Japan's economy is now the world's fourth-largest
Japan's economy is now the world's fourth-largest after it contracted in the last quarter of 2023 and fell behind Germany.
The government reported the economy shrank at an annual rate of 0.4 percent from October to December, according to Cabinet Office data on real GDP released Thursday, though it grew 1.9 percent for all of 2023.
Two straight quarters of contraction are considered an indicator an economy is in a technical recession.
Japan's economy was the second largest until 2010 when it was overtaken by China. Japan's nominal GDP totaled $4.2 trillion last year, while Germany's was $4.4 trillion, or $4.5 trillion, depending on the currency conversion.
A weaker Japanese yen (the official currency) was a key factor in the drop to fourth place since comparisons of nominal GDP are in dollar terms.
But Japan's relative weakness also reflects a decline in its population and lagging productivity and competitiveness, economists say.
Both the Japanese and German economies are powered by strong small and medium-sized businesses with solid productivity.
Like Japan in the 1960s-1980s, for most of this century, Germany roared ahead, dominating global markets for high-end products like luxury cars and industrial machinery, selling so much to the rest of the world that half its economy ran on exports.
As an island nation with relatively few foreign residents, Japan's population has been shrinking and aging for years, while Germany's has grown to nearly 85 million, as immigration helped to make up for a low birth rate.
The gap between developed countries and emerging nations is shrinking, with India likely to overtake Japan in nominal GDP in a few years.
The U.S. remains the world's largest economy by far, with a GDP of $27.94 trillion in 2023, while China's was $17.5 trillion. India is about $3.7 trillion but growing at a sizzling rate of around seven percent.
Cedella Marley donates a guitar that belonged to her father Bob
Cedella Marley will donate a guitar that belonged to her father, reggae legend Bob Marley, to the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Broward County, Florida.
Cedella announced the inaugural Reggae Genealogy music festival and concert event at Broward Mall this past weekend, where she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum.
Cedella has not only contributed to the preservation of Bob Marley’s legacy but has also made significant contributions to Jamaican culture and sports.
She is the CEO of her father’s recording label, Tuff Gong International. She also helps run her family’s charitable organization, 1Love.
Cedella is the acting director of the Bob Marley Foundation, which seeks to deliver social interventions throughout Jamaica through educational and community development initiatives.
Additionally, she oversees Hope Road Merchandising, LLC, a Marley family entity that manages the rights to Bob’s name and likeness, and the Marley merchandising conglomerate House of Marley.
Up until last month, she was also a sponsor and official ambassador of the Jamaica Reggae Girlz team. She most notably helped fund the team through their surprise qualification for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
She is also a three-time Grammy Award-winning singer.
Bob Marley: One Love tops box office with jamming $34.1 million Presidents' Day weekend
Bob Marley: One Love topped the domestic box office, grabbing $28.6 million between Friday and Sunday, and an estimated $34.1 million through Monday. The biopic, starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary reggae artist, which opened on Wednesday, Valentine's Day, is expected to bring in $52 million in its first six days of release.
One Love pulled in an estimated $29 million internationally, bringing its global tally to over $80 million so far.
Sony/Marvel's Madame Web took second place, delivering $15.3 million over the traditional three-day weekend, and an estimated $18 million through Presidents' Day. The Dakota Johnson-led film, which also opened on Wednesday, has earned an estimated $26 million in North America over its first six days of release.
Overseas, the film took in an estimated $25.7 million, bringing its worldwide total to $52 million.
Pulling up in third place was Argylle, snatching up $4.7 million at the domestic box office between Friday and Sunday and an estimated $5.5 million over the four-day weekend. The spy thriller has collected $37.2 million in North America and $76 million globally.
The animated comedy Migration finished the weekend in fourth place, grossing $3.75 million over the three-day weekend and an estimated $5 million through Monday. It now stands at $116 million at the domestic box office and $254 million worldwide.
Rounding out the top five was Wonka, earning $3.49 million between Friday and Sunday, and an estimated $4.4 million through Monday. To date, the film has grossed $210 million in North America and $604 million globally.
Source- ABC
Mbappe agrees to join Real Madrid in Summer
Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has agreed to join Real Madrid this summer.
The France captain, 25, has told PSG he intends to leave the club with his contract expiring in June.
Mbappe has not signed a contract with Real yet, but the deal could be announced once it is no longer possible for the clubs to meet in this season's Champions League.
