Governor DENIES FortisTCI rate increase.
Her Excellency the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands has reviewed the proposal by FortisTCI and its subsidiary TCU for a 6% increase in electricity rates expected to have commenced on April 1, 2024.
After a careful and comprehensive review of the application and submitted information from FortisTCI and its subsidiary TCU, the Governor has denied the application.
Should FortisTCI seek to challenge this decision, per the Electricity Ordinance, they have 21 days to request that the Governor appoint a person to hold a Public Inquiry regarding their proposal for a rate increase.
The Government is prepared to engage in this process to ensure that any rate adjustments are not only justified but transparent and in the best interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Governor remains committed to ensuring that the statutory process is followed and that utility rates are fair and competitive. Throughout this process, transparency and accountability remain paramount.
Police Force investigates robbery, theft, and a vehicle incident
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating separate reports of robbery, theft, and a vehicle incident that occurred over the weekend on Grand Turk and Providenciales.
Sometime after 7 a.m. Monday, April 01st, the Grand Turk Police Station received a report that a black Honda Fit vehicle with license plate 30305 had been stolen.
The vehicle was secured by its owner and parked along Back Salina. However, upon returning, the owner discovered it missing.
On Sunday, March 31st, around 10:51 a.m., the Police Control Room received a call about a robbery at a supermarket along Industrial Drive, Providenciales.
Officers were dispatched and told two armed males had entered the premises, robbed the business, and ran off. Upon arrival, officers spotted one of the suspects and gave chase.
The suspect managed to escape in nearby bushes.
On Saturday, 30th March 2024, an 18-year-old female was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving following a motor vehicle incident.
Based on preliminary investigations, the incident occurred on March 28th around 5:22 pm.
The Police Control Room also received a report of a two-car collision along East Suburbs Road, Grand Turk, in which four persons were injured.
Also, ANTHONY SEYMOUR, 53, of Grand Turk, appeared in court on March 28th. charged with the following offenses:
a) One Count Robbery
b) One Court Possession of Controlled Drugs
Seymour, aka “Tony,” pleaded not guilty to possession of controlled drugs. The matter was adjourned to April 18th, 2024, for a sufficiency hearing.
The robbery offense was adjourned to May 03rd, 2024, for a sufficiency hearing.
The accused was remanded to H.M. Prison.
The charges were laid following an investigation into a robbery on March 25th, 2024, at a business establishment on North Back Salina, Grand Turk.
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 or crimes.
MOESHA MORRIS APPOINTED AS SENIOR PROCUREMENT OFFICER
The Office of the Deputy Governor proudly announces the appointment of Ms. Moesha Morris to the post of Senior Procurement Officer in the Contracts and Corporate Performance Management Department within the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Ms. Morris' journey within the civil service commenced in 2016 when she joined the Human Resource Management Directorate as a Clerical Assistant, marking the beginning of her dedicated service to the nation. Demonstrating a keen intellect and a strong work ethic, she quickly made her mark, earning accolades for her contributions to the department's operations.
Building upon her foundational experiences, Ms. Morris pursued higher education, completing an Associate's Degree in General Studies (Humanities) at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for understanding human behavior, she embarked on a journey to the United Kingdom to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Oxford Brookes University.
Upon the successful completion of her studies, Ms. Morris returned to the civil service in 2021, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose. With determination and dedication, she navigated through various roles, showcasing her versatility and commitment to professional development. From Administrative Officer to Scholarship Officer, and then to Procurement Officer, she steadily ascended the ranks, earning recognition for her exemplary performance and leadership qualities.
Ms. Morris is distinguished as a self-motivated, results-driven individual with a resolute work ethic and an unyielding pursuit of excellence in every endeavor. Her relentless commitment to continuous improvement is exemplified by her ongoing pursuit of professional certifications with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. These endeavors underscore her dedication to enhancing her expertise in procurement and project management, positioning her to provide invaluable counsel on procurement matters across government entities and public bodies.
