DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SERVICES MAKES STRIDES AT CEC 2024 CONVENTION AND EXPO
The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) has marked a significant milestone in its journey towards enhancing services for exceptional learners through its participation in the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2024 Convention and Expo, held in San Antonio, Texas March 12th to 16th 2024. This event, renowned for its dedication to advancing the field of special education, provided a platform for our team to immerse themselves in a wealth of knowledge and resources.
The convention, with a rich history of fostering collaboration and innovation, focused on sensitizing attendees to global initiatives in special education. Our team, consisting of four professionals from the Department of Special Education Needs Services; Mrs. Paulette Simmons – Special Education Teacher at SNAP Center, Jamiliyah Jordan – Speech and Language Pathologist, Christina Joseph – Behavioural Analyst, Lashaunda Skippings – Coordinator of Assessments and one representative from the Department of Education, Mrs. Faaida James – Special Education Officer benefited immensely from four days of information-packed workshops, networking opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge assistive technologies and programs.
CEC 2024 Convention and Expo has been a driving force in shaping the landscape of special education. Each year, it gathers professionals, researchers, and advocates to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to support individuals with exceptional needs.
Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments, and a part of the team, shared her thoughts on the convention, stating, " The CEC 2024 Convention exceeded my anticipations. It was incredibly enlightening and stimulated thoughtful reflection. I am grateful for the openness of presenters who shared their exemplary practices in Special Education, that address the needs of students with disabilities globally.”
Dr. Anya Malcolm, Director of Special Education Needs Services, expressed her excitement about the department's progress, stating, "The thrill that fills the department and the parents as initiatives in Special Education Needs falls into place remarkably is tangible. We are dedicated to utilizing the knowledge and experiences gained from events like CEC 2024 to further enhance our services and support for exceptional learners."
Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, expressed her commendation for the Department of Special Education Needs Services, stating, "I commend the Department of Special Education Needs Services for their unwavering dedication and proactive stance in participating in the CEC 2024 Convention and Expo. The Ministry acknowledges the pivotal role of such initiatives in elevating the standards of special education services and fostering the comprehensive development of exceptional learners nationwide."
The Department of Special Education Needs Services remains committed to its mission of providing comprehensive and inclusive support to individuals with special needs. Through continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every exceptional learner can thrive.
For more information about the Department of Special Education Needs Services and its initiatives, please contact sens@gov.tc
CUSTOMER AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES (CGIS) OPENS OFFICE IN PROVIDENCIALES
The Customer & Government Information Services (CGIS) Department is pleased to announce the opening of its sub-branch in Providenciales. The office which will be located at the George Brown Post Office, Airport Road, Providenciales will be operational effective March 25th 2024.
This expansion is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to better serve the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, enhance its operations and will focus on the digital and printing needs of the Public Service.
Chief Government Printer Ms. Anika Talbot explained that “the establishment of this sub-branch is the result of careful planning and consideration. We have identified the growing demand for printing services within government departments in Providenciales and we believe that having a dedicated team and office on the ground will enable us to better understand and cater to the unique needs of the Government.”
Ms. Talbot further added “as we embark on this new chapter, we would like to express our gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs for expanding and steering the department’s vision and to the newly established Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, for accepting the baton and supporting the vision to completion.”
With this strategic move, CGIS aims to strengthen its presence in providing a wider range of digital and printing services to government departments. Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, Mrs. Bridgette Newman stated “we remain committed to delivering exceptional products and services to the Public Service and are excited about the possibilities that this expansion will bring to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.”
Congratulating the CGIS department, the Minister for Public Safety and Utilities Honourable Kyle Knowles commented “I look forward to what the CGIS department will achieve through its expansion and presence in Providenciales as we strive to meet the digital and printing needs of the government in an ever-evolving digital world.”
The CGIS team appreciates your ongoing support and looks forward to serving you from its new location in Providenciales.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the department at cgis@gov.tc and/or 338-3371.
