Hon. Sharlene Cartwright made a statement on the Young Lady being Missing
Meanwhile, Shadow Minister & Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Sharlene Cartwright in a statement added that "My Party is deeply saddened by the rapid evolving headlines over the past week of a young lady being missing, discovery of a dead body and now confirmation of the body: that of the missing 26 yr old Dominican National, Yuneiry Veras in Providenciales.
We had hoped that she would have been found alive but are grateful for this closure for her family and friends. We wish to offer our deepest and sincerest sympathy to her family and friends and to say to you that it is our prayer that God comfort you all during this experience.
Providenciales and Turks and Caicos Islands are losing their identity and are not what we knew them to be. We accept that things can and will change with expansion in population and other areas of development but there are certain things that we cannot and must not accept and these type of crimes can never be allowed to become commonplace in our societies. The senseless loss of a young life is a great tragedy and a further indication of the little value that some seem to place on human life. As a woman, I condemn this act against this young woman and call on all women to exercise great caution recognizing that women have fallen prey to violent and deadly crimes in recent history.
I however wish to remind us all that we all have a part to play in fighting crime which has waged a war against us. It is up to us, as well as the Police as to whether this matter will become a cold case or not. We are grateful that the Police has already opened a homicide investigation and we join them on calling on the people of this Island to lend any assistance you can to investigators. We say to those of you who may have seen or heard something to come forward and do not dismiss anything as irrelevant or immaterial. I am a firm believer in the integrity of Crime Stoppers and its commitment to protecting the identity of callers and I encourage use of the call Crime Stoppers tip hotline 18008477. Your identity is protected and your assistance is greatly needed and appreciated.
I will never weary of calling for greater resources and modern crime fighting initiatives for the Police but equally I will never weary in calling on the people of this country to fulfill its obligation in this important partnership of People/Police.
I have recently released a 12 Point Crime Plan and know these initiatives will do much to aggressively tackle crime. We cannot allow crime, especially of this nature to affect our peace of minds, our means and way of life, and our reputation. We must do what we can to ensure that Turks and Caicos Islands is a safe place to live and do business."
TCI HOSPITAL CELEBRATES 6 YEARS
The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is celebrating six years of service to the Country today.
This year, there focus will be based on community service.
To commemorate the six year anniversary, the IHC held a brief ceremony under the theme ‘Partnerships for Community Service’, which was held at the hospital yesterday Monday April 25th, 2016.
Congratulations were extended by some members of the public while others criticised the hospitals healthcare systems.
RTC News will share highlights in a subsequent newscast.
Mary Lightbourne appointed as Turks and Caicos’ Deputy Director of Tourism
The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board is pleased to congratulate Mary Lightbourne on her successful appointment as the new Deputy Director of Tourism.
Lightbourne is no stranger to the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board as she brings with her 23 years of a diverse track record of work experience, of which 15 were spent at the Tourist Board taking on progressively responsible roles. She was previously employed as the Registrar of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and most recently employed with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in a senior-level position as the Head of Secretariat to the Minister of Education.
Lightbourne holds a Master’s of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management and Development from American Intercontinental University, and a diploma in Tourism and Travel Agency Management from Cambridge Tutorial College, UK. Lightbourne is not only academically motivated but also civic minded, evident through her involvement with the Rotary Club of Grand Turk where she has held the position of President.
Director of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Ralph Higgs said the tourism team welcomes Lightbourne’s capabilities and experiences, “Her appointment is consistent with our commitment to ensure the continual growth of our tourism industry and to guarantee the Tourist Board’s longevity.”
Lightbourne commented that she is grateful for the opportunity to rejoin the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board as Deputy Director, “I am excited to showcase my leadership skills and augment my participation in marketing the number one tourism destination. I look forward to working with the entire tourism team to make my contribution to the growth of the vibrant tourism industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
As Deputy Director, Lightbourne will be based in Grand Turk and will oversee the administration of the Grand Turk Office. Her portfolio also includes tourism statistics management, quality assurance, strengthening the cruise industry, and assisting with the development and implementation of the tourism marketing strategy, with special emphasis on Grand Turk and the surrounding Islands.
