Dominica signs multi-million dollar loan for improving the capital
Dominica has signed a US$41 million loan agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) for a project aimed at enhancing the capital, Roseau, and which the government said will play a major role in the future socio-economic development of the island.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, speaking at the signing ceremony held over the weekend, said that the Roseau Enhancement Project is a “major investment in the future of the capital city and by extension the future of Dominica.
“We have long recognized that for our nation to flourish, we must build modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. Several large-scale initiatives are currently underway and others are about to commence in the country and the Roseau Enhancement Project is a key component of our vision for long ter sustainable development,” Skerrit said.
“Our efforts in the capital will stimulate local businesses and open doors for new enterprises, creating more jobs and opportunities for everyone. Equally important is the chance to enhance the quality of life for our residents,” he said, adding “This initiative is not only about esthetics but about creating a space where people want to work, lie and invest in the future”.
SFD chief executive officer, Sultan Al-Marshad, said the signing of the agreement “marks a significant milestone with the signing of the first development loan agreement worth US$41 million.
“The project will help improve road connectivity, reduce traffic, enhance safety…and contribute to the residential and commercial development. Additionally, it will create many job opportunities and will help for the tourism sector,” he said, adding “This project will act as a driver for social and economic growth and improve the quality of life for the people of Dominica”.
The loan has a 2.5 percent interest rate, and eight-year grace period, and a 28-year repayment period.
Source-CMC
Trump is "safe" after gunshots near his Florida golf club, campaign says
The FBI is investigating what it called an "attempted assassination" of former President Donald Trump after Secret Service agents fired at a man with a weapon on or near Trump's Florida golf course on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Donald Trump's campaign says the former president is "safe." Law enforcement sources told ABC News a suspect is in custody.
A Secret Service source told ABC News a suspect was spotted on the periphery of the golf course with a high powered rifle. Secret Service agents fired and the source dropped the gun and fled.
The source said the suspect got into a vehicle and witnesses reported the license plate number which was tracked by authorities. The person was stopped and taken into custody.
The senior law enforcement source said the suspect appeared to be aiming what they called an "assault-style rifle" weapon before Secret Service fired shots. The suspect's weapon was recovered, the official said. It was not clear if the suspect was aiming the weapon at Trump.
The shooting occurred near Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to sources familiar with the matter. Trump was at the club at the time.
Shortly after the incident, Trump sent a fundraising email saying that he was safe and well and that no one was hurt.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the "security incident at the Trump International Golf Course," the White House said in a statement Sunday.
Source-ABC
Deceased Male identified in the TCI
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Serious Crime Unit has identified Barnabas Norbert as the victim of yesterday evening’s homicide.
Mr Norbert, 60, of Blue Hills, Providenciales, was killed shortly after 9 pm. Initial police reports indicated that the Police Control Room received reports that gunshots were heard near Phase One in Blue Hills, Providenciales.
Officers, along with medical personnel, responded and, upon arrival at the given location, noticed that two males had sustained what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
Mr. Norbert was deceased, while another male, age 29, was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
The RTCIPF extends condolences to Mr. Norbert's relatives and friends.
While at the scene of the homicide, officers received information shortly after 10 pm of an aggravated burglary in the area.
A male victim had arrived home when he was accosted by two armed men who proceeded to rob him of valuables. The armed suspects ran off and escaped.
Shortly after 2 am today (September 15), the Police Control Room received a report of a robbery at a restaurant in Kew Town.
Reports are that three males, one of whom was armed with a firearm, approached employees as they were closing the establishment and robbed them of a black Honda Fit car. The vehicle was recovered in Dock Yard today.
These incidents remain under active investigation as the RTCIPF intensifies its efforts against criminal elements.
We are asking anyone with information that may help in these investigations 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.
Taiwan expresses “great sadness” after a tranker truck explodes in Haiti
Taiwan Monday expressed “great sadness” following the explosion of a tanker truck last Saturday, killing 26 people and leaving more than 60 others injured.
In a statement, the Embassy of Taiwan said that “it is with great sadness that we learned of the tragic explosion of a tanker truck on September 14, which killed 26 people and injured 53.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. We commend the efforts of the rescue teams and medical professionals who, with courage and dedication, continue to come to the aid of those affected by this tragedy,” said Taipei, adding that it “remains in solidarity with the Haitian people in these difficult times”.
