Mass Casualty Management Training Conducted by Health Emergency Management Unit
The Ministry of Health and Human Services through its National Health Emergency Management Unit remains committed to providing a comprehensive approach to health emergency management in response to public health threats including natural and man-made disasters affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Health Emergency Management Unit (HEMU) conducted a Mass Casualty Management Training on the island of South Caicos from 30th October to 4th November 2023. This was the second training of this nature carried out on the island of South Caicos. The training was conducted by the Director of Health Disaster, Education and Training, Miss Charlene Higgs, a Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) certified Mass Casualty Instructor.
Eighteen persons participated in this training. Participants were drawn from the various response agencies. These included first responders such as Police, fire, emergency medical technicians, healthcare workers from Primary Healthcare and Environmental Health Department. Other agencies represented included the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, Immigration, Airports Authority (Security and Apron Control Officers) and Customs and Border Force.
The Mass Casualty Management Course is a didactic multisectoral training course consisting of five days of lectures, field exercises, role-playing, and a final written, desktop, and field exercise designed to sharpen the response skills of mass casualty responders to effectively manage events. It is vitally important for response agencies to train together to build their island-specific response.
The Health Emergency Management Unit will continue these trainings throughout the islands to ensure that the Turks and Caicos are in a state of readiness for adequate responses to natural, man-made, chemical or radioactive events.
For more information regarding Mass Casualty Training, please contact Ms. Charlene Higgs, Director of Health Disaster, Education and Training on 338-3064.
TCIG PAY & Grading Results
Join RTC for this live broadcast at 10am with Deputy Governor Williams, Premier Missick & Deputy Premier Saunders.
20 year old suspect arrested in TCI
A 20-year-old male suspect remains in police custody following a firearm-related incident over the weekend.
The suspect of Dock Yard, Providenciales, was apprehended following reports of gunshots being heard in Bible Street, Blue Hills, during an attempted robbery on Saturday night - November 25th.
Around 9:19 pm, the Police Control Room received several reports of gunshots. Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force responded and arrested the suspect upon arrival at the location.
Officers also recovered a firearm and several rounds of ammunition at the scene. Head of Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection Unit Superintendent Dean Holden said: “It is now known that the suspect was detained at the scene by three persons who acted incredibly brave in the face of such a severe threat. Though their actions are commendable, the RTCIPF wishes to advise that persons should not put themselves at risk but instead call 911 or the closest police station.” End quote
This remains an active investigation, with detectives from the Serious Crime Unit spearheading inquiries.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities to contact 911, the closest police station, the RTCIPF Serious Crime Unit at 232-8752, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and give any information anonymously.
TCI Weather
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE BUILDING IN THE WAKE OF A FRONTAL BOUNDARY JUST NORTH OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACHGOERS AND SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION ALONG EASTERN SHORELINES DUE TO ROUGH SURF AND RIP CURRENTS.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND BREEZY. MOSTLY FAIR AND BREEZY TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION IN EFFECT
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET, BUILDING UP TO 7 FEET TONIGHT
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 84°F 29°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 79°F 26°C
SUNSET: 5:04 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 5:46 PM (1.0 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 11:18 PM (2.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL WEAKEN AS IT MOVES SOUTHEASTWARD THROUGH EARLY ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON. FRESH TO STRONG NORTHEAST TO EAST WINDS AND ROUGH SEAS DUE TO A NORTHWEST SWELL IN THE WAKE OF THE FRONT WILL GRADUALLY SUBSIDE THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON. STRONG HIGH PRESSURE WILL SHIFT EASTWARD AND WEAKEN EARLY NEXT WEEK DUE TO A COLD FRONT THAT IS EXPECTED TO COME OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA EARLY ON MONDAY.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND BREEZY. PARTLY CLOUDY AND BREEZY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE AT NIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 6 TO 8 FEET IN NORTHEASTERLY TO EASTERLY SWELL
SUNRISE: 6:11 AM
SUNSET: 5:04 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:25 AM (0.7 FT) 06:32 PM (1.0 FT)
HIGH TIDE:
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND BREEZY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE. PARTLY CLOUDY AND A BIT BREEZY AT NIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS, DECREASING TO 10 TO 15 KNOTS AT NIGHT
SEAS: 5 TO 7 FEET, SUBSIDING TO 4 TO 6 FEET AT NIGHT.
