North Korea launches 'unidentified projectile' into sea
North Korea has fired what has been described as an unidentified projectile into the sea, said South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
The Japanese coast guard, which first reported the launch, said it could potentially be a ballistic missile, but no confirmation has yet been given.
The UN prohibits North Korea from ballistic and nuclear weapons tests.
If confirmed, this would be the first such launch carried by Pyongyang this year.
"South Korean and US intelligence are closely analysing for further detail," the JCS said in a statement.
Japan's defence minister Nobuo Kishi said the suspected ballistic missile had flown about 500 km (310 miles), according to a Reuters report, but according to one expert, there is still no way to confirm this.
"There's no way to assess whether this might have been a longer-range missile flown on a shortened trajectory," Ankit Panda of the Nuclear Policy Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace told BBC News.
In 2017, North Korea tested the Hwasong-15, a missile that peaked at an estimated altitude of 4,500km, putting US military bases on the Pacific island of Guam well within striking distance.
The launch comes days after Mr Kim said that Pyongyang would continue to strengthen its defence capabilities due to an increasingly unstable military environment on the Korean peninsula - a stance Mr Panda warned could see 2022 "littered with similar North Korean missiles."
Mr Kim made the remarks during a key end-of-year meeting of North Korea's ruling party.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called the latest launch "very regrettable," pointing to North Korea's repeated testing of missiles since 2021.
In 2021, North Korea continued the advancement of its weapons programme, conducting what state media reported as the testing of a new hypersonic missile, as well as a train-based ballistic missile and a new long-range cruise missile.
Ballistic missiles are considered more threatening than cruise missiles because they can carry more powerful payloads, have a longer range and can fly faster.
The tests come as Pyongyang struggles with food shortages due to a coronavirus blockade that has affected its economy.
At the end-of-year meeting, Mr Kim said the country was facing a "great life-and-death struggle", adding that increasing development and improving people's living standards were among this year's goals.
United Nations officials had earlier warned that vulnerable children and elderly people in North Korea were at risk of starvation.
However, Mr Panda says this was unlikely to deter North Korea from pursuing its weapons program.
"[Mr] Kim has maintained his emphasis on self-reliance in national defence in recent years even as he has been open about economic difficulties in the country," Mr Panda said.
"For [Mr] Kim and the Workers' Party, sustaining these weapons programs is a top national priority for both internal and external reasons."
The US has been calling for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, and Pyongyang's relationship with President Joe Biden's administration has so far been fraught with tension.
North Korea has also repeatedly accused South Korea of double standards over military activities.
South Korea recently tested its first submarine-launched ballistic missile, which it said was needed as deterrence against North Korea's "provocations".
Source-BBC
Mariah Carey keeps Christmas atop the Billboard Hot 100 for record-breaking 8th week
The holidays may be over, but Christmas is still very much alive on the Billboard charts, thanks to Mariah Carey.
Her 1994 hit single, "All I Want for Christmas Is You," remains the number-one song in the country for a record-breaking eighth week. No other holiday track has come close to that number. The single sold nearly 5,000 copies and was streamed a jaw-dropping 35.4 million times between December 24 and December 30.
This is now Mariah's fifth song to spend eight weeks at number one, which officially ties her with Drake, who is the only other artist to achieve such a feat.
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" now holds the record for enjoying the longest span atop the Hot 100, which is two years and 18 days, after first debuting atop the chart on December 21, 2019.
The single also gives Mariah a boost in becoming the artist with the longest time span on top of the prestigious chart, with "All I Want for Christmas Is You" granting her a streak that is 31 years, five months and one week long since "Vision of Love" first hit the Hot 100 on August 4, 1990. As previously reported, Mariah's also the only artist in Billboard history to send a song to number one in four different decades.
Lastly, Mariah secures her 87th week atop the Hot 100, further leaving Rihanna in the dust with her second-place finish of 60 weeks atop the chart.
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" is Mariah's 19th song to top the Billboard Hot 100, putting her right behind the Beatles, who saw 20 of their songs top the Hot 100 throughout their career.
Source-ABC
Colombian national charged in connection with plot to Kill Haitian President
A Colombian national, Mario Antonio Palacios, 43, has been arrested based on a criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida on a plot to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moise, who was killed at his private residence in Port au Prince on July 7, last year. His wife, Martine, was also injured during the atack and had to be treated in the United States.
