West Indies staring at early exit after second defeat
Beleaguered West Indies crashed to a second straight defeat at the Twenty20 World Cup after South Africa effortly thrashed them by eight wickets here Tuesday, further embroiling their campaign in misery and imperiling their chances of a successful title defence.
Hoping to lift themselves following a similarly heavy defeat to England last Saturday, West Indies failed to produce the level of intensity required, and could only muster 143 for eight off their 20 overs at Dubai International Stadium, with opener Evin Lewis top-scoring with 56 off 35 balls.
In reply, South Africa easily overhauled the target with ten balls remaining to register their first win of the tournament following last weekend’s defeat to Australia.
They were set back by the early loss of captain Tamba Bavuma for two to the sixth delivery of the innings but Aiden Markram struck an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls and Rassie van der Dussen, an unbeaten 43 off 51 deliveries, to rescue the run chase.
Van der Dussen put on 57 for the second wicket with Reeza Hendricks who made 39 off 30 balls before adding a further 83 in an unbroken third wicket stand with Markram, who counted two fours and four sixes in his fifth T20I half-century.
With the defeat, West Indies remained rooted to the bottom of Group 1 saddled with an adverse net run rate, leaving them with the daunting prospect of having to win all three of their remaining games against Sri Lanka, Australia and Bangladesh, in order to keep alive their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
“We just have to do what it takes. We have to dig deeper as a team. We have to dig deeper as a batting unit. We have to come out and hold our heads up and try to play a good game of cricket,” said a dejected captain Kieron Pollard.
“We have to get wins on the board now. We’ve put ourselves in a position whereas from a run rate perspective that’s pretty low, and from a win percentage we haven’t won any games, so we have to win the next three games.
“We just have to take it one at a time and try to improve each and every time.”
The left-handed Lewis inspired an opening stand of 73 with Lendl Simmons (16), which appeared to lay the platform for a late assault.
Once they were separated, however, only Pollard with 26 off 20 deliveries managed to pass 20 as West Indies lost eight wickets for 70 runs to decline quickly, with fast bowler Dwaine Pretorius snaring three for 27 and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, two for 24.
Lewis managed a single run from his first ten deliveries but emerged from that muted start to blast three fours and half-dozen sixes, and reach his tenth T20I half-century off 32 balls in the tenth over by slog-sweeping left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi over square leg for his fifth six.
Disappointingly, he perished in the next over, holing out to deep mid-wicket off Maharaj, his dismissal triggering a slump with West Indies losing three wickets for 16 runs off 17 balls, as Simmons and Nicholas Pooran (12) followed quickly.
Pooran lofted Maharaj to long off in the 13th over before Simmons, dropped on four by wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen in the sixth over, lost his leg stump to seamer Kagiso Rabada in the 14th over to end an agonising 35-ball labour which was bereft of a single boundary.
Pollard, who punched two fours and a six, combined with veteran Chris Gayle (12) in a 32-run, fourth wicket stand which hinted at a revival.
But Gayle’s wretched form continued when he edged a leaden-footed waft at Pretorius and edged behind in the 18th over and when Andre Russell was yorked by speedster Anrich Nortje in the penultimate over for five, West Indies were falling apart at 132 for five.
Shimron Hetmyer was run out for one two balls later and any hopes of a strong final-over finish evaporated when Pollard was taken inches off the turf at mid-off by van der Dussen off the second ball from Pretorius.
West Indies then struck early, Russell’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end from mid-on accounting for Bavuma as he attempted to pinch a quick single.
However, Hendricks belted four fours and six and van der Dussen hit three fours, in a measured half-century stand which steadied the innings.
By the time Hetmyer ran in from deep square to snaffle Hendricks’ pull off left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein at 61 for two in the 10th, the Proteas were staring at a straightforward required run rate of just under eight runs an over, and Markram arrived to formalise the result.
Source-CMC
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – HONORABLE AKIERRA MISSICK, MINISTER PPID
A pleasant morning to you Mr. Speaker, Members of this Honourable House, Strangers in the gallery, my good people of ED5 Leeward and Long Bay, those listening via Radio Turks and Caicos and on the internet.
My deepest condolences to HE The Deputy Governor and Family and the wider TCI community on the tragic loss of their son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend Brandon Swann.
Mr. Speaker, I rise first to commend the Office of the Premier, the Governor and Deputy Governor’s Office, the Attorney General Chamber, my Ministerial colleagues, and the Permanent Secretaries from the various ministries for their presence at our recently concluded retreat on the beautiful island of South Caicos.
