Super Bowl halftime: Usher goes from 2011's special guest to 2024's headliner
Bringing out special guests during the Super Bowl halftime show has become a thing in recent years — except for Rihanna, unless you want to count the baby in her belly at the time as a "guest." This year's Super Bowl halftime performer, Usher, was even a guest back in 2011.
After several years of classic rock artists, 2011 marked the year pop music returned to the Super Bowl, with Black Eyed Peas playing halftime. Usher was a guest during the show, performing "OMG" after making his entrance from the ceiling on a wire, which he says could have ended in disaster.
At a press conference February 8 in Vegas, Usher recalled, "My hand got caught in the wire that was holding me, like, 30 feet in the air. And I almost missed my first mark. I was like, 'Oh my God, don’t let this malfunction cause me to miss something!'"
But Usher said he also recalled "how amazing it felt to be in front of that many people and feel the energy — so much so that it made me really passionate about eventually getting this moment."
The idea of having big-name stars perform during halftime only dates back to 1991, when New Kids on the Block did it. Before that, marching bands, older stars like Chubby Checker or the vocal troupe Up with People were the norm.
But what changed the game was Michael Jackson's 1993 performance, featuring an inflatable globe and a choir of over 3,000 local children. Thanks to Michael, the ratings increased between halves during the game. From then on, stars and spectacle were the rule.
Here's a look back at who's done the halftime show since 1991:
1991 -- New Kids on the Block
1992 -- Gloria Estefan
1993 -- Michael Jackson, performing with 3,500 children
1994 -- Country stars Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd
1995 -- Patti LaBelle, Miami Sound Machine and Tony Bennett
1996 -- Diana Ross
1997 -- ZZ Top, James Brown, the Blues Brothers featuring Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman and James Belushi
1998 -- Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, the Temptations, Queen Latifah
1999 -- Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
2000 -- Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton
2001 -- Aerosmith, *NSYNC, Britney Spears, Nelly, Mary J. Blige
2002 -- U2
2003 -- Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting
2004 -- Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, Kid Rock, P. Diddy
2005 -- Paul McCartney
2006 -- The Rolling Stones
2007 -- Prince
2008 -- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
2009 -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
2010 -- The Who
2011 -- Black Eyed Peas
2012 -- Madonna
2013 -- Beyoncé (and Destiny's Child, briefly)
2014 -- Bruno Mars feat. Red Hot Chili Peppers
2015 -- Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott
2016 -- Coldplay, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars
2017 -- Lady Gaga
2018 -- Justin Timberlake
2019 -- Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi
2020 -- Jennifer Lopez and Shakira
2021 -- The Weeknd
2022 -- Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg with 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak
2023 -- Rihanna
2024 -- Usher
Creator of Grenada’s national flag dies as the country celebrates 50th anniversary of independence
Anthony Conrad George, the designer of the Grenada National Flag died in the United Kingdom on Wednesday, the same day the island celebrated its 50thanniversary of political independence from Britain, attorney Jacqueline McKenzie has said.
“On the day that Grenadians celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence, with the country adorned by thousands of flags of red, green and gold, of the nutmeg, and of the stars representing the seven parishes, its creator, Anthony George, passed on to the ancestors,” she said, as she paid tribute to the 86-year-old.
Opposition Leader, Dr. Keith Mitchell in a statement paying tribute to George, said “we mourn the loss of the visionary behind our National Flag, a true patriot whose legacy is eternally woven into Grenada’s identity.
“His contributions transcend art, embodying our unity and diversity. Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones,” said Mitchell.
George, who lived in the United Kingdom and Grenada, was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2007 and according to his 2013 memoir “Beyond Belief” he had envisioned for the national flag an aesthetic that would stand the test of time, and placed the star at the centre to symbolise the sovereignty of the nation’s new beginning and beyond, while the other stars reference mariners who relied on them for navigation.
Regarding the components of the national flag, George wrote that the “red border represents love, fervour, courage, aspiration and a burning desire to be free.
“The colour gold, in which yellow is sometimes substituted in (flag reproductions), represents the warmth of our character and friendliness ‘for which we’re renowned;’ our wisdom and fortitude, and of course, the beautiful sunshine we enjoyed all year round in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The colour green represents the richness of our soil, the fertility of our land, and the lush vegetation of our island’s agriculture.”
George, the second of five children, has appeared on stamps (2009), and received numerous awards including the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, for Community Services and Nation Building. His moment of great joy was when A C George Road in Soubise, St Andrew, was named in his honour in 2012.