According to police reports, in the midst of the tragedy, some residents, unaware of the danger, were recovering the fuel that was leaking from the tanker truck following the deadly accident with another truck.
The Civil Protection Directorate (DPC) of the town of Nippes, to the south of here, proceeded to the partial activation of the Departmental Emergency Operation Center (COUD) to ensure the coordination and control of operations
Prime Minister Garry Conille convened an emergency meeting following the tragedy, adding “I am truly sorry for the explosion of the gasoline tanker that occurred in Miragoâne.
“This is a horrible scene, what I have just witnessed,” he said after visiting the scene of the tragedy.
In 2021, at least 75 people were killed in Haiti’s second largest city Cap Haitien, when another fuel truck overturned and unleashed a fireball that swept through several homes and businesses that were built closely next to each other.
Source-CMC
Lawyers urge public to refrain from circulating video in TNT
Lawyers in a domestic situation involving a police officer and his wife, are warning members of the public from distributing a video on social media showing the police officer being confronted by his wife over his alleged infidelity.
Attorneys Shiva Boodoo and Roshni Balkaran say the six-minute-long video, which has since been shared multiple times, “was filmed strictly for private usage by our clients and its publication and reproduction was not so authorised”.
Some social media users have been creating various memes and skits poking fun at the officer, who is seen in the video sitting silently on a couch and staring blankly at his wife during the confrontation.
The officer’s parents were also present as the woman gave alleged details of how she came to know of her husband’s infidelity with a 23-year-old woman, who had gone to a police station to make a report of domestic violence about a year ago.
The lawyers in their notice, which not issued from either of the parties to the other, called on “all members of the public” to cease and desist from further sharing the video.
“We take this opportunity to place members of the public on notice that the said video was filmed strictly for private usage by our clients and its publication and reproduction was not so authorised and as such, we ask that you refrain from sharing the same via Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram or any other social media platforms as it has caused much distress to our clients as their images have been plastered across various forms of social media without their consent,” the lawyers added.
The lawyers said that they are hoping that members of the public would desist from further sharing the video, and looked forward to their cooperation “as the continued sharing of the said video only serves to exacerbate and inflame a sensitive issue which was meant to be treated privately in the first place”.
After the video became public, the other woman recorded and shared a video of her own in an attempt to clear her name.
Source-CMC
Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrested by federal agents in New York City
Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested Monday night in New York City by federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations, multiple sources told ABC News.
A federal grand jury in Manhattan returned an indictment against Combs, which set in motion his arrest, sources told ABC News
The charges remain sealed.
Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, addressed the news in a statement, calling it "an unjust prosecution."
"We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Sean 'Diddy' Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community," the statement read. "He is an imperfect person, but he Is not a criminal. To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court."
Combs has been under investigation for the better part of a year since his longtime former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, came forward with allegations in a civil lawsuit. At least 10 additional lawsuits followed. Combs has denied the allegations in all of them
Back in March, Combs' Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by federal agents, authorities previously said.
A Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson said in a statement at the time that the raid was executed as part of an "ongoing investigation."
Law enforcement sources told ABC News, also in late March, that federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations seized a number of electronic devices as part of the court-authorized searches of Combs' two properties.
The searches, carried out in Los Angeles and Miami, were part of a federal sex trafficking investigation into the hip-hop and liquor mogul, the sources said.
HSI agents flooded Combs' mansions and gathered evidence as part of an investigation led by prosecutors with the Southern District of New York.
Several women have filed civil lawsuits against Combs accusing him of rape, sex trafficking and other alleged abuses. He has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.
Source-ABC
TCIG SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS JUDICIAL REVIEW APPLICATION BROUGHT BY FORTIS TCI LTD AGAINST THE ENERGY AND UTILITIES COMMISSIONER
On 8th November 2023, Fortis TCI Limited (“Fortis”) brought judicial review proceedings against the current Energy and Utilities Commissioner and Her Excellency, the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands alleging that the Commissioner has a personal background in and a vested financial interest in the supply of solar installations which was incompatible with his role as the Commissioner under the Electricity Ordinance and proposed new Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill and was therefore affected by apparent bias. Fortis also challenged Her Excellency the Governor’s decision not to reconsider the continued appointment of the current Energy and Utilities Commissioner considering their allegations.
