RTC Director – Page 900 – Radio Turks & Caicos

TCI Police wants to ensure you are not on a burglar’s to-do list

0
0
1
314
1793
Tripple M FM
14
4
2103
14.0

Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-US
JA
X-NONE

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

With the increase of petty instances, the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police, wants to protect you in 2012.

Do you have expensive items left outside? Does your home look unoccupied?

Burglars look for easy to access properties that will make it worth their while to break in to. Think about your home from a burglar’s point of view and look for the weak spots in your home security, taking a few crime prevention measures to make your house less likely to go on the burglars ‘to-do list’.

Although the Turks & Caicos is one of the safest countries in the world, we traditionally see an increase in burglaries during the festive time.

But you can make a huge difference and dramatically reduce the chances of being burgled by taking just a few simple measures:

✓ Never leave door or car keys, wallets or handbags within reach of a letterbox, door or window.

✓ Make your home look occupied when nobody is home by using an automatic timer to switch interior lights on and off.

✓ Set your burglar alarm whenever you leave your home. If you don’t have an alarm, we recommend you get one fitted.

✓ Dispose of empty packaging carefully. Empty boxes left outside can advertise to thieves what they can find inside.

✓ Going away soon? Ask a friend or family member to keep an eye on your home. Don’t post details of your holiday on social network sites.

✓ Mark your valuables with a property marking pen and place signs and stickers around your home, making it clear that your property is marked. Photograph your valuables and keep a description of them.

✓ Always secure your shed and garage and don’t leave ladders or other tools outside which could help a burglar gain access to your house.

Know any burglars?

Cash rewards are being offered by Crimestoppers in a bid to catch burglars in the Turks & Caicos.

If you know who is involved in burglary activity in the Turks & Caicos, but don’t want to talk to the Police, you can pass information to Crimestoppers without revealing your identity. Just call 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.

by RTC Director

Firearms Unit to renew firearms licence in TCI

0
0
1
183
1048
Tripple M FM
8
2
1229
14.0

96
800x600

Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-US
JA
X-NONE

The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police is urging all persons with expired firearms licence to visit the Firearms Unit to renew their firearms licence. All firearms licence in the Turks & Caicos became expired as of December 31^st, 2012. There are over two hundred expired firearms licence holders at present who are at risk of having their firearms licence suspended indefinitely for failing to renew their licence.

Firearms licences are generally valid for one year, and it is the licence holder’s responsibility to renew their licence in a timely manner. Renewing on time will help to avoid possible complications and consequences, including being charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm.

If you acquired a firearms licence last year and have not renewed your firearms for 2013, then you must visit the Firearms Unit now with your firearm and all ammunition.

Individuals who possess firearms or handle them in the course of their work are required, under the Firearms Act, to have a valid firearms licence. A valid firearms licence is also necessary to acquire firearms or ammunition.

If anyone has any doubts, concerns or questions relating to firearms, please contact Sgt. Thomas of the Firearms Unit at 2316262.

by RTC Director

Schools reopen in the TCI after Sanitization

All schools on Providenciales and North Caicos were deep-cleaned and sanitized for the New Year in keeping with a commitment by Government, through the Ministries of Health and Human Services, Education and Government Support Services.

During the Christmas break, crews cleaned all private and public schools on the two islands to prevent any threat of the norovirus among the school populations. This meant that all rooms, equipment, books, desks, chairs, tables and carpets etc. had to be cleaned and sanitized according to norovirus protocols. This labor-intensive process delayed the reopening of two public high schools namely the Raymond Gardiner High School on North Caicos and the Clement Howell High School.

The Norovirus Protocols require that once cleaned, all rooms had to be closed for a period of two days (48 hours) to ensure that the sanitization process was effective.

The Government is committed to taking whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the children and young people of the TCI. As an ongoing precaution, TCIG is urging the public to practice proper hand washing and personal hygiene as encouraged by the Ministry of Health and Human Services in previous news releases.

The Ministry of Education extends its thanks to all the parties including, Principals and staff of the private schools who took part in this exercise. Their cooperation ensured that the deep cleaning and sanitization process was completed, in most instances, to commence the Hilary Term on January 7, 2013.

by RTC Director

Tourist Board completes visitor arrival data in TCI

The TCI Tourist Board announced today that it is in the final stages of completing visitor arrival information for 2012 which will be down on record-breaking 2011. The 2012 data will include passenger information collected from seaports, airports and via the Grand Turk Cruise Center. According to data obtained from the Grand Turk Cruise Center for the period January-December 2012 the total number of ship calls were 261 as against 270 in 2011. Passenger arrivals were six hundred and seventy-six thousand six hundred and forty-seven, an increase of 3.2 per cent over 2011. In that year, the country welcomed 354,223 land-based visitors, providing an aggregate total - cruise and land-based – of one million nine thousand seven hundred and twenty - eclipsing the one million mark for the first time.

