Trade with China Expanded Rapidly in 2011: Seoul
A new report says North Korea's trade with China accounted for more than 70 percent of its total commerce last year, as the isolated nation deepens its reliance on its only major ally.
South Korea's national statistics office said Thursday that Pyongyang's bilateral trade with Beijing totaled over $5.6 billion in 2011. That is an increase of over 60 percent from the previous year.
Seoul says it is the first time that North Korea's trade with China has topped 70 percent of its global commerce since it began tracking trade figures in 2000.
Facing increasing international isolation, North Korea has relied heavily on China, which provides the impoverished country with economic aid and diplomatic defense at the United Nations.
The U.N. Security Council is considering tightening sanctions against Pyongyang following a successful long-range rocket launch this month. The Security Council condemned the launch as a disguised missile test banned under existing sanctions.
Worsening cross-border relations also affected inter-Korean commerce. The report said the North's trade with South Korea, its second biggest trading partner, fell to 21 percent of its global total in 2011.
Meanwhile, the economic gap between South Korea and North Korea continues to be large. The report found South Korea's gross national income per capita ($1239) was nearly 19 times that of the North in 2011.
The annual report is based on data from international research institutes, since North Korea does not release economic figures.
Maskanoo ready for Boxing day
TCHTA and the Cultural and Arts Commission are gearing up once again for another exciting Maskanoo, Providenciales' biggest cultural event.
Maskanoo in its 3rd year, will be held on December 26, 2012 (Boxing Day) from 3:00 p.m., along the Grace Bay road between Salt Mills Plaza and Regent Village. Persons attending the event will enjoy a street parade directed by David Bowen, showcasing locally-made costumes and instruments; island food and entertainment from a line up of local artistes including Q-Band Linx, Five Cays Ripsaw and Rake & Scrape Band and Breeze Beach dancers. Maskanoo raffle tickets will be on sale with amazing prizes to be won including a trip for two to New York on Jetblue.
TCHTA's Association Executive Stacy Cox noted, "TCHTA is delighted with the response from vendors this year but reminds persons that illegal vending and the selling of masks will not be permitted. The Association will be working closely with the Police Force and Dove Security who will be patrolling the stretch. Persons and businesses are reminded that the selling of masks is not permitted and the Maskanoo name and logo are trademarked and permission must be obtained from the TCHTA should persons wish to sell Maskanoo-branded items (t-shirts, mugs etc). "
Sponsors for this year's event include TCHTA, Cultural and Arts Commission, ScotiaBank, Got U Covered, Sun TCI, Free Press, Dove Security, Fortis TCI, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Adventurescape and HAB Group. Companies interested in becoming sponsors and persons interested in selling food, arts and craft, toys etc are asked to contact TCHTA at 941-5787.
TOURIST BOARD PARTNERS WITH EXCITING MISS TURKS & CAICOS UNIVERSE BEAUTY ORGANIZATION:
The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board announced today its partnership with the newly established Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization Ltd. (MTCUBO), to produce the upcoming 2013 Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Pageant, under the direction of Saint George Fashion House (SGFH).
The newly incorporated Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization has a board of highly educated, qualified and vibrant minds that are all dedicated to a new standard for the franchise.
They have brought to the table a plan; that incorporates a new logo for the organization, new rules and regulations for contestants, new judging criteria that mimics that of the Miss Universe franchise and strategic plans to produce a calendar of events that is not only exciting to watch, but to be a part of.
The MTCUBO Board consists of: Kazz Forbes, President and Managing Director; Tremmaine Harvey, Vice President and Legal Advisor; Shaveena Been, Financial Controller and Recruitment and Training Officer; Takara Bain, Public Relations Officer and General Secretary; Romell Phillips, Production Coordinator; Weinika Ewing, Head of Sales and Marketing and Recruitment and Training Officer; Romaine Missick, Head of Image and Beauty; Samantha Williams - Glinton, Head of Entertainment and Cynclair Musgrove, Head of Personal Development.
In a brief statement, Kazz Forbes, President and Managing Director of MTCUBO said, “The Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization will set unprecedented standards for the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Pageants and our events.
We as an organization don’t want to just produce a beauty queen or an ambassador, but produce a legacy for women that will act as activists, role models and motivators for future generations of women from the Turks and Caicos Islands.” According to Mr. Forbes.
Seven Stars Resort Turks And Caicos Earns First-Time Placement On Conde Nast Traveler Gold List
Seven Stars Resort, located on the island of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos ends the year on a high note, announcing its first-time placement to Condé Nast Traveler’s coveted 2013 Gold List of the World’s Best Places to Stay.
On the heels of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Survey – which ranked Seven Stars highest among all resorts on Turks and Caicos – the publication shared its list of the highest-scoring hotels in the world, Seven Stars included.
“This recognition is truly a milestone for our resort,” said Ken Patterson, Managing Director, Seven Stars Resort. “We couldn’t be prouder and we have our staff to thank for making each guest’s stay a memorable and personalized experience.”
