PNP Leader Dr. Rufus Ewing and Deputy Leader Mr. Carlos Simons demonstrate leadership
At the first National Debate in the TCI, the PNP Leadership team of Dr. Rufus Ewing and Mr. Carlos Simons QC demonstrated why the PNP is the right choice on election day, November 09, 2012.
Those in attendance, those watching online and listening in across the country saw and heard from a strong and confident PNP team as the key issues were discussed.
The first hour of the debate Mr. Simons spoke confidently and directly when asked about how the PNP would stimulate the economy and bring more jobs to TCI.
"We are open for business , we want to encourage foreign investment. You don’t say “Bar The Gates” like the other party!"
Mr. Simons also responded to an question on what the PNP education plan was. In his response, Mr. Simons was clear and concise.
“Under the PNP no child will be left behind. Every child has the right to an education. We will increase classrooms where needed which is right here on Providenciales. We will build a primary school and a high school. With regard to tertiary education, we will develop of a full technical faculty to train our people for the trades our economy needs and will need such as electricians, plumbers, millworkers, welders, auto mechanics and such.”
Mr. Simons also noted that "teachers are the guardians of our future, and we will compensate them accordingly".
Throughout the Deputy Leaders Debate, Mr Simons showed an understanding of the key issues and his passion and belief in the PNP plan to bring prosperity and progress to the country.
In the second hour of the debate, leaders of the national parties squared off to discuss the key issues.
PNP Leader Dr. Rufus Ewing provided those in attendance and those at home the PNP plans and clearly demonstrated his knowledge of the most important issues facing the country.
He passionately detailed the PNP plan with regard to education and pointed out that "the PNP will design and support an education system that looks to the future"
When asked about how to improve health care in the TCI Dr. Ewing responded that:
"A PNP Government will ensure our Primary Care Clinics are functioning well and able to deliver primary services for our people....we will make sure that persons who have lost their jobs still have access to health care. We will monitor Interhealth Canada and ensure that they meet all of the obligations under the contract and they will pay the penalty if those obligations are not being met."
Dr. Ewing talked about creating jobs and explained the PNP plan to grow the economy by diversification, expanding the agricultural industry, and providing more support for tourism. He reiterated that under a PNP administration the word would go out that TCI is "Open For Business!"
Consistently and repeatedly Dr. Ewing demonstrated his knowledge of all the issues and presented the PNP platform with passion and conviction.
In his closing statement Dr. Ewing addressed the country saying:
"On November 09 we have an important decision to make...you need to elect a government that knows how to grow the economy, one that has a vision for the future and that team is the PNP"
VIEWS SOUGHT ON TRADE DEAL WITH US
The UK Embassy in Washington has confirmed that their ongoing trade discussions with their US counterparts have secured an invitation for the Turks and Caicos Island to join the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) today, Wed 17 Oct 2012.
The CBI is an initiative that allows members to enter into tariff concession agreements with the United States. This follows on from the situation this summer where it was thought incorrectly that the TCI would lose its import waivers to the US for conch and other fish products, following an announcement by President Obama.
These discussions between TCIG officials, the Governor’s Office and British embassy in Washington with US trade officials revealed the opportunity to TCI of joining the CBI. At the end of July the Governor conveyed a letter to the US Trade Representative to request the TCI to join.
The CBI tariff concession mechanism is applicable to a wider range of goods than the existing Most Favoured Nation (MFN) mechanism, and includes access for manufactured items. In joining this second mechanism TCI would be seen as putting in place a further building block to stimulate a wider range of business activity in the territory, when the largest trading partner is inevitably going to be North America. Over half of the other Caribbean countries are already in the CBI. The MFN mechanism would also continue and still give existing TCI products, such as conch and lobster, tariff concessions into the USA.
The process to enter the CBI is now underway. On 11 October the US trade authorities gazetted a notice in the US Federal Register requesting public comments on the granting of CBI benefits to the TCI. Additionally, the US has asked the TCI to undertake a contributing public consultation to gather the views of businesses, stakeholders and the public here in TCI as to their views on the benefits of joining.
"We have written to the Chambers of Commerce on Providenciales and Grand Turk and other business bodies inviting their comments,"said Philip Rushbrook of the Governor’s Office. "I am also inviting the views of the political parties and the general public. Please could we receive all views via GovernorGT@fco.gov.uk by Monday, 5th November. Thereafter, we will prepare with TCIG colleagues a portfolio of the comments received and send them, via the British embassy in Washington, back to the US trade authorities by the US Government deadline of 9th November."
Registration facility opens for British Postgraduate Scholarships
Turks and Caicos Islands candidates seeking a fully funded postgraduate scholarship in the United Kingdom for 2013/14 can now register their interest, thanks to a new website it was announced by the Governor’s Office today, Wed, 17 Oct 2012.
