Megan Thee Stallion announces "Something for Thee Hotties" release
As Megan Thee Stallion celebrates her first anniversary with boyfriend Pardison Fontaine this week, the Hot Girl Summer announced she's releasing new tracks.
The "Savage" rapper is dropping a new collection of music titled Something for Thee Hotties: From Thee Archives, on October 29.
"My gift to my hotties," Megan commented Thursday on Instagram. "Freestyles y'all been asking for plus a few unreleased songs from my archives to hold y'all over for the rest of the year." In the photo, the three-time Grammy winner is ready for Halloween in a red leather devil costume, complete with horns and a tail, as well as the album's release date tattooed on her backside.
As previously reported, Pardi's anniversary present was an iced-out chain that bears Megan's name underneath a fire emoji.
He captioned their celebration video, "VYBE RECAP !! I don’t know who bought all the iPhone 13s but baby was mad as hell I couldn’t find her one. Thank you @luxe_vvsjewelers for helping me get out the dog house and putting the icing on the cake for the special day."
Source-ABC
Acting Governor H.E. Anya Williams held a multisectoral meeting with TCI Bankers' Association
Acting Governor H.E. Anya Williams held a multisectoral meeting with TCI Bankers' Association at the Premiers Office in Providenciales.
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CWC-Russell scrambling to be fit but Pollard relaxed about combination
West Indies have been left sweating on Andre Russell’s fitness on the eve of their opening match of the Twenty20 World Cup but captain Kieron Pollard said alternative combinations were already being explored in case the explosive all-rounder failed to take his place in the XI.
Russell sustained a grade II hamstring tear during the recent Indian Premier League and Pollard said his participation in Saturday’s opener against England would depend on how he came through Friday’s final training session.
“We have our last practice session this afternoon and we’ll just have a last look and see if he is confident enough to take the field,” Pollard said.
“He played in that warm-up game [against Afghanistan] a couple days ago and it was just like a trial for him because he hadn’t played a cricket match in about three to four weeks.
“So there was still some rust there for him. He still needed to be a bit confident in his mind but I’m sure even [Thursday] and a couple days before that, he had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to be fit so let’s see what transpires in this last session.”
The 33-year-old Russell is a two-time T20 World Cup champion, having featured in both the 2012 and 2016 finals when West Indies claimed their titles. However, his career has been marred by injury, forcing him to miss a chunk of international fixtures since the 2016 T20 World Cup.
A powerful lower order batsman, sharp seamer and dazzling fielder, Russell played 13 T20 Internationals this year – more than he played between 2017 and 2020 combined.
He limped out of the 2019 50-over World Cup in England with a knee injury which eventually required surgery.
Pollard said tour selectors were not simply sitting back, however, but were putting contingencies in place to compensate for Russell’s possible absence.
“As a team we’re clear in our minds what direction we will want to go, as opposed to not being clear and waiting on that individual to decide his fitness from a medical point of view,” he explained.
“So, as a team, we have spoken about different things so let’s see what happens in this last practice session.”
If Russell is ruled out of Saturday’s game, it will be a second major blow for West Indies after all-rounder Fabian Allen was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury picked up in the Indian Premier League.
Allen, a left-arm spinner who packs a heavy punch in the lower order, has been replaced by Akeal Hosein but Pollard described his withdrawal as a “big miss”.
“Obviously he was a part of our plans throughout the entire home series,” he said.
“He’s an exciting player. We know what he can do with the bat at the back end, his electricity – the way how he’s electric in the field – and of course with his bowling, he’s done a pretty decent job for us when he’s gotten that opportunity.
“So yes, it is a big miss. It’s very, very unfortunate for him. He’s a young guy looking forward to playing in his first T20 World Cup but that is the nature of sport.”
He continued: “It’s something as a team we try to bounce back from pretty quickly and not let those things sort of keep us down.
“I thought we got an able replacement in Akeal Hosein who has done himself a great deal of good with his performances in CPL and international cricket and stuff like that.
“Yes, he’s young in his career but he’s taken up the mantle of bowling some difficult overs previously.”
West Indies have opted for experience in the tournament with the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Lendl Simmons and Ravi Rampaul all included in the 15-man squad.
And Pollard said tour selectors were virtually settled on what the final XI would be for the England game once all players were fit.
“In our minds from a management perspective, we have an idea of what we want and who we want – which personnel we want to get onto the cricket field,” he noted.
“We are very, very clear in our minds what we want to achieve and we’re not going to wait until the last minute to make those decisions.”
