TCIG Signs Agreement with Hamilton Education Foundation
On June 15, 2023, the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands signed a development agreement with the Hamilton Education Foundation for the construction and operation of the Hamilton University School of Medicine and Hamilton University Medical Center in the Turks and Caicos Islands, to be located in Grace Bay, Providenciales.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, The Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, the Director and Chairman of The Hamilton Education Foundation, and Hon. Dr. Rufus W. Ewing.
Legal Counsel for Invest Turks and Caicos, Ms. Judith Garland, and the Legal Counsel for The Hamilton Education Foundation, Ms. Yvette Marcelin.
The Hamilton University School of Medicine and Hamilton University Medical Center will be housed in a purpose-built 46,000 square feet five-story state-of-the-art building in Grace Bay. The institution aims to address the current and emerging health challenges and will provide medical education and training to meet the growing demand for physicians and healthcare professionals in the Turks and Caicos, the Caribbean region, and globally.
In addition, through the University Medical Center and community-based health programs, the university will enhance equitable access to health services through specialist medical programs, medical tourism, transnational education, and collaborative research. The Hamilton University School of Medicine, the Hamilton University Medical Center, and its affiliated Hamilton University Research Institute will drive health innovation and global health equity, and socio-economic transformation of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Premier in his remarks expressed that the development of the Hamilton University School of Medicine and the University Medical Center will go a long way in achieving his government's commitment to the diversification of the TCI economy through social and economic transformation, while also addressing the health challenges of the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond. The Acting Governor in her remarks stated that the university through its health and research programs will enhance Turks and Caicos visibility on the global stage and recognition as a major player in addressing the global health challenges.
TCI POST CABINET STATEMENT
Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Anya Williams, chaired the 16th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 14 June 2023 at the Bellfield Landing on North Caicos.
All Members were present with the exception of the Hon Minister for Health.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Was updated on the recent spate of murders and actions going forwards, in particular with the imminent arrival of recently trained RTCIPF officers to strengthen ongoing investigations.
Discussed the Treatment Abroad Program and agreed on the next steps.
Discussed proposed capital-related projects for utilities and multisector regulation under the Fortis G15 Project and agreed on the next steps.
Approved a business case for the redevelopment of the Howard Hamilton Airport on Providenciales with consideration for procurement via Public Private Partnership, the amendment of related ordinances and instructions to facilitate procurement for Cabinet approval and for these to be submitted to the House of Assembly before the end September 2023 for consideration.
Approved amendments to the National Physical Development Plan preserving Water Cay as an uninhabited island and with Little Water Cay maintained and studied for environmental protection and sustainability.
Approved an implementation strategy of three short-term programs under the National Housing Policy, coving concessions for residential developers, home improvement programs for existing homeowners, and, community renewal and infilling.
Approved amendments to the National Investment Policy 2023, influencing greater Foreign and Domestic Direct Investments and policy formation aimed at removing barriers to local business expansion, and support in marketing and promotion work.
Approved for the TCI Government to conclude negotiation on a development agreement with Hamilton Education Foundation Ltd for the development of a medical school and connected facilities on Providenciales.
Approved an adjustment to the Financial Services Commission’s salary structure, bringing this in line with local and regional comparators and improving the effectiveness of the Commission.
Approved a contract extension and amendment for Economic Substance Consultancy to provide advice, assistance, and an IT portal strategy in regard to the removal of the Turks & Caicos Islands from an EU list (“EU blacklist”) of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. Members also approved funding for the IT Portal Strategy.
Was updated on the outstanding asylum cases and the responses that will be given by the TCI Government and H.E. the Governor. Members discussed lessons learned and steps being taken to manage this issue.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
Illegal Firearm and Robbery
Illegal Firearm Recovered; Four detained
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Response and Operations Team, this morning arrested four males and seized an illegal firearm and ammunition.
According to police reports, while on patrol, the officers noticed a white vehicle, with four occupants parked in the vicinity of a financial institution located in Downtown Providenciales around 3:30 a.m.
The officers conducted a stop search and discovered a firearm containing a magazine with ammunition.
The suspects ages 31 and 37 are from Haiti, while the remaining two - ages 52 and 27 are from the Bahamas and are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
Commenting on the illegal firearm and ammunition found, Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “There has been a renewed effort on the part of RTCIPF, to rid the streets of illegal firearms, given that for the year, of the seven homicides, six were committed, with illegal firearms. The number of illegal firearms in the country is fueling violent crime. The RTCIPF has recovered four firearms for the year. I wish to point out and warn criminals that the RTCIPF will not cower from our responsibilities, and we will not be shying away from enforcing our duties. To my officers who on a daily basis place their lives on the line to protect and defend the law abiders of the TCI, I salute you. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and service.”
