31 arrested with shields, riot gear near Pride parade in Idaho
Police in a small Idaho city arrested 31 people allegedly affiliated with a white nationalist group near a Pride parade, authorities announced on Saturday.
People associated with the group “Patriot Front” allegedly had shields, shin guards, and other riot gear with them, including at least one smoke grenade, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Police Chief Lee White said. They were charged with conspiracy to commit a riot.
The individuals were arrested after a citizen called police to alert them that at least 20 men were seen getting out of a U-Haul van wearing masks and carrying shields, White said. The group, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, has white nationalist ideologies that was founded shortly after the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The arrests come as the Department of Homeland Security warned last week the summer could be a “dynamic” threat landscape, and extremists could target public gatherings, faith-based institutions, schools, racial and religious minorities, government facilities and personnel, U.S. critical infrastructure, the media and perceived ideological opponents.
Source-ABC
Central Bank says recent high international energy prices have boosted local economy
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) Monday said signs of a fairly broad-based economic recovery became more evident during the fourth quarter of 2021 and that economic activity in the non-energy sector will continue to recover as the full effect of the re-opening of the country takes root
In its Monetary Policy Report for May, the CBTT said recent high international energy prices have boosted the public finances and external accounts, creating a welcome space for financing further adjustment to the lingering effects of the pandemic.
“In the very uncertain global setting however, the situation can change rapidly and care must therefore be taken to avoid considering this ‘windfall’ as permanent. Much needed structural reforms should also be accelerated to reduce bureaucracy and strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s dynamism and attractiveness in tourism, financial and other service markets,” the CBTT warned.
It said domestically, higher crude oil and petrochemical production spearheaded a return to positive growth in energy sector activity during the fourth quarter of 2021 and that the rollback of the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions boosted business operations in some non-energy sectors while inflation, though rising, remains relatively contained.
The CBTT noted that export earnings are estimated to have more than doubled, rising by 101 per cent to US$3,384.4 million over the final quarter of 2021, mainly reflecting higher energy exports. “Buoyed by climbing energy commodity prices, energy exports increased by US$1,723.7 million to US$2,839.1 million. In particular, crude oil prices averaged US$77.34 per barrel over the last three months of 2021, compared to US$42.56 per barrel in the comparative period of 2020.
“On a year-on-year basis, increases were recorded across all energy commodity exports – petrochemicals (199.5 per cent), gas (140.8 per cent), and petroleum crude and refined products (98.6 per cent).
“Concurrently, non-energy exports registered a modest decrease of 4.1 per cent to reach US$545.3 million. Notably, the lower non-energy export earnings corresponded to a decline in machinery and transport equipment exports. “
The CBTT said at the same time, total imports grew by 20.8 per cent to US$1,700.6 million, in line with elevated international commodity prices and the reopening of particular sectors in the domestic economy through the implementation of the ‘TT Safe Zones’ initiative, which included restaurants, bars, casinos and cinemas, among others.
t said the value of fuel imports grew by 85.5 per cent to US$377.6 million, largely owing to the upward trajectory in fuel prices. Non-energy imports were marginally higher at US$1,323.0 million as domestic demand recovered at a measured pace.
Trinidad and Tobago’s main trading partner, the US, remained the main source market for imports, followed by China and the European Union – other traditional import markets,’ the CBTT noted.
The CBTT said that bank financing has supported private sector business activity, as evidenced by the pickup in business lending.
“Sluggish employment conditions may have adversely impacted consumer lending, which continued to decline. The Central Bank maintained an accommodative policy stance, in the context of relatively low, supply-side inflation impulses and an incipient economic recovery.”
The CBTT said that production data point to an uptick in energy sector activity in the final months of 2021. In addition, the continued rollback of restrictions on movement led to a gradual resumption in output in many non-energy sector businesses, including distribution, manufacturing and construction. However, supply-side factors are contributing to increases in inflation. The surge in international prices for food staples such as sugar, wheat and vegetable oils, higher
The bank said core inflation, which excludes the food component, also rose with the lowering of the subsidy on domestic gasoline prices, and the pass-through of increases in global costs of construction materials, such as cement, to domestic consumers.
