Russia fires dozens of missiles at Ukrainian cities
Cities across Ukraine have been targeted by a wave of Russian missile strikes, in one of the largest bombardments since the war began.
At least three people - including a 14-year-old girl - were taken to hospital after explosions hit the capital Kyiv, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said.
Blasts were also heard in the cities of Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv and Zhytomyr.
Ukraine's military said 69 missiles were launched, with air defences intercepting 54 of them.
Earlier, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said more than 120 missiles had been launched at civilian infrastructure.
The air raid lasted for close to five hours and the regional leader of the southern province of Odesa, Maksym Marchenko, spoke of a "massive missile attack on Ukraine".
The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia attacked the country from "various directions with air and sea-based cruise missiles". It added that a number of Kamikaze drones had also been used.
Brig Gen Oleksiy Hromov said in an operational update that the strikes had been targeted at energy infrastructure across the entire country.
Two homes in Kyiv were damaged by debris from intercepted missiles, according to the city military administration. Mr Klitschko said 16 missiles were destroyed over the city by air defences.
In the southern region of Mykolaiv, Governor Vitaly Kim wrote that five missiles were intercepted by air defences, while Mayor Andriy Sadovy said several explosions had been reported in the western city of Lviv.
In the Odesa region Mr Marchenko said 21 missiles were shot down by the Ukrainian military. He added that missile fragments had hit a residential building but no casualties were reported.
Dozens of Russian attacks have pounded Ukraine in recent weeks, causing repeated power cuts across the country. Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said the latest strikes had damaged power generating facilities and said the situation was "difficult" in the Odesa and Kyiv regions.
The mayor of Lviv said on Thursday that 90% of his city was without power, while Mr Klitschko said that 40% of Kyiv had been left without power.
Power cuts were also reported in the Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians in its missile strikes. However, President Vladimir Putin has recently admitted that Russian troops have been hitting Ukraine's critical energy facilities.
The admission followed allegations from some international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, that targeting energy facilities could amount to a war crime.
In one barrage earlier this month, Ukraine said it shot down 60 of more than 70 missiles fired by Russian forces.
The government in Kyiv has pleaded with Western leaders to provide it with additional air defences, and US President Joe Biden recently agreed to supply its Patriot system.
Thursday's attack came just hours after the Kremlin rejected Ukraine's suggestion that peace talks could begin in 2023.
Source-BBC
TCI 3 Day Weather
GENERAL SITUATION: A COLD FRONT IS NEAR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. WINDS ARE MODERATE TO FRESH AHEAD OF THE FRONT.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ALONG ATLANTIC SHORELINES...
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND WARM TODAY BECOMING FAIR, MILD AND BREEZY WITH A PASSING SHOWER TONIGHT
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS BECOMING EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET BUILDING UP TO 6 FEET IN EASTERLY SWELLS
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 84°F 29°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 73°F 23°C
SUNSET: 5:15 PM
TIDES
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 12:15 PM (2.6 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 6:41 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: THE COLD FRONT WILL DEVOLVE INTO A SURFACE TROUGH AND DISSIPATE THURSDAY. A BUILDING HIGH PRESSURE WILL DOMINATE THE WEATHER THROUGH THE END OF THE WEEK. LARGE EASTERLY SWELLS WILL SLOWLY SUBSIDE THROUGH FRIDAY.
FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, MILD AND, BREEZY WITH AN ISOLATED SHOWER
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 6 TO 8 FEET IN EASTERLY SWELLS
SUNRISE: 6:27 AM
SUNSET: 5:16 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:40 AM (2.3 FT) 1:12 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 6:56 AM (0.7 FT) 7:34 PM (0.7 FT)
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, MILD AND, BREEZY WITH AN ISOLATED SHOWER
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 6 TO 8 FEET IN EASTERLY SWELLS
SUNRISE: 6:27 AM
SUNSET: 5:16 PM
HIGH TIDE: 1:46 AM (2.3 FT) 2:12 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 8:07 AM (0.7 FT) 8:29 PM (0.7 FT)
Turks and Caicos Islands is largely compliant according to the Financial Action Task Force (FAFT)
The Turks and Caicos Islands has further improved its technical compliance with the 40 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations relating to anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing (AML/CFT).