The site, www.chevening.org, has been launched to give details of Chevening Scholarships, the UK government’s global scholarship programme. The Scholarships, which are funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations, operate in over 100 countries worldwide, and this year will support about 700 students, including two places from the UK Overseas Territories. Awards are typically for a one-year Master’s degree, in any subject and at any UK university.
According to His Excellency Governor Ric Todd the new website aims to make the Scholarships more accessible than ever before: “By registering their interest in advance, candidates will receive alerts at key stages in the process, including when applications open, and find out more about the process and priorities.”
He emphasised that Scholarships are aimed particularly at high quality candidates who are likely to assume leadership roles in their future careers. “There are no age limits, but candidates who have already demonstrated leadership potential will be particularly welcome.” Turks and Caicos is keen to attract candidates with a background in public financial management and environmental studies.
In addition to giving details of the Chevening application process, the website provides updates about latest developments in the scheme worldwide, and important information on applying for higher education courses in the UK more generally.
TCI Hydra Winding Up Judgment by AG/Civil Recovery
The Attorney General and Civil Recovery Unit issued an immediate release to RTC News in relations to TCI Hydra Developments Ltd.
On 12 October 2012, the Supreme Court handed down judgment granting TCIG's Petition to wind up TCI Hydra Developments Ltd. TCI Hydra had agreed a lease with TCIG that had expired in 2009, following non-payment of rent totalling $83,500, which it was unable to pay. TCIG commenced proceedings to wind up the company after the parties were unable to agree settlement terms. The company opposed the liquidation but the Court determined that the company was clearly unable to meet its debts and should be placed into liquidation.
The liquidator will now take steps to liquidate the company's assets in order to pay the Government and any other creditors.
DEMA Announces Conch Quota 2012
Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs on October 15, 2012 announced the opening of the 2012 Conch Season and introduced a quota for the landing and export of conch. Although not yet a signatory to the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), the TCI is required to report all catches and implement a management plan if it intends to continue trading conch. DEMA has been charged with establishing a quota for harvest in accordance with CITES rules.
Director of DEMA Kathleen Wood, said: “TCI has an obligation to report our catch and to establish management plans if we intend to engage with CITES signatory countries such as the US, our primary queen conch export market. The past two conch seasons have resulted in lower-than-anticipated catches. In 2010-2011, the catch was only approximately 25% of previous years’ catch levels at 395,433 pounds. Last season, the situation had only marginally improved with a catch of 500,239 pounds”.
DEMA has therefore taken a precautionary approach to conservation of the Queen Conch stock due to the unavailability of stock studies in the form of a visual survey since 2001. The
Department is currently seeking funding to carry out the annual study which is critical to maintaining the conch fishery. Given the absence of critical data indications are that conch stocks in the TCI are in serious jeopardy.
The Scientific Authority Committee (SAC) and the Fisheries Advisory Committee (FAC) lowered the conch quota for 2012-2013 to 800,000 pounds of landed conch, with 500,000 pounds going to export and 300,000 pounds for local consumption. DEMA estimates that a total quota of 800,000 is equal to the approximate value of conch that was landed last year.
DEMA recognises that this quota will cause some economic strain on fishermen and plant owners, but the measures have been put in place to ensure sustainability and the long-term viability of the industry. The Department is however cognisant of its responsibility to protect the natural resources of TCI including the queen conch fishery.
E. coli O157 illness related to beef
The Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Education is advising TC Islanders to be careful in their purchase and consumption of beef and beef products imported from North America, specifically Canada following reports of illnesses due to E. coli O157
Several cases of E. coli O157 have been diagnosed in Canada and have been linked to consumption of beef products from XL Foods Inc, a facility that ships beef and beef products to several countries including the USA.
Public Health Agency of Canada has reportedly been working with its health and food safety partners on an investigation into E. coliO157 illnesses that have been linked to the food safety investigation at XL Foods Inc.
The Public Health Department is advising that products contaminated with E. coli O157 can pose a serious public health risk and cause severe illness. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Serious complications of an E. coli O157:H7 infection can include kidney failure.
The Public Heath Department is advising anyone who think that they might be sick with an E. coli O157:H7 infection, to a healthcare professional. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
The department is reminding residents that proper hygiene, safe food handling and food preparation practices can prevent or minimise the spread of food borne illnesses, including E. coli. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of food borne illness. Thorough cooking will destroy bacteria.
The Ministry would like to remind all, that recalled products, should NEVER be consumed and MUST be thrown away.
Tom Hanks: 'There are a lot of people who have binders full of women'
Tom Hanks' upcoming movie "Cloud Atlas" might be a little confusing for those who haven't read the book on which it's based. In the movie, actors play multiple races with varying accents and even different genders -- and they do it across eras past, present, and future.
