News
Truss out of the top spot
Dana Malcom
Staff Writer
#UnitedKingdom, October 20, 2022 – Call for UK General Election as Tories Liz Truss resigns as Prime Minister.
“I have spoken to his majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning.”
Another resigning PM for the UK and already the Labour Party is calling for a general election and rejecting another attempt of the Tories to elevate one of their own to take over as UK Prime Minister.
At 1:30 Thursday afternoon, those words hailed the end of the shortest Prime Ministerial term in UK History as Liz Truss resigned as PM and leader of the Conservative party; she was elected only 45 days ago.
Truss had taken charge of a fractured party and many of its members voted against her. Media reports on repeated failures of her economic plans, the sacking of her finance minister, and an ugly public resignation of one of her top ministers, Truss now headlines as the sixth UK Prime Minister in a row to tender their resignation prematurely.
This means a party election will be called once more, but this one will be different. This time instead of stretching over a month, the election will take place in a week and only the MPs will have a say.
In August, when Truss’s predecessor Boris Johnson left the seat in disgrace after a party revolt, Truss and several other candidates went up against each other, lobbying their fellow MPs for votes in a round system. The final two were Liz Truss and the overwhelming favorite of the conservative party Rishi Sunak. The decision was then put to
the public, where Truss got just over 2000 more votes.
Only 45 days later, and with a 10 percent approval rating from the public, according to polling firm YouGov, she exited 10 Downing Street to say this.
“I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability, families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills— I was elected by the Conservative party to change this. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting National Insurance, and we set out a vision of a low tax high growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit.”
Unfortunately as she herself admitted, Truss could not make it happen.
“I recognize, given the situation, that I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party,” explained Truss.
Within five weeks of her tenure, she had already been apologizing for ‘mistakes’ in her mini budget filled with tax cuts that created major economic turbulence, sending the pound to shocking lows against the dollar. At the same time inflation in the UK barreled to 40 year highs once again.
Then came the replacement of the finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng, who had been by the PMs side and implemented her tax plans with a new candidate Jeremy Hunt, who shredded the plans Truss had been defending for weeks. Hunt reversed tax cuts left and right and pulled back the two year energy bill cap to six months rather than the twenty-four Truss had promised
Even as her fellow Tories urged her to give up the spot, her resignation creates a major problem for the party. With what will be three leaders in a single term, they may have to put a major vote to the people.
Labor leader Keir Starmer has already called for a general election. The Conservative party won this term with the greatest margin in decades, whether they can repeat that in a general election is up in the air.
Liz Truss will remain UK prime minister until her replacement is elected.
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – The recent aggravated robbery targeting a five-member household is undoubtedly distressing for both the victims and the community at large.
Superintendent (Division A) Willet Harvey said, “Around 11:21 pm yesterday (April 14th) evening, the Police Control Room received a report that four masked males, three of whom were armed, entered a residence at New Subdivision, Grand Turk, and proceeded to rob the occupants.
The armed suspects managed to flee the scene on foot and escaped.
“Following the report, officers were dispatched to the scene, conducted extensive searches and interviewed individuals. Based on the information received, we are actively pursuing several leads that will lead to arrests in the shortest possible time.
“The incident highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and proactively safeguarding homes and families. I advise people to enhance their home security by locking doors and windows when inside, investing in a CCTV system, and ensuring adequate outdoor lighting. Should you have any information on this burglary or illegal activities in Grand Turk, please call 946-2299. ”
The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app and share information.
News
Two Major Murder Trials Underway simultaneously in Grand Turk; making history in more ways than one
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – Two separate murder trials. Two separate alleged Blue Hills killers. Two separate Blue Hills male victims lost their lives. Two separate dates of killings. The Crown has two separate vulnerable witnesses, one for each murder case as their main or key witness.
Both main/key witnesses have each relocated to the UK after the murders and both are under a witness protection program. They both testified in their respective trials via video link, as they did not return to the Turks and Caicos for the trials in live or opened court.
The move to have them back in the islands considered too risky.
Each trial has a different judge with its own 12-member jury. Both cases are running concurrently in different court rooms but both are unfolding on the Island of Grand Turk.
This is an historical move for the TCI judiciary running two murder trials all at once and on one Island (The Nation’s Capital); simultaneously.
Both trials are expected to in mere days with verdicts from the separately empaneled juries or on a ruling by the learned trial judges.
JOUVLY INELUS, 32 is one of the accused men on trial for allegedly killing Brian Leon Williams on the afternoon of Thursday, November 3rd, 2022. His defense counsel is Mrs. Lara Maroof Misick and Principal Public Prosecutor, Mr. Clement Joseph started the Crown’s case for the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
A 12-member jury and his Lordship, The Hon Mr. Justice Chris Selochan is presiding over INELUS trial.
In addition to murder, Inelus also faces four counts of firearm-related offences namely:
Discharging a Firearm, Discharging Ammunition, Carrying a Firearm, and Carrying Ammunition.
The homicide took place at a location known as Enid Forbes Yard, Hopeland Close, Blue Hills, Providenciales.
KENDALL DEAN, who is 29 years old is the second accused of homicide and his trial is underway for the shooting death of 24-year-old Joshua Swann on Sunday, August 8th, 2021 in the vicinity of North West Point, Blue Hills, Providenciales, according to police.
This trial was delayed its start, a week, due to jury issues, but now proceedings are progressing and Mr. Oliver Smith, KC is representing Kendall Dean against the allegations laid.
The trial is before his Lordship, the Honourable judge, Mr. Davidson Kevin Baptiste and a 12-member jury.
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – Section 61 of the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution relates to the appointment of an Electoral District Boundary Commission. On 26th February 2024, Her Excellency the Acting Governor Mrs. Anya Williams. appointed a Boundaries Commission to review and alter the present boundaries and make changes, if necessary.
The following persons were appointed as members of the Committee:
Rev Dr. Julia E Williams Retired Civil Servant and Methodist Minister (Chairman)
Hon Justice K Neville Adderley M.B. (Member)
Ms Tremaine R S Harvey LLB(hons) Attorney at Law (Member)
The Constitution also stipulates that a Commission after appointment may regulate its procedure and, with the Governor acting in her discretion, may confer powers and impose duties on any public officer, or any authority of the Government for the purpose of discharge of its functions.
For the purpose of discharge of its functions , the Commission
- May invite views from members of the public.
- Shall consult the public about the draft of its report; and
- May seek advice as it considers appropriate.
The Commission and its members , under the Constitution, shall NOT be subject to the direction and control of any person or authority.
The Commission will review the boundaries of the Electoral Districts, and submit to the Governor and House of Assembly, a report on their findings.:-
- Stating that in the opinion of the commission, no changes to these boundaries is required, OR
- Recommending the changes in those boundaries specified in the report.
In determining its recommendations, the Commission under subsection (1) (b), and in determining whether or not to recommend any changes in the electoral district boundaries, the Commission shall ensure that the electoral districts contain, so far as is reasonably practicable, approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors.
In order to be successful in its deliberations and produce an efficient report to HE the Governor, the Commission will visit ALL islands, have discussions with members of the public and have public meetings.
Deliberations will commence as follows:-
MEETING WITH GROUPS FACE TO FACE – 13TH -16TH MAY 2024
13th May 2024 Salt Cay in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
Grand Turk in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
14th May 2024 South Caicos at 6.30 pm
15th May 2024 Middle Caicos in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
North Caicos in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
16th May 2024 Meeting in Providenciales at 7.00 p.m.
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