Digicel Partners with National Church of God to host Annual Back to School Event
For the second year, Digicel has partnered with the National Church of God, headed by Pastor Branford E. Dean, to host the annual Back to School event, for 2015.
Held at the Alice and Alice Shopping Center on Sunday August 30th, the event, in its 10th year, was organised as a means of giving back to the community, particularly to needy kids whose parents find it difficult to provide some of the basic essentials for school.
The Back to School event is also designed to be a time of entertainment and enrichment with acts such as a children’s gospel rap contest, pantomime dancing, praise teams & other gospel performances.
As partners, Digicel provided Barbers, who spent the evening providing haircuts free of charge for young boys who were gearing up for the first day of school; as well as providing a contribution to assist with the purchase of school kits, back packs and pencil cases with all the basic essentials.
Head of Marketing at Digicel, Trina Adams said “Digicel is always pleased to assist in efforts that give back to our communities in a meaningful way. This initiative by Pastor Dean is a tremendously worthy cause and helps to alleviate some of the financial burden that many families find difficult to bear, especially at this time of the year.”
Organiser, Pastor Branford E. Dean said of the event, “This event was envisioned by my wife 10 years ago. We had partnered with other local churches and organizations in the past, and each year the event grew in support. We are happy that Digicel continues to partner with us. We secured over 1400 school bags and a number of other school supplies, which we have given away as a way of helping our community.”
PREMIER EWING REBUKES GOVERNOR BECKINGHAM’S REFERENCE TOTHE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AS HAVING CONCERNS FOR TERRORISM
The Governor in his press release last week communicated that he was instructed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to instruct the Chief Financial Officer to use his powers under the Constitution and Chief Financial Officer’s Ordinance to authorize an additional $2.2M to fund security cost for SIPT.
My Government is on record condemning this action, which, while being within the legal authority of the Governor and CFO, is considered by my Government to be an abuse of power and without proper justification. Even though I have demanded I am yet to receive any information about any threat to national security or the security of any members of the SIPT that warrants such exorbitant additional expenditure.
The only threat to national security that I am aware of is the constant threat of illegal immigrants and poachers traversing our maritime borders engaging in illegal fishing, and trafficking of human, guns and drugs. Such funding is better spent on the procurement of marine defense vessels and manpower to defend our boarders from these illegal activities, a responsibility that the UK Government has constantly shunned.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is a peaceful nation of friendly people that enjoys some of the lowest crime rates globally, and we should not be compared to other countries where acts of terrorism abound. I condemn this characterization by the Governor and demand his retraction and clarification of this outlandish and unwarranted statement. The SIPT has been operating in these islands for the last five years without incident, at the expense of the tax payers of this country, and they seem to be no further ahead than when they started but they certainly are richer.
The Turks and Caicos Islands’ House of Assembly, in previous sittings has appropriated funding for the SIPT and now, so too has the CFO and without the approval of Cabinet or House of Assembly, and in all of these instances, my Government’s calls for accountability and transparency for the expenditure of the people’s money have been blatantly ignored by the Governor, the CFO and the Commissioner of Police. This is surely not an example of good governance. We have a right to know how much of the tax payers money is being spent and what specifically it is being spent on. We do not seek to compromise the investigations but making that information available after the trials have ended is totally unacceptable and we will therefore not approve another “red cent” for SIPT.
Since coming to office in 2012 I have made representation to the UK Secretary of State, the FCO and DFID, both in writing and in person requesting them to assume the responsibility for the funding of the SIPT, as previously recommended by the UK Foreign Affairs Committee and Chief Prosecutor Helen Garlick, and the UK Government has consistently refused to accept its responsibility as a sovereign nation and provide support to these islands, but instead insists on providing employment and financial opportunities for the British on the backs of tax payers in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The economic prosperity of these islands came with the hard work of this Government and the hard work and sacrifice of the people of these islands, and such economic gains should be spent as a priority for the improvement of the lives of the people of these islands and not for the enrichment of SIPT and other UK tax payers. The UK’s insistence on the brow beating of the people both by their insistence on taxing the people to pay for SIPT as well as their recent denial of the people’s call for constitutional review are acts to be abhorred.
My Government will continue to make representation to the Secretary of State, FCO and FAC and agitate for the UK Government to live up to its responsibility as a sovereign nation and fund the SIPT or find alternate methods of exacting justice as recommended by the Report of the CARICOM Mission to the Turks and Caicos Islands and for them to uphold good governance instead of demonstrating the might of the Great British Empire in abusing its authority.
