Chairman’s Opening Remarks at Consultative Forum Meeting – March 13, 2012
Thank you pastor Archbold for those encouraging words of prayer. Lord knows we need them now more than ever.
It is in this spirit that I feel obliged to make a brief comment on the events of last weekend before turning to the items on our agenda today.
In his critical report, Sir Robin Auld cited a number of systemic weaknesses as just cause for the suspension of our constitution. One wonders therefore what he would make of the systemic weakness that led to firefighters going on a wildcat strike and forcing the closure of our airports.
This weakness of course is a failure of this interim administration to properly communicate not just with the public but even with civil servants. And it has become epidemic and, in this case, very costly.
Frankly, I cannot blame the firefighters for having so little trust in this administration duly heeding their concerns when this administration has demonstrated time and again its unwillingness to heed the informed concerns of members of this body. But I fear for the future governance of our county if civil servants become convinced that going on strike is the only way to negotiate effectively with the government.
Thank God this strike was resolved relatively quickly. However, the exact cost is in the region of $5M. And this does not take into account the reputational damage done by having stranded tourists vent their understandable frustrations in viral messages that went around the world in an instant.
Which brings me to this earnest plea:
My fellow citizens, no matter our grievances with our British overseers or how much we sympathize with the firefighters, it behooves us to be ever mindful that any damage done to our tourism product, which is the lifeblood of our economy, hurts only us. For despite clear signs of their political insensitivity and administrative incompetence, our British overseers will always get paid.
We should also be mindful of those in our midst who seem to believe that leadership amounts to little more than inciting people to engage in all manner of civil disobedience and unrest without regard for the consequences.
Yet, notwithstanding setbacks, disappointments and distractions, I pray for God’s guidance upon those of us who remain committed to constructive engagement with the British.
For only this approach will foster a relationship between the TCI and UK that is truly based on mutual consideration, mutual cooperation … and mutual respect; more importantly, only this approach will enable us to build a country that can govern itself, protect itself and sustain itself. And as unbelievable as it may seem to many of you, I believe there are some British folks who want this too.
A Man drowns this week in TCI
POLICE have identified a man who is believed to have drowned in Provo, yesterday.
Benston Williams, aged 43, was discovered floating in a swimming pool at Clareece Been Apartments, Juba Sound at about 4.15pm.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics and then rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre by ambulance where he pronounced dead 5.10pm.
Officers have now begun an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile the RTCI Police wishes to extend its condolences to Mr William’s family and friends.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
There have recently been some suspected cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) diagnosed in a few children on Providenciales.
Hand, foot and mouth disease should not to be confused with foot and mouth disease which affects and is transmitted between animals. It is a mild viral illness, caused most commonly by Coxsackie virus or enterovirus. It is contagious (easily passed from one person to the other) and most often occurs in infants and children but can also occasionally occur in adults and adolescents.
Its symptoms include:
- Painful sores within the mouth
- Rashes on the hands and feet which may be associated with vesicles (blisters)
- Fever
- Headache
- Feeling generally unwell or irritable
- Coryza (runny nose) and sore throat
Some or all of these symptoms may be present.
HFMD is mostly a mild and self-limiting illness lasting for a few days, however there are more severe forms of the disease which are associated with neurological complications as a result of meningitis (associated with fever, headache, neck stiffness) and encephalitis (resulting in paralysis) which are uncommon.
HFMD is transmitted by direct contact with infected individuals: nasal secretions, saliva, stool and droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. HFMD is commonest in child care settings due to frequent contact with soiled diapers and children putting their hands in their mouths after being in contact with infected an individual’s secretions. Spread is from person to person contact.
There is no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Symptom control such as the use of paracetamol for fever and pain relief is often all that is necessary. In some cases HFMD can cause a sore mouth and throat which makes it difficult to swallow. It is therefore important to maintain fluid intake to avoid dehydration. If oral fluids are not tolerated and the infected individual becomes dehydrated, admission to hospital may be required for intravenous fluids to be administered. Symptoms usually resolve within ten days.
