CRAWFISH SEASON TO COMMENCE ON 15 AUGUST, 2016
Fishing interests, restaurants and the general public are reminded of the opening of Crawfish Season next month. As has been the case for the past four seasons, the Crawfish Season will open on 15th August. This has proven successful in reducing the quantity of egg-bearing lobsters landed, and is believed to have contributed to increased abundance and landings of crawfish. The last day of the Crawfish season will be 15th March, 2017.
"Last season the fishing community of the Turks and Caicos benefited from an increase in crawfish landings. This appears to be the result of the stock starting to rebuild, and as long as we continue to implement the measures we have in place we are confident that this rebuilding will continue to the benefit of fishermen and the environment alike," said Dr John Claydon, Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) Director.
Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Gaming, Culture and Heritage said: "I would like to remind all persons who participate on a daily basis this season, to fish responsibly. Remember, crawfish is a part of our culture and heritage and unless we are held accountable for our fishing during the season, we wont have it in the generations to come."
Restrictions relating to crawfish, as per the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, are listed below:
Crawfish size restrictions are as follows:
When whole, a length of 3.25 inches measured from the front of the groove between the horns directly above the eyes, along the middle of the back to the rear edge of the back shell.
When the tail has been separated, a tail weight of 5 ounces whether processed or not.
Fishers are not to be in the possession of any egg-bearing crawfish.
Fishers are not to remove eggs from egg-bearing crawfish.
Fishers are not to take or be in possession of moulting / soft-shelled crawfish or crawfish in early stages of spawning (described as appearing 'tar-spotted')
Fishers are to ensure that the crawfish are landed unharmed (except for those taken by hook) and landed whole prior to being processed on land (at a processing plant or at home), unless processed at sea as per the terms of the processing license.
The use of any noxious substance (e.g. bleach, detergent, gasoline) for capturing any marine product is prohibited.
DECR appeals to citizens, residents and visitors in the Turks & Caicos Islands, to familiarise themselves with and to uphold the Fisheries Protection Regulations, and urges all responsible citizens to call DECR at 338 4170 or email environment@gov.tc to report any violations.
Drake's One Dance edges closer to UK chart record
Drake has retained the UK number one spot for the 15th consecutive week.His single One Dance is now only two weeks away from breaking the record for the longest uninterrupted reign at the top of the chart. Bryan Adams's single Everything I Do (I Do It For You), which held the number one spot for 16 weeks in 1991, is the current record holder. The last single to notch up 15 weeks at number one was Wet Wet Wet's Love Is All Around, released in 1994. One Dance owes much of its continued success to its popularity on streaming sites. The song received 4.33 million streams this week - equivalent to 43,300 sales. It has also been boosted by its absence from YouTube, which has prompted music fans to download or stream the song in order to hear it. Cover versions of the song are available to listen to on the video sharing website, but Drake's original version has yet to be uploaded by his official account.
IMF's Lagarde to face trial over payout court confirms
The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, will stand trial over a state payout to the French tycoon Bernard Tapie, an appeals court has ruled. She is charged with negligence over the award to Mr Tapie of €404m ($445m; £339m) in 2008 when she was France's economy minister. Ms Lagarde had appealed against a lower court ruling from December. She is now expected to appear before a special court for government ministers. The case stems from Mr Tapie's sale of his majority stake in the sports equipment company, Adidas, which was handled by the state-owned bank, Credit Lyonnais. The businessman sued for compensation after claiming he was defrauded by the bank and received too little from the sale in 1993.
New Gorilla Glass helps prevent phone smashes
It has launched its next generation of Gorilla Glass - the material used in more than 70% of smartphone screens, including on Samsung and Apple devices. Corning said Gorilla Glass 5 could survive more than 80% of drops from as high as 1.6 metres. Shattered or cracked screens are the number one cause of smartphone repairs and customer complaints globally. The new glass was tested on rough surfaces - a demo for journalists showed dummy phones being dropped from a height of 1.6 meters onto a sheet of sandpaper. Some of the phones tested survived over 20 hard drops in the lab. Typically, most phone drops are from between waist and shoulder height.
Hungry Jack's: Corpse lay undiscovered in Australian fast food outlet toilet for days
The authorities in Western Australia are trying to determine how a man's dead body went unnoticed for nearly three days in the toilet of a fast food outlet in a suburb of Perth. It is thought the man died from a drugs overdose, and the death is not being treated as suspicious. Customers at the store have expressed concern about hygiene standards. Hungry Jack's, the Australian franchise of Burger King, said they were co-operating with the authorities. When contacted by the Australian news broadcaster ABC, Hungry Jack's head office did not address questions relating to the cleaning schedule of the bathrooms, but issued a short, unattributed statement.
US election: Hillary Clinton poised to announce running mate
Her announcement would come ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which is due to begin on Monday in Philadelphia. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a favourite choice among Democrats, has said she was "probably not" the choice. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has emerged as a leading contender for the role. The former secretary of state may reveal her vice-presidential pick on the campaign trail in the key battleground state of Florida. Mrs Clinton is expected to attend a rally at Florida International University on Saturday, where her newly minted running mate could also make an appearance.