The World Cup winner is PSG's record goalscorer with 244 goals.
Mbappe wanted his future sorted before March, so on 13 February, before training, he met PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and told him he was leaving and joining Real.
After reports emerged last Thursday that he would leave, Mbappe was left out of the starting line-up for Saturday's match against Nantes but came off the bench to score a penalty as PSG went 14 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
He is set to sign a five-year deal with Real, earning 15m euros (£12.8m) a season, plus a 150m euro (£128m) signing-on bonus to be paid over five years, and he will keep a percentage of his image rights.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has already thought about how he will use Mbappe in his team, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham playing a deeper role, Brazilian Vinicius Jr playing on the left and Mbappe playing left of center.
If Croatia midfielder Luka Modric leaves this summer, then Mbappe would inherit the number 10 shirt he wears for France.
PSG are 2-0 up against Real Sociedad after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, while Real lead RB Leipzig 1-0.
Mbappe won the French title with Monaco before joining PSG as an 18-year-old in 2017, initially on loan before a 180m euro (£165.7m) move.
Overall, he has 244 goals and 93 assists in 291 games for PSG and has helped the club to five Ligue 1 title wins.
Mbappe was set to leave PSG on a free transfer at the end of the 2021-22 season but ultimately signed a two-year contract extension, with the option of a further year.
However, after Mbappe told PSG he would not agree to the additional 12 months of the deal, he was not selected for their pre-season tour to Japan last July.
He subsequently refused to meet with representatives of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who made a world record £259m offer for him.
Mbappe turned down a move to Real when he agreed to his current deal with PSG in May 2022.
Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has agreed to join Real Madrid this summer.
The France captain, 25, has told PSG he intends to leave the club with his contract expiring in June.
Mbappe has not signed a contract with Real yet, but the deal could be announced once it is no longer possible for the clubs to meet in this season's Champions League.
The World Cup winner is PSG's record goalscorer with 244 goals.
Mbappe wanted his future sorted before March, so on 13 February, before training, he met PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and told him he was leaving and joining Real.
After reports emerged last Thursday that he would leave, Mbappe was left out of the starting line-up for Saturday's match against Nantes but came off the bench to score a penalty as PSG went 14 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
He is set to sign a five-year deal with Real, earning 15m euros (£12.8m) a season, plus a 150m euro (£128m) signing-on bonus to be paid over five years, and he will keep a percentage of his image rights.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has already thought about how he will use Mbappe in his team, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham playing a deeper role, Brazilian Vinicius Jr playing on the left and Mbappe playing left of center.
If Croatia midfielder Luka Modric leaves this summer, then Mbappe would inherit the number 10 shirt he wears for France.
PSG are 2-0 up against Real Sociedad after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, while Real lead RB Leipzig 1-0.
Mbappe won the French title with Monaco before joining PSG as an 18-year-old in 2017, initially on loan before a 180m euro (£165.7m) move.
Overall, he has 244 goals and 93 assists in 291 games for PSG and has helped the club to five Ligue 1 title wins.
Mbappe was set to leave PSG on a free transfer at the end of the 2021-22 season but ultimately signed a two-year contract extension, with the option of a further year.
However, after Mbappe told PSG he would not agree to the additional 12 months of the deal, he was not selected for their pre-season tour to Japan last July.
He subsequently refused to meet with representatives of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who made a world record £259m offer for him.
Mbappe turned down a move to Real when he agreed to his current deal with PSG in May 2022.
He has a one-year extension clause, so it is expected his departure will involve either a sale with a transfer fee or financial sacrifices on the player's part.
He has a one-year extension clause, so it is expected his departure will involve either a sale with a transfer fee or financial sacrifices on the player's part.
Source- BBC
Guyana & Haiti miss out on Women Gold Cup
Both Guyana and Haiti suffered defeats to miss out on the group stage of the Women’s Gold Cup.
Playing at the Dignity Health Sports Park, both sides suffered 1-0 losses to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico respectively.
Guyana put up stiff resistance in their encounter before being sunk by Kathryn González’s 55th-minute strike while Haiti went down to a 41st minute goal from Jillienne Aguilera.
The Dominican Republic will now do battle in Group A alongside hosts United States, Mexico, and Argentina while Puerto Rico will compete with Panama, and CONMEBOL invitees Brazil and Argentina, in Group B.
Twelve teams will compete across three groups in the Women’s Gold Cup runs from February 20 to March 10.
