Hon. Sammy Been, Member of Parliament presented an abundance of clothing to the Salvation Army
On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Hon. Sammy Been, Member of Parliament for ED 7 presented an abundance of clothing, shoes, and even a walker to the Salvation Army.
The day was to be the first ever Community Roundtable Forum, however, due to a multiplicity of circumstances beyond control, the forum had to be postponed.
Never one to delay an opportunity to envoke his spirit of humanity, Hon. Been proceeded with the Donation of goods. "We wish to thank our constituents who answered the calls and generously raided their closets and cabinets for a worthy cause, It warmed my heart to see the abundance of items donated". End quote
Hon. Been assured the Captain, that the people he represents will continue to give as he stated, the need is great.
Fauci grilled by GOP over COVID response
Dr. Anthony Fauci faced intense scrutiny from House Republicans at a hearing on Monday as lawmakers continue to look into his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and examine theories of the origin of the virus.
Fauci previously proclaimed that he had "nothing to hide" and came before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic voluntarily. The more than three-hour hearing marked the first time he's publicly testified since he left the federal government at the end of 2022 after five decades of service.
Fauci's appearance on Capitol Hill comes amid a contentious election cycle, with Republicans continuing to hammer him on his response to the virus — everything from mask mandates to vaccine guidelines and origin possibilities.
Fauci addressed those issues, and defended himself from Republican attacks, calling certain matters "seriously distorted."
Source-ABC
Robert Downey Jr. says he's "surprisingly open-minded" to returning as Iron Man
In the latest installment of Variety's Actors on Actors series, Oscar winners — and longtime friends — Jodie Foster and Robert Downey Jr. reflected on their friendship, their careers and, perhaps unexpectedly, whether or not Downey will someday put his Iron Man suit back on.
Downey's Tony Stark sacrificed himself to save humanity and rid the galaxy of Thanos at the end of 2019's blockbuster Avengers: Endgame, and the character's loss has been felt in subsequent Marvel Cinematic Universe entries, including Spider-Man: No Way Home.
That said, following his Oppenheimer Oscar win, Downey has mentioned several times he'd be open to a return to the MCU — something he reiterated with Foster.
Foster, who told Elle in 2023 that the superhero genre "has lasted a little too long" for her taste, asked the actor, "Would you think of putting the suit back on again for Tony Stark?"
Downey replied, "It's just crazily in my DNA. Probably the most like-me character I've ever played, even though he's way cooler than I am. I've become surprisingly open-minded to the idea."
For the record, while Downey seems optimistic about an MCU return, last year Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige told Vanity Fair about Stark's sacrifice, "We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again. We all worked very hard for many years to get to that, and we would never want to magically undo it in any way."
Marvel Studios is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.
Turks and Caicos Islands Government: Statement in response to Bryan Hagerich sentencing hearing
Turks and Caicos Islands Premier, The Honorable C. Washington Misick, commented on today’s Court decision with the following statement:
“Justice has been served as the law intended. As we have said, The Firearms Act includes consideration for exceptional circumstances and today’s decision reflects our commitment to judicial independence along with upholding the law. Residents and visitors can be confident that the Turks and Caicos Islands are dedicated to safety and compassion as we protect the safety and rights of all.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the law stands firm and applies to everyone equally, without exception. Our commitment to the rule of law is unwavering and remains a cornerstone of our democratic values. We are committed to providing a safe, and enjoyable, experience for all citizens, residents, and visitors.
I assure all travelers that the Turks and Caicos Islands prioritize hospitality, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. You will find our doors open and our hearts eager to share the warmth and beauty of our homeland. We highly value the trust and confidence travelers worldwide place in us when they choose the Turks and Caicos Islands as their destination.”
Additionally, the remaining four accused individuals are released on bail as they await their court dates. Aside from the individuals who traveled back to the US for medical reasons, all are currently residing on Turks and Caicos Islands.
STATEMENT FROM THE HONOURABLE C. WASHINGTON MISICK, PREMIER TURKS AND CAICOS GOVERNMENT
As Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I assure our American friends that the Turks and Caicos Islands prioritizes hospitality, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. You will find our doors open and our hearts eager to share the warmth and beauty of our homeland. We value the trust and confidence travelers from around the world place in us when they choose the Turks and Caicos Islands as their destination. Transparency and accountability are paramount in our operations, ensuring that our decisions are made lawfully and in the best interests of all residents and visitors.
The Turks & Caicos Islands welcome over one million visitors each year, more than half of whom are American.
Respect for the rule of law and an independent judiciary are key tenants of our justice system, and all persons are equal in the eyes of the law. Judges are permitted to use their discretion in sentencing individuals who have been convicted of violating our Firearms law. In fact, in cases that occurred prior to the five cases that have generated media coverage, the mandatory 12-year minimum sentence has never been imposed by the Court because judges determined in each case that exceptional circumstances warranted shorter sentences.
