Americans favor more support for Ukraine, despite potential economic consequences
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi this weekend told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that additional U.S. support “is on the way.”
“We are here to say to you that we are with you till this fight is over,” Pelosi said during their meeting in Kyiv, according to a video released by her office on Sunday. Pelosi, who travelled with a congressional delegation, is the highest-level U.S. official to visit Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24. Her delegation’s trip was previously unannounced.
The visit comes as a number of civilians who have been holed up in houses near fighting being waged at a steel plant in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol were evacuated via a humanitarian corridor established on Saturday and Sunday, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Meanwhile, concerns about escalation and economic consequences of the war in Ukraine loom large in U.S. public opinion, even as majorities of Americans favor increased support for Ukraine, particularly in terms of humanitarian aid and further economic sanctions on Russia.
Fifty-five percent in this ABC News/Washington Post poll also favor increased military support, even as eight in 10 express worries about a wider war or the possible use of nuclear weapons by Russia. As many also worry about direct U.S. military involvement, a step most by far rule out.
Economically, two-thirds are very or somewhat concerned that sanctions against Russia will contribute to higher food and energy prices in the United States. Yet two-thirds also support increasing such sanctions, a sign of commitment to Ukraine’s cause. Indeed, among those who are concerned about price impacts, 64% support sanctions anyway.
Source-ABC
Bad news for Biden in latest poll
Americans trust the Republican Party over the Democrats to handle inflation, by 19%; the economy more generally, by 14%; and crime, by 12%, according to the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll.
Trust in the Republicans to handle crime is its highest -- by a single point -- in ABC/Post results back 32 years; trust on the economy, just slightly off its high two months ago.
On the Democratic side, President Joe Biden’s job approval as president remains underwater, but with a 5-point gain since February, aided by better ratings for handling the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Still, 52% of Americans disapprove of Biden’s performance overall, versus 42% who approve.
Moreover, with inflation its highest in 40 years, Biden’s numbers are dramatically bad: 68% of Americans disapprove of his handling of the crisis.
Source-ABC
Netflix cancels Meghan Markle animated series Pearl
Netflix has cancelled development of Pearl, an animated series created by Meghan Markle, in its move to cut costs.
The show, which was announced last year, is one of several projects being dropped by the streaming giant.
Last month, Netflix revealed a sharp fall in subscribers and warned millions more are set to quit the service.
That wiped over $50bn off the company's market value as experts warned it faced a struggle to get back on track.
Archewell Productions, the company formed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced last year that Meghan would be an executive producer of Pearl.
The series was planned to centre on the adventures of a 12-year-old girl, who is inspired by influential women from history.
Netflix did, however, confirm that it will continue to work on a number of projects with Archewell Productions, including a documentary series called Heart of Invictus.
The series will focus on athletes competing in the Invictus Games for injured veterans, an event founded by Prince Harry, in The Hague in 2022.
Archewell Productions did not immediately respond to a BBC request for comment.
Netflix also said that it had decided not to move forward with two animated children's series Dino Daycare and Boons and Curses.
In April, Netflix said its total number of subscribers had dropped by 200,000 in the first three months of this year, falling well short of its target.
It also warned that some two million more users were likely to quit the service in the three months to July.
Some analysts warned that, after a period of very strong expansion during the pandemic, the company had run out of easy ways to grow the business.
Squeezed consumers are cutting back on streaming services to save money, while some feel there is too much content to choose from amid an avalanche of competition from rivals such as Disney and Amazon.
Source-BBC
New Banknotes to be unveiled on May 4
The Central Bank of Barbados will within a few days, unveil new banknotes that will go into circulation at the end of this year.
On May 4, the bank will host the official launch event for the new polymer banknotes , in an event that will be livestreamed on the Bank’s website and social media channels .
“In the weeks since we announced the change to polymer, we’ve focused on ensuring people understand why we’re doing it and what it will mean for the notes currently in circulation. Now it is time for us to show them what the new notes will look like so they can become familiar with them before they are issued,” said Octavia Gibson, Director of the Bank’s Currency and Payments Oversight
Department.