Guyana made a fist of it in the first half, goalkeeper Chante Sandiford snuffing out a chance from defender Brianne Reed in the ninth minute and Shanice Alfred then coming close for the Caribbean Football Union side in the 17th.
Gonzalez then opened the scoring following a corner, Jaylen Vallecillo winning the ball on the left side of the box and teeing up her teammate for a superb 22-yard volley.
Meanwhile, Haiti had chances to open the scoring inside the first half-hour when Shwendesky Joseph and captain Nerilia Mondesir both came close.
They were made to pay for their wastefulness when Danielle Julia Marcano was fouled in the area and Jillienne Aguilera converted from the penalty spot.
Source- CMC
Robbie Ginn donates Inspirational books in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Travel agent and Chairman’s Royal Club (CRC) member, Robbie Ginn recently visited the Turks and Caicos Islands, bringing with her, three hundred (300) copies of inspirational literature geared towards strengthening community bonds and fostering the moral development of youth and adults alike.
Having participated in several educational outreach efforts in different schools throughout Providenciales on previous visits, Ginn returned with a better understanding of what some of the needs of the wider society are.
Ginn uses her skill of organization and knowledge of the travel industry to serve her community service groups both locally and internationally.
Knowing her passion for education, caring, and outreach, once she made a request among her peers for unused copies of the literature to be provided, she received more than she had bargained for but left nothing behind. Titles of some of the study guides are, “From Wonder to Rejection”, From Conquest to Kingdom” and “From Captivity to Restoration”.
Accompanied by Orville Morgan and Jodian Scott-Banton, the Public Relations team at Beaches Turks and Caicos, Ginn visited the Jericho Baptist Church and the New Life Worship Centre.
The visit to the New Life Worship Centre was one of historical significance... Ginn and the Sandals Foundation team were warmly welcomed by Pastor Derek Hanna and wife, Nicola Hanna.
The conversational exchange revealed that Pastor Hanna’s mother, Helena Green, had worked at Beaches Turks and Caicos as a hostess at the Reflections restaurant between 1998 and 2002 and that Nicola had also worked at Beaches as a Weddings and Sales Assistant in 1999 when Ginn made her first visit to Beaches Turks and Caicos. The two marveled over the fact that they may very well have crossed paths at that time and how this donation has allowed them to establish a direct connection twenty – four (24) years later.
Ginn shared, “In places where I have been, there are many people whose lives are falling apart and we need to find a way to reach them so they can help reach others. I hope that this donation will help provide an opportunity for moral guidelines and principles to be strengthened among the members of the community thus promoting virtues such as honesty, compassion, and empathy.”
As the donated books find their place in the hands and hearts of readers, the Sandals Foundation anticipates the positive transformation of the moral and intellectual landscape of the community.
Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em" is #1 on Hot Country Songs chart
Beyoncé takes the #1 spot for her first placement on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart with her new single, "Texas Hold 'Em."
She also clocks in at #9 with her second entry, "16 Carriages."
The feat makes the global superstar the first woman and first Black woman to have topped both the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, per Billboard since the lists began in 1958.
"Texas Hold 'Em" is also Bey's first leader in Country Digital Song Sales and her 11th #1 on the Digital Song Sales list. It holds the #2 spot on the all-genre Hot 100 chart.
The song replaces Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves' "I Remember Everything," which had sat in the top spot since September.
After releasing both tracks as a surprise during the Super Bowl on February 11, "Texas Hold 'Em" has been promoted to country radio, per an email announcement by Columbia Nashville, Billboard says.
"We put the Beyoncé [song] directly into a strong rotation so it can be heard," Dave Parker, program director of Sinclair's WUSH Norfolk, said. "I want the station to sound as interesting as possible because the opposite is boring."
With the release of the new songs, Bey also announced Act II, the follow-up to her 2022 Renaissance album. Act II is expected out on March 29.
Source-ABC
Royal Turks and Caicos Islands police continue to arrest and charge offenders
JACQUELIN CADET of South Dock Road, Providenciales, was found guilty on Tuesday, 13 February 2024, of POSSESSION of FIREARM and POSSESSION of AMMUNITION.
Following the guilty verdict, Cadet, 44, is expected to be sentenced on March 21st.
The charges against Cadet stemmed from a December 20, 2022 incident.
Around 4 am, officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force executed an Authority to Search for a firearm at Cadet’s home.
During the search, a black 45 caliber handgun and ammunition were found inside a closet in his bedroom.
