STEPHANIE FORBES-JOHNSON APPOINTED AS VICE PRINCIPAL OF THE CLEMENT HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Stephanie Forbes-Johnson to the post of Vice Principal of the Clement Howell High School within the Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services.
Hailing from Sandy Point, North Caicos, Mrs. Forbes-Johnson holds a Teachers Diploma in Secondary Education from Mico Teachers College in Jamaica and a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership from the University of Roehampton in the United Kingdom.
Mrs. Forbes-Johnson joined the public service in September 1996 as a Secondary School Teacher of Mathematics and Social Studies at the Raymond Gardiner High school in North Caicos and in October 2001 relocated to the Clement High School in Providenciales as a Mathematics Teacher.
From September 2008 to 2014 she served as Year Supervisor for Form 5 students, and in 2014 was promoted to the post of Head of Department with responsibility for overseeing and managing the members of the Mathematics, Music and Physical Education Departments.
Commenting on her appointment Mrs. Forbes-Johnson stated:
“Giving God Almighty all the thanks and Praise, I am pleased and honored to accept the position of Vice Principal, at the Clement Howell High School.
I pride myself in having a great passion for the teaching and learning profession, the position, and the entire team.
It has been a pleasure to learn and grow under the various leadership of the Clement Howell High School. I am delighted to take up this appointment and look forward to the new challenges and opportunities this new position presents.
I will continue to work hard in collaboration with the other members of the Clement Howell High Community to make our school a continued success.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks to Mrs. Forbes-Johnson stated:
“Congratulations is extended to Mrs. Stephanie Forbes-Johnson on her appointment as Vice Principal of the Clement Howell High School.
Building on the earlier appointments of Ms. Shanta Seymour to post of Principal and Mrs. Nadra Wilson-Kirlew to the post of Vice-Principal, we are certain that with over 20 years of experience in the teaching profession Mrs. Forbes-Johnson will be an asset to the senior management team of the Clement Howell High School.
We wish her well on her promotion and express our thanks to her for her continued dedication to the field of education.
Congratulations Stephanie!”
MONIQUE COX APPOINTED TO THE POST OF VICE PRINCIPAL OF THE ELIZA SIMONS PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Monique Cox to the post of Vice Principal of the Eliza Simons Primary School within the Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services.
Ms. Cox’s career with the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service began in August 2008 as a classroom teacher at the Iris Stubbs Primary School on the island of South Caicos, after receiving an Associate Degree in Primary Education from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
At the completion of four years of service in South Caicos, Miss. Cox was desirous of improving her professional qualifications and was transferred to Grand Turk in 2011 where she pursued studies to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
During this time, she was also employed as a classroom teacher at the Eliza Simons Primary School where she served for the last 10 years, transitioning through various grade levels during her years of service.
Within over fourteen years of teaching experience, Ms. Cox has assisted in the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands Primary School Curriculum and has completed several training programs in:
Literacy and Numeracy
Teaching 21st Century Learners
Caribbean Primary Assessment (CPEA)
Leadership Skills Development
A recent graduate of the University of Leicester Ms. Cox recently obtained a Master’s Degree in Leadership, Management and Training.
Commenting on her appointment Ms.
Cox stated:
“I am humbled, elated and honored to be appointed as the Vice Principal of my alma-mater, the Eliza Simons Primary School to work in partnership with the teachers, parents and students of this prestigious institution.
My heart’s desire is to continue to invest in our country’s greatest assets-our students and my aim is to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.
I am guided by the scripture verse of Proverbs 3:5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.’
I also hold fast to the quote by Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage that counts.’’
I wish to use this medium, to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to my immediate family, my colleagues of the E.L. Simons Primary School, friends and all persons who have been instrumental in my life’s journey which has helped me to be where I am today.
With God’s help I will strive to perform my duties and responsibilities with excellence as I continue to model the attitude of true professionalism and partner with all stakeholders in building a firm foundation for the future development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks to Ms. Monique Cox stated:
“I am so pleased to congratulate Ms. Monique Cox on her appointment as the new Vice Principal of the Eliza Simons Primary School on the island of Grand Turk, an institution which contributed to her childhood growth and development as a former student.
This appointment follows on from the appointment of Mrs. Nyree Taylor-Williams to the post of Principal earlier this year.
Working together I am certain that Mrs. Taylor-Williams and Ms. Cox will ensure that the E.L.S.P.S. continues to achieve academic success in developing the minds of its young students.