Gibson will be one of the speakers at the launch event along with Central Bank Governor Cleviston Haynes and Gareth Evans, a representative from De La Rue, the company that has printed Barbados’ banknotes since the Central Bank began issuing them in 1973.
Gibson believes that Barbadians will be impressed with the new notes.
“As Governor Haynes indicated in his announcement, we have retained some elements for continuity, including the historic Barbadians
currently featured on our currency. However, we have updated the design to give the notes an attractive, modern look. And of course, we’ve incorporated a number of new security features that the public will be able to use to quickly and confidently authenticate their notes.”
The Central Bank official encouraged the public to tune in to the event, not only to get a glimpse of the new notes but also to get answers to get questions they might have about the new series.
The upcoming polymer series was first announced in March by Governor Haynes and will be only the second major redesign of Barbadian bank notes.
The first was done in 2013.
Source-CMC
Ruling party seeks resignation of Premier Andrew Fahie
The governing Virgin Islands Party (VIP), is now in the process of appointing a new Premier and the members have so far thrown their support behind Deputy Premier, Dr Natalio Wheatley who made the announcement late Saturday.
This development comes as Premier Andrew Fahie remains detained in the United States on drug and money laundering charges.
Wheatley, a first-term legislator said the congress of the VIP has already unanimously appointed him as chairman of the political organisation.
“Efforts are underway to seek the resignation of Honourable Andrew A. Fahie as Premier of the Virgin Islands as this would facilitate the smooth advancement of the process,” Wheatley during a public broadcast on Saturday night.
“I have never contemplated that the responsibility of the leadership of the Virgin Islands would come so soon under such circumstances. But I have been asked to lead and I rise to the call along with the rest of our team in the government who remain committed to the development of the Virgin Islands and the improvement of the quality of life for all our Virgin Islands and residents. These are demanding times for leadership and government but through the sum total of my education, training, and life experiences, I am confident in my preparedness to lead the Virgin Islands at this time along with my colleagues,” he added.
However, Wheatley must be appointed by Governor John Rankin, but this could be a challenge as the British Overseas territory could be placed under the direct rule of the United Kingdom.
UK direct rule was one of the chief recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry report released to the public on Friday.
If imposed, direct rule would see Rankin assuming the responsibilities of the elected government; something that was done in another British Overseas Territory, the Turks and Caicos Islands, after the conclusion of their Commission of Inquiry in 2009.
Meanwhile – High-level meetings are now scheduled to be held with the UK Minister for Overseas Territories, Amanda Milling on Monday, to discuss the issue of direct rule and other recommendations as outlined in the report from the Commission of Inquiry.
Source-CMC
Ministry of Planning to Introduce a Transport Infrastructure Master Plan
The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development have recently announced their collaboration with UK company, Mott MacDonald Ltd to develop a Transport Infrastructure Master Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The purpose of the Transport Infrastructure Master Plan will be to ensure a transportation infrastructure that is founded on sound technical and economic viability, to ensure desired commercial, social, and environmental outcomes, according to the Ministry.
There are many objectives of the Transport Infrastructure Master Plan. The Ministry said that the Master Plan will assist in decision making in transport sector investment selection, as well as promote improved connectivity across the archipelago. It will also reduce costs of transport and movement of goods, people and services while unlocking potential in the private sector through improved international and national transport.
The Transport Infrastructure Master Plan, according to the Ministry will plan for an efficient and effective transport system to support economic growth across TCI. Additionally, it will plan a transport system that values, conserves, and enhances the natural environment of the islands, the Ministry said.
Commenting on the launch of the public consultancy, Minister of PPID Hon. Akierra Missick, said that they are very mindful of the impact the transportation sector has on the people living and visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands.
She stated that in an effort to improve this, the Ministry of PPID, with technical assistance through the Caribbean Development Bank, has undertaken a Transport Master Plan study, through the United Kingdom company, Mott MacDonald Ltd.