He was arrested and charged with the offenses.
And.... A 60-year-old man of Grand Turk will appear in court at the next available date, charged with one count of SEXUAL ASSAULT.
Officers of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit charged JAMES GODET following a report made by a 51-year-old female victim.
The incident allegedly occurred on November 30, 2023, in North Caicos.
Following investigations, Godet was charged on Tuesday, 13th February 2024.
Anyone with information on illegal activities or crimes are asked to call the nearest Police Station, 911, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or the Serious Crime Unit at 649-231-1842
Inter-High and Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships set to end TCI School Sports Season 2023/24
The Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports (TCISS) Track and Field season is in full effect and post the completion of the Track and Field Development meets, the tension has intensified.
On February 10 and 17, the TCAAA alongside the TCI Sports Commission hosted Track and Field Development Meets, to allow athletes to compete and see where they fare up against their peers before the ultimate Nationals. The Distance and Jumps meet took place first with Sprints and Jumps following the following Saturday.
Athlete to Watch
CARIFTA Medalist Love Joseph did not compete in the Distance and Jumps meet, however, he has competed in a few regional meets this year. Joseph won the 800m and 1500m at the Diana Lynn Thompson Invitational on February 10 in Nassau, Bahamas. In the 1500m, he ran 4:22:17 which is a season’s best but not his personal best. In the 800m, he achieved a personal best time of 2:05:86. He now attends the Clement Howell High School, last year competing for the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School.
He also achieved a personal best time of 4:15:37 in the 1500m at the Youngsters Goldsmith Track and Field meet at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica on February 3, 2024.
Inter-High School Track and Field Championships (Nationals) | February 29 - March 2
The three-day event will take place at the National Stadium on Venetian Road from Thursday to Saturday, slated to be a showstopping weekend. Junior athletes will not just be competing for a place on the podium, they will also be vying for a spot on the National Team to compete in the CARIFTA Games. This year's CARIFTA is set to take place in Grenada from March 30 - April 1.
Following on from last year, the medal count determines the Champions of the competition, with gold holding the most weight. Last year, the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School came out on top with 18 Gold, 22 Silver and 13 Bronze medals. Clement Howell High School followed with 16 Gold 6 Silver and 10 Bronze medals with Marjorie Basden High School in third with 12 Gold 9 Silver and 8 Bronze medals.
tickets will be sold at the booth, $10 for adults and $5 for children per day. The event will be livestreamed from the TCI Sports Commission and FLOW our streaming partner's Facebook page and YouTube channel. It will also be broadcast via radio on RTC 89.1 FM with the Sports Watch team.
3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: A BROAD ATLANTIC RIDGE EXTENDS ACROSS THE ATLANTIC TO NEAR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SUPPORTING FAIR WEATHER CONDITIONS TODAY.
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE
ADVISORY:
WINDS: SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS…BECOMING LIGHT AND VARIABLE TONIGHT
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS NEARSHORE…2 TO 4 FEET OFFSHORE
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 75°F
SUNSET: 05:47 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 11:12 AM (1.0 FT) 10:44 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 04:40 PM (2.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: A COLD FRONT STRETCHING ACROSS THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS WILL CONTINUE TO ADVANCE SOUTHEASTWARDS TO THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS INCREASING CHANCES FOR SHOWER ACTIVITY ACROSS THE ISLANDS ON TUESDAY.
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF SCATTERED SHOWERS. CHANCE OF RAIN IS 30%. MOSTLY CLOUDY AND BREEZY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS LIKELY AT NIGHT. CHANCE OF RAIN IS 60%. TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATION OF ABOUT 1 INCH.
WINDS: NORTHWEST TO NORTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, INCREASING TO 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE EVENING
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
SUNRISE: 6:16 AM
SUNSET: 05:48 PM
HIGH TIDE: 05:26 AM (3.0 FT) 05:34 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 12:03 PM (1.0 FT) 11:39 PM (0.7 FT)
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY WITH SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS. CHANCE OF RAIN IS 20%. MOSTLY FAIR AND BREEZY AT NIGHT.
WINDS: NORTHWEST TO NORTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, INCREASING TO 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE EVENING
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET, INCREASING TO 3 TO 5 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
SUNRISE: 06:15 AM
SUNSET: 05:48 PM
HIGH TIDE: 06:17 AM (3.0 FT) 06:24 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 12:49 PM (1.0 FT)