In November 2019, the Turks and Caicos Islands went through its Fourth Round Mutual Evaluation, a report that analyzed the level of compliance with international standards on combatting money laundering as well as the financing of terrorism and proliferation. The evaluation was conducted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the regional standard setter of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Since the publication of its mutual evaluation report on January 20th, 2020, the Turks and Caicos Islands has made significant progress in improving technical compliance by making amendments to the legislative regime, especially in the restructuring of the Anti-money laundering committee to include key stakeholders.
As a result of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ progress in strengthening its framework to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing since their 2020 mutual evaluation, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) has published its December 2022 Follow Up Report (FUR) re-rating the country on 14 of the 40 Recommendations.
This Follow Up Report analyses the progress of Turks and Caicos Islands in addressing the technical compliance requirements of the recommendations being re-rated. Technical compliance re-ratings are given where sufficient progress has been demonstrated.
The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force reports that the Turks and Caicos Islands has now received largely compliant or compliant ratings on 35 of the 40 Recommendations for technical compliance. Overall, the Report concludes that the Turks and Caicos Islands has made significant progress in addressing the technical compliance deficiencies and only minor deficiencies remain.
This now places the Turks and Caicos Islands amongst the leading jurisdictions assessed so far on technical compliance.
His Excellency Presents 10 Children with British overseas territories Citizenship
His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin last week presented 10 children with British Overseas Territories Citizenship, who have spent their last few years or most of their life at the Provo Children’s Home.
Along with Permanent Secretaries, Althea Been and James Astwood, these three worked tirelessly to ensure that the citizenship of these children could be proven and provided within the process. It was not an easy task as the access to documentation was not straightforward and the stories of the children’s past.
The Governor who met these individuals in September promised that this would be delivered before the Christmas holiday, and between PS Been, PS Astwood and himself, a promise made was a promise kept.
Some of these youngsters are now able to really showcase their talents, and represent the Turks and Caicos Islands, as there are vocalists, football players and track and field athletes.
In an Instagram post from the Governor he is quoted saying, “It means these young people can now contribute productively to the future of these islands, it means they can travel to represent the territory in Sport, they can stabilize their future and more. This wasn’t a Christmas gift, they had a right to this, but it was a promise kept. And it’s the promise of a better future that is one of many reasons that makes Christmas so magical.”
Luka Doncic scores historic 60-point triple-double in Dallas Mavericks win
Luka Doncic scored the first 60-point 'triple-double' in NBA history to help the Dallas Mavericks claim a 126-121 overtime win over the New York Knicks.
The 23-year-old Slovenian racked up 60 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists, posting double figures in three key attacking metrics.
With the Mavericks down 115-113 in the final seconds, he deliberately missed a free throw, claimed a rebound, and scored a jumper to force overtime.
"I'm tired, I need a beer," he said.
Doncic is only the seventh player to record a 50-point triple-double in the NBA, and he becomes the youngest to achieve the feat, taking the record from all-time great Wilt Chamberlain.
His performance powered a superb comeback win for the hosts who trailed by 110-101 with fewer than 45 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Doncic's decision to intentionally throw his free-throw attempt against the backboard, claim the ball in the ensuing melee, and have the composure and accuracy to drain his shot, was the highlight of his team's renaissance.
"I just threw it up, I was kind of lucky," he admitted. "We were down, we came back, this is an amazing feeling."
Doncic's stellar game attracted praise from across the league and from giants of the game's past.
Source-BBC
Tech shares tumble amid supply issues
Apple and Tesla stocks have tumbled over growing concerns about delays in their production lines in China.
Apple shares hit their lowest point since June 2021. Tesla's stock has dropped 73% from a record high in November 2021.
Companies have struggled to keep production going in China due to Covid restrictions and weeks of lockdowns.
Now they are facing a staffing crunch as China battles a Covid wave after lifting years of restrictions.
China announced that it will lift its strict quarantine rules for travelers on 8 January, a positive sign for many investors who are seeing the ease in supply chain movement in 2023.
But global investors are also being cautious ahead of additional interest rate hikes, a global economic slowdown, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Given the spike in Covid cases in key manufacturing hubs, analysts say production will take time to ramp up once again.
"Factories are going to experience labor shortages for at least 4-6 weeks as the wave passes through their production regions, and of course, most migrant workers will go back to their home villages for the Lunar New Year at the end of January," says Simon Baptist, chief economist at The Economist Intelligence Unit.
