Relatives held for questioning following the death of six-year old
Police are questioning the relatives of a six-year-old child who died from multiple blunt force injuries on Tuesday night.
The autopsy was conducted on the body of Zachariah Charles on Thursday after he was found lying on the floor of a relative’s apartment in St Joseph, east of here and taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The male and female relatives, ages 33 and 31 respectively have been detained by police as the investigations continue into the matter.
Police said Zakariah was told by his parents to take a bath at the family’s home on Tuesday evening. However, they claim to have heard a loud noise and upon investigating, found Zakariah unresponsive on the floor of the bathroom.
He was taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where the doctors reportedly observed several bruises on the child’s body.
So far this year, nine children ranging from ages nine months to 15 years have died under several situations, including shootings, home fire, drowning and being beaten by a parent.
Source- CMC
Rwanda President wants closer links between Africa and the Caribbean
President Paul Kagame has called for solidarity among African and Caribbean countries saying that they must together to advance their common positions and interests globally.
Addressing a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament on Thursday, the Rwandan President, who is ending a three-day State visit on Friday, said Africa and the Caribbean must open direct lines of communication.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda addressing Jamaica Parliament on Thursday.
Kagame takes over the chairmanship of the 54-member Commonwealth grouping when it meets in the African country in June, and his comments here comes against the backdrop of a division with the regional integration movement regarding the appoi8ntment of a Secretary General for the Commonwealth.
The incumbent, the Dominican-born Dame Patricia Scotland is facing a challenge from Jamaica, who last week announced that its foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kamina Johnson-Smith, would seek the position, a position that forced regional leaders to meet in an emergency session without fully resolving the matter.
“In our diversity, we share common traits. Our people are resilient, creative and, as our common history shows, also indestructible. This mutual recognition should have practical, tangible effects. We belong to a number of important multilateral bodies, including the Commonwealth and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States,” Kagame told legislators.
“Africa and the Caribbean should work together to advance common positions in these bodies where our interests align, as they often do. Climate change and global health are two urgent examples,” he said, adding that the two regions are beyond relating to each other through intermediaries.
“Our diplomats tend to meet in London, New York, or Geneva. I have no problem with that, but we could do it otherwise – directly.”
Kagame said that it is “high time” for Africa and the Caribbean to work together in a “direct and sustained” manner both through representative regional organisations – CARICOM and the African Union – and bilaterally.
He also wants direct people-to-people exchanges, particularly for the youth and entrepreneurs.
Prior to his departure on Friday, President Kagame will meet with the Prime Ministe Andrew Holness for bilateral talks and a government statement said that the two leaders are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) .
Holness said Kagame’s visit presented an opportunity to deepen collaboration between the two countries.
“We believe that there is much for us to share and learn from each other. Through our exchanges, we would have had the opportunities to take forward technical cooperation in several fields … .
“We’re looking forward to advancing our economic relations through increased trading and investment prospects particularly as it relates to logistics, special economic zones agriculture, and manufacturing,” he told parliament.
Source- CMC
Mask mandate lifted, no COVID test required for entry to Jamaica
From Friday, visitors to Jamaica will not be required to present a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the country, according to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
Additionally, people in enclosed public spaces will no longer be mandated to wear a mask.
The ease in both the pre-test arrival mandate and mask-wearing requirements follows the expiration of the measures which were implemented for the period March 18 to April 15, 2022 under the Public Health Enforcement Measures (COVID-19) Order 2022.
All other measures under the order will remain unchanged.
Therefore, still in place are the requirement for people who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate at their abode until they have recovered; and a requirement for owners or operators of businesses, places of worship, educational institutions or other establishments to which the public has access to ensure that handwashing stations, or hand sanitizing equipment, are placed and maintained at the entrance of the premises as well as a requirement for people entering the premises to wash or otherwise sanitize their hands upon entry.
Directions relating to the conduct of COVID-19 testing and the handling of samples and reports by private laboratories; and provisions to protect the identity of persons who test positive for COVID-19 also remain.
Meanwhile, Jamaicans are being reminded that while current case numbers are relatively low, the COVID-19 pandemic has not ended as new variants and sub-variants of the virus continue to emerge.
A number of countries are experiencing increases in case numbers arising from the spread of the BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron.
“The public is therefore urged to continue to exercise caution and voluntarily observe the infection prevention and control measures including wearing masks in enclosed spaces to protect themselves as well as family members, particularly those who are most vulnerable,” the OPM statement said.
The Government said it will continue to monitor the situation and respond as required through changes in the measures to preserve lives and livelihoods.
