Zimbabwe Polls Close on Constitution Referendum
Polls have closed in Zimbabwe on a referendum for a new constitution that would limit the terms of a president for the first time in the country's history.
The proposed constitution would allow presidents to serve only two five-year terms.
Eighty-nine-year-old President Robert Mugabe and his rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, both support the draft constitution, so it is expected to be approved. Authorities say they expect the official results of the referendum within five days.
Mr. Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe for more than three decades, and even under the new constitution, he could remain on the job another 10 years, if re-elected.
Prime Minister Tsvangirai says the new constitution will provide proper checks and balances in the government.
"This is a new political dispensation. And I hope it is setting a new political culture: from the culture of impunity to the culture of constitutionalism.''
The two men entered into a power-sharing agreement to govern Zimbabwe following deadly violence that marred elections in 2008, but they have remained at odds. Scattered violence has occurred ahead of Saturday's referendum.
The new constitution would clear the way for presidential and parliamentary elections later this year, ending the power-sharing deal and curbing some presidential powers. A new constitution would replace the 1980 blueprint written for the country when Zimbabwe gained its independence from Britain.
Trinidad journalist fired for posting “racist” remarks on Facebook
Journalist Darryl Heeralal was dismissed Monday after he posted racist remarks on his Facebook page regarding protest action by residents of a poor neighbourhood following a vehicular accident that left four people dead, including a mother and her two daughters, on Sunday.
Police have identified those killed as 27-year-old Hady Paul, her children eight year old Akasha and seven year old Shakira. One unidentified person later died in hospital.
WIN Communications, which runs a television station here, said that it was “shocked, taken aback and in many ways repulsed by comments” made by the journalist, it described as a freelancer.
“WIN Communications wants to condemn in the strongest possible way such statements. They in no way reflect the views of this company, its management or any of its employees,” the company said in a statement.
According to the Facebook postings attributed to the journalist who said “I make no apologies” there were also calls for citizens to shoot the protestors in the head “and plant cabbage on them”.
Win Communications said that the media are charged with a “very sacred responsibility, one that puts the onus on us to represent the views of all the people.
“That responsibility is even deeper in countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, which comprises a mixture of ethnic as well as social groups. Even more than politicians, the Media in Trinidad and Tobago must guard jealously the fundamental values that allow us to transcend racism and divisiveness, and champion the cause of togetherness and national unity.
“WIN Communications believes deeply in those fundamental principles, and we have worked assiduously to safeguard that,” it added.
“It is an affront to every employee in this company, as it is to the country as a whole, to make statements that seek to divide or condemn along lines of race. Even worse in a way that seems to incite violence against any particular race,” the company said, adding that it had held discussions with Heeralal, who “who will no longer be affiliated with Win Communications in any capacity”.
Meanwhile, police said that they had been able to clear sections of the Beetham Highway on Monday after the residents staged a second day of protest following the incident in which a vehicle driven by an off duty police officer crashed into the pedestrians.
On Sunday, police used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the angry residents who complained of a cover-up by police and accused the driver of being drunk at the time of the accident.
National Security Minister Austin “JacK” Warner also visited the area on Monday and like the police promised a full investigation into the accident.
Caribbean 360
Haiti's judicial system a concern for Amnesty International
As a judge summons former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier to appear in court on Thursday after defying previous orders, a special advisor with the international human rights group, Amnesty International, is expressing concern about Haiti’s judicial system.
“In Haiti, where the judiciary still suffers from structural deficiencies inherited from the dictatorship years, bringing former President Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier to justice over his alleged responsibility for crimes, such as torture, killings and disappearances during his time in office is proving particularly challenging,” said Javier Zúñiga.
He said the former leader showed contempt for the justice system and victims by failing to appear at two previous hearings for his alleged involvement in those crimes.
Magistrate Jean Joseph Lebrun has since issued a summons for him to appear in court this week to determine whether Duvalier should again face charges for human rights abuses committed during the nearly 15 years of his brutal regime.
Zúñiga said the backdrop to the case “sees Haitian authorities showing little real interest in pressing for Duvalier to be held accountable for his actions”.
He pointed to several public statements in which President Michel Martelly has hinted at pardoning Duvalier and said the former Haitian leader has continued to take part in public events, “despite having being placed under house arrest while charges against him are investigated.
“Just as troubling, Duvalier was recently granted a diplomatic passport, a further sign that other powers of the state are inclined to ensure impunity from prosecution for the former dictator.
“This is despite the fact that there seems sufficient evidence to prosecute Duvalier for widespread arbitrary detentions, torture, deaths in custody, killings and disappearances that took place under his regime,” he added.
Crime Stoppers International to focus on Trafficking in Human Beings at International Conference
The date has been set for the 34th Annual Crime Stoppers International Conference to be held in Barbados.
A number of enforcement aganecies such as such INTERPOL, UN Office of Drugs & Crime (UNODC), UNICEF and others will attend the September 29th – October 2nd 2013 confernc which will be held under the theme Re-inventing for the Future”.