Source-CMC
IMF says climate change challenges face Latin America and Caribbean countries
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) presents multiple challenges for the region with some countries facing challenges related to containing and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while others have an urgent need to build resilience to natural disasters.
It warned that without further policy action, GHG emissions in LAC will continue to grow as economic activity continues to expand.
“LAC policymakers have a variety of mitigation tools at their disposal to curb GHG emissions, including price-based mitigation policies including reduction in fossil fuel subsidies, introduction of carbon taxes, establishment of emissions trading systems and non-priced-based mitigation policies such as public investment in low-GHG emissions technologies and infrastructure, fiscal incentives and direct current public spending aimed at making low-carbon energy sources more abundant and affordable as well as supportive regulations.
“Given the large share of emissions from change in land-use practices, cost-effective Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can play an important role in LAC. A broad range of mitigation tools is likely to be needed in LAC countries, taking into account the extensive use of renewable energy in the region, societal preferences, and political economy considerations,” the IMF said.
The Washington-based financial institution said that countries should adopt the policy mixes that best suit their specific circumstances, ideally articulated as national strategies.
“On adaptation, while building resilience to natural disasters is important throughout the region, it is a priority for Caribbean and Central American economies that are highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.”
The IMF said a comprehensive medium-term approach focused on investing in structural or physical resilience, boosting financial resilience, and enhancing post-disaster resilience would yield significant long-run benefits for countries in the Caribbean and Central America.
It said that in the LAC region as a whole, mitigation and adaptation policies will require significant upfront financing, including importantly support from the international community and the private sector.
The IMF said the transition to a post-pandemic era provides an opportunity to address a different threat to long term growth and prosperity.
It said as the international community recognizes the urgency of addressing this issue, and countries update their climate commitments in the run-up to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow next month, the appropriate policies or set of policies for individual countries will depend on the challenges and circumstances of each country and will require an in-depth analysis at the country and sectoral level.
Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities for the LAC region, the IMF said, noting that on the challenges side, physical risks arise from the high vulnerability of some of the region’s economies to the impact of climate-related phenomena such as higher temperatures, weather-related natural disasters, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and loss of biodiversity, as well as risks related to the high reliance on climate-sensitive sectors such as tourism and agriculture.
“Such physical risks can adversely affect both aggregate supply – destruction of physical capital, dislocation of labour markets, and disruption of supply chains – and aggregate demand – reductions in consumption and investment, and disruption of trade flows -, leading to lower growth and employment and threatening fiscal sustainability and financial stability.”
It said that transition risks arise from the significant structural changes in domestic and foreign economies needed to achieve climate sustainability goals, in particular, by reducing reliance on high-GHG activities and improving land-use practices.
“If not managed properly, the global transition to a low-carbon/low-GHG economy could lead to significant economic dislocations due to sectoral shifts in employment, comparative advantage, and trade patterns with repercussions for short- and long-term growth, fiscal positions, inflation, external positions, and financial systems.
The IMF said to manage these risks, countries can take actions on two fronts, namely climate mitigation, which refers to policies that help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and climate adaptation, which refers to efforts to adapt to the effects of climate change including through minimizing damages from climate-related natural disasters as well as adapting to the effects of economic transformations at home and abroad aimed at reducing reliance on carbon-intensive activities.
It said on the opportunities side, the transition to greener and more resilient economies could help achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability, while fostering opportunities for economic and social development in the region.
Mitigation efforts could bring substantial domestic environmental and health benefits even in the short run including reductions in air pollution mortality and morbidity, and in road fatalities. They may also yield direct economic savings such as reduced road damage and traffic congestion.
It said investment in green technologies and infrastructure could help boost growth and generate new job. Efforts to foster green innovation in the energy sector could also generate positive spillovers to the rest of the economy and reduce energy security risks.
The shift to green technologies could benefit some countries in the region due to their natural endowment of metals such as copper, nickel, cobalt and lithium, which are needed in low reenhouse-gas technologies, including renewable energies, electric cars, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, which would benefit LAC metal producers.
Source-CMC
HAITI-CRIME-Group leader behind kidnapping of US and Canadian missionaries issues threat
The leader of the Haitian gang that kidnapped 17 American and Canadian missionaries last Saturday is threatening to execute them if the US$17 million ransom is not paid.
In a video message being circulated here, Wilson Joseph, says if he doesn’t get what needs “I’ll kill these Americans”.