SUNRISE: 6:11 AM
SUNSET: 5:05 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:05 AM (2.0 FT) 12:52 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 06:10 AM (1.0 FT) 07:18 PM (1.2 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 7 DAYS.
THIS IS THE LAST REGULARLY SCHEDULED TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK OF THE 2023 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON. ROUTINE ISSUANCE OF THE TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK WILL RESUME ON MAY 15, 2024.
Paris attack near Eiffel Tower leaves one dead and two injured
A man has died and two others have been injured in an attack on a street in central Paris.
France's Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said an attacker had targeted tourists around the Quai de Grenelle, which is close to the Eiffel Tower.
He added that the assailant had been arrested and the injured were being treated by emergency services.
Citing a police source, AFP news agency said the man who died - identified as a German national - was stabbed.
Mr Darmanin said the alleged attacker had shouted "Allahu Akbar", Arabic for "God is greatest", and told police he was upset about the situation in Gaza.
He said the suspect was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning another attack and was on the French security services watchlist.
The man was also known to have suffered psychiatric disorders, Mr Darmanin said.
French newspaper Le Monde reports that the suspect was born in 1997.
A police operation is ongoing around the Bir-Hakeim metro station, and authorities have urged people to avoid the area.
U.S House votes to expel Rep. George Santos
The House voted to expel Republican Rep. George Santos on Friday, a historic move that hasn’t happened in more than 20 years.
It was the third attempt to expel the scandal-ridden congressman. He is just the sixth House member in history to be forcibly removed by his colleagues. House Republican leaders, though, rallied around Santos early Friday, stating they would vote against the resolution.
The expulsion vote came two weeks after a scathing House Ethics Committee report detailed what investigators said was Santos' use of campaign funds for his benefit. Santos has repeatedly criticized the report as a political smear, though he's yet to refute specific allegations.
Source-ABC
Beyoncé drops surprise new single & other artists
In honor of the opening weekend of Beyoncé's Renaissance concert film, the singer has released new music.
She dropped off a new song titled "My House" on Friday, December 1, following the Los Angeles and London premieres of Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, which chronicles her Renaissance World Tour.
"A gift from the queen for the opening weekend of the Renaissance film," reads the caption on Apple Music's Instagram announcement. "Listen now to @beyonce's new track "MY HOUSE."
Bey hit the road from May through October, traveling to major cities across the globe with the concert series that went on to become one of the highest-grossing tours of all time.
The film, distributed by AMC Theaters and produced by Beyoncé's company Parkwood Entertainment, has a run time of nearly three hours.
According to fan-shared footage, the upbeat, new track, written and produced with the help The Dream, was first revealed during the end credits of the movie.
"My House" follows Beyonce's May release of the "America has a Problem" remix with Kendrick Lamar, her feature on Travis Scott's "Delresto (Echoes)" and the tour's titular 2022 Grammy-winning album, Renaissance.
Meanwhile, other new singles dropped this weekend. From movie soundtrack songs to fresh singles from fan-favorite artists, check out this week's New Music Friday for the culture's latest and greatest in music.
Tyla, "Truth or Dare" -- Following her viral hit "Water," the South African native released a new track, one of 14 expected to show up on her self-titled debut album in March.
Sexyy Red ft. Summer Walker, "I Might" -- The "Hood Princess" tapped the R&B songstress to lay vocals amid a rap track about a newfound love and relationship they "might" want to last a while.
Flo Milli, "Never Lose Me" -- The Alabama native released not one but two versions of the new song: a solo cut and a Lil Yachty feature.
