House of Assembly on VAT
Moves by the elected Government and the Opposition to vote for the repeal the Interim Administration’s TCI Value Added Tax Ordinance of 2012 have dominated Friday’s meeting of the House of Assembly on Grand Turk.
Both the Premier, the Honorable Dr Rufus Ewing, and the Leader of the Opposition, the Honorable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, spoke at length against the introduction of VAT on April 1st. The Opposition Leader spoke first and referred to what she described the lack of adequate consultation with the public and the Government’s own advisory bodies during 2011 and 2012.
She appealed for democracy to prevail when it was clear almost the entire country rejected VAT. She accused the British Government of not heeding some its own eminent tax experts in the UK and of ignoring the decision of the Cayman Islands and other Caribbean jurisdictions not to introduce VAT. She suggested the current tax regime could be boosted to provide the necessary revenues required by TCIG to both govern the country and pay off its loan commitments.... assisted for example by the current number of people employed in the VAT Uni
The Premier spoke for three quarters of an hour on the issue of Value Added Tax and made it clear the people of the TCI were screaming ‘No’ to it. The elected Government had consulted widely and were satisfied there were suitable alternatives to its introduction. His Government had no choice in their mandate to the electorate to move for the repeal of the 2012 Ordinance.
The lone voice speaking in favour of the 2012 TCI VAT Bill was the member appointed by the Governor, the Honorable Lillian Missick.
Several other members of the House spoke in the debate – all against the introduction of VAT. One that won resounding applause came from the Deputy Speaker the Honorable Josephine Connolly. She said the elected assembly had the moral and constitutional authority to repeal the VAT Ordinance and called on the Secretary of State in London, the Governor, and the Chief Financial Officer to take a step back on an issue that had damaged the standing of UK representatives in the TCI.
Plant pest surveillance programme begin on Grand Turk and North Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government, Plant Health Services Unit commenced its Fruit Fly Surveillance Programme in Grand Turk on January 29, 2013. The programme has been initiated to among other things protect the country’s domestic crop production and to provide an early warning system for potential pest infestation.
The programme was first launched in October 2012 on the North Caicos and after several weeks of monitoring, no fruit flies for other harmful pests have been found. The absence of the flies is always a positive for the program and by extension, the country.
Due to increased pest threat levels in the Caribbean Region, the Department of Agriculture with guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recognised the need for a coordinated approach to the management of fruit flies across all islands to protect TCI’s agriculture and other plant resources.
Fruit Flies are known to attack a wide range of fruit and vegetables mangoes, papaya, orange, guava, tomatoes worldwide. They have the potential to negatively impact TCI’s ability to trade in horticultural, fruit and vegetable produce both domestic and international markets.
Fruit fly traps are currently being placed across North Caicos and Grand Turk respectively, to trap for the purpose of identifying fruit flies and other non-target pests that may be present. The Fruit Fly Surveillance Programme will help the TCI to protect economically important crops and plants; establish pest free areas; implement pest management systems on all islands and assist in efforts to re-evaluate and bolster our bio-security measures to prevent harmful invasion of such pests.
Those residents who see the traps, are being asked NOT to interfere with them. Those used so far are McPhail – they come with a Yellow base and clear top; and the Jackson trap which is made of hard cardboard type material and constructed into a triangular shape.
The Department of Agriculture is also urging the public to support the programme by contacting the department if they see maggots on fruits or adult flies on fresh produce. Please call or write to the Department of Agriculture at planthealthservicestci@gmail.com or 649-946-5801 to report your sightings.
Advocates Legal Group attacked Attorney General Huw Shepheard
A group of TCI lawyers calling itself Advocates Legal Group has today attacked Attorney General Huw Shepheard for issuing a warning last week which they claim amounted to intimidation and threats to freedom of speech.
The Attorney General spoke of irresponsible and scurrilous defamatory attacks on the judiciary and respected public servants by anonymous editors of websites - and in some sections of the media. He warned this might lead to prosecution.
The Attorney General’s intervention followed what he claimed were attacks on the Judiciary, the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Public Servants and on the judicial and legal system as a whole. He said it should be born in mind that the Judges could not respond themselves.
Such behaviour - scandalizing the judiciary - carried a maximum penalty of an unlimited fine and the possibility of life imprisonment. He added that public officers who disclosed confidential information to websites should know that they could face prosecution for unauthorized disclosure and penalties of up to ten years imprisonment - and a fine of up to $50,000.
The Advocates Legal Group say they feel compelled to respond because they found the warning high handed, vexatious and wreaking of intimidation of the highest order. The Constitution gave a guarantee of freedom of expression.
The threat of 10 years imprisonment was not acceptable when the press published and freely expressed factually-based concerns about what they described were ‘manifest flaws and shortcomings’ in the justice system under the present dispensation. The Attorney General’s threat to imprison by invoking the antiquated concept of contempt by way of scandalizing the court failed to recognize the following: Such a law was now obsolete and employed in England years ago as a means of silencing legitimate criticism of judges – but was no longer used there.