She also said that the purpose is to create a holistic and efficient transport system that considers air, sea, and land transportation. She expressed the government’s happiness in supporting this technical assistance, which she said will improve the transportation options and sector that will be sustainable, resilient and energy efficient.
The Ministry stated that a series of stakeholder engagements will take place to raise awareness and gather feedback to achieve the objectives of the study. The physical planning team will engage with key stakeholders along with a public wide virtual town hall.
To this effect, the Ministry stated that stakeholder meetings will be held for each island to maximize the consultations and opportunity to gather information. Engagements will take place between 2-5 May as follow:
Providenciales: Monday 2 May
South Caicos: Tuesday 3 May
Grand Turk: Wednesday 4 May
North Caicos: Thursday 5 May (a.m.)
Middle Caicos: Thursday 5 May (p.m.
DEPUTY PREMIER & PRIVATE STAKEHOLDER SHARE VIEWS ON IMF DISCUSSION OF A BROAD-BASED CONSUMPTION TAX
RTC's Damian Wilson, spoke to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, Honorable Erwin Jay Saunders on Tuesday, 19th April. Hon. Saunders gave a detailed explanation of what a broad-based consumption tax is and how it would affect citizens and residents should TCIG choose to introduce said tax.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its affiliate Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center (CARTAC) were invited by the Turks and Caicos Islands government to review the existing tax structures within the Turks and Caicos Islands. The IMF & CARTAC held a discussion with private stakeholders and prominent figures within TCIG, including the Ministry of Tourism.
The IMF is yet to give their official report following this discussion.
The Deputy Premier mentioned to RTC News, that the country’s revenue has grown exponentially within the last year, and there are taxes in place which attribute to this growth.
He said on March 31st, 2021, the TCI went from a deficit to a huge plus in one year as stamp duties did very well. Stamp duties, however, are unpredictable and there is nothing that TCIG can do to keep it stable,
according to the Minister. The government cannot rely solely on import/stamp duties to as a stable stream of revenue for the country.
Therefore, the main focus of the government, by inviting the IMF to the country is to find solutions to stabilizing the economy and predict on a yearly basis the expected revenue flowing into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Hon. Saunders explained that in some countries, the Government introduced a broad-based tax to stabilize their economy. However, a broad-based consumption tax is doable, and is different from a value added tax (VAT). He explained that a value added tax cannot work in our country as we do not have an efficient manufacturing industry to add a VAT to.
Hon. Saunders explained that a broad-based consumption tax will define how the government can reduce the tax on the most vulnerable and spread the wealth to those who can afford it. He explained that currently the tax structure charges workers the same on import fees despite the significant difference in salaries among persons across various sectors.
Hon. Saunders also stated that if the broad-based consumption tax is passed by Cabinet and introduced into the TCI’s tax structure, it will force transparency from the private sector. Entities such as Grace-way Supermarket will have to disclose their pricing structure which is something he believes the company doesn’t want to do. Additionally,
hotels will have to report what their revenues are which he said will cause push back from entities in the private sector.
Hon. Saunders explained that because of the differences in salaries, once the IMF publishes their official report, persons may see a recommendation to have different tax brackets created to divide the social and economical structure of the people.
RTC News also spoke to local entrepreneur and host of Financially Speaking, Mr. Drexwell Seymour on Thursday, 14th April. Mr. Seymour spoke about the discussion with the IMF & CARTAC which he was invited to be a part of, and his overall point of view on broad-based consumption tax.
Mr. Seymour wrote an article where he reviewed the present tax structure and the importance of the country’s Tourism Industry despite its volatile nature. He stated that he thinks a broad-based consumption tax in not needed at this time given the fact that cost of living is currently at its highest.
Mr. Seymour said that in his opinion residents of the Turks and Caicos are overly taxed as there are taxes included at grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels, telecommunications, and airports. He stated that he doesn’t know how a broad-based tax will work when you consider stamp duties.
