Two Turks and Caicos Islanders become only non-Bahamian officials at the 50th CARIFTA Games
Turks and Caicos Islanders become only non-Bahamian officials at the 50th CARIFTA Games
At the 50th CARIFTA Games Track & Field in Nassau, Bahamas out of 100s of officials assigned by the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials (BACO), the Turks and Caicos Islands were the only other country permitted to have officials participate in this regional meet.
Andrew Ewing and Roshano Cox who is also a TCI Sports Commission Sports Development Officer in North Caicos were selected and were given leadership positions within their areas.
Andrew Ewing was assigned as Call Room Specialist for all events while Roshano Cox served as an Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM/EDR) Specialist for the long jump, triple jump, javelin, shot put, discus throw and hammer throw events.
Roshano Cox shares, “I am so proud of myself and my fellow colleague on this new regional journey. The new information, experience, and fellow colleagues make this journey overwhelming. Mr Ewing and I [Roshano Cox], for the last 2 days were both put into leadership positions in our sections. Not because we were the most experienced, but because we are two individuals who have the hunger of a pack of wolves and use the information given, as we apply them with Integrity. We both quickly climbed the scale and were placed in leadership roles.”
The officials are Level 1 certified by IAAF in Track & Field and look forward to utilizing the extensive experience at Turks and Caicos Islands-based track meets.
Minister of Health & Delegation visit Anguilla and St. Martin on Health Services Administration & Waste Management
A delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands consisting of the Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Solid Waste Task Force Hon. Kyle Knowles, Director of Health Policy and Planning, Mr. Lynrod Brooks, Head of Secretariat, Mrs. Marah Smith, Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer (Ag), Ms. Crivanne Adams, and Environmental Health Officer and CDB Integrated Solid Waste Management Project Coordinator, Ms. Tiffany Murray, visited Anguilla and St. Martin (French) over the period March 17-23, 2023.
The purpose of these visits was to discuss the following:
Anguilla Health Services Authority as part of the Ministry’s Health sector reform initiative.
Waste management and enhanced monitoring techniques and methodology utilized as a part of Landfill Management in Anguilla and St. Marten, and to share best practices that may be adopted locally.
The TCI is continuing its efforts to improve Landfill Management System through the Environmental Health Department. On reviewing current practices being implemented across the region, it was felt that having dialogue and site visits would provide an excellent opportunity to share techniques, challenges, and solutions that may assist all parties involved to develop sustainable strategies and policies which will positively influence waste management in a more efficient and effective manner.
The delegation met with the Governor of Anguilla, H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Premier and Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Ellis L. Webster, Permanent Secretary Health (Ag) Ms. Rochelle Rogers, and Chief Medical Officer –Dr. Aisha Andrewin. The discussions held were centered around Health Sector reform, Health financing, Mental Health, Chronic non-communicable disease burden, and specialized treatment abroad.
The delegation visited the country’s Department of Health Protection, which comprises both the Environmental Health and Water Laboratory Units, where they gained insight and knowledge of their operations which includes waste management and water quality management. The delegation also visited the island’s Landfill site where they were able to observe the day-to-day activities and the operational and management strategies implemented.
The delegation met with management personnel of the Health Authority of Anguilla, Mr. Malcolm Webster, Chief Executive Officer (Ag), Dr. Lishaw Ward, Director of Medical Services, and Nurse Alecia Haywood, Director of Nursing Services of the Health Authority of Anguilla. The Health Authority of Anguilla provides a range of medical services to the residents and visitors of Anguilla. Topics discussed were the delivery of medical services, human resources, procurement, access to medical care, health insurance coverage, and treatment abroad. The team conducted an insightful walk-through of the Poly Clinic and the Princess Alexandra Hospital facilities. These facilities included Maternity, Dental, Medical Laboratory, Pharmacy, Training room, Rehabilitation room, a new Dialysis Center (under construction), an Emergency/Waiting area, and Laboratory facilities.
