Venus Williams, 45, receives wildcard entry for Australian Open
Jan 2 (Reuters) - Venus Williams will return to the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard entry, the tournament's organisers said on Friday, marking her first appearance at Melbourne Park in five years.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner last played at the tournament in 2021, exiting in the second round to Italy’s Sara Errani.
Despite 21 previous campaigns, the American has never lifted the trophy, finishing runner-up twice - losing to sister Serena in the finals in 2003 and 2017.
“I am excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the summer,” Williams, 45, said.
“I’ve had so many incredible memories there and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”
Williams will become the oldest woman to feature in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she bowed out in the first round in 2015.
She has also accepted a wildcard for the Hobart International, a warm-up event starting on January 12, where she will join fellow major winners Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.
Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus
Russians won't represent their country at Winter Olympics even if Ukraine war ends, IOC chief says
ROME, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Russian athletes at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will not be able to represent their country even if a peace deal is reached with Ukraine, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said in an Italian newspaper interview.
At this stage nothing would change the Committee's decision allowing Russian athletes to take part in the February games only as individuals representing themselves, Coventry told Corriere della Sera in an interview published on Friday.
The IOC banned Russia and Belarus following the former's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the IOC ruled in September that Russians and Belarusians competing at Milano Cortina would do so as individual athletes, without a national flag or anthem.
In other remarks, Coventry - the IOC's first woman president - said holding the Olympics in multiple cities, as Italy is doing, would become "the new normality" and the Milano Cortina games would provide useful guidance for the future.
The IOC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for confirmation of Coventry's comments.
The Milano Cortina games run from February 6 to 22.
Reporting by Enrico Sciacovelli, Editing by Gavin Jones and Kate Mayberry
Argentine soccer body in turmoil ahead of World Cup over mystery villa and dirty money claims
BUENOS AIRES, Jan 1 (Reuters) - In March 2024, retired Argentine soccer star Carlos Tevez published a tweet, opens new tab hinting at something suspicious going on in a Buenos Aires suburb. The treasurer of the Argentine Football Association, Tevez claimed, was making many trips to Pilar, where he implied the soccer official had buried bags of money and kept a collection of antique cars.
Coalicion Civica, a progressive political party, began investigating after Tevez's post and filed a criminal complaint centered on a mystery villa in Pilar.
As the World Cup approaches, allegations that the villa may have been used for money-laundering have become one of a series of scandals gripping the soccer association that is in charge of the game in Argentina, the current world champions.
In early December, police raided the AFA headquarters and more than a dozen soccer clubs as part of a money-laundering probe that looked at transfers of money tied to clubs and a financial services company.
Three days later, authorities raided the Pilar villa, finding a heliport, stables and 54 vehicles, including luxury cars and collectible cars. In its criminal complaint, Coalicion Civica alleges the property is a front for a money-laundering scheme connected to Chiqui Tapia, the president of the AFA, and its treasurer, Pablo Toviggino.
Last week, in another case, a prosecutor charged Tapia, Toviggino and other AFA leaders for unlawful retention of taxes totaling $13 million following a complaint from Argentina’s tax agency, according to news outlet La Nacion.
The AFA did not respond to an inquiry from Reuters requesting an interview with both Tapia and Toviggino and for comment on the various judicial investigations that have been opened.
In a public statement, the association has said it is being attacked by the government of President Javier Milei, referring to how Milei has pushed for Argentina’s soccer clubs, which have long functioned as nonprofit entities run by their members, to become for-profit companies under private owners.
“We are on the right path,” the AFA said, listing competitions Argentina has won since Tapia became president in 2017, including the World Cup itself in 2022.
A representative for Tevez did not respond to an interview request. Toviggino did not respond to a request for comment.
CRISIS DESPITE SUCCESS
Despite plaudits for Argentina’s performance on the field, the AFA is going through its biggest crisis in years.
“There are two AFAs,” said Nestor Centra, an Argentine sports journalist, referring to its international success and the instability at home.
Several months after Tevez’s tweet, Matias Yofe, president of Coalicion Civica's branch in Pilar, told Reuters that he and his colleagues talked to about 10 employees who had worked at the Pilar property and presumed that Toviggino or Tapia were the owners.
One person, Yofe said, described Tapia once arriving by helicopter and then gifting employees soccer jerseys.
“What they described was they moved as owners of the place, they got in the pool, used the facilities,” Yofe said. “Everyone indicated that this belongs to people of the AFA.”
Coalicion Civica’s complaint alleged that the property had been purchased in 2024 by a company owned by Ana Lucia Conte and Luciano Nicolas Pantano, a mother and son that it claimed could not afford the purchase. An attorney who has represented Pantano did not respond to a request for comment.
