13 tested positive for the new Covid variant Omicron from South Africa
The new coronavirus variant Omicron has been detected in 13 people who arrived in the Dutch capital Amsterdam on two flights from South Africa. They are among 61 passengers who tested positive for coronavirus.
It comes as tighter restrictions come into force in the Netherlands, amid record Covid cases and concerns over the new variant.
This includes early closing times for hospitality and cultural venues, and limits on home gatherings.
Omicron was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by South Africa on Wednesday, and early evidence suggests it has a higher re-infection risk. It has been categorised by the WHO as a "variant of concern".
But after many countries around the world restrict travel from southern African countries over the variant, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the bans to be urgently lifted.
In an address to the nation on Sunday he said the moves were unjustified and not based on science.
The Dutch National Institute for Public Health announced the 13 Omicron cases on Sunday, but noted that its investigation had "not yet been completed", meaning the new variant could still be found in more test samples.
Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge made an "urgent request" for people who have returned from southern Africa to get tested for Covid "as soon as possible".
"It is not unthinkable that there are more cases in the Netherlands," he told reporters.
Cases of the heavily mutated variant have now been reported in a number of countries around the world, including several in Europe, such as the UK, Germany and Italy.
The flights by Dutch national carrier KLM from Johannesburg arrived on Friday morning. The 600 passengers on board were held for several hours after arriving while they were tested for the virus.
New York Times correspondent Stephanie Nolen, who was on one of the flights, tweeted that the passengers were not even brought water while they remained on the plane.
Passengers travelling from South Africa to the UK via Amsterdam told the BBC that they were held on the tarmac at Schiphol airport for four hours, before eventually disembarking.
The passengers who were confirmed to have Covid-19 have since been quarantined at a hotel near Schiphol airport.
Those that tested negative have been asked to isolate at home for five days and take further tests. Officials said those in transit would be allowed to continue their journeys, though there were reports on Saturday that some passengers had not received written proof of a negative test and were therefore unable to board onward flights.
Dutch health authorities were also trying to contact and test thousands of other passengers who had travelled from seven southern African countries - South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia or Zimbabwe - since Monday.
The Netherlands is one of many countries around the world to have now imposed travel restrictions on countries in southern Africa in response to the new variant.
Switzerland has ordered that passengers from other countries where the variant has been detected, including the UK and the Netherlands, provide proof of a negative coronavirus test and quarantine for 10 days.
Dr Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South African Medical Association, told the BBC countries could be "panicking unnecessarily" and the symptoms she had seen from the new variant were "extremely mild".
Meanwhile, the Netherlands is one of several European countries struggling to contain record numbers of coronavirus infections.
It has a shortage of intensive care beds, operations are being cancelled and hundreds of people are dying of Covid every week, the BBC's Anna Holligan in The Hague says.
Bars, restaurants and shops - whose opening hours have already been restricted for several weeks - are required to close earlier than before, and there is a limit on the number of guests allowed in homes.
People are also being encouraged to work from home where possible, but nurseries, schools and universities across the country remain open.
Thousands of people protested after the measures were announced.
The Netherlands has had nearly 20,000 confirmed Covid-related deaths since the pandemic started.
Source - BBC
Protesters hit Amazon buildings on Black Friday
Protests are being staged at Amazon buildings in the UK, US, and Europe on Black Friday.
The shopping sales day is among Amazon's busiest all year.
An international coalition of unions, equality and environmental groups called "Make Amazon Pay" is staging a day of action.
The movement is demanding Amazon make changes to its business, including improved pay, an end to employee surveillance, and union engagement.
In an unrelated separate protest, the Extinction Rebellion environmental group has blocked the entrances to Amazon distribution centres in the UK.
The group says it has targeted 13 British buildings, including the largest one in Dunfermline.
The Make Amazon Pay coalition is not affiliated with Extinction Rebellion group, but also has environmental groups such as Greenpeace among its members.
"Amazon takes too much and gives back too little," it claims - backed by trade unions, grassroots campaigns and non-profit-making organisations in individual countries.
In the UK, that includes:
the GMB Union
Trades Union Congress
Momentum
War on Want
International Transport Workers' Federation
Labour Behind the Label
No UK Amazon warehouses are unionised, so legally they can't strike.
Many employees will be working on the day, but campaign groups which include Amazon workers are staging protests at Amazon buildings in Coalville, Leicestershire, Coventry, Peterborough and at its London headquarters.
But strikes are being encouraged elsewhere.
In Germany, for example, the union Verdi called on employees at major shipping centres to strike, beginning on Wednesday night. And in France, major union CGT is also calling for workers to down tools.
