TCI Department alerts the public on Chicken and Cilantro Recall
TCI Environmental Health Department hereby alerts the general public that the US Food and Drug Administration has issued two recalls of contaminated chicken and cilantro respectively.
Trade between the USA and Turks and Caicos Islands involving these products, and the potential risks to local consumers necessitate a corresponding recall in these islands by the Environmental Health Department.
Recall 1:
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a North Carolina-based Raeford Farm is recalling more than 4,100 pounds of cooked chicken breasts over possible Listeria Monocytogenes contamination. The recalled chicken breasts are marked "P-239A" inside the USDA mark of inspection, along with a product code of "94268" and a package date of "1270" (Sept. 27, 2011). The products were shipped to Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
The problem was discovered after a customer's sample tested positive, but no illnesses have been reported, the USDA said.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning and a disease called Listeriosis.
Healthy people rarely get the Listeria infection, known as listeriosis, but older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face a great risk.
Symptoms can take up to two months to develop, and include diarrhea, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
In the early months of 2011, a Listeria outbreak that was linked to cantaloupes sickened 146 persons and killed 30.
Recall 2:
The Environmental Health is also alerting the public of a recent recall of Cilantro in the USA.
The FDA said that Pacific Cilantro of Salinas, Calif, is voluntarily recalling more than 6,000 cartons of cilantro that were shipped to California, Arizona, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Indiana, South Carolina and Missouri. An FDA test found salmonella in a sample of the herbs, also known as Coriander. The cilantro was grown by Salt River Farming in the Phoenix-area.
No illnesses have been reported.
The recall is considered precautionary.
Each bunch has "Pacific" on the twist tie and the UPC code 33383 80104.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness in children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience fever, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, Salmonella infection can get into the bloodstream, resulting in more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Cilantro is an herb and is sometimes referred to as coriander. Cilantro specifically refers to the leaves and stems of the coriander plant. It is a bright, pungent herb used in Asian, Mexican and Indian cooking. Cilantro is a flavorful herb also known as Chinese parsley. Consumers of the aforementioned products are advised to discontinue use immediately and consult the government medical facility for further advice.
Importers of the aforementioned products are advised to discontinue the sale of all products bearing the batch dates mentioned above. Importers are also advised to
contact Pacific International Marketing at 831-755-1398 for additional information.
CFO notes a number of steps including a restructuring of the government Treasury, to ensure financial stability after the end of direct rule over the TCI by the British
It seems as if the state of the country's finances was not on as stable a footing as noted by the former Chief Finance Officer Caroline Gardner, who ended her one year assignment in the Turks and Caicos Islands sometime in August, satisfied she said, that the country's finances are on a more stable footing.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office appointed Gardner in September of 2010 to oversee the government's finances as a requirement of loan guarantees
for the country. The goal was to put the government on track to achieve a fiscal surplus by March 2013.
'The $260 million U.K.-guaranteed refinancing package has enabled us to restore stability to the government's finances by reducing the cost of borrowing, repaying our creditors, and funding the deficits that will continue until we can balance the budget,' Gardner said prior to the end of her contract in the TCI. 'This means raising revenues and cutting expenditure, while modernizing the tax system to provide a sound basis for the future.'
'We've made a good start, but there is still a long way to go. The next two years will be critical in bringing revenue and expenditure into line.
Once we've achieved a budget surplus, then we can start to build the reserves we need to repay the TCI's high levels of debt, and invest in building a prosperous and vibrant future for the people of these islands,' she had noted.
But members of the Consultative Forum were shocked at their meeting a week ago when they learnt that the TCI is still very much in debt.
The new CFO Hugh McGarrell Groves upon assuming office noted his intent to ensure as soon as possible that we do have the financial resources the ministry needs to manage its affairs effectively.
However, speaking to journalists during the final Advisory Council press briefing last week, he explained that more accurate forecasts are now being done as more bills are being presented.
Mr McGarrell Groves also indicated a number of steps, including a restructuring of the government Treasury, to ensure financial stability after the end of direct rule over the TCI by the British.
But radio and television talk shows and local newspapers throughout the islands have been bombarded with calls and articles, suggesting there are too many Advisors in the country, when in most cases, the purpose for which they are here, could have been better served by a local person.
