Commonwealth News Agency

[Commonwealth News Agency]

Commonwealth News Agency

CoC Weekly Report (8/28)

What an exciting month it has been for The Commonwealth of Crowns, in over a months time we have elected a new Crown Court, which was seated by; The Unified Hawaiian Islands, San Monteriano and Zagornias. Two weeks latter the elections for the 12th Regional Executive Council were called, the early canidates for Chancellor were Alkoul and Kinnickinee, until a few days latter when Kinnickinee pulled out leaving the Alkoul the lone candidate for the Chancellorship.

There was only one Candidate for Speaker, and that was Zagornias. Secretary General was between Kinnickinee and Eastland Duchies, and for the 12th REC we found a new position that was up for grabs the office of Prosecutor General which was an appointed position, now became a dully elected position. The candidates for Prosecutor General were current Prosecutor General Wyethalania and Aquenetta.

As Alkoul had run unopposed for the Chancellorship, there was no need for official elections and Alkoul was named the as the 9th Chancellor of the CoC. Same with the position of Speaker Zagornias ran unopposed and was also named Speaker. However though the other two positions and their candidates had to go to the polls and let the democratic process work. After four days of voting, Eastland Duchies had won the Secretary Generalship, while Wyethalania had kept his seat as Prosecutor General.

The First two priorities of the new REC was to elect the Lord Commander, who is in-charge of the CoC Defense Force and a new Justice for the court as Zagornias had to resign under the Political Monopoly Act. After a few days of debate, the REC elected Noorderkwartier to the post of Lord Commander, while Churchilland was elected as the new Justice.

12th REC
Chancellor: Alkoul
Secretary General: Eastland Duchies
Speaker: Zagornias
Prosecutor General: Wyethalania
Lord Commander: Noorderkwartier

Internal Disagreements

In the past few weeks the CoC was in turmoil as the former Minister of Finance, GuatemalaCity announced news that The Regional Relief Resources Association Act (RRRAA) fund had been stolen, which totaled to over $800 million. This was during a heated time when member Kinnickinee believed that his nation and people were lead astray by the 11th REC that their nation were told to contact the then Chancellor BORDURIAA on how to attain RRRAA funds. This dispute with the nation of Kinnickinee and the members of the 11th REC started to become out of hand, which lead the Crown Court to issue statements, then finally issuing a Cease and desist order over the matter. We hope however though the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Lentheric can help restore faith in the regions' financial laws and funds.

Membership Decline

Over the past few weeks, despite the best efforts of our team of recruiters the membership with in the region has been on a steady decline, the major problem of the decline is that many members are ceasing to exist and that the region each week finds it self with a population deficit. The new Secretary General Eastland Duchies, who is in charge of the internal affairs of the CoC is working with their appointed Minister of Recruitment Besate to find solutions to stem the tide of CTE'd and grow the region once more.

Other News

Lunidia, was appointed to be the Minister of the Interior, and Skako was appointed to be the Minister of Culture (in charge of regional role-plays)

[Commonwealth News Agency]

Commonwealth News Agency

Weekly Newsletter 9/8/13

So many appointees!
It is official the 12th REC has been in power now for two weeks, and even though it seems not much has happened in plain view, behind the scenes there has been much discussion. The main topic for the past week was who to replace The Unified Hawaiian Islands as Chief Justice. It took several days, but with much support Rosko was elected, however though he turned the honor down for RL reasons. It put the REC back a bit, however though the second candidate, Aquenetta was elected.

We were reminded on the RMB by current Justice San Monteriano, that his term will end in a week, and once more the REC must find yet another Justice. This time it hadn't taken long, Evanicaland was appointed to be the successor of San Monterianos' seat when the time comes.

Even during the heat of all this, active member BORDURIAA resigned from the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs, citing RL issues. His replacement was quick, as Oberseewald accepted the offer.

More Internal Disagreement
Respected(at times) member BORDURIAA, once again sent the region into yet another internal conflict over the use of the CoC Army for imperialistic uses, even taking a few regions by force. This did not sit well for many members and arguments once against arose, unfortunately this morphed into a CoC vs ILN argument. Which we thank Kamenka for taking this always polarizing issue to the forum.

where in that topic has taken the heat and arguments off the RMB and into the safety of the forum. Thank You.