Mr. Speaker, over the three-day period beginning Monday, October 4-6 2021, several topics aimed to enhance the overall growth and development of our people of these islands were covered. Mr. Speaker, I can safely say that I speak for all, when I say we left there with clearly defined aims and objectives to move our country and people forward in a progressive manner.
Mr. Speaker, I also express thanks to the beautiful people of South Caicos for their warmth and hospitality experienced during our time there.
COVID Works Program
Mr. Speaker, since the launch of the COVID Works Program on September 1, 2021, several works have been awarded and quite a number will be going out for the benefit of all Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Mr. Speaker, to date, the cumulative total for completed and future works stands at $965,523.00, with a lot more works to come.
Once again, we want to encourage persons to register online at https://www.gov.tc/construction-contractors or by visiting the District Commissioner’s Office on your island or by stopping by the Public Works Department.
Mr. Speaker, persons can also submit their tender/bids submissions online at tcigworks@gov.tc
The largest batch of Works closed on October 13, 2021, and the team made up of the Home Affairs Ministry and PPID is conducting their review.
PPID Team Members
Mr. Speaker, we are so excited about a number of recent promotions within the Ministry of PPID. Mr. Speaker, the strongest foundation of any organization is its people. We are proud to welcome Mr. Aquime Campbell to team PWD and celebrate with Max Grant and Lanardo Jolly on their respective promotions.
Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that this Government’s focus is on the development of Human Capital and over the last six (6) months we have seen that commitment especially across TCIG. In PPID alone we welcomed Mr. Garvin Thomas as Director of PWD, Mr. Dominique Durham as Director of Housing, and Mr. Desmond Wilson as PS.
Congratulations are also extended to Mr. Kawa Williams, who was promoted to the post of Project Manager and Mr. Edner Siffrad who joined the department as a Civil Engineer.
We want to encourage persons who are interested in a rewarding career in TCIG to take advantage of the recent job vacancies. The Ministry of PPID will be seeking a second Deputy Secretary, Deputy Director of Housing, Structural Engineer, MEP Engineer, Administrative Officers, Environmental Compliance Manager and Environmental Specialist. The deadline is this Friday, so please do not delay and apply today.
Grand Turk Vendors Market
Mr. Speaker, we confirm that we are swiftly progressing to the re-launch of Cruise Tourism in Grand Turk by December 2021. In response to the concerns of access to beach vending and safe locations for operators and guests alike, we can confirm that PPID has finished the necessary reviews of the facility, and on the heels of the budget passing we will be able to issue the ITTs for the renovation and upgrade works to the facility. Again, we want to urge contractors to register with PWD so that they are aware of the opportunities and be able to bid on them.
Mr. Speaker, this is only a short update today, but one worth sharing, as this Government is committed to not just doing the work but informing the people of these Islands of the work they signed us up for.
May God continue to bless us and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
1ST SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION BILL 2021-2022- OCTOBER 26th, 2021
Hon. Speaker,
Hon. Premier,
Hon. Members of this House of Assembly,
Strangers in the Gallery,
Persons tuning in via radio and streaming media, and
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Good Morning,
Before I get started Mr. Speaker, as you’re aware, there has been a dark cloud lingering over our great country for the last couple of weeks. During that time, we as a country, have had a number of untimely deaths. And Mr. Speaker, every one of them, regardless of the circumstance of their passing, left us far too soon.
I would like to take this time to pass my condolences to all their family and loved ones – including our colleague in this House, Hon. Jameka Williams, and my colleague in Cabinet, Deputy Governor, Anya Williams – and to remind them that in St. Paul the Apostle’s letter to the Romans, specifically Romans Chapter 14, Verse 8, he stated that:
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.”
May the souls of the recently departed live in peace this day, and I pray that their home be with God in Zion.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the capacity of Minister of Finance, Trade and Investments to table the 1st Supplementary Appropriation Bill for FY 2021-22. But, before I do so, I would like to express profound thanks to the Hon. Premier for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.
Mr. Speaker, it was 9 years ago in 2012, when then Minister of Finance and current Premier Hon. Washington Misick told me that he wanted to start working on succession planning, as he felt the need to start the search for someone who could eventually replace him as Minister of Finance. And Mr. Speaker, I remember throwing out possible names to him, but never in my wildest dreams did it cross my mind that I could or would the person who ended up as his successor. I am humble and honored to hold this position, and with God’s guidance, and the Premier’s mentorship, I will do my utmost best for our people and for our country.