Seven Stars Resort received high marks for its location, activities, design, food and particularly for its service. The resort, ranked among the top 10 in the Caribbean, lives up to its recent accolades by offering guests’ top-notch service and well-appointed luxury suites that are among the Island’s most spacious. In addition to the luxurious accommodations, Seven Stars’ location along one of the best beaches in the world offers guests a true island oasis. Seven Stars is also home to the Island’s only heated salt water pool and additionally offers guests private pool deck cabanas for lounging, beach butler service, on-site spa and wellness services, a resort-owned boat with accompanying excursions and award-winning top gourmet dining options.
This recent Condé Nast Traveler ranking follows Seven Stars’ recognition by Condé Nast Traveler’s reader’s as a Top 10 Resort in the Caribbean in addition to other notable accolades in 2012 including being named the World Travel Awards’ ‘Best All Suite Resort,’ receiving Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards silver rankings in the Luxury Hotel/Resort and Beach Resort/Hotel categories, being named About.com’s 2012 “Favorite Caribbean Hotel” and being awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for its consistent praise and impressive overall customer satisfaction.
The Veranda Turks & Caicos To Close For Renovations
The Veranda, recently acquired by Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Beaches Resorts, Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts and flagship, Sandals Resorts, will close for renovations starting Monday, January 7 through at least the month of March and bookings will no longer be accepted.
According to SRI Chairman, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the decision to close during the important winter season and possibly beyond was not made lightly, but weak forward Veranda bookings coupled with an imperative to bring the resort in line with SRI’s exacting brand standard, herald the abrupt closure.
“This property has wonderful bones and will make a great resort, however, there are significant changes to be done to improve guest amenities which must be addressed before The Veranda may transition to become part of Beaches Turks and Caicos as we’d originally planned,” said Stewart. “Closing is always a difficult decision, but the timing is right. With very little business on the books, we have the opportunity to get it right quickly.”
Stewart said a thorough assessment of The Veranda will be made following the holidays, at which time SRI will re-evaluate and share plans with everyone in the Turks & Caicos. “We have a responsibility to our guests, our team members and the people of Turks & Caicos to do the right thing with everyone’s future in mind. When this new resort is unveiled, everyone will be proud to share this really potent asset to the tourism industry in the Turks & Caicos.”
Crime & Incident Report for December 2012
The Royal Turks & Caicos Police are investigating an Abstracting Electricity incident, which was reported at 11:33AM on Thursday December 20, 2012. An employee of Fortis reported that he suspected that electricity was being stolen on a property located in the Blue Hills area.
Officers met with the complainant in Blue Hills where it was determined that a meter box had been tampered with. The resident of the property stated that he agreed to give electricity to another male residing in a shed on the property. This was confirmed by investigation and confirmation from the second subject. The electricity was then turned off by Fortis TCI. Beat & Patrol officers are carrying out further investigations into this incident.
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The Royal Turks & Caicos Police is also investigating a Burglary, which was reported on Thursday December 20th, 2012 at 9:03PM. A resident of Blue Hills reported that his home had been broken into.
The complainant told officers that he secured his home on Thursday December 20th, 2012 earlier that same day and upon his return at 8:20PM, discovered that the apartment had been broken into. Missing are numerous electronic items. The Criminal Investigation Department is carrying out further investigations into this incident.
Police are appealing to the public who may have any information about this burglary to call the Police on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 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.
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At 7:30AM on Thursday December 20, 2012 at Wheeland, Providenciales in the area of North West Point main road a team of officers from multiple units executed a search warrant for drugs on a residence. Upon approach two male subjects and one female subject were observed dleeing from the scene. On making checks in the house a quantity of Cannabis and lashes were found. Also another quantity of Cannabis was located in the area surrounding the residence.
At 12:10PM on Thursday December 20th, 2012 at Blue Hills, a team of officers executed a search warrant for drugs at a residence. Officers found over 2700 grams of Cannabis which was spit into several packages. Officers conducted a search of an adjacent apartment and found three more packages containing approximately 530 grams of Cannabis. The male subject stated that the drugs found belonged to him. The Cannabis was seized and the subject was arrested and formally charged.
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The Royal Turks & Caicos Police is also investigating a Burglary, which was reported on Thursday December 20th, 2012 at 10:30AM. A male resident of Over Back reported that his home has been broken into.
The complainant told officers that he secured his home on Wednesday December 19th, 2012 at 4:30M and upon his return at 7:00PM, discovered that his home had been broken into. Missing are a flat screen TV and a DVD player. The Criminal Investigation Department is carrying out further investigations into this incident.
Police are appealing to the public who may have any information about this burglary to call the Police on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 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.
