Hon. Otis Morris provides statement on Providenciales Domestic Fire Service
As Minister of Home Affairs, Public Safety and Utilities and Telecommunications Commission with responsibility for the Domestic Fire Service, I wish to clarify and dispel misinformation concerning the state of the Domestic Fire Service on Providenciales.
I do acknowledge that the fire truck on Providenciales did experience mechanical issues resulting in it being out of service for urgent repairs, however, those repairs have since been completed and the truck is operational. Furthermore, despite the truck being out of service the staff of the Domestic Fire Service were on hand to assist whenever they were called upon.
As it relates to the Fire Service fleet, my Ministry and Government are aware of the needs of the Fire Service which includes an upgrade of its fleet of trucks. We are actively working on plans to provide additional fire service vehicles and equipment to the department, as well as to optimize resources and operations between the Grand Turk and Providenciales stations. The safety and well-being of our citizens are of utmost importance, and we take any concerns regarding emergency response capabilities seriously.
Let me be clear in stating that Fire Safety Officers do not need to use their private vehicles to respond to emergencies. Officers receive a transportation and on-call allowance in the event of emergency incidents but are not required to use their private vehicles to do so.
We recognize the crucial service that the Domestic Fire Service provides, and we appreciate our Officer's hard work and dedication on the frontline. In acknowledgment of this, I am grateful that the team was rewarded tangibly, following the recent pay and grade review which provided increases to the salaries of all front-line workers.
Our Fire Safety Officers received a twenty-eight-point three percent (28.3%) increase, and Senior Fire Safety Officers received a twenty-two-point five percent (22.5%) increase. This shows that indeed our first responders are being adequately compensated for their important and hard work and we will continue to ensure that they are properly remunerated.
Lastly, I wish to take this opportunity to thank our team of dedicated Officers, who are on the frontline daily, protecting our communities.
My Ministry understands the urgency of the matter and will not delay in ensuring that the Fire Service is duly and ably equipped with the necessary resources to efficiently serve the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Turks & Caicos Islands Post NSC Meeting Statement
Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, and the Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick, co-chaired a special meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Security Council (NSC) on Friday, 5th January 2024, at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales.
The primary focus of the meeting was a review of the incidents and multi-agency operations initiated over the festive period. Briefings were provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force the TCI Regiment and TCI Border Force.
The National Security Council were apprised of the successful implementation of Operation Shepherd, under which the TCI Regiment were deployed with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force over the festive period in support of Operation Reclaim III.
Operation Shepherd marked a significant milestone in joint operations with the teams resourcing Vehicle Check Points, coastal surveillance for irregular migrant vessels and supporting the security of key community events.
The Vehicle Check Points were assessed to be particularly effective with 1524 vehicles being stopped, 199 traffic tickets being issued, and 48 cars being removed from the roads due to lack of insurance.
In reviewing ongoing security requirements, the National Security Council agreed on recommendations to extend the arrangement. Accordingly, HE the Governor has issued a direction under the Defence Ordinance, to extend TCI Regiment support to the RTCIPF until Wednesday 31st January 2024.
The National Security Council were also briefed on the multi-agency assistance from regional and international partners that was secured to bolster security efforts.
Additional assets were brought in to provide aerial and marine support to the RTCIPF, TCI Regiment and TCI Border Force. These multi-agency operations included a successful operation on Friday 5th January 2024 involving a Royal Bahamian Defence Force Cutter, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service's helicopter and air support from the United States Coastguard to interdict a vessel carrying 215 illegal migrants. The vessel was escorted safely to Providenciales, where its occupants were processed and repatriated by TCI Border Force.
The National Security Council were further briefed on work to increase surveillance measures in support of marine domain awareness.
The National Security Council also discussed work to progress youth crime prevention programmes, with a key focus on addressing the root causes and creating opportunities for positive development.
To assist police investigations, the public is asked to contact 911, the RTCIPF Serious Crime Unit at 649-232-8752, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously on these incidents or any other information in respect of activity that may be of concern.
Follow-up questions are welcomed and can be directed to nationalsecurity@gov.tc
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT FEE INCREASE
In a proactive move to continually enhance facilities and services at our airports, the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has conducted a comprehensive review, leading to the decision to adjust the Airport Development Fee (ADF). This adjustment is essential to effectively achieve our commitment to providing world-class airport infrastructure and services.