My Government is prepared to take this fight to Whitehall as we will not accept this nor the UK’s response to the House of Assembly’s recommendations for constitutional amendments. It is past time for a frank discussion onthe future of the relationship between the UK Government and the people of these “beautiful by nature” islands.
PDM LEADER CAUTIONS GOVERNMENT ON RUSHED IMMIGRATION BILL
We have just ended a forced consultation period on the Immigration Bills – a consultation repeatedly called for by the PDM and more specifically by myself as the Shadow Minister for Border Control. Until Friday, August 21, 2015, the consultation period was largely an online consultation with limited access to and difficulty accessing the Immigration Bill and with the need to request a face to face stakeholder meeting. As recent as yesterday, I was still providing individuals with a copy of the Immigration Bills.
In October when the PDM was successful in halting the Bill due to a lack of consultation and then knowing full well that it could not be presented in the current Session, we expected that the Government would have used the time to conduct meaningful and accessible consultations. Whilst we are grateful that the Government has changed its position following an acknowledgement of a request for same from PDM Members to hold public meetings, we unfortunately are not happy with the rushed, sham of a consultation as they have grown a reputation for.
A more detailed approach outlining what exists now, what is being proposed and the reasons for same, all in an effort to better educate and then a means to gauge the responses would have been the most effective approach. The responses from persons as early as the first public meeting here in Provo prompted the PNP’s own Party Treasurer to ask the Minister publicly for a longer educational process. The one week of public consultation in a whirlwind fashion has left many heads spinning and concerned over the rushed and hurried approach to something so critical and fundamental. This together with the absence of a true and full appreciation for the content of these life altering Bills, and the information to show the impact, our people are left seriously concerned.
Often times and as recent as the last House of Assembly Meeting on an immigration amendment, the Government had no statistics or pressing information to support their hurried approach on its major policy change. We note with amusement however, the many occasions where members of the Government have been sorely agitated by members of the PDM posing questions. Our people are now asking questions and they require answers.
We are sincerely troubled by the Government’s usual hurried approach to the passage of laws in this country and we are again publicly cautioning this Government to take better care of the people of these Islands and the country’s future. We must be careful to not pass laws based on any other reason than in the best interests of our people and to always be mindful of the fact that there are some decisions if not carefully made can adversely affect us as a people.
We therefore cannot see how this Government can possibly continue with its plan to force through the Immigration Bill on September 14th in the climate of mistrust, uneasiness and skepticism that it has created by their own approach to this important Immigration reform.
We are therefore admonishing the Government to take the wishes of the people into account, accurately reflect them and ensure that there is a proper balance between adequate protections for its people and the need for growth.
We are also calling on them to take another look at its Bills, engage in meaningful educational and informative consultations and carefully consider the proposals made to them.
Another Student Benefits from TCHTA's TCI Hospitality Adventure Programme
During his high school years Cydacio Morgan realised he had a passion for cooking and signed up for TCHTA's Hospitality Adventure Summer Lit'l Chefs Programme in 2013, an opportunity which has propelled his future in Culinary Arts.
The former Lit'l Chef who is currently studying at Manchester Openshaw College and pursuing a programme in Catering and Hospitality, is grateful for the recent donation of $1,000 by TCHTA through its Hospitality Adventure Programme, which gives him an opportunity to fulfill his culinary dreams.
"This is what we hoped for when we implemented the Summer Programme," noted Stacy Cox, TCHTA's Executive Director while presenting a cheque to Cydacio's father. "A programme which allows students to hone their skills in the hospitality field and proves to them that their dreams of becoming top Chefs, hoteliers, mechanical engineers etc can be achieved."
Cox also added, "After participating in the 2013 Programme Cydacio was afforded the opportunity to intern at Seven Stars Resort for 6 weeks then went on to work at Parrot Cay Resort for almost 2 years where he was welcomed as part of the team. We are so grateful that these resorts along with countless others as well as many local businesses continue to come on board and participate in our annual Hospitality Adventure Summer Programme giving kids like Cydacio an opening into the Tourism and Hospitality world."
Cydacio departed the island before he was able to collect the donation but sent a message through his father who collected the cheque on his behalf, "Pursuing a career in Culinary Arts is not easy but is worth it. I love what I do and I will not stop and am truly grateful for all the opportunities I have received in my drive to become one of the Top Chefs in the TCI."
U.S. finishes behind Jamaica, Kenya in gold-medal count at worlds
Even with its sixth straight title in the men's 4x400-meter relay, the United States still finished behind Jamaica and Kenya with only six gold medals at this year's world championships.