Mr. Speaker, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t take time out to mention the Ministry of Health, and to formally thank them for the support that they gave me during my short time as their Minister. Mere words cannot express my heartful gratitude to them for their kindness!
Now turning my attention to my new Ministry – i.e. the Ministry of Finance, which includes:
1. Invest Turks and Caicos,
2. The Budget Office,
3. The Public Investment Programme Department,
4. Financial Services and Supplies Management,
5. The Inland Revenue Department,
6. Central Purchasing Unit,
7. The Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition,
8. The Financial Transactions Information Exchange Department,
9. Statistics Department,
10. Economic Planning Department,
11. Public Policy and Strategic Management Unit,
12. Portfolio Management Office,
13. Customer and Government Information Services, and
14. Digitization and E-Government Technology and Innovation.
Mr. Speaker, I have had an opportunity to visit many of these departments, and I will speak about them in more details at a future meeting, but I must say I can see why the Premier enjoyed his many years working with them, and I am sure that I will feel the same at the end of my time with them.
Mr. Speaker, when I think of the Ministry of Finance, I think of Proverbs Chapter 21, Verse 5, in which King Solomon – the wise King – stated:
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit…”
I repeat, the plans of the diligent lead to profit!
According to King Solomon, a well-developed financial plan provides the clarity and confidence needed to make wise financial decisions.
Mr. Speaker, in this vein, I now present to you and this honourable House, our Government, your Government, the people’s Government, well-developed financial plan – i.e. this 1st Supplementary Appropriation Bill for FY 2021-22.
In this bill Mr. Speaker, you will see that the almighty God has bestowed many blessings on our great country with its beauties grand. I used the word “blessings” Mr. Speaker, as this Supplementary Budget has been made possible due to the unprecedented fiscal performance of the country since our Government came into office.
Within these Supplementary Estimates, and based on our near-term forecast, we are proposing to increase revenues from two hundred and seventy-four million (US$274M) to three hundred and sixty-three million (US$363M). That’s an increase of approximately ninety million (US$90M) – or 32.5% - over the approved Budget Estimates, with:
• Stamp Duties on Land Transactions at $35M,
• Import and Customs Duties at US$22M, and
• Accommodation Tax at US$16M,
being the primary drivers of the increased revenues.
And Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the real estate and tourism sectors are currently experiencing month on month growth that’s exceeding pre-covid levels. Due to this better-than-expected performance, I am also happy to report that there is no longer a need for this good good Government to draw down on the loan facility to support recurrent expenditures – i.e. costs (for those persons without and accounting background).
Due to this strong performance, our Government is proposing to increase expenditure by three hundred and forty-six thousand, four hundred and forty-three dollars (US$346,443), which is approximately a 1% increase over the current budget.
In addition, our Government is reallocating seven million, seven hundred thousand dollars (US$7.7M) across ministries to facilitate major government priorities and process improvements. Of this amount, US$3.4 million were savings achieved in personal emoluments for H1 – i.e. the period April -September.
The new priorities include:
• Land acquisition to support the tourism and education sectors,
• Seed funding to support the implementation of the Credit Union Ordinance,
• Funding to support the partial credit guarantee fund,
• Increased allocation for special needs children and the school voucher programme,
• Funding to continuously monitor the PPP contract between TCIG and IHC, and
• Additional funding to allow TCIG to enter into contracts to advance priority items including: citizens security, education, health care, and other social services.
Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would like to take a minute and directly speak to our people. I want them to know that while our Government has done a lot over these short eight months in Government, we are aware that there’s a lot more work to be done. We feel your pain! Your pain is our pain. And I want to assure you that we’re working as fast as we can to fix the problems of today while positioning the country for a brighter tomorrow. These things we are doing in parallel, and this Supplementary Appropriation Bill is designed to achieve that. I want you to know that your Government is working 24x7 on your behalf, and in the words of former United States President George Bush “we will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail”, when it comes you living your best lives in our beautiful by nature Turks & Caicos Islands.
Mr. Speaker, I now beg leave to lay on the Table of this Honourable House in accordance with Standing Order 32, and section 116 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Constitution Order 2011 the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands Revised Estimates of Expenditure for Financial Year 2021/2022
Mr. Speaker, I move that the Revised Estimates of Expenditure for Financial Year 2021/2022 be referred to the Appropriations Committee to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 115.
Thank you.