Reflecting on her appointment, Ms. Morris expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve in her new capacity:
"I am thrilled and deeply honored to step into my new role as Senior Procurement Officer within the Contracts and Corporate Performance Management Department. This promotion is a testament to my belief that hard work and dedication truly prevail in the professional world. I am humbled by the recognition of my efforts and grateful for the opportunity to further contribute to our department's success. Achieving this promotion within just 12 months is truly remarkable, and it reinforces my commitment to excellence in every aspect of my work. I will remain committed to driving impactful outcomes and upholding the standards of the Public Service."
Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks to Ms. Morris stated:
It is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to Ms. Moesha Morris on her appointment as Senior Procurement Officer in the Contracts and Corporate Performance Management Department within the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Ms. Morris' exemplary track record of academic achievement, professional competence, and dedication to public service make her an outstanding choice for this important role. Her passion for procurement excellence and her commitment to continuous improvement will undoubtedly contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes within government entities.
In her new capacity, Ms. Morris will play a vital role in driving forward the government's public sector investment programme, ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for money in the procurement of goods and services.
We wish Ms. Morris well as she continues to serve, and my office stand ready to assist in whichever we can to aide her further development.
Congratulations on your well-deserved appointment, Moesha!”
Accused Appears in Court
ANTHONY FRANKIN SEYMOUR, 53, of Grand Turk, appeared in court today (March 28th) charged with the following offenses.
a) One Count Robbery
b) One Court Possession of Controlled Drugs
Mr Seymour, aka “Tony,” pleaded not guilty to possession of controlled drugs. The matter was adjourned to April 18th, 2024, for a sufficiency hearing.
The robbery offense was adjourned to May 03rd, 2024, for a sufficiency hearing.
The accused was remanded to H.M. Prison.
The charges were laid following an investigation into a robbery on March 25th, 2024, at a business establishment on North Back Salina, Grand Turk.
Two bodies recovered at bridge collapse site
Two bodies were recovered from a red pickup truck found in the water near the middle span of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key bridge after it was struck by cargo ship, partially collapsing the span on Tuesday, Maryland State Police said during a press briefing.
The two men were located by divers shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to Roland Butler Jr., superintendent for Maryland State Police. The truck was submerged in approximately 25 feet of water, he said.
A hazmat investigator looked into the cargo on the container ship and identified 56 containers of hazardous materials, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said Wednesday evening.
The ship struck the Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday, causing a partial collapse and sending vehicles and people into the water.
Multiple vehicles plunged from the bridge at the time of the collapse, the Baltimore City Fire Department said. Overnight work had been underway on the bridge and divers were searching for at least seven people, according to the department.
The container ship Dali, a Singapore-flagged vessel, struck the bridge at about 1:30 a.m., according to MarineTraffic, a martime-tracking company.
An unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report said the container ship Dali "lost propulsion" as it was leaving port and warned Maryland officials of a possible collision.
Source-ABC
Joe Lieberman, former Senator and No Labels chairman dies at 82
Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut died on Wednesday due to complications from a fall, according to a statement issued by his family.
The news comes as a shock to the political world. As late as last week, Joe Lieberman was on television, speaking about his efforts to recruit a third party, No Labels ticket.
Lieberman served four terms as a Democratic senator from Connecticut. Having been his party's vice presidential nominee in 2000, Lieberman crossed party lines eight years later, in support of John McCain's run against Barack Obama.
Source-ABC
RESULTS Concacaf qualifiers – 1st round, 2nd leg
Results of matches on Tuesday in the Concacaf qualifiers for Fifa World Cup 2026 United States, Canada & Mexico.
Scores:
A.O. SHIRLEY RECREATION GROUND, Road Town, Tortola
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS drew with UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS 0-0
(BVI advanced to the second round 4-2 on penalty kicks)
TCIFA NATIONAL STADIUM, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS drew with ANGUILLA 1-1 (Half-time: 1-1, Full-time: 1-1, Extra-time: 1-1)
TCI: Billy Forbes 23rd minute
AXA: Luke Paris 44th
(Anguilla advanced to the second round 4-3 on penalty kicks)
St. Lucia government tables estimates of revenue and expenditure in parliament
Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre has presented the 2024-25 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure to Parliament on Tuesday night, ahead of the policy presentation scheduled for April 23.