Ms. Cox, a devoted educator who has served the school well during the last ten years, is deserving of this appointment and I wish her great success in her new role.
Congratulations Monique!”
ABIGAIL DELANCY APPOINTED AS PRINCIPAL OF THE ADELAIDE OEMLER PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Abigail Delancy to the post of Principal of the Adelaide Oemler Primary School within the Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services.
Ms. Delancy hails from the island of Grand Turk. In 1998 she attended the TCI Community College in Grand Turk obtaining a Certificate in Computer Studies. In 1999 she was awarded a grant from the Rotary Club of Providenciales to take up training in New York in Special Needs Education. On return to the Turks and Caicos Islands, she took up employment at the Pathe Centre now SNAP CENTRE for one year.
In 2001 Ms. Delancy gained employment at the Ashcroft school on Providenciales where she worked for five years beginning as a Teaching Assistant. In 2002 she joined the TCI Community College Providenciales campus completing an Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education from the University of the West Indies.
In 2005, Ms. Delancy joined the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service as an Early Childhood Teacher at the Enid Capron Primary School.
She once again enrolled at the TCI Community College, this time completing an Associate's Degree in Social Work and Welfare from the University of the West Indies.
In 2014, Ms. Delancy was appointed Vice-Principal of the Enid Capron Primary School. After two years of management experience, she went on to the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom to obtain a Master's Degree in Education Management.
Ms. Delancy has completed a series of courses in education and social work throughout her tenure at the Enid Capron Primary School, including:
The 21st-Century Vice Principal
The Danielson Framework
Social Work Levels I and II.
Commenting on her appointment Ms. Delancy stated:
“When I began my career in teaching I never imagined reaching this far. After gaining employment with the Turks and Caicos Government I was inspired by leaders who mentored and coached me which brought out leadership qualities in me.
I have gained a wealth of experience in leadership and management over the year, and I am certain that with my experience and qualifications I am ready for the road ahead at the Adelaide Oemler Primary School.
I am grateful to God for allowing me to serve in this capacity.
Thank you to my friends and family who continue to be a source of support to me.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in commenting on Ms. Abigail Delancy’s appointment stated:
“It is with great pleasure that I take the opportunity to congratulate Ms. Abigail Delancy on her appointment as the new Principal of Adelaide Oemler Primary School on the island of North Caicos.
Abigail’s career journey is a testament of hard work, sacrifice and perseverance.
She has worked hard over the years to prepare herself for upward mobility through the completion of numerous academic and other training programs.
This coupled with her 20 years of experience in the education sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands has ably prepared her for this role.
We are certain that she will do an excellent job in managing and leading the A.O.P.S. to even higher heights in the future and wish her well on her appointment.
Congratulations on your well deserved promotion Abigail!”
Former White House aide delivers bombshell testimony at surprise Jan. 6 hearing
The House select committee investigating the Capitol attack held a surprise hearing Tuesday, with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, delivering bombshell testimony.
Hutchinson, in a nearly two-hour testimony, established that then-President Donald Trump and Meadows were aware the Capitol was a target and that Trump supporters at the "Save America" rally were armed with weapons when the president urged them to march to the Capitol on Jan. 6.
Trump told aides to let individuals with weapons into the crowd, with Hutchinson recalling Trump saying, "'I don't care that they have weapons. They are not here to hurt me. Take the effing mags away.'"
Trump wanted to go to the Capitol himself after his speech, she said, and there was even conversation about having him go into the House chamber, despite the White House counsel's office raising serious legal concerns and Secret Service raising safety concerns.
Still, demanding to go to the Capitol, Hutchinson recalled learning that Trump grabbed the steering wheel in the president's limousine, called the Beast, on the way back to the White House and said, "'I'm the f-ing president. Take me up to the Capitol now!'" before lunging at a Secret Service agent.
Hutchinson also confirmed Trump instructed Meadows to make contact with the "war room" in the Willard Hotel, where Roger Stone, Steve Bannon and Rudy Giuliani Giuliani were gathered, on the evening of Jan. 5. She advised Meadows against going in person after hearing Giuliani's plans for the day, which she said she overheard included "Oath Keepers" and "Proud Boys." Hutchinson told the committee, "I didn't think that it was something appropriate for the White House chief of staff to attend or to consider involving in."
Source-ABC
Guyana workers in the private sector get 36 per cent higher minimum wage
Private sector employees will begin receiving a 36 per cent minimum wage increase from July 1, taking their salaries to GUY$60, 147 (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents).