"Production looks unlikely to be back to normal in China until late February."
Production delays hit Apple supplier Foxconn earlier this year following unrest at its Zhangzhou plant known as "iPhone City." The company said its revenue in November was down 11% compared with the same month in 2021.
This week, media reports said Tesla's Shanghai manufacturing plant had cut production as Covid infections rose in China. The company declined to comment.
Investors have also raised concerns about Tesla chief executive Elon Musk, who has repeatedly made controversial headlines. He took over Twitter in October after a drawn-out legal battle and since then, Mr. Musk has focused a significant amount of his time on running the social media platform. Some have cited his alleged distraction during this time as another reason for the fall in Tesla's share price.
Last week, Mr. Musk tweeted asking users if he should continue as the head of the platform - they voted no, prompting him to announce that he would resign from his position once a replacement is found.
Analysts say he now needs to rebuild investors' and board members' confidence.
Source- BBC
Trinidadian Recording Artist & icon- Black Stalin has passed away.
81-year-old, T & T Calypsonian, Leroy Calliste aka the Black Stalin has passed away.
He died peacefully at home around 9.45 am with his family around him.
Recently he spent three weeks at the San Fernando General Hospital where the nurses and doctors gave him good treatment. He had suffered a stroke 8 years ago and has been ailing ever since the health incident.
A five-time calypso monarch, Stalin, who referred to himself as the black man, was known for his witty and biting social and political commentary. In 1999, Stalin was crowned Calypso King of Kings for his rendition of “Black Man Feeling to Party”.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley
It was the Mighty Duke who very aptly said that “By calypso, our stories are told”. Very few bards told our stories more effectively than the Black Stalin. He was a master. R.I.P. to Calypso Legend Leroy Calliste better known as Black Stalin, past multiple winners of the Calypso monarch ?? ???
Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts (Ag.)
We are deeply saddened by the loss of the undisputed People’s Calypsonian. Stalin was one of our cultural icons whose impact transcend generations, geography, and social strata. Through his music, many could better appreciate the Calypso art form whilst simultaneously being educated and entertained. We will forever be grateful for his contributions to the advancement of Calypso locally, regionally, and internationally.
Nailah Blackman
Trinidad & Tobago has lost another great one. South has produced so many talented artists and today we will remember you for the amazing work that you have contributed throughout your amazing career.
You will be missed.
His passing leaves us poorer but his rich legacy of poetic calypso lyrics and haunting musical lines will all live on for our guidance and in his enduring memory. May we always remember his contribution.
Shurwayne Winchester
The Original Iron Man. An Icon of history, roots so strong always embarking to educate and uplift the Black man. Your lessons and love spawned roots. The fruits coming will make you immortal.
Thank you Black Stalin. Now rest well. Condolences to your family friends and your fellow icons. Culture has been hit hard as a massive cultural oak tree has fallen.
Superblue
Another Great Icon has gone and left us. Wow, this morning I woke up with very sad news my good friend the Black Stalin has passed away. This man was a king he sing and performed and always did his best. Is just memories I have with you now with all the great times we have shared together. Rest In Peace King. Fly with the angels.
Edwin Yearwood
We often misuse the word icon and legend but black Stalin was and is both legend and icon! May you rest in peace! To perform on the same stage as you or to be in your presence backstage growing up hearing your music was living dreams! May you be right there with Peter sorting out those who come through the gates and making the afterlife even more peaceful!
Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture
It is with deep sadness that I extend my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and the Calypso fraternity on the passing of Dr. Leroy Calliste, fondly known as Black Stalin.
Born and raised in the city of San Fernando, Black Stalin was a cultural icon who contributed immeasurably to the calypso and carnival art forms. He was known for his political commentary, winning the Calypso Monarch competition on five occasions and the Calypso King of the Word title back in 1999. Black Stalin was also awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his contribution to Trinidad and Tobago culture.
Stalin has entertained us for over 60 years, giving us hits such as “Black Man Feeling to Party”, “We Can Make It” and “Bun Dem”.
May Almighty God grant his loved ones strength and comfort during this difficult time.
He will be sorely missed.