The Department of Justice in a statement said that Palacios has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States and providing material support resulting in death, knowing or intending that such material support would be used to prepare for or carry out the conspiracy to kill or kidnap.
“As alleged in the complaint, which was unsealed today, these charges relate to the July 7, 2021, assassination of the former President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti,” the statement said.
“As alleged, the defendant and others, including a group of approximately 20 other Colombian citizens and a group of Haiti-based dual Haitian-American citizens, participated in a plot to kidnap or kill the Haitian President, with one conspirator (Co-conspirator #1) traveling to the United States on June 28, 2021, to, among other things, provide other individuals with a written request for assistance to further the plot relating to the Haitian President.”
The statement said that the complaint is also alleging that while the plot initially focused on conducting a kidnapping of the president as part of a purported arrest operation, it ultimately resulted in a plot to kill the Haitian President.
“The complaint affidavit alleges that, on July 7, 2021, Palacios and others entered the president’s residence in Haiti with the intent and purpose of killing President Moise, and in fact the president was killed.
“Co-conspirator #1, a dual Haitian-American citizen, was subsequently arrested by Haitian authorities and remains in custody in Haiti. Palacios eluded arrest and travelled to Jamaica. “
Palacios was recently deported from Jamaica and, during a layover in Panama, agreed to travel to the United States. He is currently in custody and was due to appear in court for his initial appearance on Tuesday.
The Department of Justice said that if convicted of the charges in the complaint, Palacios faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
It said that a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The statement sad that the FBI is investigating the case with other law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Goldbarg and Walter Norkin are prosecuting the case with assistance from National Security Division Trial Attorneys Frank Russo and Emma Ellenrieder.
The statement said that a complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source-CMC
General Motors 90-year streak as top US car seller ends
US car giant General Motors has lost its title as America's top car seller for the first time in 90 years.
Japan's Toyota claimed the top spot, selling more than 2.3 million vehicles last year, up 10%.
GM said its sales, which fell 13%, were hurt by the widespread shortage of semiconductor parts that has been affecting the car industry.
The Detroit company had ranked as the number one US car seller since 1931 and vowed it would bounce back.
"I wouldn't rush out if I were (Toyota) and get a 'We're No 1' tattoo," spokesman Jim Cain said, according to Reuters.
Overall, analysts expect the number of new cars sold in the US to have increased roughly 2% in 2021 compared to 2020, when buyers were reeling from the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
But purchases remain depressed compared to their pre-pandemic levels, as companies grapple with supply chain woes, problems that have also pushed prices higher for consumers.
"The key constraint for sales continues to be reduced inventory levels as a result of the semiconductor shortage," GM chief economist Elaine Buckberg said in a statement discussing the firm's sales and outlook for 2022.
GM sold roughly 2.2 million vehicles last year down from 2.5 million in 2020, relying on its profitable pick-up trucks and SUVs to boost its bottom line.
Toyota, which saw strong sales of its hybrids and other models, has been less affected than some other car makers by the shortage of chips, thanks to its decision to build up a stockpile after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. But it has also been forced to cut production amid the shortages.
But America's top car companies have been ceding ground to international rivals well before the pandemic-related snarls.
Ford, General Motors and Chrysler once accounted for as much as 90% of all US car sales and still claimed more than half as recently as 2008. But that has slid lower.
Toyota's Camry has been the top-selling passenger car in the US for 20 years, while its Rav4 has ranked as the best-selling SUV for five years.
Source-BBC
US phone firms agree delay of 5G rollout
Two of the biggest US phone firms have agreed a government request to delay the rollout of 5G services this week.
The US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made the request over concerns about aviation safety.
Plane makers have warned that C-Band spectrum 5G wireless signals may interfere with sensitive aircraft electronics and could disrupt flights.
AT&T and Verizon initially rejected the delay request, before reversing.
Chief executives had pushed back against a second delay request on Sunday, having already put plans on hold since late last year.
They had also offered to mitigate service around US airports for six months as a temporary safeguard, along a similar approach adopted in France.
The aviation industry and the FAA has raised concerns about potential interference of 5G with aircraft equipment like radio altitude meters.
Last month, the bosses of the world's two biggest plane makers, Airbus and Boeing, made an appeal to Mr Buttigieg in which they said "5G interference could adversely affect the ability of aircraft to safely operate".
The letter cited research by trade group Airlines for America which found that if the FAA's 5G rules had been in effect in 2019, about 345,000 passenger flights and 5,400 cargo flights would have faced delays, diversions or cancellations.
