Minister Thanks Team For Successful Anti-Poaching Sting
The Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith has registered her gratitude to Officers from the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) who reacted to a tip from the TCI's Marine Police Air Patrol on Thursday, 23 July, which allowed them to apprehend 28 Poachers together with 14 unlicensed vessels.
"This is proud moment as a Turks and Caicos Islander" stated Hon. Stubbs-Smith. "These civil servants have shown courage and bravery and deserve our recognition and gratitude.
"It is important that all potential violators understand that we will not stand by, while our waters and natural environment be abused. Anyone who insists on malicious efforts, similar to these, will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
"On behalf of myself and my government, we thank all persons involved with this massive apprehension and hope the good work continues," Minister Porsha Stubbs-Smith added.
The Department of Culture gears up for Emancipation Day celebrations
The Department of Culture in the ministry of Heritage and Culture is currently preparing for Emancipation Day, 2015 which is celebrated annually on August 1st, but will be observed as a Public Holiday throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday, August 3rd, 2015.
The observance of this day stands as a reminder of the end of an atrocity that ought never to have happened and is meant to unite us all in the brotherhood of man and bring us to the realization that we are indeed all equal in God’s sight.
Last year, we were unable to move forward with the Ecumenical Service due to a tropical storm approaching the islands but will therefore use the same program format for this year’s event with minor changes to same.
The Ecumenical Service, 2015 will be held at the Methodist Church on Sunday, August 2nd, 2015 commencing at 3:30pm in Grand Turk. We are requesting your assistance to provide live broadcast coverage of this event via RTC bringing this ceremony to audiences who are unable to attend. Rev. Christmas of the Methodist Church has confirmed that technical provisions to support this task are already in place.
The celebration will continue on Monday, August 3rd, 2015 at the Governor’s Beach where an Emancipation Day, Family Beach Fun Day will be held from 2:00pm until sunset. I will be forwarding in short order, the program and Press Release, once they are finalized.
The National Blood Bank Host Blood Drive With Partners
A major blood drive got underway, with The Turks and Caicos Islands' (TCI) government teaming up with its largest private employer to save lives locally by boosting blood donations.
Together with the TCI National Blood Bank and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa, TCIG mounted the blood drive, under the theme 'Save a life – Give Blood, being held at the resort in Providenciales.
"We hope to highlight the importance of blood donation and its impact on saving lives," stated Blood Bank Chief Lab Technician, Peggy Samuels.
"Beaches is the largest private employer in the TCI and our hope is that this private public partnership event will help to increase voluntary blood donations from our community, and also increasing awareness of the issues.
"It is a key goal of the World Health Organization is to promote and encourage all countries to achieve 100% voluntary blood donations by 2020, according to the Melbourne Declaration, and TCI will continue to do its part to help meet this goal," Ms. Samuels added.
As from June 2014, the National Blood Bank has established a monthly blood donor drive, which according to Ms. Samuels has already been successful in raising awareness of the need for blood donations and increasing its database of voluntary blood donors.
Residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands are encouraged to become voluntary blood donors by calling the Blood Bank at Tel: 649-941 2800 Ext. 72106 or 649-338 5132. Become a blood donor today.
A constitutional case is set to be heard next week before Chief Justice, Ramsey Hale.
The applicant, Michael Misick, through his Attorneys-at-Law, Ralph A. Thorne, QC and Beryn Duncanson are challenging the constitutionality of the court headed by retired Jamaican judge Harrison, J. The lawyers are also challenging the power of the court to order a trial without a jury.
"The challenge springs from fundamental breaches of law that have been legislated specially for this trial."
"We are contending that the government has established a special court akin to those of other countries that have experienced severe, social, political and military unrest. Unless it can be demonstrated that this kind of upheaval has taken place in Turks & Caicos, every citizen of this country remains equally entitled to the protection of the constitution."
"Apart from challenging the constitutionality of what appears to be an undue special court, we are challenging the law that gives to that court the power to order that our client must be tried without a jury. We are contending that this order tramples on ancient and sacred principles that stipulate that in matters of trial a man is entitled to be ultimately judged by his fellow citizens."
