From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Mark Wignall
Thursday, March 11, 2010
COLLEAGUE columnist Ken Chaplin's excellent Tuesday column, "Dudus, US Govt, interception of information", in explaining that Prime Minister Golding was acting on solid ground in refusing the extradition based on evidence gathered through a breach of Dudus's constitutional right -- his phone was tapped without the required judicial authorisation -- wrote, "The law... requires that for intercepted communication to be admissible in any criminal proceedings, it must have been obtained, disclosed and used in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Golding said that this was not done."
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"
To me, one part of the problem that has cropped up with the understanding of the extradition treaty is, which parts of it are, prior to granting an extradition request, legally determinable in Jamaica and by what process? On the other side, which conditions of the treaty is it that empowers the Americans the right to render us speechless, that is, we must just sign and give up the person without further ado?
I have never been one of those who believe that the prime minister should never have involved himself in the delicate matter of the Dudus extradition request. Hell, whether the prime minister wanted to or not, he was involved."
"Of the 26 extradition requests received since he became prime minister, he has had no occasion (except for Dudus) to go full frontal in supporting any other person's "constitutional right". So the very fact that he has come out in such strong support of Dudus, it ought to mean that he has taken legal advice from the highest levels before committing himself and is convinced that his legs are sturdy.
If, based on the treaty, it was determined that the American outfit which obtained evidence did so by the illegal wiretaps of phones, must we surmise that all the Americans say they have on Dudus is a file of telephone transcripts and the actual recordings? We would be naïve to believe that."
&
"We must bear in mind that the Americans are not under any romantic illusions about what sectors of our society are corrupt. From their own experiences, they have long recognised that at the end of the day a president like, say, the late Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton (with Monica Lewinsky), and most other people are all humans under the skin and especially under the covers. Far from being perfect, what America has that is the envy of the purists among us is the workable synergy which springs from the lateral and horizontal push-pull of checks and balances, with each level having probing tentacles on the other.
I am certain that the Americans must have known of the breach, so the question to be asked is why did not the investigating entity abide by the conditions of the Act and apply to a judge in Chambers for authorisation for a wiretap or a series of wiretaps? It is my belief that they acted outside of the specific provision because there is not a single layer of the local system which they trust. Not a policeman, not a judge."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
Showing posts with label corruption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label corruption. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
JO - Failed state status on the horizon
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Failed state status on the horizon
Mark Wignall
Thursday, May 06, 2010
"You chopping, boy, but no chips are flying." - From the cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn.
One day last week as I allowed myself the opportunity to watch Senator Dwight Nelson, our minister of national security, address the Upper House on security matters, a number of items jumped out at me.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"Just recently the new commissioner, Owen Ellington, made the appeal for the people to assist in the push-back against violent criminality, and the commissioner immediately before him, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, told us in 2005 that Tivoli is the "mother of all garrisons". Before him, Lucius Thomas detailed the corruption inside the police force. And just before the JLP election win in September 2007, the JLP proudly strode into power armed with an impressive crime plan authored by ex-commissioner, Colonel Trevor McMillan."
&
"Commissioner Ellington would probably be the last to admit that many of the advances that were made in taking down criminals of the "Mr Big" type happened mostly with the efforts of the British policemen who came in under the last administration when the security ministry was headed by Peter Phillips. Will he admit, though, that too high a percentage of personnel in the JCF are too close to organised criminality? Nah, he won't."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
Jamaica Observer
Failed state status on the horizon
Mark Wignall
Thursday, May 06, 2010
"You chopping, boy, but no chips are flying." - From the cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn.
One day last week as I allowed myself the opportunity to watch Senator Dwight Nelson, our minister of national security, address the Upper House on security matters, a number of items jumped out at me.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"Just recently the new commissioner, Owen Ellington, made the appeal for the people to assist in the push-back against violent criminality, and the commissioner immediately before him, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, told us in 2005 that Tivoli is the "mother of all garrisons". Before him, Lucius Thomas detailed the corruption inside the police force. And just before the JLP election win in September 2007, the JLP proudly strode into power armed with an impressive crime plan authored by ex-commissioner, Colonel Trevor McMillan."