Foreign relations
We have established an embassy with Kingdom of Britain both on NS and in their regional forum.

[Commonwealth News Agency]

Commonwealth News Agency

CoC Weekly Report (9/18)

In the past week in the old CoC the RMB remained for once, Uncontroversial with all major disagreements among the members now have been taken to the regional forum. San Monteriano was re-appointed to the Justice position, after their predecessor Evanicaland had left the region forcing the REC to re-appoint San Monteriano, which thanks to the Prosecuter General confirmed it was under the parameters under the law.

This week saw the return of Belhorizon 2 to the region, after a leave of absence due to disagreements with the past Chancellor. With their return the forum has been in many places brought back to life and the overall mood of the region has lightened and become more cherry.

Chancellor Alkoul displayed their vision for the future of the CoC defending, which was a idea called "Defender Imperialism". How ever Unibot III was asked to review the layout and found flaws and showed that the idea has been tried before with limited success by the Founderless Region Alliance. However though the CoC now should understand a bit more of the Chancellors idea of how the region should move forward that they are more defender than imperialistic. Though this more and less might be overturned when the next Chancellor is elected.

Foreign relations

Less than a week after the region Orion was raided by The Black Raiders, the CoC and Orion came to a defensive agreement that the commonwealth shall protect Orion from any future raids. Thus expanded the commonwealths role in game-play and defending.

[Tim-Opolis]

I read Commonwealth and thought the Commonwealth had returned... It's safe to say I'm disappointed. :meh

Also, it's The Black Riders. As much as I love it when people can't read, and misspell my old Invader region's name... I still somewhat like a few folks there and think that credit should be given properly

[Osberg-Thitania]

The May Update:-

With the onset of May-2016, the Commonwealth of Crowns went into the election mode, and has re-elected it's 28th Secretary General (SG) , Narnifrey . He was elected unopposed and post election, confirmed Lentheric as his deputy SG and appointed the following members to his cabinet:

The 28th cabinet
1.Secretary general: Narnifrey
2. Deputy Secretary General and Minister of Finance: Lentheric
3. Minister of Foreign Affairs : Osberg-Thitania
4. Minister of Internal Affairs: Jackonia

The Crowns court was also appointed as follows:
Chief Justice : Kingdom of the Polar Bear ( Appointed by Secretary General)
Judges: The Kayz-Lewoch Union ( appointed by the Chief Justice) , Wesmorland ( appouinted by founder)

In the very first sitting of the Assembly, elections to the post of Speaker was called and there was a single applicant, Lunidia, who was duly elected to the post.
The Antarctica territories has promised to table a bill during this term banning political parties in the Commonwealth.

Foreign affairs thrust:



Immediately after assuming office as Minister of foreign affairs, Osberg-Thitania visited the Central Pacific Empire, Albion, The Allied States and the United Empire of Islam (UEI), proposing treaties and updating on the recent suppression of NS journalist nation RIN valley's posts in the region due to their inaccurate reportage. The Foreign Minister informed these regions that post expression of regret by RIN valley regarding an incorrect reporting incident of the region's participation in an Inter-regional summit held in the Central Pacific Empire (CPE) , the issue has been resolved amicably.
The visits by the foreign Minister has given rise to hopes that the CoC would be successful to forge meaningful alliances with the said regions. The UEI has responded positively by saying that active consideration for a treaty would be accorded after their election cycle is completed and a new govt is in place.
The CoC also witnessed a goodwill visit by Conta, of the CPE during the month.

RECRUITMENT:


Immigrants steadily queuing up

Although many nations have joined [region]the Commonwealth of Crowns[/region], many have ceased to exist too, thereby maintaining the membership levels at 56 or so. One of our past Secretary Generals, Byzantiannia has ceased to exist during the period. After the initial exit of some nations from CoC to newly formed region of Terrene , the situation has stabilized in the CoC. The Terrene , founded by ex-CoC veteran Apocryphi , after it's initial firing on all cylinders has entered into a slowdown losing more than 40 members in a couple of weeks.