Source- CMC
Motion Picture Academy bans Will Smith from attending any Academy event for 10 years
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has determined that Will Smith will be banned from attending any of its events -- including the Academy Awards -- for a decade.
In a statement, the Academy noted Friday, "The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage."
It continued, "During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short -- unprepared for the unprecedented."
"Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith's actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards."
The statement also expressed its, "deep gratitude to Chris [Rock] for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances," and thanked "our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast."
Smith resigned from the Academy last week, prior to the decision, saying, "I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions...were shocking, painful, and inexcusable."
A "heartbroken" Smith, who also posted an apology to the Academy and Rock the Monday after the Oscars, apologized to the "long list" of "those I have hurt," including Rock..."his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home."
Smith added, "Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason."
Leader of the Opposition, Honorable Edwin A. Astwood says" They cannot handle the work"
They cannot handle the work.
The PNP Government after being elected into power as the Government of the TCI have shown the people that they cannot handle the work. After 420 days into Office it is now quite clear that the workers the people hired on February 19th, 2021 are not the same workers who showed up for the job.
The objective “we come for this work” was all over each of their resume which convincingly got them on the job, but now that they are on the job it is quite clear they cannot handle the work, for which they were hired.
The people in this country are hurting more than ever before because this PNP administration does not understand the hardship and the real problems that are facing real people.
The minister of finance loves to talk about a “Booming” economy and a country doing extremely well, and people living “their best lives” but sadly he along with the honorable Premier and other members of this government are talking about a prosperous economy that does not exist for most Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Pricing is increasing daily it is now harder for the average Turks and Caicos Islander to providing for and put food on the tables for their families to eat. While this administration got the nerve to brag and boast about people in the TCI “living their best lives”? Honorable Premier and Honorable Minister of Finance, let me remind you that a country in which its people are struggling to make ends meet and provide for themselves and their families, is not one in which you can say “the people are living their best lives” but instead it is a country in which the Government is not handling the people’s work.
Over a year ago the People spoke; this PNP Government walked into Office with everything ready to go; They were handed this country on a golden platter, projects tendered and awarded, money in the bank, new development agreements, policies, and a prepared blueprint to move this country and its people ahead were all in motion and ready to go.
But instead of taking the realm of Government from day 1 as the great workers, they claimed they were on the election trail. They believe that the effective way of running a country is to talk ”the work” and not do “the work”.
We have seen that this high level of inflation is not transitory, and strong policies and measures must be put in place immediately. These Band-Aid measures that this PNP government is putting in place and promoting are not going to work to combat inflation, The measures do very little to lower the cost of goods and services. We need to see a fundamental change in policy and structures that will ensure any concession and tax write-off to suppliers will create real savings down to our people.
Many of our people in the TCI are running out of money long before payday. And in all this, wages and pay are off pace with inflation. Everything that we are earning is being wiped out by the high prices everywhere. This government must get to work and do something about this.
Our people can no longer afford to go to the grocery stores only to pick up an item look at it and put it back down because the price is too expensive for them to purchase. Our people can no longer tolerate having to choose whether to pay their mortgage or buy food for their children.
Our people can no longer bear having to sell their hard earn possessions just to keep a roof over their heads. And if the hard financial strain on families is not enough, violent crimes are at an all-time high, and even with the gun amnesty- crimes committed with guns are at an all-time high.
Too many innocent men and women across the country are being robbed, hurt, or killed, and too many homes and properties are being burglarized.
With this increase in crime, detection, and prosecution of those committing crimes are at an all-time low, and our Premier remains silent as a mouse.
This PNP administration’s Band-Aid crime measures are doing nothing to address the present crime situation, and do not address the root causes of crime.
Our national security is at the highest risk level than it has ever been. Aside from people, more and more guns and drugs are coming. Whatever the number of illegals that are intercepted is, there is about three times that number that get through undetected. And as more and more illegal persons call home and let their family and friends know that they made it, the numbers will only increase. It is becoming an overwhelming situation for our border control agent. And again, our Premier remains as silent as a mouse.
This PNP administration’s inability to effectively tackle the issues outlined has led me to one conclusion, that they simply do not have the mental readiness required to tackle the job the people hired them to do. And without serious interventions being put in place, sadly, our people’s issues will continue to be ignored and our economy is poised to worsen.
So, I close with the same sentiments I started with, and stated all through this document, “This PNP Government, just cannot handle the country’s work”
World Health Day is celebrated annually on April 7th.