Worldwide, nearly 50 organisations have signed up to a list of "common demands", published by the Make Amazon Pay coalition, which include:
raising warehouse workers' pay and adding hazard pay and peak time increments
halting worker "surveillance" and strict productivity targets
extending sick leave and improving Covid-19 tracking and reporting
ending casual employment status and "union-busting" activities
paying taxes without using loopholes or tax havens
Owen Espley, from the War on Want campaign group, said: "Amazon is abusing its dominance across online retail, cloud services, and logistics, to create unfair competition that is driving down standards for everyone.
The GMB union also released figures on Friday that it said showed ambulance callouts to Amazon warehouses increased by nearly 50% in the run-up to Black Friday - something it blames on staff rushing to hit "crushing targets".
It filed Freedom of Information requests with four ambulance trusts near "major Amazon sites". It said the data shows that over five years, November had the most ambulance visits.
Amazon said such claims were "using incomplete information that's without context and designed to intentionally mislead".
"We know we're not perfect and are continuing to get better every day, but the fact is that Amazon has 40% fewer injuries on average compared to other transportation and warehousing businesses in the UK," a spokesperson said.
It claimed the "vast majority" of ambulance visits to its buildings were for pre-existing conditions.
Mick Rix, from the GMB Union, said: "This company is a pandemic profiteer that can afford to do better."
"It's time for Amazon sit down with their workers' union GMB and make Amazon a great, safe place to work. "
Amazon reported a tripling of profits earlier this year, attributed to its success during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amazon issued a prepared statement in advance of the protests about the wider Make Amazon Pay movement.
"These groups represent a variety of interests, and while we are not perfect in any area, if you objectively look at what Amazon is doing in each one of these areas you'll see that we do take our role and our impact very seriously," it said.
"We are inventing and investing significantly in all these areas, playing a significant role in addressing climate change with the Climate Pledge commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040, continuing to offer competitive wages and great benefits, and inventing new ways to keep our employees safe and healthy in our operations network, to name just a few."
Source - BBC
GRAND TURK CRUISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME UPDATE
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government on 15th November 2021, opened its application portal to accept online submissions from eligible Grand Turk Businesses involved in the Cruise- Tourism Sector; many of whom were impacted by the economic fallout emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government, is aware that in some cases, persons seeking to upload their information through the portal may be experiencing an error message.
In the event you are experiencing an error message stating that “this site is closed since May 2021,” please clear the cache on the machine you are using or use a different machine, as this portal is still currently active and will be until Friday November 26th. Please be reminded that applications will be received online by the Turks & Caicos Islands Government at the site address https://Stimulus.gov.tc until 26th November 2021; unless otherwise directed.
Also be reminded that the Grand Turk Cruise Assistance Programme aims to provide eligible Grand Turk businesses only with a one-time payment, ranging from $3,500 to $10,000. The policy aims to address the following areas for assistance for the targeted categories:
· Necessary plant and or infrastructure repairs.
· Staff training.
· Upgrade of business software.
· Digitalization of business processes.
· Purchase of business equipment and supplies.
· Enhance business image standards.
Any questions concerning this application may be directed to the Turks & Caicos Islands Government via email: tcicruisegrant@gov.tc.
Applicants are reminded that incomplete applications will not be processed. Therefore, it is important that you ensure that you read the instructions on how to fill the application to understand clearly what is needed, inclusive of the evidence to be provided.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible following the submission of their applications. Successful applicants will receive an approval letter issued by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. A single payment will be made by the Grand Turk Government Treasury directly to the applicant via cheque. The approved applicant will be required to present photo identification showing either BOTC or Turks & Caicos Islands status.
Premier and Deputy Premier discussed high-priority issues with UK Government at Joint Ministerial Council Forum in London
UK Ministers, Overseas Territory(OT) elected leaders and designated representatives gathered in London, United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 November for the first in-person Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) since 2018. The Turks and Caicos Islands delegation was led by the Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick and consisted of the Deputy Premier Honourable Erwin Jay Saunders along with Tracy Knight, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government representative in London.
Delegates attended a total of eight sessions over the course of the two-day plenary on matters relating to the environment and oceans, the International Maritime Organisation (III) Code Audit, the UK-OT relationship, economic resilience, security and law enforcement, health and inclusivity.
The UK set out its commitments to the Overseas Territories in the paper Global Britain in a Competitive Age: the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy which articulated the collaboration with the Overseas Territories to address a variety of challenges including climate change, investment in physical infrastructure and marine protection.
The UK and the Overseas Territories agreed a joint communiqué which outlined and affirmed collaborative commitments to improve co-ordination across UK Government departments and conduct regular dialogue on relevant policy issues.
Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and other external elements, pose a serious threat to the small and fragile economies of Territories, the UK Government reiterated continued partnership to strengthen health services in Territories through existing and new links with the UK; and the exploration of methods to diversify Territory economies and bolster resilience and investment; and assured that the interests and needs of the Overseas Territories will be considered when creating policies and programmes that will promote sustainable economic development.