&
"Commissioner Ellington would probably be the last to admit that many of the advances that were made in taking down criminals of the "Mr Big" type happened mostly with the efforts of the British policemen who came in under the last administration when the security ministry was headed by Peter Phillips. Will he admit, though, that too high a percentage of personnel in the JCF are too close to organised criminality? Nah, he won't."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
Thursday, April 15, 2010
JO - Clarity, Corruption and Censure
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Clarity, Corruption and Censure
James Moss-Solomon
Sunday, March 07, 2010
"OH, what a tangled web we weave!" The Daily Observer of Wednesday, March 3 in its headline claims "PM Stares Down US", and the Gleaner headline of the same day says "Dudus defence". The situation has started to get out of hand and several innuendos have been made, although no one has directly pointed any fingers. The usual lawyers, both locally and overseas, have weighed in on the matter on the talk shows, and as predicted they have not been precise in their comments. On one hand they say 'this', and on the other hand they say 'that'. That has been my concern with lawyers in government; they argue like hell, but fail to take decisive positions or actions.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"The element of corruption in Government as stated by the supreme spin doctors, the United States, would also have been resisted. As it is now, any defence under the rights of citizens within the extradition treaty has been reduced to a discussion of the levels of corruption within the Government by their dealings with a single individual. The entire ruling party has now been placed under a cloak of suspicion, which will again cause the rumour mills to churn. Already it is being said that the visas of prominent Jamaicans are being cancelled as an act of "revenge" by the government of the United States.
I have no doubt that in other circumstances the USA has taken action based on rumours, but we are such small fish that we should not attribute it to revenge. Let's face it, we are no bin Laden, neither do we possess any "weapons of mass destruction". We can hardly manage our own criminals, let alone a war. So in the final analysis, our lack of clarity has led to the accusations of vast corruption in the Government."
&
"The events have opened us up to the realities of censure by the United States Government. The annual reports to Congress are a requirement which I believe started in earnest following the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Under their concept of "sovereignty" they are able to take a wide range of punitive actions on what they believe to be non-compliant with their policies. These measures range from a slap on the wrist, prohibition of airlines accessing their airspace or ships sailing in their territorial waters, trade sanctions, breaking of diplomatic relations, to perhaps even a declaration of war."
Jamaica Observer
Clarity, Corruption and Censure
James Moss-Solomon
Sunday, March 07, 2010
"OH, what a tangled web we weave!" The Daily Observer of Wednesday, March 3 in its headline claims "PM Stares Down US", and the Gleaner headline of the same day says "Dudus defence". The situation has started to get out of hand and several innuendos have been made, although no one has directly pointed any fingers. The usual lawyers, both locally and overseas, have weighed in on the matter on the talk shows, and as predicted they have not been precise in their comments. On one hand they say 'this', and on the other hand they say 'that'. That has been my concern with lawyers in government; they argue like hell, but fail to take decisive positions or actions.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"The element of corruption in Government as stated by the supreme spin doctors, the United States, would also have been resisted. As it is now, any defence under the rights of citizens within the extradition treaty has been reduced to a discussion of the levels of corruption within the Government by their dealings with a single individual. The entire ruling party has now been placed under a cloak of suspicion, which will again cause the rumour mills to churn. Already it is being said that the visas of prominent Jamaicans are being cancelled as an act of "revenge" by the government of the United States.
I have no doubt that in other circumstances the USA has taken action based on rumours, but we are such small fish that we should not attribute it to revenge. Let's face it, we are no bin Laden, neither do we possess any "weapons of mass destruction". We can hardly manage our own criminals, let alone a war. So in the final analysis, our lack of clarity has led to the accusations of vast corruption in the Government."
&
"The events have opened us up to the realities of censure by the United States Government. The annual reports to Congress are a requirement which I believe started in earnest following the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Under their concept of "sovereignty" they are able to take a wide range of punitive actions on what they believe to be non-compliant with their policies. These measures range from a slap on the wrist, prohibition of airlines accessing their airspace or ships sailing in their territorial waters, trade sanctions, breaking of diplomatic relations, to perhaps even a declaration of war."
Monday, April 5, 2010
S&S - Iraq visa requirements may push U.S. interpreters out the door
From my archive of press clippings:
Stars and Stripes
Iraq visa requirements may push U.S. interpreters out the door
By Michael Gisick, Stars and Stripes
Stars and Stripes online edition, Friday, April 2, 2010
BAGHDAD — As the Iraqi government pushes for more control over the tens of thousands of American contractors still in the country, some high-level U.S. interpreters say new visa regulations are pushing them to leave.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The interpreters, Arab-Americans who work in sensitive areas such as intelligence or as liaisons between senior American officers and Iraqi officials, worry that submitting the details of their identities to the Iraqi government could endanger themselves or family members living in Iraq or elsewhere in the region.