"It has not escaped our attention that our client is being denied this right while all around him others have been given the same right. We strenuously contend that jury trial is not a luxury nor a privilege. It is a right that is not easily whittled away."
"We are arguing that there is no option other than fair trial. You either have a fair trial or none at all! We are concerned that in the prevailing legal circumstances the prospect for fairness seems to have lost its constitutional guarantee."
"We are prepared to argue that the report of the Commission of Inquiry into possible corruption has been the birth-place of these unconstitutional provisions insofar as the mode of trial now pursued was recommended in that report."
"It is a matter of some regret that a document which sought to prescribe solutions to a political crisis has transfigured portions of itself into to a legal regime of trial in a non-traditional court and without a jury. It seems horribly wrong in a stable democracy with a strong inheritance of English legal values and we hope to persuade the court to a similar view."
Sex Exploitation In USA On The Rise
In the US, poverty, deprivation and exploitation draw thousands of its own children down into a dark underworld that offers few ways out. It is a world few Americans are aware of. But tens of thousands of American children are thought to be sexually exploited every year. It's believed that every night hundreds are sold for sex.
The FBI says child sex abuse is almost at an epidemic level, despite the agency rescuing 600 children last year. "Trafficking" often conjures images of people from other countries being smuggled over land and across the sea and then forced to work against their will in foreign lands. People are trafficked into America from Mexico, Central and South America. But the vast majority of children bought and sold for sex every night in the United States are American kids.
We have heard from a number of women from the East coast to the Mid-west who have frighteningly similar and horrific stories. Neglected, abused, exploited and often ignored starting from a young age - sometimes even prosecuted by the very people who should have protected them.
A handful of good souls, the kindness of a few strangers and the good work of some law enforcement agencies and the FBI offer some relief to America's most vulnerable. But the stories we have heard suggest they are only scratching the surface of one of America's best-kept and darkest secrets.
Man accused of faking death for $17-m insurance payout
A Clarendon farmer, Kim Wayne Phillips, who allegedly conspired with his British wife and others to fake his death in order to claim a $17-million insurance payout, is scheduled to return to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on September 7. Dr. Ivor Davis, who had reportedly signed the death certificate claiming Phillips had died from a heart attack, is also scheduled to return to court on the same day. Both accused had their bails extended last Thursday by Resident Magistrate Maxine Ellis, after she was informed that the file was still incomplete. 45 Phillips, of Mocho, was arrested on February 21 this year and charged with conspiracy to defraud, attempting to obtain money by false pretense, and making a false declaration, following allegations that he along with wife and another man, conspired to fleece the Guardian Life Insurance Company of the money.
Davis was arrested in April and charged with conspiracy to defraud, following allegations that he had signed Phillips' 'death certificate'. The court heard that a death certificate and a burial order with the name of the doctor, who allegedly signed the order, were presented to the insurance company. The insurance claim application was reportedly submitted to Guardian Life last September, after Phillips had allegedly suffered a heart attack and 'died'. The court was previously informed that following the submission of the claim, Phillips reportedly sent a text to his wife asking if she had gotten the money as yet?
Attorney Patrick Peterkin, who is representing Phillips, maintained that his client had nothing to do with the fraudulent plot. Donald Bryan is representing Dr. Davis. Police said they have been trying to find another man, as well as Phillips' wife, Lorna, who can assist with their investigations.
MISS TEEN TURKS AND CAICOS 2015 CONTESTANTS UNVEILED
Six stunningly beautiful young ladies were revealed as contestants of the 2nd Annual Miss Teen Turks and Caicos at the official launch event on Friday, July 24, 2015. The mixer, held on the exclusive penthouse rooftop deck at the Blue Haven Resort, marked the beginning of a long list of events, preliminary competitions, and community service initiatives for this year’s contestants.
