EDITOORIAL:DON’T SPEAK TO TODD, APPEAL TO BELLINGHAM
This past Sunday, which was Fathers’ Day, I attended an appreciation service for “Pops”, “Art” of “Butterfield” as he is called and Momma, Aunt Cita as she is called. It was truly a service where the roses were given while the persons are alive and kicking and could appreciate it, rather than when the cold icy hands of death have touched them and they cannot hear the accolades! But in all of that, what was really touching for me was the Sermon preached by Rev. Derek Hamilton. Of particular importance to me were the works captioned above! In our present context, the Reverend coined it correctly.
We must in the end remember that Governor Todd is only a messenger and that the real decision makers are in London. He acts as the conduit for transmitting information between us, the governed and the masters in White Hall! We must be cognizant of the fact that sometimes the message gets twisted in the translation and transmission. So in some instances we cannot always take the “shoot the messenger approach”. I know that at times I have been guilty of that especially at times when the messenger seems to be speaking with forked tongue.
The Progressive National Party, having solved its leadership battle, will soon be announcing its slate of candidates, first for the “At Large” seat, and subsequently for the other 10 single member constituencies. With the People’s Democratic Movement going through a similar exercise by the end of the month, the people will begin to see how both sides are shaping up. Following on from that, must come a position paper that both parties can agree on, and that must be given a public hearing here in the Turks and Caicos Islands so the “buy in” and ownership at home are assured. Once that is done, it must be proclaimed far and wide as the united position of the people of this country. I know that it is not going to be easy as both sides in the past looked at each other with suspicion for whatever reason. But having come through the bruising crucible meted to us by this imposing Interim Administration, clearly, there are a number of issues on which the parties can and must agree on in the interest of the people of this country.
I think that for too long we have, by our own pettiness allowed the Interim Administration to hold sway in our country to the equal detriment to both parties and the people. We have to remember that these people are masters of “divide and rule” as they invented and subsequently perfected that process which allowed them to have had one of the greatest empires of any of the colonizing powers. Do you remember the saying that “the sun never sets on the British Empire”? That was by design and not an accident. So it is incumbent on all of us to come together for the common good of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It certainly cannot in anyone’s wildest dream be “business as usual”.
We have to fully understand who we are dealing with and make our plans accordingly. Now in London, even though Minister Bellingham is the point man for the Overseas Territories, it is, in our case right now, that the DFID Minister, Alan Duncan who wields the real power. He is the one responsible for getting the loan guarantee in place and for driving the process to ensuring that there is no contingent liability that the British have to deal with, with respect to us. Every piece of legislation, particularly the CFO bill is geared to ensure that outcome. So do not let us be blindsided by any of the platitudes that might be emanating from these people. They are the masters of disguise! In our present circumstances, do you see who they have sent to be the top man here? The man, as part of his career profile was and in all probability is a spy. That is not any news out of school!
They have been sowing the seeds of distrust among our people towards one another. We have to beat back that nonsense and see it for what it is. It is nothing more than a ploy to continually justify their existence here. Nothing more, nothing less! All of these platitudes are nothing more than that. All they have been trying to do and succeeding to a great extent is “thiefing our sense”. At this juncture in our political and educational life, we cannot allow that stupidity to be perpetrated on us and we are lapping it up like it is some manner falling from Heaven.
It is time that we away those nonsense theories and get down to real basics. We have a county to build. It has been clearly demonstrated to us that the British are not really interested in helping us to build this country. All of their previous actions and those of today speak clearly to that fact. Flawed in some ways as the scholarship programme might have been, it least we can say that a large number of students availed themselves of the opportunity and made good on being granted the privilege. A case in point is Dr. Harvey, who has returned as a dentist. Had the British been in place during those days, he would not have been able to avail himself of such a scholarship as that profession was like many others not appropriate to the needs of Turks and Caicos Islands.
All of the major advances that this country has made were done so when we had a duly elected government, by the people and for the people. Do not for one brief moment lose sight of that fact. In the recent “surplus budget” that was just unveiled in the Consultative Forum, Stevie Wonder and members of the Forum saw that the priority areas were not in sync with what the general public wanted, even though it was said that that was in our best interest. Old John C. said “far be the thought”!