Robbery Accused Charged
A man who allegedly robbed a business place has been charged by detectives of the Serious
Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The accused, Spencer Missick, 68, of Nassau, Bahamas, was charged on June 15, with
Robbery; Contrary to Section 3 of the Offences Against the Person Ordinance Chapter 3.08.
The charge stemmed from a June 07th, incident that occurred in the Long Bay district.
In an unrelated matter, a 33-year-old Haiti national has been charged with Illegal Entry.
Daniel Jean was charged on June 11th by the Serious Crime Unit.
The charge against Mr. Jean state that on May 19th, the said offense was committed, in
Contravention of Section 34(1) of the Immigration Ordinance Chapter 3.08.
Both accused are expected to appear in Court next week.
Hon. Josephine Connolly, celebrates the Grand opening of the Carlton Williams Promenade
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly, celebrated the opening of the Carlton Williams Promenade in Bottle Creek, North Caicos, on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023.
The promenade is named after Mr. Carlton Williams, who, as a child, assisted his father in establishing the sisal industry. Carlton, the only son of Mr. Claudius Williams, was essential to the family enterprise. To the extent that young Carlton regrettably lost his fingers to the heavy equipment used to facilitate the laborious work.
The Carlton Williams Promenade features artifacts from the Sisal era. These items were conserved to demonstrate the history of the island. The mid-19th century Turks and Caicos Islands' sisal industry was significant. Mr. Stubbs carried sisal from The Bahamas' Crooked Island. Due to the climate and soil, this was a profitable crop.
Sisal was cultivated for its valuable fiber, which was utilized to create cords, twine, carpets, and other handicrafts. The East Caicos Company and the West Caicos Fiber Company founded the industry. Kew, North Caicos, and Bellevue Plantation each produced 150 acres of sisal in 1907. Despite its decline, the Turks and Caicos Islands' sisal industry has sustained livelihoods and contributed to the economy.
In her remarks, Hon Connolly highlighted the significance of the promenade to the development of the Turks and Caicos economy, most notably in the mid-nineteenth century, which produced a bountiful crop.
She then noted the historical significance and contributions of sisal remains, although the industry has waned. Stating that it played a 'crucial role in supporting livelihoods, generated revenue, and drove economic development during its peak.'
Although Mr. Carlton Williams was not in attendance, his son, Claudius Williams, was on hand to receive the honor on his father's behalf and stated that the promenade would be one of his father's first stops upon his return to Turks and Caicos on July.
Mrs. Lormeka Williams hosted the evening, and welcome remarks were made by the district Commissioner of North Caicos, Mr. Jas Walkin.
Remarks were also made by Hon Charles Washington Missick, MP for North Caicos and Middle Caicos, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, as well as Acting Governor H.E Anya Williams.
The festivities ended with the prayer and blessing of the promenade by pastor Winston Gardiner and a ribbon cutting by Hon. Josephine Connolly.
Hon. Josephine Connolly was sure to extend her heartfelt gratitude to crucial collaborators such as her staff at DECR and Mr. Jas Walkin for his warm welcome to North Caicos.
Putin confirms first nuclear weapons moved to Belarus
Vladimir Putin says that Russia has already stationed the first batch of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
Russia's president told a forum they would only be used if Russia's territory or state was threatened.
The US government says there is no indication the Kremlin plans to use nuclear weapons to attack Ukraine.
"We don't see any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after Mr Putin's comments.
Belarus is a key Russian ally and served as a launchpad for Mr. Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February last year.
Mr. Putin said transferring the tactical nuclear warheads would be completed by the end of the summer.
Answering questions after a speech at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russia's president said the move was about "containment" and to remind anyone "thinking of inflicting a strategic defeat on us".
When asked by the forum's moderator about the possibility of using those weapons, he replied: "Why should we threaten the whole world? I have already said that using extreme measures is possible in case there is a danger to Russian statehood."
Tactical nuclear weapons are small atomic warheads and delivery systems intended for use on the battlefield, or for a limited strike. They are designed to destroy enemy targets in a specific area without causing widespread radioactive fallout.