The six young ladies vying for the title of Miss Teen Turks and Caicos 2015 are: Sonise Laurent, 17, Miss Teen Grand Turk; Gessica Williams, 15, Miss Teen Middle Caicos; Arielle Neely, 16, Miss Teen North Caicos; Leanndra Pratt, 18, Miss Teen Parrot Cay; Amber Hall, 19, Miss Teen Providenciales; and Stephanie Michel, 17, Miss Teen South Caicos.
Hosted by Ms. Michalia Clare, the intimate event opened with a cocktail hour, where invited guests and supporters mixed and mingled in anticipation of the big reveal. Among those in attendance were Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture, Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith; and Director of Youth Affairs, Ms. Jasmine Parker, both bringing brief greetings. Other noted faces in the audience included Deputy Director of Youth Affairs, Mr. Nickson Dickenson; Mr. David Bowen; and Mr. Trevor Sadler, CEO of InterCaribbean Airways.
The audience marveled as the diverse selection of young ladies emerged with their personality, poise, and charm on full display. Special guest of honour Malique Ferrette, Miss Turks and Caicos 2014, officially sashed each contestant after their introductions. The evening’s surprise was an impromptu question and answer segment, where each contestant tackled a question that showcased her charisma and interview skills.
Within 3-hours of the unveiling, the official beauty headshots for each contestant were uploaded to the organization’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, encouraging followers to vote for their favorite contestant to win the “Miss Popularity” award and prizes.
During the next several weeks, the contestants will engage in a rigorous training program and schedule of events and appearances. All contestants will complete mandatory workshops on confidence, personal grooming, media preparedness and interviewing skills, government, culture, and self defense – to name but a few. The beauties will also receive runway coaching and training in etiquette, stage presence and deportment, speech and grammar.
“We are extremely proud to have created a program with a focus on the significance of personal development and community service. The level of training and coaching the contestants are put through ensures that our contestants and the eventual winner will meet the standards of international teen pageants around the world,” says Oehleo Higgs, President of MTTCO. “The training has proved fruitful so far as we’ve achieved award recognition in our first year of operation -- a feat we hope to maintain. Our contestants are extremely intelligent, creative and very much excited to showcase their creativity, skills and talent. We look forward to the public’s support and support from potential sponsor to make this program another success.”
To date, the 2nd Annual Miss Teen Turks and Caicos program is sponsored by Blue Haven Resort, InterCaribbean Airways, Wrightfully Fit Fitness Center, Gilley’s Enterprises, University College of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Community College, Grace Bay Pharmacy, Josh and Nina Green, Paradise Smiles, Grace Bay Club, West Bay Club, Windsong Resort, Seven Stars Resort, JerittJermell, and Konk Apparel. The Miss Teen Turks and Caicos Organization, and its contestants, would like to thank the public, sponsors, and host for the tremendous support at last weekend's event.
The 2nd Annual Miss Teen Turks and Caicos pageant is slated for September 26, 2015 in Providenciales, to coincide with activities planned for this year’s National Youth Day. The lucky teen queen will win a myriad of prizes and will also participate in the 2016 edition of Miss Teen Universe to be held in Costa Rica. Fundraising activities, charity drives and other appearances will precede coronation night.
PRESS_RELEASE_Miss_Teen_Turks_and_Caicos_2015_Contestants_Unveiled.zip
Honorable George Lightbourne and Gender Affairs Travels To Regional Conference on Women in Latin America
The Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication, Honorable George Lightbourne along with the Gender Affairs, Coordinator Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson will be leaving the Country to participate in the Fifty-second meeting of the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean. The two day workshop is schedule to be held in Santo Domingo on July 30 – 31 2015.
The regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean is a subsidiary body of Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) that brings together Government representatives to monitor compliance with international and regional agreements on gender equality and promote the gender perspective in regional policies.
It is at this meeting that actions are taken in a number of areas and is therefore an important sphere of influence, the Minister will address activities, and progress made toward the advancement of women in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The two-member delegation is schedule to return to the Turks and Caicos Islands on August 1, 2015.
GOVERNOR DELIGHTED BY FIRST TCI CIVIL SERVANTS SECONDED TO FCO
Two Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) civil servants have been seconded to the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), it was announced today, yesterday, 29 July 2015.
