Swizz Beatz says fans are "talking about the wrong" thing amid Usher, Alicia Keys Super Bowl moment
Usher's Super Bowl 58 halftime performance was jam-packed with memorable moments that had the internet talking.
Many called out the R&B crooner for the nearly 2 minutes he shared onstage with Alicia Keys when singing their 2004 hit, "My Boo," since they say he might've been a bit too touchy with Keys, who's married to producer Swizz Beatz.
But Swizz is setting the record straight that he feels no way about the performance; he in fact thinks it was "nothing but amazing."
"Y'all talking about the wrong damn thing!" Swizz wrote in his Instagram message, jokingly suggesting that the focus should be on Key's red bejeweled body suit and extended cape that covered "the entire stadium."
"Tonight's performance was nothing but amazing with 2 amazing Giants! Congrats @usher and my love @aliciakeys that song is a classic," the Grammy winner wrote.
"We don't do negative vibes on this side we make history," he added.
About four minutes into Usher's 15-minute set, he joined Keys at her red piano and got close to her with his dance moves. He followed behind as she walked up and down the stage and at one point, put his hand on her hip. They ended with Usher hugging Keys from the back; they both smiled and laughed before the next segment kicked off with the help of Jermaine Durpri.
Among the comments that circulated were "Personally I ain't letting this slide if I'm Swizz Beatz" and "It's never the best idea to allow Usher, get anywhere near your Gal."
Source-ABC
38-year-old Bahamian Arrested
A 38-year-old Bahamian man has been deported from the United States to The Bahamas for violating his bail conditions on the island.
Reports are that Larry Burrows, who was on bail for conspiracy to import firearms, had specific conditions set by the court, including reporting to the police station on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays before 6 pm, as well as observing a curfew from 8 pm to 6 am.
According to local law enforcement, Burrows allegedly breached these conditions in May by traveling to Andros, where his electronic monitoring device was discovered damaged in bushes.
It was later revealed that he had fled to the United States.
In September 2022, Burrows was apprehended by authorities in Miami for illegal entry into the US.
Following his arrest, Bahamian law enforcement collaborated with US personnel and subsequently, he was deported to The Bahamas on February 8th 2024.
Bajan Government defends introduction of concession legislation
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has defended the decision of her administration to table the Labour Clauses Concessions Bill, saying the government foregoes approximately BDS$750 million (One BDSS=US$0.50 cents) in revenue annually, as a result of tax concessions.
The bill, which is to be debated in the House of Assembly this week, seeks to establish minimum rates and conditions for workers, which companies benefiting from tax concessions should adhere to.
Speaking at a branch meeting of her ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP), Prime Minister Mottley said her government is simply legislating what has existed under the collective bargaining agreement with labour unions and hoteliers for the past 60 years.
She dismissed suggestions the legislation may act as a deterrent to foreign investors.
“Government revenue is coming at about BDS$3.2 billion. So if you are effectively giving away BDS$750 million. Some of these concessions go back to (prime ministers) Errol Barrow and Tom Adams time.
“So this is a continuum and all the government is saying that these are subsidies. A concession is a subsidy and if you are going to get a subsidy from the taxpayers and we are not going to be able to spend that money directly on the very same taxpayers then you have a duty to treat them fairly.”
Mottley said it was important to ensure that there is a minimum “below which you cannot go”.
She said Barbados is a country “where we have known what it is to have people be the source of people’s profits through exploitation. It cannot be acceptable in an independent Barbados for us to agree that any worker must now be able to fuel on by their…underpayment or under treatment, the competitiveness or the profitability of any hotel in this country.
“That is all the government is saying,” she told the party supporters.
The government is expected to easily pass the legislation controlling 29 of the 30 seats in the Parliament.
On Monday, former government legislator, Ralph Thorne was sworn in as Opposition leader after leaving the government.
Following his appointment he told reporters “people are instinctively opposing the government in the public domain…of the legislation it is bringing to Parliament from week to week”.