3Canal
The smile, the stride, the warmth, the confidence, the presence, the timbre, the voice, the message, the music, the inspiration, the philosophy, the mastery, the humility, the grace, the power, the beauty, the style, all of this and more you gave in Abundance. Thank You Black Man, your work is over. Rest in Power
Farmer Nappy
Rest in Peace Legend! ?? An Icon and a Mentor. I will always cherish our last conversation and being together in this pan tribute/cover of Backyard Jam by the Pan Elders Youth Band.
Farewell to an Icon Dr Leroy Calliste, The Black Stalin, we will carry on your Name. Music & Legacy.
In 2008, he has conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies.
The Black Stalin leaves to mourn his wife and five children.
Source-Loop
Grenada Tourism Authority has reported a third month of increased tourist arrivals.
The Grenada Tourism Authority has reported that the island has recorded a third successive month of increased tourist arrivals.
The tourism authority reported 14,232 tourists visited the island in November, which represents a 17 percent increase over 2019 figures.
Tourist arrivals were boosted by the island hosting a number of major conferences including the CXC Annual Ministerial Summit, the Caribbean Society of Endoscopic Surgeons, and the AGM of the Caribbean Chambers of Commerce.
International flights from Air Canada, Sunwing Airlines, and Condor Airlines, along with British Airways expanding their flight schedule from London’s Gatwick airport allowed travelers to have more options to visit Grenada.
The USA market has shown the strongest rebound and represents 61 percent of overall visitation.
Grenada’s Tourism Authority added that this month is also projected to surpass the previous high of December 2019.
New Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV Appearing In Tenth Fast and Furious
Dodge and the Fast and Furious movie franchise, otherwise known as the Fast saga, have been an item since the fifth installment in the series, Fast 5. The relationship is a natural fit—Vin Diesel's gravelly-voiced character Dominic Toretto rocks a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T.
As the franchise slogged on, Toretto's signature Dodge Charger changed in each film; in Furious 7 the Charger was modified with an off-road suspension for some dirt action; in The Fate of the Furious, the Toretto piloted a jet-powered Dodge Charger with ice tires to chase down a nuclear sub. You know, normal Dodge Charger owner stuff. But it looks like Toretto's next Charger is going to be a little more... electric.
For the tenth entry of the franchise, Fast X, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV concept car is making an appearance. It was seen on set during a film shoot a few weeks ago, and the resultant Instagram posts show several angles of the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV while on location in Los Angeles.
Additionally, there is a video of the EV driving away from the set while escorted by police. After seeing the posts on Instagram, we reached out to Craig Lieberman, who served as a technical advisor on the first two Fast Saga films and worked with the production Tokyo Drift, for comment. Lieberman confirmed to us that the Charger Daytona SRT was on set, at least according to sources close to the production crew.
Judging by the images and video, it appears that the scene involving the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV takes place at the either "Toretto house" or the "Bob's Market" locations in the Los Angeles area. Recently, some of the local residents got wind of the film production returning to the area and promised to protest, as they believe the films bring unwanted street racers and takeovers by enthusiastic fans to their neighborhoods.
Dodge revealed the Charger Daytona SRT EV muscle car during the brand's Speed Week event during the Woodward Muscle Car Celebration. The Charger Daytona SRT was touted as Dodge's new direction as it adapts to the rapidly approaching EV future.
The electric Dodge sets itself apart both with its huge power and its "Frazonic Chambered Exhaust" system, which is the (literally) loud bridge Dodge is attempting to build between purists who need a rumble with the muscle cars, and the coming legislation that will force the automaker to produce more EVs.
Source-Motor Trend
Biden: “Working to ensure airlines are held accountable”
President Joe Biden tweeted that his administration was “working to ensure airlines are held accountable” after thousands of flights have been canceled.
His tweet included a link to a Department of Transportation page where affected flyers can check to see if they’re entitled to compensation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told ABC News Live Prime on Tuesday, "Cancellation rates across the system for all of the other airlines together are averaging about 5%. With Southwest, it's more in the neighborhood of 60 or 70%."
"It's a shocking and unacceptable level of disruption combined with passengers being unable to get anybody on the phone to help them, and the airline indicating that they're actually not able to fully keep track of where their own flight crews are, he continued."
Buttigieg said passengers are entitled to refunds when their flights are canceled and that additional accommodations -- like covering the cost of food, ground transportation and hotels -- should be provided in this specific scenario.
Source-ABC