Jamaica again proved it is much more than just Usain Bolt when the country's women's team defeated the Americans on Sunday in the 4x400 relay to win its seventh gold medal and deny Allyson Felix a 10th world title.
"Every year they make the U.S. relay team a favorite. But now we have the A-plus game," said Shericka Jackson, who added gold to an individual bronze in the 400.
Like the botched handoff in the men's 4x100 relay on Saturday, the American women also lost valuable time with a hesitant handover in their duel with Jamaica.
"This one hurts more because we have such a rich legacy and history in the 4x400," Felix said. "It's not often that we lose it."
In the men's relay, Jamaica led coming into the finishing straight but LaShawn Merritt timed his lap to perfection to earn gold while Jamaica slipped out of the medals. It was the only relay victory for the U.S. team, with the other three going to the Jamaicans.
Both Kenya and Jamaica won seven gold medals during the nine-day competition, one more than the Americans.
It was the second time in a row the United States failed to win the most gold medals. It was the first time that Kenya and Jamaica were at the top.
"There were pockets of great moments and pockets where we expected to do a lot better than we did," said Felix, already looking ahead to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. "The biggest thing we take away is just being hungry for next year," Felix added.
Overall, however, the United States finished with 18 medals, the most of the championships. Kenya had 16 and Jamaica had 12.
Kenya got its last gold from Asbel Kip-rop, who won his third 1,500m in a row.
The Kenyan took the lead halfway through the finishing straight and the rest of the pack sprinted for silver. Another Kenyan, Eli-ah Ma-nan-goi, came in second and Abda-laati I-gui-der of Morocco got bronze.
On a big day for Ethiopia, Al-maz Ay-ana stunned Gen-ze-be Di-ba-ba to win the 5,000 meters and deny her teammate a second gold medal at this year's worlds.
Ayana went fast through the middle of the race in an effort to dull Di-ba-ba's finishing kick. She was so fast, though, she threw off the favorite well before the final lap and won by about 100 meters.
At the line, a disappointed Di-ba-ba could not even hold off Sen-be-re Te-fe-ri, another teammate. Ay-ana won in a championship record of 14 minutes, 26.83 seconds for a massive victory of 17.24 seconds over Te-fe-ri. Di-ba-ba was right behind in third to complete the Ethiopian sweep.
Di-ba-ba, already the 1,500 world champion, was seeking to win a second gold, much like her big sister Ti-run-esh did at the 2008 Olympics at the Bird's Nest.
Ethiopia's great day started early, with another Di-ba-ba excelling.
Ma-re Di-ba-ba, no relation to Gen-ze-be and Ti-run-esh, captured the first women's marathon gold for Ethiopia at the world championships, holding off He-lah Kip-rop of Kenya in a race that was settled by a 100-meter sprint.
The 25-year-old Ma-re Di-ba-ba patiently waited for the right time to make her move, constantly checking her watch before breaking away in the shadow of the stadium. Di-ba-ba finished in 2:27:35, edging Kip-rop by one second in the closest women's marathon finish ever at the worlds.
With the last throw of the competition, Kathrina Mo-li-tor of Germany won the javelin competition, sweeping past home favorite Lyu Hui-hui with a throw of 67.69 meters.
Derek Dro-uin of Canada won the men's high jump title in a jump-off, clearing 2.34 meters after the last three competitors fouled out at 2.36 without missing at any previous heights. Boh-dan Bon-da-renko of Ukraine, the 2013 champion, and Zhang Guo-wei of China shared silver.
Beverley Sister Joy dies aged 91
Joy Beverley, one third of the vocal harmony group the Beverley Sisters, has died at the age of 91.
The singer, from Bethnal Green in London, was the eldest sister in the trio, who were known for songs including Little Drummer Boy and the Irving Berlin standard Sisters.
They had their own BBC TV show in the 1950s and were made MBEs in 2006.
Joy was also married to Wolverhampton Wanderers' star Billy Wright until his death from cancer in 1994.
She died on Monday after suffering a stroke last week her son, Vince Wright, told the Express and Star."We all thought the world of her and we are devastated she is gone," he said.
"She was a very bubbly, but private, character. We are all going to miss her terribly, she has been a part of our lives for so long now it really is going to be a big loss for all of us."
Android Wear smartwatches to work with iPhones
Google has made its Android Wear operating system compatible with Apple's iOS mobile platform.
It means users will be able to pair Android-powered smartwatches with iPhones for the first time.
The move greatly increases the potential market for the devices, and could pose a challenge to the Apple Watch itself.
But one expert suggested demand would be limited because Google was only able to offer a restricted set of features.