Records viewed by Reuters indicate that the property, several city blocks long, was bought for $1.8 million, although experts suspect it's worth much more. The complaint points to Pantano's connections with the soccer world, such as serving as the head of the Argentine Civil Association of Futsal and Beach Soccer.
According to court documents, officials during the raid found a black imitation leather bag branded with the AFA logo and Toviggino’s name, several books on soccer and a plaque honoring Toviggino. The 54 vehicles included a Ferrari and several Porsches, registered under the company the complaint attributed to Pantano and Conte.
An official with knowledge of the case said that Toviggino’s relatives had authorization to drive at least several of the cars, confirming a report by local television station TN. Authorities have requested information on the pilots who used the heliport in the hopes of learning about the passengers.
The justice ministry has demanded that the AFA and the Superliga, an association that handles transmission rights of matches, give explanations for accounting entries of nearly half a billion dollars going back to 2017. Daniel Vitolo, the head of the ministry’s Inspector General’s office, told Reuters that those amounts fall into categories on balance reports with generic names such as “others." The Superliga declined a request from Reuters for comment.
“If the AFA really has its papers in order, why doesn’t it explain something that’s very easy to explain?” he said.
'THESE THINGS HAPPEN'
Experts said it’s unlikely that the judicial cases will affect Argentina’s participation in the World Cup.
“No one can pay the political cost of doing that,” said Alan Wilder, a sports law attorney in Buenos Aires. “No one would approve of the mere idea of taking (Lionel) Messi out of the World Cup, with this possibly being his last World Cup. He’s the sacred cow.”
Soccer worldwide is no stranger to financial scandals, and in recent years top FIFA officials have been charged with corruption. Tapia’s predecessor resigned amid an investigation into irregularities involving management of match broadcasting funds. Those charged in the case were absolved this month.
Prior to the current scandals, AFA had already faced criticism by fans for favoritism. Many were angered when the AFA recently awarded Rosario Central, home team of national star player Angel Di Maria, a new and controversial trophy.
"I think the lid has been blown off the pot," said Enzo Gutierrez, 30, a Buenos Aires resident who roots for the team San Martin from his native province of San Juan. "It has grabbed my attention a lot but if you're a soccer fan you live knowing that these things happen in Argentine soccer."
Reporting by Leila Miller; additional reporting by Ramiro Scandolo; Editing by Alistair Bell
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS REPRESENTED AT THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES YOUTH PARLIAMENT
Tune in and show your support for our youth representative as she proudly makes her mark on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands!
Watch the rebroadcast here:
ihttps://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/89a3202a-c04e-4e5b-a1f1-da4df00c06d4
Biden Posthumously Pardons Marcus Garvey
United States President Joe Biden on Sunday just before stepping down from the role, posthumously pardoned black nationalist and Jamaican National Hero Marcus Garvey, who influenced Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders and was convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s.
Also receiving pardons were a top Virginia lawmaker and advocates for immigrant rights, criminal justice reform and gun violence prevention.
Congressional leaders had pushed for Biden to pardon Garvey, with supporters arguing that Garvey’s conviction was politically motivated and an effort to silence the increasingly popular leader who spoke of racial pride. After Garvey was convicted, he was deported to Jamaica, where he was born. He died in 1940.
The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr said of Garvey: “He was the first man, on a mass scale and level” to give millions of black people “a sense of dignity and destiny.” End quote
Marcus Garvey (born August 17, 1887, St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica—died June 10, 1940, London, England) was a charismatic Black leader who organized the first important American Black nationalist movement (1919–26), based in Harlem, New York City.
He argued that Black people would be respected only when they were economically strong, and he preached an independent Black economy within the framework of white capitalism. To forward these ends, he established the Negro Factories Corporation and the Black Star Line (1919), as well as a chain of restaurants and grocery stores, laundries, a hotel, and a printing press.
He reached the height of his power in 1920, when he presided at an international convention in Liberty Hall, with delegates present from 25 countries. Wearing military regalia, Garvey led an estimated 50,000 people in a parade through the streets of Harlem to celebrate the event.
Biden has set the presidential record for most individual pardons and commutations issued. He announced on Friday that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offences. He also gave a broad pardon for his son Hunter, who was prosecuted for gun and tax crimes.
The president announced he was commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment just as Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, took office.
British Airways Leaves Passengers Stranded in Aruba Overnight
Passengers were left stranded overnight at Aruba's airport after British Airways canceled flight BA 2156 to Antigua and London, leaving many without accommodations during peak tourist season.
The ordeal, which began around 7pm when travelers were informed of technical issues while already aboard the aircraft.
What started as a 90-minute delay stretched into multiple updates throughout the evening, culminating in the flight's cancellation at 12:20am.