Hon. E. Jay Saunders
Minister of Finance, Investment & Trade
Megan Thee Stallion is ready to graduate from college
After winning three Grammys and achieving superstardom, Megan Thee Stallion is fulfilling her late mother's wish that she graduate from college.
"2021 finna graduate collegeeee, taking my graduation pics today," the Hot Girl Summer wrote Monday on Instagram. "I can't wait for y'all to see."
Megan began her college studies at Prairie View A&M University, then when her career took off, she eventually switched to part-time, online courses to receive a bachelor's degree in health administration from Texas Southern University.
"I want to get my degree because I really want my mom to be proud," the 26-year-old rapper tells People. Her mother died in March 2019 after battling brain cancer. "She saw me going to school before she passed."
Now with a sizzling music career, plus fashion endorsements, and recently becoming a Popeyes franchise owner, Megan has special plans to utilize her degree.
"I'm gonna open an assisted-living facility and use the money that I make from rapping to open it," she says. "Then I'm gonna let my classmates run it."
As she prepares for graduation, Megan is ready for Halloween. She posted an Instagram photo of her dressed as Pinhead from the 1987 classic horror movie, Hellraiser, complete with needles sticking out of her head and wearing all white body paint.
"Pain has a face. Allow me to show you. Gentlemen I am pain #hottieween," she wrote, referencing a line from the film. "Scary how good you look...even dressed as an acupuncture face white man," commented boyfriend Pardi Fontaine.
Megan is hosting a private Halloween bash at an undisclosed location. "Y'all already know my hottieween party abt to be LIT this year," she wrote. "I can't wait to see everyone's costume."
Source-ABC
FATAL ROAD COLLISION,KILLS A 28-YEAR-OLD
The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police informed RTC news on Saturday morning, that at 11:23 p.m.,on Friday, October 22nd, 2021, that multiple calls were made to the Police Control Room, that a male in his late twenties was hit by a black SUV.
Shortly after that, Officers and medical personnel arrived on the scene in the vicinity of Grant's GasStation along the Leeward Highway, where the male was seen lying on the ground unconscious.
The man was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the black SUV was arrested on Suspicion of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving andreleased on bail.
Acting Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant in his statement said "On behalf of the Force Executive Team and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands PoliceForce, I would like to express condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. My prayer for you is that God gives you comfort and strength in your time of grief".
The Police Traffic Unit is investigating this incident.
RTC News has learned that a large crowd gathered at the hospital following the incident.
CRICKET-T20 CWC-SCOREBOARD England vs West Indies – Group 1
Scoreboard of the Group 1 game of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup between England and West Indies at the Dubai International Stadium here Saturday.
WEST INDIES
L Simmons c Livingstone b Moeen 3
E Lewis c Moeen b Woakes 6
C Gayle c Malan b Mills 13
S Hetmyer c Morgan b Moeen 9
DJ Bravo c Bairstow b Jordan 5
+N Pooran c wkp Buttler b Mills 1
*K Pollard c Bairstow b Rashid 6
A Russell b Rashid 0
A Hosein not out 6
O McCoy c Roy b Rashid 0
R Rampaul b Rashid 3
Extras (w3) 3
TOTAL (all out, 14.2 overs) 55
Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Lewis), 2-9 (Simmons), 3-27 (Hetmyer), 4-31 (Gayle), 5-37 (Bravo), 6-42 (Pooran), 7-44 (Russell), 8-49 (Pollard), 9-49 (McCoy), 10-55 (Rampaul)
Bowling: Moeen Ali 4-1-17-2, Woakes 2-0-12-1, Mills 4-0-17-2 (w3), Jordan 2-0-7-1, Rashid 2.2-0-2-4.
ENGLAND
J Roy c Gayle b Rampaul 11
+J Buttler not out 24
J Bairstow c & b Hosein 9
Moeen Ali run out 3
L Livingstone c & b Hosein 1
*E Morgan not out 7
Extras (nb1) 1
TOTAL (4 wkts, 8.2 overs) 56
Did not bat: D Malan, C Woakes, C Jordan, A Rashid, T Mills
Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Roy), 2-30 (Bairstow), 3-36 (Moeen Ali), 4-39 (Livingstone)
Bowling: Hosein 4-0-24-2, Rampaul 2-0-14-1, McCoy 2-0-12-0 (nb1), Pollard 0.2-0-6-0.
Result: England won by six wickets.
CRICKET-T20 CWC-SCOREBOARD England vs West Indies – Group 1
by STAFF WRITER
October 23, 2021 Full Sports No Comments 70 views
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct 23, CMC – Scoreboard of the Group 1 game of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup between England and West Indies at the Dubai International Stadium here Saturday.
