cup
The 10 countries participating in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup will receive a substantial boost in prize money with more than US$5 million being dished out compared to the 2023 tournament.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced that the winners of the competition slated to be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20, will take home a staggering US$2.34 million, marking a 134 percent increase from the $1 million awarded to the champions, Australia, in 2023.
Additionally, the runners-up will walk away with US$1.17 million and the semi-finalists will receive US$675,000 each, more than three times their 2023 payout.
The overall prize totals US$7,958,080, a massive increase on the US$2.45 million dished out last year.
The prize money extends beyond the knockout stages, as each group stage win will now be rewarded with US$31,154, reflecting a 78 percent increase from last year’s US$17,500.
Furthermore, teams that exit during the group stage won’t leave empty-handed.
A base prize of US$112,500 was awarded to all 10 participating teams, totaling $1.125 million. This ensures that every team receives substantial support for their participation, no matter where they finish.
Teams finishing fifth to eighth will earn US$270,000 each, and teams finishing ninth and 10th earn US$135,000 each.
These changes underscore the ICC’s commitment to growing and recognizing women’s cricket, ensuring that all teams and players are well-supported.
“This historic prize rewards not only aligns with the ICC’s vision for parity between the men’s and women’s games but also further elevates the status of the Women’s T20 World Cup as one of the premier events in the calendar,” the ICC said in its press release.
US names CARICOM countries as major transit or drug producing countries
President Joe Biden has named four Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries among a list of countries designated as major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries for the fiscal year 2025.
Biden named The Bahamas, Belize, Haiti, and Jamaica among the countries as major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries, including countries that are a significant direct source of precursor chemicals used in the production of certain drugs and substances significantly affecting the United States.
The other countries named are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
Biden said he is acting under the authority vested in him under the President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 706(1) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228) (FRAA).
Source-CMC