56-YEAR-OLD MAN STRUCK AND KILLED BY LIGHTNING
On Monday 2nd May, 2022 at about 2:00pm, the Police Control Room received a report that whilst on a boat in the Pine Cay area, a man was believed to have been struck by lightning and was unconscious and unresponsive.
At about 3:15pm, the boat containing the victim and two other men, was towed into the Blue Haven Marina. Emergency Medical Services were at the location awaiting the arrival of the victim.
The emergency medical technician observed that the male victim appeared to be lifeless. A medical doctor attended the scene and pronounced the victim dead at 3:19pm.
This matter has been referred to HM Coroner.
ScotiabankTCI announces new standards for parental leave for employees
Scotiabank TCI, announced that it will be adopting a new standard for parental leave for employees. The enhanced offering will include increased fully paid leave for all parents welcoming a new child, including adoptive parents, legal guardians and parents who have given birth.
Maternity leave will be increased to 16 weeks – up from 14 weeks, while fathers, adoptive parents and appointed legal guardians with a new child, will receive 4 fully paid weeks of parental leave.
“We are so happy to be among the pioneers for such progressive and inclusive employee-centric policies in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is also a demonstration of our core commitment to diversity and to put our people first as we partner with the business on achieving success across the Bank’s operations. There is also a wealth of information that illustrates the benefits of paid parental leave not just for parents, but also for children, the wider community and companies,” said Patricia Adams, Managing Director (acting) commenting on the improved policy.
The enhancements to the Parental Leave Policy came into effect in March 2022 for Scotiabank employees in The Turks and Caicos Islands and other countries in the region where the Bank operates.
“Delivering on our core purpose of ‘for every future’ underpins our approach to making our parental leave policy inclusive of all parents,” said Anya Schnoor, Executive Vice President, Caribbean, Central America, and Uruguay (CCAU). “No matter where Scotiabankers are located, they will be able to expect quality coverage and flexibility that affords them the time away from work to support their families,” Schnoor said in closing.
UKRAINE ADMITS THE 'GHOST OF KYIV' IS A MYTH BUT A REASONABLY POTENT ONE
For weeks, an unknown Ukrainian fighter pilot captivated the nation and some of the world with his extraordinary battle feats, becoming a symbol of heroic resistance to Russia’s invasion that came to be emblazoned everywhere.
Now, the Ukrainian air force says the Ghost of Kyiv never existed. And although the myth is dead, war watchers said its spread raised questions over how information is processed in a war where journalists have struggled to access the front lines.
The Ghost of Kyiv’s origin is shrouded in mystery, but it was undoubtedly abetted by former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who tweeted an image of a masked fighter pilot who purportedly shot down six Russian jets within hours of Moscow’s invasion.
When the Ukrainian Defense Ministry in March tweeted a video praising Maj. Stepan Tarabalka, who died during aerial combat and who was awarded a posthumous medal for courage, the internet connected the dots. As the myth of the ghost grew, so did his exploits, with the single pilot being credited with downing 40 Russian jets.
Last weekend, however, the Ukrainian Air Force Command wrote on its Facebook page that Tarabalka was not the ghost, nor had he dispatched 40 enemy aircraft. It said the Ghost of Kyiv was a “superhero legend whose character was created by Ukrainians.”
But it also offered a sense of why such myths tend to take hold during war. The Ghost of Kyiv wasn’t real, Ukraine’s air force said, but it was “rather a collective image” of the country’s pilots, who have crucially managed to prevent Russian control of the skies despite expert predictions.
But myths are persistent. The armed forces may have denied the ghost’s existence and body count, but it still raises doubts as to whether Ukraine has been exaggerating its gains in the aerial battlefield — an area where Russia should, on paper at least, have supremacy.
NEW ZEALAND RELAXES COVID-19 TRAVEL RULES
New Zealand welcomed tourists from the U.S., Canada, Britain, Japan and more than 50 other countries for the first time in more than two years after dropping most of its remaining pandemic border restrictions.
Tourists will still need to be vaccinated and to test themselves for the virus before and after arriving.
Before the spread of Covid-19, more than 3 million tourists visited each year, accounting for 20 percent of New Zealand’s foreign income and more than 5 percent of the overall economy.
But international tourism stopped altogether in early 2020 after New Zealand imposed some of the world’s toughest border restrictions.
The border rules remained in place as the government at first pursued an elimination strategy and then tried to tightly control the spread of the virus. The spread of omicron and vaccinations of more than 80 percent of New Zealand’s 5 million population prompted the gradual easing of restrictions.
TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 14th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 20th April, at the Premier's Office, in Grand Turk. All Members were present.
At this meeting Cabinet approved Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2022/23 which were progressed to the House of Assembly.
Cabinet also approved a six-month moratorium on all new Business Licenses in the Contractors' category on businesses that do not meet the criteria of a “Turks and Caicos Islander business” which took effect on 20th April.