Effective February 1, 2024, the Airport Development Fee will be increased by $15.00, for all international departures from Turks and Caicos Airports. These airports include Howard Hamilton International Airport, JAGS McCartney International Airport, Norman B Saunders International Airport, and the Clifford Gardiner International Airport
The rationale behind this decision is strategic, aiming to foster sustained growth and improvement in airport infrastructure. The additional funds generated from this adjustment will be directly invested in enhancing passenger experience, fortifying safety measures, and modernizing facilities to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry across all airports in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The TCIAA understands that questions and concerns may arise regarding the increase, however, we want to assure the public that this adjustment is a crucial step towards ensuring a more promising future for our airports, their passengers, and all stakeholders involved. TCIAA deeply appreciates the continuous support and collaboration of our valued passengers, partners, and the community, which play a pivotal role in upholding the high standards of service and safety at our airports.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority remains committed to delivering excellence in aviation services and ensuring the satisfaction and safety of all passengers. TCIAA thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to build a better and more resilient air travel experience.
CDB President sent on administrative leave until April
The President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, has been sent on administrative leave until April this year, as “an ongoing administrative process” continues at the region’s premier financial institution.
Well-placed sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that Leon’s computer and tablet have been seized and are questioning how the board of directors could have decided against the bank’s president “without the knowledge of the board of Governors.
“The President is the highest ranking official in the bank appointed by the Board of Governors and the board has not been made aware of the situation at the bank,” the sources told the CMC, adding “The question is how is this possible for a lower body which is the board of directors to send the highest member of the bank without informing the Board of Governors”.
According to the CDB website, the Board of Directors is responsible for the general policy and direction of the operations of CDB.
“The Board takes decisions concerning loans, guarantees, and other investments by CDB, borrowing programs, technical assistance, and other operations of the Bank. It also approves the administrative budget of the Bank and submits accounts for each financial year for approval by the Board of Governors.
“It appoints the Oversight and Assurance Committee, consisting of five of its members, for a term of two years with the option to renew for a further two years. The Board comprises 14 Directors who represent the regional members of CDB and five who represent the Non-Regional members.”
Leon is the sixth president of the regional development finance institution. He was elected at a special meeting of the CDB Board of Governors held on January 19, 2021, for a five-year term, and assumed office on May 4, 2021.
The highly regarded St. Lucian-born economist heads a team of more than 200 employees headquartered in Bridgetown, and came to the assignment with 35 years of experience in economics, financial policy development, and executive management, more than 20 of which were spent working with the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF). He had succeeded the Jamaican-born Dr. Warren Smith who retired in 2021 after serving as president for 10 years.
Last week, Leon was in Guyana holding talks with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chairman, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, and CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett.
On Thursday, Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, told reporters that Georgetown would “try to find out a bit more” regarding the announcement by the CDB that it is currently undertaking “an ongoing administrative process” involving its president.
The CDB has, however, remained silent regarding reports that senior officials of the region’s premier financial institution had been sent on administrative leave.
Jagdeo told a news conference that while Guyana has not been officially informed of the situation “we are going to try to find out a bit more about what’s going on and from official sources”.
He said he had been unsuccessful in getting information about the situation early on Thursday, adding “I did not find anything in detail about it, you probably have more information than we have at this point”.
Jagdeo told reporters “I know the press conference was postponed,” adding “The media tends to get even reports ahead because they deal with leaks”.
CMC had reported Wednesday that it was reliably informed that senior officials of the CDB had been sent on administrative leave, but that its sources could not provide further details at this time.
However in a terse one-paragraph statement late on Wednesday night, the bank said “Caribbean Development Bank acknowledges an ongoing administrative process involving the President. The Bank will not be making any further comments on this internal matter at this time”.
The statement coincided with the announcement by the bank Wednesday that it had postponed to next month, its annual news conference where it was expected to outline recommendations on how it intended to harness regional and international alliances to broker new partnerships for holistic and inclusive development.
The news conference was originally scheduled for Tuesday next week, but the one-paragraph statement announcing the postponement to February 20, gave no reason.
“The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will now be holding its 2024 Annual News Conference on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Subsequent updates will be shared directly and published via Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn,” the statement said.
