AU Lifts Mali Suspension
The African Union has lifted its suspension of Mali as it works on plans to send a military force to the West African nation.
AU officials say Mali is again allowed to participate in all the organization's activities and meetings.
The AU suspended Mali in March after a group of soldiers staged a coup just weeks before a presidential election. Islamic extremists with ties to al-Qaida control northern Mali. Those militants have carried out public executions and whippings in their drive to enforce strict Islamic law. Mali's interim government has asked for help in driving them out.
The AU plans to intervene with force in Mali with help from the United Nations, the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States.
AU chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says the AU will leave no stone unturned until Mali's government fully regains control of the entire country and defeats terrorism.
Tunisian Man Held In Connection With Attack On US Embassy In Libya
Tunisia's government says it has arrested one of its nationals believed to be linked to the September-11 attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya.
Interior Ministry spokesman Tarrouch Khaled said Wednesday that 28-year-old Ali Harzi was in custody in Tunis. He gave no other details.
Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans died in the attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Libya's Mediterranean city of Benghazi.
The U.S. the State Department had no immediate comment.
Alert #7 on Tropical Storm Sandy
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, Grand Turk, 24th October, 2012
ALERT #7 ON TROPICAL STORM SANDY ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY WEDNESDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2012 AT 6AM EDT.
…..SANDY HAS SHIFTED TO A COURSE OF DUE NORTH THUS INCREASING THE THREAT TO THE ISLANDS IN THE CENTRAL AND NORTHWEST BAHAMAS BUT DIMINISHING THE IMMEDIATE THREAT TO THE ISLANDS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS THAT INCLUDES EXUMA, CAT ISLAND, RUM CAY, SAN SALVADOR AND LONG ISLAND.
TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS CAN BE EXPECTED WITHIN 36 HOURS.
A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS THAT INCLUDES GRAND BAHAMA, BIMINI, ABACO, THE BERRY ISLANDS, ANDROS, ELEUTHERA AND NEW PROVIDENCE…
A WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS COULD AFFECT THE MENTIONED ISLANDS WITHIN 48 HOURS.
AT 5AM EDT THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM SANDY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 16.3 DEGREES NORTH AND LONGITUDE 77.0 DEGREES WEST OR ABOUT 120 MILES SOUTH OF KINGSTON JAMAICA AND ABOUT 363 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF RAGGED ISLAND.
TROPICAL STORM SANDY IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 14 MILES PER HOUR. THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY ACCOMPANIED BY A GRADUAL INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED. ON THE FORECAST TRACK THE CENTER OF SANDY WILL APPROACH THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS EARLY THURSDAY MORNING.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 70 MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS AND SANDY IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE BY THE TIME IT REACHES JAMAICA AND CUBA.
TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 140 MILES FROM THE CENTER. TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS BY EARLY THURSDAY AND BY MID AFTERNOON IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS.
RESIDENTS IN THE WARNING AND WATCH AREAS SHOULD BRACE THEMSELVES FOR STRONG GUSTY WINDS AND FLOODING IN LOW LYING AREAS. ALL PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO SECURE OUTDOOR VALUABLE PROPERTIES.
THE NEXT ALERT ON TROPICAL STORM SANDY WILL BE ISSUED AT 9 AM EDT.
Alert #4 for TCI Tropical Storm Sandy
ALERT #4 ON TROPICAL STORM SANDY ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY, TUESDAY, 23RD OCTOBER 2012 AT 9PM EDT.
…..SANDY IS MOVING NORTH-NORTHEASTWARD TOWARD JAMAICA…
…..A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS…..
A WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS COULD AFFECT THE MENTIONED ISLANDS WITHIN 48 HOURS.
AT 8 PM EDT…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM SANDY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 14.8° DEGREES NORTH AND LONGITUDE 77.5° DEGREES WEST OR ABOUT 225 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF KINGSTON JAMAICA AND ABOUT 525 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF RAGGED ISLAND.
TROPICAL STORM SANDY IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHEAST NEAR 8 MILES PER HOUR. A NORTH-NORTHEASTWARD TO NORTHWARD MOTION AT A FASTER FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT 48 HOURS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK THE CENTER OF SANDY WILL MOVE NEAR OR OVER JAMAICA WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AND NEAR OR OVER EASTERN CUBA WEDNESDAY NIGHT… AND APPROACH THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS THURSDAY MORNING AND THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS BY THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 50 MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SANDY IS EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN INTO A HURRICANE BY THE TIME IT NEARS JAMAICA.
TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 105 MILES FROM THE CENTER. A HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING SANDY.
RESIDENTS IN THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLAND SHOULD READY THEMSELVES FOR VERY STRONG WINDS THAT COULD RESULT IN FLYING DEBRIS AND HEAVY RAINS WHICH CAN PRODUCE FLOODING IN LOW LYING AREAS THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
THE NEXT ALERT ON TROPICAL STORM SANDY WILL BE ISSUED AT MIDNIGHT (12AM) EDT.