"In the face of the current pandemic, a polluted planet, and an increasing incidence of diseases, the theme for World Health Day 2022 is Our Planet, Our Health. This call from PAHO, the WHO, and partners, presents a unique opportunity for a green and healthy recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, that puts the health of individuals and the planet at the center of actions and fosters a movement to create societies focused on well-being" (Pan American Health Organization).
The Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit would like to encourage everyone to be more aware of the impact we make on the planet as individuals. Each of us can make a decision to positively or negatively impact our environment. We must think about the future generations to come, and what will become of our planet if we dump waste indiscriminately, recklessly cut down trees, litter our beaches and streets, dump chemicals into our water streams...
The World Health Organization has emphasized that non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, have collectively contributed to over 70% of all deaths globally, an alarming 41 million people! Of this 41 million, 15 million of the deaths were of persons between 30 and 69.
The Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson, in his remarks regarding World Health Day stated that “The Turks and Caicos Islands are at risk of more frequent hurricanes of increased intensities, simply due to environmental threats of climate change, contributed by human impacts. Flooding from increased rainfall can be intensified due to littering and indiscriminate dumping of waste in our oceans or locations near to our water courses that eventually end up in our seas. Diseases in our communities are rising due to physical inactivity, instances of alcohol abuse and unhealthy diets.”
Hon. Robinson also encouraged the people of Turks and Caicos “to keep our environment clean and take pride in our surroundings by not littering, use the bins are nearby, take your waste back to your vehicle for discarding at home if waste bins are not available outdoors. Engage in walking, riding your bike, swimming, to increase your physical movements. Get your blood pressure and blood sugar tested frequently. Eat less processed food and more fruits, vegetables and ground foods.”
The Minister reiterated that “The TCI is beautiful by nature and it is our responsibility to ensure our beautiful environment is protected and preserved, not just for our generation but the generations to come!”
In commemoration of World Health Day, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit would like to remind everyone that our health and our planet are our responsibility. We can make simple lifestyle changes that can collectively cause a significant positive impact in our country and in the world.
CXC launches new education tool
The Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has launched a new Data Intelligence Gateway online platform that it says will allow it to serve its regional stakeholders more efficiently.
“No institution can prosper at this moment in our history without deep engagement in the digital culture, especially institutions in the area of knowledge creation and management and reproduction, especially institutions like the CXC,” said CXC chairman and Vice-Chancellor of the University iof the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles.
“Therefore, when we developed the CXC’s strategic development plan in 2020, it was clear to us that digital transformation would have to play a critical part in the immediate future of the institution. We recognised this in the conversations around this strategic plan and we insisted upon the development of a central role in the role of digital applications, management, and sustainability of the institution’s operations. We could not enact resilience building and sustainability without the full embrace of the digital culture.”
He told the ceremony that optimising stakeholder engagement and empowering the Ministries of Education and other stakeholders across the region with the capacity and capability to make informed decisions at the level of policy, strategic management and tactical interventions for performance improvement of the regional education system, was critical.
“This product, this tool, this is the solution that CXC’s management has brought to the fore of this day,” Sir Hilary added.
The CXC said that the new gateway is a central website that will provide dashboards of various categories of information. It will allow Ministries of Education across the region and examination centres to access necessary information such as statistics on electronic school-based assessments (e-SBAs), registrations, and results.
CXC registrar and chief executive officer, Dr Wayne Wesley, said the regional examinations body is undergoing digital transformation aimed at providing improved and more efficient services.
“Digital transformation is more than a catchphrase for us at CXC, it is our vision. As this year marks our 50th anniversary of serving the region, CXC’s vision is to become a digitally transformed enterprise providing quality, relevant, and globally recognised educational services.
“Accordingly, CXC is transforming for greater regional impact and we are doing this through our e-transition framework,” he said.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, told the launch that many aspects of life had changed and digital technology is at the center of these changes.
“The changes to how we teach, we learn, communicate, bank even how we are entertained are viewed widely as irrevocable. We are not the same people after the COVID experience, not the same societies and this is simply not the same world”.
The Education Minister said that the new generation demands a different lifestyle and it is left to the policy makers, administrators and educators of today to prepare young people for the jobs that in some instances do not yet exist.
She said that the remnants of the baby boomers and generation “X” have tried in vain to resist this wave of change “but the time left for holding on the old ways is gone.
“This initiative of the CXC provides a lead in the region and we must support and follow,” she said, adding that policies and systems that served the region prior to the COVID-19 pandemic must change in keeping with the changing global environment.