Chair of the Consultative Forum Mrs. Lillian Missick made the observation in her opening statement at the final sitting of the Consultative Forum when she highlighted the fact that the national debt has almost tripled from $71 to $200 million, all under the British fiscal management.
It was also an issue put forward to the Minister responsible for the Overseas Territories Henry Bellingham by Mrs. Missick when she and Advisory Council member Theo Durham, joined His Excellency the Governor Ric Todd at the Overseas Territories Consultative Council meeting in the UK earlier this month, when she informed UK ministers of the spirit of distrust and alienation that is growing among the people of the TCI.
The Chief Financial Officer, Hugh McGarrell Groves was also asked during Wednesday's Advisory Council press briefing for his thoughts on the fact that there should be more local persons as Advisors, who know the landscape of the country and what assurance are there that persons coming from the UK that doesn't know enough about the TCI to make things better.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Delton Jones, weighing in on the financial stability of the country, noted that when all is said and done, the record will indicate that his staff did indeed make the necessary efforts to get the TCI finances under control and is confident his staff will have the correct system in place.
TCI National Blood Bank says thanks
As the year comes to an end, the TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS NATIONAL BLOOD BANK in the Ministry of Health is expressing its sincere thanks to all the
dedicated blood donors and volunteers in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
A statement from Latricia Ingham & Ricardo Missick of the Turks & Caicos National Blood Bank, said 'On behalf of Turks & Caicos Islands National Blood Bank and the patients we serve, we thank you for your generosity, selflessness and commitment, especially for the overflowing support during our Blood Drive held on Friday 16th, December 2011.'
Thanks to every Media house, as well as, persons who helped in spreading the word through various means. To the entire staff at Inter-Health Canada for their support and who worked feverishly with us into the night.
The need for blood doesn't take a break over the long weekends and there is a continuous need for all blood types. Many have already given that "PERFECT GIFT!" The gift of LIFE! Someone is alive today because of your gift!
Now that you, the community are aware of the need and the importance of being a donor we ask that you continue to donate, and if you have not as yet done so, now is the time to give "THAT PERFECT GIFT!"
The very life you save may be your own.
Best wishes for a quiet and peaceful Holiday Season.
Spokesman in the Governor's Office, Mr. Neil Smith says TCIG is not subsidizing WIV
Spokesman in the Governor's Office, Mr. Neil Smith, has dispelled as mischievous rumors the notion that WIV is being subsidized by the TCIG.
A press statement from Mr. Smith, noted that he has been approached twice by two separate media outlets about the notion of a Government subsidy for
WIV.
'I am please to confirm that there is no truth to these mischievous rumours. There is no financial support for WIV. There is no preference for WIV over PTV (or any other media outlet). And the Government's expectation is that the TCI media houses report the news without fear, favor or prejudice.
What may be influencing certain people's perceptions is that WIV, as part of a larger regional media business, has chosen to investment in their TCI business at this time. This is a private and commercial matter for WIV's owners and managers, said the Governor's spokesperson, Mr. Neil Smith.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
24 Hour Crime Recap Providenciales
During the past twenty-four hours Police in Providenciales responded to five reports of serious crimes namely two (2) Burglaries on South Dock Rd and Kew Town; two (2) Attempted Burglaries in Juba Sound & Blue Hills and one (1) of Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm in Blue Hills.
Detective Inspector Calvin Chase said during this period, one male was charged for a Burglary that was reported on 13th December 2011. A male was charged for the offense of Wounding, which was reported on 17th December 2011.
One male has been arrested on suspicion for Handling Stolen Goods in connection with a report made on 19th December 2011.
ARIANNA LIGHTS UP THE HOSPITAL
A BRIGHT festive period is guaranteed at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, thanks to little Arianna Gardiner.
The eight-year-old former patient switched on the hospital's Christmas lights at a special ceremony held last week.
Arianna broke her leg following a fall at school earlier this year and underwent emergency treatment and surgery. She also received an intensive rehabilitation programme in the centre's physio-therapy department.
InterHealth Canada CEO, Dr Roger Cheesman, said: Arianna is a shining example of everything that is good about the TCI hospital. She suffered a nasty injury which required specialist treatment from our team of skilled and dedicated staff and she is now fighting fight and fully recovered.
"We are delighted she agreed to come and switch on our Christmas lights and I wish her, all the InterHealth Canada staff, our patients, partners and our friends here in the TCI, a very happy festive time and a healthy and prosperous new year."