FINANCE:



The Finance Minister has issued notice for tax deposition in the forum for the new term. As is known, the CoC employs a robust financial system in it's proboards forum, thanks to Finance Minister Lentheric, wherein taxes can be paid and/or refunded in the forum itself. Each nation has a cash for post incentive in the forum in addition to their bank balance in the Commonwealth Bank, which automatically accrues interest and grows. At the time of filing the report, Osberg-Thitania had submitted their taxes, which is a flat 10% of the gross balance of any nation.
The CoC has one of the most advanced Payment Systems in Nation States. Most regions role play with money which is invisible, the CoC however role plays with money which is visible and tangible.

How it works:

Every time a citizen nation posts on the forum, they will receive an x amount of cash. This allows them to purchase things from the shop, and of course to pay their taxes which is compulsory under law. The Fin Min then collects those taxes, and draws up a budget from which the Fin Min then purchases items from the regional shop to support the Crowns island -which is the seat of the Regional government. This is much more "real" than role play as with most other regions. The Payment System then allows one to transfer the taxes or any monies to members on the forum. One can actually trade items with member which one may have bought from the forum shop.

[Osberg-Thitania]

With only days until this terms budget, the Minister of Finance of The Commonwealth of Crowns, Mark Anthony has raised concern with the Secretary General that more needs to be done, so that members can submit their taxes. To date, the collection of taxes is at an all time low with figures remaining below C$55,000. The Minister continued, saying that every aspect of the law which governs taxes and the Forum Payment System shall be followed which will see the region's largest law case to date.

The Minister said it is unfair that a few pay their taxes, yet everyone benefits from the protection, and services the Region has to offer. He continued; "It is unfair that five members out 55 pay their taxes, yet everyone in the region enjoys the same luxuries. This is forcing me to seek legal opinion, and if the need be approach the courts to have the matter resolved". The Minister informed the region via telecom that Ministers have until the 20th to release their expected budgets or risk criminal procedures being brought against them. Members of the Commonwealth of Crowns has until Sunday the 22nd to submit their taxes, or risk criminal procedures. "We will not back down this term. We will hunt you down, we will find you, and we will take what belongs to the region" said the Minister.

The Minister leaves for Crowns Island later today to meet with the Government to resolve the matter before it reaches a critical point. Before the Minister left, we managed to have a rather brief interview with him.



Interviewer: Minister Anthony, thank you for allowing us a few minutes of your time. What would happen if the Government doesn't collect the required amount of taxes?

FinMin: Thank you, well the Ministry was smart enough to have saved about C$50,000 from the previous term. This although a large amount, would not be able to carry the Government through to another term. The Government would have a shortfall of roughly C$65,000. We would have to borrow the balance and with the current interest rate standing at 8%, paying off the debt would take years. We would see an increase in inflation, and the depreciation of the Crown Dollar. Basically, if we do not have the money, we will need to borrow it. This will lead to an economic chain reaction.

Interviewer: Minister, you have stated that the region might see it's largest law suit to date, could you elaborate on this please.

FinMin: Well, for those of you who are unaware, the region is wealthy, but that wealth is not being shared between the members. There is roughly plus C$250,000 in cash in bank accounts and wallets of members who have left. I personally feel that those monies should be given to the Government and the law backs me. The states, everyone in the region should pay taxes, and that a percentage indicated by the Minister should be paid. This terms tax rate is 10% so even if you have C$10 in your possession, you must pay 10% of that as taxes. It is very clear that those who do not pay taxes would face criminal procedure, so my question is, why do we treat them any different to those who are still active and are members?

Interviewer: But Minister, the Crowns Court has ruled in the past that it would be illegal to take the money from those profiles.

FinMin: Well to correct you, there was no ruling. The Court gave it's opinion on the grounds that it might be morally incorrect to do so, and yes I respect the Courts opinion, but the law, which must be enforced by the Government, and interpreted by the Courts is clear on this matter... Everyone must pay their taxes, or the Courts can grant the Minister the power to remove said funds. I will be taking serious steps on all those who evade taxes, and will ask the courts to place a penalty on them. I really have to go. Thank you.

Interviewer: Thank you for your time Minister, we do appreciate it.

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, to those who have not yet submitted their taxes, now is the time to do so. It would also be interesting to see if the Ministers heed the Minister of Finances call to submit their budgets for this term, and what the Minister would do if the Government does not do so.

More from the Financial News Network soon.

