THREE DAY WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE EXTENDING FROM THE CENTRAL ATLANTIC WILL DOMINATE THE WEATHER PATTERN ACROSS THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TODAY.
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY TODAY BECOMING FAIR AND MILD TONIGHT.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS NEARSHORE, 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 75°F
SUNSET: 05:29 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 03:04 PM (2.0 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 09:10 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: THE HIGH PRESSURE WILL SHIFT EASTWARD AS A COLD FRONT PUSHES THROUGH THE BAHAMAS OVER THE WEEKEND. THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY IS EXPECTED TO MOVE THROUGH THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ON SUNDAY.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLY BECOMING MOSTLY FAIR AT NIGHT.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, BECOMING LIGHT AND VARIABLE IN THE AFTERNOON.
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET IN EASTERLY SWELL
SUNRISE: 06:29 AM
SUNSET: 05:29 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:52 AM (3.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:33 AM (1.0 FT)
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE. PARTLY CLOUDY AND WINDY WITH A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AT NIGHT. CHANCE OF RAIN IS 20%.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WILL BE IN EFFECT IN THE AFTERNOON.
WINDS: LIGHT AND VARIABLE IN THE MORNING, BECOMING NORTHEASTERLY AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS IN THE AFTERNOON.
SEAS: 3 TO 5 FEET, INCREASING TO 6 TO 9 FEET IN NORTHERLY TO NORTHEASTERLY SWELL AT NIGHT.
SUNRISE: 06:29 AM
SUNSET: 05:30 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:52 AM (3.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:32 AM (1.0 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
DR. DAVID BURROWS UNVEIL A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO COMBAT RISING GUN VIOLENCE
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, in collaboration with Dr. David Burrows are taking proactive steps to address this issue head-on. Mr. Gary Knowles along with members from the Christian Council and representatives from the Private Sector are also playing an integral role in the planning and execution of this rewarding initiative.
Dr. David Burrows is a multifaceted motivator, inspirator, businessman, consultant, and mentor, who has served as Chaplain to the Bahamas Government Parliament and House of Assembly and as the chief advisor to the Bahamas Government on Youth matters as Chairman of the National Youth Advisory Council on three occasions. Dr. Burrows has also engaged the services of two other street intervention specialists in the persons of Carlos Reid and Eric Fox as key contributors to this project. Collectively, they have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to accessing, engaging, and mentoring troubled youth.
The ‘REACHING THE STREETS TRAINING’, which will be facilitated by Dr. Burrows will take place in two phases. In phase one, Dr. Burrows and his team will conduct critical stakeholder engagements on Providenciales and Grand Turk. The interventions will include all sectors and will be divided into three sessions where presentations and active engagement and participation will be the order of the day. Phase one takes place between January 21st to January 24th, 2024. This assessment is critical and will provide much-needed information for the phase two intervention which will take place in February 2024.
Phase two will consist of multisector training, street interventions, and presentations across the islands. The training seeks to equip both experts and everyday individuals with useful strategies and interventions that can be employed to mitigate the impact of gun violence and influence troubled youth to make more positive choices. Participants for the training will include law enforcement, correctional officers, church and ministry leaders, community leaders, educators, pastors, parents, children, social workers, entrepreneurs and other non-profit organizational members.
The components of the training are as follows:
● Characteristics of troubled youth - Who are they and why?
● Understanding the Game- (Street and gang life)
● How to access and engage troubled youth
● Proven success strategies for effecting change
● Practical examples of successful interventions
● Organizing follow-up and monitoring
● Sustained long-term programming
● Youth leadership development for teenagers
● Mentoring and life coaching for young men
● Utilizing community resources
It is anticipated that the ‘REACHING THE STREETS TRAINING’ will promote the following:
Community Engagement Programs: Implementing community-based initiatives to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among young men. This includes mentorship programs, sports activities, and art initiatives that provide positive outlets for self-expression.
Conflict Resolution Education: Integrating conflict resolution and anger management modules into the school curriculum to equip students with essential skills to peacefully navigate disputes and challenges.