Alicia Keys, "Lifeline" -- Amid the 20th anniversary of The Diary of Alicia Keys, the Grammy winner released one of the songs included on the soundtrack of the upcoming Color Purple film.
Hot New Hip-Hop:
--Kodak Black-- "Lemme See"
--Brandy-- "The Christmas Song"
--Drake-- "You Broke My Heart"
--Busta Rhymes ft. Blxst & Yung Bleu -- "Could It be You"
--2 Chainz & Lil Wayne ft. Usher-- "Transparency"
Source-ABC
Windies, England seek redemption after World Cup failures – 1st ODI
West Indies captain Shai Hope said his side will start another rebuild with an eye on the future when they face England in the first One-day International on Sunday in Antigua.
The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman said there was a positive vibe in the side, and he expected it to spill over onto the field in the hope that his side could erase the memory of the Caribbean side failing to appear at an ICC Men’s ODI World Cup for the first time last month in India.
“I feel a different buzz, a very positive buzz around,” he told reporters on the eve of the match at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. “Once we are doing the hard work off the field, things will happen for us.
“I think we must let go of the past. It’s history for a reason. We have to create our own history because we have a lot of things to focus upon going forward, and right now, it’s what is in front of us, and it’s this series.
“We know that England is a very competitive side, but we have all the right, and necessary players to do the job for us, so we are looking forward to this series.
“We are trying to rebuild the team and find our true brand and focus on the things we have been speaking about throughout all the meetings over the last few months and seeing it come to fruition. I think that we have been working really hard, and it’s just about getting some performances and some wins under our belt.”
Much of the build-up to the match surrounded the omission of West Indies Super50 Cup-winning captain Darren Bravo of Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, while Shane Dowrich retired from the international stage after being selected in the squad and being part of the preparatory training camp.
Also, there is no Jason Holder because of his focus shifting to Tests and Twenty20 Internationals, while left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, left-handed batsman Nicholas Pooran, and ambidextrous all-rounder Kyle Mayers – all ODI regulars in the past couple of years – have chosen the Abu Dhabi Ten10 tournament over international duty.
Much of West Indies’ success in this series will rest on the batting of Hope, who needs only 60 runs to cross over the 5 000-run mark in the ODI format, a milestone that he said meant nothing if the team does not benefit and starts to win.
“Every time I do things for West Indies to win that makes me feel proud – not trying to tick any particular stats box,” he said. “I am just trying to win games, but you look back sometimes and give thanks for these achievements.
“As a young cricketer, when you were watching the legends of the game that we are going to see around this particular series, you aspire to be like them, and doing things that they have been doing over the years and being called in some conversations that they have been. It means a lot, but I want to mix these performances with some wins for the team.”
England, the previous champions, performed dismally at the World Cup, winning only three of their nine matches, and exited the tournament in shame after the preliminary stage.
Against this backdrop, they too, are looking to hit the reset button and seeking to chart a new course in this format of the sport.
Only their captain Jos Buttler, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran survived from the World Cup squad, with many senior players being given a break ahead of the Test series against India in January, so they may be ripe for West Indies to pick off a few morale-boosting wins.
The square at the VRCG was re-laid this year, and there were complaints from the Cricket West Indies Academy side that the pitch was a bit unreliable during their One-day matches against Emerging Ireland last month.
West Indies have won their last four ODIs at the ground – one against India six years ago, and three against Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic period two years ago – but they have lost four of their five ODIs against England at this venue.
Squads:
WEST INDIES (from): Shai Hope (captain), Alzarri Joseph (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas.
ENGLAND (from): Jos Buttler (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Phil Salt, Matthew Potts, John Turner.
UMPIRES: Gregory Brathwaite, Chris Brown (New Zealand).
TV UMPIRE: Nitin Menon (India).
MATCH REFEREE: Sir Richie Richardson.
RESERVE UMPIRE: Nigel Duguid.
Source-CMC
Barbados PM calls for more controls on methane
Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Saturday called for more controls on methane during an address at international climate talks (COP28) in Dubai.