A government statement said that the increase has been officially gazetted and has now been signed by the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton.
The statement said that the move is a fulfilment of a commitment made by the government soon after coming to power in the controversial 2020 that was won by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
It said that they government had established a new committee, including representatives from the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Manufacturing Service Association GMSA), and all Chambers of Commerce, to immediately hold discussions on the proposed GUY$60,000 increase.
President, Irfaan Ali had announced recently that cabinet was in full agreement with the recommendations made by the tripartite committee to increase the minimum wage.
According to the Gazette, a worker who is being paid a wage rate that is higher than that prescribed should continue to receive that amount and not suffer a reduction of rate in account of the order.
It also calls for workers to have a normal work week of 40 hours which should not exceed five days per week. Any hours of work beyond the normal working hours will result in the employee being paid at minimum rates set out by the hours and holidays act and the labour conditions of employment of certain workers act, or any other law in force where workers are represented by a trade union.
In addition, any employer who breaches the provisions of the order will be liable to conviction of a fine of GUY$50,000 for the first offence with the fine increasing to GUY$100,000 and imprisonment of one month for a second conviction.
Source-CMC
BVI Premier denounces circulation of video about police in BVI
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says he has been given the assurance by Governor John J. Rankin that he will hold talks with Police Commissioner Mark Collins after a video began circulating on social media about the police in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)..
“This is a very unfortunate depiction of the BVI, highly damaging to our image as a tourist destination,” Premier Wheatley said in a broadcast.
He said that the video entitled “Police in Paradise”, is produced by the United Kingdom media house ITV, profiling the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force tackling crime in the BVI.
“The video has unsettled many persons in our local and business community because of its highly distorted portrayal of the British Virgin Islands, which gives the impression that our islands are an unsafe tourist destination infested with drugs and crime. This is not true.”
Wheatley said that he had already spoken to the Governor of the British Overseas Territory , who has overall responsibility for the police.
“He fully agreed that the video is inappropriate and stated he would address the matter with Police Commissioner Mark Collins. Mr. Collins has since issued a written apology to the British Virgin Islands public”
In his statement, the Police Commissioner in offering his apologies to the police, said the “incomplete video…was intended to be a tool for recruiting officers from the Caribbean and the U.K., and aimed at capturing the benefits and challenges of policing in the BVI.
“While permission was sought in advance from the relevant authorities specifically for the intended purpose, this raw footage in circulation lacked an introduction and a conclusion and was never intended for public consumption.”
Collins said that he had received the video in its incomplete form and circulated it to a small group of officers within the Force to receive feedback to help with its completion.
“None of the violence, drug transshipments or the seizures in this video would ever be appropriate to be viewed by the public,” he said, adding that he is “saddened by the actions taken to bring me and the Force into disgrace.
“I am even more disheartened that the people of this Territory have to endure additional distress and trauma in this already very difficult time,” Collins said.
Premier Wheatley said that in his capacity as Tourism Minister, he wanted to assure “all of our current guests who are right now enjoying the security of our Territory, as well as those persons planning to come to visit our shores to enjoy our white sand beaches, calm sailing waters and friendly people, that the British Virgin Islands is one of the most secure places in the Caribbean and world to vacation and spend your holiday.
“We look forward to welcoming you here to our home that is one of the most beautiful and safest places on earth. To everyone who calls the British Virgin Islands home, let us all continue to do our part to promote tourism, which is everybody’s business.”
Source-CMC
FIFA sells 1.8 million tickets for 2022 tournament
Organisers have sold 1.8 million tickets for the World Cup in Qatar, world football governing body FIFA said on Wednesday ahead of the next round of ticket sales that opens on Tuesday.
There is a special category of tickets available only to residents of the host nation, and fans in the Gulf Arab state have bought the largest number of tickets, FIFA said.
Aside from Qatar, the top countries where fans bought tickets are Canada, England, France, Germany, India, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, FIFA said in a news release.
A spokesperson said that FIFA expects to offer a total of 3 million match tickets during the 28-day tournament, which kicks off on Nov. 21.
Qualification for the World Cup has now concluded, and all 32 available slots for the tournament have been secured.
The next round of sales will remain open until Aug. 16, and tickets will be confirmed on payment, on a first-come, first-served basis. The most recent phase of ticket sales, a random selection draw, closed at the end of April.
Source-ESPN
Sean Penn meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy again
Sean Penn has returned to Ukraine, where he was shooting a documentary when the Russian invasion began, and he's apparently back to work there.