The phone companies both announced they had accepted the proposed two-week delay late on Monday.
An AT&T spokeswoman said they had agreed to the request from Mr Buttigieg, but said in a statement that "we know aviation safety and 5G can co-exist and we are confident further collaboration and technical assessment will allay any issues".
The FAA thanked for firms for the voluntary delay in a statement.
"We look forward to using the additional time and space to reduce flight disruptions associated with this 5G deployment," they added.
Source-ABC
Statement by Hon Rachel M Taylor, Minister of Education on Commencement of School for Term 2 of the 2021/2022 School Year
I use this opportunity to wish all our stakeholders a happy and prosperous New Year. To our committed school leaders, teachers and ancillary staff, I trust you had a warm and memorable Christmas in the company of family and friends. To the new teachers who joined us during the holidays, I welcome you to the Turks and Caicos Islands and I wish for you well during your tenure with us.
I also use this opportunity to congratulate those persons who are taking up acting appointments in one or more of our schools. Students, I can imagine your excitement after receiving your Christmas gifts and enjoying the festivities that are associated with this time of year. The time has come to refocus your attention on continuing your formal learning and developing the skills that are necessary to propel you on your journey through lifelong learning and preparation for contributing meaningfully to the continued development of these islands.
The holidays are now ending and we turn our attention to continuing the 2021/2022 school year. As you are all aware, we have witnessed a rapid spike in the number of positive Covid-19 cases over a relatively short period of time. The spike in cases is an indication that the virus is spreading quickly, therefore as we begin Term 2 of the school year, it is incumbent on us to take every precaution to ensure that our children and teachers remain safe.
Before arriving at a decision, my team and I at the Ministry of Education, consulted with the health experts in the Ministry of Health, and considered all possible options to ensure that effective learning of our students continues, while at the same time, striking a balance with their health and safety.
Consequently, the following measures, which are being implemented in the best interest of all, are to take immediate effect:
1 Public schools will remain closed for the remainder of this week. While this is the case, Teachers in public schools who have already been tested and are negative will report for work to prepare for virtual classes. The remaining teachers should have their tests completed by Wednesday, 5th January.
All Schools are also encouraged to use this time to review their COVID-19 Protocols, refresh and take steps to strengthen these protocols wherever necessary.
2 Classes in public schools will commence on Monday, 10th January, using virtual platforms.
3 Private schools will have the option to begin virtual classes this week or on Monday, 10th January.
4 Virtual Classes for ALL SCHOOLS (Public and Private Schools will continue until Friday, 14th January.
5 During this two-week period, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health will observe the number of Covid-19 cases. If there is an additional spike in the number of cases all schools will remain in virtual mode for an additional two-week period up to 28th January.
6 If the number of positive cases across the country remain the same as they are now or decrease between now and 16th January, the Ministry may give approval for schools with fewer than 200 students to return to full face to face classes. In addition, schools with more than 200 students may be given approval to commence a hybrid programme but stagger the way classes are brought in.
7 All Day Care Centers serving children under 4 years of age will remain open. Management of these facilities are to ensure that caregivers and ancillary staff adhere to the protocols that are in place in relation to testing, wearing of face masks at all times, social distancing and washing of hands and use of hand sanitizer.
The health authorities have advised that although the number of cases are increasing, there is far less severe cases requiring hospitalization because of the vaccination status of these individuals. We therefore join with the Ministry of health and encourage all teachers, students of vaccination age and parents to get vaccinated and or get your booster shots.
We also encourage all teachers, parents and students to get tested using a local community lab if you are experiencing any flu-like symptom. Over the next few weeks, the situation will be monitored with a view to returning all students to full face to face classes in as safe a manner as possible over the coming weeks, provided the number of positive cases decrease.
I take this opportunity to especially thank our teachers in public schools who have gone through the Covid-19 Testing training regime in an effort to assist in testing of teachers at schools. Your support has made the difference in ensuring that the unvaccinated teachers were tested on a weekly basis. This process will continue into this new year. All members of staff, including ancillary staff of both public and private schools around the Turks and Caicos Islands must present a negative test before they return to school face to face.
High school students sitting their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams will continue their exams as scheduled. Examination centers will enforce the mandatory Covid-19 protocols so as to maintain a safe environment for candidates and invigilators.
May the favour of God continue to rest with us.
Boris Johnson plans to 'ride out' Omicron wave
Boris Johnson says he hopes England can "ride out" the current wave of Covid-19 without further restrictions.