Fortis urged the Supreme Court to:
i. Declare that the Commissioner is subject to apparent bias and so should recuse himself from all matters concerning Fortis, as a result, and thereby that it is impractical for the Commissioner to continue in office.
ii. An order of mandamus directing the Governor to consider whether the Commissioner can continue in that post in light of those allegations.
Following many months of arguments about whether the matter should be allowed to go ahead at all, the Governor was removed from the proceedings because she was not the correct party, and the Deputy Governor was substituted. The substantive Judicial Review Hearing took place on 20th June 2024 during which the Court heard arguments from both sides and had the benefit of substantial affidavit evidence from both sides.
In a decisive ruling, delivered on 19th July 2024, His Lordship Mr. Justice Chris Selochan found in favor of the Government, affirming that there was no evidence to support the claims of apparent bias against the Energy and Utilities Commissioner.
While the written ruling is pending the Court read out in open court a summary of its decision to dismiss Fortis’ application for judicial review.
The central issue the Court had to ask itself was whether the Commissioner should be disqualified from holding that position on the grounds of his interest in a company involved in solar energy in the Bahamas.
The Hon. Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE KC, Principal Crown Counsel Clemar Hippolyte, and Senior Crown Counsel, Khadija Mac Farlane made robust arguments and provided affidavit evidence demonstrating the Commissioner’s early disclosures, compliance with the Integrity Commission’s advice and his general adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Having agreed that the test for apparent bias was not whether Fortis or any other interested party thought there was bias but rather whether the fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts, would conclude that there was a real possibility that the decision-maker was biased, the Court found that the fair-minded and informed observer would consider, inter alia, the following:
1. The position of the Commissioner requires specialist knowledge and experience;
2. The TCIG and Fortis had on 22 April 2022 signed a climate change charter that predated the Commissioner’s appointment;
3. The Commissioner’s role and functions do not primarily involve the formulation of policy.
While the fair-minded observer may have concerns about the Commissioner’s involvement in his company in the Bahamas, these concerns are assuaged by the fact that the Commissioner disclosed the same to the TCIG and the Integrity Commission at the earliest opportunity.
The Court also stated that it cannot be disputed that the Commissioner’s role involves interfacing with Fortis on energy-related issues, however, the Court was of the view that the fair-minded and informed observer would not conclude that the Commissioner was involved in advancing the cause of renewable energy for his self-interest.
The Court was of the view that the fair-minded and informed observer would find that the fact of the Commissioner having a business in the Bahamas as opposed to the Turks and Caicos Islands, was too tenuous of a link to establish apparent bias.
The Court further found that the fair-minded and informed observer would also note that the Commissioner sent several correspondences to the Integrity Commission seeking to clarify advice from the Integrity Commission upon taking up his office and had adhered to that advice.
The Court was therefore not satisfied that the Commissioner was subject to apparent bias and dismissed Fortis’ application for judicial review.
The Minister for Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Kyle Knowles said “The Government is undertaking significant reforms in the energy and utilities sector which will build a firm foundation for a strong energy future in the Islands. The Government’s successful defense in this matter signals that whilst the Government remains committed to maintaining the integrity and transparency of its regulatory processes, independent judicial scrutiny of the Deputy Governor’s decision not to remove the current Commissioner in the face of the allegations brought by Fortis, give credence to the Government’s well-placed confidence in the professionalism, fairness, and impartiality of the current Energy and Utilities Commissioner’s actions. The Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all officials perform their duties in keeping with the highest ethical and professional standards. This ruling is a testament to the rigorous standards of accountability and transparency that the Government strives to maintain.”
Commenting on the ruling, the Honourable Attorney General said, “We are incredibly pleased with the Court’s decision, which confirms our position that the Deputy Governor and the Energy and Utilities Commissioner acted appropriately throughout, without bias and in full compliance with the law. This outcome reaffirms my Chambers’ dedication to assisting TCIG decision-makers to ensure that their decision-making is sound, fair, and impartial. It also affirms the advice of the Compliance Unit of the Integrity Commission which had earlier considered the circumstances and advised the Commissioner on handling. The Commissioner, having acted faithfully in keeping with that advice, is also vindicated. We are relieved for the Commissioner who ably withstood the personal and professional pressures this challenge brought yet continued to press forward with the Government’s agenda in the face of it.”