The delegation visited neighboring St. Martin (French side) where they met with Vincent Berton, President of Prefecture de Saint-Barthelemy et de Saint-Martin, senior Ministerial officials, and the landfill site Director, Mr. Maxime ARNAL. Waste disposal management issues and practices in St Martin were the main agenda items discussed and a lot of interesting discoveries were made. The site visits to the St. Martin Landfill operations provided an opportunity to observe the management practices, processes, and recycling techniques such as dismantling cars, crushing of metal, separating and crushing of glass, shredding of wood, sewage treatment, and treatment of medical waste using a microwave for sterilization. The introduction of pyrogasification as a means of converting waste to energy was also discussed.
The landfill site visits provided a great opportunity to gain much-needed insight into the many methods available for effectively managing solid waste disposal which will enable the suitable adaptation of measures to best address waste disposal challenges in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Health sector reform is critical to address financial challenges associated with the delivery of health care that is equitable and sustainable.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services is grateful to the Anguillan and St. Martin Ministries of Health for affording us the opportunity to visit these islands. The Minister also remarked, “As Minister of Health I am proud to say the visits to these two islands was not only fruitful but an eye opener.”
GRAND TURK, SALT CAY & SOUTH CAICOS OUTSTANDING WATER ACCOUNTS
The Water Undertaking Department in conjunction with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy and Utilities and Telecommunications Commission would like to advise customers on the island of Grand Turk that a disconnection exercise will be carried out on 31st May 2023 on all outstanding accounts.
In order to prevent any disruption to your service, we kindly request that you settle your outstanding balance with the department by 30th May 2023. Failure to do so will result in your service being disconnected and a five percent (5%) late charge being applied to your account. Additionally, service reconnection will require that your outstanding balance be paid in full along with a reconnection fee.
To make payment, payment receipt vouchers can be obtained from The Water Undertaking Department located at South Base, Grand Turk. Office hours are from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may also call 649-338-3518 to enquire about your account and any outstanding balance.
Beyoncé's "Cuff It" is now her longest-charting solo song
Beyoncé and Lady Gaga's "Telephone," once Bey's longest-charting solo song on the Billboard Hot 100, has been replaced by her Renaissance single "Cuff It." Billboard reports the song accomplished the feat after spending 34 weeks on the chart; "Telephone" previously held on for a 33-week run.
"Cuff It" now sits at #34, atop other Bey singles that have spent over 20 weeks on the Hot 100. "Halo" spent 31 weeks on the chart; "Mi Gente" and "Irreplaceable" were on the list for 30; and "Baby Boy" and "Sweet Dreams" had 29-week runs. "Check On It" (28), "Crazy In Love" (27), "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" (27), "Until The End of Time" (25) and "Me, Myself And I" (24) are some of Bey's other longest-charting songs.
“Cuff It" was released as a single in September, later making its way to the Hot 100 in January 2023. The song was accompanied by a TikTok dance/challenge that Bey shared on her Instagram. “Cuff It (Wetter Remix)," a mashup with Twista's 2009 song "Wetter," was released in February.
Beyoncé's "Cuff It" is now her longest-charting solo song
Beyoncé and Lady Gaga's "Telephone," once Bey's longest-charting solo song on the Billboard Hot 100, has been replaced by her Renaissance single "Cuff It." Billboard reports the song accomplished the feat after spending 34 weeks on the chart; "Telephone" previously held on for a 33-week run.
"Cuff It" now sits at #34, atop other Bey singles that have spent over 20 weeks on the Hot 100. "Halo" spent 31 weeks on the chart; "Mi Gente" and "Irreplaceable" were on the list for 30; and "Baby Boy" and "Sweet Dreams" had 29-week runs. "Check On It" (28), "Crazy In Love" (27), "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" (27), "Until The End of Time" (25) and "Me, Myself And I" (24) are some of Bey's other longest-charting songs.
“Cuff It" was released as a single in September, later making its way to the Hot 100 in January 2023. The song was accompanied by a TikTok dance/challenge that Bey shared on her Instagram. “Cuff It (Wetter Remix)," a mashup with Twista's 2009 song "Wetter," was released in February.