Our justice system is designed to uphold the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their place of origin, while maintaining the security and integrity of our Islands. Our judicial and law enforcement institutions are dedicated to impartiality and consistency in enforcing our laws.
Recent events have underscored the importance of adhering to the principles of justice and accountability. Let me be clear: In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the law stands firm and applies to everyone equally, without exception. Our commitment to the rule of law is unwavering and remains a cornerstone of our democratic values.
We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all citizens, residents and visitors.
GOVERNOR’S RESPONSE TO ABC NEWS INTERVIEW
The Turks and Caicos Islands values its warm relationship with the United States and welcomes over 1 million visitors each year. Our countries have close ties and work in a strong partnership to tackle shared threats in the region.
In the spirit of respect for this relationship, the Hon. Premier and I received a US Congressional Delegation to listen to their concerns about five US Nationals charged and
on bail for the possession of ammunition offenses. US Congressman Guy Reschenthaler’s commentary on ABC News following the meeting is highly regrettable.
His characterization of our meeting is not one we recognize. Our discussions were professional and respectful with a focus on clarifying the legal position and the well-being
of the individuals.
A mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years and a fine for possession of firearms and/or ammunition is in place to serve and protect all who reside and visit the Turks and Caicos Islands. The law provides discretion in exceptional circumstances for the judge to impose a reduced custodial sentence of less than 12 years and a fine that is fair and just for each case. To date, no US National has received the mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years.
We do not target US Nationals and any statements to the contrary are without merit. Our independent justice system upholds the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of nationality, whilst maintaining the security and integrity of our Islands. All five US Nationals are on bail with reporting conditions and are receiving US consular support. Three have pled guilty and two will enter their pleas within the next two weeks.
Like the United States, we have a constitutional separation of the executive and judicial branches. There is no remit for the Turks and Caicos Islands Executive nor the UK
Government to intervene or comment on ongoing legal cases before the courts.
Law enforcement agencies apply professional standard operating procedures for processing matters through the legal system and will investigate any concerns where it is felt standards were not met. There have been no United Nations sanctions against His Majesty’s Prison Grand Turk. A February 2024 Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission report was positive with no findings against prisoner conditions.
I appreciate the Congressman is concerned for his constituents, but the situation calls for respectful dialogue that guards against misrepresentation. It is important there is respect for due process and for public servants to perform their duties without fear or compromise. The rule of law is paramount and all are equal before the law.
The Turks and Caicos Islands continue to welcome all visitors to enjoy our Beautiful by Nature Islands.
Provo Water Company Issues Update on Water Distribution Challenges
Provo Water Company (PWC) announced today that, due to persistent demands, water restrictions will continue through June 2024 as the organization continues its commitment to improving the water distribution network through various projects addressing current distribution challenges.
The water restrictions, which have been in place on an as-needed basis, will continue in the following areas:
• West of Suzie Turn: Including The Bight (between Beaches Resort and Turtle Cove), Cooper Jack, Industrial Park, Thompson Cove, Cherokee Road, Blue Mountain, Downtown, Airport Road, Kewtown, Blue Hills, Five Cays, South Dock, and Chalk Sound will encounter low to no water pressure during nightly restrictions from 11:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
• Venetian Road and Turtle Tail: Will undergo a 50% water restriction from 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., potentially leading to reduced water pressure for customers.
In response to the ongoing high water demands, PWC Managing Director Robert Hall reaffirmed his team's unwavering commitment to mitigating these challenges. He said, “Water demands on Providenciales are still high, and as we continue to make progress on our improvement projects to address these short-term distribution challenges, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding while we work expeditiously to resolve these issues.”
PWC is currently working on three key projects to improve water distribution across Providenciales. The primary focus is on the New City Water Transmission Main Project, which includes the installation of larger-diameter pipes along a new route. This initiative aims to significantly boost water flow and establish an alternative distribution route through which to distribute water.
Another project currently underway involves replacing older valves in the water distribution network with newer, larger-diameter valves. This upgrade will enhance water flow, resulting in improved distribution along the existing network pipes.
The third project focuses on enhancing the current booster equipment responsible for augmenting water flow within the distribution network. These enhancements will bolster the booster's capacity to leverage the upgraded pipe diameters and replace valves more efficiently.
Speaking on the projects and their progress, Hall said, “These projects have always been a part of our plan to accommodate the growth of the country. Unfortunately, unforeseen setbacks due primarily to the long-term effects of the pandemic and its impact on the world economy and supply chains, among other factors, have taken their toll on our project timelines. Our team is committed to resolving these issues as quickly as possible, but we are taking every measure to ensure that we do so in a way that allows us to continue providing incredible service and value to our customers.