The switch-on event featured carols from both the TCI Youth Chorale and a hospital staff choir. Father Christmas also made a flying visit, having hitched a ride on a huge gleaming fire truck.
A similar event was held at Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk.
A beaming Arianna, said: "Everyone at the hospital has been so kind and I am proud to have been asked to switch on the Christmas lights. Thanks to everyone for making me better, especially my physio-therapist, Shareel."
Magazine editor resigns over 'racist' Rihanna article
For those out there that argue that racism doesn't exist anymore, I'm here to tell you not only does it still exist, its being published and circulated in the media! Bajan popstar Rihanna was called the ultimate "n---- bitch" by a white Dutch magazine IDIOT editor. There's no woman I know of that's going to take that well, especially a Caribbean woman. Rihanna fired back with a well-worded and well written tweet:
"@evajackie I hope u can read english, because your magazine is a poor representation of the evolution of human rights! I find you disrespectful and rather desperate!! You ran out of legit, civilized information to print!" Rihanna wrote. "There are 1000's of Dutch girls who would love to be recognized for their contributions to your country, you could have given them an article. Instead, u paid to print one degrading an entire race! That's your contribution to this world! To encourage segregation, to mislead the future leaders to act in the past! You put two words together, with the intent of abasement, that made no sense ... 'N---a Bitch'?!....Well with all respect, on behalf of my race, here are my two words for you ... F--- YOU!!!
Here's the translation of what the white Dutch editor wrote about Rihanna:
"She has street cred, she has a ghetto ass and she has a golden throat. Rihanna, the good girl gone bad, is the ultimate n***a bitch and she displays that gladly — for her that means what's on can come off. If that means she'll be on the stage half naked, then so be it. But Dutch winters aren't like Jamaican ones, so pick a clothing style in which your daughter can resist minus ten [temperatures]. No to the big sunglasses and the pornheels, and yes to the tiger print, pink 'shizzle,' and everything that glitters. Now let's hope she won't beat anybody up at daycare."
Since the back and forth:
The editor of a Dutch fashion magazine criticised by US singer Rihanna for using a racist slur to describe her, has resigned.
Eva Hoeke, editor-in-chief at Jackie, will leave with immediate effect after the pop star reacted angrily on Twitter to the article.
The singer labelled the publication "disrespectful" and "rather desperate".
A statement from Jackie apologised with Hoeke saying she has reacted "too quickly" to criticism of the article.
The feature used language to describe Rihanna that the star found offensive.
Star's anger
Directing her anger at Hoeke on Twitter Rihanna wrote: "There are thousands of Dutch girls who would love to be recognised for their contributions to your country, you could have given them an article.
"Instead, you paid to print one degrading an entire race."
Rihanna also accused the magazine's article of being "a poor representation of the evolution of human rights."
The magazine has apologised in a statement posted on their Facebook page.
In the post Hoeke is quoted as saying: "I realise that my first reaction through Twitter, in which I indicated that it was a joke, has been an incomplete misrepresentation of what me, and also the author of the article, meant.
"I should have counted to 10 before taking unsubtle stands through social media channels.
"Through this my credibility has been hurt, and that neither fits the role of an editor-in-chief, nor Jackie Magazine. "
Before the announcement of Hoeke's departure she had described the article as a "bad joke" on Twitter, and had defended the article saying there was "no racist motive".
The magazine's publisher said they will invite Rihanna to share her opinions on the article in their next issue.
RED CARPET SHELLY/BBC NEWS BEAT
Kate's First Royal Christmas: What Will She Give the Queen?
For any newlywed, the first Christmas with the in-laws can be intense. Now imagine spending it with Queen Elizabeth.
That's exactly what Kate faces when she joins husband Prince William and his family at Sandringham House, about 110 miles north of London, for the holiday.
The pressures range from what to wear to what to give the family that has everything.
Even so, the festivities will kick off on Christmas Eve, when the presents are exchanged, following the German tradition started by Queen Victoria. As the Queen sips her usual gin and Dubonet, the younger royals will likely partake in the locally brewed cider or wine.
And, in keeping with both the Queen's frugality and the fact that the royals can have virtually anything they desire, gifts are normally fun and jokey rather than expensive and showy.