Five dead, six injured in shooting at Louisville, KY bank
RTC News is learning that five people are dead after a gunman opened fire in a first-floor conference room of a bank in downtown Louisville, KY, according to police.
Six additional victims, including a responding police officer, were transported to the hospital.
The Louisville Metro Police Department said via Twitter that the suspect had been "neutralized." Sources confirmed to ABC News that the suspect had been killed.
The shooting occurred at about 8:30 a.m. Eyewitnesses said the shooter appeared to have been armed with a long gun.
The responding police officer was shot in the head. The officer’s condition is unknown.
According to preliminary information this shooting is not believed to have been terrorism-related, sources told our affiliate ABC News.
This is a developing story and we will have more for you later.
Russell Crowe admits to being "slightly jealous" he's not in the Gladiator sequel
As director Ridley Scott prepares his sequel to his Oscar-winning film Gladiator, the original star seems to admit he wishes he could re-enter the arena.
In a chat with Collider, The Pope's Exorcist star Russell Crowe, who won an Academy Award for playing Roman Army General-turned-gladiatorial champion Maximus Decimis Meridias in the original film, was asked what he thought of the sequel project.
"I mean, look, the only thing that I really feel about it is slightly jealous, you know?" he admitted. "Because I was a much younger man, obviously, and it was a huge experience in my life. It's something that changed my life, really. It changed the way people regarded me and what I do for a living, and, you know, I've been very lucky to be involved in lots of big movies, but the legs on that film are incredible."
Crowe continued, "Here it is, it's 2023, and we made that film in 1999. I guarantee you, somewhere around the world tonight, Gladiator is going to be showing on primetime TV. And you don't always get that kind of longevity with every film you do, so, it obviously holds a special place in my heart."
Recent Oscar nominee Paul Mescal is Ridley's star this time around, reportedly playing a now-grown Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen's Lucilla and the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix's murderous Emperor Commodus in the original film. In Gladiator, the character was just a boy, played by Unbreakable and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. veteran Spencer Treat Clark.
The Banshees of Inisherin's Barry Keoghan is apparently also circling a role in the Gladiator sequel, which is set for a November 22, 2024, release.
Source-ABC
Supermarket owners want licensed firearms after colleague shot and killed
President of the Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SATT), Rajiv Diptee on Monday called on the police to provide business owners with a gun license after gunmen shot and killed a 49-year-old supermarket owner over the weekend.
Diptee, speaking on a radio program, said that the association has been working closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) “to see how more resilient crime-fighting measures can be put in place because we have been noticing this increase in robberies and larcenies since the reopening of the economy last year.”
“What we will suggest is that law-abiding business owners who are suitably qualified within the remits of the law be granted their (firearm user’s license). The most complaints we get are from supermarket owners who have applied, and not getting approved.”
Police said that Bing Zhu Zhang, 49, the owner of the Golden City Supermarket, was shot and killed on Friday night as three armed bandits attempted to rob his business place. Police later said one of three gunmen was shot and killed by lawmen. The other two suspects are in custody after they were intercepted near the San Juan River on the outskirts of the capital.
“We have a situation where there are not near enough patrols to cover all of the hot spots across Trinidad and Tobago and this lends a particular vulnerability to those whom the criminal elements regard as soft targets when they go after these establishments,” Diptee said.
“So what we are simply asking for is the consideration being made with urgency for members of the business community who have the means to defend themselves at this time,” he added, noting that “the stark reality of the crime situation facing members of the business community today is one in which we cannot afford 24/7 armed security personnel at these types of establishments.”
“We have a crime situation where criminals are coming out in numbers, each one of them with more sophisticated firearms,” he said.
Trinidad and Tobago has recorded 156 murders so far this year. Last year, the country recorded a total of 605 murders, the most in its history.
Source-CMC
Weather Forecast
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, WARM, AND BREEZY WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW SCATTERED SHOWERS.
