New Year arrival at Cheshire Hall
There was double joy for Charles and Angeline Etherard on New Year's Day.
The Provo couple celebrated the arrival of 2011 with a beautiful bouncing baby boy.
Little Badson Etherard was born at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre at 5.45pm, weighing in at a healthy 3.311kg.
I thank God, said proud dad, Charles. We have been blessed with a fantastic gift and it is very special that he was born on New Year's Day.
Badson is our second child and we are so happy and proud.
It's amazing that our son is the first baby born in this country this year and its something he will always be proud of.
Charles, who works in retail, was full of praise for the staff at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre maternity department, who presented the couple with a gift to mark the special occasion.
He added: The nurses and doctors have been wonderful and we would like to thank them so much and wish them all a happy 2011.
They presented us with a baby set on behalf of Interhealth Canada and that was such a kind and appreciated gesture.
Interhealth Canada midwife, Shantal Gardiner, said Badsons arrival was both natural and uncomplicated.
Angeline had a very good pregnancy, she added, and the birth went exactly to plan.
Badson is a beautiful, healthy little boy and both he and mum are doing fine.
New US Congress Convenes
A new U.S. Congress has convened in Washington. Republicans now control the House of Representatives, and Democrats have a reduced majority in the Senate, giving the United States a divided legislature.
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The 112th Congress features scores of new Republicans. Most are still getting settled in their new offices and learning their way around the Capitol.
But the new legislators come infused with the ideological fervor that fueled their successful campaigns. They view last November's election as a national rebuke of President Barack Obama's economic stewardship and a mandate to scale back the size and scope of the federal government.
Kentucky freshman Republican Senator Rand Paul told CBS' Early Show he will not vote to raise the limit on federal borrowing unless spending is drastically cut. "All the new people coming to Washington are going to insist that if we raise the debt ceiling, it has to be linked to something,” he said. “From here on out, we are going to balance the budget."
The Obama administration says failure to raise the debt ceiling would cause the U.S. government to default on its loan obligations and produce a catastrophic financial crisis.
House Republicans say their first act will be to vote to trim their own office payrolls. Next week, a vote to repeal President Obama's health-care reform initiative is expected. New House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin ties repeal to national prosperity.
"This is related to jobs and the economy,” Ryan said. “The health-care bill has massive tax increases on individuals and employers that will cost us jobs."
Ryan spoke on NBC's Today Show. Most political observers view the repeal effort as a symbolic act, since the Democratically-controlled Senate will not follow suit.
New House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio takes over from California Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who spoke about her party's role going forward.
"We extend a hand of friendship [to Republicans] to create jobs, grow the middle class, and reduce the deficit. We look for common ground to solve the problems of the American people,” Pelosi said. “But where we cannot find common ground, we must stand our ground on behalf of the pledge we take every day: 'with liberty and justice for all.' And that includes economic justice for all."
The new Republican House majority has promised to change the way the chamber operates, with special reverence for the U.S. Constitution. The founding document is to be read aloud in its entirety before the House gets down to business. In the future bill sponsors will have to provide constitutional justification for legislation before it will be considered.
1st ANNUAL MASKANOO EVENT DUBBED A SUCCESS!
Grace Bay road was definitely the centre of attraction during Provo’s busy Christmas season, as thousands of visitors and residents crowded the street to witness a dream turn to reality, when the TCHTA and the Cultural and Arts Commission hosted the much talked about 1st Annual Maskanoo event on Monday, 27th December, 2010.
The event saw many persons gathering before the scheduled kick off time to mingle with vendors who lined the street selling a wide selection of items from famous Bambarra products to hand painted arts and crafts made out of local materials. These local items were indeed a big hit during the evening’s festivities, as persons were able to take tangible pieces of TCI’s culture with them.
Individuals were treated to a cross section of TCI’s local talent highlighting ripsaw music by the Island Boys, TCI’s song bird Barbara Johnson, popular Junkanoo group ‘We Funk” as well as The Somerset and Regent Palms Maskanoo groups who used amazing colours to complement the creative costumes worn throughout the parade. Spectators also joined in the parade with dancing, singing, waving, shouting and other pulsating expressions of excitement. Maskanoo 2010 culminated with a breathtaking display of fireworks visible from Grace Bay beach and the Grace Bay strip.