“When someone dies, we often say their legacy will live on. George’s truly will if yesterday’s magical celebrations of Grenada 50, and the central role played by his design, is anything to go by,” McKenzie wrote.
Source-CMC
5 missing Marines confirmed dead following helicopter crash
Five missing Marines have been confirmed dead more than 24 hours after their helicopter crashed during a training flight, the U.S. Marine Corps said Thursday.
The Marines had been reported missing when their CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was "reported overdue" to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Tuesday night. The helicopter departed from Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas and was en route to Miramar, in the San Diego area.
Source-ABC
CRIME AND A HOLISTIC, SOCIETAL APPROACH TO REDUCTION by HON. JAMELL ROBINSON
HON JAMELL ROBINSON MHA, MINISTER FOR PHYSICAL PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, TWO MINUTE ADDRESS ON CRIME AT THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SITTING HELD ON TUESDAY THE 6TH OF FEBRUARY 2024.
Today, I stand before you with a heavy heart, deeply concerned about the recent surge in crime that has taken a toll on our community. The alarming increase in incidents involving innocent bystanders being shot and targeted shootings has left us all grappling with fear and uncertainty. Criminal activities demand not just a response from law enforcement but a collective effort from every citizen.
Our first responsibility is to express solidarity with the victims and their families. Each life lost or altered by violence is a stark reminder of the fragility of human existence.
Our streets should be safe havens, not battlegrounds. It's time for each of us to shoulder our responsibility in reclaiming the security that every citizen deserves. We cannot stand idle, hoping for change; instead, we must actively engage in the fight against crime.
The very essence of community and shared safety is under threat.
Citizenship is not a passive role; it's an active duty. We must be the eyes and ears of our neighbourhoods, reporting suspicious activities and fostering a community where crime finds no shelter. It's time to break the silence and build a network of vigilance that protects us all.
Education and opportunity are the antidotes to crime. As a government, we will continue to invest in programs that empower our people.
We are confident that well-educated, engaged citizens are the backbone of a crime-free society.
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t highlight the crucial role played collectively by our Ministries of Government in contributing to the reduction of crime through targeted initiatives and programs.
National Security - focusing on law enforcement, and overall public safety.
Border Services continues to ensure that the entry of individuals with criminal intent is prevented.
Social services and rehabilitation work together to offer support to individuals at risk.
Education and Sports working to educate and engage a young population and teach them lessons of discipline, dedication, and competition that doesn’t end in deadly conflict. After-school initiatives, mentorship programs, and vocational training are designed to engage youth positively, reducing the likelihood of involvement in criminal activities.
Finance with a mandate through it’s MSME program to foster and harness the entrepreneurial spirit of the young and not so young amongst us.
And of course, my Ministry, PPID will continue to utilize every resource in our engagement with various ministries, the Informal Settlements Unit, and other agencies as we work towards developing and providing critical and necessary infrastructure to ensure and enhance safer communities across these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
During a joint press statement by H.E. The Governor and our Premier, on Saturday, Feb 3, several initiatives were announced in response to a call for action. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will assist the TCI within the next few days with the following personnel: Firearms Commander and Officers, Operations Planner, Investigators and a Criminal Act and Intelligence Analyst
Each role mentioned plays a crucial and specialized role in the fight against crime. Firearms Officers, Operations Planner, Commander, and Investigators are essential for strategic planning, forensic techniques, and effective response. While a Criminal Act and Intelligence Analyst will assist in identifying trends, and provide intelligence.
In conclusion, the battle against crime is a whole of society responsibility. We must unite in our determination to make our streets safe, our homes secure, and our community a place where every citizen can thrive. Together, with compassion as our driving force, we can create a future free from the shadows of crime.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services Migrant Health System Goes Digital
The Ministry of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce the successful completion and launch of phase three of the Migrant Health Evaluation system. The Digitalization & E- Government Technology and Innovation (DETI) unit, within the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade, and developers have finalized phase three of the new system, which is scheduled to go live on February 19th, 2024.
In phase 1, a more secure system was introduced, providing each Migrant Health Officer with accountability and access to the Migrant Health system.
Phase 2 witnessed the development of a Medical Health Management and Health Certificate Management portal, featuring a secured QR code and Access Code backend validation, along with User Security groups for various levels of access to System and Applicant data. The Unit can now send medicals via email or text to each applicant or their representative. An additional layer of security allows the Labour Department to view approved medicals on the MHU portal.
In phase 3, both local and international doctors can directly register and submit applications via the MHU Portal, eliminating the need for third-party involvement. Applicants can create an account for direct access to their application status and Migrant Health E-Certificate.