WEST INDIES
L Simmons c Livingstone b Moeen 3
E Lewis c Moeen b Woakes 6
C Gayle c Malan b Mills 13
S Hetmyer c Morgan b Moeen 9
DJ Bravo c Bairstow b Jordan 5
+N Pooran c wkp Buttler b Mills 1
*K Pollard c Bairstow b Rashid 6
A Russell b Rashid 0
A Hosein not out 6
O McCoy c Roy b Rashid 0
R Rampaul b Rashid 3
Extras (w3) 3
TOTAL (all out, 14.2 overs) 55
Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Lewis), 2-9 (Simmons), 3-27 (Hetmyer), 4-31 (Gayle), 5-37 (Bravo), 6-42 (Pooran), 7-44 (Russell), 8-49 (Pollard), 9-49 (McCoy), 10-55 (Rampaul)
Bowling: Moeen Ali 4-1-17-2, Woakes 2-0-12-1, Mills 4-0-17-2 (w3), Jordan 2-0-7-1, Rashid 2.2-0-2-4.
ENGLAND
J Roy c Gayle b Rampaul 11
+J Buttler not out 24
J Bairstow c & b Hosein 9
Moeen Ali run out 3
L Livingstone c & b Hosein 1
*E Morgan not out 7
Extras (nb1) 1
TOTAL (4 wkts, 8.2 overs) 56
Did not bat: D Malan, C Woakes, C Jordan, A Rashid, T Mills
Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Roy), 2-30 (Bairstow), 3-36 (Moeen Ali), 4-39 (Livingstone)
Bowling: Hosein 4-0-24-2, Rampaul 2-0-14-1, McCoy 2-0-12-0 (nb1), Pollard 0.2-0-6-0.
Result: England won by six wickets.
Points: England 2, West Indies 0.
Man-of-the-Match: Moeen Ali.
Toss: England.
Umpires: Aleem Dar, Marais Erasmus; TV – Chris Brown.
MULTISECTORAL MEETING HELD WITH BANKERS’ ASSOCIATION TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICES
On Tuesday October 19, 2021 the Acting Governor, Her Excellency, Anya Williams, Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick, and Deputy Premier and Minister for Finance, Investment and Trade, the Honourable Erwin J. Saunders met with members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Banking Association at the Office of the Premier, Providenciales.
Also in attendance were members of executive team from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Acting Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Darron Williams and Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Willette Harvey.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss customer security and other concerns as it relates to the banking sector. Insights were given into the investigation of recent criminal activities in the islands that are believed to be linked to banking activities.
A commitment was made between the Banking Association and the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force to strengthen their investigative measures in hopes of creating better outcomes and a faster resolution rate. Both parties are very concerned for the safety of the general public and plan to have more frequent dialogue on clientele safety and other matters going forward.
The Acting Governor reiterated the importance and the need for banks, commercial banks especially, to improve the security arrangements for their operation as well as the technical and human resources needed to prevent long lines; which can contribute to vulnerability to opportunistic criminals for targeted crime. H.E. Williams also highlighted the importance of the mandatory vetting process for both security and bank personnel before being hired.
The Acting Commissioner of Police, Sergeant Grant, promised to increase patrols in and around the vicinity of banking facilities during the day and evening to reinforce security and boost customer confidence in banking security in the islands.
Discussions were also held around the issue of customer service, family island operations, and the need to establish an Automated Clearing House (ACH; a service that would allow local banking systems to speak to each other through technology, clear checks same day, and better allow transfer of funds between banks.
The government explained to the association that customer service in banks have drastically decreased in the past years. The Acting Governor stressed the need to improve and return services to the islands of North and South Caicos.
Scotia Bank executives were also asked to review the agreement made for services on Grand Turk. The Deputy Premier assured the association of the government’s eagerness to assist in whichever way is needed to enhance technology for the banking sector.
President of the Banking Association and Branch Manager for the Royal Bank of Canada, Mr, Marcus Samuel, welcomed all of the ideas and concerns expressed by the government. Mr. Samuel also explained the banks’ mandate to increase promotion of cashless banking and the use of technologies available to help safeguard the customer experience. Mr. Samuel further explained that the association will need the help of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to increase public education on the benefits of banking technology and the banks’ plan to make it more affordable for its retail customer.