Despite this, Hanks -- who called the screenplay a "page turner like 'Thornbirds' " -- thinks it will become self-explanatory as the film progresses, especially for careful observers.
"Even before the opening credits say 'Cloud Atlas,' " Hanks said, "Jim Broadbent as (the character) Timothy Cavendish explains the movie in one line. If you're hip to figure that out, you'll see it."
For those who miss that explanation, Hanks had one of his own ready: "I found it actually gave a language to the connections we all have with each other," he said. "What 'Cloud Atlas' is all about -- individual people have to make this decision between cruelty and kindness, someone has to go against a mindless version of the status quo, and it's this idea that great acts of kindness last forever and reverberate through eternity. It's another definition of human history."
But, said Hanks, some stories are more important than others to the larger narrative. Take presidential politics for example: Hanks takes the recent round of presidential debates with a grain of salt.
"You know what? The debates are just TV shows," he said. "Now, they carry a lot of weight because of all the stuff that goes on, but they're just TV shows. I don't think there's any new policy that comes out of them."
Hanks said it's "interesting to watch the ballyhoo" following a debate, especially regarding a candidate's choice of words, such as Mitt Romney's "women in binders" comment. "You know what? There are a lot of people who have binders full of women," Hanks joked. "Actually, I have a loose leaf notebook that has them in it."
But despite the discussion following a televised debate, Hanks doesn't think the actual debate is much of a factor in deciding the election. He cites the John Kerry-George W. Bush debates in 2004, in which Kerry would jump in the polls following a showdown with Bush, and yet Kerry ultimately lost the race.
So even if one candidate seems to dominate, and the other crumbles, it won't matter, Hanks said, "unless someone says something so incredibly dumb that you can't trust them after a while. But those guys aren't going to do that. They're both good at what they're doing. They've both got it. But I don't think anybody says anything that magically alters our concept of anything."
But, as Hanks well knows, anyone can say something "incredibly dumb" once in a while. Hanks, for example, did so on "Good Morning America" Friday.
Speaking in the voice of one of his "Cloud Atlas" characters, he accidentally swore on live television. But will it make anyone trust him less? Probably not, but it might encourage networks to use a seven-second delay while he's promoting the film -- an idea he suggested seconds after using the F-word.
"Man, oh man," Hanks apologized on "GMA." "I'm sorry, I slipped. ... I have never done that before. I would apologize to the kids in America that are watching right now. And let me say the next time I'm on the show, there will be a seven-second delay."
Source- CNN
Adele Gave Birth To Baby Boy
British singer Adele is now the proud mom of a baby boy.
The “Rolling In The Deep” singer and her boyfriend Simon Konecki welcomed their first child on Friday (October 19).
Sources told a British tabloid that the couple is ecstatic over their new bundle of joy.
“Adele and Simon are ecstatic at their new arrival,” source said. “She was over the moon that they were expecting their first child together.”
In a statement issued to PEOPE magazine, the couple asked for privacy during this time.
“Obviously we’re over the moon and very excited but please respect our privacy at this precious time,” she wrote.
The couple is reportedly renovating a home in Hove, Southern England, where they can be away from the spotlight.
Beyonce And Jay-Z Baby “Blue Ivy” Lost First Legal Battle
Hip Hop’s royal family lost their first legal battle involving Blue Ivy Carter.
According to reports, Beyonce and Jay-Z lost a legal showdown over the name Blue Ivy. The couple recently filed a suit against Boston based events planning company Blue Ivy Events.
However, Blue Ivy Events owner, Veronica Alexandra, successfully defended her company’s name. This means the Carter family has no legal right in keeping the name Blue Ivy to themselves.
The company has been in operation since 2009, long before Beyonce conceived her first child Blue Ivy Carter. Both Beyonce and Jay-Z, real name Sean carter, wanted to trademark the name. Allegations are that the couple want to start a baby clothing line with the name.
Blue Ivy Carter turns one year old in January.
Justin Bieber nude photo on computer theft a 'hoax'
Claims that Justin Bieber's computer was stolen earlier this month were part of a hoax the 18-year-old knew about, it's being reported.
The singer had tweeted that "personal footage" had gone missing from his camera and computer after the items were taken while he was on stage.
There were also rumours of leaked video clips and a picture which showed the Canadian naked.
It would appear now that Bieber was behind the joke.
"Since I was 14 I have had a lot of things said about me, from dying, to saying I had a baby with a woman I never even met, nude pics, drugs...but today...today i get to be in on it... " he tweeted.
It's thought the information was put out in the public domain as part of a publicity stunt to promote his new video Beauty and A Beat.
The video, which is from his album Believe had 10.6 million views within the first 24 hours of release - that has since risen to more than 33 million views.