Nikki Haley beats Donald Trump in Washington DC for first primary
Nikki Haley defeated Donald Trump in the Republican primary in Washington DC.
This is her first victory over the former president in the 2024 campaign to become the Republican presidential candidate.
She lost in South Carolina, her home state. But she is the first woman to win a Republican primary in US history.
Mr Trump however has a huge lead over Ms Haley and is likely to face Joe Biden in the November election.
The BBC's US partner CBS reports that Ms Haley will receive all 19 Republican delegates who were up for grabs in Washington DC, giving her 43 delegates nationwide - well behind Mr Trump's 247.
Ms Haley, a former US ambassador to the UN, won 62.9% of the vote, to Mr Trump's 33.2%.
It is seen as a largely symbolic win, as the capital is a heavily Democrat-leaning jurisdiction, with only about 23,000 registered Republicans in the city.
Local party officials said 2,035 Republicans participated in the primary, the Washington Post reported.
Ms Haley's campaign national spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said: "it's not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos".
Mr Trump has dominated every state primary or caucus so far in the Republican campaign and is poised to win more delegates this week, on Super Tuesday, when voters in 15 states and one US territory will nominate their candidate. It is the biggest day of nominating contests, with 874 Republican delegates' support at stake.
Source-BBC
New World Bank study identifies reforms to improve public spending in Belize
A new World Bank study has identified reforms to improve public spending in Belize, saying that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member-state could reduce government debt to below 50 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by undertaking reforms in targeted areas.
The World Bank’s Public Expenditure Review, launched on Thursday, shows that for Belize to maintain the current positive trend in the quality of its fiscal policies, the country needs to “increase its ability to respond to external shocks, improve value for money in key social and investment programs, manage growth in public sector wages, and optimize spending related to climate change.
“While Belize has made important progress in reducing public debt and strengthening fiscal management, constraints remain,” the report adds.
It finds that budget credibility and fiscal discipline remain a challenge, stating that inconsistencies in budget reporting and strategic planning make it “difficult to use resources more efficiently” and that “a high public sector wage bill continues to limit fiscal space.”
As of 2022, the wage bill accounted for 41 percent of total public spending, the report says.
“The compounding challenges of high debt, global financial conditions, and low growth rates intensify the strain on public budgets. This review takes a close look at the core of Belize’s fiscal challenges and identifies steps toward establishing a sustainable fiscal framework for public expenditure in Belize and maximizing value for money in important sectors such as health and education,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean.
To address these challenges, the report recommends a range of policy measures. Specific recommendations include the adoption of a Fiscal Responsibility Law, “which will feature explicit rules to guide transparent and predictable debt reduction.”
The report also emphasizes the need to establish an Independent Fiscal Council, “which will produce unbiased projections and evaluate compliance with fiscal rules.”
The report finds that Belize’s climate change mitigation and adaptation spending – which poses significant risks to its economy –is “limited and in need of reprioritization”.
The Public Expenditure Review further recommends creating a Natural Disaster Reserve Fund, a fund of about one percent of GDP, replenished annually, to help expedite the financing of immediate recovery and response expenses arising from floods and hurricanes.
The study identifies opportunities to improve education and health services, “which could convert spending into better results”.
It recommends health and education financing reforms, stronger accountability mechanisms, and other effective policy strategies to improve the productivity of schools and health facilities.
The Washington-based World Bank says the publication is the culmination of four rounds of consultations with Belize’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment.
Source-CMC
Rihanna performs first full concert in 8 years at pre-wedding celebration
She performed briefly at the Super Bowl in 2023, but Rihanna did her first full-fledged concert in eight years in India on March 1 -- for what was reportedly a hefty fee.
The U.K. paper The Independent reports that Rih performed for 40 minutes for 1,200 guests as part of the pre-wedding celebration for the son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man. The three-day event -- which comes before the actual wedding in July -- attracted guests like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.
According to the Independent, Rihanna performed barefoot during the concert, for which she reportedly received more than $6 million. Money is no object for Ambani, who hired Beyoncé to perform at his daughter's wedding in 2018. Afterward, Rihanna told reporters, "I'll be back" and "The show was the best."
Based on fan footage and a list of songs posted to the setlist.fm, Rihanna's concert included performances of "Birthday Cake," "Man Down," "Rude Boy," "Work," "Stay," "We Found Love," "Umbrella," her Kanye West and Jay-Z collabs "All of the Lights" and "Run this Town," and, of course, "Diamonds."