“Working for four years doing intel, pretty much I know how corrupt things are,” said one former Iraqi-American interpreter who quit her job and returned to the U.S. last month after her company notified employees they would need to apply for a visa. Like other interpreters interviewed for this story, she spoke on the condition of anonymity."
_____
Stars and Stripes reporter Jeff Schogol contributed to this report.
Stars and Stripes
Iraq visa requirements may push U.S. interpreters out the door
By Michael Gisick, Stars and Stripes
Stars and Stripes online edition, Friday, April 2, 2010
BAGHDAD — As the Iraqi government pushes for more control over the tens of thousands of American contractors still in the country, some high-level U.S. interpreters say new visa regulations are pushing them to leave.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The interpreters, Arab-Americans who work in sensitive areas such as intelligence or as liaisons between senior American officers and Iraqi officials, worry that submitting the details of their identities to the Iraqi government could endanger themselves or family members living in Iraq or elsewhere in the region.
“Working for four years doing intel, pretty much I know how corrupt things are,” said one former Iraqi-American interpreter who quit her job and returned to the U.S. last month after her company notified employees they would need to apply for a visa. Like other interpreters interviewed for this story, she spoke on the condition of anonymity."
_____
Stars and Stripes reporter Jeff Schogol contributed to this report.
Friday, March 26, 2010
JO - Revoke visas of politicians, unscrupulous businessmen
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Revoke visas of politicians, unscrupulous businessmen
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Dear Editor,
The stink of Jamaica's corruption, to which most at home have grown accustomed, has finally begun to wrinkle the noses of our neighbours. While out of one side of our mouth we bemoan the depths to which we have sunk and wonder how we got this far, out of the other side we will call hellfire to rain down on anyone, any agency that dares to point out our shortcomings. Some of us will continue pretending we don't know the reason for Operation Visa Revocation, which seems to be the latest US "tough love" strategy designed to steer us off the path of delinquency and criminality.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Well, since we have been afraid to tag our big fish and call out our "players", the US is tagging them for us, and not even our duly elected leaders can take the pressure. After hearing about "the list", I can only imagine the mounting stress that some folks are going through, whether they have green card, citizenship or non-immigrant visa, since they don't have a clue what the US knows about the shady activities in their past, and if they will be disgraced."
"The mystery police superintendent whose visa has been revoked is said to have been under investigation for corruption, yet he is squealing for his lawyer to negotiate with the US regarding his visa."
"By now those in high places should realise that the US visa is not their right, and that their privileged status in that banana republic will not afford them any special privileges in the republic to the north. But why is the identity of the superintendent being protected by the media? Would his life be in danger if he were exposed?
The media should not aid in obstructing the lesson to be learnt from all this: one vital to other members of the force and the civilian population who think of the US as their alternate option when they run afoul of the law at home and need a hideout."
"The US is doing a great service for our nation."
&
"It is my fervent hope that the US will revoke the visa of every last politician and unscrupulous businessman in that miserable little island, until they realise it's all they have, and who knows, perhaps they'll begin to treat the citizens and the country with more respect."
Hunter Gray
Populierenlaan
Krimpen a/d IJssel
Netherlands
grayhunter19@yahoo.com
Jamaica Observer
Revoke visas of politicians, unscrupulous businessmen
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Dear Editor,
The stink of Jamaica's corruption, to which most at home have grown accustomed, has finally begun to wrinkle the noses of our neighbours. While out of one side of our mouth we bemoan the depths to which we have sunk and wonder how we got this far, out of the other side we will call hellfire to rain down on anyone, any agency that dares to point out our shortcomings. Some of us will continue pretending we don't know the reason for Operation Visa Revocation, which seems to be the latest US "tough love" strategy designed to steer us off the path of delinquency and criminality.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Well, since we have been afraid to tag our big fish and call out our "players", the US is tagging them for us, and not even our duly elected leaders can take the pressure. After hearing about "the list", I can only imagine the mounting stress that some folks are going through, whether they have green card, citizenship or non-immigrant visa, since they don't have a clue what the US knows about the shady activities in their past, and if they will be disgraced."
"The mystery police superintendent whose visa has been revoked is said to have been under investigation for corruption, yet he is squealing for his lawyer to negotiate with the US regarding his visa."
"By now those in high places should realise that the US visa is not their right, and that their privileged status in that banana republic will not afford them any special privileges in the republic to the north. But why is the identity of the superintendent being protected by the media? Would his life be in danger if he were exposed?
The media should not aid in obstructing the lesson to be learnt from all this: one vital to other members of the force and the civilian population who think of the US as their alternate option when they run afoul of the law at home and need a hideout."
"The US is doing a great service for our nation."