Transmission of HFMD can be prevented by:
- Practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently. This is especially important after using the toilet, when changing diapers and when preparing and eating food. Soap and water are all that will be necessary, but use of alcohol gel is also effective when soap and water are not available
- Cleaning areas and surfaces which are frequently touched, firstly with soap and water and then with diluted bleach
- Teaching children about proper hygiene and not putting their hands or other objects in their mouths
- Persons covering their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Those who have been diagnosed with HFMD remaining at home until all of their symptoms have resolved and limiting their contact with other people until they are well
The Ministry Of Health and Human Services has increased surveillance activities at health care facilities and schools in collaboration with the Environmental Health Department and will continue to monitor the situation.
Please report to your healthcare provider if you suspect that you or your child has hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
Lakers send veteran point guard Fisher to Rockets
The Lakers agreed to send long-time point guard Derek Fisher and a 2012 first-round pick to Houston in exchange for forward Jordan Hill, sources confirmed to SI.com.
The move came as a shock to Lakers fans who have grown accustomed to Fisher's steady presence, as he spent 13 of his 16 seasons with the Lakers.
But with the Lakers having already landed point guard Ramon Sessions from Cleveland in an earlier Thursday trade and have reserve point guard Steve Blake on hand, Fisher -- who has a player option worth $3.4 million for next season -- became expendable.
Fisher was part of five championship teams, playing a huge part in the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal era and later serving as Bryant's running mate after O'Neal was gone.
--SI
Windies Seek Change Of Luck
West Indies open their five-match One-Day Inter-national (ODI) series against Australia here today hoping to break a worrying trend of losses against the powerful tourists.
Yesterday, the side put the finishing touches on their preparation for the 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Caribbean time) encounter at the Arnos Vale Stadium, confident they can strike first blood in the series.
However, the Windies will have history against them as they have failed to get the better of Australia in their last 10 ODIs dating back four years.
Two years ago Down Under, they lost their five-match series 4-0, and back in 2008 in the Caribbean they were swept 5-0.
Despite the enormity of the task ahead of West Indies, captain Darren Sammy said the confidence in the side would play a crucial role.
"We have to believe we have it in us to win. We will look to hit the ground running and start the series on a winning note," Sammy said.
"Arnos Vale has been a good venue for us. The last time we played here we won the matches and we enjoyed the crowd support from the fans here, and the atmosphere at this venue is always superb."
He added: "We are playing against the Australians, and everyone knows they are a good team ... a very competitive team. But we are focusing on us and what we have to do.
"We have a young team but we are a team hungry for success. They are several young players in the squad, who are new to the international stage."
Experience could also be a key factor in the series as Sammy leads a relatively novice group, with all-rounder and vice-captain Dwayne Bravo the most seasoned campaigner in the side with 117 matches.
Seam options
While West Indies will look to his experience, they will also pull on the talent of elegant left-hander Darren Bravo, the resurgent Marlon Samuels and the big-hitting Kieron Pollard to boost the batting.
In the bowling, West Indies will miss speedster Fidel Edwards and the ill Ravi Rampaul but will look to recalled pacer Tino Best, fellow Barbadian speedster Kemar Roach and Sammy himself to provide seam options.
Mystery off-spinner Sunil Narine and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo will provide support with their slow stuff.
Australia, meanwhile, have been hit by the loss of seamers Ben Hilfenhaus and James Pattinson who have both been ruled out of today's game.
Hilfenhaus is down with a virus while Pattinson has not yet recovered from the injury he arrived with.
This means veteran campaigner Brett Lee and Clint McKay will lead the pace attack, with captain Shane Watson and Dan Christian chipping in.
Australia are mulling over playing both left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty and off-spinner Nathan Lyon in today's opener, a move Watson said he was keen on.
"They have a chance because they did a brilliant job in the last game in Adelaide especially," Watson told reporters.
"For me as a captain it gives me plenty of options when you do have two spinners of that quality."
WEST INDIES (from) Darren Sammy (captain), Dwayne Bravo (vice-captain), Carlton Baugh, Tino Best, Devendra Bisho, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, André Russell, Marlon Samuels.