Source- CMC
GOVERNOR & PREMIER PROVIDES UPDATE ON RESPONSE TO CRIME
Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier condemn strongly the shooting incident on Grand Turk and extend their deepest condolences to the family and to the community. Such criminality near school children while they were at a school sports day is deplorable. A serious crime team has been deployed to Grand Turk and action is underway to conduct a community impact assessment, including work with school officials and the Ministry of Education to ensure the safety and security of our communities.
Strengthening of capability
The Governor and the Premier continue to work together closely to strengthen our operational and strategic response. In addition to the imminent deployment of experienced Firearms Officers from the United Kingdom announced on 03 February, and ahead of the arrival of the Commissioner Designate Mr. Edvin Martin (which, – due to a routine medical procedure and convalescence period – will now take place in May 2024), the Governor is making the following appointments to bolster the strategic operational expertise and focus of the RTCIPF:
• Mr Chris Eyre will be appointed as interim RTCIPF Acting Commissioner of Police effective this Monday 12 February. He has 37-years of experience as a police officer, including 18-years at Assistant Chief Constable rank and above. His final role in UK policing was as Chief Constable (Commissioner equivalent) of Nottinghamshire Police. During his career he has led the operational response to terrorist attacks, riots, major demonstrations, international criminal investigations and sensitive covert operations making him well placed to lead the RTCIPF during this interim period. In his last post, Mr Eyre led the British Overseas Territory Police Force in the Sovereign Base Area of Cyprus.
• Superintendent Mat Newton will be temporarily appointed to the Force Executive as an Assistant Commissioner of Police with specific responsibility for specialist tactical operations.
• Immediate work is being undertaken to recruit a Superintendent to assist policing in Grand Turk and ensure targeted oversight of community and policing operations.
This added capability will vitalise the RTCIPF’s strategic and tactical arsenal for policing across our islands and will ensure the full strength of the Force Executive leadership at Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner levels. The Governor and Premier express their sincere thanks to Acting Commissioner Adams and Acting Deputy Commissioner Grant for their continuing leadership of the RTCIPF during these challenging times.
The first of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office funded rapid deployment of firearms officers; investigative officers; a firearms commander; a firearms operations planner and a crime analyst will arrive this weekend. These officers will provide an immediate boost in tactical and investigative manpower. Parallel work is underway to secure further regional operational support and a targeted recruitment campaign is being launched to recruit permanent experienced firearms officers and investigators to the RTCIPF. This is in addition to the ongoing recruitment to ensure the full complement at each grade across the rank and file of the RTCIPF.
Commissioner Designate Martin remains committed to leading the RTCIPF. He is eager to arrive with his family to serve the Turks and Caicos Islands and deliver on his safety and security responsibilities for the nation. Over the past few weeks, he has been engaged with the Governor and regional colleagues in support of work to secure tactical operational support for the RTCIPF.
We appeal to everyone to help the RTCIPF with their investigations. Any piece of information – however insignificant it might seem – can be pivotal to bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring calm to our neighbourhoods.
May God bless you and may God continue to bless the beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
Thank you.
Mahomes asked about Super Bowl & Taylor?
Heading into the Super Bowl on Sunday, all the players from the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers have faced questions from the press. But in the case of the Chiefs, a lot of those questions have been about Travis Kelce's girlfriend, Taylor Swift. Even the players who aren't dating Taylor have been asked about her.
On Thursday, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was asked to comment on the couple's relationship during a press availability in Las Vegas.
It's two great people. And they have so much respect for each other, and their professions. I mean, that's why their relationship has has been so great. And so I'm just happy for both of them, and know that they'll continue to, to be better and better as a relationship, together. And individually as well.
The quarterback also denied that their romance has been a distraction for the team.
"I don't think it distracts the team at all," Mahomes said. "I mean, when you come in the building, it's all about football. We have a great culture here. And everybody that's met Taylor knows how great of a person she is. And I think we're just as happy that she's on the headlines as anybody, because we know how great she is."