Passengers were forced to disembark and collect their luggage with no immediate assistance from the airline.
The situation was particularly challenging for travelers whose phone plans were expiring that day, leaving them unable to make calls.
And with limited hotel availability, some passengers had no choice but to sleep on the airport floor.
The Caribbean travelers were forced to endure uncomfortably cold conditions as strong winds whipped through the area, making an already difficult situation even worse.
It wasn't until 2am that British Airways sent an email to affected passengers, stating: "We sincerely apologize for the unprecedented and extended delay onboard today. This was due to a technical issue identified with the aircraft prior to departure, which our engineers were unable to resolve in time to operate the flight. Safety is our highest priority, and we would never operate a flight unless it is safe to do so."
The airline's email promised that their customer relations team would make contact within 48 hours and offered to automatically rebook connecting flights for affected passengers.
Cuban Migrants Land in Florida and Get Detained
20 Cuban migrants were picked up by U.S. Border Patrol agents when they responded to a migrant landing near the Key West Airport on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities said the migrants arrived on a wooden fishing boat at around 3 p.m.
Video footage circulating online shows the group of migrants celebrating as they reached land. However, the migrants were taken into custody and will undergo processing for removal proceedings, according to Adam Hoffner, assistant chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol’s Miami sector.
No additional details about the migrants or their journey have been released.
Cuban migrants have been making dangerous journeys to the U.S. in increasing numbers, often attempting to cross the Florida Straits by boat or raft. These migrants typically seek better economic opportunities, political freedom, or escape from the hardships and restrictions they face in Cuba. Many attempt to reach the Florida coast, where they hope to gain entry into the U.S.
The U.S. has specific policies regarding Cuban migrants, including the “wet foot, dry foot” policy, which allowed Cuban nationals who reached U.S. soil to stay and pursue legal residency, though this policy was ended in 2017.
Today, Cuban migrants are subject to the same immigration laws as other migrants, and those caught attempting to enter the U.S. illegally are typically processed for deportation. However, some may be eligible for asylum or other legal relief.
The U.S. Border Patrol, along with the Coast Guard, frequently intercepts migrant boats attempting to cross the Straits, but many continue to risk the dangerous journey due to the difficult conditions in Cuba.
TCI Police Officers Complete Training with the DEA
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have recently bolstered their strategic partnership through a
specialized initiative to enhance operational capabilities in combating criminal activity across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).
As part of this collaboration, RTCIPF Tactical Unit officers underwent advanced helicopter tactical rescue specialist training in the Bahamas. Delivered by DEA agents and their Tactical
Helicopter Section, the training equipped officers with critical skills to deploy rapidly from helicopters, addressing challenges in TCI's remote and difficult-to-access areas.
Following the intensive four-day program, Superintendent Jason James, head of the RTCIPF Tactical Unit, highlighted the initiative's importance: "This collaboration demonstrates our
commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The helicopter fast rope specialist training has enabled our officers to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal threats, no matter where they arise across the TCI.
"The partnership with the DEA under OPBAT underscores our shared dedication to preventing and detecting criminal activities, including drug trafficking and organized crime. This effort strengthens the RTCIPF's operational capacity and contributes to a robust, multi-agency approach to professional law enforcement." End quote
DEA representatives commended the RTCIPF’s proactive measures: "The Turks and Caicos Islands are a vital partner in the fight against transnational crime. Through this joint effort, we are enhancing the capability of local forces to protect their citizens and disrupt criminal networks." End quote
Acting Assistant Commissioner (Specialist Operations) Mat Newton also acknowledged the critical role of international partnerships: "As a Force, we remain dedicated to employing
innovative strategies and fostering global alliances to ensure the islands' safety. This is the first wave of training with the DEA and represents a key element of our fight against organized crime. Many thanks to the DEA for this opportunity.” End quote
The strengthened partnership between the RTCIPF and the DEA marks a significant step in enhancing the TCI’s capacity to combat complex criminal activities and maintain public safety.
43 Declarations Received on Nomination Day for TCI General Elections
Section 50(1) of the Constitution stipulates that each Candidate for election to the Parliament shall, on the date of his or her nomination for election, make a written declaration to the Supervisor of Elections that he or she is qualified under section 46
of the Constitution and that no disqualifications apply to him or her as set out in section 49 of the Constitution.
This would have been completed by those wishing to run in the upcoming election as Nomination day was Tuesday January 14, 2025.
Declarations were received from nineteen (19) candidates representing the Progressive
National Party and nineteen (19) candidates representing the People’s Democratic
Movement, and from five (5) independent candidates.