Tropical Storm Sandy does not pose a threat to the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies would like to inform residents that Tropical Storm Sandy does not pose a threat to the Turks and Caicos Islands at this time, but is travelling on a path that could see the TCI experiencing heavy rains, which could result in flooding.
Residents are urged to stay alert and continue to monitor the progress of this storm.
Listen to your local radio and television stations and adhere to the Flood Tips and information that is being shared.
Flood Tips
• Be prepared to move immediately to higher ground should this becomes necessary. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Move essential items to an upper floor or place them on tables, chairs or building blocks.
• Be aware of ponds, drainage channels, and other areas known to flood.
• Motorists should not attempt to cross flooded streets.
Unarmed Officers arrest Armed Suspect
At approximately 9:30 am on Monday 22 October 2012, officers attached to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Street Crime Unit while in the districts observed a subject who was wanted for questioning in relation to an ongoing investigation. While attempting to apprehend the subject he escaped into a wooded area off the Leeward Highway. During the chase one of the officers came upon a second subject who pulled a gun.
A suspect who was allegedly wearing mask and a bullet proof vest fired a shot at one of our officers and a struggle ensued which resulted in a round being discharged from the suspects firearm and the suspect being shot. Neither of the officers were armed at the time of this incident. The officer who was involved in the struggle suffered injuries which required medical attention. The suspect who was shot suffered non-life threatening injuries and is still hospitalized. The second suspect was arrested earlier this morning, 23 October 2012. The investigations are continuing into this matter.
"Policing is a high-risk activity and police officers are often in harm's way" stated Commissioner Farquhar. "Incidents like these reinforce the need for officers to be appropriately equipped, trained, and paid," said the Commissioner. He added that, "I commend the actions of the two officers and I am extremely thankful for the outcome." "The officers' actions no doubt prevented another crime or crimes that could have ended tragically."
Draft Code of Conduct for Public Consultations
The Integrity Commission has now compiled a draft Code of Conduct for Persons in Public Life. It is being compiled, as part of the Commission's responsibility to promote integrity, honesty and good faith in public life.
The draft Code is being made available for public feedback. In addition, it is also being sent to all political parties, prospective candidates for election, and persons in public life including public officers, CEO's, Executive Officers, members of Statutory Boards and other public sector bodies. The draft is also being made available on the Commissions page of the government website www.gov.tc.
As part of the process, the Integrity Commission will be embarking on a series of public consultations over the next few weeks in the form of Town Hall meetings. It is the intention to visit all the islands within the Turks and Caicos Islands, consult with and get the views and suggestions of as many members of the public as possible. This is part of the Commission's consultation programme and will inform the final Code of Conduct that will be implemented to ensure adherence to high standards. The dates, times and venues set for the public meetings are as follows:
Following the public awareness and consultation programme, the Commission intends to issue the final Code of Conduct prior to the 9th November 2012. Director of the Integrity Commission, Eugene Otuonye stated that "The Code of Conduct is a very important aspect of the Commissions work and we very much welcome the opportunity of taking this to the people of TCI for consultation. Thereafter, the Commission will consider the wide range of views and constructive suggestions from the consultations which will help the Commission formulate and publish a document which will enable high standards of conduct in public life".
Please send your views, comments and suggestions on the draft Code to the Integrity Commission: By e-mail atSecretary@integritycommission.tc; By Phone: 946 1941; 946 2801 – Gov’t ext. 20252
Public Consultation Calendar:
1. Salt Cay, Mon, 29 Oct, 12:30pm-2:30pm, The Salt Shed
2. Providenciales, Tue, 30 Oct, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex
3. Grand Turk, Wed, 31 Oct, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Ona Glinton Primary School
4. South Caicos, Thu, 1 Nov, 6:00pm-8:00pm, South Caicos Community Centre
5. Middle Caicos, Fri, 2 Nov, 2:30pm-4:30pm, Conch Bar Community Centre
6. North Caicos, Fri, 2 Nov, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Adelaide Oemler Primary School
TURKS AND CAICOS AUDIT REPORT PUBLISHED
The complex task of completing audited Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) accounts from financial year 2007/08 until 2010/11 concluded today with the submission of a report to His Excellency The Governor by the Audit Office in Grand Turk today, Tue, 23 Oct 2012.
The long awaited Audit Report and Financial Statements of TCIG for the periods ending 31st March 2008 through March 31st, 2011 had been delayed due to the chaotic state of the previous accounts and the breakdown of the public financial management systems in the past. Hurricane Ike also played a part in the loss of certain documentation.
The report demonstrates TCIG's improved financial position from an overall cash position of -$5.7m in 2007/08 to $19.9m in 2010/11, despite decreases in revenues in 2009/10 due to losses in the real estate and customs sectors. These decreases were compensated for by positive reductions in discretionary expenditures mostly associated with the former Premier’s office detailed in the report: hosting and entertainment, security, rental of buildings, subventions and other expenses.