&
"It is my fervent hope that the US will revoke the visa of every last politician and unscrupulous businessman in that miserable little island, until they realise it's all they have, and who knows, perhaps they'll begin to treat the citizens and the country with more respect."
Hunter Gray
Populierenlaan
Krimpen a/d IJssel
Netherlands
grayhunter19@yahoo.com
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
JO - The US tightening the screws
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
The US tightening the screws
Mark Wignall
Thursday, March 04, 2010
AFTER having financed our way of life for too many years, our powerful neighbour to the north, the USA, has decided not just as the one which calls the tune, to tell the piper to "play another tune", it has, in the latest US Drug Report on Jamaica, told us to pipe down, straighten up and fly right.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"In its most pointed accusation (Country's Actions against Drugs 2009 sub-headed Corruption) it said, "Indeed, Jamaica's delay in processing the US extradition request for a major suspected drug and firearms trafficker with reported ties to the ruling party highlights the potential depth of corruption in the government.""
"Based on the geopolitical maxim as best espoused by Henry Kissinger in the 1970s that America has no friends, only interests, the US - without Cold War considerations and with an economy that is increasingly going up the down escalator - has little time to be splitting hairs with a dead-broke, corrupt, crime-ridden, politically insignificant country such as ours."
"The government's position on its refusal to hand over Tivoli "president" Christopher "Dudus" Coke is that the information as gathered through wiretapping of his phone was done in breach of Jamaican law."
&
"Let us not fool ourselves that wiretapping can be legally sanctioned in a small, corrupt country like Jamaica where every politician knows a man of interest and every superintendent of police is a potential invitee to that link."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
Jamaica Observer
The US tightening the screws
Mark Wignall
Thursday, March 04, 2010
AFTER having financed our way of life for too many years, our powerful neighbour to the north, the USA, has decided not just as the one which calls the tune, to tell the piper to "play another tune", it has, in the latest US Drug Report on Jamaica, told us to pipe down, straighten up and fly right.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"In its most pointed accusation (Country's Actions against Drugs 2009 sub-headed Corruption) it said, "Indeed, Jamaica's delay in processing the US extradition request for a major suspected drug and firearms trafficker with reported ties to the ruling party highlights the potential depth of corruption in the government.""
"Based on the geopolitical maxim as best espoused by Henry Kissinger in the 1970s that America has no friends, only interests, the US - without Cold War considerations and with an economy that is increasingly going up the down escalator - has little time to be splitting hairs with a dead-broke, corrupt, crime-ridden, politically insignificant country such as ours."
"The government's position on its refusal to hand over Tivoli "president" Christopher "Dudus" Coke is that the information as gathered through wiretapping of his phone was done in breach of Jamaican law."
&
"Let us not fool ourselves that wiretapping can be legally sanctioned in a small, corrupt country like Jamaica where every politician knows a man of interest and every superintendent of police is a potential invitee to that link."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
JG - Munster Road fallout -British cop replaced at police armoury
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Munster Road fallout -British cop replaced at police armoury
Published: Sunday February 21, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
A senior crime fighter seems set to become the first casualty of the foul-up at the police armoury, which resulted in several guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition being stolen.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Robinson has been stripped of the responsibility for the armoury and replaced by fellow ACP Donald Pusey."
"That facility is the focal point of the probe into 18 guns and almost 11,000 rounds of ammunition seized on Munster Road in eastern St Andrew nearly two weeks ago.
It is believed that the 18 guns - plus one seized at another location - and the ammunition were all smuggled out of the armoury.
A police sergeant, Russell Robinson, two civilians attached to the armoury, and a businessman are now facing multiple charges relating to the guns and ammunition."
&
"ACP Robinson lost some of his lustre after his name was linked to a foul-up, which saw the police sending millions of dollars to purchase ammunition from a convicted arms dealer in the United States.
While the arms dealer, Lance Brooks, was awaiting sentencing, investigators in the US searched a package from the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Firearms Coastal Security Branch with ACP Robinson's name on it."
_____
gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com
Jamaica Gleaner
Munster Road fallout -British cop replaced at police armoury
Published: Sunday February 21, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
A senior crime fighter seems set to become the first casualty of the foul-up at the police armoury, which resulted in several guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition being stolen.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Robinson has been stripped of the responsibility for the armoury and replaced by fellow ACP Donald Pusey."
"That facility is the focal point of the probe into 18 guns and almost 11,000 rounds of ammunition seized on Munster Road in eastern St Andrew nearly two weeks ago.