The defamed should sue the publisher but not threaten either lawyers or the press. The Group suggested the Attorney General should be more concerned about compromises in the system of justice, selective prosecution, and the impasse between the Governor and the government over VAT. It should also concern itself with the use of prosecutorial powers to pressure confessions and settlements.
The lawyers’ counter statement has been signed by Mark A Fulford, Noel T Skippings, Arthur Hamilton, Ashwood Forbes, and Courtenay Barnett.
TCI citizens still opposing VAT
People in the TCI opposed to the introduction of Value Added Tax appear to be growing in confidence they will get their way.
The Premier, the Honorable Dr Rufus Ewing, says he’s confident the Government’s Fiscal and Strategic Policy Framework Document will provide a package of tax-raising measures for the financial year 2013/14 that will far exceed income raised by the imposition of Value Added Tax. He said the Government remained committed to the repeal of the Interim Administration’s 2012 TCI Value Added Tax Bill.
He had replied to a letter from the Foreign and Commonwealth Minister Mark Simmonds who remains committed to the introduction of VAT explaining the Government’s position.
Soundings from business experts and leading professionals throughout the TCI had produced sensible alternative measures to VAT and the contents of the Framework Document would be fully debated in Cabinet on Friday said the Premier.
Governor Todd Reflects on locally elected Government
His Excellency Governor Ric Todd has published a statement reflecting from HIS perspective the first three months of locally elected government as the anniversary approaches. Governor Todd chairs the Cabinet and is responsible for ensuring good governance in the TCI. He has written about his experiences since the general election on Friday 9th November.
“I think that the people of the TCI can be satisfied with the progress of democracy and the appointment of a newly elected Government. As a key partner in developing this nation, the British perspective sees many positives in the manner in which Government business has been conducted so far. This provides a good platform for future progress. Many of the members of the House of Assembly and the Cabinet are new to their roles, as indeed are a number of senior public servants, but their desire to serve the people of TCI to the best of their abilities is there for all to see. From my side, I have regular meetings with the Premier and other Ministers and Cabinet meetings are conducted professionally and cordially; I thank my fellow Cabinet members, from the Premier down, for their support in this.”
Arguments that there were somehow two governments operating here were simply confused. The long standing Constitutional arrangement agreed by TCI’s own political and civil leaders as far back as 2006, and refreshed in the TCI Constitution Order 2011, clearly laid out the roles and responsibilities, the checks and balances, that were required to ensure the ongoing good governance of this country.
“I think that many of the challenges to the Constitution, the law, Integrity Commission rules and codes of conduct are either politically motivated or ill-informed as to their contents. Quite simply, the TCI Government and the UK share responsibility for the Territory, with each delivering to their Constitutional responsibilities.
The Governor said that when Britain made the $260m loan guarantee to TCI’s debtors, after the maladministration of the past, it provided multi-million dollar proof of its commitment. The people should not forget TCI’s national debt and where he United Kingdom stood financially only a few years ago when the government was essentially bankrupt.
Whilst the national debt is smaller than at the height of the financial crisis, it is still too large for TCI to sustain after the debt guarantee expires in 2016 and has to be brought down by the Government, therefore, to something more manageable and less expensive to refinance.
Governor Todd went on to address some specific issues that have arisen over the first three months of elected Government. VAT had been one of the bigger issues in the media recently. His regret was that the advantages of VAT had not been as well communicated as they might have been. This perhaps meant that the noise of the well orchestrated and very well privately funded anti-VAT campaign had rather dominated the debate. UK Ministers have consistently made clear that they were open to credible and sustainable alternatives to VAT, and had been awaiting proposals on this for some time.
I have always said that Government should be open, transparent and accountable. But I very much regret that private exchanges of e mails between members of the Cabinet and the content of discussions in Cabinet have been leaked to the media. In one particular case, given false reporting, I am obliged to set out the facts. I informed the Premier privately and then Cabinet on 24 January that I found unacceptable the nomination of an individual to the board of an important Statutory Body because that individual had made a racist insult and threatened violence against a public servant. If anyone thinks that racist abuse and threats of violence against named individuals is an unimportant or petty issue or that those who aspire to elected or public office should make such abuse and threats in public let them say so.
Governor Todd say he was confident all responsible people on TCI, and especially political, social and clergy leaders, would support him when he said that there was no place for personal abuse and insults in that debate. As President Obama noted in his inauguration speech, insults are not debate.
Lance Armstrong: UCI shuts down its independent commission
The independent commission set up by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to investigate the Lance Armstrong doping scandal has been disbanded.
World (Wada) and US anti-doping (Usada) agencies refused to co-operate with it.