Pierre told legislators that his administration had delivered “successfully on the promises made” to the St. Lucian population in the last fiscal package and it is now “confidently” seeking to deliver even more in the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2024-25.
“Mr. Speaker, we are steadfast in our commitment to meeting the hopes and aspirations of the people of St. Lucia. Fiscal responsibility, truth, and respect for the people of St. Lucia will continue to guide what we have promised in our 2021 manifesto.”
Pierre, who is also the Minister of Finance, said that the theme for the 2024-2025 Estimates has been titled the “Year of Infrastructure” and that the aim and objective are to transform the economy of the island through infrastructural development: physical, social, and digital.
“Mr. Speaker, there will be something for everyone in this budget. As we improve our infrastructure, citizens can look forward to better roads, safer school plants, housing opportunities, and increased support for the poor and vulnerable members of our society,” Pierre said.
The government says that for the next fiscal year, it’s Recurrent Expenditure is pegged at EC$1.50 billion (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) with Capital Expenditure of EC$298.9 million, interest payments of EC$$232.5 million and principal payments of EC$92.9 million for a total amount of EC$1.89 billion.
The government is projecting tax revenue of EC$1.330 billion and non-tax revenue of EC$146.80 million with capital revenue pegged at EC$2.8 million and grants EC$108 million for a total of EC$1.576 billion.
“We project an overall deficit of EC$214.9 million after deductions of principal payments and refunds. We forecast a 5.8 percent nominal increase in gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024-2025, EC$7.3 billion from EC$6.9 billion over 2023-2024,” Pierre said.
He told legislators that as the fiscal position of our country improves, “we expect that the administrative/procedural bottlenecks and difficulties in accessing government services will be removed. “This fiscal year government will continue on the path of fiscal consolidation and economic growth,” he said, noting “However, enhancing the quality of life of the people and creating opportunities for wealth creation will remain the main objective of government policy”.
The government says that for the Recurrent Expenditure for the 2024-2025 financial year, it is proposing to spend EC$1.5 billion in recurrent expenditure, representing 4.2 percent or EC$60 million over the amount approved in 2023-2024.
“This level of increase in recurrent expenditure over the last year indicates the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of the people. The government’s efforts coupled with a rise in investor confidence and growth in the private sector provide encouraging signs that real economic growth in 2024-2025 is expected, barring some natural disaster or negative global economic event.”
Prime Minister Pierre said that Recurrent Expenditure represents 79.3 percent of total expenditure compared to 77.7 percent approved in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, adding “This increase in expenditure is reflected in all categories due to increased government services, and higher rental payments”.
He said that wages and salaries represent the lion’s share of recurrent expenditure amounting to EC$577 million, comprising EC$460 million in salaries and E
“This amount is approximately 1.2 percent over the amount approved in 2023-2024 and 5.8 percent over the outturn for this fiscal year of which EC$38.5 million are salaries for staff working on the various capital projects.”
Pierre said regarding debt service for the new fiscal year, EC$325.4 million has been allocated, a decline of EC$5.8 million or 1.7 percent on the approved amount for 2023-2024.
“This decline is due to a reduction in principal repayments from EC$112.3 million approved in 2023-2024 to EC$92.9 for 2024-2025. Interest Payments on the other hand are expected to remain high due to the increasing trend in variable interest rates. For the fiscal year 2024-2025, total interest payments allocated are EC$232.5 million representing an increase of 6.2 percent over the approved amount for the previous fiscal year.”
Pierre told legislators that during the budget policy statement on April 23, he will outline “something for everyone, in particular vulnerable and marginal groups in our society.
“As in the previous two budgets, we will continue to provide the much-needed support to the not-for-profit organizations supporting various humanitarian causes such as the homes for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other similar groups.