During the show, Rihanna's dress tore under the arm, but she wasn't bothered. She also invited the whole Ambani family onstage with her, including the bride and groom.
Source-ABC
Star Wars game cancelled as EA cuts 670 jobs
Electronic Arts (EA) is canceling an upcoming Star Wars game and will lay off 5% of its employees globally- approximately 670 people.
The game, which was in early development, would have been a first-person shooter set in the Star Wars universe.
The firm said the "streamlining" would "deliver deeper, more connected experiences for fans".
It is the latest example of the job cuts sweeping the gaming industry.
"With it being an extremely difficult time to obtain funding to start a new game studio, and thousands being laid off by the month, video games run a significant risk of losing top talent outside of the industry and being impacted for years," said Rich Barham, a former executive at gaming studio, Blizzard.
EA announced in December 2023 it would be laying off staff at UK developer Codemasters, known for racing games F1 23 and EA Sports WRC.
In a letter to staff, boss Andrew Wilson said the company had begun contacting affected employees, with the redundancies anticipated to be completed by summer.
He also explained the decision to develop fewer new titles.
"We are also sunsetting games and moving away from the development of future licensed IP that we do not believe will be successful in our changing industry," he wrote.
"This greater focus allows us to drive creativity, accelerate innovation, and double down on our biggest opportunities — including our owned IP, sports, and massive online communities — to deliver the entertainment players want today and tomorrow."
In a subsequent email to staff, EA entertainment boss Laura Miele said this meant canceling the upcoming Star Wars title being worked on by subsidiary Respawn Entertainment. It was responsible for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which had "generally favorable" reviews according to aggregator Metacritic.
"As we've looked at Respawn's portfolio over the last few months, what's clear is the games our players are most excited about are Jedi and Respawn's rich library of owned brands," she said.
"It's always hard to walk away from a project, and this decision is not a reflection of the team's talent, tenacity, or passion they have for the game."
This is the latest round of cuts to hit the gaming industry, which in January saw Microsoft reveal plans to lay off 1,900 people in its gaming division, including some at recently acquired Activision-Blizzard.
And it comes just two days after Sony announced plans to axe 900 staff, as well as close its well-known London Studio.
"The impact of mass layoffs resonates deeply within the gaming community, particularly for the talented individuals affected," said Sarah Stevens, head of gaming HR firm e-volveHR.
"Above all, humanity and kindness are the most important ingredients for those navigating these choppy waters."
Karol Severin, senior analyst at Midia Research, said the latest cuts showed how competition was getting more intense in the gaming industry.
"This is not to say that the industry is in trouble, it is just entering a new, more mature, chapter of its life - a chapter, where efficiency, profitability, and competitive capabilities are the name of the game.
"The games industry is still a $223bn (£176bn) industry, and will grow by approximately another $78bn by 2030", he said.
"For context, that's more than the current size of the whole global recorded music industry."
Source-BBC
Hundreds of prisoners escape Port-au-Prince prison as violence escalates
Hundreds of prisoners escaped from Haiti’s National Penitentiary here, after fighting broke out on Saturday.
According to local reports, armed men set fire to the surroundings of the prison and continued their progression guided by drones which informed them of the location of police officers stationed at the prison.
A video taken by a drone circulated online along with an image of the prison. In the video, a voice could be heard reporting the lack of police presence in the prison yard and informing the gang members that they could move forward.
Several police officers deployed at the penitentiary and prison administration agents attempted to repel the coordinated attacks of the attackers, but despite their efforts, after hours of intense exchanges of gunfire, they had to retreat.
The national penitentiary houses more than 11,000 prisoners, including 18 Colombians accused in the assassination plot against President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, as well as the head of security of the National Palace, Dimitri Hérard and the security coordinator, Jean Laguel Civilian as well as dangerous gang leaders and criminals awaiting trial.
Among the escapees are former gang leader “Djouma”, “Bout Janjan” the former leader of La Saline, “Chinay” a notorious criminal.
In a post on social media, one of Haiti’s Police Unions pleaded for all officers in the capital with access to cars and weapons to assist police battling to maintain control of the penitentiary, and warned that if the attackers were successful “we are done. No one will be spared in the capital because there will be 3,000 extra bandits now effective.”
The most recent surge in violence, which began Thursday has targeted police stations, the international airport and the National Penitentiary.