Section 50(3) of the Constitution further stipulates that within five (5) days of the
publication of Candidates’ declarations, a challenge to the veracity of the declarations may be brought by any registered voter or the Honourable Attorney General before the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court shall hear and determine the matter as
expeditiously as possible and its decision shall be final and not subject to appeal.
Declarations received from the forty-three (43) candidates nominated on Tuesday,
January 14, 2025 to contest the general elections scheduled for Friday, February 7, 2025 are as follows.
ELECTORAL DISRTICT 01 GRAND TURK NORTH
Progressive National Party
Otis Chuck Morris
People Democratic Movement
George Lightbourne
ELECTORAL DISTRICT 02 GRAND TURK SOUTH
People Democratic Movement
Edwin Astwood
Progressive National Party
Walter Frederick Lake Gardiner
ELECTORAL DISTRICT 03 SOUTH CAICOS
Progressive National Party
John Malcolm
People Democratic Movement
Hynetta Lenore Forbes
ELECTORAL DISTRICT 04 MIDDLE AND NORTH CAICOS
People Democratic Movement
Denaz Williams
Progressive National Party
Arlington Alexander Musgrove
ELECTORAL DISTRICT O5 LEEWARD, PROVIDENCIALES
Progressive National Party
Akierra Mary Deanne Missick
People Democratic Movement
Keith Cox
ELECTORAL DISTRICT 06 THE BIGHT, PROVIDENCIALES
Progressive National Party
Matthew Timothy Stubbs
People Democratic Movement
Kimbule Audric Skippings
ELECTORAL DISTRICT 07 RICHMOND HILL AND CHESHIRE HALL
People Democratic Movement
Finbar Albert Grant
Progressive National Party
Samuel Ernest Been
ELECTORAL DISTRICT 08 BLUE HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES
Progressive National Party
Randy Dexter Howell
People Democratic Movement
Anthony Mc Cleaver Walkin
ELECTORAL DISTRICT 09 FIVE CAYS, PROVIDENCIALES
People Democratic Movement
Bryant R. Cox
Progressive National Party
Rachel Marshall Taylor
ELECTORAL DISTRICT 10 WHEELAND, PROVIDENCIALES
People Democratic Movement
Vaden Delroy Williams
Progressive National Party
Kyle Robert Knowles
INDEPENDENT DISTRICT CANDIDATE
Electoral District 02 Grand Turk South
Derek Been Independent
Electoral District 03 South Caicos
Tamell Seymour Independent
ALL ISLAND CANDIDATES
Progressive National Party
1. Sharon Anne Simons
2. Erwin Jay Saunders
3. Charles Washington Missick
4. Jameka Lashawn Williams
5. Willin Antoni Belliard
6. Josephine Olivia Connolly
7. Shaun David Malcolm
8. Zhavargo Jermaine Jolly
9. Jamell Ryan Robinson
People Democratic Movement
1. Ralph Lewis Higgs
2. Dwayne Taylor
3. Sabrina Green
4. Alvin Kingsley Garland
5. Robert Antonio Been
6. Karen Evadne Malcolm
7. Sean Richard Astwood
8. Ruth Ariza
9. Temard Butterfield
ALL ISLAND INDEPENDENT
1. Paul Bernard Beresford
2. Phillip Mc Rae Robinson
PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE
All Island Candidate
Winston Mc Laughlin
Please remember Turks and Caicos that voting is your democratic right. You determine the country's future. See you at the polls on February 7th 2025.
TCI Methodist Minister Takes Regional Presidency Role
The TCI is not just making significant moves in the tourism sector, but we are also making moves in the religious sector.
The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands District Conference (BTCIC) is one of the eight Districts of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas. This District comprises two territories: (1) The Bahamas, a Sovereign State, Commonwealth Nation and (2) the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory; both are English speaking nations.
BTIC comprises six Circuits: Andros (3
congregations), Grand Bahama (3 congregations), Nassau (6 congregations), North Turks and Caicos Islands (2 congregations), South Eleuthera (1 congregation) and South Turks and Caicos Islands (3 congregations).
After serving as Secretary for the conference for several years, Rev. Robinson has now been elected as the first female to hold the presidency of the conference in the 213 years of existence. She takes over from Bishop Theophilus N. Rolle.
Rev. Claire has had many milestones in her religious journey.
She was the first itinerant minister for Turks and Caicos, first superintendent female minister of the North and South TCI Circuit, and now first female and first Turks and Caicos Islander to hold the conference Presidency.
Listeners, this is a significant milestone for us in the Turks and Caicos Islands as one of our own has climbed the ranks.
We at RTC, your TCI Methodist church family and by extension the Turks and Caicos Islands wish you all the best in your new role. You are truly blessed and highly favored.