The CBTT said financial system liquidity declined but remained adequate, while interest rate differentials narrowed.
It said excess liquidity, as measured by commercial banks’ reserves held at the Central Bank in excess of the required levels, declined from TT$7.7 billion (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) in November 2021 to TT$3.9 billion in April 2022.
“A rebound in business lending in October 2021, and a continued rise in real estate mortgage lending, contributed to the increase in consolidated system credit. However, consumer lending remains stymied. Credit conditions allowed for a small reduction in bank’s lending rates, from 7.04 per cent to 6.93 per cent on average between September 2021 and March 2022,” the CBTT said.
It said external monetary policy tightening has resulted in the TT/US short-term interest rate differential moving from 27 basis points to -42 basis points below from November 2021 to April 2022; the differentials on the longer term end moved from 356 to 209 basis points.
In this context, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago kept its monetary policy stance unchanged. The bank kept the short-term rate on its overnight collateralised financing to commercial banks, the Repo rate, at 3.50 per cent following its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings in December 2021 and March 2022.
“The MPC focussed on the early signs of domestic economic recovery, boosted by modest business credit expansion and relatively contained cost-push inflation. Nonetheless, the MPC took note of the rising importance of foreign inflationary influences and the fact that higher interest rates abroad could lead to some incentive to capital outflows,” the CBTT added.
Source-CMC
3-DAY PUBLIC FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: SURFACE RIDGING CONTINUES TO SUPPORT MODERATE TO LOCALLY
FRESH WINDS ACROSS THE BAHAMAS THROUGH TONIGHT.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: THERE REMAINS A SLIGHT THREAT FOR POSSIBLE WATERSPOUT OR FUNNEL CLOUD ACTIVITY. BEACHGOERS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION ALONG EAST AND SOUTH COAST BEACHES DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS. THE PUBLIC SHOULD REMAIN HYDRATED AND LIMIT PROLONGED DIRECT SUN EXPOSURE DUE TO TRIPLE DIGIT HEAT INDICES.
AREA—FOR THE TCI ISLANDS & THE BAHAMAS:
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDY, HOT AND A BIT HAZY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE DURING THE AFTERNOON. BREEZY IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS. BECOMING MOSTLY FAIR AND WARM TONIGHT ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
ADVISORY: A SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS WITH HIGHER GUSTS IN THE TCI PLUS CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. 4 TO 7 FEET OVER THE OCEAN ELSEWHERE.
MONDAY’S HIGH TEMPERATURE: 90°F / 32°C
HEAT INDEX: 101°F / 38°C
TONIGHT’S LOW TEMPERATURE: 80°F / 27°C
SUNRISE: 6:19 AM
SUNSET: 8:00 PM
MOONRISE: 7:27 PM
MOONSET: 6:11 AM
HIGH TIDE: 7:13 AM
LOW TIDE: 1:21 PM
HIGH TIDE: 7:49 PM
LOW TIDE: 2:21 AM TUE.
EXTENDED FORECAST (FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS): HIGH PRESSURE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT MODERATE BREEZES AROUND THE NATION. MEANWHILE, AN INTRUDING PLUME OF SAHARAN DUST WILL SPREAD ACROSS THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS REDUCING AIR QUALITY AND CREATING HAZY SKIES.
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY:
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND HAZY BUT BREEZY IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS WITH THE CHANCE OF FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS OR AN OFFSHORE THUNDERSTORM. BECOMING MOSTLY FAIR AT NIGHT.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS WITH HIGHER GUSTS ELSEWHERE.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 7 FEET ELSEWHERE.
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY:
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDY AND HOT WITH THE SLIGHT CHANCE OF A LIGHT STRAY SHOWER.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS WITH HIGHER GUSTS ELSEWHERE.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 7 FEET ELSEWHERE.
St. Lucia, Puerto Rico promoted to League B in Nations League after decisive wins
St. Lucia comfortably defeated Anguilla 2-0 before a home crowd at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground on Sunday night, securing promotion back up to Concacaf Nations League B and a place in the 2023 Gold Cup Prelims.