WATER UNDERTAKING OBSERVES WORLD WATER DAY
The Water Undertaking department joins the global community in commemorating World Water Day 2024. World Water Day is a United Nations observance held annually on 22 March to inspire action to tackle the global water crisis. It serves as an important reminder of the critical importance of water and the urgent need to ensure its availability and sustainable management for all.
This year's theme, "Water for Peace" is a call to action, urging individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to collaborate and take concrete steps towards addressing the challenges faced in water management and conservation.
Water is not merely a resource; it is a fundamental human right essential for life and dignity. It is arguably the most important resource on Earth and the supply of water is an essential service that we rely on daily.
Yet, millions around the globe continue to grapple with water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate access to clean water facilities. These challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, exacerbating poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
While this is not the reality of the Turks and Caicos Islands it should not be taken for granted that water will always be readily available. The Water Undertaking department therefore implores all water users to be more conservative and sustainable in their use and consumption of water.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, the department will be sharing helpful tips on water conservation, water management and sustainability practices to encourage better usage and monitoring of water.
In commemorating World Water Day, let us renew our collective resolve to prioritize water conservation, protect water ecosystems, and empower each other to sustainably manage this precious resource. Together, we can build and preserve access to safe and clean water, contributing to more sustainable societies.
Apple sued by Biden administration in landmark case over iPhone monopoly
The Biden administration sued Apple on Thursday, alleging the tech giant created a monopoly in the smartphone market by blocking competitors from accessing hardware and software features of the iPhone.
The lawsuit, filed by the Department of Justice in federal court in New Jersey, is the latest in a series of efforts by the Biden administration to rein in what it argues is unlawful anticompetitive behavior by some of the nation’s largest tech companies.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced during a midday press conference Thursday a new anti-trust lawsuit from the Department of Justice against tech mega-giant Apple. The DOJ filing alleges that the company violated antitrust laws to maintain its monopoly with smartphones including deliberately slowing or limiting functionality on third-party features like outside applications or messaging with users on other devices including Androids, creating a "perceived" inferiority of any service outside the Apple ecosystem:
Garland added, 'We all share concerns. There are more than a million people in Rafah, many of whom were displaced from other parts of Gaza. A major ground operation would mean more civilian deaths and it would worsen the humanitarian crisis.'
Sixteen state and district attorneys general joined the DOJ in bringing the case.
TCI NATIONAL GENDER EQUALITY POLICY CONSULTATIVE PROCESS MARCH 25 – 28 2024
The Department of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, Energy and Utilities, and Tele. Communication Commission, in partnership with the UN Women Multi-Country Office Caribbean, will host the final round of consultations on developing a National Gender Equality Policy.
The initial round of consultations was held in 2022, and stakeholders from a wide range of state, private sector, and civil society entities in the Turks and Caicos Islands were engaged.
Input from these sectors is critical to the development of such a policy because of the wide-ranging concerns, issues, and realities that must be confronted in the drive toward an equitable society. The policy's reach encompasses marshaling and distributing resources, enacting legislation, allocating responsibilities, and engaging in capacity building.
The core function of gender equality policy is to correct the systems, structures, habits, and culture that create gender inequalities.
Hence, there is a need for a vast amount of data and the engagement of a broad swathe of society in developing it. The wider Community benefits from the development of the policy as it will serve as an instrument to enhance many facets of everyday life that impact men, women, boys, and girls and guarantee the right to advance equally regardless of traditional factors that have impeded the development of many.
During this round of consultations, the goals of completing the data collection process and giving shape to the nature of our home-grown policy and the action plan that will guide its implementation will be realized. The entities involved in contributing to the formulation will be engaged in consultation from Monday, March 25th, to Thursday, March 28th.
The department looks forward to and welcomes the invaluable support from all sectors from the Public and Private spheres throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CARIBBEAN MARITIME FOUNDATION (ACMF)
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat wishes to advise the Member States and Associate Members that it has received a communication from the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) informing of scholarship and grant opportunities for Caribbean nationals who are aspiring maritime and shipping professionals, pursuing studies at the following universities –
The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) in Jamaica;
The University of Trinidad and Tobago;
The LJM Maritime Academy in The Bahamas;
MatPal Marine Institute in Guyana; and
Atlantic Alliance Off-Shore Marine Training Institute in Guyana.