These people have been winning the public relations battle in the world’s court of public opinion. The first real shot across their bow came from the Anglican Bishop Boyd who is responsible the flock of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. Make no mistake about it, that was a shot that rang true and home. No matter what they have tried to say to the contrary, and no matter how much spin they have tried to put on it, the dagger stuck home. While it is still in place, we have to turn the handle for every ounce of what it is worth!
Our campaign for fairness and equality can start at our shores, but must equally be waged in the Caribbean, but more importantly in London. So I end at the point on which I began, forget Todd, we have to carry the fight to Bellingham, Duncan and the steps of Number 10 Downing Street. Nothing an Englishman hates more than being embarrassed, particularly on his door steps!
Royal S. Robinson, MBE
US Supreme Court to Rule on Health Care Law as Early as Monday
A new week brings more waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on a challenge to President Barack Obama's signature health care reforms.
The high court's ruling is expected as early as Monday, which would be exactly two years after Mr. Obama signed legislation to mandate health insurance for an additional 32 million Americans and prevent coverage from being refused on the basis of patients' medical histories.
At the heart of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, called “Obamacare” by its critics, lies the individual mandate. It requires every U.S. citizen to have health insurance, beginning in 2014, or be subject to a fine.
Opponents argue that Congress overstepped its constitutional authority in requiring individuals to buy insurance. The Obama administration contends the move is in line with existing law.
The nine Supreme Court justices heard six hours of oral arguments in late-March, the most time allotted to debating a single issue before the high court in more than 45 years.
There are several possible outcomes. The Supreme Court could overturn the act in its entirety, throw out only the individual mandate, endorse the entire law, or reach some other kind of ruling.
Whatever the court's decision, it will have a major impact on health care delivery in the United States, and could affect the outcome of the November presidential election.
Mr. Obama's challenger, for Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, says the elimination of the health care law would be the top priority in his administration's first 100 days.
Jimmy Henchman, Six Others Indicted For Murder
Former rap mogul James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond and six accomplices have been indicted for the murder of a man close to 50 Cent and G-Unit.
James Rosemond was officially indicted for the murder of Lowell Fletcher, who was gunned down in the Bronx in September of 2009.
Lowell Fletcher, aka Lodi Mack, had served almost two years in prison, for striking Rosemond’s young son, James Rosemond Jr.
The assault happened at the height of a bitter feud between 50 Cent and Game, who was managed by Rosemond’s company, Czar Entertainment.
Authorities claim Rosemond arranged for the murder as retaliation for the assault on his son, which occurred in front of the offices of Violator Management.
At the time, Rosemond’s Czar Entertainment and Violator Management were both located on 25th street in Manhattan.
During Rosemond’s cocaine distribution trial, violent acts
were not introduced as evidence against the mogul.
But testimony indicated that Rosemond purchased a cache of weapons and delivered them to Queens.
Once there, two associates, Brian McCleod and Torae Jackson, allegedly carried out the murder, in exchange for a few kilos of cocaine.
In related news, James Rosemond, who was convicted of cocaine distribution earlier this month, is facing a life sentence in prison.
Rosemond was found guilty of running “The Rosemond Organization,” a cocaine-based operation that imported hundreds of kilograms of he drug from the West Coast.
The gang then distributed the drugs
throughout New York City while funneling the proceeds back West and through Czar Entertainment.
General Hospital wins five Daytime Emmys
US soap General Hospital was the big winner at the Daytime Emmys in Los Angeles, picking up five awards including best drama for the 11th time.
The show also received awards for best directing team as well as three acting prizes for its cast members.
Anthony Geary won a record seventh Emmy for his role in the show, while Nancy Lee Grahn and Jonathan Jackson picked up best supporting actor awards.
Anderson Cooper and Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch hosted the ceremony.
The best lead actress award went to Heather Tom for The Bold and the Beautiful.
The actress also made history as the first to win the category after winning both the best younger actress and supporting actress awards in previous years.
Other multiple winners included Days of Our Lives, which won best drama series writing team and best younger actor for his role as Chandler Massey.
Live with Regis and Kelly was named best entertainment talk show, while the hosts themselves won their own category.
Jeopardy! won best game show for a 13th time and NBC's Today show won best morning show, beating rival Good Morning America.