At this event and over the strategically over the next three yers, Cirm Stoppers International will focus on:
1) Corruption, Financial Crimes and the Financing of Terrorism. Issues that will be addressed include Money Laundering, Payment Card Fraud, Bribery, Embezzlement etc. At the Conference we are aiming to sensitize our members of the types of interventions that we wish to embark upon in this area.
2) Crimes Against Children and Trafficking in Human Beings. Issues which will be addressed include; cyber bullying, child sexual abuse and trafficking. In the area of Human Trafficking, it should be noted that the global news agency CNN has already confirmed their attendance and will be delivering a presentation on the Freedom Project. We are currently in discussions with the CNN Freedom Project to determine the role that each individual local Crime Stoppers program can play in helping to end modern day slavery.
3) Intellectual Property (IP) Crimes and Trafficking in Illicit Goods. In this regard, we are partnering with organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL)/INTERPOL to determine the type of interventions that we as Crime Stoppers can undertake.
In addition to the above, delegates will also have the option to attend specialized 3-hour training sessions in the areas of: strategic planning, proposal preparation and project planning, website and social media, investigating intellectual property crimes, and human trafficking sensitization.
Machel escapes jail time!
Machel Montano has been ordered to pay a total of $27,200 in fines and compensation in the assault case which saw victim, Russel Pollanais hospitalized for some time.
The soca ambassador was found guilty on five charges- four of which were for assaulting Zen nightclub patrons Gerard Bowrin, Brandis Browne, Janelle Lee Chee, and Russell Pollonais in April, 2007.
The fifth charge was for Montano’s use of obscene language.
Fellow accused Kernel Roberts- the son of the late Lord Aldwyn ‘Kitchener’ Roberts., was ordered to pay a total of $24,000 in fines and compensation.
Integrity Commission issues Guidance
The Integrity Commission has announced it has prepared and issued guidance notes for registered political parties and candidates taking part in the by-election on the 22nd of March for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, Electoral District 7. The guidance notes cover donation and expenditure limits permitted during the by-election period and the reporting requirements following the election.
The guidance notes also cover the requirements for notices to be submitted to the Commission by nominated candidates - and the subsequent declarations which will need to be filed by the successful candidate thereafter. The reporting requirements are designed not to place any significant additional burden on the parties or individual candidates. Political parties already have to record daily donation and expenditure information throughout the financial year. The guidance notes have already been sent to the political parties. They are available on the Commission’s page of the government website: www.gov.tc. Hard-copies can also be obtained at the Commissions office in Grand Turk.
Eugene Otuonye QC, Director of the Integrity Commission told RTC News the Commission was conscious of the relatively short timeframe available to the parties. It was with this in mind that it was trying to minimize the burden placed on parties and candidates and also to ensure transparency and consistency in the process.
Rotary Club moves ahead in TCI
Providenciales Rotary Club of reports it has had a busy month. Various projects are in the pipeline or completed. The eye glass project is underway with 102 students to be tested on Wednesday, March 20th, at the IanthePratt Primary School.
Eleven of those students will be provided eye glasses free of charge by the Rotary Club and Dr. Julian Petrucci of Menzies Medical. Students at Enid Capron Primary School will be tested next week on Wednesday, February 27th starting at 9am. Dr. Julian has kindly donated his time and expertise in the testing of the students and will continue in North and Middle Caicos on March 6th and at the Oseta Jolly Primary School on March 13th.
The Rotary Club is also responsible for the placement of reflectors on all 16 of the speed bumps in Blue Hills giving motorists warning of the speed bumps all along Blue Hills Road. On Saturday February 23rd at 6am the Rotary Club will be carrying out a clean-up in 5 Cays and will place garbage bins along the road throughout the settlement to help in the task of keeping 5 Cays clean. The Rotary Club holds bingo every Sunday at Club Pillows starting at 8pm to raise funds for the various community projects the club undertakes each year.
The Club says it would like to thank the community for its support in helping Rotarians to continue doing their good works locally, regionally and globally.
Captain Bravo ready to lead from front
Dwayne Bravo is looking to lead from the front when he takes the West Indies team into battle against Zimbabwe in the opening contest of the three-match One-Day International Series.
The match signals the start of the International Home Series 2013 and also marks a return of international cricket to the Grenada National Stadium after four years. First ball today is 09:30hrs (8:30 am Jamaica Time).
Bravo said the team’s preparations over the last two days have been good and Windies fans can expect a focused and energised home side when they face the visitors.
We have focused on what we have to do to win games for West Indies. We have young and exciting players in our team and we are looking forward to these matches. I am happy to be captaining the West Indies team and I see it as an honour to do this job. I will bring the energy and will look to lead from the front and inspire the team to win,” Bravo said.
“We’re calling all the fans in Grenada to come out and enjoy three good matches as we look to play some good cricket and bring some entertainment to our supporters. We enjoy playing for our fans. We haven’t played here for a while so it’s good to be back and everyone is looking forward to what’s in store.”