“The reality is that the global methane agreement that the world needs to see has not yet come,” said Mottley who called climate change “a death sentence for many.”
“While we are seeing countries move towards greater regulation, we need to be able to have concrete action with respect to the controlling of methane, largely because its damage in the near term is far greater than even CO2,” she added.
Mottley continued by suggesting the responsibility should lie with oil and gas companies in being more active in cutting emissions.
“We need strong regulation and compliance to ensure that we can minimize the extent to which that continues to lead and hurt the world in the hotter temperatures.”
Mottley also gave thanks for the progress so far, including the loss and damage fund, but called for it to be properly funded.
Source-CMC
Will Tesla's cybertruck recover?
The last time Tesla boss Elon Musk took the stage to promote the electric car company's planned "cybertruck", its window ended up being smashed.
It was a shattering debut for the vehicle, meant to stake Tesla's claim to the lucrative US truck market.
Four years later, as the company started delivering the futuristic product to buyers, that problem was fixed.
But questions linger over whether the truck's unusual design will help or hurt its chances of success.
Mr. Musk has said the truck - which is angular and made of rocket-like, bullet-proof steel materials - might be the company's "best product ever".
But speaking to Wall Street analysts last month he also said he wanted to "temper expectations", warning there would be "enormous challenges" before the company was producing the vehicle in big numbers and turning a profit.
"It is going to require immense work," he said. "It's not a demand issue, but we have to make it, and we need to make it at a price that people can afford - insanely difficult things."
The "bells and whistles" of the truck, which starts at a higher-than-promised list price of roughly $61,000 (£48,320), have complicated manufacturing and added to cost, he added later.
"We dug our own grave with the cybertruck," Mr Musk said.
Trucks are among the most popular vehicles sold in the US - with traditional sedans so out of favor that some carmakers have stopped making them for the country.
But Tesla's offer is entering the market at a difficult moment - some two years behind schedule - as the highest interest rates in decades dampen buyers' ability to make new purchases.
In recent months, rivals such as General Motors and Ford have said they will ramp up production of electric vehicles more slowly than initially planned, citing the weakness in the market.
Mr Musk has said the company has more than one million reservations for the cybertruck.
But it is unclear how many will translate into sales.
Since the cybertruck's inauspicious 2019 launch event, rival companies have rolled out their electric truck offerings, while Mr Musk's controversial social media presence has, according to critics, tarnished the car company's brand.
Questions have already been raised about whether the truck will be as functional as some of the other pickups available.
"It's not going to have the market to itself," said Stephanie Brinley, an associate director at S&P Global Mobility.
"For some, the draw of Tesla, the draw of a futuristic product will be more meaningful than some of the functional issues," she added. "But for the majority of pickup truck buyers, functionality is what's going to win the day."
At an event in Austin, Texas to celebrate the first deliveries, the company put the truck's windows to another shatter test - this time without incident - and promoted its hauling power and speed.
"It's an incredibly useful truck - it's not just some grandstanding showpiece, like me," Mr Musk joked. He added: "This is going to change the look of the roads."
Interested buyers face a wait. Only about 10 trucks were handed off to buyers on Thursday,
Mr Musk said last month that it would take until 2025 for the company to be producing the truck at a rate of 250,000 a year.
Ms Brinley said that provides time to resolve other issues that have clouded electric vehicle sales - like the need to expand charging infrastructure - and for Tesla to win people over to the truck's "different" look.
"There's time to grow interest in the product," she said, adding: "Love it or hate it, it's better than being boring."
Sean Tucker, senior editor at the auto research publication Kelley Blue Book, said that for Tesla, the launch of the truck is less about sales than about maintaining buzz around the brand, which has seen its dominance of the electric vehicle market shrink.
On a recent visit to a Tesla showroom, he noted that he encountered people queuing for the chance to take a photo with the distinctive-looking truck.
"It's always going to be a relatively rare sight and what in the industry they call a 'halo car' that gets people into the dealership," he said. "It's a hype exercise - it's just a question of, is it too expensive a hype exercise."
Source-BBC