It is believed that the 18 guns - plus one seized at another location - and the ammunition were all smuggled out of the armoury.
A police sergeant, Russell Robinson, two civilians attached to the armoury, and a businessman are now facing multiple charges relating to the guns and ammunition."
&
"ACP Robinson lost some of his lustre after his name was linked to a foul-up, which saw the police sending millions of dollars to purchase ammunition from a convicted arms dealer in the United States.
While the arms dealer, Lance Brooks, was awaiting sentencing, investigators in the US searched a package from the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Firearms Coastal Security Branch with ACP Robinson's name on it."
_____
gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com
Monday, February 8, 2010
JG - DSP questioned in gun probe
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
DSP questioned in gun probe
Published: Sunday February 7, 2010
A PROMINENT deputy superintendent (DSP) of police was interrogated yesterday for more than eight hours by senior detectives probing last Thursday's massive gun and ammunition find in the Munster Road community of eastern St Andrew.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"A senior a government official, as well as the police High Command, have confirmed that the DSP was taken into custody. Up to news time last night, he was still being questioned. There are allegations that he was picked up after his home was searched by his colleagues."
&
"Over 11,000 assorted rounds of ammunition and at least 19 guns, believed to have been stolen from the police armoury on Elletson Road, Kingston, were found at a home on Munster Road. A police sergeant who was assigned to the armoury was nabbed at the scene."
Jamaica Gleaner
DSP questioned in gun probe
Published: Sunday February 7, 2010
A PROMINENT deputy superintendent (DSP) of police was interrogated yesterday for more than eight hours by senior detectives probing last Thursday's massive gun and ammunition find in the Munster Road community of eastern St Andrew.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"A senior a government official, as well as the police High Command, have confirmed that the DSP was taken into custody. Up to news time last night, he was still being questioned. There are allegations that he was picked up after his home was searched by his colleagues."
&
"Over 11,000 assorted rounds of ammunition and at least 19 guns, believed to have been stolen from the police armoury on Elletson Road, Kingston, were found at a home on Munster Road. A police sergeant who was assigned to the armoury was nabbed at the scene."
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
IOL - Bad start to UK visa application process
From my archive of press clippings:
IOL
Bad start to UK visa application process
Wendy Knowler
May 11 2009 at 10:11AM
Hundreds of South Africans, already inconvenienced by having to obtain visas in order to visit the UK - thanks to our Home Affairs department's inefficiencies and apparent tolerance of corruption - were ironically victims of a massive administrative snarl-up in the UK visa agency's system last month.
Read the whole article here.
IOL
Bad start to UK visa application process
Wendy Knowler
May 11 2009 at 10:11AM
Hundreds of South Africans, already inconvenienced by having to obtain visas in order to visit the UK - thanks to our Home Affairs department's inefficiencies and apparent tolerance of corruption - were ironically victims of a massive administrative snarl-up in the UK visa agency's system last month.
Read the whole article here.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
JO - Constitutional Crisis in Turks and Caicos
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Constitutional Crisis in Turks and Caicos
DIANE ABBOTT
Sunday, March 29, 2009
THE Turks and Caicos Islands are in the middle of a constitutional car crash. Last year the British government launched a corruption probe led by British judge Sir Hugh Auld. He will not report in full until April, but an interim report was produced at the end of February. And in response Foreign Office ministers announced this week that Britain is going to suspend the Turks and Caicos constitution and that the British government will be running the island directly from London.
DIANE ABBOTT
This may seem draconian. But Sir Hugh Auld's interim report described the current situation in Turks and Caicos as a "national emergency".
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"His report is utterly damning. British government reports tend to be muted, but Sir Hugh does not mince his words. He talks about "systemic corruption" and describes the political culture on the islands as one of "amorality, immaturity and of general administrative incompetence". He says the Cabinet is divided and unstable and that the government is at a near standstill. Sir Hugh is also highly critical of the civil servants in Turks and Caicos. He says, "There is an urgent need for a vast improvement in the quality of senior and middle management" and "There is a vital need to establish an active training programme."
Jamaica Observer
Constitutional Crisis in Turks and Caicos
DIANE ABBOTT
Sunday, March 29, 2009
THE Turks and Caicos Islands are in the middle of a constitutional car crash. Last year the British government launched a corruption probe led by British judge Sir Hugh Auld. He will not report in full until April, but an interim report was produced at the end of February. And in response Foreign Office ministers announced this week that Britain is going to suspend the Turks and Caicos constitution and that the British government will be running the island directly from London.