[Osberg-Thitania]

In response to an invitation from the Central Pacific Empire to send a delegate to the Inter Regional Cooperation Treaty, a defensive alliance currently signed by Federation of Free States and Central Pacific Empire, Foreign Minister Osberg-Thitania was deputed to participate in the meeting from 13th to 15th April 2016 .


The existing ICTO , committed to the long term security of member regions was centered around the alliance between FFS and CPE and included provisions which had permanent leadership roles with veto powers for both these regions.
The Commonwealth of Crowns rejected the existing provisions of veto and permanent leadership of FFS & CPE . In response the CPE nation of Conta came up with a modified version where the chairperson of ICTO would be rotated between constituent regions and also the veto power of FFS & CPE was annulled. In a broad perspective, the newly presented ICTO was deemed acceptable to the COC and was declared as such by Osberg-Thitania in the meeting. The treaty is yet to be ratified by the CoC elected Govt and the Assembly and it is widely expected that it is only a matter of time when it same is achieved.

The Central Pacific Empire has represented the modified treaty for the benefit of the addressed member regions , out of which, the United Empire of Islam and The Commonwealth of Crowns expressed their keen interest and Libertatem has rejected the treaty. The foreign Minister of CoC has introduced the treaty in the COmmonwealth Assembly for a debate and a subsequent referendum on the ICT.

[Osberg-Thitania]

Foreign Ministry update:

ICTO ( Interregional Cooperation Treaty Organization)

The InterRegional Cooperation Treaty (ICT) has been signed in Emperor Island, Central Pacific Empire, between the Commonwealth of Crowns (CoC), Central Pacific Empire (CPE) and the United Empire of Islam (UEI). The Treaty shall come into effect from the first of July, 2016. The first nation to chair the treaty organization will be from the CPE. Foreign Minister of the CoC, Lord Boris Kostenko, Amir Hussein , the UEI Secretary of foreign Affairs and Dmitri Himmler , Premier of CPE has signed the treaty on behalf of the signatory regions . The Treaty shall usher in a new era of cooperation, goodwill and friendship amongst the nations of the three regions. As of now , the signatories are also trying to rope in Imperial Slavicum, the successor region of FFS into the treaty.



Dieter Himmler , of New Nationale Einheit and Prime Minister of Central Pacific Empire adressed the ICTO as such:

"Citizens, Government and Friends, We all made this happen. We stood together and brought everlasting purpose to the cordial friendship we all cherish. I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to you all, and my pledge to you is that the Central Pacific Empire will forever honor this historic achievement. I am thankful for this victory. We did this, friends, and we did it together. Let us continue forward and keep strong all the way.This is not a victory for me, my government, or for the Central Pacific Empire... this is an epic victory for all of us. Allies came together for a common cause, and we worked together to come up with a plan that will only bring forth everlasting purpose into our relationship. We must continue to stand together, be there for each other and never forget that unity will keep us strong. We did it, friends, we did it. And we will be all the more stronger for signing the treaty of the century. Again, thank you and always keep strong.
"

Lord Boris Kostenko , foreign Minister of the Commonwealth of Crowns announced:

" This is a solemn moment which will touch all the lives of nations within our regions. We are deeply privileged to accept this treaty ."

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Amir Hussein of the United Empire of islam said:

"This is history in the making; may our friendship last eternally!"

[Osberg-Thitania]

RSS troops savour their victory against the sleeper terrorists from Akmola

A sleeper cell of the dreaded terror nation, Picts was unearthed and destroyed by the elite troops of the RSS Command centre led by elite Vetegan units . The troops surrounded the embassy of Akmola , a nation which had newly entered the Commonwealth. At 01:30 A.M, RSS troops penetrated the security perimeters of Akmolan embassy and after neutralizing the Akmolan guards, arrested the Akmolan Ambassador.
In the retaliatory fire by RSS troops , nineteen Akmolan terrorists were eliminated and thirty more apprehended. A huge cache of chemical weaponry, bombs and guns were recovered alongwith detailed maps of the Crowns City and incriminating documents to destabilize the Commonwealth.
The covert operation was sanctioned by a cabinet vote after Vetega, as Commander of the RSS, called for an emergency cabinet meeting.
The Ambassador was declared persona-non-grata , arrested and deported to a prison at the rejected realms. The Ambassador was pleading innocent in his last communication to the foreign Minister of the Commonwealth.