The first half of the game which was played in League C did not prove to be so easy for the hosts. Anguilla did what they have proven to do throughout this competition – defend well. They were well-organized and their no-nonsense approach was able to keep them in the game.
But the breakthrough came right before halftime. In the 44th minute, a very high cross came towards the Anguillan goal, and goalkeeper Danniell Bailey was unable to punch it away.
Andrus Remy quickly received the failed clearance and coolly finished to put St. Lucia up 1-0 and kick off the party in the crowd.
The hopes for an Anguillan comeback were crushed in the 60th minute when St. Lucia captain Kurt Frederick lined up over the ball on a free-kick from the corner of the 18-yard box and curled one around Bailey to double the lead.
From there, St. Lucia held firm to secure the victory and all the rewards that come with it.
Puerto Rico was also promoted and clinched a 2023 Gold Cup Prelims spot with a 6-0 victory at home over the British Virgin Islands.
The hosts got off to a roaring start at the Estadio Centroamericano de Mayaguez, taking the lead after 12 minutes courtesy of a neatly placed right-footed shot into the corner from Darren Rios. Ricardo Rivera’s low cross earned him the assist.
Jaden Servania was brought down in the box in the 14th minute, and Rivera would join in on the scoring himself, converting the penalty to put Puerto Rico ahead 2-0.
In the 31st minute, the hosts further added to their tally with a beautiful team goal. Kevin Hernandez passed to Nicolas Cardona, who made a one-touch feed to Gerald Diaz, who poked it past British Virgin Islands goalkeeper Daniel Gilford.
Thirty-nine minutes had gone when Wilfredo Rivera’s chip over Gilford bounced just ever slightly too high, but Ricardo Rivera was there to collect the rebound off the crossbar to tap in for his second goal of the night. In the second half, the home side kept up the attack. This time it was Rios who found Ricardo Rivera at the end of his run and Rivera tapped in for his hat trick in the 49th minute.
Soon after that, a crafty no-look pass from Ian Silva found Ricardo Rivera again down the middle in the 51st minute for his fourth goal of the game.
Puerto Rico would hold steady for the rest of the match and see things out for the 6-0 win.
Meantime, St. Kitts and Nevis maintained their unbeaten record in Group B of League C with a 1-1 draw against Saint Martin after a dramatic late equalizer at Warner Park.
The result means that St. Kitts and Aruba sit tied atop Group B with four points each (Aruba currently leads on goal differential), while Saint Martin are third with two points.
Cuba extended their longest-ever Concacaf Nations League winning streak to three matches with a 3-1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda.
Both sides have a March date with Barbados and another against Guadeloupe left on the calendar, with promotion and a 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup stop still in play for each.
Results of the latest matches in the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday:
LEAGUE A
(Group B)
At Pierre-Aliker Stadium, Fort-de-France:
Martinique drew with Panama 0-0
LEAGUE B
(GROUP A)
At Stade Rene Serge Nabajoth, Guadeloupe:
Guadeloupe beat Barbados 2-1
At Estadio Antonio Maceo, Santiago:
Cuba beat Antigua 3-1
LEAGUE C
(GROUP C)
At Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet:
St. Lucia beat Anguilla 2-0
(GROUP B)
At Warner Park, Basseterre:
St. Kitts & Nevis drew with Saint Martin 1-1
(GROUP D)
At Estadio Centroamericano, Mayaguez
Puerto Rico beat British Virgin Islands 6-0
IMF managing director to visit the Caribbean
The managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, is to participate in a panel discussion on capacity building partnerships for a more resilient Caribbean later this week.
According to a statement posted on the website of the Washington-based financial institution, the event will take place on June 16 as part of Georgieva’s vfirst ever visit to Barbados.
She will be joined on the panel by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy Antoine, who is also chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) Steering Committee.
The discussion will be moderated by Ilan Goldfajn, the Director of the IMF Western Hemisphere Department.
According to the Washington-based financial institution, since the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Caribbean policymakers have had to respond to the immediate and enormous challenges posed by the pandemic, while continuing to implement structural transformations to make the region more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient to natural disasters, the climate crisis, and fiscal risks.