DIANE ABBOTT
This may seem draconian. But Sir Hugh Auld's interim report described the current situation in Turks and Caicos as a "national emergency".
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"His report is utterly damning. British government reports tend to be muted, but Sir Hugh does not mince his words. He talks about "systemic corruption" and describes the political culture on the islands as one of "amorality, immaturity and of general administrative incompetence". He says the Cabinet is divided and unstable and that the government is at a near standstill. Sir Hugh is also highly critical of the civil servants in Turks and Caicos. He says, "There is an urgent need for a vast improvement in the quality of senior and middle management" and "There is a vital need to establish an active training programme."
&
"The embattled Turks and Caicos Prime Minister Michael Misick resigned this week. He came into office just six years ago with a mere $50,000 in declared assets. He is now a multimillionaire with two private jets and a string of luxury homes. But given the tone of Sir Hugh's interim report, Misick might do well to flee the island for some country that does not have an extradition treaty with Britain. The British judge makes it clear that he expects senior politicians to stand trial."
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
JO - Spotlight on the Turks and Caicos
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Spotlight on the Turks and Caicos
DIANE ABBOTT
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are known for being an off-shore finance centre. They are also known for their 230 miles of palm-fringed white sand beaches and being a haven for celebrities like Rolling Stones member Keith Richards, movie star Bruce Willis and British footballer Rio Ferdinand. But more recently they have had some unwelcome publicity.
DIANE ABBOTT
The Premier Michael Misick is being investigated by the FBI on a rape charge. And this week the British Parliament has launched a scathing condemnation of alleged government corruption in TCI. The attack was made by a committee of senior Members of Parliament of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. This week the committee published a report on Britain's Overseas Territories in which they singled out TCI for particular criticism.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The British parliamentarians were shocked by the number of persons who wrote to them with allegations of bribery and corruption regarding: the sale of government land; the distribution of contracts; the awarding of development agreements; road building contracts; the granting of citizenship and the misuse of public funds."
&
"The committee stresses that, although most of their witnesses were too frightened to be quoted by name, they had many more submissions about TCI than about any other overseas territory.
The committee also criticises the failure of the British Foreign Office or the British-appointed governor of the islands to take action in the face of such serious allegations.
The committee is calling for a commission of inquiry into the Turks and Caicos Islands, with full protection for witnesses. We will wait and see how the British Government responds."
Jamaica Observer
Spotlight on the Turks and Caicos
DIANE ABBOTT
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are known for being an off-shore finance centre. They are also known for their 230 miles of palm-fringed white sand beaches and being a haven for celebrities like Rolling Stones member Keith Richards, movie star Bruce Willis and British footballer Rio Ferdinand. But more recently they have had some unwelcome publicity.
DIANE ABBOTT
The Premier Michael Misick is being investigated by the FBI on a rape charge. And this week the British Parliament has launched a scathing condemnation of alleged government corruption in TCI. The attack was made by a committee of senior Members of Parliament of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. This week the committee published a report on Britain's Overseas Territories in which they singled out TCI for particular criticism.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The British parliamentarians were shocked by the number of persons who wrote to them with allegations of bribery and corruption regarding: the sale of government land; the distribution of contracts; the awarding of development agreements; road building contracts; the granting of citizenship and the misuse of public funds."
&
"The committee stresses that, although most of their witnesses were too frightened to be quoted by name, they had many more submissions about TCI than about any other overseas territory.
The committee also criticises the failure of the British Foreign Office or the British-appointed governor of the islands to take action in the face of such serious allegations.
The committee is calling for a commission of inquiry into the Turks and Caicos Islands, with full protection for witnesses. We will wait and see how the British Government responds."
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
JO - Review team recommends sweeping police changes
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Review team recommends sweeping police changes
Saturday, June 07, 2008
THE panel commissioned by the former government last year to undertake a review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has recommended sweeping changes to the force, including a change of name, uniform, insignias and culture and that the force adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The 53-member team, which was headed by Northern Caribbean University (NCU) President Herbert Thompson, among its recommendations, said there should be extraordinary security vetting of personnel in the force.
These include automatic polygraph testing of senior officers and staff in 'sensitive positions'.
It also suggested that the constabulary be renamed the Jamaica Police Force (JPF)."
Jamaica Observer
Review team recommends sweeping police changes
Saturday, June 07, 2008
THE panel commissioned by the former government last year to undertake a review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has recommended sweeping changes to the force, including a change of name, uniform, insignias and culture and that the force adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The 53-member team, which was headed by Northern Caribbean University (NCU) President Herbert Thompson, among its recommendations, said there should be extraordinary security vetting of personnel in the force.