The Oscar-winning actor reportedly met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, where the president reportedly thanked him "for the attention and support he has provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the war," according to the Ukrainian Presidential News Service.
"Sean, we are very interested in showing the world what happened around Kyiv," Zelenskyy was quoted as saying. "I know you were here in the early days of this war. Much has changed in Kyiv. But there are some cities around Kyiv that are very important to show to the world -- to show what Russia has done."
For his part, Penn reportedly was interested in visiting various places in the country to document what has happened since he fled the country on foot into Poland back in February.
He said in a statement to People at the time, "President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have risen as historic symbols of courage and principle," calling the country "the tip of the spear for the democratic embrace of dreams."
In June, Penn's Community Organized Relief Effort raised money for the war-torn country at an event that Zelenskyy addressed remotely.
Source-ABC
G7 vows to drive up costs for Russia over Ukraine war
The Russian strike on a shopping centre in Kremenchuk cast a sombre shadow over the last day of the G7 summit; a reminder perhaps for the leaders here of just what, or rather who, they’re dealing with.
Vladimir Putin, they said, would be held accountable (though exactly how remains unclear) but they’ve pledged to not rest until Russia ends its war.
To that end, they’ve promised to support Ukraine in its defence, promising more money, more humanitarian aid, more weapons and military support (although there is little detail of exactly what will be given and when).
They’ve promised too, to coordinate further sanctions, though some proposals, including a potential cap on the price of Russian oil, appear to have failed to gain consensus support, with leaders agreeing only to ‘explore’ the measure in their final statement.
Leaders are painfully conscious of the global consequences of the war – not least because it’s exacerbating a cost of living crisis which is hitting their citizens hard – so pledges to secure energy and global food supplies were unsurprising.
The war in Ukraine has dominated what, in different times, would have been a summit focused on climate change and tackling global inequality.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz got a pledge to establish his proposed ‘climate club’ (which would see countries sign up to targets in return for economic support and incentives) by the end of the year but no commitment from each G7 country to join in.
It's not just the city of Kremenchuk, where the shopping centre was attacked, that is causing immmediate concern today in Ukraine.
The city of Lysychansk is "turning into rubble", officials in the region say, after a Russian missile attack killed eight civilians.
A total of 21 other people were injured in the attack as they gathered to collect drinking water.
Lugansk region governor Sergiy Gaiday says on Telegram: "Our defenders are holding the line, but the Russians are turning the city into rubble... the infrastructure is completely destroyed."
Lysychansk has become the focus of heavy Russian attacks following the fall of its twin city, Severodonetsk, at the weekend.
Source-BBC
40 found dead in abandoned lorry in Texas
46 people, believed to be migrants, have been found dead in an abandoned lorry on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas.
A fire official said 16 people including four children had also been taken to hospital.
The survivors were "hot to the touch" and suffering from heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
San Antonio, which is 250km (150 miles) from the US-Mexican border, is a major transit route for people smugglers.
Human traffickers often use lorries to transport undocumented migrants after meeting them in remote areas once they have managed to cross into the United States.
"They had families...and were likely trying to find a better life," San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. "It's nothing short of a horrific, human tragedy."
Emergency responders initially arrived at the scene at about 18:00 local time (23:00 GMT) after responding to reports of a dead body, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood told reporters.
"We're not supposed to open up a truck and see stacks of bodies in there. None of us come to work imagining that," he said.
He added that the vehicle, which had been abandoned by its driver, had no working air conditioning and there was no drinking water inside it.
According to KSAT local TV channel, the vehicle was discovered next to rail tracks in San Antonio's Southwest Side.
A large number of emergency responders, including police, fire, and ambulance services, could be seen surrounding the large truck.
Speaking at the same press conference, San Antonio's Police Chief William McManus said the investigation had been handed over to federal agents on Monday evening. He added that three people were being held in custody.
Mexico's Foreign Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, said that two Guatemalans were among those taken to hospital. The nationalities of the other victims was not immediately clear.
Texas's Republican Governor Greg Abbott blamed US President Joe Biden for the deaths, describing them as a "result of his deadly open border policies".
Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic candidate running against Mr Abbott, said the reports were devastating and called for urgent action to "dismantle human smuggling rings and replace them with expanded avenues for legal migration".
Immigration is a contentious political issue in the United States, where last year a record numbers of undocumented migrants were detained crossing into the country from Mexico - many traveling along extremely risky and unsafe routes.
San Antonio's climate is hot in the summer months with temperatures there reaching 39.4C (103F) on Monday.