“We will also continue to provide for our state-owned entities and regional and international organizations of which we are a part so that the mandates of those organizations can be fulfilled. Among those organizations are the OECS, CARICOM, and the University of the West Indies (UWI). “
Pierre said that as it relates to the UWI, he wanted to reaffirm his government’s commitment to meeting its obligations to this educational institution, “having trained me and so many of our sons and daughters who in many cases have gone on to make St Lucia and the wider Caribbean region proud.
“We can do no less if only out of gratitude and respect for this high-quality educational institution,” Pierre added.
He said regarding the collection of revenue this fiscal year, “I am pleased to report that revenue collection is now back at pre-COVID levels,” adding “We believe that revenue collection can be improved with a reduction in the administrative and procedural bottlenecks that currently exist.
“For the upcoming year, we are forecasting a collection of total revenue and grants of EC$1.576 billion, an increase of 1.2 percent or EC$18.1 million over the approved amount in 2023-2024 and 8.4 percent over the amount collected for the end of this fiscal year,” he added.
He said the government is projecting that recurrent revenue inflows to increase by EC$61.9 million relative to the approved estimates for 2023-2024, reaching a total of EC$1.48 billion for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
“When compared to the revised estimates or outturn for the preceding year, recurrent revenue would have increased by EC$99.6 million or 7.2 percent. The increase is expected in part to be due to expansion in construction activities in both the public and private sectors and the multiplier effect of continued growth in tourism.”
Pierre said that taxes are projected at EC$325.2 million, EC$7.9 million above the revised estimates for 2023-2024.
“We expect this category to continue to perform well as economic activity expands,” he said, adding that the controversial Health and Security Levy is projected to record an increase of EC$17.3 million above the 2023-2024 outturn to reach EC$35.4 million for the new fiscal year which is 10 percent of Health and Security expenses.
Source-CMC
Dengue Fever outbreak creates public health emergency in Puerto Rico
The health authorities here have declared a public health emergency due to an increase in cases of mosquito-borne dengue fever.
According to Puerto Rico’s Health Secretary Carlos Mellado, this year “cases have exceeded historical figures and the decree helps guarantee that the territory will have access to the resources needed to combat the outbreak. The declaration is set to last 90 days and can be renewed if necessary.
Puerto Rico joins Brazil, Peru, and other Latin American nations dealing with outbreaks in declaring a state of emergency over dengue fever.
The Puerto Rico Department of Health reported first noticing an increase in dengue fever cases on the island at the end of 2023. With 146 cases reported by the third week of January, dengue fever rates started to consistently surpass 2023 levels.
As of March 10, at least 549 dengue fever cases had been reported on the island since the start of the year, mostly in the capital of San Juan, according to the Health Department. About 62% of patients were hospitalized with the disease; only 29 cases were considered severe. No dengue fever fatalities have been reported so far.
The most common symptom among those who contract the mosquito-borne disease is fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other symptoms include serious headaches, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body pain.
Source-CMC
Steven Spielberg puts Dune franchise director up with filmmaking's greats
In the latest installment of the Director's Guild of America's Director's Cut podcast, Steven Spielberg put Dune franchise director Denis Villeneuve up with some of the most famous filmmakers of all time.
Spielberg called it "an honor" to sit and talk with the director and showed that by immediately heaping historic praise on him. "Let me start by saying there are filmmakers who are the builders of worlds. It's not a long list and we know who a lot of them are. Starting with [Georges] Méliès and [Walt] Disney and [Stanley] Kubrick, George Lucas," Spielberg began.
He continued, "Ray Harryhausen I include in that list. [Federico] Fellini built his own worlds. Tim Burton. Obviously, Wes Anderson, Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, Guillermo del Toro. The list goes on but it's not that long of a list, and I deeply, fervently believe that you are one of its newest members."
Oscar winner Spielberg, who knows a little something about the genre, with the classics E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, went on to call the second Dune "one of the most brilliant science fiction films I've ever seen."
He also called the scene with Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides riding a massive sandworm in the sequel "one of the greatest things I have ever seen. Ever!"
Later in the conversation, Spielberg asked Villeneuve if he could see any of his Dune cast members directing one day. Denis immediately answered that the "brilliant" Zendaya was "always listening" behind the camera and said he "would not be surprised" if she becomes a director.