The livewire allrounder was all smiles as he spoke to members of the local and international media on Thursday afternoon when he unveiled the sparkling series trophy with Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor. The 29-year-old Bravo is now in his 10th year representing West Indies and takes over as ODI skipper in the absence of Darren Sammy.
The Windies last played in the Spice Isle back in 2009 during a Test Series against Bangladesh, and their return is being eagerly anticipated on the island. Newly-elected Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has also announced a Public Holiday on Friday following Tuesday’s General Elections.
“This is a brand new series for us and we are playing at home. We are coming up against an opposition that is hungry for success and this will be a good series. It is good to be playing in front our home fans, who we know will support us. There is a Public Holiday on Friday and we expect a good turn-out. We just want to do our part, play well, be consistent and come out on top,” Bravo said.
“We have to give respect to the Zimbabwe team. They are a good team. The last time they came here they were leading the ODI series at one stage and we had to fight back to defeat them. We have to remember that. They have some good players in their set-up.”
WEST INDIES SQUAD – Dwayne Bravo (Captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Narsingh Deonarine, Sunil Narine, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Ramnaresh Sarwan.
T&T athlete charged with indecent assault
Marathon runner Cantius Thomas has appeared in court charged with indecent assault. Thomas, 46, of Gonzales Circular Road, Belmont, pleaded not guilty to the charge that March 11, 2012, at Lady Chancellor Hill, Maraval, he indecently assaulted a woman.
Represented by attorney Christian Chandler, Thomas stood with his eyes downcast when the matter was called on Wednesday before Magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gafoor in the Port-of-Spain Seventh Court.
With no objections to bail from Sgt Wayne Mohammed, Chandler appealed for reasonable bail for Thomas, who has no prior convictions or pending matters. Revealing to the court Thomas had been employed as a utility technician at the National Flour Mills for the past ten years, Chandler said his achievements in his sporting career were testament to his commitment and dedication to sports, as he had represented T&T regionally and internationally.
Chandler told the court that Thomas, a member of the Once-A-Week Running Club, was a “humble” man. He appealed for reasonable bail or a cash alternative. Ordering Thomas to refrain from communicating with the victim, Baboolal-Gafoor set bail at $25,000 with a surety. He will reappear on March 20.
Woods & McIlory ousted
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods knocked out in the first round of the Match Play Championship? Not many would have given that a snowball's chance in the desert.
Almost as surprising as the freakish snowstorm on Dove Mountain was the sight of golf's two biggest stars heading to the airport, only the second time in the 15-year history of this wild tournament that No. 1 and No. 2 didn't last more than a day.
Shane Lowry of Ireland chipped in twice and drilled a fairway metal to 3 feet to seize control, and then knocked out McIlroy with a bunker shot to 4 feet to save par on the final hole. Just as the shock was wearing off, Charles Howell III came up with kind of shots he's used to seeing Woods make in the clutch -- a wedge that stopped inches from the cup on the 15th hole, and a 25-foot birdie on the 16th that carried him to a 2-and-1 victory.
"It's definitely a day I'm going to remember," said Lowry, the third player in the last four years to eliminate the No. 1 seed in the opening round.
"I had nothing to lose," Howell said.
The biggest loser Thursday might have been NBC Sports, which lost the two biggest draws.
Not even Phil Mickelson can save the day. He's not playing this year.
Howell had not faced Woods in match play since he was 17 and lost to him in the third round of the 1996 U.S. Amateur. He said he had never beaten him even in the dozens of casual games they played over the years at Isleworth before Woods moved away to south Florida.
What a time to change that losing streak.
Howell, who qualified for this World Golf Championship for the first time in five years, played a fabulous round in cold conditions. They matched scores 10 times in 14 holes before Howell came through with back-to-back birdies.
"In this format, match play is crazy," Howell said. "He's Tiger Woods. I was lucky to hang in there."
The final matches were played in near darkness, and they could have stopped after 15 holes. Woods wanted to play on, even though Howell had the momentum. Woods was 2 under for the day, and neither of them made a bogey.
"We both played well," Woods said. "He made a couple of more birdies than I did. He played well, and he's advancing."
McIlroy, the No. 1 player in the world, built a 2-up lead early in the match until Lowry rallied and grabbed the momentum by chipping in for birdie on the par-5 11th to avoid falling behind, chipping in from behind the 12th green for birdie and then ripping a fairway metal to within a few feet for a conceded eagle on the 13th to go 2 up.
Lowry missed a short par putt on the 14th, only for McIlroy to give away the next hole with a tee shot into the desert and a bunker shot that flew over the 15th green and into a cactus. But the two-time major champion hung tough, coming up with a clutch birdie on the 16th to stay in the game.
McIlroy nearly holed his bunker on the 18th, and Lowry followed with a steady shot out to 4 feet and calmly sank the putt.
"Deep down, I knew I could beat him," Lowry said. "There's a reason I'm here, and this is match play."