On Friday, Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, said he would continue in his effort to try and oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
“We ask the Haitian National Police and the military to take responsibility and arrest Ariel Henry. Once again, the population is not our enemy; the armed groups are not your enemy. You arrest Ariel Henry for the country’s liberation,” Cherizier said, adding “With these weapons, we will liberate the country, and these weapons will change the country.”
Cherizier is a former police officer who heads an alliance of gangs. He has faced sanctions from both the United Nations and the United States Department of Treasury.
Public frustration, which had been building against Henry over his inability to curb the unrest, boiled over after he failed to step down last month, citing the escalating violence.
Under a previous agreement, he had committed to hold elections and transfer power by February 7.
Last Wednesday Caribbean leaders said that Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry had agreed to hold general elections no later than August 31, 2025.
The recent fighting, started as Henry was visiting Kenya to finalize details with Kenyan President William Ruto for the expected deployment of a multinational security support mission to Haiti.
Meanwhile, gunfire near the airport on Thursday forced airlines to suspend flights.
The US Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert Friday, warning of gunshots and disruptions to traffic near the domestic and international terminals, as well as surrounding areas including a hotel and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police.
Haiti has been gripped by a wave of unrest and gang violence in recent years.
Warring gangs control much of Port-au-Prince, choking off vital supply lines to the rest of the country.
Gang members have also terrorized the metropolitan population, forcing over 300,000 people to flee their homes amid waves of indiscriminate killing, kidnapping, arson and rape.
Some 1,100 people were killed, injured or kidnapped in January alone, in what the United Nations called the most violent month in two years.
Source-CMC
The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Aniquia Musgrove as the Medical Records Manager within the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
In 2018, Ms. Musgrove seized the opportunity to pursue higher education at Florida Technical College, where she successfully graduated with a Medical Assistant Associate degree. Undeterred in her quest for knowledge, she continued her educational journey at the same esteemed institution, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health Management in 2019.
Armed with these qualifications, Ms. Musgrove gained comprehensive insights into various aspects of the health field, preparing her to perform proficiently in diverse departments. Her dedication led her to Holy Cross Medical Group in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she assumed the role of Supervisor for medical assistants in 2019. During her four-year tenure, she actively engaged in all facets of clinic operations, ranging from front-office duties to back-office responsibilities and direct patient assistance.
Grateful for the enriching experience at Holy Cross, Ms. Musgrove's skills and expertise were further honed, preparing her for her current role as the Medical Records Manager. In her new capacity, Ms. Musgrove brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, promising to contribute significantly to the Ministry's health initiatives. Her commitment to healthcare excellence and her diverse skill set make her a valuable addition to the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
Ms. Aniquia Musgrove expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm, stating: "Accepting this appointment to return home and work in the medical field is indeed a privilege. It is an opportunity that allows me to give back to the country that helped mold me into the individual I am today. Lastly, I am sure that my late grandmother, Marjorie Clare, would be proud of me, knowing that I am walking in the path that she has laid." Ms. Musgrove's heartfelt sentiments reflect her commitment to making a meaningful impact on her community and honoring the legacy of those who have influenced her journey.
Commenting on the appointment of Ms. Aniquia Musgrove as the Medical RecordsManager, the Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service expressed her congratulations, stating: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Aniquia Musgrove to the role of Medical Records Manager within the Ministry of Health and Human Services and welcome her to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service.
Her experience and dedication to the medical field make her a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to her contributions in enhancing healthcare services for our community and wish her a most productive and rewarding public service career.
Congratulations, Ms. Musgrove, on your well-deserved appointment."
TCI loses to Antigua in soccer
The Turks and Caicos Islands national team competed against Antigua and Barbuda in their second match of the Concacaf Men’s U20 Championship Qualifiers.
The game commenced energetically, with Antigua and Barbuda seizing early opportunities within minutes.
Despite the initial momentum, neither team managed to score in the first half. A notable chance arose for Turks & Caicos in the 24th minute when Cory Williams attempted a shot, only to be thwarted by Tegan Gumbs.
Antigua and Barbuda, though, successfully scored in the 54th and 82nd minutes; and in the final moments of the game, after three minutes of additional time, Christopher Louisy of the Turks and Caicos Islands netted a goal in the 90th minute.
As the referee blew the final whistle, the match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Antigua and Barbuda. Despite the loss, Turks and Caicos displayed resilience and determination throughout the game.
The match served as a reminder of the unity and camaraderie that sports can foster, transcending borders and differences. Both teams left the field with their heads held high, knowing they had given their all in pursuit of victory.