The smallest tactical nuclear weapons can be one kiloton or less (producing the equivalent of a thousand tonnes of the explosive TNT). The largest ones can be as big as 100 kilotons. By comparison, the atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 was 15 kilotons.
The Russian leader is due to meet African leaders in St Petersburg after they visited Kyiv on Friday as part of a peace initiative they are presenting to both countries.
However, while they were in the city it came under Russian missile attack.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for de-escalation on both sides and negotiations for peace.
"We came here to listen and recognize what the people of Ukraine have gone through," he said.
But Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said instead of making diplomatic overtures to Russia it should be frozen out diplomatically to send a message that the international community condemned its invasion.
Kyiv would not enter negotiations with Moscow while it still occupied Ukrainian territory, Mr Zelensky said.
Mr. Putin also repeated his claim that Ukraine stood no chance of succeeding in its ongoing counter-offensive.
The Ukrainian military was also running out of its own military equipment and would soon only be using Western-donated equipment, he said.
"You can't fight for long like that," he said, warning that any F16 US fighter jets given to Ukraine "will burn, no doubt about it".
Ukraine has previously dismissed similar remarks, asserting they are making progress in recapturing territory in both eastern and southern Ukraine.
On Friday, Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said in the south of the country units had advanced 2km in all directions.
The BBC cannot independently verify battlefield claims.
The Russian leader also addressed economic themes, claiming that Western sanctions on Russia had failed to isolate it and instead led to an expansion in its trade with "the markets of the future".
He praised new deals with countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America - calling them "reliable, responsible partners".
Source- BBC
‘Serious’ efforts to fight human trafficking
The government of The Bahamas fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, according to the new US Trafficking in Persons (TIPS) Report. Still, some concerns were raised, including that the Bahamian courts easily granted bail even to defendants accused of violent crimes, and law enforcement did not have the resources to uphold the law fully.
The report said NGOs reported that although the country adopted appropriate laws and procedures, lower-level police, immigration officials, and labor inspectors did not implement them because of a failure to understand them, neglect, or complicity.
“Observers also noted some immigration officials may have solicited Haitian migrants for bribes to prevent detention,” it added.
The annual report – a requirement of the United States Trafficking Victims Protection Act – assesses governments’ efforts around the world to combat human trafficking.
It highlights strategies to address human trafficking and protect victims.
Again this year, The Bahamas received a Tier 1 ranking, meaning it fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of severe forms of trafficking in persons – through a Tier 1 ranking does not imply a country does not have any trafficking.
“The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore The Bahamas remained on Tier 1,” the report said.
“These efforts included convicting and sentencing a trafficker to imprisonment and making efforts to provide restitution to a repatriated foreign victim.
“The government also adopted legislation to allow victims to testify remotely, including from overseas; provided continued support for foreign victims repatriated abroad; and cooperated with a neighboring country to repatriate three victims.
“It also trained high-level officials, including five new members of the Trafficking in Persons Task Force and new labor inspectors; carried out more awareness raising; created new hotlines to report trafficking cases; and solicited feedback from underserved groups on anti-trafficking policies.
“Although the government meets the minimum standards, it did not initiate any prosecutions, continued to identify few victims, and did not provide investigative data.”
The report said the government did not report data on investigations, compared with initiating one sex trafficking investigation involving two suspects in 2021, 13 cases (11 for sex trafficking and two for labor trafficking) in 2020, and 16 investigations in 2019.
It added the government did not initiate any new prosecutions for the second year, compared with two prosecutions initiated in 2020 and 2019.
The government continued the prosecution of five alleged sex traffickers in three cases from previous reporting periods, compared with the continued prosecution of one alleged sex trafficker in 2021, the report said.
The government reported two cases were awaiting trial in the Supreme Court and one case was awaiting trial in the Magistrate Court, compared with seven suspected traffickers awaiting the start of their trials in 2021.
The government convicted one Bahamian male sex trafficker under the TIP Act and other laws in a 2021 case, the same number as the past two years, the report said.
The chief magistrate sentenced the trafficker to penalties consistent with a plea agreement, including 12 months imprisonment, three years probation, restitution in the amount of $10,000 each for two victims, and counseling, the report also informed.
Courts dismissed a case from 2020 against a Jamaican female defendant after the three Jamaican victims refused to testify, reportedly out of fear of the suspected trafficker.
The government did not report any investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of government officials complicit in trafficking crimes.