These include automatic polygraph testing of senior officers and staff in 'sensitive positions'.
It also suggested that the constabulary be renamed the Jamaica Police Force (JPF)."
Saturday, January 10, 2009
BBC - Nepal to allow foreign adoptions
From my archive of press clippings:
BBC
Nepal to allow foreign adoptions
Page last updated at 22:50 GMT, Monday, 27 October 2008
Nepal's government is once again allowing foreign nationals to adopt children from the country.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Adoptions were halted last year after allegations of corruption and reports that children were being sold off.
A number of foreign adoption agencies will now be allowed to process requests from prospective parents in countries including the US, Germany and Canada."
&
"The government suspended international adoptions last year, as an increasing number of problems came to light.
The UN Children's Fund, Unicef, and the Swiss child rights charity Terre des Hommes reported that it was common for children to be abducted, trafficked and, in effect, sold."
BBC
Nepal to allow foreign adoptions
Page last updated at 22:50 GMT, Monday, 27 October 2008
Nepal's government is once again allowing foreign nationals to adopt children from the country.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Adoptions were halted last year after allegations of corruption and reports that children were being sold off.
A number of foreign adoption agencies will now be allowed to process requests from prospective parents in countries including the US, Germany and Canada."
&
"The government suspended international adoptions last year, as an increasing number of problems came to light.
The UN Children's Fund, Unicef, and the Swiss child rights charity Terre des Hommes reported that it was common for children to be abducted, trafficked and, in effect, sold."
Friday, January 9, 2009
JO - Walker, Christie - men of good ilk
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Walker, Christie - men of good ilk
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Dear Editor,
There are few public figures in our society who have earned our respect over the recent past like Danville Walker, currently cast in the role of Commissioner of Customs. In his recent tongue-lashing delivered to local importers for improprieties regarding invoicing of goods, the commissioner called no names but spared no consciences in his blistering address:
Citing the under-invoicing of goods and the issuance of threats to Customs officers upholding the department rules and regulations, Commissioner Walker points to the "culture of privilege" that has invaded the institution through the sense of entitlement bred by importers across the breadth of the social spectrum, brought about, I might add, by our chronic aversion to dealing with issues before they become insurmountable.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Noticeable in the commissioner's reading of the riot act, however, is the absence of any comment pertaining to those within his own department who have, without a doubt, enjoyed the proceeds of corruption.
It is to be presumed that he is conducting his own in-house sanitisation under immense pressure"
&
"Walker cannot succeed as a one-man army in routing corruption in his department, no matter how steadfast, committed and courageous he may be. He will need not only the unequivocal backing of the government, but the full support of the public and the endorsement of opinion leaders in the society. Without this resolve in place for every single institution in the public sector, we may as well continue accommodating ourselves to living under the banner of the banana republic.
Kadene Porter kadene26@hotmail.com"
Jamaica Observer
Walker, Christie - men of good ilk
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Dear Editor,
There are few public figures in our society who have earned our respect over the recent past like Danville Walker, currently cast in the role of Commissioner of Customs. In his recent tongue-lashing delivered to local importers for improprieties regarding invoicing of goods, the commissioner called no names but spared no consciences in his blistering address:
"We are not here to be your prostitutes who you pay for a service, while at the same time look at us with disdain. The sophistication of your schemes and the complicity of some government regulations that allow you to operate with
impunity, place you into the same boat as smugglers and other criminals who weaken our nation every day."
Citing the under-invoicing of goods and the issuance of threats to Customs officers upholding the department rules and regulations, Commissioner Walker points to the "culture of privilege" that has invaded the institution through the sense of entitlement bred by importers across the breadth of the social spectrum, brought about, I might add, by our chronic aversion to dealing with issues before they become insurmountable.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Noticeable in the commissioner's reading of the riot act, however, is the absence of any comment pertaining to those within his own department who have, without a doubt, enjoyed the proceeds of corruption.
It is to be presumed that he is conducting his own in-house sanitisation under immense pressure"
&
"Walker cannot succeed as a one-man army in routing corruption in his department, no matter how steadfast, committed and courageous he may be. He will need not only the unequivocal backing of the government, but the full support of the public and the endorsement of opinion leaders in the society. Without this resolve in place for every single institution in the public sector, we may as well continue accommodating ourselves to living under the banner of the banana republic.
Kadene Porter kadene26@hotmail.com"
Thursday, January 8, 2009
ABC - Corruption Halts Vietnam Adoptions by Americans. U.S. Concerns of Baby Buying in Vietnam Leave Many Americans Hoping to Adopt in Limbo.