[Osberg-Thitania]

The 30th CoC Government was installed in power with effect from the 15th of July'2016. Led by the much respected Lentheric, who was elected unopposed, the government hopes to usher in lots of activity in the region.


Cabinet meeting in progress

The members of the Cabinet are:

Secretary General: Lentheric
Dy. Secretary General & Secretary Defense : Vetega
Secretary of State: Osberg-Thitania
Secretary of Interior: Narnifrey
Public Protector: Wesmorland

Speaker of the Assembly:
Noorderkwartier

Crowns Court:
Chief Justice: Kayz Lewoch Union
Judge: Neru , Pendreger

The new Secretary General immediately set out detailing responsibilities to the Cabinet members.

[Osberg-Thitania]

THE SEPTEMBER_OCTOBER 2016 UPDATE:

WESMORLAND ADMINISTRATION TAKES REIN OF GOVERNMENT:

A new Government was sworn in with the following members:

Secretary General: Wesmorland
Dy Sec Gen: Norengland
Secy Defense: vetega
Secy Interior: Cornimont
Secy Foreign AFfairs: Osberg-Thitania

Speaker: Narnifrey

Upon taking oath the New Secretary general outlined his vision for the region and wished proactive domestic and foreign policies. The thrust of the foreign policy being in the ICTO ( Inter regional Cooperation Treaty organization), Wesmorland stressed the need to align with other monarchist regions like Kaiserreich, The Land of Kings and Emperors and Albion.



INTERIOR SECRETARY PUBLISHES SURVEY RESULTS:

Secretary Cornimont of the department of Interior, embarked on a survey to gauge the mood of COC members regarding the region and the results were published. Excerpts are shown here:


1) When did you join the CoC?
Most members, who replied to the survey, were veteran members.

2) What were your original views/expectations of the CoC?
This answer has been split between a democratic forum and a basis for expressing member states' monarchical roots

3) Has the CoC met or exceeded your expectations? If so, how? If not, please explain.
Most states answered yes to this question on the basis that it has lasted through rough times and remains something for nastaglia purposes. However, one nation in particular stated that it disappointed due to only a few active countries. One nation actually said the Region was "failing miserably"

4) What is the one thing that you enjoy most about your interactions with the CoC? (Please do not say N/A, or nothing. Provide an answer)
This answer has mainly been very positive toward role-playing and our "relaxed" atmosphere within the region and Government.

5) What is the one thing that you enjoy least/don't like about your interactions with the CoC? (Please do not say N/A, or nothing. Provide an answer)
It was mentioned a couple times how member states don't like how they squabble with one another on small issues. One person actually mention how he/she was surprised that as a diplomatic nation, we haven't tried to enter into diplomatic talks with Picts to resolve his issue with our Region

6) If you could change one thing, what would it be?
This answer varied. Some said they wanted more role-play/activity; one mentioned how it would be nice if people would take Government criticism less personally; and some said that they'd like to see the RMB more open.

7) Is there anything specific your Regional Government can do to make you feel more at-home or to help build your enthusiasm for the Region?
Also varied responses. Majorly, the government should be active. We need to create a Map; do something substantial for the Region (not just embassies and a couple acts); and participate in the assembly more.

Anything else you would like to add?
Encourage growth and don't let go of our Monarchist nature.


INTER_REGIONAL COOPERATION TREATY ORGANIZATION TREATY completed second meeting:

The INTER_REGIONAL COOPERATION TREATY ORGANIZATION completed it's second meeting in The United Empire of Islam(UEI) and it's success is gauged by the fact that it gained one more member --- The Radiant and another region, The Mystical Council, has expressed avid interest. AT present the ICTO has deployed troops in the Central Pacific Empire for the defense of their delegacy due to impending elections as per the clauses of mutual defense the ICTO. WIth the ascension of The Mystical Council--a gameplayer region into the ICTO, the ICTO will gain it's much needed teeth in defensive missions.


CARTOGRAPHER WOES CONTINUES:

The CoC's cartography woes continues after several attempts by volunteers were debated and booed down by over enthusiastic and over critical members . We are back to square zero after a genuine attempt to revive our map.