Finally the Premier explained the strong position his administration is taking as it relates to crime and banking services in the TCI. Premier Misick reminded banks of TCIG’s financial position and his willingness to use it as leverage to get fairer treatment of citizens in this country and their ability to access capital.
Representation from the banking sector included: CIBC First Caribbean, Scotiabank, Royal Bank of Canada, Turks and Caicos Banking, Bordier Bank and British Caribbean Bank.
Alec Baldwin posts about his "shock and sadness" after firearms mishap
Alec Baldwin has posted to social media about the deadly firearms mishap Thursday that killed a cinematographer who was shooting Baldwin's movie, Rust, in New Mexico.
"There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours," Baldwin tweeted.
"I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna," Baldwin concluded.
Officials are still investigating what went wrong on the New Mexico set in the incident, which also left the movie's director, Joel Souza, injured. The incident occurred when Baldwin discharged a pistol on the set under circumstances that haven't been publicly specified.
Source-ABC
House votes to hold Steve Bannon in criminal contempt
The House of Representatives voted to hold Trump administration adviser Steve Bannon in contempt of Congress on Thursday for defying a congressional subpoena by the January 6 select committee investigating the attack on the Capitol.
The vote fell largely along party lines: 229-202, with nine Republicans voting with Democrats.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the resolution shortly after the House vote. Her office told ABC News the referral has now been formally transmitted to the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
The Justice Department will now decide whether to prosecute Bannon.
It's been 38 years since the Justice Department pursued contempt of Congress charges: Environmental Protection Agency official Rita Lavelle was indicted in 1983. A jury eventually found Lavelle not guilty.
Bannon could face up to a year in prison and up to a $100,000 fine if the Justice Department charges him and he is eventually found guilty.
Source-ABC
Caribbean tourism on the upswing
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says the Caribbean’s travel and tourism sector is recovering at a faster rate than any other region in the world, with its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) expected to rise more than 47 per cent this year, compared to just 30.7 per cent globally.
“Our research clearly shows that while the global travel and tourism sector is slowly beginning to recover from the ravages of COVID-19, the Caribbean is recovering much faster than any other region,” said WTTC president and chief executive officer, Julia Simpson.
“Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic stole almost a quarter of all travel and tourism jobs from the region but due to a significant increase in international and domestic spend, both jobs and GDP are on the rise,” she added.
According to the research, the sector’s contribution to the region’s GDP and the rise in jobs could be more positive this year and next, if four vital measures are met by governments around the world.
The WTTC said that these measures include allowing fully vaccinated travellers to move freely, irrespective of their origin or eventual destination and the implementation of digital solutions which enable all travellers to easily prove their COVID status, in turn speeding up the process at borders around the world.
The WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, says that the recovery of the sector globally has been hindered by the lack of international coordination, severe travel restrictions and slower vaccination rates.
However, it noted, the Caribbean is now benefiting from more relaxed restrictions around the world and low infection rates, which is in turn boosting international travel spend and aiding the region’s swift economic recovery.
It said while the global economy is set to receive a modest 30.7 per cent year on year increase from
travel and tourism in 2021, representing US$1.4 trillion and is mainly driven by domestic spending, the Caribbean region can expect a year-on-year increase of 47.3 per cent, representing an increase of nearly US$12 billion, driven by both international and domestic travel spend.
“However, while the Caribbean is recovering faster than other regions, this is still below its performance in 2019, a record year for the sector, where travel and tourism represented more than 14 per cent of the region’s GDP contributing more than US$58 billion to its economy.”
The WTTC said that the research also reveals that at the current rate of recovery, travel and tourism’s contribution to the Caribbean economy could see a further year-on-year rise of 28.7 per cent in 2022, representing a boost of US$10 billion.
The data reveals that domestic spending growth is set to be stronger than international in all regions except for the Caribbean, and at the current rate of recovery international visitor spend across the region could see a year-on-year rise of 61.7 per cent in 2021, ahead of domestic spend which could witness a rise of 52.6 per cent.
Next year, international spend can continue to rise with a further year-on-year jump of 43.1 per cent, with domestic spending being also increasing by 13.6 per cent.
“Last year, a year in which damaging travel restrictions brought much of international travel to a grinding halt, 680,000 Travel and tourism jobs were lost across the popular holiday region, equating to almost a quarter of all jobs in the sector.
“However, this year the research reveals an expected 12 per cent rise in jobs, compared to a meagre 0.7 per cent globally, with a similar potential year-on-year jobs rise across the sector next year, by a positive 11.5 per cent,” the WTTC added.
Source-CMC