US election: Donald Trump promises a 'safer' America
"The crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon come to an end," he told the party convention. The businessman promised his presidency would usher in a new era putting America and ordinary people first. Mr Trump's nomination has been clouded by the refusal of major party figures like Senator Ted Cruz to endorse him. Mr Cruz, who was his bitter rival during the primary contests, was booed off the stage by Trump supporters. Other Trump opponents such as members of the Bush family stayed away from the convention altogether. Mr Trump, a New York businessman who was written off when he launched his campaign a year ago, said he hoped his speech would ease tensions and unite the party.
24 HOURS OF DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
The Governor, Peter Beckingham, welcomed leaders from seven of the UK’s Overseas Territories for lunch at Waterloo on 21 July. Commenting on the visit of Territory leaders to TCI, the Governor said,
“I was delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands on 20 and 21 July the Premiers, Chief Ministers and Ministers from no less than seven Overseas Territories: Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and Montserrat. This is also a big honour for TCI, and a tribute to the work of many people here. The Territory leaders were in TCI to prepare for their annual meeting with the FCO’s Minister for the Overseas Territories and her ministerial colleagues at the Joint Ministerial Council which will be held in London in October.
“I was able to forward to Premier Ewing on the first day of the meeting a letter from the new Minister for the Overseas Territories at the Foreign Office, Baroness Anelay. In addition to her existing responsibilities as Minister of State for relations with a range of international organisations, the Minister has taken on this additional role for working with the Territories and will chair the Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London.
“I was able to talk informally with the Territory leaders about the wider changes which have taken place in the UK recently. The biggest development has been the vote in the referendum in favour of leaving the European Union, closely followed by the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Theresa May. The Prime Minister has in turn made a number of major changes to our Cabinet, including a new Foreign Secretary (who I had the privilege of working with in India on two visits he made as Mayor of London) and Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“It is too early to predict what these changes signify for Turks and Caicos and the other Territories, but Baroness Anelay was at pains in her letter to Premier Ewing to underline the continued commitment of the UK Government to the Overseas Territories, as well as to involve them in the preparations for negotiations for the UK to leave the EU.
“I was in London in July to attend meetings with other Governors and Ambassadors in the Foreign Office shortly after the referendum. It is clearly going to be a major task for UK Ministers and officials to prepare the groundwork for the UK’s exit from the EU. But Cabinet Ministers, the Cabinet Secretary and officials all left no doubt that this was a challenge which can be met, and provides opportunities to raise the profile of the UK globally. They were also equally clear that the Territories and Crown Dependencies like Jersey and the Isle of Man will continue to be a part of the new structures of trade and services which emerge from international negotiations.
“As I said to the visiting Territory leaders, the big changes in the governing party in the UK also demonstrated how efficiently and smoothly the democratic systems of government work in the UK, with one Prime Minister departing and another taking over in the space of less than 24 hours. It was, on any reckoning, an extraordinarily dramatic day in British politics, but accomplished in style and dignity.”
TCI Rising Stars shows outstanding improvement at YBOA 2016
Providenciales, TCI, 13th July 2016 – Five days, two coaches, and twenty-one young athletes later, the Rising Stars Basketball Club made the Turks and Caicos Islands proud again their 2nd year performance at YBOA’s 27th Annual National Championship Tournament.
The Florida based tournament hosted at the Orange County Convention Centre from July 3-16th saw its usual participation of nearly 50 registered te0ams from different parts of the United States, including Puerto Rico, New Zealand and Turks and Caicos Islands being the only Caribbean represented team in the line-up.
The Rising Stars Basketball Club registered two teams in the 9th Grade (Junior Varsity) division and the 10th Grade (Senior Varsity) division.
The Senior Varsity team coached by Head Coach and President of the Rising Stars Basketball Club, Mervin Forbes, played under the team name TCI Falcons and the Junior Varsity Team coached by Assistance Head Coach, Trevor Cooke, played under the name TCI Pelicans.
Both teams managed to keep in the Top 5 out of the 22 teams totaled in their pool for the first three days of the tournament.
In 2015 each of the games these teams played ended with the opposing team having a minimum of a 40pt lead.
“We are proud of the fact that in 2016, both the Senior and Junior varsity teams managed to keep 20pt, 10pt, and 5pt margin losses in each of their games.
Although only one game ended in a win, the obvious improvement and display of skill and talent was a reward in itself. It goes to prove how much the program helps cultivate these young athletes,” shared Head Coach Mervin Forbes.
Top scorers from the Senior Varsity team were Rajun Valentine (PG), Derek Rolle (PF/C), Shadarno Clarke (C), Liam Delancy, Frey Merete (SG), and Deshawn Penn (SF).