Neville Missick and Carmelita Rolle have been appointed as Corporate Services Manager and Personal Assistant, respectively, in the TCI Governor's Office, Grand Turk. They are the first TCI government employees to be seconded to the FCO, having just taken up their two year appointments.
"I am delighted that Neville and Carmelita have succeeded in securing these important positions, and confident they will live up to our expectations," said Governor Peter Beckingham. "It also marks an important trend in our office both to localise jobs, and reduce the number of UK staff. Since I came to TCI we have reduced the number of UK staff from 7 to 2 employees in our office.
"This provides greater efficiencies, savings and allows the FCO to better draw on local expertise and knowledge, as well as providing a professional and cultural learning experience for everyone involved," the Governor said.
"This is a tremendous development opportunity for these TCI government employees," added Deputy Governor Anya Williams. "They will be exposed to the FCO's ways of working and culture, which will provide many benefits to them, and to TCIG, when they return in 2017."
The corporate services manager manages the Governor's Office budgets and procurement; takes care of its buildings and infrastructure; manages the induction of new staff, leads on staff learning and development, health
and welfare. This position also plays an important role in disaster preparedness, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season, and supports the Head of the Governor's Office on the general day-to-day running of the office.
The Personal Assistant is responsible for managing the Governor's diary and schedule and for arranging his engagements, both in TCI and overseas. In addition, the Personal Assistant arranges visits and events, maintains expenditure records and provides secretarial and administrative in the Governor's office. She also tracks and follows up on requests from Ministers, senior officials and members of the public.
LIME Turks and Caicos becomes the next LIME market to launch Mobile 4G LTE service.
The largest telecommunications full-service provider in Turks and Caicos today announced its launch of the fastest and most advanced 4G network in the islands. The launch of mobile 4GLTE in the Turks Islands makes it only the third LIME market in the Caribbean region to offer this highly advanced technology to its customers.
LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a ‘fourth generation’ (4G) mobile service which will enable the company’s customers to access mobile data at far higher download speeds than previously available. Browsing the internet, downloading files and streaming videos will become almost instantaneous for 4G (LTE) customers.
The 4GLTE network, which was deployed by Ericsson, boasts close to 100% coverage across Provo, Grand Turk and South Caicos as well as higher capacity with enhanced mobile data services.
The upgrade to mobile 4G LTE is part of the ongoing US$10 million upgrade launched by LIME late last year under the umbrella capital investment programme, called Project Marlin which is valued at US$1.05 Billion.
LIME’s General Manager Delleriece Hall said “The launch of 4G LTE in Turks and Caicos will set our islands apart as some of the best connected and best served countries not just in the Caribbean but anywhere in the world. High Definition (HD) video will be available without buffering as soon as Customers click on a website. The freedom, speed and functionality that 4G LTE delivers is immense. We have invested significantly to meet our commitment to deliver a world class mobile data and voice experience to our customers”
LIME’s 4G LTE network will allow smartphone users to fully unleash the power of their smart devices such as Apple’s® iPhone® 5S, 5C, 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. LIME customers can now truly experience the amazing data processing power of these devices
The launch of LIME’s mobile 4G LTE services positions The Turks and Caicos Islands on a par with the gold standard for mobile data anywhere in the world. Hall says” Our Belongers will finally be able to experience Data speeds of up to 35Mbps on their handset and will be able to surf, stream and download as if they were using our Superfast broadband Service at home, but from the palm of their hands.” The company introduced the new service with a range of new data plans and special prices on LTE handsets for its customers and features local sprint sensation Delano Williams.
Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communications, Honourable George Lightbourne said "This investment in 4G LTE by LIME will undoubtedly unlock further opportunities for new business development, self-entrepreneurship and employment growth. Moreover, it is an important step in continuing the journey towards creating a highly skilled knowledge based society"
Phylicia Hawkins, Acting Marketing and Communications Manager at LIME said “We value innovation and embrace excellence in the services we offer our customers; we have made a huge effort to deliver an unbeatable mobile data customer experience. This will revolutionise the opportunities available to both the consumer and businesses in Turks and Caicos."