As for Kelce, he was asked why people are so fascinated by their relationship.
"I think the values that we stand for and just who we are as people," he replied. "We love to shine light on others, shine light around the people that help and support us. ... I feel like we both have, just, a love for life."
But Travis' tolerance for Taylor questions only goes so far. When a reporter asked him to complete the lyric "Karma is the guy on the ...," he gamely responded, "Chiefs. Of course." But he refused to sing the rest of it.
Source-ABC
Grand Turk Shooting Update
Shortly after noon today, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots being heard near the Parade Grounds, Grand Turk.
Police officers and medical staff were dispatched to the location and found the body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
The victim, who has yet to be formally identified, was a male, aged 24 years and was reportedly approached by potentially two offenders and shot.
Sadly, this incident occurred whilst a school sports day was underway. As a result, senior officers from the RTCIPF and representatives of the Ministry of Education convened an urgent meeting this afternoon to discuss priority actions to manage the consequences of this awful event.
The RTCIPF strongly condemns this latest shooting incident.
Such an act of brazen violence not only endangered the lives of innocent individuals but also disrupted the safety and security of the entire community.
The Serious Crime Unit is actively investigating the incident to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice swiftly. We are collaborating closely with school officials and the Ministry of Education to ensure the safety and security of our communities.
Detectives are flying from Providenciales to Grand Turk to support local officers and the primary investigation.
Acting Commissioner of Police Mr Rodney Adams said: “Today’s despicable act is yet another example of criminals having no regard or remorse for anyone. The RTCIPF is resolute and won't hesitate to confront those intent on causing harm in the TCI within the confines of the law. We won't relent.
“To the students affected by this afternoon’s incident, their parents and teachers, rest assured the RTCIPF remains committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring your safety and that of all law-abiders. “I encourage the public to share any information and evidence that could assist in bringing justice to this matter in the swiftest possible time”.
The RT&CIPF is asking the public to share any videos and information with detectives at the Serious Crime Unit, South Dock Road, Providenciales, at 231-1842, 911, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and give any information anonymously.
Maintaining a Secure Environment for learning and extracurricular activities.
In preparation for the execution of several counselling and psychosocial sessions with students, staff and parents, the HJ Robinson High School will be closed today, Friday 09th, February 2024.
We are cognizant of the concerns and anxieties that may arise in the aftermath of this afternoon’s event, and we want to emphasize that the Ministry of Education is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff through our Student Support Services and other child safeguarding initiatives.
We are actively reviewing our security protocols and procedures to identify areas for improvement and ensure that our schools remain safe havens for education and personal development. Our Student Support Services have been activated and equipped to cater to the needs of those students and teachers who were traumatized by today’s event. The Education Psychologist is working in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health in an effort to provide students with the necessary guidance and support.
In response to the concerning surge in gun violence, particularly affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands, key stakeholders from across the various Government Ministries and Departments, will conduct a national training programme slated for April 8th - 12th, 2024. This multi-sector intervention against youth violence in the TCI will be facilitated by Dr. David Borrows, multifaceted author, motivator, inspirator, businessman, consultant and mentor from the Bahamas.
It is important for the general public to know that although the incident occurred in close proximity to the school’s premises and impacted the students emotionally, no current students were involved.
Students, teachers and parents are urged to contact the Student Support Services Hotline on (232 SAFE 7233) for immediate or long-term support or assistance.
The Ministry of Education continues to work closely with local authorities and educational institutions to enhance security measures.
South Caicos receives first batch of spiny lobsters
Fishermen in South Caicos have received the first batch of spiny lobster artificial habitats under the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The program, a holistic and innovative approach that the Ministry of Tourism with responsibility for Fisheries is undertaking to combat the decline in spiny lobster catch levels caused by the destruction of natural habitats during the 2018 hurricanes.