The inquiry will now be replaced by a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
UCI president Pat McQuaid described the change as "the best way to examine the culture of doping in cycling in the past and to clear the air so that cycling can move forward".
McQuaid added that the commission was being disbanded following talks with Wada president John Fahey.
"Fahey confirmed Wada's willingness to help the UCI establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), as well as saying that Wada had no confidence in the existing independent commission process," added McQuaidHowever, both Wada and Usada had previously said they would not co-operate with the UCI's inquiry, which had led the UCI to conclude that any report would be dismissed as "not being complete or credible".
The independent commission was adjourned last week until 31 January, with Baroness Grey-Thompson telling UCI counsel Ian Mill: "It amazes me that we've had no documents whatsoever."
After announcing its decision to shut down the independent commission, the UCI said the TRC process would launch later this year - and that its report would be published in full.
McQuaid added: "We will now focus our efforts on establishing a TRC with which we expect Wada to be fully engaged, to look at doping in professional cycling, as well as the allegations contained in the Usada reasoned decision.
"The work that has so far been undertaken by the commission will be shared with the TRC."
The UCI had agreed to provide an amnesty for those giving evidence to the independent commission.
Last week, British cycling coach Sir David Brailsford questioned the need for a truth and reconciliation process, saying: "Already I think there is a wealth of information that you can actually start taking action on and putting tangible things in place."
President Obama welcomes Miami to the White House
President Barack Obama welcomed the Heat to the White House to celebrate their 2012 NBA championship on Monday.
LeBron James, the regular-season and Finals MVP last season, delivered a basketball autographed by the team to Obama, who encouraged him to give a brief speech by saying, “It’s your world, man.”
James started by thanking the president before veering a little off-the-cuff to express his excitement.
“I mean, on behalf of myself and my teammates we want to thank you for the hospitality, for allowing us to be in the White House,” James said. “I mean, we’re in the White House! I mean, Prez said that it’s real casual, so: We’re kids from Chicago, Dallas, Texas, Michigan, Ohio, South Dakota, Miami, and we’re in the White House right now! Mama, I made it!”
The comments followed a short speech from Obama, who singled out most of the Heat’s roster one-by-one. He called James’ play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics “one of the greatest performances in basketball playoff history,” noting that James “had a scary look in his eye” as he scored 45 points.
Obama then turned his attention to the other two members of the Big Three.
“We saw Dwyane Wade, the heart and soul of this team, doing whatever it takes to win, including leading the team in blocks,” Obama said. “In the postgame press conferences, he dressed well enough to land himself in GQ Magazine. … We saw Chris Bosh get injured and get healthy right at the perfect time, do outstanding work throughout the rest of the playoffs.”
The president had quips prepared for a number of the Heat’s role players. He joked that Mike Miller “could barely walk” and that he “looked broke down” and “like an old man” before he hit seven three-pointers in Game 5 of the Finals against the Thunder. He noted that the Mario Chalmers “earned himself a nickname from Dwyane Wade that I’m not allowed to repeat” and referred to Juwan Howard as “grandpa.”
Obama, a noted basketball junkie, concluded his remarks with a word of congratulations and a sly reference to his own rooting interests.
“That team mentality is what finally put the Heat over the top,” he said. “It’s especially impressive when you think about everything they’ve had to deal with over the last few years. This team inspired a lot of passion on both sides. … Even though I’m a little disappointed that the Bulls didn’t make it, I do want to congratulate the Heat on a championship.”
Wade presented Obama with a Heat jersey bearing his name and the No. 44.
Tiger Woods wraps up California win for 75th PGA Tour title
Tiger Woods survived a sloppy back nine to win California's fog-delayed Farmers Insurance Open by four shots - his 75th victory on the PGA Tour.
Resuming six clear of the field with 11 holes of his final round remaining, the American was never in any real danger.
The 37-year-old's eighth triumph at Torrey Pines equals the PGA record for the number of wins at a single courseWoods's compatriots Brandt Snedeker and Josh Teater tied for second place, four shots behind Woods at 10 under par.
Woods had got his final round off to an excellent start on Sunday, carding birdies at the third, fourth and sixth holes, and resumed on Monday in solid fashion, reaching the turn in 33.
A birdie followed at the 13th as he calmly two-putted from 52 feet, but having earlier dug himself out of trouble a couple of times after some wayward play from the tee, he bogeyed 14 and double-bogeyed 15 to reduce his lead from eight shots to five.
Another bogey on 17 will have irked Woods, and taken the gloss off an otherwise highly satisfactory week's work for the 14-time Major winner at the scene of his 2008 US Open triumph.
He finished his level-par round of 72 with a routine par.
"It got a little ugly towards the end," he admitted. "I just lost my patience and concentration a little bit."