With the launch of the MHU Portal, reprinting services will be discontinued. The Migrant Health Unit advises all clients to download their Migrant Health E-Certificates before the portal's launch. Clients with hard copy certificates can either scan the QR Code or enter the Certificate Number and Access Code on the portal.
Commenting on the successful completion of this system is Ms. Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager with responsibility for the Migrant Health Unit who stated that “the Migrant Health Evaluation program has undergone significant upgrades and updates over the past two years. With the help and dedication of the team from DETI, we can now boast of our online portal which allows for more safety and efficiency in migrant health processing. We wish to register our thanks to the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade, the team at DETI and the developers for their work on this project”.
Taking note of the success of the Primary Health Care Unit, and the Ministry of Health and Human Services by extension, the Minister of Health and Human Services Hon. Shaun D. Malcolm expressed how pleased he was in relation to this milestone. He noted that this success will go a long way in helping the unit to process applications in timely manner. He also expressed his gratitude to all the agencies who made the success of this initiative possible, including former Ministers of Health (Deputy Premier EJ Saunders and Hon. Jamal Robinson), and her Excellency the Deputy Governor.
Access the Certificate Validation Portal at: https://healthcertificate.gov.tc.
Please take note of these essential dates as we navigate through the pivotal phases of Migrant
Health System’s digital evolution.
Key Dates:
- February 9th, 2024 - Last date to request a reprint
- February 9th, 2024 - Last date to submit hard copy applications - February 19th, 2024 - MHU Portal Goes Live
- February 19th, 2024 - Doctor’s Registration
The Ministry of Health and Human Services extends its gratitude to DETI for their commitment and hard work in ensuring the project's progression and completion.
The new system promises increased robustness and user-friendliness for all stakeholders, ensuring secure and smooth processing of medicals and issuance of Certificates of Good Health.
For more information on our new system, please call 649-338-5063 or email migranthealth@gov.tc.
Clement Howell High School are Double TCISS Inter-High Boys Basketball Champions
Two years in a row, the Clement Howell High School (CHHS) have dominated the TCISS Inter-High Boys Basketball Championships, losing zero games all season. The Championship weekend took place February 2-3, 2024.
The season lasted four months starting in November, splitting thirteen schools into Groups A and B.
The Semi-final 1 saw Clement Howell High School (CHHS) Eagles meet the British West Indies Collegiate (BWIC) Spartans for the first time this season as they were in separate groups. The Eagles flew to a 40-point lead by the end of the game, winning 94 – 54. In Semi-final 2, HJ Robinson High School (HJRHS) Stallions also met the Wesley Methodist School for the first time this season, winning the game 62 – 46.
Leading up to the semi-finals, the Stingrays had only lost one game which was to the Eagles. The Stallions had also remained undefeated all season until they finally faced CHHS. This tumultuous game resulted in a blowout in CHHS’ favour 103 – 62.
The third-place playoff game between WM Stingrays and BWIC Spartans was arguably the game of the night. This game went into double overtime, with BWIC edging over the Stingrays in the result of 82 – 80.
All teams fought to the finish, wearing their school’s name with pride. We look forward to next year’s Championships where all teams will have CHHS on their sights to dethrone.
TCISS Inter-High Basketball Championship 2023/24 Awardees
1st Place - Clement Howell High School
2nd Place - HJ Robinson High School
3rd Place - British West Indies Collegiate
2023/24 Season Awards
Most Steals - Emrike Daceus (CHHS)
Most Assists - Emrike Daceus (CHHS)
Most Rebounds - Dumsele Poteinsky (WM)
Most Blocks - Dumsele Poteinsky (WM)
Most Points - Allison Almonte (EHS)
Player of the Conference Pool A - Samuel Harvey (BWIC)
Player of the Conference Pool B - Dumsele Poteinsky (WM)
Championship Game Awards
CHAMPIONSHIP MVP - Dashawn Lightbourne (CHHS)
Barbados to table new energy supply legislation
The Barbados government says it will table new electricity supply legislation this year as it begins the process of creating a new macro framework that is legislated for a new look energy sector.
Energy and Business Minister, Lisa Cummins, told the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Second Annual Green and Renewable Energy Expo, that the island “must have the flagship piece of energy supply legislation, not just in the region, [but] in the world, by the middle of 2024.
“It is our intention to take that legislation to Parliament and to begin the process of creating a new macro framework that is legislated for a new look energy sector,” she said, noting that the government is committed to leading in the area of democratisation of energy supply.