In the children's categories, Kevin Clash was named best performer for his work as Elmo in Sesame Street and Penguins of Madagascar won best animated programme.
Black Keys sue Pizza Hut and Home Depot over song use
US rock duo The Black Keys are suing Pizza Hut and DIY chain Home Depot for allegedly using their songs in adverts without their permission.
Legal papers filed in Los Angeles claim the pizza chain used "significant portions" of the band's hit Gold On The Ceiling to advertise a new product.
A second legal claim alleges Home Depot used the song Lonely Boy in an advert for power tools.
The band are seeking an end to the use of the songs and financial damages.
Lawyers for the band said the adverts were "a brazen and improper effort to capitalize on plaintiffs' hard-earned success".
They added that they had sent letters to both companies in May requesting they withdraw the adverts, but claim these were ignored.
Both of the tracks in question appeared on the group's seventh album, El Camino, which was released last year.
Producer Danger Mouse, who co-wrote the album - is also suing the companies.
A spokesman for Home Depot told the Associated Press: "We haven't seen the complaint yet, but respect for intellectual property rights is a matter we take very seriously."
A Pizza Hut spokesman directed inquiries to its advert's creators, The Martin Agency, who said the company did not respond to pending lawsuits.
Justin Bieber denies Cheryl Cole number one album
US pop star Justin Bieber has topped the UK album chart, denying Cheryl Cole her third number one record.
Bieber's second album, Believe, sold just 3,000 copies more than the Cole's to claim the chart crown.
Cole suffered disappointment in the singles chart, too, where Maroon 5 knocked her song, Call My Name, off the top slot after just one week.
The US pop band sold more than 141,000 copies of their single Payphone, giving them their first UK number one.
Their previous highest-charting singles were 2007's Makes Me Wonder and 2011's Moves Like Jagger, which both made it to number two.
"It's been a long time coming," lead singer Adam Levine told BBC Radio 1. "We're so happy that people like the tune, and there are more to come."
Asked how he would celebrate, Levine said: "We're going to dance like girls."
Maroon 5's sales victory comes a week after Cole set the record for the fastest-selling single of the year so far, shifting a total of 152,000 copies in a week.
She tweeted on Sunday morning that she was in rehearsals for the video to its follow-up, Under The Sun.
Bieber, 18, rose to fame after posting songs on YouTube as a youngster. He was later signed by US R&B star Usher.
The Canadian star's second album has been praised for its mature urban sound, in comparison to the saccharine teen pop of his debut.
In the US, it is expected to sell 410,000 copies this week - the largest first-week sales of any album this year.
The final tally will be revealed when the Billboard chart is announced on Wednesday.
Other new entries in the album chart included Blown Away, by country singer Carrie Underwood, which went in at number 11; and the third album by Sheffield indie band Reverend and the Makers - @reverend-makers - which entered the chart at number 16.
US art-rock band The Smashing Pumpkins also returned to the charts for the first time in five years.
Their ninth album, Oceania, debuted at number 19.
The singles chart saw little movement this week. Apart from Maroon 5, the only other new entry was Black Heart, by Essex girl band Stooshe.
The track, co-written by former All Saints member Shaznay Lewis, went in at number four.
Paloma Faith re-entered the top 10 with her single Picking Up The Pieces. Two weeks ago the song had dropped to number 19, but it has reversed its decline following a performance on Graham Norton's chat show.
Katy Perry's Wide Awake - the eighth and last single from her Teenage Dream album - was the week's highest climber, jumping from 31 to 12 in the same week that she released the song's video.
Edwin Yearwood joins the list of 16 to perform at Sweet Soca Semifinals
In cataloging the songs submitted for the Sweet Soca Competition, 6 songs that had been submitted on time were inadvertently not transferred to the Judges’ play list and were therefore not judged in the original session.
As a consequence, an emergency session with the judges was convened to examine and assess the 6 songs.
As a result, Edwin Yearwood will now join the 16 semifinalists who originally qualified, and along with the reserve, will now perform and compete at the semi finals stage of this competition on July 6th at the Pork Lime in Wildey.
The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) uses a cataloging system where the songs submitted are transferred to an electronic library where they reside until they are moved to the judges play list from which they are played for the judging session.