Considering the ongoing war being waged in Ukraine by the Russian invasion, Cabinet agreed to suspend the exchanges of financial accounts information under the OECD standards for tax purposes.
Considering the climate crisis which is happening now, Cabinet decided to approve the guidelines and commitments laid out in a Turks and
Caicos Islands Climate Change Charter to address the nation's dependence on the environment for food security, coastal defense, and economic stability.
Cabinet also approved amendments to the Money Transmitters Ordinance updating the legislative regime to adequately provide for and reflect technological advancements and the widening of money transmission services.
Amendments to the Business Licensing Order was approved, thereby extending the list of exempted persons to include Insolvency Practitioners licensed under the Insolvency Ordinance.
During the meeting, Cabinet considered and approved amendments to the Limited Partnerships (Amendment) Ordinance (LPO) to provide for the filing of, retention, maintenance, and transmission of beneficial ownership information of Limited Partnerships under the LPO.
Amendments to the Company Management (Licensing) Ordinance was also approved, thereby removing the annual license renewal requirement and the submission of an annual supervisory questionnaire for Management Companies.
Amendments to the Trade Marks (Amendment) Ordinance and the Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules to ensure compliance with regional and international standards, and conformity between the existing rules with legislation was also approved by Cabinet.
Cabinet approved the policy established in the proposed Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Ordinance and Non-Profit Organizations (Amendment) Regulations.
They approved the drafting of a new Bail Ordinance intending to reform and restate the law relating to bail at all levels of the Court and the civil process to address breaches of the same.
Additionally, they approved amendments to the Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill 2022 and the Chief Justice (Responsibilities) Bill 2022, and for these to be submitted to the House of Assembly.
Good news, for vendors at Sapodilla Bay Beach in Providenciales, as Cabinet approved the temporary removal of a beach vending moratorium at said beach for existing license holders for a period of twelve months. This came into effect from 20th April.
Cabinet also approved the exemption of Import Customs Duties for a named business in the cruise ship sector. Members also agreed steps required.
It was approved for the TCI Government to enter negotiations for the purchase, by private treaty, of rural land at Bellfield Landing, Kew, North Caicos (Parcel 50303-10) for public purpose under management of the Ports Authority.
Lastly, Cabinet approved the settling of outstanding debt owed by Andrews Communications Ltd. To the TCI Telecommunications
Commission for the issue of a telecommunications network and spectrum license issued in 2006.
They also graciously approved financial compensation for individuals affected by criminal activity on Grand Turk.
Shooting off Leeward Highway claims the Life of a Male
RTC News has learned that at about 10:34am on Saturday 30th April, the Police Control Room received several reports of gunshots being fired at a location off Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
The police reported that two armed males were seen fleeing the location in a vehicle. Police and Medical Teams were dispatched to the location, and the male victim was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor who attended the scene.
The police reported that investigations are underway for this incident by the RTCIPF. However, the police are imploring to anyone with
information that can assist with this investigation or other crimes to call 911 or Crime Stoppers privately at 1-800-8477(TIPS.)
Police are also reminding persons that information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Additionally, all Crime Stoppers calls are answered by Miami Dade Police and no one from the RTCIPF will know who called.
BA 2 Variant Identified in the Turks and Caicos Islands
On 29th April 2022, the Ministry of Health and Human Services received the results of sequencing of samples which were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). Samples were submitted by the National Public Health Laboratory in the TCI as a part of its routine surveillance for variants of COVID-19.
Out of 26 samples submitted for sequencing, 22 results were reported with 20 out of the 22 samples being Omicron BA.2 lineage. The remaining two samples were BA.1 and BA.1.1. Of the BA.2 samples, 16 were from visitors and 4 from residents on the islands of Providenciales, Grand Turk and South Caicos.
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus which causes COVID-19. It has evolved and mutated since the start of the pandemic. All viruses mutate over time. Through global monitoring by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other public health bodies, variants of the virus have been identified and named. Variants of concern are defined as variants for which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility (ease of spread), more severe disease (for example, increased hospitalizations or deaths), reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures. The omicron or BA.1 variant was designated by the WHO as a variant of concern on November 26 2021. Due to its highly transmissible nature, it caused surges in cases of COVID-19 around the world including the TCI. At this time, it became the predominant strain globally. This variant caused milder illness, resulting in fewer deaths and hospitalisations than the delta variant which had spread across the world earlier.
BA.2 is a subvariant of the omicron variant and is even more transmissible than the original omicron variant. It is highly transmissible meaning that it tends to spread rapidly from person to person. It is not thought to cause severe disease, however, hospitalisations and deaths have been noted in the current surges attributed to this variant. Factors such as vaccination status and prior infection as well as the presence of underlying health conditions have an impact on the severity of illness resulting from infection with this variant as well as outcomes.
Studies have shown that vaccinations and boosters offer strong protection against severe disease and hospitalization due to COVID-19 and its variants. As some studies have shown a waning in the protection offered by vaccines with time, boosters including the second booster have been approved particularly for those who may be vulnerable.