It said that over the past 20 years, the IMF, Caribbean countries, and global partners have teamed up through the Barbados-based CARTAC) to provide tailored and locally-delivered capacity development support to the region.
“This support has proved particularly helpful to ensure that Caribbean economic institutions are well equipped to address short- to long-term economic challenges, with a particular focus on capacity building at central banks, tax and customs administrations, ministries of finances, and statistical offices,” the IMF added.
Meanwhile, Georgieva will participate in a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Simon Naitram, lecturer in Economics at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill (UWI) and President of Barbados Economics Society, on June 16.
The conversation will be followed by a discussion with students of UWI to be moderated by Dr. Naitram.
The IMF managing director will also participate in an IMF High-Level Panel Discussion on Building Resilience and Sustainability in the Caribbean on June 17.
She will be joined during the one-hour discussion by Prime Minister Mottley, and Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland.
The discussion will be moderated by Jamaica’s Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Nigel Clarke.
Prime Minister Mottley and Georgieva will host a joint news conference on Friday.
Source-CMC
Temporary Suspension of Providenciales Mobile Clinic
The Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to advise the public of the suspension of mobile clinic services from June 13th to June 16th2022. Services will resume on Friday, June 17th2022, at its usual time at the National Stadium parking lot.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme to be Launched
The Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services is launching its pilot National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme for all Turks and Caicos Islands tertiary students studying locally or abroad.
The ministry says that the aim of the programme is to allow students to gain significant experience in their field. They are asking students to register for the programme as soon as possible.
For more information, you may contact the Ministry of Education & Labour.
TURKS AND CAICOS 17th POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 16th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 25 May 2022 at the Premier’s Office in Providenciales.
In that meeting, All Members were present to discuss and approve matters pertaining to growth and upliftment of the TCI
Cabinet was updated on initial findings and proposals from international aviation consultants for the Providenciales International Airport redevelopment project.
· Approved a business license application in a restricted category for Flat Rock Farm to operate a small-scale backyard market farm garden on Providenciales.
· Approved the termination of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development, designed to provide a series of business support services to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises business in the TCI, including the withdrawal of grant funding.
· Was updated on the results of the TCI inflation stimulus program, designed to provide economic assistance to Turks & Caicos Islands residents who continue to experience adverse effects as a result of the economic hardships caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic and approved:
a) An allocation of $600,000 to cover any outstanding applications,
b) The ongoing review of existing applications currently being appealed, and
c) Additional amendments around the qualifying process.
· Approved the Magistrate’s Court (Amendment) Bill 2022, allowing more flexibility with shaping rules, frameworks and responsibilities, for submission to the House of Assembly.
· Approved a planning application (GT 5066) from the Public Works Department for the construction of a dual purpose Youth Centre and Hurricane Shelter on Parcel 10404/198, North Back Salina, Grand Turk.
· Approved the implementation of a mandatory child safeguarding certification program for persons working or volunteering with children, young and vulnerable adults in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
· Approved the Teacher Qualification Standards developed by the Ministry of Education.
· Approved logistical and regulatory support for a project wholly funded by Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary, a Canadian non-for-profit charity, to relocate up to 500 stray dogs from Grand Turk to Canada, as part of the program to control the dog population on the island.
· Approved a Memorandum of Agreement between TCI Government and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) which outlines the conditions for collaboration between the Department for Fisheries and Marine Resources Management and the JNCC. Members also approved the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity Programme Project “Sustaining queen conch fisheries and livelihoods in Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI)” - preventing the potential collapse of the queen conch stocks.
· Discussed how Faith and Religious groups can best be involved in supporting or delivering government policies or initiatives.
· Approved amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations to include the issue of a temporary license plate to ensure vehicle identification possible, as required by law. Members also discussed long term plans for the issuing of new number plates.
· Approved revised terms of conditions proposed by the National Trust to variation of the lease held over parcel 61113/380 to facilitate the development and operation of a radar station.