She noted that stakeholders and the public were given an opportunity to review, comment on, and submit their views on the draft Electricity Supply Bill and that the current model had been a challenge to the utility company, and a drag on the wider economy.
“We have to be in a position to ensure that we have an internal energy market that works for renewables. We have to have an energy market and an energy grid that is fit for renewables and not the other way around. Our market has to be designed and redesigned to fully integrate renewables into the wider electricity market and remove the existing barriers that we can see, feel, and experience.
“As the next step on this trajectory, I wish to share that on the 19th of February, we will begin broader consultations on the Electricity Supply Act, and we will open that to wider consultations, so we are in a position to receive comments from everyone who has an interest in so doing…. It allows for us to have a conversation in this country for the first time around concepts like micro grids, that is embedded in the legislation…,” Cummins said.
She told the audience that the gap between policy and regulation must be closed, and gave the assurance that her Ministry would be working through it.
Cummins said an Energy Transition Investment Plan had been developed and the Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan (IRRP) had been amended.
“I now have in hand the final version…which will now be the 2024 (IRRP), because I have asked for two smaller revisions for the benefit of people who are non-technical to be included in the documentation. But we now have, and I expect to be in a position to take to Cabinet, in the next couple of weeks, a new Energy Transition Investment Plan and a new IRRP.
“Those are the policy frameworks that will guide our sector; those are the things that sit at the…macro level that then determine where we go next,” Cummins said as she commended the financial institutions for their commitment to and investment in the renewable energy sector.
Source-CMC
Court orders ministry of health to pay legal costs of civil and human rights group
Justice Frank Seepersad has ordered the Ministry of Health to pay the legal costs incurred by the leader of the civil and human rights group, First Wave Movement, Umar Abdullah, who had sought information on the adverse reports of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.
Justice Seepersad said the information sought by Abdullah was important in the public’s interest and should have been provided by the ministry.
The High Court judge said that it was important for citizens to know the possible risks associated with these vaccines so that they can make informed decisions in deciding to subject themselves to the jab.
The Ministry of Health did not put in an appearance at the February 6 hearing although the State had been served with the court’s previous orders when leave was granted and the claim.
The ministry was ordered to pay TT$17,500 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) in costs because only some of the information sought by Abdullah had been provided after he filed his lawsuit.
On October 10, 2023, Abdullah said he embarked on a project to get information on COVID-19 vaccines and asked for the total number of adverse reports of the vaccines; a list of all the reports identifying specific concerns – for example, blood clots, headaches, stroke and heart attack – the number of people who died because of the vaccine and copies of all reports sent to vaccine manufacturers, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
He said during the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the ministry’s system to address the reporting of adverse events of the COVID-19 vaccines was the online Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccines and Immunisations (ESAVI).
On January 16, the ministry in its response said the total number of adverse reports made to ESAVI up to August 10, 2023, was 50. It also provided a breakdown of the signs and symptoms. There were also zero deaths as a result of the vaccine.
They included body pain; nerve pain; weakness; heavy, irregular, longer menstrual periods and later periods; pronounced pre-menstrual symptoms; heart palpitations; severe coughing; increased pulse and blood pressure; pain at the injection point; twitching of the face; muscle spasms and pain; joint pain; tingling of the hands and feet; fevers; shortness of breath; and headaches.
An epileptic patient reported increased seizures.
The ministry said it did not have the number of people that recovered from any adverse effect nor did it have reports sent to the manufacturers, PAHO or the WHO.
Source-CMC
TALIA THOMAS APPOINTED AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Talia Thomas to the position of Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) in the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs.
A native of South Caicos, Thomas brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in the Ministry of Education.
Commencing her journey as a teacher at the Enid Capron Primary School, Thomas quickly ascended through the ranks, assuming roles such as Vice-Principal, Principal, Education Officer and Education Policy and Planning Manager within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services.
Thomas possesses a Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Teacher Education from Northern Caribbean University, Jamaica, and a Master's with Distinction in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. In addition to this, she has obtained numerous professional certifications across a range of disciplines.
Commenting on the appointment of Thomas, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams stated:
“It is with great pleasure that I extend congratulations to Ms. Talia Thomas on her appointment as the new Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Regulations, which was established earlier this year.
As she embarks on this new path in her career journey, we express our profound thanks to her for her invaluable contributions throughout the years to developing and implementing key policies, training and curriculum programmes, and initiatives within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services." End quote
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion Ms. Thomas!”