PREMIER MISICK ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO CABINET
The Premier has advised Her Excellency Anya Williams, Acting Governor, following Section 34(2)(b) of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution the following change to ministerial appointments with effect from Tuesday 27 February 2024:
• Honourable Charles Washington Misick, Premier and Minister with responsibility for Finance, Investment, and Trade
The Honourable Erwin Jay Saunders will continue to serve as Member of Parliament for the All-Island District.
In announcing this ministerial change, the Premier stated “I wish to thank Honourable Saunders for his service these past three years as my Deputy and for his stewardship in the ministries he served. My government will undertake a review of the various functions and responsibilities as outlined in the current ministerial portfolios, and I will advise the Acting Governor of any additional changes in due course.”
Experienced Police Officers sworn in
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force welcomes the addition of eleven new police officers.
The nine experienced officers- Alex Joseph, Michael Golding, Kimberly McKain, Travis Robinson, Prakash March, Delroy Green, Mitsy Davis-Skeen, Justus William and Everton Dunkley, along with Special Constables Kerri-Ann Sinclair and Bethsarah Watson- Green took their oaths today (February 26), during a brief ceremony at the Ethel Ingham Center.
The officers are tasked with protecting and serving the citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams, in administering the oath to officers, called on them to adhere to policing principles and maintain their integrity at all times.
Mr. Adams said, “Today begins an exciting journey as you join our ranks in serving and protecting our community. Your decision to pursue a career in law enforcement speaks volumes about your dedication to public service, and we are honored to have you on our team.
“As you embark on this path, remember the importance of integrity, professionalism, and empathy in every interaction. Our community entrusts us with their safety, and we must always uphold the highest standards of conduct.”
In attendance were the acting Governor, Her Excellency Mrs Anya Williams, Assistant Commissioners of Police, Mr. Kendall Grant, Darron Williams, and Mat Newton.
Efforts to reduce emissions in Trinidad and Tobago by investing in electric vehicles
The Washington-based IDB Lab says it will invest reimbursable and non-reimbursable financing in the startup GoElectricTT to launch a new business model that aims to catalyze the adoption of electric vehicles in Trinidad and Tobago.
GoElectricTT says it will offer short- and long-term leases and rentals of an all-electric vehicle fleet and will engage in outreach and public education on the benefits of using the vehicles. With an initial fleet of 15 vehicles, the startup will focus on the business sector of Trinidad and Tobago and target companies that typically own or lease fleets.
It will seek to lower the perceived risk of investment, allowing citizens to experience the benefits in terms of cost and sustainability, without making a long-term commitment, and encouraging them to transition to an electric environment.
IDB Lab, the innovation and venture laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group), the project aims to help avoid 190 tons of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion over two years, advancing the IDB Group’s goal of introducing innovation and new technologies that are low in carbon emissions and for the digitalization of the transport sector.
The longer-term objective is to drive the adoption of electric vehicles on a larger scale, as supply and acquisition costs become more accessible.
Trinidad and Tobago has a total of more than 800,000 vehicles for a population of approximately 1.4 million people. Most of these vehicles have internal combustion engines, which produce pollution and contribute to climate change.
The IDB Lab said despite fiscal incentives on the importation of electric vehicles as a way to move toward a low-carbon future, the adoption of these vehicles has been slow – accounting for less than one percent of new registrations.
“This investment contributes to IDB Lab’s growing portfolio in climate technology, which focuses on creating early-stage opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean, leveraging innovation and prioritizing real-life impact for the people of the region,” the statement added.
Marley biopic albums hit Billboard Reggae chart
The Bob Marley: One Love (soundtrack) and Bob Marley: One Love (music inspired by the film — various artists' projects) have entered the Billboard Reggae chart.
The soundtrack features 17 tracks performed by Bob Marley and the Wailers and was culled from the albums Catch a Fire, Burnin, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, and
Kaya.
The set entered the chart at #9.
Meanwhile, the music inspired by the film album has seven tracks and features songs by Skip Marley, Kacey Mulgraves, Daniel Caesar, Bloody Civilian, Jesse Reyes, Leon Bridges, and Wizkid.
It debuts at #8.
The other trending Bob Marley and the Wailers project, Legend, spends 214 non-consecutive weeks in the #1 spot.
And still on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection remains at #2, Dutty Classics Collection by Sean Paul is #3, and
World on Fire by Stick Figure is #4
Source-JA Observer