In addition to the improvement projects, PWC is also in the process of building a new water plant on the northwest side of the island. This new plant will introduce a new distribution point closer to the areas currently experiencing water restrictions and provide a host of benefits to water distribution for the whole island.
Hall emphasizes the significance of water conservation as a crucial measure in addressing water shortages. Simple actions like repairing leaks, utilizing water-efficient fixtures, and practicing mindful water usage can greatly contribute to preserving precious water resources and reducing monthly bills.
Environmental Health Department Hosts Community Representatives at Providenciales Landfill Site
The Environmental Health Department (EHD) is pleased to announce the successful completion of a guided site visit of the ongoing fire extinguishing works at the Providenciales Dumpsite. This event, held on Wednesday, 15th May 2024, was facilitated by the Caribbean Development Bank Consultants and the Environmental Health Department team. The visit took place from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM and was organized to provide residents of the nearby community an opportunity to observe the efforts being made to address the fires that have plagued the Providenciales dumpsite over the years.
During the site visit, attendees were given an in-depth overview of the fire extinguishing process, including the techniques and equipment being used to manage and safely extinguish the fire. The consultants and EHD officials provided detailed explanations, ensuring that residents understood the scope and scale of the work being undertaken. This transparent approach helped to build trust and reassure the community about the measures being implemented to safeguard their health and environment.
Among the participants was the Minister of Public Safety and Utilities and Chairman of the Solid Waste Task Force, Honourable Kyle Knowles, whose presence added significant value to the visit. He addressed the residents and highlighted the government's commitment to resolving the issue promptly and effectively. His engagement with the community underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in managing environmental health concerns.
Commenting on the exercise, Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D Malcolm stated that “I am pleased that persons living in the communities in close proximity to the Providenciales Landfill site had the opportunity to meet with the CDB Consultants as well as EHD staff, tour the site and witness the works being undertaken as well as ask questions about the work that is being done to address fires at the site. This work aims to improve the environment surrounding the site including the air quality.”
The residents expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to witness the fire management efforts firsthand. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. They inquired about the future scope of works for site development and expressed interest in having the quality of air monitored.
For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
FINALISATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PROPOSALS
Her Excellency the Governor convened a meeting with the Honourable Premier, the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Attorney General, Sir Jeffrey Jowell KC and the FCDO’s Deputy Director Adam Pile to finalise the package of constitutional reform so it may be submitted to the Privy Council in July. Also in attendance was Her Excellency the Deputy Governor.
The bipartisan constitutional talks with the UK Government in Grand Turk (October 2023) agreed to move to a fully elected House of Assembly, with four additional elected members replacing the members appointed by the Governor, Premier and Leader of the Opposition. In the wider package of constitutional reform, all other major issues have been agreed in further meetings and correspondence, bar the timing of a transition to a fully elected House of Assembly.
Scope of work of the Electoral District Boundary Commission
The Electoral District Boundary Commission was set up in February to review in the first instance the boundaries of the electoral districts into which the islands are divided in line with s.61 of the Constitution. The Governor, in line with the agreement of the UK Government, has asked that they then assess options for the composition of the four additional elected seats. This work will need to be put out to public consultation and submitted to the House of Assembly, after which further work will be required to implement the approved changes.
In order to deliver constitutional reform for the Turks and Caicos Islands this summer, the agreed package of reforms now needs to be submitted to the UK Government so it may be made by His Majesty The King in the Privy Council in July.
Transition to an all-elected House of Assembly
Given this timing, it was noted that there are two options for the transition to an all-elected House of Assembly*:
A transitionary phase that provides for an all-elected House of Assembly* at the forthcoming election with four additional ‘all-island’ candidates for the next term, following which the further work of the Electoral District Boundary Commission will inform the composition of the four additional seats going forward; or
Retain the status quo of four appointed members at the forthcoming election and wait to move to an all-elected House* until the subsequent election, following the work of the Electoral District Boundary Commission which will inform the composition of the four additional seats.
The agreement was not reached at the meeting on which option to pursue.
The Honourable Premier continues in his view that the transition to an all-elected House* should take place at the forthcoming election with the four additional elected seats contested on an ‘all-island’ basis. This would be a transitionary phase, until the subsequent election where the work of the Electoral District Boundary Commission will inform what additional constituencies may be implemented.
The Honourable Leader of the Opposition has confirmed his view that the transition to an all-elected House of Assembly* should not take place at the forthcoming election, that the status quo should be retained with four appointed members; and that the move to an all-elected House of Assembly should only take place at the subsequent election, where the work of the Electoral District Boundary Commission will inform what additional constituencies may be implemented.
In light of the need to provide a clear position to the UK Government, a motion will be tabled for debate in the House of Assembly to allow a full debate on when a fully elected legislature should be introduced other than the Attorney General.