Top scorers from Junior Varsity team were Lashano Pierre (SF), Johndee Ashton (C/PF) and Bradley Louis (SG).
“The Rising Stars basketball trip to Orlando was really better than I expected. My expectations were going to the stadium play our games, and back to the hotel. I was wrong, after the games we got a chance to go out to amusement parks and water parks and have fun!
Playing basketball, Coach Mervin Forbes is a really great coach! He has this good program where you are bound to get better at your game and better your skills. Those of you who aren't apart of the club should really join it,” expressed Rolle, Team Captain for the TCI Falcons.
“Thanks to Rising Stars Basketball Club TCI for a wonderful 6 months of training but also show us that life is not all about basketball. Thanks to Coach Trevor M. Cooke for the life lessons and lectures you gave us we really appreciated it. What I really liked about the camp ending in a tournament was so that we could see what our individual skills were and what we need to work on this upcoming season. Can’t wait until next year,” commented Pierre, starting small forward for the TCI Pelicans.
The Rising Stars Basketball Club would like to say a special thank you to Grand Turk native and small forward for the Houston Rockets, Trevor Ariza, for his words of inspiration and wisdom shared with both teams before departing to Orlando to play.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thanks two of our lead sponsors FORTIS TCI and FLOW TCI. Additionally, we would like to thank the TCI Roadrunners, Sun Oil, TWA Law Firm, Alexandra Resort, and all other entities that made this experience possible.
Next up, the club will be hosting its Annual Evolutions Basketball Camp from August 2nd – 6th, 2016. Registration is open. Boys and girls between ages 9 -16 are encouraged to register immediately, as space is limited.
Media Release from the Commissioner of Police
ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE FORCE
**Immediate Release **
Press Release
As Commissioner of Police it is my sworn duty to lead the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Service and to uphold the law and protect life and property. Anyone who doubts my resolve and determination in this regard has never met me.
Emotions are running high in the country for a variety of reasons and my officers, staff and I are using all the resources available to us to keep people safe and bring offenders to justice. In doing so I have enlisted assistance from colleagues in other overseas territories and partner agencies to provide technical support, ensured that the latest forensic techniques are used to help solve serious crime and gained the expert support of officers from the United Kingdom on short term appointments.
At all times I operate within the limits of the criminal law and the Ordinances of Turks and Caicos when I seek to enlist help or acquire new equipment. I operate within the budget limit set by Government and seek to get the best value for Turks and Caicos. It is for that reason that I recommended to Government that we should continue to work with partners to install CCTV in the country and utilise our limited resources to purchase other much need equipment and support. I am grateful that the Premier now considering allocating additional funding for this important crime prevention and investigation aid. It will of course require to be underpinned by an appropriate Data Protection Ordinance to ensure the privacy of citizens and make evidence admissible in any court proceedings.
Through dedication and hard work my officers and seconded colleagues are arresting criminals and providing quality evidence to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Most recently this has resulted in one person being sent to trial for a murder in North Caicos and six persons arrested and charged in respect of a murder at the end of 2014. One more person is sought for this crime and we actively seek to arrest him. Officers have also recently charged a number of offenders for robberies and burglaries. In terms of the most recent murders we are following very positive lines of enquiry, as well as technical help we have received significant assistance from members of the public and together I hope we can bring more offenders to justice.
Last year I recommended the formation of a National Security Council to tackle the major issues facing the country. That body is in place, we will meet again soon to agree some practical measures to impact on crime and the causes of crime. I would however emphasize that the police service alone, cannot be held responsible for all of the ills that currently befall any society. We are a “can do” organization, but we cannot do everything. The support of our partners in law enforcement is vital to us but I know that they too need extra support in their challenging roles.
Keeping our borders secure is crucial, biometric information and the ability to easily take DNA samples will enhance our capabilities to solve crime and identify perpetrators, updated criminal evidence legislation, a change to the way we manage our roads, vehicles and driving licenses, along with a number of other legislative improvements that I have already discussed with government, should combine to significantly improve safety and security.
From the outset of my tenure I identified the need for a proper Police Headquarters which is a critical building block to enable sustained improvement. A purpose built facility will enable us to do many things much more effectively, such as; provide command and control facilities for all routine and emergency situations;
provide a safe environment for the victims and witnesses of crime; securely keep persons in custody and comply with international law; provide interview facilities ensuring high quality evidence to courts, give officers and staff adequate working space to carry out their daily duties and feel valued in the community, amongst many others. I recognize the funding constraints for Government, but hope that this facility will materialise in due course, possibly with private sector funding involvement.
The father of modern day policing, Sir Robert Peel, set basic tenets for us to live up to as police officers and they are as relevant today as they were then. Paramount amongst them is that “The police are the public and the public are the police”. My officers are part of the community, they have the same concerns as you all do and the same desire and determination to make a difference. By working together we can change the paradigm and take the fight to the men of violence in our society and those who would harm our family, friends and beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
James Smith
Commissioner of Police