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.
Former Bahamas legislator shot and killed
Former Member of Parliament Donald Saunders became the country’s 35th murder victim when he was gunned down on the outskirts of a club late Wednesday.
Saunders, an attorney turned politician, was a member of parliament for Tall Pines and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly from 2017 to 2021.
The police report that Saunders, 49, was outside the club when at 9:15 pm (local time) two armed men approached him and other patrons and demanded cash.
“About five to six patrons were sitting out in the yard when two armed men, both were masked, held all of the patrons at bay and demanded cash. The patrons panicked and everybody ran in different directions.”
“Shots were fired. After a short while, the patrons who ran to the front realized that one of the adult males was not seen, and when they came back to check they met the lifeless body of an adult male lying face down,” said Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander.
The police believe that Saunders was not specifically targeted.
Source-CMC
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS DELEGATION ATTENDS THE NORTH CARIBBEAN SECURITY SUMMIT
Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, is in Nassau this week, leading a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands to the Third Annual Northern Caribbean Security Summit. The forum brings together security leads from the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, the US and the UK to focus collective critical efforts against shared threats in the region.
The delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands includes the Hon. Minister of Immigration Arlington Musgrove, the Hon. Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles OBE KC and senior leaders from Border Force, the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision, the Financial Intelligence Agency, the National Security Secretariat, the Regiment and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Additionally, the UK delegation includes the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Deputy Director, the Head of the UK Joint Maritime Security Centre and regional leads from the Ministry of Defence and the National Crime Agency.
Her Excellency the Governor opened the Turks and Caicos Islands’ contribution with a strategic overview of the security situation and growing capabilities. Presentations were given by members of the delegation on the Turks and Caicos Islands’ security posture to tackle transnational organised crime, coordinated efforts in developing the intelligence picture, cyber security, border security, financial crimes and wider impacts from the deterioration of Haiti.
Her Excellency the Governor held meetings with partners to discuss and prioritise areas of tactical focus and joint operations around irregular migration and securing maritime borders, including with the Commissioner of the Royal Bahamian Police Force (with his senior leadership team), the Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, senior leaders of the US Coast Guard and the US Customs and Border Protection. Outcomes of which, underpin increased operational coordination and information sharing.
While in Nassau, Her Excellency also made courtesy visits to Her Excellency the Governor-General Cynthia A Pratt, Hon. Speaker of the House of Assembly Patrcia Deveaux, the Rt Rev Bishop Laish Boyd, the British High Commissioner to the Bahamas Tom Hartley, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Diaspora Office.
Ministry of Health and Human Services Launches Electronic Patient Care Report (Ambpro)
The Ministry of Health and Human Services proudly announces the successful launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR), marking a historic milestone in emergency healthcare services. The official unveiling ceremony took place on March 12, 2024, at the Atrium conference room.
In attendance were distinguished dignitaries, including Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Jamell Robinson; Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm; Minister of Tourism, Environment, Maritime, Culture, Heritage and Religious Affairs, Honourable Josephine Connolly; Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Honourable Rachel Taylor; the Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Honourable Arlington Musgrove; and the Permanent Secretary of Health, Mrs Desiree Lewis, who recognized the significance of the ePCR system in promoting public health and safety. Their presence underscored the government's unwavering commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure and technological advancements to serve the population's needs better. Thus reaffirming their support for initiatives aimed at improving emergency healthcare services and strengthening the National Emergency Medical Service's capabilities.
During the launch event, the Minister of Health and Human Services highlighted the transformative impact of the ePCR system on patient care and emergency response efforts. Emphasizing the importance of innovation in healthcare, the Minister expressed gratitude to the dedicated team of professionals who contributed to the development and implementation of the groundbreaking technology. The Deputy Premier praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in developing and implementing the ePCR system, affirming its potential to revolutionize emergency medical services, especially the pre-hospital management of citizens and visitors across the country.
The Director of Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, spoke passionately about the importance of embracing technology to advance patient care. "The introduction of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in our commitment to providing high-quality emergency medical services," said Mr Brijmohansingh. "This innovative system empowers our teams with the tools they need to deliver swift and effective care while ensuring that patient information is accurately captured and securely shared."
The Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) represents a significant advancement in the National Ambulance Service's mission to deliver efficient and high-quality emergency medical care to citizens across the nation. Developed with cutting-edge technology and meticulous attention to detail, the ePCR system streamlines the documentation process, enhances communication, and ensures the seamless transfer of patient information between emergency responders and healthcare facilities.
The launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in the evolution of emergency medical services, promising enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. With its implementation, the National Emergency Medical Services reaffirms its dedication to providing timely and effective care to individuals in their time of need.
For more information, please visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
ONA GLINTON PRIMARY SCHOOL ARE TRIPLE INTER-PRIMARY SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONS
Coining the term 'Call it Ona' and pulling a '3-Peat', the Ona Glinton Primary School (OGPS) are Inter-Primary School Track and Field Champions for three consecutive years! The OGPS mustered a total of 368 points, placing them 157 points ahead of second place Enid Capron Primary School.
Champion Boy and Girl Awards
Champion Girl 7U
Eniyah Cox 14 points Enid Capron Primary School
Guillaume Woodmaine 14 points Enid Capron Primary School
Champion Boy 7U
Scheider Baptiste 15 points Ona Glinton Primary School
Tadaaki Anderson 15 points Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Champion Girl 9U
Sarah Rose 20 points Oseta Jolly Primary School
Miana Vernus 20 points Oseta Jolly Primary School
Champion Boy 9U
Walmsley Noel 33 points Oseta Jolly Primary School
Champion Girl 11U
Aaliyah Williams 21 points Ona Glinton Primary School
Champion Boy 11U
Marvens Doriscar 40 points Community Christian Academy
Champion Girl 13U
Naesha Petit 26 points Ianthe Pratt Primary School
Champion Boy 13U
Sneijder Registre 29.33 points Ona Glinton Primary School
The Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships closed the Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports Season 2023/24. The country now looks towards the upcoming knockout match between the Turks and Caicos Islands and Anguilla for the FIFA World Cup Concacaf Qualifiers on March 26, 2024 7:00pm. Following this, Team TCI competes in the CARIFTA Games Track and Field from 30 March to 1 April in Grenada and CARIFTA Aquatics in the Bahamas from March 30 - April 2.