WATER UNDERTAKING LAUNCHES NEWSLETTER
The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, in partnership with the Water Undertaking Department, is thrilled to announce the launch of our Water Undertaking Newsletter. This series is designed to educate and inform our valued customers about water-related things.
The newsletter will give customers insights and updates on the latest initiatives and projects across our service territories (Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos). It will also feature helpful tips and informational nuggets on various water-related topics. Each edition will highlight what’s happening in the Department and what can be expected shortly.
Water is a precious resource, and we are committed to promoting its wise and responsible use. This newsletter aims to encourage safe water practices for effective us and conservation.
Murray to retire after Paris Olympics
Andy Murray has confirmed he will retire from tennis after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 37-year-old is planning to play in the singles and doubles at what will be his fifth Games.
"Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament," Murray wrote on X.
"Competing for Team GB has been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I'm extremely proud to get to do it one final time!"
The Scot's first Games appearance was in Beijing in 2008, when he lost in straight sets to Lu Yen-hsun in the first round.
Four years later, Murray swiftly put the disappointment of a Wimbledon final defeat by Roger Federer behind him, defeating the
Swiss in straight sets at London 2012 to win gold.
The Briton became the first male tennis player to win two Olympic singles titles when he beat Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro at Rio 2016.
"Sir Andy has lived and breathed the values of tennis throughout his long career, championing equality and helping to send the message that our sport is for everyone," International Tennis Federation president David Haggerty said.
"Sir Andy's love of tennis will see him continue to be involved in helping to grow and develop our sport globally."
The three-time Grand Slam winner had career-saving hip surgery in January 2019.
Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion, played competitively at SW19 for one last time earlier this month when he was knocked out of the doubles in the first round alongside his brother Jamie.
A back injury had threatened Murray's participation at Wimbledon and he left it until the final moment before pulling out of the singles. He had hoped to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu, but she pulled out of that planned pairing because of a wrist injury concern.
Speaking after his defeat at Wimbledon, Murray said: "It is hard because I want to keep playing, but I can't.
"Physically it's too tough now. I want to play forever. I love the sport."
Source-BBC
CrowdStrike shares hit again as IT disruption continues
Shares in cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike have plunged more than 13% as the company reckons with the aftermath of causing a global IT outage.
Chief security officer Shawn Henry said the incident had been a "gut punch" for the firm, which had previously been one of the most trusted names in the industry.
"We let down the very people we committed to protect, and to say we’re devastated is a huge understatement,“ he said.
Many businesses are still recovering after a faulty "content update" last week crashed 8.5 million Microsoft Windows computers around the world.
The issue has required manual reboots in some cases.
Mr Henry, a former FBI executive assistant director, said the weekend had been “the most challenging 48 hours” of his 12 years at the company.
He promised it would use the incident as an opportunity to “emerge better and stronger than ever”.
“The confidence we built in drips over the years was lost in buckets within hours, and it was a gut punch,” he said in a LinkedIn post on Monday.
“But this pales in comparison to the pain we've caused our customers and our partners."
Delta Airlines, one of the most affected firms, had cancelled more than 4,000 flights since Friday, including more than 800 on Monday, according to outside tracking firm, Flight Aware.
That was far more than any other airline.
Delta on Monday said more than half of its IT systems were Windows-based and required manual repair. It said the software it uses to direct staffing for flights was requiring the most time and manual support to fix.
“We’ve got everyone around the company working around the clock to get this operation where it needs to be,” Delta boss Ed Bastian said in a video message to employees on Monday.
A day earlier, he apologised to customers, as US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned the government had received complaints about "continued disruptions and unacceptable customer service" at the firm.
Other entities, such as the UK's National Health Service, have said their systems were operating more normally.
Speaking to the House of Commons on Monday, Cabinet Office Minister Ellie Reeves said that the majority of sectors affected by the CrowdStrike bug had mostly recovered, including aviation, railroads, and maritime systems.
But she warned that some “minor disruption" would continue, including at the NHS.
She added that the government would work with the National Cyber Security Centre and other partners “to review the lessons learned”.
The incident showed how dependent the modern world is on “complex and interconnected IT systems and how essential preparedness for such events is”, the minister told MPs.
Founded in 2011, CrowdStrike boasts some 29,000 customers around the world, including government agencies in the US and UK and some of the world's biggest companies.
Shares in the firm were up nearly 40% this year before the incident hit.