The NCF will be reexamining this internal logging system to ensure that something of this nature does not recur.
Bravo found guilty of breaching ICC Code of Conduct
West Indies player Dwayne Bravo has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct after the One-Day International between England and the West Indies at The Oval on Tuesday.
Bravo was charged with a Level 1 offence, contrary to clause 2.1.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players or Team Officials which covers inappropriate public comment.
Bravo pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction so there was no need for a formal hearing.
Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, explaining his decision, said: “Dwayne unfortunately went over the mark in describing the Chris Gayle decision and used comments that criticised both the on-field and TV umpire.”
The charge was laid by Tony Hill and Kumar Dharmasena, both from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, after Bravo was publicly critical of the umpires following an LBW decision against West Indies batsman Chris Gayle.
All Level one breaches carry a minimum penalty of warning/reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of the match fee.
PR
Fifty criminals are to be pardoned in Trinidad
Fifty criminals are to be pardoned for the country's 50th Independence anniversary.
This announcement was made Thursday by Justice Minister Herbert Volney, who said in commemoration of the country's 50th anniversary of independence, Government is to recommend to President George Maxwell Richards that he pardons 50 criminals, who would become free people.
He was speaking at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair.
"The Government is going to announce, in the fullness of time, the pardon of 50 persons to commemorate (the country's 50th anniversary of independence)," he said.
Asked whether these persons had committed murder or other types of crimes, Volney said they were "worthy candidates, people who have spent all their lives in prison. It is on the recommendation of the Commissioner of Prisons, and it would be dealt with by the Mercy Committee, making the recommendation to the President".
He however assured that "we won't jeopardise public safety by releasing any dangerous person on the public".
The last presidential pardon was issued in May 2012 to Godson Neptune, 83, a graduate of the University of Caracas in Venezuela, who had chopped his wife to death in 1985.
Neptune's defence was that he thought his wife was a snake. He later stated he was in an "alcohol intolerance condition" which caused him to do the most outrageous and dangerous things.
Rio+20: $513 billion pledged to sustainable development
FroAt the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), some $513 billion in funding has been committed by governments, the private sector, civil society and other groups to achieve a sustainable future.
m the very beginning we have said that Rio+20 is about implementation and concrete action,” said Rio+20’s Secretary-General, Sha Zukang, at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Friday. “The commitments that we share with you today demonstrate that governments, the UN systems, and the nine major groups are committed and serious about implementation.”
Of the funds committed, $323 billion will be devoted to achieving universal access to sustainable energy by 2030.
A wide range of actions have also been pledged during Rio+20. These include planting 100 million trees, empowering 5,000 women entrepreneurs in green economy businesses in Africa, and recycling 800,000 tons of polyvinyl chloride (commonly known as PVC) – one of the most widely used plastics – per year.
Some 40,000 people – including heads of state and government, representatives from non-governmental organizations and the private sector – have been in Rio de Janeiro for the past three days, attending Rio+20, and seeking to help shape new policies to promote global prosperity, reduce poverty and advance social equity and environmental protection.
A key element on the conference has been its outcome document, entitled “The Future We Want” and agreed on by member states.
“I’m very grateful and encouraged by world leaders for their strong political commitments to agree to a solid outcome document which puts all of us towards a greater sustainable path,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in an interview.
The outcome document calls for a wide range of actions, such as beginning the process to establish sustainable development goals; detailing how the green economy can be used as a tool to achieve sustainable development; strengthening the UN Environment Programme (UNEP); promoting corporate sustainability reporting measures; taking steps to go beyond gross domestic product to assess the well-being of a country; developing a strategy for sustainable development financing; and, adopting a framework for tackling sustainable consumption and production.
The document also focuses on improving gender equity; recognizing the importance of voluntary commitments on sustainable development; and stressing the need to engage civil society and incorporate science into policy; among other points.
Over 50 million people from all over the world have taken part in Rio+20 through social media platforms, voicing their comments, opinions and ideas, making the platforms a key component in establishing a global conversation on sustainability issues both in the lead-up to and during the conference.
“Rio+20 has been a great success,” Sha said. “It had a huge participation, but participation without success means nothing, but we succeeded in concluding negotiations and agreeing to establish not only sustainable development goals but also a high-level forum to monitor the implementation of all commitments.”