"The reasons for the delay in this report were undoubtedly the disordered state of the public finances inherited from the previous elected Government," said Governor Ric Todd. “I appreciate that these Financial Statements are being issued during an election campaign, but this is the first time that they have been made available to me and I do not wish to withhold the information any longer than necessary. They accurately assesses how taxpayer’s money was spent over the last 2.5 years of the last elected Government and the first 18 months of the Interim Administration.
"The most important message from the report is that the financial management and systems of the Turks and Caicos Islands have improved beyond all recognition in recent times. Effectively we have spent the past two years clearing the outstanding expenditures of the previous period, and then implementing reforms to prevent these excesses occurring again. This will be of tremendous value to the incoming elected Government providing them with timely and accurate financial information which will allow them to make their spending plans on the strongest possible basis."
Skyfall premiere is biggest and best - Daniel Craig
James Bond star Daniel Craig has declared the launch of the new Bond film Skyfall as his greatest 007 premiere yet.
The actor, playing the spy for a third time, was the first of the stars to arrive at the Royal Albert Hall for the royal premiere.
"It's incredible," Craig told the BBC. "This is my third premiere and this is the biggest and the best."
Skyfall is the 23rd official Bond film and marks 50 years of the franchise.
Large crowds of people had turned out to cheer the stars on the red carpet, which stretched along the streets around the venue in Kensington, west London.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended the screening on Tuesday night, along with stars Dame Judi Dench, Javier Bardem and the film's director Sam Mendes.
James Bond received the royal seal of approval earlier this year at the Olympics opening ceremony when Daniel Craig's character appeared in a short film alongside the QueenCraig said he was "incredibly proud" to be playing the hero created by Ian Fleming, who first appeared on the big screen in Dr No in 1962.
"It was the 50th year so we had try and celebrate that," he said. "Sam and I are huge Bond fans and we wanted to make the best Bond movie we could, and he's done a tremendous job."
Proceeds from the royal gala are going to charities that help members of Britain's intelligence services.
Skyfall sees spy chief M (Dench) battling a crisis with roots in her past, and Bardem playing a villain bent on revenge.
Bardem said: "Sam Mendes has done something very challenging which is to mix the flavour of the classic Bond movies with something more modern."
Mendes said: "The weirdest thing is that about two weeks ago I was still finishing the movie with about three other people in a dark room - so the big shock is coming out and finding people about to see the movie."
Other stars on the red carpet included Ralph Fiennes, who plays a senior government official, Bond girls Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe, and Ben Whishaw as the new Q.
Whishaw said: "I'm so thrilled to be a part of this phenomenon."
Harris, who plays British agent Eve, said she tried to avoid watching the performances of previous Bond girls as she prepared for the role.
"I didn't want to be influenced by that. What was much more useful to me was interviewing a former MI6 agent who came along and answered all our questions about what it was like to be a real agent."
Marlohe, who plays the mysterious Severine, said on the red carpet: "We filmed the movie a long time ago but suddenly it brings back all the memories, and I feel very moved to be here."
Barbara Broccoli, who co-produces the Bond films with Michael G Wilson, said Skyfall was "classic Bond but with a contemporary feel".
She added: "We wanted to make a film for the 50th anniversary for the fans and we wanted to make the best Bond ever - we tried real hard so I hope the audiences like at as much as we enjoyed making it."
Skyfall has been praised by critics, with some indeed hailing it as the ultimate Bond adventure.
The Independent'sGeoffrey McNab said: "If not a full-blown triumph, this is certainly one of the best Bonds in recent memory."
The Times's Kate Muir called it "a great British bulldog of a movie".
All eyes will be on the box office after the film opens on Friday to see if Skyfall can top Daniel Craig's other outings as the secret agent.
2008's Quantum of Solace made £367.4m ($586.1m) worldwide, while Casino Royale (2006) made £372.5m ($594.2m).
BBC
Lindsay Lohan needs rehab, dad says
Lindsay Lohan's father pleaded with the actress to return to drug rehab; otherwise, he may ask a judge to place her under a conservatorship.
"I truly believe, as her team has told me, that she needs to go back in and pick up where she left off to resolve the issues she didn't resolve when she was in the last time," Michael Lohan told CNN Monday.
Lindsay Lohan never completed the family therapy mandated during her three-month stay at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California, for substance abuse rehab two years ago, Michael Lohan said. He insisted Lindsay Lohan's lawyers, manager and publicist backed the intervention plan because of their concerns about her recent drug and alcohol use, but they were distancing themselves from it Monday.
Lohan attempted to stage an intervention at his daughter's Los Angeles home on Friday, he said, but was rebuffed when someone called the policeIt's apparent Michael continues to be very focused on getting publicity for himself," Lindsay Lohan publicist Steve Honig told CNN. "Lindsay's team is in no way aligned with him or his actions."
Michael Lohan called Honig "a pathetic liar" for his denial, saying he "was on board, but now he is bailing because he cares more about his job than her."
Text and e-mails prove "her entire team was behind me in this, from the very beginning," he said. "They said they had the same concerns as me, and they were concerned about Lindsay's welfare."
Michael Lohan blames his ex-wife for much of his daughter's current troubles, accusing her of using their children "to distance me and stay close to the goose that laid her gold egg."