Under “trafficking profile”, the report said traffickers recruit migrant workers, especially those from Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the People’s Republic of China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, the Philippines, and the United States through false offers of employment, through advertisements in foreign newspapers and social media.
“Upon arrival, traffickers exploit victims in sex trafficking and forced labor, including in domestic service and in sectors with low-skilled labor,” the report said.
“NGOs reported sex trafficking victims were more likely to come from Jamaica or Latin America, whereas labor trafficking victims were more likely to be Haitian in situations of debt bondage.”
It added, “Unaccompanied migrant children, individuals lured for employment, those involved in commercial sex and exotic dancing, undocumented migrants, stateless persons, LGBTQI+ individuals (particularly from outlying areas), and migrants displaced by Hurricane Dorian have been trafficking victims or are particularly vulnerable to trafficking.
“In particular, irregular migrants living in informal settlements on the Hurricane Dorian-ravaged islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, as well as those who fled to New Providence after the storm, exist in what observers call “dark spaces,” which deter them from reporting abuse.”
The report also lists a number of “prioritized recommendations”.
They include: “Increase efforts to investigate, prosecute, and convict traffickers, including officials complicit in sex or labor trafficking, and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms; improve efforts to identify victims and refer them to services, particularly among vulnerable groups, including underserved stateless persons; migrants and asylum-seekers from Haiti, Jamaica, and Venezuela; LGBTQI+ individuals; and Cuban nationals working on government-sponsored programs.”
Among other recommendations, the Americans urge The Bahamas government to provide a dedicated shelter for trafficking victims; including representatives of LGBTQI+ groups, Haitian and stateless persons, and foreign diplomatic missions as appropriate in discussions with the National Trafficking in Persons Inter-Ministerial Committee (Anti-Trafficking Committee) and improve regular investigative data collection and record keeping.
Source- The Nassau Guardian
Operation Beach Clean-up, Call to Action!
The DECR in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) Sustainable Tourism Committee, and its partners, is appealing to the community of Grand Turk to assist with 'Operation Beach Clean-up' on Saturday 17 June 2023.
Recent weather conditions have resulted in a large amount of ocean plastics and debris washing onto shore on the windward side of the island. The debris poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our coastal and marine life as well as our tourism product.
We appeal to the Grand Turk community to assist us with a large-scale clean-up on East Beach, this Saturday. Meet us outside The Ridge Cafe at 7 am. Equipment will be provided, but please be sure to pack a hat and your reusable water bottle.
Branson to launch space tourism flights this month
Sir Richard Branson's space tourism company Virgin Galactic says it will launch its first commercial flight before the end of this month.
The firm is targeting a launch window for the flight, which is called Galactic 01, from 27 June to 30 June.
After the announcement to investors, Virgin Galactic shares jumped more than 40% in extended New York trading.
In May, Virgin Orbit - a separate space firm owned by the UK billionaire - shut down, months after a mission failed.
Virgin Galactic said the first flight will be a scientific research mission, carrying three crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy to conduct microgravity research.
The company said its second commercial spaceflight will follow in early August, and it expects to operate monthly spaceflights from then on.
It marks a key milestone for the 19-year-old Virgin Galactic, which has had to overcome a series of accidents and technical challenges.
Last month, Virgin Galactic's rocket plane, which is called Unity, was back in action after a gap of almost two years.
The vehicle, with two pilots and four passengers aboard, climbed high over the New Mexico desert in the US to the edge of space - before gliding back down.
It was billed as the vehicle's final test flight before the launch of the firm's long-awaited debut commercial service.
Virgin Galactic has sold more than 800 tickets to people who want to ride over 80km (260,000ft) above Earth.
The flights are designed to give passengers views from space at the top of its climb and allow them a few minutes to experience weightlessness. They cost $450,000 (£352,170) per person.
While Virgin Galactic focusses on space tourism, Sir Richard also had ambitions to launch satellites with his rocket company, Virgin Orbit.
However Virgin Orbit shut down in May after the failure of a mission which had been billed as a potential milestone for UK space exploration.
Earlier in the year, the firm, which was set up to launch satellites, paused operations to try to boost its finances.
Virgin Orbit has now sold off items, including its converted jet Cosmic Girl, and most of its headquarters in California.
It has been a tumultuous period for the Virgin boss.
Sir Richard told the BBC in May that he had personally lost around £1.5bn (£1.9bn) during the pandemic after lockdowns hit his airline and leisure businesses.