Interested individuals can explore scholarship and grant opportunities and complete applications using ACMF’s easy-to-use digital platform at https://apply.acmfdn.org/. This site, which accepts applications from high school and tertiary level students, is open from 1 January with a deadline date of Tuesday, 30 April 2024 for all applications to be submitted.
The ACMF is a United States non-profit, tax-exempt organization. It is the only entity solely dedicated to sponsoring academic scholarships and grants to aspiring Caribbean and CARICOM maritime professionals and seafarers. To date, ACMF has funded full tuition and grants for over two hundred (200) students in nine (9) Caribbean countries. The organization has produced scholars and grantees hailing from The Bahamas, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and The Dominican Republic.
Member States and Associate Members are advised to encourage Caribbean nationals pursuing studies in the maritime and shipping industries to explore these scholarship opportunities. They are also reminded that the closing date is imminent.
Haitians intercepted at French Cay
NINETY-FIVE (95) irregular migrants were intercepted this afternoon by the officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch.
Eighty-two (82) males and Thirteen (13) females were handed over to the Immigration Task Force around 6:15 p.m. for processing.
Marine Commander Assistant Superintendent of Police Everet Warrican said information
received after 2 pm indicated an illegal sloop was spotted 28 nautical miles south off the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Partner agencies – Border Force, TCI Regiment, Fisheries Maritime Resource Management, Immigration and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (HMBS Bahamas) assisted with the interception.
ASP Warrican said: “There are dangers associated with illegal migration, especially by sea. Not only are you risking your safety but that of officers escorting you to land.
"Illegal migration poses significant risks to individuals and communities. It fuels criminal networks, exploits vulnerable people, and undermines the integrity of our borders. The RTCIPF will not tolerate such activities. Those who facilitate or support illegal migration will face the full force of the law. Let us work together to protect the safety and well-being of everyone in our community."
The RTCIPF encourages anyone with information about this incident to help with the investigation.
The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app and share information.
US Democratic leader warns Haiti’s crisis is ‘a human rights emergency’
The leader of the Leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Hakeem Jeffries, has warned that the political and socio-economic crisis in Haiti, is “a human rights emergency,” as criminal gangs continue their efforts to topple the Ariel henry administration.
“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” said Jeffries, who represents the 8th Congressional District that encompasses parts of Brooklyn and Queens in New York, with a heavy concentration of Caribbean immigrants, including Haitians.
“The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding represents both a human rights emergency for people in Haiti and a pressing threat to security and stability across the Western Hemisphere,” he added.
Jeffries has also written to the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, warning of the “humanitarian catastrophe” unfolding in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
“Recognizing the imperative to engage with our Caribbean neighbours on issues related to our geopolitical and national security, I was honoured to lead a bipartisan Congressional delegation to participate in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Conference last summer. It became all the more evident there that our collective future will be safer and more prosperous because of the multilateral partnerships that bind CARICOM and our Hemisphere together,” Jeffries wrote in his letter to Johnson.
He said that, amid the rising unrest in Haiti, CARICOM countries have worked with Haitian stakeholders to chart a “responsible course toward political transition and, eventually, free and fair elections.”
He said in order to create the security environment necessary for Haitian self-determination and to protect the Haitian people from growing violent crime, the Biden-Harris administration has supported the creation of a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.
Jeffries said the government of Kenya has “admirably stepped up” to facilitate the MSS with support from nations like Canada, Germany, France, Spain and Benin, as well as Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica and Barbados.
“It is imperative that the United States ensures they have the resources to complete the mission. However, months have passed since Secretary (of State) Antony Blinken notified Chairman Michael McCaul of his intent to support the MSS effort.
“The situation on the ground in Haiti has rapidly deteriorated, while House Republicans have refused to deliver the resources necessary to carry out this mission. Now is the time to release the full US$50 million in security support.