Guilty Plea
51-year-old John Spencer Missick plead guilty on Thursday last, 21st April 2016, to Burglary in connection with a report that was made on Monday 8th February 2016.
On that day, a complainant made a report to police that shortly after 5 pm he arrived home and found Mr. Missick entering the bushes from the laundry room. Upon confronting him, it was observed he had in his possession beach towels and laundry detergent. Upon making checks, the complainant noticed that the items were stolen from his laundry room.
Police later arrived on the scene, arrested Mr Missick and then formally charged and cautioned him.
Mr. Missick was sentenced to two years’ probation.
During his probation period he must reside in North Caicos, report to the Bottle Creek Police Station every Thursday and must work (one hundred) 100 hours of Community service as stated by the courts.
Police found a lifeless body in Provo
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are continuing their investigations and hopes to confirm to RTC News whether the lifeless body of an unidentified female found earlier (Saturday 23rd April 2016) in the North Western area of Providenciales is that of Yunery Veras.
Just last week, Police issued a Missing Person’s report along with posters plastered at many business establishments in Provo for the 26 years old woman, of brown complexion by the name of Veras.
PRO Kevin Clarke told our news desk that at Around 1:04pm, while on patrol in that area of Pirate’s Cove on Tom Lightbourne’s Drive made the discovery of the body.
Steps are being taken to ascertain the identity of the female.
A post-mortem examination was conducted and public should know the exact cause of death sometime this week or early next week.
RTC News spoke with a variety of Dominican nationals in Providenciales who expressed not being recorded, most stated that while they do not know the missing woman hope that she can be found alive and expressed prayers to the family and friends.
Officers of the RTCIP are asking anyone with information as it relates to the discovery to please contact the police on 338-5901 or Crimestoppers 1-800-Tips while the investigations are ongoing.
STAFF OF TCI REVENUE DEPARTMENT UNDERSTUDIES THE OPERATIONS
The team of eight (8) officers from the Revenue Department recently returned from St. Kitts and Nevis on a one-week professional attachment at Inland Revenue Department from April 18th to April 22nd 2016.
This initiative afforded the officers with the opportunity to understudy that jurisdiction's tax operations, develop an understanding of best practices utilized in the various functions of tax administration, enhance capacity building and professional development and forge information sharing and networking relationships.
The team was led by Assistant Commissioner of Revenues, Mrs. Hilda Caley and Mr Ferique Bruce and comprised of two (2) Senior Tax Officers; Brendalee Williams and Khyla Callender, three (3) Tax Officers; Nycaine Cunningham, Natasha Ewing & Lekensay Missick and Carmaine Ariza, Application Support Officer from the Accountant Generals Office.
The attachment commenced with introductions at the opening meeting and presentations from both IRD St. Kitts and TCI Revenue Department. The day concluded with a discussion on SIGTAS and other IT tools. On day 2, officers were assigned to understudy their respective work functions in the morning and regrouped to discuss Program Management and Intelligence, which continued into day 3 when they observed Business Licence Processing and held discussions with the Accountant General.
The Staff visited Nevis Sub Offices on day 4 and concluded on day 5 with an overview and closure meeting with management of the St. Kitts' Inland Revenue Department.
H.E. Deputy Governor, Hon. Anya Williams stated; "I was happy to fund and support the program from the Professional Development Fund, which seeks to improve efficiency and service delivery across Turks & Caicos Islands Government. These programs create opportunities for exposure and information sharing geared at promoting about innovation and change in TCIG's Public Service.
"This is the second such initiative to take place in the Turks and Caicos Islands Revenue Department whereby 8 other officers during the month of March were also able to benefit as well from a similar experience at the Inland Revenue Department in Jamaica. As we seek to build capacity across the civil service and to improve efficiency in our core customer centered departments, these types of initiatives are imperative to our organization."
She added; "We extend our gratitude to the St. Kitts & Nevis Inland Revenue Departments for facilitating this program and we look forward to future partnership opportunities."
The Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mrs. Athenee Basden also expressed gratitude stating; "The Turks & Caicos Islands Revenue Department continues to undergo reform in an effort to strengthen capacity, tax administration and compliance in the Turks & Caicos Islands. The opportunity afforded to the Staff is invaluable and we will continue to support these initiatives."