Coupled with the increase in fuel prices and overall cost of living, lobster fishing has become a less beneficial endeavour for fishermen.
The Ministry is committed to employ strategic solutions to ensure the sustainability of the lobster industry, and the improvement the lives of people who depend on the ocean for their sustenance in a meaningful and long-lasting way.
The program’s multifaceted strategy includes financial incentives, community engagement, and ecological conservation.
In addition to providing a temporary economic boost, the program lays the groundwork for long-term sustainability by paying registered fishermen for their labour in creating artificial habitats.
Jamaica sprint legend to retire after Paris 2024 Olympics
Three-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce says she "owes" it to her family to retire after the 2024 Games.
The 37-year-old, regarded as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, won the 100m title in 2008 and 2012.
Jamaican Fraser-Pryce also won Tokyo 2020 Olympic relay gold, plus three of her 10 world titles, in a comeback after giving birth to her son in 2017.
"There's not a day I'm getting up to go practise and I'm like, 'I'm over this,'" she told Essence.com, external.
"My son needs me.
"My husband and I have been together since before I won in 2008. He has sacrificed for me.
"We're a partnership, a team. And it's because of that support that I'm able to do the things that I have been doing for all these years. And I think I now owe it to them to do something else."
She added this year's Olympics in Paris were about "showing people that you stop when you decide. I want to finish on my own terms".
In total, Fraser-Pryce has won three Olympic golds, four silvers and a bronze.
She won world bronze behind American Sha'Carri Richardson and team-mate Shericka Jackson at last summer's World Championships and will remain one of the main contenders at Paris 2024 in July and August.
She became the oldest woman to win the 100m world title with her victory in Doha in 2019 and extended that record by winning again aged 35 in Eugene in 2022 - 14 years after her first Olympic gold.
"You can have an impact, and it's important to show people that you can't be selfish," she said.
"It's not enough that we step on a track and we win medals. You have to think about the next generation that's coming after you, and give them the opportunity to also dream - and dream big."
Fraser-Pryce's World and Olympic medal haul
Olympics
Three gold: 100m (2008, 2012), 4x100m relay (2020)
Four silver: 100m (2020), 200m (2012), 4x100m relay (2012, 2016)
One bronze: 100m (2016)
World Championships
10 gold: 100m (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2022), 200m (2013), 4x100m relay (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019)
Five silver: 200m (2022), 4x100m relay (2007, 2011, 2022, 2023)
One bronze: 100m (2023)
IDB approves funds for Barbados
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says it has approved a US$100 million loan that allows Barbados to continue modernizing its policies, laws and regulations as it strives to achieve sustainable development.
It said the operation is the third in a series of three policy-based loans designed to enhance how Barbados plans its land use, controls development, and manages its water resources, natural assets, resilience, and disaster risk.
The IDB said that in Barbados, sustainability is key because most development opportunities are related to tourism and natural assets which are largely located in coastal areas.
“The way land and environmental risks are managed in these areas is critical. Also, Barbados gets its drinking water from underground, so pollution risks must be controlled in the context of changing rainfall patterns. The country’s location and exposure to climate change also make disaster risk policies especially important in safeguarding lives, investments, and the economy.”
The Washington-based financial institution said that the operation is expected to benefit the country’s entire population of nearly 300,000 people. It said programmes for coastal zone management, resilience, and disaster management will have a larger effect on low- and middle-income households, which are more vulnerable to climate impacts.
The loan, which has been approved by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors, will help advance ongoing regulatory reforms to improve land-use planning, control over development, water resource management and natural asset management.
The reforms also aim to enhance resilience and disaster management. Other measures include protocols for more systematic private sector involvement in disaster response which will strengthen a facet of post-disaster governance. “This affected households.
The bank said another reform includes policies and protocols for retrofitting low and middle-income homes to improve their resilience in the face of hurricanes and storm-force winds.
The IDB loan has a 20-year repayment term, a 5.5-year grace period and an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).
Source-CMC