· Approved amendments to the Migrant Health Evaluation Policy to improve processes and tackle fraudulent activity. Members also approved a moratorium of three months on existing work permit applications.
· Noted a paper on a judgement payment following a ruling by the Supreme Court in respect of a judgement on the illegal detention of irregular migrants from Sri Lanka.
· Noted a ruling made by the Supreme Court and approved the settlement of a claim made by two named individuals against the government.
· Approved a salary adjustment and pension scheme for FY 22/23 for TCI Airport Authority staff. Members also approved an adjustment to base salaries for air traffic controllers.
· Approved the appointment of Mr Peter Forbes as Managing Director of the Civil Aviation Authority for a period of three years with effect from 1 June 2022.
· Approved amendments to the terms of the appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as Chief Executive Officer of the Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency. Appointed on 13 January 2022 for a period of three (3) years.
· Approved a settlement agreement for a former government employee injured during the course of their work.
· Re-approved the accession of the Turks and Caicos Islands to the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), the implementation hub for sustainable energy activities and projects within the region.
· Re-approved the signing of the St. Maarten Declaration relating to School Safety in the Caribbean Region, which promotes safety in schools in the Caribbean, identifies achievements in this area and allows for the adoption of the Caribbean Declaration and Road Map on School Safety.
· Re-approved the extension of the 2022/23 business license renewal deadline from April 30th 2022 to June 30th 2022 for all businesses on all Islands.
· Re-approved the renewal of a rental lease agreement for the Judicial court Offices on Grand Turk for the purpose of carrying out Government business by the Chief Magistrate and staff of the Judicial Court and its offices.
· Re-approved a sand mining license application from CDMS Ltd. for dredging in the Bellfield landing channel and turning basin, North Caicos.
· Re-approved the renewal of an insurance policy with the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility, Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF SPC) for the 2022/23 hurricane season providing cover for tropical cyclone damage and excess rainfall.
· Re-approved the signing of the St. Maarten Declaration relating to School Safety in the Caribbean Region, which promotes safety in schools in the Caribbean, identifies achievements in this area and allows for the adoption of the Caribbean Declaration and Road Map on School Safety.
· Re-approved the Appropriation (2022/2023) Bill 2022 and for this to be advanced to the House of Assembly.
· Was updated on issues related to the Ministry of Health.
· Cabinet also approved for the TCI Government to commence negotiations for a Development Agreement between Circle Holdings Ltd, and TCIG, for a Mixed Accommodation Development and a marina in the Turtle Cove area, Providenciales. Members also discussed steps required on separate issues related to the project.
The results from that meeting will be discussed by Ministers in due course.
US initiative to support climate resilience and clean energy in Caribbean
Caribbean nations have been offered improved access to funding to fight the effects of climate change and invest in clean energy projects, through an initiative by the United States to address energy security and climate crisis within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030), announced by US Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday when she met with regional leaders on the sidelines of the ninth Summit of the Americas underway here, focuses on reducing island nations’ dependence on energy imports.
It will support Caribbean countries’ energy infrastructure and climate-resilient projects from beginning to end.
However, no details about the level of the US investment in the project were forthcoming.
In announcing the initiative, Harris said the climate issue remains an existential crisis for the entire planet, as she acknowledged that “the Caribbean is on the frontline of the crisis”.
She said the US will work with regional countries to identify new clean energy projects and will provide technical assistance to ensure the projects are viable and appealing to investors.
We will bring them [investors] on road shows to showcase and we will improve access to development financing which will make these projects a reality. We will engage with the private sector at every stage of this work because their involvement is essential to making this productive and meaningful,” Harris assured the Caribbean leaders.
The US Vice President said when the transition to clean energy is accelerated, economic opportunities for the entire region would be unlocked.
“When we work together to address this urgent threat, it benefits the people of the United States and the people of the Caribbean and all of us of course benefit by reducing emission,” she said.
CARICOM’s Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett said energy security in the Caribbean is a critical matter as countries seek to transition their energy systems to more modern, clean and reliable supplies of renewable energy.
She noted that member states are heavily dependent on fossil fuels for energy needs, and are predominantly net energy importers.