“It is not in America’s national security interests to hold up the transfer of funds that support security stabilization in Haiti, particularly given the present crisis on the ground,” the House Democratic Leader wrote, stating that Blinken has “heeded the urgency of recent events” and joined regional leaders in Jamaica last week to tackle the crisis.
Jeffries told Johnson that “Congress must join the Biden administration in their crucial work and meet the moment by fulfilling our essential responsibility to ensure security in the Western Hemisphere and release the full $50 million funding allocation forthwith.”
On Tuesday, the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, issued a Security Alert for US citizens currently in Haiti.
“Do not make plans to travel into Haiti. For US citizens currently in Haiti, the US government is arranging departures from the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic via helicopter.
“Travelers will need to make their own onward travel plans from the Dominican Republic. The overland trip into Port-au-Prince is dangerous. The Embassy recommends you consider the US Embassy Port-au-Prince flights only if you believe you can reach the embassy safely,” the Embassy said.
The United Nations on Tuesday also warned that humanitarians continue to deliver aid in Haiti, where the situation in Port-au-Prince remains tense and volatile in the face of escalating gang violence and political instability.
Source-CMC
Dani Alves granted €1m bail after sexual assault conviction
A court in Barcelona, Spain, announced on Wednesday that former Brazil footballer Dani Alves has been released on bail for €1 million ($1.1m) upon appeal.
Alves, 40, was convicted of sexual assault last month and sentenced to 4½ years in prison, of which he had already served over a year.
His lawyer, Inés Guardiola, fought the ruling and, following a hearing on Tuesday, Alves has been released pending a final resolution in the appeal.
Alves' release also depends on handing in his Spanish and Brazilian passports, remaining in Spain, and agreeing to weekly court check-ins.
He also must adhere to a restraining order that prevents him from going within 1,000 meters of his victim, her home, her place of work or any other place she is known to frequent.
All parties involved -- the defense, the victim's legal team, and the prosecution -- have three days to appeal Wednesday's ruling.
On Tuesday, Guardiola argued that there was no risk of Alves fleeing the country or destroying evidence. At the same time, the ex-Barcelona player appeared via video link and insisted he was not a flight risk and was prepared to hand in his passports.
The prosecution, meanwhile, demanded a sentence of nine years, complaining that February's 4½ conviction was not sufficient punishment for the crime committed.
Alves was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022 following a 13-month investigation -- during which time Alves remained in preventative pretrial prison -- and a three-day trial last month.
Throughout the trial, evidence was heard from the victim's friend and cousin, Alves' friend whom he was with on the night, police officers who attended to the woman, and a forensic psychologist who examined her.
Police said the victim was greatly shaken and told them she had been sexually assaulted by Alves, while the psychologist testified that she was suffering from post-traumatic symptoms, a conclusion that was disputed by an outside expert called by the defense.
Meanwhile, Alves always maintained his innocence, but changed his story five times, eventually saying he did have sex with the victim but that he lied to hide his infidelity to his wife. He later added that he was drunk.
The Alves case was the first high-profile sex crime since Spain overhauled its legislation in 2022 to make consent central to defining a sex crime in response to a swell of protests after a gang-rape case during the San Fermin bull-running festival in Pamplona in 2016.
Source-ESPN
Illinois and Ohio primaries 2024: Trump-backed Senate candidate prevails in Ohio primary
November’s presidential matchup may be set, but Democrats and Republicans still need to decide who will run in hundreds of downballot races (e.g., for Senate and House) this fall. A batch of these contests were decided on Tuesday, March 19.
Tuesday was primary day in Ohio and Illinois, and in the biggest contest of the day, Republicans chose former President Donald Trump's endorsee Bernie Moreno as their candidate in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race.
It was a good night for other Trump endorsees too, as Derek Merrin prevailed in the GOP primary for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, while incumbent Mike Bost is leading his challenger in Illinois's 12th District, as of early Wednesday morning. Plus, a special election in California could have immediate implications for House Republicans’ razor-thin majority.
Source-ABC