ADVISORY: A SMALL CRAFT CAUTION WILL BE IN EFFECT ACROSS ALL AREAS.
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES
SEAS:4 TO 7 FEET
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS,
SEAS:3 FEET OR LESS
NORTH CAICOS AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT PROGRESS
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA) were established to control and manage state-owned airports within the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). With accessibility being an essential factor in the livelihood of the people of North Caicos, it also plays an important role in our trade and tourism industry. A coordinated re-opening of the Clifford Gardiner International Airport (formerly the North Caicos Airport) has been a priority to the TCIAA and necessary processes to achieve this are underway. The highly anticipated reopening of the airport will mitigate the concerns of the community about emergency, business, and leisure travel to and from North Caicos.
To ensure the safety of air passengers and users of the facility, a geotechnical survey was completed on the 12th of October 2022 to assess the state of the runway at the Clifford Gardiner International Airport. On the 9th of November 2022, TCIAA received the survey report concluding that the runway is suitable for safe operations. The TCIAA is now hopeful that an early resolution to runway redevelopment is achievable.
The TCIAA is working closely with InvestTCI and a private developer on the North Caicos Airport Development Project. Recently, the developer received a draft agreement for review, as well as the geotechnical survey findings to develop a targeted plan for the project.
The development agreement includes a 49-year term lease over 50 acres of land. The developer is to have the exclusive right to operate Fixed Base Operations (FBO) at the Clifford Gardiner International Airport. The investment payback of no more than 20 years after concessions were removed. This would allow opportunities for direct service private aircraft to enjoy the luxury of the twin islands and Parrot Cay while also generating revenue.
The TCIAA advises that an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the design, and cost of the new, small, boutique public airport terminal building with full amenities for concessionaires, Border Control, and Staff will be published in short order.
In the interim, the TCIAA is recruiting a fixed-term Project Manager exclusively assigned to the North and Middle Caicos Airports Redevelopment Project. This individual will specifically drive the project to completion.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA) were established to control and manage state-owned airports within the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). With accessibility being an essential factor in the livelihood of the people of North Caicos, it also plays an important role in our trade and tourism industry. A coordinated re-opening of the Clifford Gardiner International Airport (formerly the North Caicos Airport) has been a priority to the TCIAA and necessary processes to achieve this are underway. The highly anticipated reopening of the airport will mitigate the concerns of the community about emergency, business, and leisure travel to and from North Caicos.
To ensure the safety of air passengers and users of the facility, a geotechnical survey was completed on the 12th of October 2022 to assess the state of the runway at the Clifford Gardiner International Airport. On the 9th of November 2022, TCIAA received the survey report concluding that the runway is suitable for safe operations. The TCIAA is now hopeful that an early resolution to runway redevelopment is achievable.
The TCIAA is working closely with InvestTCI and a private developer on the North Caicos Airport Development Project. Recently, the developer received a draft agreement for review, as well as the geotechnical survey findings to develop a targeted plan for the project.
The development agreement includes a 49-year term lease over 50 acres of land. The developer is to have the exclusive right to operate Fixed Base Operations (FBO) at the Clifford Gardiner International Airport. The investment payback of no more than 20 years after concessions were removed. This would allow opportunities for direct service private aircraft to enjoy the luxury of the twin islands and Parrot Cay while also generating revenue.
The TCIAA advises that an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the design, and cost of the new, small, boutique public airport terminal building with full amenities for concessionaires, Border Control, and Staff will be published in short order.
In the interim, the TCIAA is recruiting a fixed-term Project Manager exclusively assigned to the North and Middle Caicos Airports Redevelopment Project. This individual will specifically drive the project to completion.
The TCIAA welcomes this development and looks forward to continued negotiations with the developer to bring these projects to fruition for the residents of the Twin Islands and Turks and Caicos at large.
The TCIAA welcomes this development and looks forward to continued negotiations with the developer to bring these projects to fruition for the residents of the Twin Islands and Turks and Caicos at large.