Source- CMC
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
The Department of Social Development and Welfare in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation join the rest of the world in recognizing the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. During this time a commitment is made to reexamining strategies to support children and families well-being in raising awareness for preventing child abuse and neglect. The Turks and Caicos Islands and globally observes this month under the theme “Children are our tomorrow care for them today”. As a Christian nation, we are reminded by God throughout the Bible, that children are a precious gift, and as adults, we have the privilege and moral obligation to nurture our children into holistic individuals, who are capable of living the full and abundant life God desires for them. Honourable Otis Morris, Minister with responsibility for Social Development & Welfare said, “Children are and will always be our tomorrow; therefore, as a society, it is encouraged that we pledge our solidarity to instil the necessary tools that will help prepare our precious and priceless generation to become the leaders of tomorrow, by being a champion in their lives and a voice that speaks up on their behalf. Caring for our children requires a safe village approach to nurturing them and ensuring they are safe from all forms of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Know the signs and report all suspected child abuse to the relevant authorities. Prevention is always better than cure.” We are also reminded to Teach our children how to love, be kind, Honest, Grateful, Humble, teach them responsibilities, praise their achievements, be a good listener to them, impart knowledge on them and lastly but most importantly, to “practice what we preach” Be the Role Model and Model the behavior we desire for them.
As the Department of Social Development and Welfare continues its mandate in child protection and safeguarding we request your commitment in fighting this battle with us. “No Child left behind” should be the motto echoed throughout our communities, as we are reminded that no one person or entity is responsible for raising children. It is the collective responsibility of all adults to play their part in being the village that raises healthy, happy, productive, respectful Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Listed below are the upcoming Activities for April - Child Abuse Prevention month 2022
April 8 Social Workers to visit schools and conduct educational sessions (Provo, North/Middle Caicos; Grand Turk and South Caicos)
Child Abuse Prevention text messages to be disseminated through our partners Digicel and Flow
Set up Parent Resource Library
April 10 Blue Sunday throughout the Churches in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention month
April 15 Blue Day for All Public and Private Sector
Planting of Blue Pinwheels at various location throughout Provo
Feet in the Street-distribution of brochures to spread awareness
April 22 My Body, My Responsibility - “The Lady In Me” Seminar on Provo
April 26 Art Competition North/Middle Caicos at the Kew Community Center
April 26 Prayer Vigil, Poster and Jingle competition in Grand Turk
April 29 Art Competition at Ethel Ingram in Provo
April 30 Balloon release in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month
Remember Child abuse is Everybody’s Business! If you see something, say something! Break the Silence! Let’s End Child Abuse.
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & UNICEF HOST THE LADY IN ME VISION BOARD WORKSHOP AND BRUNCH
In keeping with its mission to facilitate development and self-
sufficiency among the people of Turks and Caicos Islands, the
Department of Social Development and Welfare in partnership
with UNICEF hosted its annual The Lady in Me programme on
the island of South Caicos on 31 March.
The programme reached 21 female students from forms 1 and
2 at the Marjorie Basden High school and sought to create a
space where these young ladies can interact with, learn from
the experience of older women and be inspired and
empowered to greatness.
The programme which was hosted at the East Bay Resort saw
young ladies participating in capacity building sessions on
topics such as "Goal setting and achievable steps" and "Your
thoughts become your reality". The young girls helped in
identifying presenters from the community of South Caicos who
they would like to speak to them. Miss Kiatana Robinson and
Miss Maria Clare, women of the soul spoke vibrantly and
informatively into these young ladies lives.
The day culminated with the girls creating vision boards
outlining their personal goals and aspirations and with a
commitment to focus on and achieve those goals.
Commenting on the workshop, Director Tiffany Thomas-
Browne who was in attendance and a leading lady who grew up
in South Caicos said that everyone needs someone to
encourage and mentor them to their fullest potential. Persons
they can aspire to become and guide them in fulfilling their
goals and purpose in life through such positive interactions and
relationships. She said that the Vision Board workshop set out
to accomplish just that and to help the young ladies to believe
in writing their visions down and knowing they can achieve it.
She thanked her team who assisted in the preparation and
organization to ensure its success.
FISH FRY IS BACK
Island Fish Fry is set to return on April 14 th at the PTV
Headquarters at Stubbs Diamond Plaza in the Bight,
Providenciales.
The Island Fish Fry was last hosted two years ago in 2020
before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the islands and shut down
the local event. The event will resume its weekly hosting every
Thursday evening at the Stubbs Diamond Plaza,
Providenciales.
The Island Fish Fry will feature over a dozen restaurants and
souvenir stands, a live band, and cultural performances to bring
a celebration of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
That’s the end of local news, stay tuned for news in the region.