From my archive of press clippings:
ABC News
Corruption Halts Vietnam Adoptions by Americans. U.S. Concerns of Baby Buying in Vietnam Leave Many Americans Hoping to Adopt in Limbo.
By KAREN RUSSO
HANOI, Vietnam May 15, 2008— Limbo looks like this: a tidy one-room apartment decorated with baby toys and just enough space for a crib and a twin bed.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"In the wake of allegations of corruption and baby-selling, Vietnam recently terminated its adoption agreement with the United States.
The last applications must be filed by July 1 and the program will be ended on Sept. 1."
"So far this fiscal year, more than 400 American families have opened adoption cases there.
Evidence suggests that some babies believed to be available for adoptions were actually bought or stolen, according to the U.S. State Department.
In addition, some Americans have allegedly been asked to make enormous "contributions" to orphanages or individuals to complete their adoption procedures."
&
"In the world of international adoptions, the question of abandonment is perhaps the most significant question.
For U.S. State Department officials, the question of abandonment, or in some cases relinquishment, determines if or when they grant the child a visa to go to the United States.
In some cases, they have found that mothers were coerced into relinquishing their children and concluded there was no abandonment.
"Over a period of several months, in the course of doing our normal verification operations on visa applications for adoptions, we've uncovered an awful lot of fraud," said Michael Michalak, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam. "We have worked with the government of Vietnam to fix this system, but it seems that the government of Vietnam does not have enough enforcement capability or enough legal authority to make the system work."
The State Department released a memorandum last month citing corruption in the adoption system, after which Vietnam announced that it would stop accepting adoption applications from American families.
In 2003, the U.S. suspended all adoptions from Vietnam over concerns about corruption, but a new agreement was reached between the two countries in 2006.
Since that agreement took effect, more than 1,200 Vietnamese children were adopted by Americans.
There are 43 U.S. adoption agencies operating in Vietnam, all competing for the same babies."
ABC News
Corruption Halts Vietnam Adoptions by Americans. U.S. Concerns of Baby Buying in Vietnam Leave Many Americans Hoping to Adopt in Limbo.
By KAREN RUSSO
HANOI, Vietnam May 15, 2008— Limbo looks like this: a tidy one-room apartment decorated with baby toys and just enough space for a crib and a twin bed.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"In the wake of allegations of corruption and baby-selling, Vietnam recently terminated its adoption agreement with the United States.
The last applications must be filed by July 1 and the program will be ended on Sept. 1."
"So far this fiscal year, more than 400 American families have opened adoption cases there.
Evidence suggests that some babies believed to be available for adoptions were actually bought or stolen, according to the U.S. State Department.
In addition, some Americans have allegedly been asked to make enormous "contributions" to orphanages or individuals to complete their adoption procedures."
&
"In the world of international adoptions, the question of abandonment is perhaps the most significant question.
For U.S. State Department officials, the question of abandonment, or in some cases relinquishment, determines if or when they grant the child a visa to go to the United States.
In some cases, they have found that mothers were coerced into relinquishing their children and concluded there was no abandonment.
"Over a period of several months, in the course of doing our normal verification operations on visa applications for adoptions, we've uncovered an awful lot of fraud," said Michael Michalak, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam. "We have worked with the government of Vietnam to fix this system, but it seems that the government of Vietnam does not have enough enforcement capability or enough legal authority to make the system work."
The State Department released a memorandum last month citing corruption in the adoption system, after which Vietnam announced that it would stop accepting adoption applications from American families.
In 2003, the U.S. suspended all adoptions from Vietnam over concerns about corruption, but a new agreement was reached between the two countries in 2006.
Since that agreement took effect, more than 1,200 Vietnamese children were adopted by Americans.
There are 43 U.S. adoption agencies operating in Vietnam, all competing for the same babies."
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
ToI - Nepal passes new rules on international adoption
From my archive of press clippings:
Times of India
Nepal passes new rules on international adoption
15 May 2008, 2316 hrs IST,AFP
KATHMANDU: After suspending international adoptions a year ago because of fears of widespread corruption, Nepal has passed new rules for foreigners wanting to adopt Nepalese children, officials said on Thursday. "
Read the whole thing here.
Times of India
Nepal passes new rules on international adoption
15 May 2008, 2316 hrs IST,AFP
KATHMANDU: After suspending international adoptions a year ago because of fears of widespread corruption, Nepal has passed new rules for foreigners wanting to adopt Nepalese children, officials said on Thursday. "
Read the whole thing here.
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