But when asked by CMC for the reasons for the postponement, the CDB responded saying “The Bank’s teams needed more time”.
Source-CMC
Former Jamaican Opposition legislator charged with wife’s murder
A Jamaican former legislator with the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP), Jolyan Silvera, has been charged with the murder of his wife, Melissa.
Silvera, who has been in custody since Thursday, was charged following questioning on Friday morning by detectives attached to the Major Investigation Division.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of crime, Fitz Bailey, Silvera was taken into custody following consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions and after the police “satisfied ourselves that there is sufficient evidence to mount a viable prosecution”.
According to police reports, on November 10, Mrs. Silvera reportedly died in her sleep, but a postmortem later revealed the presence of bullet fragments in her body.
The police then opened a murder investigation into the matter, however, Silvera’s attorney, Peter Champagnie, says his client is maintaining his innocence.
Source- CMC
Weather-related deaths climb to 41 as winter maintains icy grip over much of US
There have been at least 41 weather-related deaths across the United States since Sunday, as an arctic blast continues to unleash heavy snow and icy temperatures from coast to coast.
In Tennessee alone, the Department of Health confirmed 14 weather-related deaths. As of Thursday evening, more than 80 million Americans across 30 states were on alert for cold or snowy weather.
Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service stretch from Montana to the New Jersey shoreline as a fast-moving storm system aims.
Source-ABC
Netanyahu says he opposes Palestinian state in any postwar scenario
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday rejected U.S. calls to scale back Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip or take steps toward the establishment of a Palestinian state after the war potentially widening the rift between the two allies over the scope of Israel’s war.
In a nationally televised news conference, Netanyahu struck a defiant tone, repeatedly saying that Israel would not halt its offensive until it realizes its goals of destroying Gaza’s Hamas militant group and bringing home all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
He rejected claims by a growing chorus of Israeli critics that those goals are not achievable, and vowed to press ahead. “We will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory,” Netanyahu said.
Source-ABC
Chris Brown adds Ashanti, Bryson Tiller, 112 to Tycoon Festival lineup
In honor of Valentine's Day, Chris Brown has announced the addition of some top R&B artists who'll serenade attendees of his Tycoon Festival.
Ashanti, Tank, Mannie Fresh, Bryson Tiller, DJ Envy, 112, Jermaine Dupri, Ty Dolla $ign and newcomer Fridayy have been added to the lineup.
The group joins previously announced performers Mario, Monica, Ginuwine, and Brown, who'll headline the event.
DC Young Fly will return as host for the fifth annual festival, taking place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on February 13.
Source-ABC
Super Bowl Soulful Celebration adds Kirk Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire to lineup
While Usher will be handling Super Bowl 58 duties on game day, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, and Earth, Wind & Fire are putting their efforts toward a preshow event.
The artists have been announced as the first round of stars who'll perform at CBS' The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary, Billboard reports.
The iconic gospel and soul singers join hosts Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold, who'll oversee the one-hour concert event airing Saturday, February 10, at 8 p.m. ET.
For its 25th anniversary, the music special aims to blend soul music and football with performers and honorees, the latter of which have yet to be announced.
"This event has been a labor of unwavering love and dedication, and it’s an immense honor that our 25th Anniversary will debut on a major broadcast network like CBS," Melanie Few, founder of The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, said.
The special is executive produced by Few with Emmy winner Adam Blackstone as the show's musical director.
Those hoping to attend can purchase tickets for The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, which tapes at the Pearl Theater in Las Vegas on February 7.
Source-ABC
NBA, NHL & College Basketball Results
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Chicago 116, Toronto 110
New York 113, Washington 109
Oklahoma City 134, Utah 129
Minnesota 118, Memphis 103
Indiana 126 Sacramento 121
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Buffalo 3, Chicago 0
Philadelphia 5, Dallas 1
Washington 5, St. Louis 2
Tampa Bay 7, Minnesota 3
Boston 5, Colorado 2
Ottawa 6, Montreal 2
Edmonton 4, Seattle 2
Toronto 4, Calgary 3
Vegas 5, NY Rangers 1
Vancouver 2, Arizona 1
Nashville 2, Los Angeles 1
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
South Florida 74, Memphis 73
Illinois 88, Michigan 73
FAU 86, Wichita St. 77