In addition to the entertainment and other offerings at Maskanoo, individuals had an opportunity to try their luck by participating in the $5000 Maskanoo Raffle, which was drawn later on in the evening. Prizes up for grab included 1st prize $5000, 2nd prize $500 and 3rd Prize $100. The astonished and excited winners included Krystal Malcolm who won 1st prize, Nicholette Thomas walked away with the 2nd prize and Veronica Rigby captured the 3rd prize.
Karen Whitt, President of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), commenting on the success of Maskanoo 2010 said, “We were thrilled with the huge turnout of our visitors and residents to this first ever Maskanoo event. The participation from the local community, the media and our vendors has been unparallel and we look forward to gaining everyone’s support for Maskanoo 2011. This is a true example of what can unfold as a result of dedication and hard work. We anticipate that 2011’s event will surpass everyone’s expectations as we strive to improve annually.
TCHTA is also very grateful to those individuals and businesses who were committed to making Maskanoo a success!”
David Bowen, Director of the Cultural and Arts Commission stated, “I am still amazed and was very much impressed with the level of support and participation that we were able to attract for Maskanoo. The journey has definitely not been easy and we would have never been able to make the event what it truly was without our Maskanoo groups and participants. For their willingness and efforts, I would like to say a big thank you. We are excited and ready for Maskanoo 2011 and are already putting things into place in order to have a much larger showcase of our Cultural Heritage”.
The Maskanoo Committee would also like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors and supporters of the event and looks forward to a bigger and better Maskanoo 2011 on Monday, December 26.
Official sponsors for Maskanoo 2010 included:
Radio Turks & Caicos
Royal Jewels
IslandCom
FirstCaribbean International Bank
KBC Productions – 92.5 FM and 102.5 FM
Tropical Imaging
International Banking Group
Sky Juice
Dove’s Security
Bangers & Crash Fireworks
Caribbean Cruisin – TCI Ferry
PPC Ltd
Bournewell Marketing Ltd.
Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited Establishes a $100,000 (CDN) Scholarship in Partnership with York University.
Scotiabank today announced the establishment of a scholarship program with York University (Toronto), Canada's third largest university. The scholarship, valued at CDN $100,000 is financed by Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited in partnership with York University and provides funding for one student for four years of study at York University.
"Through this scholarship, Scotiabank is investing in the future leaders of The Turks and Caicos Islands" said Doug Cochrane, Managing Director, Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Limited. "The scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to travel abroad and learn from some of the brightest minds before returning to The Turks & Caicos Islands and applying their skills to the continued development of the Islands,"
"This scholarship is emblematic of the leadership example set by Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Limited in supporting the communities it serves," said Claude Norfolk, Senior Vice President, Caribbean, International Banking, Scotiabank. "This scholarship will help to foster and develop the minds of bright, young Turks & Caicos citizens."
The scholarship is made possible through the Scotiabank Bright Future philanthropic program. Youth education is a key pillar of the program, which seeks opportunities to support children and the communities in which we live and work.
The scholarship program at York University was created to impact the development of sound academic talent within The Turks & Caicos Islands. One undergraduate scholarship (renewable for three years) will be awarded with proceeds going toward academic and living expenses. As part of the scholarship, the recipient receives an International Merit Scholarship from York University for each year they receive the scholarship funding. Special consideration will be given to students who have participated in the Scotiabank-York University Emerging Global Leaders Program in the Caribbean. The application deadline is March 15, 2011 for a September, 2011 entry to York University. Applicants may apply for the scholarship at http://futurestudents.yorku.ca/.
The York University Student Financial Services Office will manage all aspects of the scholarship, including the selection of the recipient. Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic standing as well as a proven record of community involvement through a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer experience. It is expected that the successful candidate will participate on an annual basis in the paid summer internships program at Scotiabank, and will return to The Turks and Caicos Islands and join Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited as an employee for at least three years after the successful completion of four years at York University.
Scotiabank has been a part of the Caribbean and Central America since 1889. It is now the leading bank in the region, with operations in 20 countries, including Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The Bank has more than 7,000 employees in the region, including affiliates, serving more than two million customers, with 232 branches, kiosks and other offices, plus 615 automated banking machines.
Vivica A. Fox Gets Engagement Ring from Slim
Well, it looks like Vivica A. Fox got what she wanted for Christmas. Yep, Auntie Viv went and got engaged to her 27-year-old boyfriend, Omar ‘Slim’ White (pictured with her) over the holidays.
A source told the NY Post that White proposed to Fox, 46, on Dec. 26 with an 8-karat diamond ring while the two were staying at the Ritz Carlton in South Beach.
Fox and White, who’ve been dating for just over a year, spent New Year’s Eve with Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union and Sanaa Lathan at a Chris Bosh bash.