Earlier this week, Justice and Interior Minister, Liszt Quitel, said the kidnappers want one million per person released, “which equates to US$17 million for all hostages”.
Media reports here said that the gang “400 mawozo” had carried out the kidnapping of the foreigners, including four children, ages between eight months old to 15 years, last Saturday as they travelled by bus on the road to Ganthier.
Quitel said that the FBI and the Haitian National Police (PNH) were negotiating with the kidnappers and trying to obtain the release of the 16 American and one Canadian hostages.
But in the video message Joseph, a leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, said those who haven’t “paid the bills yet” need to finish doing so
“I swear by thunder that if I don’t get what I’m asking for, I will put a bullet in the heads of these Americans,” said Joseph, who in the video is seen surrounded by a crowd of people during what appears to be a funeral procession.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who confirmed the appointment of the inspector general, Frantz Elbé as the Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), following the resignation of Léon Charles, urged the new chief to restore peace in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) government.
“We would like public peace to be restored, that we return to normal life and that we find the way to democracy. Finally, we would like to organize elections. We wish the new acting DG good work and success,” Prime Minister Henry said.
For his part, Elbé said he is committed to dealing with the crime situation in the country and has promised to “strengthen security devices throughout the country, especially in the metropolitan area in order to prevent cases of kidnapping, prevent thugs from committing their crimes”.
The Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) in a statement said that it wanted to inform the public that it is not involved in any operation or financial mechanism aimed at paying ransom for hostages.
In the video, Joseph, addressed both Prime Minister Henry and the former police chief, saying “you guys make me cry.
“But I’m going to make you guys cry blood. If demands are not met. By killing five of my soldiers doesn’t mean he’s going to destroy my army. I swear by thunder that if I don’t get what I’m asking for, I will put a bullet in the heads of these Americans,” Joseph said as the video shows several coffins, presumably with the corpses of the five gang members.
Meanwhile, the prosecution of Port-au-Prince has issued warrants against Jimmy Chérisier aka “Barbecue” and Dorisca Robert and Busta John for attempted murder, criminal conspiracy and attack on government officials on October 17 as Prime Minister Henry “deposited…a floral offering” at a ceremony marking the 125th anniversary of the assassination of Jean-Jacques Dessalines.
But video recordings showed that Henry and other government ministers were forced to retreat after they came under gunfire from a gang on Sunday..
The video recording published on social media and other platforms show armed security officials hurrying government and other officials out of the area as gun shots could be heard.
The video also showed former policeman, Chérizier, the reputed leader of the Gang “G9” dressed in white and surrounded by many hooded and heavily armed men attending the ceremony.
Media reports said that Chérizier had earlier announced that the government officials would not be allowed to enter in Pont-Rouge on October 17.
The video showed him smiling as he and his followers went to the Emperor’s monument, where he placed his floral offering. They also carried a photo of President Jovenel Moïse, who was assassinated at his private residence on July 7.
Source-CMC
Queen Elizabeth spent the night in hospital, Buckingham Palace says Social Sharing
The 95-year-old monarch, Queen Elizabeth spent the night in hospital, according to Buckingham Palace.
"Following medical advice to rest for a few days, The Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits," the Palace said.
The 95-year-old monarch, Queen Elizabeth spent the night in hospital, according to Buckingham Palace.
"Following medical advice to rest for a few days, The Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits," the Palace said.
"Her Majesty is in good spirits and is disappointed that she will no longer be able to visit Northern Ireland, where she had been due to undertake a series of engagements today and tomorrow," the statement said.
"The Queen sends her warmest good wishes to the people of Northern Ireland, and looks forward to visiting in the future," it added.
The Queen, along with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, had been due to attend a church service in the city of Armagh on Thursday, marking the centenary of partition and Northern Ireland's foundation.
Irish president Michael D. Higgins had earlier declined an invitation to attend the church service, because its title "isn't a neutral statement politically."
Ireland's Church Leader's Group said in a statement Wednesday that it was "sorry" to learn the Queen would not be attending. The group acknowledged "the significance of her commitment to the work of peace and reconciliation."
However the Queen is still expected to attend the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, which begins later this month.
Source-CNN
NATIONAL HEALTH SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN CONSULTATION EXERCISE COMMENCES IN THE TCI
The Ministry of Health and Human Services along with its wider stakeholders on Monday, October 18, commenced a 3-day consultation and think tank exercise aimed at formulating a 4-year National Strategic Health Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands. This plan is expected to ensure that all residents have access to sustainable, comprehensive, high quality and affordable health services and programmes.