“Our position is to optimize our indigenous sources as we make that judicious transition to renewable resources. We are, therefore, pleased to have this conversation. We are aware that our own public sector’s fiscal constraints limit the extent to which our governments can finance a transition to renewable resource and therefore the undertaking to provide sources of financing that our private sector can access is very important,” she said.
Dr. Barnett said the devastating COVID-19 pandemic had also impacted the Caribbean’s energy and resilience and the climate crisis.
The US government said PACC 2030 will serve as its primary mechanism for regional climate adaptation and resilience and energy cooperation through 2030, as it works toward meeting the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To achieve these objectives, PACC 2030 will organize its activities and programmes under four pillars: improving access to development financing, facilitating clean energy project development and investment, enhancing local capacity building, and deepening collaboration with Caribbean partners.
“Recognizing that access to financing is critical to achieving the region’s climate and clean energy objectives, PACC 2030 will work to expand existing access to project financing and unlock new financing mechanisms to support climate and clean energy infrastructure development in the region,” the US government said. “Key actions under this pillar will include increasing US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing for climate and clean energy projects in underserved Caribbean countries, as well as collaborating with multilateral development banks (MDBs) and multilateral climate and environmental trust funds to improve the policy environment and unlock access to additional infrastructure financing, for the Caribbean.”
To attract private investment in clean energy infrastructure and climate adaptation projects in the region, PACC 2030 will support the development of bankable infrastructure projects, promote sound regulatory policies, build project pipelines, and facilitate investment opportunities.
This will include the establishment of a new PACC 2030 Investment Facilitation Team and a new PACC 2030 Technical Assistance Programme that can help mobilize private investment and partner with electric utilities and regulators to integrate more clean energy into Caribbean power and transportation systems.
According to the government, PACC 2030 will increase access to and effective utilization of climate and weather information and decision-support tools to enhance local capacity to assess, plan for, predict, mitigate, and respond to extreme weather events and related risks.
Additionally, it will establish clean energy and climate-focused educational exchanges, internships, and trainings to support pathways to careers in climate adaptation and clean energy. Key actions under this pillar will include providing access to global climate data and new forecasting tools, as well as expanding the 100,000 Strong in the Americas public-private partnership to the Caribbean.
The US government has promised that under the initiative it collaborate with the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation; participate in the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum to elevate technical engagement on clean energy and transportation development in the region; and collaborate with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, the Regional Security System, and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology on climate adaptation and resilience issues.
Source-CMC
Feds expected to announce an end to random arrival testing at Canada's airports
The federal government is expected to announce today it will soon end the mandatory randomized arrival testing for incoming travellers at Canada's airports, CBC News has learned — a move that comes as the U.S. signals it also will ease up on some testing requirements.
As a result, starting as soon as Saturday, June 11, only unvaccinated travellers will be required to take a test upon entry into Canada, said a source with knowledge of the policy who was not authorized to speak publicly.
Up to now, fully vaccinated travellers were being subjected to random COVID-19 testing upon arrival.
The policy change is being billed as a "pause" because random arrival testing will be suspended between Saturday and June 30 — and the government could still bring it back.
Canada is one of the few Western countries that has some form of arrival testing at this late stage of the pandemic.
Critics, including a number of public health experts, have said that this sort of testing regime is unnecessary now that there is widespread natural and vaccine-induced immunity to the virus.
They've called the policy a bureaucratic burden that has added to already lengthy delays at airports, which are grappling with clogged customs facilities.
The government has defended the arrival testing program as way to track how many COVID-19 cases are slipping into the country. They've also said the program could be used to detect new virus variants of concern.
The U.S., which has never had arrival testing, announced Friday it will drop its pre-entry testing requirement for air travel. As of Sunday, U.S.-bound passengers won't have to get a test before boarding a flight.
The government is also expected to announce that, in the coming weeks, arrival testing for unvaccinated travellers will be moved off-site — meaning those travellers will no longer be forced to give a sample for a test at the airport. This change will mean airports can dismantle dedicated testing sites that have taken up space in the customs halls.
Source-CBC