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Three officers of The Royal Turks and Caicos Police on Wednesday December 19, 2012 were making checks behind a Plaza located on Airport Road, when officers found a quantity of Cannabis which weighing 650 grams. The 650 grams of Cannabis was seized and the investigation is continuing
Hugo Chavez allies 'rule out new election'
Venezuela will not call fresh elections if President Hugo Chavez is unable to be sworn in for a fourth term in January, the head of Congress said.
Mr Chavez is recovering from a respiratory infection suffered after his fourth cancer surgery in Cuba.
The constitutions states that elections must be held within 30 days if the president is absent on 10 January.
Opposition leaders say postponing the swearing-in ceremony would be unconstitutional.
But congressional leader Diosdado Cabello said the inauguration ceremony would be delayed in the case of Mr Chavez's absence.
"The date of 10 January does not determine the president-elect's absolute absence," Mr Cabello told reporters.
"Since [President] Chavez might not be here on 10 January, [the opposition] hopes the National Assembly will call elections. That's not going to happen. Commandante Hugo Chavez will continue to be our president."
The Venezuelan leader is said to be in stable condition following a respiratory infection suffered after he underwent major cancer surgery last Tuesday.
Communications Minister Ernesto Villegas said the infection had been controlled, but that Mr Chavez had been told to rest.
The president, who has been in power since 1999, won another six-year term in October's presidential election.
Mr Chavez has said Venezuelans should vote for Vice-President Nicolas Maduro in fresh elections, should his health fail.
Lara Cancer Treatment Centre slapped with a $20m lawsuit
The Brian Lara Cancer Treatment Centre (BLCTC) in Trinidad has been slapped with a $20 million lawsuit on the eve of the second anniversary of Ricardo "Smokey" McKenzie's death from a suspected deadly overdose of radiation to his brain.
To support their claim of gross medical negligence, lawyers for McKenzie's family intend to prove that Medcorp Limited and the Cancer Centre of the Caribbean Limited, the operators of BLCTC, tried to cover up and conceal the fact that sensitive radiation machines were miscalibrated — exposing patients to a deadly dose instead of treatment.
The attorneys also intend to prove that the medical facility was aware that its equipment, a linear accelerator, needed recalibrating and took no steps to correct the error although the effects could have resulted in fatal injuries.
The medical facility has not accepted any blame for McKenzie's death and disputes any negligence on its part, according to court documents. However, the company donated US$10,000 towards McKenzie's foreign medical expenses one month before his death.
McKenzie, 55, the former co-owner of the internationally recognised St James bar — Smokey and Bunty Sports Bar — died on December 21, 2010, at the Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA.
Among the witnesses to be called to support the claims in the lawsuit is Dr Roberto Heros, a professor of neurosurgery, co-chairman and programme director of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami.
In his medical report, which forms part of the bundle of documents filed in court, Heros stated that McKenzie's diagnosis "is the worst case of radiation necrosis I have ever encountered". The doctor said that it was "clear that the necrosis was due to radiation therapy" McKenzie had in Trinidad and noted there was "no question that the deceased's (McKenzie) radiation necrosis led to his death".
On July 6 last year Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan and then Chief Medical Officer Anton Cumberbatch confirmed that 223 cancer patients were administered overdoses of radiation during treatment over the period of a year at the BLCTC in Port of Spain.
They said the patients were exposed to higher levels of radiation during treatment for cancer at the centre over the period because a radiation treatment machine at the centre was miscalibrated. This disclosure confirmed an exclusive Sunday Express investigation last August which uncovered a then-active investigation into the cancer treatment scare at the centre.
At Tuesday's sitting of the Senate, Khan said a number of patients who were exposed to radiation overdoses at the BLCTC may have to go abroad for further treatment.
He said eight of the surviving patients were found to have complications and three or four of them may have to seek foreign treatment.
--WUC
Severe penalties for any one involved in the importation of "Black Mosquito Coil"
The Jamaica Customs Department is reporting that over the past two months it has made five major seizures of Black Mosquito Coils at various sea ports and business premises in the Corporate Area.
The item, which is being imported under the name "mosquito medicine" is not approved for use by the Jamaican population and is banned by the Pesticide Control Authority.
The public is being warned by the Customs Department to discontinue using this harmful product and not to import it.
Penalties being levied against importers so far include severe fines associated with false declaration, un-manifested goods, excess goods and breach of import permits.
The Customs Department has warned that any attempt to rationalize the import of Black Mosquito Coils will not be tolerated.
Copahue volcano eruption puts Argentina and Chile on alert
The authorities in Argentina and Chile have issued an alert over increased activity at the Copahue volcano, which has begun spewing smoke and gas.
Many residents have already left the area as a precaution.
An orange volcano alert, the second highest, has been issued in both countries.
The 3,000m (10,000ft) volcano is in Argentina's south-western Neuquen province, which borders the Biobio region of Chile.
Ash has been raining down on the nearby villages of Copahue, Caviahue and Zapala.
Residents who have stayed behind have been told to monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate.
Planes flying over the southern Andes have also been warned.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled last year due to the eruption of Puyehue volcano, in Chile.