Hon. Saunders also spoke to this point, stating that the government knows that taxes are high, which is why they are actively looking at ways to reduce it. He explained that the strategy which the government is working on now, is to remove certain taxes before replacing them with ones that are more feasible to spread wealth in a balanced way.
Mr. Seymour stated that a broad-based consumption tax is like value added tax (VAT) or a sales tax, which will be introduced because of the difference in salaries
However, the Deputy Premier stated in his interview with RTC News, that small businesses may be exempted from paying the consumption tax or having to be totally transparent if the tax were to be introduced. Therefore, the tax wouldn’t be a burden for the common man.
Speaking to the IMF & CARTAC’s statement that the Tourism Industry is volatile, he stated that while that statement may be true, it is not a reason to introduce a broad-based consumption tax, as most residents have benefitted from the Tourism Industry.
The Deputy Premier stated, however, that the government has not settled on a decision after the review of the tax policy, since they have
not seen the official report from the IMF. He said the main focus is simply to reach a point where revenue streams can be predictable.
TCI held its first Climate Change Summit led by Hon. Connolly
This year the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment through the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources (DECR), celebrated Earth Day with a difference with the Turks and Caicos Islands' first Climate Change Summit. The Summit, hosted at the Shore Club on Providenciales, under the theme Only One Earth: Invest in Our Planet, was attended by local and regional government and private stakeholders and saw the signing of the Turks and Caicos Islands Climate Change Charter.
Keynote speaker at the event, Deputy Premier of Bermuda Honourable Walter Roban stated that he was encouraged by the regional conversation around the impacts of Climate Change and that the Turks and Caicos Island's Climate Change Charter had not only set the standard but was one that he would take back to Bermuda to inform the drafting of their own Charter.
"It is important that the same work you have put into attracting development, you put into environmental protection. That the same enthusiasm with which you craft proposals for international development, you must put the same energy into environmental investment and protection, internally and internationally. This is the new philosophy that we must pursue," encouraged Hon. Roban.
He continued to motivate for robust environmental policy that would enhance and not hinder the livelihoods of the Caribbean region, including green energy solutions, improved air quality and effective land management.
"We, we the Caribbean, must become the strong voices in the campaign for Climate Action... We must become our own advocates in the global fight against Climate Change," implored Hon. Roban.
Honourable Minister for Tourism and the Environment, Josephine Connolly, echoed Hon. Roban's sentiments:
"Climate change is often an abstract concept to us; one we hear all too often about and yet do not always appreciate the implications of. We are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and yet our voices are not always heard and our concerns noted. We need to start having our own discussions, locally and regionally and my government believes that this time is now! The Ministry of Tourism and Environment believes that urgent action is needed to come alongside our international counterparts to support the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius", stated Hon. Connolly.
Director of the DECR, Lormeka Williams cited the Turks and Caicos Island's first Environmental Conference hosted in 2007, explaining that the Environmental Charter signed at that occasion had laid the groundwork for the Turks and Caicos Islands' environmental protection goals but that the Climate Change Summit's objectives were far more pressing as globally we inch ever-closer to earth's tipping point, namely If global temperatures rise by more than 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, some environmental changes could become irreversible, depending on the magnitude and duration of the 'overshoot' beyond this threshold.
The latter part of the event was dominated by experts in renewable energy, coral and terrestrial conservation, meteorology and water conservation, to name but a few. The event was attended by invited guests, however was livestreamed for the public to tune into, at whim. Recordings of the entire Summit are available on YouTube and Facebook, on the TCI Climate Change Summit (@tciclimatechangesummit) page.
To echo Hon. Connolly's concerns, the Turks and Caicos Islands need to adapt to the imminent threats faced due to the impacts of climate change, including loss and damage from extreme climatic events. She continued:
"Finalizing the Climate Change Charter commitment will enable the Turks and Caicos Islands to forge a resilient path ahead, through unity, to secure livelihoods for today and the future".
Haiti, Dominican Republic secure knockout round berths in Women’s U-17 Championship
The group stage of the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship closed here on Thursday with Haiti and hosts the Dominican Republic advancing to the knockout round.