Beaches washed away Mitsubishi Electric in Local Cricket
The HAB Group TCICA summer Cricket Competition continued on Sunday 29th May 2016, at the Downtown Ball Park with Beaches washed away Mitsubishi Electric Tigers.
Mitsubishi Tigers won the toss and elected to bat first, and reached 164 for 9 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Top scorer was Marlon Graham 37 (6x4) and Blair Mason added 23 runs (4x4, 1x6).
Bowling for Beaches Sanjay Pawar from India took 3 wickets for 24 runs from 4 overs. Jesse Alexander and Jayes Nelson took two wickets a piece.
In reply, Beaches reached the target in 17.2 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. The principal scorer was Danar Lewis on unbeaten 49 runs (3x4,4x6) and Siddhu Hunter chipped in with 36 runs (4x4, 2x6).
Bowling for Mitsubishi Tigers Marlon Graham, Chubby Challery and Mason took one wicket each.
Man of the match awarded to Danar Lewis of the victorious Beaches Team.
Meanwhile the competition will continue on Sunday 22rd May 2016 with Mitsibhishi Tigers taking on the Law men.
Rio Games on time despite Brazil crisis
Olympics chiefs said Wednesday that preparations for the Rio Games in August are running on time despite the crisis that threatens to topple the Brazilian government.
"The IOC is a non-political organization and we have been moving forward with our ongoing work despite the complex environment politically and economically," said Nawal El Mouta-wak-el, who heads the International Olympic Committee's coordination commission.
"This is not creating an impact on the Games as we have been delivering on time."
On Sunday, Brazil's lower house of Congress votes on whether to call for an impeachment trial against President Dilma Rousseff over corruption accusations, while the country is also mired in deep recession.
The IOC "is working really hard to make sure that the deadlines are respected," El Mouta-wak-el told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, where the Games will run from August 5 to 21.
Golden State Warriors Set NBA Single Season Record With 73rd Win
The Golden State Warriors made National Basketball Association history Wednesday night, trouncing the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 125-104 in Oakland to post their record-breaking 73rd win on the last game of the 2015-16 regular season.
As usual, the reigning NBA champions were led by superstar Stephen Curry, who scored 46 points, 30 of them from the three-point region. Curry's 10 three-point shots on the night gave him a total of 402 three-pointers for the season, shattering the single-season record of 286 three-pointers he set just last season, making him a sure bet to repeat as the league's most valuable player.
Golden State's won-loss record of 73-9 surpasses by one game that of the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, a team led by Hall-of-Famer Michael Jordan and including Steve Kerr, the Warriors's current coach. The Warriors had few missteps on the way to its history-making season, going undefeated in the first 24 games despite Kerr's absence due to illness, as well as posting a 39-2 record on their home court.
President Barack Obama, a decades-long Chicago resident and huge basketball fan, congratulated the Warriors on Twitter as "a great group of guys on and off the court. If somebody had to break the Bulls' record, I'm glad it's them."
Golden State begins its defense of its NBA title Sunday when they host the Houston Rockets in a rematch of last year's Western Conference finals.
South Korean Election Disrupts Political Landscape
For the first time in 16 years, a South Korean ruling party has failed to win a majority in a legislative election.
The surprise losses suffered by President Park Geun-hye’s Saenuri Party Wednesday revealed widespread public discontent with her conservative economic policies and growing division over her “get tough” approach to the North Korean nuclear threat.
Saenuri won only 122 out of 300 seats in the South Korean National Assembly according to the National Election Commission. Going into the election, the ruling party was projected to win a clear majority.
In addition to the stronger than expected opposition, Saenuri was also hurt when a number of its candidates defected from the party because the leadership did not back them during the nomination process and they ran as independents.
Taking responsibility for the party’s electoral defeat, Saenuri Party leader Rep. Kim Moo-sung announced his resignation on Thursday.
“We have shown arrogant and shameful acts from the nomination process and could not collect the power of our party and disappointed many people,” he said.
The main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea won 123 seats in the unicameral parliament. Kim Jong-in, Minjoo’s interim leader, said the vote was a rebuke of Park’s economic policies that produced slow growth of 2.6 percent last year and youth unemployment that reached 12.5 percent in February.