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)
Seven Stars Resort copped the title at 2024 Salvation Army’s Chocolate Lovers Showcase
Seven Stars Resort copped the overall title at this year’s staging of the Salvation Army’s Chocolate Lovers Showcase held at the Palms Resort in Providenciales on Saturday February 2, with two categories up for grabs – Sweet and Savory.
The event, which is in its 14th year, saw many resorts and restaurants across Providenciales presenting their best chocolate-based creations, which were judged by the scores of patrons who attended the event. The winners were decided on a ‘People’s Choice’ basis.
An elated Damion Carter, Executive Chef at Seven Stars Resort, told NewslineTCI that the ‘Sweet’ presentation was a Chocolate Dome, with its recipe being chocolate as its main ingredient, comprised of, other things Banana and a boost of Vanilla.
Carter explained that for the Savory they presented a Braised Oxtail Slider, pointing out that for the slider they used a Chocolate Brioche Burger Bun.
Pelican Bay Restaurant took the second-place title in the Savory Category, while Como Parrot Cay, who lost to Seven Stars by a single point was second in the Sweet division.
For her part, Leslie Foss, Executive Member of the Salvation Army TCI Board said she was elated at the excitement that the event continues to generate. She said the chefs from all the resorts once again, blew their creations out of the park.
Foss pointed out that the proceeds from the event will go towards the Salvation Army’s Schools Lunch Programme.
Last year organizers say was the best Chocolate Lovers Showcase event so far, in terms of fundraising, pointing out that approximately $53,000 was raised. Hopefully this year comes close or even exceeds that amount.
NY judge fines former President Trump $354 million in civil fraud trial
Donald Trump must pay $354 million for fraudulent business practices, Judge Arthur Engoron ruled in the former president's civil fraud trial Friday.
Trump's sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have been fined $4 million apiece, and former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg has been fined $1 million.
The decision bars Trump from serving as an officer of a New York company for three years, and bars his sons for two years apiece.
Regarding the dissolution of Trump's companies, the decision says, "This Court hereby modifies its September 26, 2023, Decision and Order solely to the extent of removing the language ordering the LLCs cancellation en masse. The restructuring and potential dissolution of any LLCs shall be subject to individual review by the court-appointed Independent Director of Compliance in consultation with Judge Jones."
In his decision, Engoron wrote that "Defendants' refusal to admit error — indeed, to continue it, according to the Independent Monitor — constrains this Court to conclude that they will engage in it going forward unless judicially restrained."
Engoron's decision follows an 11-week civil trial in New York, where Trump and three of his adult children testified.
New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump, his two adult sons, and Trump Organization executives in September 2022 for issuing fraudulent financial statements — including over 200 false and misleading asset values between 2011 and 2021 — to get better loan terms and business deals.
The former president has denied all wrongdoing and his attorneys have argued that Trump's alleged inflated valuations were a product of his business skill.
Source-ABC
HON. E. JAY SAUNDERS, MINISTER OF FINANCE, PRESENTS SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION NO. 4 (2023-2024) BILL
Hon. Speaker, Hon. Premier,
Hon. Members of this House of Assembly, Strangers in the Gallery, Persons tuning in via radio and streaming media, and
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Good day, Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, 6th of February 2024, I laid the 4th Supplementary Appropriation Bill for FY 2023/24 in this Honourable House, and today I rise to Table the same. However, before I do so, I want to point out that our government is continuing to: “Deliver on our Citizen’s Contract, whereby we are achieving Social, Economic, and Environmental Progress for All.”
Mr. Speaker, in summary, for FY23/24 this Supplementary Appropriation Bill seeks to decrease:
a) the Expenditure Envelope by $1.07 million, thereby reducing it to $442.2 million, and
b) the Development Fund by $7.723 million, thereby reducing it from $70.5 million to $62.8 million.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out to this honorable house and the public that these changes do not affect the Expenditure Envelopes for Financial Years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026.
Mr. Speaker,
The totals that make up this Supplementary Appropriation Bill are as follows:
• Office of the Governor, an overall increase of $5,091.44.
• Police, an overall decrease of $118,393.83.
• The Attorney General’s Chambers, an overall budget decrease of ($402,460.60).
• The Judicial Administration, a decrease of ($1,352,555.23).
1. Statutory Charges, an increase of $1,059,666.00. Mr. Speaker, included in the Statutory Charges are adjustments to the pensions, gratuity, and staff costs to accommodate the additional allocations for the pay and re-grading exercise and increases to pensioners.
2. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to note that these adjustments are being funded from savings in staff costs from April-December 2023.
3. Mr. Speaker, also included in Statutory Charges is an allocation of $9.5 million to acquire land and settle an ongoing claim against the Government.
• Ministry of Immigration Border Services, a decrease of ($645,057.90).
• Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade, an increase of $4,705,992.61.
• Office of the Deputy Governor, an increase of $ 733,464.43.
• Ministry of Education, Labour, and Employment Services, a decrease of ($2,914,031.3).
• Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, a decrease of ($424,632.18).
• Ministry of Home Affairs and Transportation, an increase of $27,283.59.
• Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, a decrease of ($571,315.4).
• Ministry of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Heritage Religious Affairs, and the Environment, a decrease of ($187,243.75).
• Ministry of Health and Human Services, a decrease of ($168,029.74).
• House of Assembly, an increase of $205,909.23.
• Office of the Premier, a decrease of ($745,831.99).
• National Security Secretariat, a decrease of ($278,665.53).
Mr. Speaker, Our government has also made an allocation of $7 million as seed funding to set up a Mortgage Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, Together, the net effect of the aforementioned numbers is a decrease in Total Expenditure of ($1.070 million).
Mr. Speaker, As mentioned, this Supplementary Appropriation Bill also reduces the Development Fund by ($7.723 million).
This is made up of decreases in the following areas:
• ($500,000) = Radar Services Enhancement
• ($1,500,000) = Digitization of Border Services
• ($500,000) = Digitization - Inland Revenue Dept
• ($200,000) = Veterinary Clinic
• ($50,000) = Vehicles- National Trust
• ($600,000) = Refurbishment of building for Aged Care and Special Needs Centre for XNC and XMC
• ($5,000,000) = South Dock Port Redevelopment
And new spending for the following:
• Repairs to RGHS Art Block = $170,000
• Vehicle - Housing Dept. = $7,000
• Biosecurity and Animal Husbandry Project = $100,000
• Refurbishment of Horse-stable Complex – XNC = $50,000
• Micro E-Government Projects = $300,000, including funding for:
i. Drivers' License Renewal Module.
ii. Vehicle License Renewal Module.
iii. Quick Pay e-commerce for SIGTAS receipts.
With these e-government projects Mr. Speaker, our government will improve the overall customer service within TCIG, cut down (if not cut out) the long lines at government offices, and improve the overall productivity of TCI’s workforce by not requiring them to stand in line for hours to utilize a government service.
Mr. Speaker, Before moving on, I would like to cycle back to the Mortgage Corporation mentioned earlier.
The establishment of a mortgage corporation by our government is expected to offer several benefits to Turks and Caicos Islanders, particularly in terms of housing finance and economic development.
Key Benefits Include:
Increased Accessibility to Home Loans:
Mr. Speaker, The mortgage corporation will be able to provide more accessible home financing options for Turks and Caicos Islanders, especially those who might not meet the stringent requirements of the main banks in the islands. Mr. Speaker, the mortgage corporation will go a long way to helping to increase homeownership rates among our people.
Competitive Interest Rates:
Mr. Speaker, The mortgage corporation will be able to offer competitive interest rates compared to the main banks in the islands. Lower interest rates make borrowing more affordable for Turks and Caicos Islanders, enabling our people, especially our young people, to purchase homes or invest in property development.
Economic Stimulation:
Mr. Speaker, By facilitating more home purchases and construction, our government expects that the mortgage corporation will stimulate the economy, including creating jobs in the construction and real estate sectors.
Social Housing Initiatives:
Mr. Speaker,The mortgage corporation will be able to support our government’s affordable housing initiatives, which is designed to offer housing options for Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Market Stability:
Mr. Speaker, By providing a consistent source of mortgage financing, the mortgage corporation will help to stabilize the housing market, especially during economic downturns.
Tailored Financial Products:
Mr. Speaker, The mortgage corporation will be able to offer financial products tailored to the specific needs of Turks and Caicos Islanders, including loans for renovations, expansions, and improvements – loans that are not easily available from the main banks in the islands.
Enhanced Financial Inclusion:
Mr. Speaker, By offering mortgage and housing finance solutions to underserved or marginalized Turks and Caicos Islanders, the mortgage corporation will promote financial inclusion, allowing more Turks and Caicos Islanders to participate in the housing market, as well as help them build wealth.
Update on YTD Performance
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time now to provide a brief update on TCIG’s financial performance for the first 3 quarters – i.e. from 1st of April 2023 to 31st of December 2023.
Total revenues over that period = $313.4 million, which is higher than the budget by 6%, and 3% higher than last year’s revenues.
As I stated last week Mr. Speaker, this increase is mainly a result of overperformance in:
1. import duties,
2. hotel and restaurant taxes, and
3. work permit fees.
At the end of the 3Q, total recurrent expenditure = $235.9 million, which is lower than the budget by $50.6 million (19%), but higher than last year by $17.5 million (8%).
Mr. Speaker,
This shortfall is mainly due to:
1. civil service vacancies,
2. lower-than-anticipated expenditures on professional and consultancy services, and
3. the Contingency Fund.