"What this does is give people who don't want to fork out the premium price for an Apple Watch an alternative," said Ben Wood, chief of research at the consultancy CCS Insight.
"It could also appeal to people who want a smartwatch that looks more like a circular-faced classical watch.
"But Apple will always reserve the best features for its own platform, just as we previously saw with Pebble's watches, which can also connect to iOS but have similar limitations."
Global stock markets hit by weak Chinese data
Renewed fears over growth in China have hit global stock markets, with the main indexes falling sharply.
Wall Street traded sharply lower, with the Dow Jones down more than 300 points, or 1.9%, at 16,215.
European markets also fell, with the UK's FTSE 100 closing down 3% and France's Cac 40 and Germany's Dax about 2.4% lower.
Earlier, figures for August showed factory activity in China contracting at its fastest pace in three years.
The official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) dropped to 49.7 from 50 in July. A figure below 50 indicates contraction.
It follows recent turmoil in the markets sparked by concerns over a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.
"The importance of today's announcement is that the slowdown is hitting the larger state-backed firms who typically take longer to feel the pain," said Josh Mahony from online trading firm IG Index.
"There are precious few signs that China is beginning to recover, and while [the People's Bank of China's] action can provide a temporary reprieve, we are yet to see any evidence that it is doing any good to the economy," he added.
Kentucky clerk defies Supreme Court order on gay marriage
A Christian official has refused to issue marriage licences to same-sex couples in Kentucky despite exhausting all of her legal options.
Two gay couples earlier denied licenses have requested Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis be held in contempt of court. But they asked a district judge to punish Ms Davis by fining her, rather than sending her to jail.
The US Supreme Court on yesterday rejected the argument that her faith prevented her from carrying out her duty. Despite court orders to continue issuing licences, Ms Davis turned away two gay couples seeking marriage licences on this morning.
Ms Davis, who cannot be removed from post because she is an elected official, stayed inside her office with the blinds closed as the couples demanded to see her. She eventually came out, but she said she would not issue any licences.
"Under whose authority?" she was asked. "Under God's authority," she said.
Dozens of reporters and activists, both supporters and opponents of gay marriage, filled the waiting area of the Rowan County clerk's office, alternatively chanting "do your job" and "stand firm".
One of the men seeking a licence, David Ermold, said he and his partner would not leave the office until they were married. "Then you're going to have a long day," Ms Davis replied.
Since the court legalised gay marriage nationwide two months ago, Ms Davis has refused to issue any marriage licences to anyone. The American Civil Liberties Union sued her on behalf of two gay couples and two heterosexual couples.
In making its ruling on Monday, the Supreme Court also denied her request for a stay while she pursues an appeal.
Utilities Union Signs Five-Year Agreement With Water And Sewerage
EXECUTIVES of the Water and Sewerage Corporation IN THE Bahamas on Friday agreed to a new five-year industrial agreement with members of the Bahamas Utilities Service and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU).
WSC chairman Bishop Lester M Cox contended that the contract signing brought an end to an arduous two-year process, noting it’s all about reconciliation, about bringing some type of unity between directors and employees because they all have to work together at the end of the day.
Enshrined in the contract are allowances for members exposed to adverse conditions, the establishment of minor breaches to cut applications of major breaches, and a statute of limitation on minor breaches.
Additionally, the contract provided an adjusted scope to the corporation's salary scale. It now sits on par with industry standards. Merit pay and performance review systems were negotiated and approved by the two sides.
The new contract allows for a Christmas bonus to employees of $700 plus four days pay for 2016 and 2017 respectively.
There are also provisions for two lump sum payments to be made to employees, a $2,400 payment to coincide with Friday's signing and an unspecified increment payment in March, 2017.
The contract also mentions a review of salary scales, scheduled for January, an automatic increment disbursement in July, 2016, and a pro-rata increment - all to change from the anniversary of the employee's start date - to be paid out in January, 2017.
The deal signed by the WSC and the BUSAWU affects roughly 350 of the corporation's 437 employees.
According to Mr Cox the agreement signals the dawn of a new day at the corporation, adding that employees now have the incentive to perform and work towards WSC's "overarching goal of good service".
Mr Cox explained that in the wake of the financial settlement between the two sides, he believed it put employees in a "comfortable and secure enough position" to approach their respective tasks with the "expected passion".
He added: "What we are trying to do at WSC is simple: give the best possible service as possible to our customers. The more comfortable and happy our employees are, the better they will perform and work towards that goal.
WSC and representatives of the BUSAWU have been locked in contentious negations for some time, with both sides maintaining that their stances and needs superseded the other's.