Counseling and Mental Health Support: Strengthening mental health services within schools, ensuring that students have access to professional counseling and support to address underlying issues contributing to violent behavior.
School Resource Officers: Collaborating with law enforcement to station School Resource Officers in educational institutions. These officers will build positive relationships with students while providing a visible deterrent to potential criminal activity.
Parent and Community Involvement: Establishing partnerships with parents, community leaders, and organizations to create a united front against gun violence. Regular forums and workshops will be organized to educate and involve the community in the efforts to address this pressing concern.
Curriculum Enhancement: Enhancing the curriculum to include modules on conflict resolution, empathy, and responsible decision-making. The aim is to instill values that promote a peaceful and inclusive community.
Youth Outreach Programs: Launching targeted outreach programs that engage young men through positive activities, skill-building workshops, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, the Hon. Rachel Taylor added that, “The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all citizens, residents and visitors. By implementing the ‘REACHING THE STREETS TRAINING’, we aim to empower our youth with the tools and support necessary to make positive life choices, ultimately contributing to a safer and more harmonious community.”
We request the general public’s support as we seek to provide meaningful opportunities and experiences for the youth in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Kate the Princess of Wales recovers from abdominal surgery
Kate, the Princess of Wales, is recovering after undergoing abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace confirmed Wednesday.
Kate, who turned 42 last week, was admitted Tuesday to The London Clinic for a "planned" surgery, according to the palace.
The palace did not provide further details on the type of surgery Kate underwent but confirmed to ABC News that the princess's medical issue is non-cancerous.
The surgery was "successful," according to the palace, but Kate, the wife of Prince William and mom of their three young kids, is expected to remain hospitalized for 10 to 14 days before returning to the family's home to recover.
The palace noted that Kate's hospitalization means she is not likely to resume her public duties "until after Easter."
Guyana saves millions of dollars since the country embarked on oil production
The government of Guyana has reportedly saved millions of dollars since the country embarked on oil production in 2020.
After the government’s total withdrawals of US$1.002 billion in 2023 from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) based on the legally entrenched formula, a senior government official estimated that Guyana has saved almost US$500 million.
The withdrawals were transferred to the Consolidated Fund for budgeted capital projects and programs.
In 2022 Guyana saved US$269 million which earned almost US$13 million in interest and all of the money deposited in the NRF in the United States Federal Reserve has been earning about 5 percent from overnight deposits.
More Crime in Trinidad
A shooting on the eastern Caribbean island of Trinidad left three people dead and five others wounded, police said Wednesday.
The violence occurred late Tuesday in the northwest town of Morvant when a van drove up to a group of men gathered outdoors and opened fire, police told reporters.
The conditions of the wounded weren't immediately known. It wasn't immediately clear what led to the shooting, although police are investigating whether it was gang-related. No arrests have been made.
At least 27 killings have been reported so far this year on the island of around 1.5 million people, according to local media reports.
Deputy Leader of the PDM says there are critical issues in the Fire Service
Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Robert Been, is urgently calling on the Progressive National Party (PNP) Administration to address what he describes as critical issues concerning the Fire Service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Been, in a statement to the media stated that the PDM has learnt that there is just one fire truck in Providenciales which is currently operational, which he said was fire tanker and not a fire truck.
In the statement, Been said quote:
“It has been confirmed that the others have been out of service, with one that has been in disrepair for over a year. This constitutes gross negligence by this PNP Administration, and the PDM is demanding that the Minister responsible explain why the Fire Service, a crucial component of emergency response, lacks the necessary equipment to carry out its mandate effectively,” End quote.
In that statement the deupty leader also mentioned that several Fire Service members are compelled to use their own private vehicles to respond to emergencies.
The Deputy Leader of the PDM wants to remind all residents and government officials that our firefighters, first responders, and their respective departments must have all the necessary resources and equipment to fulfill their functions effectively and this issue with the fire trucks is a matter of national security and should not be taken lightly.
Department of Special Needs Services Established.
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services has announced the establishment of the Department of Special Needs Services (DSENS).
This is a pivotal entity dedicated to advancing and enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs across the Islands. Recognizing the commendable efforts of past providers, the department said it aims to build upon the foundation they laid and further elevate the standards of special education in the region.