The Ministry of Health would like to use this opportunity to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they have not already done so, and if they have received second dose of the vaccine more than three months ago, to get boosted. For those who are at high risk and who have received the booster dose more than six months previously, a fourth dose is available. COVID-19 vaccines are provided free of cost to all residents of the TCI at all Government Primary Health Care Clinics as well as all private medical facilities. Vaccines are also available for children from 5 years and older. Please contact your health care provider so that you can get your shot.
The Ministry of Health continues to encourage persons to continue to;
1. Wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
3. Maintain social distancing of 6 feet between persons
4. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or use disposable tissues
5. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 which include; cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell-please stay at home and contact the Health Hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911 for guidance
6. If you are symptomatic, please remain at home and wear a well fitting mask unless your symptoms get worse such as;
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
in which case please contact 911 immediately
10. If you have tested positive, please follow the MOH guidance which can be found on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/guidance/1581-guidance-for-persons-who-test-positive-for-covid-19
11. GET TESTED-know your status. Testing is free at Ministry of Health testing sites
12. Refrain from speculation and spreading rumors
13. Stay informed with the latest information from the Ministry of Health by visiting our website on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LAUNCH FARMING IN SCHOOLS PROJECT
The Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture has embarked on a project titled Let it Grow: Sustainability| Responsibility| Entrepreneurship| that seek to establish farms in all public and private schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We subscribe to the notion that, " growth in the agricultural sector is recognized as one of the main pathways towards sustainable development and poverty reduction" (World Bank, 2008). Our goal is to help students create avenues for success, while ensuring they are given every opportunity to enhance skills and understanding in fields that lead to social and economic growth for the country. This interdisciplinary approach to teaching sustainability in schools will help students learn how to produce their food and care for animals through farming, while considering business opportunities in the field of Agricultural Science. Students will learn how to become self-sufficient, self-reliant, and value team and collaborative work with the end goal of developing and promoting the field."- Elisann Delancy (Curriculum Planner/Project Lead)
Schools were visited by Gemely Lubin, the Education Department Assistant Curriculum Planner, and Agriculture Department, Extension Officer Mario Smith. They provided technical assistance with identifying areas for a farm on school grounds and mapping out the best course of action for the project. Schools were also provided with the necessary resources to kick start. In addition, teachers were trained by the Department of Education and Agriculture on establishing a farm and integrating farming concepts across various subject areas. Farming in Schools project is currently implemented in all public schools and piloted in two private schools.
Commenting on this project Hon. Connolly added, “ Farms in Schools is part of our Ministry’s mandate in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. We look forward to assisting with the necessary support, inclusive of our technical expertise in an effort to make this initiative a worthwhile one. Congratulations and I look forward to seeing the introduction of Farms in all schools in the second phase.”
Commenting on this project Hon. Racheal Taylor added, " Through this National School Initiative, Farming in Schools is aligned with our Revised Curriculum which encourages social and emotional development through teamwork and collaboration. It develops caring learners, promotes scientific discovery, fosters environmental stewardship, encourages healthy lifestyles, develops good eating habits and enhances literacy and numeracy skills”.
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE NOTICE ON LICENSE PLATES
The Department of Motor Vehicles is asking persons who have previously paid for their license plates and have not yet collected them to please attend the Department of Motor Vehicles offices throughout the Islands immediately to collect their plates and have them affixed to their vehicles.
Failure to do so will result in enforcement measures being taken by the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force.
Plates are available for pick up between the hours of 8:30 am – 3:00 pm daily.
Please bring with you a copy of your Certificate of Road Worthiness and payment receipt when attending to collect your plates.
Persons who have already collected their plates and have not yet affixed them to their vehicles are advised to do so immediately as this is an offense under the Road Traffic Ordinance Sec 5 (8) and (9)
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
GENERAL SITUATION: A QUASI-STATIONARY FRONT ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS WILL CONTINUE TO DISSIPATE WHILE HIGH PRESSURE CENTERED NORTHEAST OF THE AREA MAINTAINS MODERATE TO FRESH WINDS ACROSS THE ISLANDS TODAY.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS AND RESIDENTS IN THE EXTREME NORTHWEST BAHAMAS SHOULD REMAIN VIGILANT FOR POSSIBLE WATERSPOUT AND SEVERE WEATHER ACTIVITY WHILE BEACHGOERS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ALONG EAST COAST BEACHES. LOCALIZED FLOODING IS ALSO POSSIBLE IN LOW LYING AND/OR FLOOD PRONE AREAS DURING HEAVY AND/OR PROLONGED RAINFALL EVENTS.
WEATHER: VARIABLE CLOUDINESS AND WARM WITH THE CHANCE OF SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 7 FEET
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY
WEATHER: VARIABLE CLOUDINESS AND WARM WITH THE CHANCE OF SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 7 FEET