TCI Minister of Health and Human Services, the Honourable Jamell Robinson in his welcome remarks, commenced with thanks to the assembled team for both their presence and support in what he described as a multisector initiative targeted at developing a national health sector strategic plan.
Hon Robinson said, “I look forward to seeing this type of support continue throughout the entire process as we focus on achieving one common goal. If we are to succeed, it will be together, as a network of partners recognizing that each sector of society has a role to play in influencing population health.”
Hon. Robinson went on to state his and his government’s commitment to the attainment of the sustainable development goals and universal health care through collaboration, a resetting of health strategies and programming which will undoubtedly strengthen our health system. The Health Minister said, “The next four years will offer us significant challenges, but there has never been a greater opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of the TCI residents than now. There must be that renewed commitment to tackle the wider determinants of health by adopting the Health in All Policies (HiAPs)approach across all sectors. We have the opportunity to make improving the public’s health a top priority by strengthening the collaborative approach between stakeholders to better use resources and information in order to build a more resilient health system.”
Also addressing the group comprising Ministry of Health personnel, wider government partners, stakeholders, NGO’s and private health care facilities was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Desiree Lewis. Mrs. Lewis said that her aim is to see the production of a continuously edited and updated dynamic paper, which she referred to as a living document. She also commented, “It is my desire to have a living document that provides a strategic roadmap for HealthCare services within the Turks and Caicos that incorporates lessons learned particularly from Public Health diseases such as COVID-19. As a country, we have to continue to think outside the box and utilize modern technologies in HealthCare.”
TCI’s strategic planning exercise is being supported by its key regional partner the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Office. The PAHO/WHO representative (PWR) Dr. Eldonna Boisson commented on the exercise stating, “The National Turks and Caicos Islands Strategic Plan for Health is essential to give direction to all health-related work, that of the health sector, as well as that of other sectors and partners. This COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of partnership and a whole of government approach to tackling health and health-related issues. This plan will specify the public health results to be achieved during the period of the plan, The plan will also define concrete health outputs and outcomes, keeping in mind national, regional and global commitments, that will directly measure the health sector’s progress in delivering quality healthcare to the people of Turks and Caicos Islands. The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is pleased to be collaborating with the Ministry and partners on the development of this new national strategic plan.”
Hon. Robinson recognised the many past accomplishments made in the health sector which he attributed to the shaping of government’s primary objectives as well as the health sector. Minister of Health Robinson in closing said, “This plan once finalised must align with the overall strategic direction of the government and respond to the challenges facing our health and community service systems and our residents. Our health system is extremely important and must realise the health development of the individual, the family and the society throughout our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The Ministry wishes to thank all of the participants for their commitment and support in this exercise as well as PAHO for their ongoing support and guidance.
Sustainable Energy Transition Requires Updated Regulatory Framework
A comprehensive review and update of the regulatory framework governing the electricity sector is needed to create an enabling environment for sustainable energy transition in the Turks and Caicos Islands, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes has stated. Speaking at the company’s first-ever Turks and Caicos Energy Forum held at the Shore Club on Thursday, October 21, Mrs. Forbes reassured all stakeholders that FortisTCI is committed to collaborating to create an energy future in the best interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The forum brought together a wide cross-section of local stakeholders, including government, businesses and FortisTCI customers to discuss ‘The Future of Energy in the Turks and Caicos Islands’. Citing the rapid changes taking place in the energy industry due to climate change and technological developments, Mrs. Forbes noted that if the Turks and Caicos Islands is not part of this energy transformation, “we risk being left behind." Noting that regulatory discussions are ongoing with Turks and Caicos Islands Government, she emphasized that a modernized regulatory framework is necessary to meet changing customer demands, effectively integrate renewable energy and/or lower carbon fuel sources, and bring certainty, independence and transparency to the regulatory environment. She also announced that the company has earmarked over $40 million to be invested over the next five years in renewable energy, lower carbon fuel sources, and fleet transition to electric vehicles.
Calling for a national sustainability effort to tackle climate change and create a greener economy for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mrs. Forbes stated, “We can and must embrace an energy future built on sustainability for our economy and planet. We have a unique opportunity to do so and to do it right. We recognize that there are no easy fixes, but I firmly believe that with collaboration and conviction, we can play our part in the global effort towards a more sustainable planet.”