The UK Government also shared information on the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) which supports and delivers activity including the Justice Programme and Border Security Programme in the Territories to provide funding and other assistance; and to fortify and modernise law enforcement capabilities in crime-fighting and border protection.
To enhance the safety and security of citizens, law enforcement capabilities and increase capacity in the Territories, the UK Government and the Overseas Territories agreed to share information and best practices and take a multiagency strategic approach across Governments to mitigate crime.
It was also agreed that the UK would consider new maritime technologies that might assist the Overseas Territories in the management of issues involving energy and waste.
On Thursday, 18 November the Premier and Deputy Premier held bilateral talks with the Right Honourable Amanda Millings, Minister with responsibility for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on a range of issues pertinent to the TCI.
The Premier, remarking on the conclusion of the Council Conference stated, “The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to perform favourably overall, in comparison to our competitors in the region; however, there is much to benefit from and improve upon through close collaboration with the British Overseas Territories (BOTs). There seems to be a genuine interest by Minister Amanda Milling, OT Minister in the FCDO, to listen and use UK ministries and departments to assist the OTs to modernize systems and improve efficiency.
In our bilateral meetings with Minister Milling, all the representations made by TCIG were agreeably received and working groups will be established to follow through. These include: the process to escalate the delivery of the Providenciales International Airport Redevelopment; the resolution to TCI’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with its neighbours; the establishment of border control, maritime surveillance and policing; de-risking of certain TCI economic sectors; the introduction of biennial budgeting; and the delivery of e-governance”.
At a special event at during the JMC, delegates and students from the Overseas Territories, including Mr. Keanu Been of TCI, had the opportunity to meet and hear from His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge on the need to tackle climate change.
While in London, the Premier and Deputy Premier also met with the Turks and Caicos Islands All Party Parliamentary Group, Chaired by Alicia Kearns MP. The TCI All Party Parliamentary Group consists of Members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords with an interest in the Islands. The group champions the Islands in Parliament, raising issues of concern and holding HMG to account when required.
The JMC is the highest forum for political dialogue and consultation between the UK and elected leaders and representatives of the Overseas Territories. The aim of the annual conference is to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest and provide a setting for the exchange of views on political and constitutional issues between the governments of the Overseas Territories and the UK Government.
Europe region faces 700,000 more deaths by March - WHO
A further 700,000 people could die of Covid by March in Europe and parts of Asia, the World Health Organization has warned.
The death toll already exceeds 1.5 million in the 53 countries of what the WHO terms as its Europe region.
The WHO warned of "high or extreme stress" in intensive care units in 49 of the nations by March 2022.
Europe is facing a surge in cases, prompting Austria to return to lockdown and others to consider fresh measures.
A number of countries - including France, Germany and Greece - could also soon make booster jabs a requirement for their citizens to be considered fully vaccinated.
But several countries have seen fierce protests against new measures. The Netherlands saw several nights of rioting over a partial lockdown.
In its assessment, the WHO warned Covid was the top cause of death in its Europe region.
"Cumulative reported deaths are projected to reach over 2.2 million by spring next year, based on current trends," the WHO said on Tuesday.
Confirmed Covid-related deaths recently doubled to almost 4,200 a day, it added.
In Russia alone, the daily death toll has been recently topping 1,200.
A high number of unvaccinated people and the prevalence of the Delta variant in some countries were key factors behind high transmission rates in the Europe region, the WHO said.
The WHO Europe director, Dr Hans Kluge, urged those who were still unvaccinated to get the jab.
"All of us have the opportunity and responsibility to help avert unnecessary tragedy and loss of life, and limit further disruption to society and businesses over this winter season," he said.
As well as European nations, the WHO also considers Israel and ex-Soviet states like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as making up the region.
Source-BBC
Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson participates in first full practice
Golden State Warriors swingman Klay Thompson participated in a full team practice on Tuesday for the first time since tearing his left ACL in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals and his right Achilles in November 2020.
"It's so exciting," Thompson said. "Just to be running up and down the court and playing basketball, it's truly a blessing and it makes coming to work so easy. The boring stuff's behind me, and now it's just getting back in game shape -- I got to stay patient because I can be an overeager person to get out there and play, but I'm just incredibly grateful to be out there. The work the training staff and I have done over the last two years is really paying off, and it's hard to put into words how grateful I am to be playing basketball again."
Thompson, who was cleared for 5-on-5 work with members of the Warriors' support staff last week, has been in great spirits as his return to game action inches closer. While the Warriors have been hopeful that Thompson could return around Christmas, coach Steve Kerr reiterated Tuesday that no return date has been set and they want Thompson to continue to build up his strength and stamina after being off the floor for so long.