Woods has now won three PGA Tour events seven times - the Farmers Insurance Open follows the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Defending champion Snedeker dropped one shot in the five holes he had to complete on Monday, signing off with a 69 - the same three-under par final-round score as Teater.
Cango & Mali 1-1
Mali came from behind against DR Congo to earn a point and progress to the Africa Cup of Nations last eight.
Leopards playmaker Dieumerci Mbokani opened the scoring from the penalty spot after just three minutes.
Mali levelled 11 minutes later as Mahamadou Samassa tapped home from Adama Tamboura's neat pull-back.
Claude LeRoy's side chased a winner but were unable to find a way through the solid Malian defence, as the Eagles joined Ghana in the quarter-finals .
It marks the Malians' second successive progression to the knockout stage, as they seek to better last year's third-place finish in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
It was DR Congo, however, who burst out of the blocks in Durban, chasing a win to progressStriker Lomana LuaLua broke into the box and drove against the post from his team's first attack. Congolese forward Yves Diba followed up by darting into the area, before being tripped by Mali midfielder Momo Sissoko and winning an early penalty.
Mbokani coolly stepped up and fired the spot-kick high into the top right-hand corner past the diving Mamadou Samassa.
Sissoko responded with a snatched shot from the edge of the area, which was gathered by Robert Kidiaba in the Congolese goal.
The Malians managed to find their rhythm after the early shock and they were level on 14 minutes, after good work from Adama Tamboura, who forced his way through the Congolese defence on the left and squared for striker Samassa to finish from six yards.
The Eagles began to increase their hold on possession, with Seydou Keita delivering several threatening balls in the box, but his team-mates were unable to get on the end of them.
Youssouf Mulumbu attempted to restrict Keita's influence by grabbing hold of the Mali captain, earning the West Bromwich Albion midfielder a booking.
Keita then returned the favour, as he rugby tackled the DR Congo midfielder and was handed a yellow cardThe former Barcelona man delivered an inch-perfect ball for Modibo Maiga, who should have done much better from close range, but headed wide.
LeRoy made an attacking change at the break, as he chased another goal to put his side back into contention, bringing on Tresor Mputu Mabi for LuaLua.
The TP Mazembe man managed to increase his team's threat, as they played the ball around the Malian half well, attempting to create an opening.
Mali comfortably soaked up the pressure, knowing a draw would take them through, with midfielders Samba Diakite, Keita and Sissoko all providing good cover for their deep-lying defence.
Diakite and Sow ventured forward in an attempt to breach the Congolese defence, but were well cut out.
Kidiaba was almost caught napping, as he managed to spill Mahamadou Samassa's speculative effort, only to gratefully see it creep around his post.
Mulumbu forced a fingertip save from Kidiaba's opposite number at the other end, whipping in a curling shot, which Mamadou Samassa just tipped around his upright.
The Eagles then almost grabbed a winner, with substitute Kalilou Traore heading against the outside of the post from a Keita cross and his fellow replacement Cheick Diabate also hitting the woodwork, after rounding Kidiaba.
The Congolese had yet another penalty appeal turned down by the referee with five minutes left, as Mbokani went down after what looked a good challenge from Coulibaly.
Keita almost got a well-deserved winner at the death, but Kidiaba saved well, as the Malians got the draw necessary to earn them a last eight meeting with hosts South Africa.
Mali coach Patrice Carteron:
"It was emotionally difficult knowing what was happening in the [Ghana] game and knowing we needed just a point.
"We need to keep up our intensity."
DR Congo coach Claude LeRoy:
"We mastered the game but we didn't create enough chances. I want to congratulate Mali. I know that this win means a lot for the people of Mali.
Mario Balotelli: AC Milan and Juventus in Manchester City talks
Manchester City have held talks with AC Milan and Juventus about the sale of striker Mario Balotelli, but will only let him go if the Serie A clubs meet their valuation.
City value the Italian, 22, at around 24m euros (£21m) including add-ons.
Balotelli is not actively up for sale and City will not subsidise any of his salary should he leave the club.
Contrary to reports, Balotelli is with the squad that travelled to London for Tuesday's meeting with QPR.
Milan initiated talks with City over the Italy striker, and Juve subsequently made contact with the Premier League club to discuss buying Balotelli, who arrived in Manchester from Inter Milan in August 2010 for a fee in the region of £24mEarlier on Monday, City assistant manager David Platt had said Balotelli would not be moving to AC Milan this month.
"I don't think anything is going to happen," said Platt of a proposed January move.
"It's a shame the manager's not here. He might know more than me but as far as we are concerned I think he is still a Manchester City player.
And City manager Roberto Mancini had also insisted on Friday that the Italian, regularly linked with a return to Italy since he arrived in England in 2010, would not leave the club.
"It is not true. Mario stays. We didn't have any requests about Mario or other players," said Mancini.
The Italian also said it would be "difficult" to buy new players with so little time left in the transfer window.