Mr. Speaker, the Operating Surplus at the end of the 3Q = $73.8 million, which is higher than the budget by $69.0 million, and higher than last year’s results by $4.3 million (6%).
Mr. Speaker, Together, the higher-than-budgeted revenue and the lower-than-budgeted expenditure, have led to increased cash and cash equivalents, which grew from $338.7 million at the end of Q2 (i.e. September 2023) to $350.7 million as of December 31, 2023.
As of 31st of October 2023, I am happy to say that our cash reserves stood at a robust $343.0 million.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, this 4th Supplementary Appropriation Bill for FY 2023/24 is a balanced and strategic approach to delivering on the objectives and KPIs in the budget while ensuring that we continue to achieve value for money. It is a testament to our government's commitment to responsible governance and sustainable development, specifically social development.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I now invite this Honourable House to debate the 4th Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
Thank you.
Hon. E. Jay Saunders
Minister of Finance, Investment & Trade
Tourism team attends CTO's business meetings in Saint Martin
Honourable Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, along with a distinguished team, including Alvin Hegner, Co-Chairman of Experience Turks and Caicos, Trina Adams, Chief Marketing Officer for Experience Turks and Caicos, and Leandrea Missick, Executive Administrator for the Ministry of Tourism, recently attended the first round of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO’s) 2024 Business Meetings, which were held in Saint Martin from February 4th – 7th, 2024.
The discussions at the CTO Business Meetings were marked by their productivity and collaborative spirit.
In sharing her insights on the event, Hon. Connolly stated, “The CTO Business Meetings galvanized a spirit of cooperation and forward-thinking among Caribbean leaders, reinforcing our commitment to propel the region’s tourism industry. We have proactively defined a shared path for innovation that promises to elevate our competitive stance in the global arena. The role of aviation emerged as a central theme, recognized for its integral part in enhancing Caribbean tourism. We will be actively forging stronger alliances with airlines to transform the Turks and Caicos Islands into a nexus of connectivity. These efforts are crucial as we continue to improve access and allure to our shores, affirming our islands’ reputation as an exceptional destination for travellers worldwide.” End quote
Alvin Hegner, reflecting on the strategic discussions at the CTO Business Meeting stated, “The insights and collaborative efforts underscored at the CTO Business Meetings emphasize the crucial role of sustainable tourism practices and regional cooperation for the future prosperity of the Caribbean. At Experience Turks and Caicos, we are committed to a holistic approach in tourism development that carefully balances innovation with the stewardship of our ecological and cultural treasures. Our initiatives aim not just to elevate the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading destination through state-of-the-art technologies, but also to ensure our growth has a positive impact on the economic health and environmental sustainability of the region. Working alongside our Caribbean neighbours, we strive to promote a unified and resilient tourism industry.” End quote
The delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and the host country of Saint Martin for facilitating an event that was both productive and inspiring.
With the insights and collaborative spirit garnered from the meetings, the delegation is poised to implement strategies that will enhance the national tourism industry. The Turks and Caicos Islands stand as an active participant in a regional effort to foster growth across the Caribbean.
Mass shooting at Kansas City Super Bowl celebration kills one, injures many
As of this writing: One person was killed and at least 23 were injured, including some children, in a shooting at the end of the parade to celebrate the Super Bowl win by the Kansas City Chiefs, sending terrified fans running for cover and marring yet another high-profile public event with gun violence.
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves detailed the shooting's toll at a news conference and said three people had been taken into custody. Brad once again will talk about the complex task law enforcement will have as it investigates a scene that involved multiple thousands of people who were in the vicinity shooting.
As of Wednesday night, there was no determination of motive for the shooting or whether it was terrorism, crime, drugs, domestic violence, revenge, or any number of other factors.
Source-ABC
US Coast Guard repatriates 33 migrants to Haiti
The United States Coast Guard says the crew of its Cutter Benard C. Webber repatriated 33 migrants to Haiti on Monday following an interdiction of a “migrant venture” near Fort Pierce Inlet, Florida.
The US Coast Guard said that earlier this month, a good Samaritan notified Sector Miami watchstanders of a grounded fishing vessel.
“US maritime borders are not open to unauthorized entry or illicit trafficking,” said Lieutenant Commander Sean Newmeyer, Coast Guard District Seven. “(The) Coast Guard and our partners are committed to stopping illegal ventures, preventing unsafe voyages at sea and enforcing US immigration laws and regulations.”
The US Coast Guard said that along with the Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast partners it “will continue to be a presence in the air and on the waters to detect and deter migrants from attempting to unlawfully enter the US by sea.”
The US Coast Guard said its crews repatriated 53 migrants to Haiti in fiscal year 2024, which began on October 1, 2023.
Source-CMC