As of November 2012 land based arrivals stood at 267,608 and while arrivals for December are still being tabulated, indicators - with the exception of January and February 2012 - show that arrivals were trending downward when compared to 2011. If this holds true, in December, we should expect a land-based visitor count of approximately 25,000 which would put our total land based arrivals at approximately 293,000. This, combined with cruise arrivals, comes to a total of approximately 970,000 visitors in 2012, just short of the one million mark. The Board will be providing exact visitor counts when the final numbers are in. In the future the Board says it will have the opportunity to provide more timely data on both a quantitative and qualitative basis with the introduction in 2012 of the CTO Mist system which allows for the refinement of information collected at ports of entry. While Providenciales remains the tourist hub, all indicators show that land-based tourists were on the increase throughout the family islands of North and Middle Caicos as well as Grand Turk and Salt Cay. South Caicos remains a challenge, but the Board says it is aware of the needs of South Caicos and is making every effort to provide greater exposure to the Island. Overall, while 2012 visitor counts fell short, the Board claims this can be attributed to various setbacks that caused a slight decrease in comparative numbers. In March, a two-day industrial action contributed to decreased air service, the summer saw an outbreak of the Noro-virus affecting arrivals in the short-term - and later in the year the passage of Hurricane Sandy contributed to a marked decrease in future bookings from the major source markets. It claims a 25 percent reduction in the Board’s overall budget also diminished its ability to market effectively in traditional and emerging markets. The Board however says it feels bullish about prospects for visitor arrivals even in light of sluggish economies in Europe and the US. It continues to see increased demand for information on the TCI. Director Ralph Higgs said that while the Board was disappointed that the TCI was unable to expand on the record breaking numbers achieved in 2011, he feels confident that the New Year will bring new vigor to tourism.

by RTC Director

LIME’s Commitment to Education & FREE Internet in Schools for years

0
0
1
390
2225
Tripple M FM
18
5
2610
14.0

Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-US
JA
X-NONE

LIME’s commitment to the educational process in the Turks & Caicos Islands is evident and this has been present for many years.

LIME has offered free internet service to all educational institutions and libraries for many years and students throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands have benefited from this service. The offer has been extended and is still extended to any school to receive free internet service from LIME. Principals may contact limetci@tciway.tc with any questions and to receive full details on the offer.

LIME has given computers to schools around the nations; provided writing implements to students across the country and the company has been a strong advocate to assist students in preparing themselves educationally for the future.

LIME has invested over $80,000 to give access to CaribbeanExams.com to each Grade 6 student whether the child attends a public or private institution over the last four years. That means that LIME has not just “talked” about being a good corporate citizen when it comes to education; the proof is there in the opportunities being made available to students.

LIME has offered scholarships and grants to students who do well in the GSAT examinations held annually and there are currently 12 students on LIME grants and scholarships with the first batch of 5^th Form students who will be graduating in this year’s cycle.

Mr. Drexwell Seymour commented, “LIME believes that education is the key. The company made a conscious decision years ago that education would be a central area that LIME would invest in because it represents a LIME gift that would continue to give as students learn and would then be able to assist others.”

He continued, “LIME adopted two primary schools Ona Glinton Primary School in Grand Turk and the Oseta Jolly Primary School in Providenciales. This speaks to the level of interest that the company has in the various avenues that could be highlighted of LIME’s involvement in education.”

Two students will be named as the next LIME GSAT Grant/ Scholarship students after the next GSAT examination in May 2013. They would be the top performing student nationally and the top performer at the Oseta Jolly Primary School.

There is the tapestry where LIME is woven through the educational system in the nation and the company is proud of its investment in giving free internet to school; free GSAT access to every Grade 6 students and free LIME grants and scholarships.

The students are working and LIME will continue to do its part in the educational sphere in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

by RTC Director

Uganda Returns $5 Million in Stolen Funds to Ireland

Uganda has returned more than $5 million in looted aid money from Ireland back to the Irish government.

Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore said Tuesday he is confident the restitution will contribute to the Ugandan efforts to fight corruption. He says Irish officials will now consider restarting its frozen aid program for Uganda.

More than $5 million in aid from Ireland was embezzled last year by officials in the office of Ugandan Prime Minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi, who denies involvement.

The theft led to Britain, Denmark, and Norway to also suspend aid to Uganda.

by RTC Director

Mali Government Soldiers Fire Warning Shots at Rebels

Malian soldiers fired at Islamist fighters who tried to push toward the government-controlled south of the country Tuesday.

Military sources say soldiers fired “warning shots” overnight to halt the advance of fighters toward Mopti, a government stronghold about 650 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bamako.

The French news agency, AFP, says the fighters retreated after the shots.

The incident raised fears of new clashes in Mali, where Islamists and Tuareg separatists took control of the north after renegade soldiers overthrew the government in Bamako in March. The Islamists have seized full control of the region.

The government and some of the rebel groups are tentatively set to hold peace talks in neighboring Burkina Faso on Thursday.

African Union chief Boni Yayi, the president of Benin, is calling on NATO to play a part in an AU-led peacekeeping force in Mali. Mr. Yayi said after talks in Ottawa with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Tuesday that the situation in Mali is an international question. There are fears the Islamists could use northern Mali as a center for plotting terrorism.

Prime Minster Harper said Canada will only send humanitarian aid.