But he acknowledged parts of the NHS would feel "temporarily overwhelmed" amid a surge of Omicron cases.
The prime minister said there was a "good chance" he would not impose fresh measures and would recommend continuing the government's "Plan B" strategy in England to ministers on Wednesday.
He also announced plans for 100,000 critical workers to take daily tests.
The testing regime from 10 January will be for key industries including food processing, transport and the border force, in order to reduce the spread of the virus to colleagues.
The PM said at a Downing Street briefing he will recommended England sticks with Plan B restrictions, when cabinet ministers meet to discuss extending them.
The measures, which include working from home where possible, mask wearing in most public settings and Covid passports in some venues, are currently due to run out on 28 January.
As daily UK Covid case figures exceeded 200,000 for the first time with the spread of the Omicron variant, the PM said people who believed the pandemic to be over were "profoundly wrong".
The daily cases include a backlog of two days of cases from Wales and four days in Northern Ireland.
He said this was a moment for caution but also that the UK's position was different from previous waves, as Omicron is milder than previous variants and booster vaccines have been rolled out.
Mr Johnson said the country had a chance to "ride out this Omicron wave without shutting down our country once again".
"We can keep our schools and our businesses open and we can find a way to live with this virus," he said.
Mr Johnson acknowledged the weeks ahead would be "challenging" with "some services disrupted by staff absences". But he promised to "fortify" the NHS to withstand pressure.
The assurances come as many industries are facing staffing problems over the number of workers self isolating with Covid or as contacts of cases, while many people have struggled to get tests over Christmas amid supply and demand issues.
The government would continue to watch what happens in Covid data, but he said the current Plan B level of restrictions in England - like compulsory face coverings in most indoor public venues - were the correct and balanced approach.
"It has to balance the the effect on people's lives and livelihoods of lockdowns, which are painful, which take away people's life chances and which do a great deal of social damage, damage to people's mental health as well as damage to the economy," Mr Johnson said.
He said the health service was moving into a "war footing" with plans to set up coronavirus surge hubs at hospitals across England in preparation for a potential wave of admissions.
Source-BBC
Drake, Snoop Dogg, Future and Ne-Yo featured on Aaliyah's posthumous Unstoppable album
Following the release two weeks ago of "Poison," featuring the late Aaliyah and The Weeknd, the former's posthumous Unstoppable album will be released later this month with more all-star collaborations.
Aaliyah's uncle, Barry Hankerson, confirmed the news Monday on The Geno Jones Show. Hankerson owns Blackground Records, which controls the rights to Aaliyah's music. "Poison" will be on the album, and Hankerson says in addition to The Weeknd, there will be more collabos on the project.
“Because of that success, we think it’ll only get better with people such as Ne-Yo and Snoop Dogg, Future, and Drake — one of her biggest fans," said Hankerson. "Those are the features that’ll be on the record and that’ll be out in January.”
Hankerson did not specify an Unstoppable release date.
Two Aaliyah albums that were released after her death became available on digital platforms for the first time in October. I Care 4 U, from December, 2002, features 14 tracks, including Aaliyah's hits "Back & Forth," "Are You That Somebody?," "One in a Million" and "Try Again." It also has songs that were previously unreleased, including “Miss You,” “I Care 4 U” and “Come Over." The compilation debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ultimate Aaliyah originally arrived in May 2005 as a posthumous box set. The first disc is a greatest hits collection. The second, titled Are You Feelin’ Me?, has songs from the Romeo Must Die soundtrack and additional tracks produced by Timbaland. The third disc is a DVD documentary titled The Aaliyah Story.
August 25, 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of Aaliyah's death at the age of 22. She died in 2001 with eight other people in a plane crash after shooting the "Rock the Boat" video in the Bahamas.
Source-ABC
Reduction of Services - Department of Motor Vehicle
The Department of Motor Vehicles would like to advise the general public that there will be a reduction of services offered at its Providenciales office, effective Wednesday 5th January, 2022 until further notice. Services affected include driver’s license photographs, signs, written exams and driving tests.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Persons will be contacted for those services for which appointments have been made and notified publicly as soon as the above services areas are restored.
WEATHER FOR THE TCI ON WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW STRAY SHOWERS.
WINDS: VARIABLE AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS BUT OCCASIONALLY GUSTY IN THE TURKS & CAICOS.
SEAS: 3 TO 5 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. 3 TO 5 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE CENTRAL AND TCI.