"Kate has the brains to realize that you don't buy extravagant presents. The royals don't approve of that," says author Judy Wade. "You give small, inexpensive things that are thoughtful. There's a lot of scurrying around by aides of royals asking other aides what their principles want for Christmas."
On Dec. 25 there is a parade to church – something that gives local well-wishers a chance to see and the family on the holiday.
As for wardrobe changes, despite reports that Kate will have to prepare five outfits a day, insiders find this unlikely. "Everyone's really practical, after all it's winter in Norfolk," a source says.
As a result, Kate might be considering something special for Christmas Eve cocktails and dinner, then another outfit for Christmas morning – to get her through breakfast, the walk to church, followed by the traditional lunch of roast turkey or game and a vast array of seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts.
In the evening, there will be a change for dinner and the inevitable parlor games, such as charades. The Queen's favorites are jigsaw puzzles and Scrabble.
Dec. 26, known as Boxing Day, should find Kate on the pheasant shoot on the vast 20,000-acre estate, where the royals are joined by locals and estate workers. And despite talk that Kate's sister Pippa, 28, will be joining the fun, she was not invited to Sandringham. However, William and Kate are likely to visit the Middletons in the days after Christmas.
PEOPLE
Kartel's case goes to Home Circuit Court
THE murder case involving jailed entertainer 'Vybz Kartel' and his three co-accused was Monday transferred to the Home Circuit Court where the men are to be tried for the killing of Clive 'Lizard' Williams.
The case was transferred from the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court after Director of Public Prosecution Paula Llewellyn entered a voluntary bill of indictment, effectively foregoing any preliminary enquiry.
When the four — Kartel, Cairo Jones, Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell, and Calvin Haye — appeared in the Home Circuit Court, they were remanded until January 13, 2012 after an order was made for the prosecution to disclose to the defence, by January 5, all the material in its possession relating to the case.
Two other men — Shane Williams and Andre St John, who are charged along with Kartel and the other men — were not transferred to the High Court because their names were not on the voluntary bill of indictment. They are expected to be transferred as well.
Both Williams and St John will return to the RM court on December 21.
Williams is alleged to have been murdered on August 16 over the disappearance of an illegal gun. His body is yet to be found but the prosecution said that it has video and other evidence to prove the murder.
Also appearing in court on Monday was Vanessa 'Gaza Slim' Saddler, the Portmore Empire member who is jointly charged with Kartel with conspiracy and attempting to pervert the course of justice. On this charge, it is being alleged that texts were sent to Saddler, causing her to make a report to the Constant Spring police that she had been robbed by Williams. The prosecution is contending that the report was made in order to give the impression that Williams was not dead.
In making his application for Saddler, attorney Pierre Rogers said, among other things, that the man who held up Saddler was masked and identified himself as Williams. Rogers, also said that his client was not a flight risk.
However, Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey refused the application, noting the seriousness of the allegations that she attempted to interfere with an investigation.
Saddler, Campbell and Kartel — were remanded on these charges until January 9.
On a different matter, Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer — is to return to the RM Court on February 13 next year when he will be tried on a ganja possession charge.
Kartel, along with other men, is also facing murder and other charges in relation to the shooting death of Gregory Park, St Catherine resident Barrington Bryan, alias 'Bossie', in July. He was offered bail in the sum of $3 million in relation to this murder and will next appear in the RM court on December 21 on that charge.
Nicki Minaj's “Super Bass" EW's "Best Singles of 2011"
Entertainment Weekly , name Nicki Minaj's “Super Bass" from her Pink Friday album, as Best Singles of 2011.
It was the boom badoom boom heard round the world,” says Entertainment Weekly of the infectious tune heard around the world
Best Singles of 2011
1. Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass”
2. Foster the People – “Pumped Up Kicks”
3. The Throne feat. Frank Ocean – “No Church in the Wild”
4. Lana Del Rey – “Video Games”
5. Beyoncé – “Countdown”
6. Wild Flag – “Romance”
7. Britney Spears – “I Wanna Go”
8. Colbie Caillat – “Brighter Than the Sun”
9. Foo Fighters – “Walk”
10. Kelly Clarkson – “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)”
EW’s Worst Songs of the Year:
“Jam (Turn It Up)” – Kim Kardashian
“Leck Mich im Arsch” – Insane Clown Posse
“T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)” – will.i.am ft. Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger
“Shotgun” – Limp Bizkit
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” cover – Miley Cyrus