The United Nations Security Council has approved a plan for the Economic Community of West African States to deploy at least 3,000 troops to Mali to help retrain the army and recapture the north. No military operation is expected until later this year.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the United States is closely monitoring developments between the government and Islamists.

In late December, Islamist group Ansar Dine and the Tuareg separatist group MNLA agreed to a cease-fire with the government. Ansar Dine, however, suspended its cease-fire last week, saying the government was not sincere about peace negotiations.

by RTC Director

2012 Was Warmest Ever in US

The United States says last year was the warmest ever in the country.

Government weather experts said Tuesday the average 2012 temperature in the country's 48 contiguous states — not counting the island state of Hawaii and far northern Alaska — was 55.32 degrees Fahrenheit . That was a full degree higher than the old record set in 1998. It also was more than three degrees higher than the average for the entire 20th century.

As the Earth's climate changes, the U.S. has experienced a long-term warming trend. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said a summertime drought that covered vast reaches of the country's agricultural heartland and a northerly jet stream contributed to last year's record warmth.

In addition, the government said it was the second worst year on record in the U.S. for extreme weather, with 11 natural disasters each causing more than $1 billion in damage. Among the worst were Superstorm Sandy that hit the country's heavily populated northeastern seaboard in late October, Hurricane Isaac that struck the southern coastline and numerous tornadoes.

Weather data for 2012 from throughout the world is expected next week. Through 11 months, the Earth was on pace to have its eighth warmest year on record.

by RTC Director

Lance Armstrong set for Oprah Winfrey interview

US cyclist Lance Armstrong will be interviewed by chat show host Oprah Winfrey, amid reports that he might publicly admit to doping.

Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles by the sport's governing body, following a report by the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada).

Winfrey's OWN network said the 90-minute interview would address "years of accusations of cheating".

Armstrong has maintained his innocence as he received a life ban from Usada.

But the New York Times reported on Friday that the 41-year-old was considering a public admission that he used banned performance-enhancing drugs. An admission could lead to an apparent bid to return to competing in marathons and triathlons, the paper reported.

The interview announcement was first made on Oprah Winfrey's Twitter account on Tuesday, and confirmed when Armstrong retweeted it 15 minutes later.

The interview - his first since being stripped of his wins - will be broadcast on 17 January on Winfrey's OWN network and live-streamed online.

2004 donation offer?

Armstrong ended his fight against doping charges in August 2012. In October, Usada released a 1,000-page report saying he had been at the heart of "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme" ever seen in sport.

He was stripped of his titles by the International Cycling Union (UCI) shortly afterwards and given a lifetime ban from the sport.

Armstrong also resigned as chairman of the Livestrong foundation - the cancer charity he created - after the cycling body's decision.

His lawyer, Tim Herman, has described the Usada report as a "one-sided hatchet job" and the cyclist himself has accused the agency of offering "corrupt inducements" to other riders to speak out against him.

It is believed he is considering an admission because he wants to resume his athletic career, and has shown an interest in competing in triathlons.

Asked whether the 41-year-old was set to come clean, Mr Herman told the New York Times: "Lance has to speak for himself on that".

Separately, the head of Usada told a US investigative programme that Armstrong offered the agency a donation of some $250,000 in 2004, reports said.

Speaking to 60 Minutes Sport, to be broadcast in the US on Wednesday, Travis Tygart said the offer was a "clear conflict of interest" and quickly rejected.

--BBC

by RTC Director

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to miss swearing-in

The Venezuelan National Assembly has approved a request by President Hugo Chavez to postpone his inauguration for a new term in office, which was scheduled for Thursday.

Mr Chavez is in hospital in Cuba after cancer surgery, and has suffered complications caused by a lung infection.

Legislators voted to give Mr Chavez as much time as he needs to recover.

He has not been seen in public since his last operation a month ago.

Earlier, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro had confirmed that Mr Chavez would be unable to attend the ceremony.

Venezuela's opposition has called for the Supreme Court to rule on what should be done if Mr Chavez is absent.

Its leader, Henrique Capriles, says Mr Chavez should be declared absent, with the speaker of the National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, taking over as interim president.

President Chavez, who has been in power since 1999, was re-elected in October for a fourth term.

The government insists that the inauguration is a mere formality for an incumbent leader.

Show of support

After weeks of speculation, Mr Cabello announced to legislators that Mr Chavez had requested to be sworn in at a later date before the Supreme Court, according to Article 231 of the Constitution.

"On the recommendation of his medical team, the process of post-operation recuperation will have to be prolonged beyond 10 January, [as a result of which] he will be unable to present himself on this date to the National Assembly." he said, reading a letter from Vice President Nicolas Maduro.

On Monday, Mr Cabello called on Chavez supporters to take to the streets of Caracas on Thursday to show support for him.

He said several foreign leaders had agreed to be at the Miraflores Presidential Palace on inauguration day.

But Mr Capriles urged them to stay away and not succumb to "a game by a political party", meaning Mr Chavez's ruling party.

In his most recent update on Mr Chavez, Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said his condition was "stable", and he was "responding to the treatment".

--BBC

by RTC Director