"There was a time when I thought we were going to lose everything", he said. However, he has managed to retain his billionaire status - he has a net worth of £2.4bn according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List.
Source- BBC
NBA suspends Memphis Grizzlies guard, Ja Morant, for 25 games over gun incidents
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended for 25 games without pay for "conduct detrimental to the NBA".
Morant, 23, was "suspended from all team activities" in May after appearing to hold a gun in a social media video for the second time in two months.
His return is subject to completing an NBA program that "directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior".
Morant was suspended for eight games after the initial incident in March.
On that occasion, a video showed the All-Star guard, who was the second overall draft pick in 2019, holding a gun in a Colorado nightclub, after which he apologized and said he would "get help".
"I take full responsibility for my actions last night," he added in a statement.
Morant said he is "committed to continuing to work on myself" after the latest incident, when during a live broadcast on Instagram he posed with a gun in a car with several other individuals as they left a social gathering in Memphis.
"I know I've disappointed a lot of people who have supported me," Morant said.
"This is a journey and I recognise there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions."
The 2023-24 NBA season begins in October, with each team playing 82 regular-season games.
The NBA said that Morant's suspension begins immediately and will remain in effect for the first 25 games for which he is otherwise eligible and able to play.
"For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
"[His] decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting.
"The potential for other young people to emulate Ja's conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated."
The National Basketball Players Association, the league's players union, criticized the length of the ban.
"We believe it is excessive and inappropriate for a number of reasons," NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio said.
"It is not fair and consistent with past discipline in our league. We will explore with Ja all options and next steps."
Source- BBC
Toyota faces shareholder revolt and calls for board shakeup
Toyota is facing a revolt from shareholders at its annual general meeting this week from investors demanding that it go electric and that the company make board changes and disclose its lobbying against progressive climate policies.
Among those in the firing line is former CEO Akio Toyoda, who shareholders are trying to vote off the board because of his failure to transition the world’s largest automaker to electric vehicles.
The world’s largest automaker has been a global laggard in EVs. Last year just 0.2 percent of Toyota’s total production was fully electric vehicles and the company has been accused of lobbying governments around the world to water down pro-EV policies.
Toyota’s half-hearted BZ4X was essentially a retrofitted ICE vehicle body with a battery and electric motor that was a complete flop. In April Toyota updated its strategy and plans to introduce 10 new EV models
“We will expand our current lineup by releasing ten new models by 2026, which would amount to 1.5 million vehicles of annual sales,” said Toyota executive vice president Hiroki Nakajima during the new management policy and direction announcement.
While the announcement was welcome, many believe that Toyota will struggle to grow EV production that quickly over the next 3 years. It took Tesla 9 years to grow EV production from 20,000 units to 1.3 million which, according to Musk is the fastest automotive production growth in history.
Two weeks ago the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) put Toyota in the “Laggards” group of its report ranking the world’s top 20 car makers on EV market dominance, technology, and strategic vision.
Last month a group of three asset managers, who collectively hold $400 million of Toyota stock submitted a shareholder proposal urging Toyota Motor Corp to improve disclosure of its lobbying on climate change.
The shareholder group includes Danish pension fund AkademikerPension, Norway’s Storebrand Asset Management, and Dutch pension investment company APG Asset Management.
The group wants Toyota to disclose in detail its lobbying efforts, including through industry associations (like Australia’s FCAI) and wants it to align its goals with that of the Paris Agreement.
“We’re concerned that Toyota is missing out on profits from soaring EV sales, jeopardizing its valuable brand and cementing its global laggard status,” said Anders Schelde, AkademikerPension’s chief investment officer at the time.
“We need concrete policy changes and a better annual review drawing on independent data to calm international investors.
Last month Toyota’s board recommended shareholders vote against the resolution, which will be put to vote tomorrow, saying the company already reports on its climate-related public-relations activities.
According to Wall Street Journal, Toyota representatives have flown several times to meet with management at AkademikerPension in Denmark in the lead-up to tomorrow’s general meeting.
People involved in the meetings told WSJ that the Toyota reps tried to nudge the fund to pursue dialogue instead of the shareholder proposal.
-Some shareholders intend to vote the former CEO off the board
According to the Wall Street Journal, major shareholders including the New York City comptroller’s office, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, and a handful of European asset managers say they have voted or plan to vote to oust several Toyota directors from their board seats including former CEO and grandson of Toyota founder, Akio Toyoda.
Source- The Driven