All eyes were on the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo where the Dominican Republic took on Bermuda in Group F.
In the end, the spoils belonged to the Dominican Republic who collected a 5-0 win. Julia Jimenez and Renata Mercedes each had braces, with Jimenez scoring in the 3rd and 52nd minute while Mercedes got her goals in the 10th and 87th. Also joining that dynamic duo on the scoresheet was Ariana Diaz in the 61st.
The win was also the first CONCACAF Women’s U-17 victory ever for the Dominican Republic.
With their places in the Round of 16 both already secured, Canada and Jamaica squared off at the Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal to determine the winner of Group F.
Natoya Atkinson had the Reggae Girlz dreaming of first place after her score in the 38th for a 1-0 lead, but Canada found the 1-1 equalizer in the 50th through Renee Watson, a scoreline that held until the final whistle, meaning Canada won the group on goal difference.
Haiti are also through to the Round of 16 after topping Guatemala 3-1 in Group H at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez.
Ancie-Love Houanche gave the Caribbean side a 1-0 lead in the 3rd minute, followed by scores from Ronise Joseph in the 70th and Walandjina Cyriaque in the 82nd. Guatemala would finish on a positive note, however, as Flor Perla scored in the 90+5’ to get the Chapines on the scoreboard.
Despite a 3-0 defeat to El Salvador, Cuba still reached the Round of 16 with a third-place finish, trailing second-place Haiti and group winners El Salvador.
El Salvador completed their perfect Group H at the Estadio Panamericano, as Victoria Sanchez (41st), Caroline Ayala (53rd) and Mia Arevalo (58th) all scored to deliver the three points.
Source-CMC
Hurricane Preparedness Month Campaign 2022
On May 01 2022, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), officially launched the 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Month Campaign at the Grand Turk Methodist Church. The sermon conducted by Rev. Claire Robinson, emphasized the need for residents be in a state of readiness as we brace for another busy hurricane season.
The Hurricane Preparedness Month campaign, is strategically observed during the month of May, ahead of the Atlantic Hurricane Season which lasts from June 1 to November 30. The campaign is guided by the theme “MISSION: READY! PLEDGE TO PREPARE.”
The main goal of this educational campaign is to strengthen public knowledge on the hazards and their risk, to cause behaviour change in how the public plan and prepare for the Hurricane season. All activities are geared towards enhancing the capacity of our stakeholders, residents and business owners to take action to ‘Prevent, Prepare and Protect’ themselves and their property through mitigation and preparedness before the official Atlantic Hurricane Season which begins on June 1st.
The Colorado State University forecast anticipates 19 named storms, compared to the average 14. The forecast further calls for the formation of 9 hurricanes, including 4 major hurricanes (i.e. Category 3 or higher), compared to the average 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
The start of what is forecasted to be another active and “above-normal” Atlantic hurricane season is a few weeks away. Early preparation is the key to Mission Ready! When you pledge to prepare you are taking the necessary steps to protect everyone you love. Research has shown that families, individuals and businesses, who know their vulnerability and who have taken concrete steps to prepare for an event are more likely to increase their chances of surviving than those, who are not prepared.
All residents and visitors are encouraged to download the DDME ALERT a free mobile application that delivers emergency alerts and important safety tools and tips directly to your phone. Click the link to download: http://onelink.to/jbcy7d
DDME’s Acting Director Mike Clerveaux said “Turks and Caicos Islanders are well-versed in the damage that hurricanes can cause. The trend in recent years, shows that systems are developing before the June 1 start of the hurricane season. It would be wise for residents to prepare for the possibility of early impact. As we head into the 2022 “above average” Hurricane Season, I urge our residents to use this month of May to assemble a disaster supply kit, understand their evacuation routes, identify safe spots and update or purchase home insurance.”
Residents and visitors are urged to participate in the activities outlined and pay close attention to the information being broadcast to ensure that they remain in a heightened state of readiness for the next six months. For more information on Hurricane Preparedness please visit the DDME’s website at www.gov.tc/ddme