Fox’s rep confirmed the engagement and it mark her second marriage (to a man younger than her).
Kartel Bleaching hits newspaper cartoon
Vybz Kartel and his bleaching issue dominates the damcehall scene for the most part of last year.
The issue grew intense late last year leading up to the holiday season, after the Gaza leader attribute his new skin tone to his extensive use of the Cake Soap.
The saga spilled over into the New Year with the latest Observer Clovis cartoon shows Vybz Kartel asking his girl why she using his bleaching soap to wash his cloth.
Gucci Mane Committed To Mental Institution
According to reports, Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane has been committed to a mental institution in Atlanta, following a judge's recommendation for him to serve jail time for violating the terms of his probation.
According to documents obtained by TMZ.com, the rapper filed for a "Special Plea of Mental Incompetency" during his appearance yesterday (January 3rd), in front of a Fulton, County judge.
The rapper claimed he was in no state to "intelligently participate in the probation revocation hearing" and was committed to an undisclosed mental health facility, so his condition could be evaluated.
In December, another rapper, DMX was also ordered into a mental health facility, because of an "undiagnosed" mental condition. Both artists have well documented battles with drug use, which frequently has landed them behind bars.
DMX has been arrested every year since 1999, while Gucci Mane has racked up numerous offenses over the years, the most serious for Gucci being a May 2005 murder charge, which was later dismissed, stemming from a botched robbery involving men affiliated with Young Jeezy's CTE Entertainment.
Rick Ross Is Sean John Newest Face
Rick Ross has signed on to promote Sean John, rap mogul Diddy famous clothing line.
“You know Puff is a good friend first, a mentor, and business partner. The partnership was something that came natural,” said Ross in an interview with examiner.
Rick Ross recently promoted the line at Macy’s, the exclusive department store retailer for the Sean John men’s sportswear collection, and believes he’s the perfect man for the job.
“Being a big guy that’s fashion conscious Sean John is definitely a brand I rock wit. I have plans to dabble in the fashion industry. I get to rock fly clothes and that always good” said Ross. “It’s a great opportunity for me. I mean Sean John represents hip hop. He is a Hip Hop mogul.”
Ross and Diddy has collaborated on a number of other projects recently, as Diddy signed on to manage Ross, and has recorded numerous tracks with the rapper for his critically acclaimed album Teflon Don.
“I think his influence of course he’s a producer nut it his connections that has helped do his the way it should be done. I mean things like F. Gary Gray, director of films Be Cool and The Negotiator, directing my video and those kinds of plays that were made like Stacy Dash in ‘Super High.’“
Rihanna Celebrates New Year In Las Vegas
Barbadian pop princess Rihanna took Sin City by storm, where she rang in 2011 in true RiRi style.
Rihanna spends the holidays in Barbados, but then took off to Las Vegas to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Las Vegas hotspot.
Prior to her arrival to PURE Nightclub, hundreds of fans lined up along the casino floor next to the nightclub and waited patiently for the celebrity’s arrival.
Just after 11 pm, the packed resort was filled with screaming and cheering guests as Rihanna made her way to the red carpet. Donning an attention-grabbing and revealing red and see-through dress, the edgy fashion forward stunner turned heads as she posed for pictures.
Just before midnight, Rihanna took center stage as she amped up the crowd by getting on the mic and prepping them for the anticipated countdown to 2011.
RiRi counted down the last 10 seconds of the year; toasted revelers and wished them Happy New Year as the clock struck midnight.
There was no special kiss for her at midnight, but did hug the close friends that surrounded her.
Jamaican Diaspora wants economic growth, crime reduction in 2011
The Jamaica Diaspora in the United States wants a significant reduction in the murder rate, and an end to corruption and unemployment so that the economic situation can improve.
The head of the Jamaica Board for the Southern United States, Marion Hill said the new year should be used to "re-engage and rediscover and to forge a renewed bipartisan passion and leadership between the government and opposition."
Hill, an attorney, argued that there is need for a strengthening of the platform of governance, a more deliberate engagement of the Diaspora and plans for financial sustainability.
She was supported by her North East USA counterpart, Patrick Beckford, who said that he is hoping for measures that will foster a better business environment, which will lead to sustain economic growth and an expansion of business.
Denise Dixon, who heads a nonprofit group Hands Across Trelawny Inc., is deeply concerned about crime and corruption and said more should be made of international assistance such as that provided under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative "to address the country's crime problems."