AUSTRALIA (from) Shane Watson (captain), George Bailey, Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Nathan Lyon, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
--CMC
DOLPHIN DOMINO TOURNAMENT IN TCI CONTINUES
The Dolphins Domino Tournament sponsored by “the bigger better network,” Digicel welcomed team Fishermen to the league as they took on the Strikers.
The competition was close from the onset as it appeared that no team despite little runs here and there could have taken full control of the game. At the half both teams hurdled together in search of a solution as the score was deadlock at 46.
The second half commenced and nothing seem to have changed until the last 8 minute of the game, when the Strikers pulled away slightly and was able to hold on to win by 7 with the final score 86 to 93.
It appears that home court does have its advantages, and despite the efforts of the Fishermen, they just simply could not find the right bait to wheel in the Strikers, after all they should know that you can’t fish with slop when the bait of chose is sprat.
The next game is scheduled for tomorrow Saturday (March 17) at the Tigers Club at 7 pm, where the defending champs the Mighty Dolphins will be taking on the red hot Eunice Lodge.
SEMI FINALS FOR PABA March 23rd,2012
It was only last Friday night that the Lions beat the Police 98 - 78.
K. Doughty of the(Police) scored 23 pts, had 9 rebounds, 5 assists. Lathario Harvey had 18 pts, 6 assts. Damian Seymour of the (lions) scored 23 pts, 7 rebs, 7 assts during that game
he had 12 steals. Kino Williams also had a great game scoring 25 pts and had 6 rebounds. In Game 2. the Knights beat the Predators 71 - 67. Saundro Jermain(Knights)had an impressive 23 points,21 rebs and 7 steals. Tamauri Lightbourne 12 pts,5 rebs, 5 assts.
Meanwhile Roger Martinez of the (Predators) scored 17 pts and had 8 steals. Troy Saunders had 22 pts, 11 rebounds. On Saturday Night the Lions beat Police 109 - 80. Damian Seymour of the (lions)scored 38 pts, 9 rebs, 9 stls his partner Kino Williams scored 25 pts, 4 assts. K. Doughty of the (Police)scored 24 pts and had 16 rebs while Lathario Harvey scored 18 pts,6 assts. In Game 2 on Saturday, the Knights defeated the Predators 93 – 62. S. Jermain of the(Knights) scored 22 pts with 9 rebs. Roger Martinez(predators)scored 23 pts and 7 steals. The Knights and Lions have now advanced to the P.A.B.A Semi Finals after winning the best of 3 series. The game to watch will be the Knights vs South Caicos and Flyers vs Lions in a best of five series, which is set to begin March 23rd.
SOUTH CAICOS BASKETBALL LEAGUE CONTINUES
The SOUTH CAICOS AMATEUR BASKETBALL LEAGUE continues in the Big South. In games played last weekend MARCH 10TH,2012
THE YOUNG GUNZ went up against THE CANNUCKS but in the end the final score was YOUNG GUNZ-98, and THE CANNUCKS-83
YOUNG GUNZ
(1) Corelle Cox,10pts,6assist,3steals,5rebounds,3blocks
(2) Giltrivio Jennings,21pts,1assist,5steals,4rebounds
(3) Markenly Cox,29pts,1assist,3steals,15rebounds,1block
(4) Valdez Thomas,10pts,1assist,2steals,21rebounds,3blocks
(5) Willis Ingham,18pts,1assist,4steals,8rebounds
THE CANNUCKS
(1) Corey Kelly,11pts
(2) Conrad Kennedy,20pts,1steal,24rebounds,1block
(3) Jay Walkin,30pts,4assist,3steals,2rebounds
IN GAME 2 ALSO PLAYED ON MARCH 10TH,2012 THE HB BULLS TOOK ON TEAM SHOTTAS. THE HB BULLS SCORED 82 BEATING TEAM SHOTTAS-68
HB BULLS
(1) Camiko Lewis,21pts,7assist,4steals,9rebounds,1block
(2) Delano Fulford,22pts,1assist,4steals,17rebounds,1block
(3) Kivarno Handfield,14pts,2assist,1steal,10rebounds
TEAM SHOTTAS
(1) Corderro Seymour,17pts,1assist,1steal,7rebounds
(2) Chenson Seymour,20pts,1assist,1steal,11rebounds,1block
(3) Dondre Taylor,18pts,3assist,2steals,8rebounds
(4) Ammethe Cox,11pts,5rebounds
CURRENTLY THE POINTS STANDINGS ARE:
HB BULLS 4-1
THE CANNUCKS 3-2
YOUNG GUNZ 2-3
TEAM SHOTTAS 1-4
HB Bulls will play Young Guns at 7:30pm tomorrow night and on Sunday evening Team Shottas will meet the Cunnicks at 6;30pm. Stay with RTC Sports we will have those results for you.