For its inaugural year, the department said it will be strategically focused on building service capacity and has assembled a highly skilled and passionate team committed to making a lasting impact.
The core team includes:
Dr. Anya Malcolm Gibbs - Director;
Lashaunda Dickenson Skippings - Coordinator of Assessments;
Christina Joseph - Behavioural Analyst;
Jamiliyah Jordan - Speech/Language Pathologist;
Paulette Simmons - Special Needs Teacher (SNAP);
Sheniqua Morgan - Assistant Special Needs Teacher (SNAP).
Within the next few weeks, the department aims to fill the posts of occupational therapist and six additional special needs teachers.
The ministry pointed out that the department’s overarching goal is to establish a Special Needs Center, a hub of support, resources, and expertise for individuals with special needs, noting that as part of the government’s commitment to providing exceptional services, the ministry said it is happy to announce the continued operation of the Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP) center, which currently serves as the placement for the country’s children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental challenges.
An official launch will be conducted on February 27th where more details will be provided.
Inter High School Basketball & Softball updates
Last weekend's Inter High School basketball season was quite fiery. Maranatha Academy defeated Elite High School 70-68
Marjorie Basden High School defeated Alpha Christian Academy 61-47, British West Indies Collegiate defeating the A Louise Garland Thomas High 58-57, Wesley Methodist defeating Precious Treasures International 96-57.
Now we are ready and gearing up for the semi-finals.
The semi-final round will take place at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex on February 2nd.
In that tournament, Clement Howell will take on British West Indies Collegiate, and HJ Robinson High will challenge Wesley Methodist.
The semi-final matchups will take place on February 2nd beginning at 4 pm at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex.
We urge everyone to go on down & support our youth & support your favorite school!
The Inter-High School sports softball matches were also held last weekend, where British West Indies Collegiate automatically won as Wesley Methodist forfeited the game.
HJ Robinson High also automatically qualified for the next game, as TCIPS forfeited their game.
HJ Robinson did however defeat Elite High School 6 to 0 while Clement Howell defeated A Louise Garland Thomas High 20 to 10, and HJ Robinson defeated Maranatha High 8 to 7.
RTC Sports now prepares for the final two games before the semi-finals, those will be Maranatha Academy taking on Marjorie Basden High School on Jan 19th and Clement Howell High vs Raymond Gardiner High on Jan 20th.
The top 2 from each group will progress to the semi-finals: Winner A vs Runner Up B and Winner B vs Runner Up A.
The semi-finals kick off on Jan 26th & the finals on Jan 27th in the nation's Capital, Grand Turk.
RTC Sports Watch will air the finals live at 5:45 pm.
2025 Honda Civic Hybrid confirmed along with new small Acura crossover
Honda made several announcements Thursday regarding both its core band and its premium subsidiary, Acura, giving us a taste of what to expect from both brands in 2024. The biggest news is that Acura will add a new small crossover to the lineup, slotted alongside the Integra sedan. We can also expect updates to the Honda Civic — most notably with them the introduction of a 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid model for the new sedan and hatchback — and less significant updates here and there throughout both lineups.
We know little about this new baby Acura crossover apart from what it isn't, and that's a direct import of the CDX sold overseas. Scratch that notion from your mind entirely. Honda wouldn't comment further, but we suspect the small CUV's fundamental architecture will be shared with the Honda HR-V, though we wouldn't be surprised to see it benefit from a powertrain upgrade. This is not to be confused with the Acura ZDX, which is the all-electric crossover due to arrive just about any day now. The ZDX is larger and shares its underpinnings not with anything of Honda's, but rather GM's Ultium platform. Elsewhere at Acura, we can expect a thorough interior and exterior update of the MDX and "upgrades" to the RDX.
Over at Honda, the long-expected Civic Hybrid is now officially go. It will launch this year as both a sedan and hatchback alongside a broader update that will include new styling elements (teased above) and interior upgrades; expect more closer to launch. Honda said the Odyssey will receive updates for the model year too, but did not elaborate on what to expect from the effort. We expect more on that later in 2024.
Source-Auto Blog