Attending as the Forum's keynote speaker, President of the Caribbean Bank, Dr. Hyginus 'Gene' Leon, delivered his address on 'Advancing Economic Development in the Caribbean: The Role of Sustainable Energy.' His message was that a sustainable energy transition is one of the most important trans-generational responsibilities for the Caribbean. "Sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy," said Dr. Leon. He noted that the Caribbean should focus on five critical priorities for a sustainable energy transition, namely improving energy efficiency, diversifying fuel sources, encouraging and incentivizing private sector investment, building strategic partnerships on a global scale to help achieve net-zero carbon emissions, and having in place flexible and affordable financing options to attract private capital.
Also bringing remarks was Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams and Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Honorable Charles Washington Misick. Both expressed the Government's commitment to advancing the changes in the energy sector and noted that work is currently underway to create the legal framework necessary to make the types of changes needed in the TCI.
Other guest speakers and industry experts provided their perspectives on the sector's transformation, touching on sustainability, clean energy initiatives, electrification of transportation, regulations, a plan for the TCI, and more. Representatives included Fortis Inc. President and CEO Dave Hutchens and LUCELEC Managing Director Trevor Louisy. There were also appearances by private and public sector officials from the United States, Bermuda, Cayman, Barbados, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
China's trade practices come under fire
China's trade policies have come under strong criticism during a review at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The US accused China of "skewing the playing field" by using "unfair trade practices" such as preferential treatment for state businesses.
Meanwhile Australia said the country's behaviour was "inconsistent" with its WTO commitments.
China said it was committed to deepening reform and opening up its economy.
WTO reviews are typically quite routine. Mandated in the organisation's agreements, the trade policies of member countries are examined and evaluated at regular intervals.
For the biggest countries, such as China, this happens every two years.
This December marks 20 years since China joined the WTO, but critics say the country's market reforms have been inadequate.
At the WTO review in Geneva, Australia said China had benefited "significantly" since it joined the WTO, but argued it was not acting fairly.
In the past 18 months, China has imposed restrictions on many Australian exports including barley, coal, sugar, wine and beef.
"China has increasingly tested global trade rules and norms by engaging in practices that are inconsistent with its WTO commitments," the Australian government said in a statement.
"By undermining agreed trade rules China also undermines the multilateral trading system on which all WTO members rely."
Tensions between Australia and China have hit their lowest level in decades, in part triggered by Australia calling for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.
The US was similarly critical. Charge d'affaires David Bisbee listed what he called China's "unfair trade practices" including preferential treatment for state enterprises, data restrictions, inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights and cyber theft,
"We also cannot ignore reports of China's use of forced labour in several sectors," Mr Bisbee said, in an apparent reference to allegations of Uighurs being subjected to forced labour camps in Xinjiang.
Trade sources told the Reuters news agency that Britain, Canada, the European Union and Japan have also called for reforms to make the world's second-largest economy more free and open.
China's Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, told the meeting: "Since the last review, China has stayed committed to deepening reform, expanding, opening up and growing its open economy at a higher level.
"China has been reinforcing intellectual property protection by legislative, administrative and judicial means, and fulfilling its obligations on transparency."
Source-BBC
Trump to launch new social media platform TRUTH Social
Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to launch a new social media network, called TRUTH Social.
He said the platform would "stand up to the tyranny of big tech", accusing them of silencing opposing voices in the US.
Social media played a pivotal role in Mr Trump's bid for the White House and was his favourite means of communication as president.
But Mr Trump was banned from Twitter and suspended from Facebook after his supporters stormed the US Capitol.
Social media firms were under pressure throughout Mr Trump's presidency to ban him, with his posts criticised as insulting, inflammatory or peddling outright falsehoods.
Last year Twitter and Facebook began deleting some of his posts or labelling them as misleading, such as one in which he said Covid was "less lethal" than the flu.
They took the decision to ban or suspend Mr Trump after the January riots, which followed a speech in which he made baseless claims of electoral fraud.
Responding to the riots, Mr Trump called those at the Capitol "patriots" and showed no sign of accepting the result of the election, prompting Twitter and Facebook to rule that it was too risky to allow him to continue to use their sites.
Since then he and his advisers have hinted that they were planning to create a rival social media site.
Earlier this year, he launched From the Desk of Donald J Trump, which was often referred to as a blog.
The website was permanently shut down less than a month after it launched after attracting only a fraction of the audience he would have expected through established sites.
His senior aide Jason Miller said it was "just auxiliary to the broader efforts we have and are working on".
An early version of his latest venture, TRUTH Social, will be open to invited guests next month, and will have a "nationwide rollout" within the first three months of 2022, according to a statement by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG).
Source-BBC