Whitney Houston's daughter: 'I can always feel her'
Whitney Houston's only child opened up Sunday about her late mother in her first interview since the singer's death last month.
Bobbi Kristina Brown, 19, told Oprah Winfrey she can still hear her mother's voice sometimes and feel her spirit, urging her to "keep moving."
"She's always with me. I can always feel her," Brown said during the interview that aired on Winfrey's network, OWN.
On the same show, Winfrey also spoke to Houston's sister-in-law and friend, Patricia Houston, and her brother, Gary Houston.
Whitney Houston, 48, died February 11 in her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, the day before the music industry gathered for the Grammys in Los Angeles.
The famed singer won six Grammys and sold 170 million albums, singles and videos during her career. But in recent years, her struggles with drug addiction overshadowed her accomplishments.
When asked whether she feared drugs would one day take her friend, Patricia Houston told Winfrey she "would be kidding" to say otherwise. "The handwriting was kind of on the wall."
Recently, she said, she observed Houston "chasing a dream, looking for love in all the wrong places."
Houston was married to singer Bobby Brown from 1992 until 2007. Bobbi Kristina was born in 1993.
"I'm her daughter. I gotta keep moving. I gotta carry on her legacy. ... I still have a voice," Brown told Winfrey.
Whitney Houston toxicology reports pending
The grief comes in waves still, Brown said, and sometimes it doesn't seem real that her mother is gone.
"I'm getting through it. I'm doing as good as I possibly can," she said. "Just trying to keep going."
Sources close to the investigation into the singer's death told CNN on Friday that officials were looking to speak with her daughter before closing the case. They said it was unclear whether Bobbi Kristina would agree to be interviewed.
She was interviewed briefly by Beverly Hills police the day her mother died, but she was too distraught to offer helpful information, the sources said. She was taken twice to a Los Angeles hospital briefly after her mother's death, a source close to the family said last month.
Investigators have wrapped up the logistical part of their inquiry by having contacted all physicians and pharmacies with ties to Houston, and nothing so far appears criminal, the sources said.
Authorities are reviewing additional medical information that will be used in the final ruling on cause of death, and Houston's toxicology report should be complete "on or around" March 23, the sources said.
Last month, officials with the Los Angeles County coroner's office said the singer's body had no visible signs of trauma and foul play wasn't suspected. Her cause of death was listed as "deferred," officials said.
More official details on the investigation haven't been released because the Beverly Hills Police Department was granted a "security hold" on the case, the coroner's office said. Common in high-profile cases, the hold restricts the release of information.
Authorities have said that police and fire officials were called to Houston's hotel room after her unconscious body was found in the bathtub, just hours before she was to attend a pre-Grammy party.
A coroner official last month downplayed the suspicion that drugs had played a major role in Houston's death.
Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said that "not many prescription bottles" were found in the singer's hotel room.
"I know there are reports that she maybe was drowned or did she overdose, but we won't make a final determination until all the tests are in," he said last month.
--CNN
Akon Countersues Construction Company over Unpaid Bill
Akon is not backing down from a construction company who is suing him over an unpaid bill.
Jay Poorak, who runs Southern Electric, has sued the star over claims he failed to settle a $51,000 bill for renovations on his Georgia mansion.
The singer has just filed a countersuit, alleging he was overcharged for poor workmanship. He claims much of the work on his home was carried out without his permission and without a price agreement.
He also claims the work was a disaster and he was charged $150,000 for a job which was only worth $33,660, according to TMZ.
The singer is suing to regain some of the money he has already paid and for damages from allegations of slander.