"We don't have a target date," Kerr said. "What we have is a number of weeks ahead of us for certain where we're going to play it out, keep letting him scrimmage as often as possible so that he'll build that endurance. And I would think within a few weeks we'll be able to finally sort of get a target date, but we don't have one right now."
Teammate Kevon Looney noted how much "joy" Thompson's first full practice in over two years brought the team.
"Klay looked good," Looney said. "Especially for someone who had been out that long. You can still tell that he's got work to do, and he's been working hard, he looks good, he looks like an NBA player, he looks like a top-notch athlete already. So I'm excited to see him get back on the court. He gets better every day, every week, so I'm excited to see the next step he takes."
Thompson, who said he doesn't "fear getting hurt again" because of the "freak" nature of his past two injuries, said he has been motivated by critics who are doubting whether he and the Warriors can get back to the top.
Source-ESPN
CDB to host Caribbean conference on corruption
The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced plans to stage a two-day virtual Caribbean Conference on Corruption, Compliance and Cybercrime to be held from December 7.
CDB said that the conference will allow for thought-leaders from across the world to share and discuss new challenges and solutions for corruption, compliance, and cybercrime in the Caribbean.
It said that speakers will include experienced global anti-corruption practitioners, anti-money laundering specialists, cyber-crime professionals, development bankers, policy makers, regulators, law enforcement personnel, academics, private sector representatives and civil society leaders.
Among the featured speakers include Mouhamadou Diagne, the Vice President, Integrity, of the World Bank Group, Laura Profeta, who heads the Office of Institutional Integrity at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy Antoine, as well as Paula Llewellyn, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Jamaica, Adam Storer, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Professor Trevor Munroe, the Principal Director of National Integrity Action, Chapter of Transparency International in Jamaica.
The CDB said that the featured sessions at the forum will include drivers of corruption in the Caribbean, the role of the private sector in curbing corruption, money laundering and cybercrime as well as promoting good governance in uncertain times by curbing corruption.
Source-CMC
JENIKA LAPORTE APPOINTED AS HEAD OF SECRETARIAT
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Jenika Laporte to the post of Head of Secretariat in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.
Ms. Laporte originates from the Island of Providenciales, where she gained over 15 years of experience in the Financial Industry.
Prior to joining the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Ms. Laporte worked in Corporate and Commercial Banking, where she specialized in Account Management, Sales and Financial Solutions.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Everest University in Orlando, Florida and is currently pursuing studies in Public Policy and International Relations.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Laporte stated:
“As I embark on this new career path, I am elated to be affiliated with an organization that focuses on the betterment of these, Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands and its people.
I am committed to serving with integrity and national pride and I remain enthusiastic of the experiences this new venture will bring.
I am truly humbled by the opportunity and I look forward to making positive contributions along the way.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulations to Ms. Laporte stated:
“I wish to congratulate Ms. Jenika Laporte on her appointment to the post of Head of Secretariat within the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.
As we continue to expand our public service employment opportunities, we are always pleased to welcome new starters to the public service.
As Head of Secretariat Ms. Laporte will be responsible for coordinating the secretariat functions in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, which includes liaising between the Permanent Secretary and the Minister, and between the Permanent Secretary Board, the Cabinet, and the House of Assembly for the purpose of progressing the business of the Ministry through the political and administrative processes.
I wish her much success in her new role and a rewarding public service career in the months and years ahead!”
CROWN LAND UNIT DEMOLISHES ILLEGAL DEVELOPMENT ON CROWN LAND
US to release oil reserves in attempt to lower prices
The US has said it is releasing 50 million barrels of oil from its reserves in an attempt to bring down soaring energy and petrol prices.
The move is being taken in parallel with other major oil-consuming nations, including China, India, Japan, South Korea and the UK.
US President Joe Biden has repeatedly asked the Opec group of oil-producing nations to boost output more rapidly.
But Opec has stuck to an agreement to only increase production gradually.
It says it is concerned that a resurgence of coronavirus cases could drive down demand, as happened at the height of the pandemic.
Crude oil prices recently touched seven-year highs, amid a sharp uptick in global demand as economies recover from the coronavirus crisis.
It's driven up petrol prices and energy bills in many countries.
In a statement the White House said: "American consumers are feeling the impact of elevated gas prices at the pump and in their home heating bills, and American businesses are, too, because oil supply has not kept up with demand.
"That's why President Biden is using every tool available to him to work to lower prices and address the lack of supply."
As part of the coordinated effort, the UK government will allow firms to voluntarily release 1.5 million barrels of oil from privately-held reserves.
It said the action would support the global economic recovery but "any benefit for UK drivers is likely to be limited and short in nature".
India will release five million barrels, while South Korea, Japan and China will announce the amount and timing of their releases in due course.
Source-BBC