Keith Sweat and Raheem DeVaughn, Yo Gotti, Cordae and Kelis releases New Music
Two R&B veterans, Keith Sweat and Raheem DeVaughn, collaborated to release their new song, "Can't Nobody" on Friday.
"I really became a fan of Raheem last year when we worked together and wanted to do a song with him," Sweat says in a statement.
"I am truly honored to finally have a record with Keith Sweat," DeVaughn says. "Keith has sold over 25 million records and is the Godfather of R&B. I look at this collaboration as bridging the gap between generations of R&B crooners."
Yo Gotti drops words of wisdom on how to succeed in business in his first new single of the year, "For the Record." The Memphis rapper is surrounded by Rolls Royce Cullinans, and his convoy is escorted across a desert by a helicopter. Gotti recently became a co-owner of the D.C. United pro soccer team.
Cordae channels the late Muhammad Ali as he declares, "I am the greatest" in the video for his new single, “Super." Adding that he is "the icon of the century," the 24-year-old boasts about his wealth -- “Last year I made $7 million" -- and adds that he will “live life to the fullest with every single breath I take.”
Finally, Kelis returns with her first single in seven years, "Midnight Snacks." The "Milkshake" singer commented on Instagram, "Someone recently said to me, I'm always talking about food in my music. I thought about it, and you know what... I do! It isn't intentional, but it's something everyone can relate to. It's very human, it's sensual, it's something that you crave. And it's sexy!"
This is a difficult time for Kelis as earlier this week she revealed that her husband, Mike Mora, is battling stomach cancer.
Source-ABC
The 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards honors rap royalty and salutes
This year’s BET Hip Hop Awards was a star-studded event that included appearances by some of this year's most respected emcees.
The evening's big winners included Tyler, the Creator, who was received the inaugural Cultural Influence Award, as well as Hip Hop Album of the Year for Call Me If You Get Lost. Lil Baby won four awards, including Artist of the Year, and Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion took home three trophies for “WAP.”
Additionally, Yung Bleu was named Best New Hip Hop Artist, while J. Cole took home Lyricist of the Year.
Young Thug & Gunna, Latto, Bia featuring Lil Jon, Baby Keem, Tobe Nwigwe, and Isaiah Rashad were just a few of the artists who took the stage to perform some of their hits. Meanwhile, hip-hop powerhouses Trina, Remy Ma and Rapsody presented some of the night's top honors.
Hosted by DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean -- also known as the comedy group 85 South -- the show was fused with comedy skits and hip hop ciphers throughout the night.
Rapper-actor Nelly received the 2021 "I Am Hip Hop" Award from So So Def producer Jermaine Dupri before taking the stage to perform his own medley of songs, which included "E.I.", "Country Grammar", "Air Force Ones", "Grillz", "Ride With Me", "Dilemma", and "Hot in Herre". Legendary rapper and 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee LL COOL J presented the first-ever "Rock the Bells Cultural Influence Award" to Grammy Award-winning rapper-producer Tyler, the Creator.
Before the night ended, Big Daddy Kane paid tribute to his fellow Juice Crew member, rapper Biz Markie, who passed away in July at the age of 57.
Here's the list of 2021 BET Hip Hop Award winners:
Hip hop album of the year
Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, the Creator
Song of the year
“WAP,” Produced by Ayo & Keyz (Cardi B Feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
Hip hop artist of the year
Lil Baby
Best hip hop video
Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”
Best new hip hop artist
Yung Bleu
Best collaboration
Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”
Best duo or group
Lil Baby & Lil Durk
Best live performer
Tyler, the Creator
Lyricist of the year
J. Cole
Best international flow
Little Simz (U.K.)
Video director of the year
Missy Elliott
DJ of the year
DJ Scheme
Producer of the year
Hit-Boy
Hustler of the year
Saweetie
Best hip hop platform
Genius
Sweet 16: best featured verse
Jay-Z, “What It Feels Like” (Nipsey Hussle feat. Jay-Z)
Impact track
Nipsey Hussle feat. Jay-Z, “What It Feels Like”
Source-ABC
TALIA THOMAS APPOINTED AS EDUCATION POLICY AND PLANNING OFFICER
The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Talia Thomas to the post of Policy and Planning Officer within the Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Service.
Ms. Thomas a native of South Caicos, began her teaching career in 1998 at the Enid Capron Primary School in Providenciales.
She later progressed to education administration, serving as Vice-Principal of the Enid Capron Primary School; Principal of the Ianthe Pratt Primary School and Education Officer within the Department of Education.
Ms. Thomas holds a Diploma and Bachelor's Degree in Teacher Education from Northern Caribbean University, Jamaica and a Master's with Distinction in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
She has represented the TCI at numerous conferences and stakeholder engagements throughout her career regionally and internationally and has collaborated and coordinated several policies and curricula initiatives for the Ministry of Education; most notably, the Ministry's TVET Programme, of which she played an integral role.
Commenting on her appointment Ms. Thomas stated:
"I am humbled by the opportunity to serve in another capacity within the Ministry of Education.
I believe the experience gained over the years in the various facets of the education sector have prepared and equipped me for the task ahead.
I am excited about taking on this new challenge and express my gratitude to family and friends for their unwavering support.
I can assure you I will continue to work assiduously to meet the Ministry's strategic goals and objectives".
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending her congratulatory remarks said:
“Congratulations is extended to Ms. Talia Thomas on her appointment as the Policy and Planning Officer within the Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Service.
This senior professional position has nationwide accountability for planning and research as it pertains to the development of the T.C.I. Education System, which includes advising and supporting the Minister, Permanent Secretary and other senior management on decision making and policy and planning issues related to the implementation of the Ministry’s mandate and desired objectives.
I wish Ms. Thomas well in her new and look forward to working with her in her new capacity.”
The Fugees announce reunion tour for 25th anniversary of iconic album, The Score
After years of prayers, Fugees fans can rejoice! Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel are reuniting.
The trio announced Tuesday that they are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their iconic 1996 album, The Score, with a 12-city international tour.
Hill, Jean and Michel will begin Wednesday, September 22, with an intimate pop-up show in New York City as part of the Global Citizen Live global series of concerts, which will continue on Saturday, September 25. This will be their first performance together in 15 years.
You can earn free tickets by accessing the Global Citizen website and taking action to end the hunger crisis and protect the planet.
Following the NYC performance, the tour will continue November 2 in Chicago and will make stops in Oakland, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Newark, and Washington, D.C. The Fugees will then travel abroad to Paris, London, Nigeria and Ghana.
"I decided to honor this significant project, its anniversary, and the fans who appreciated the music by creating a peaceful platform where we could unite, perform the music we loved, and set an example of reconciliation for the world." Hill said in a statement.
"As I celebrate 25 years with the Fugees, my first memory was that we vowed, from the gate, we would not just do music we would be a movement," Wyclef says. "We would be a voice for the un-heard, and in these challenging times, I am grateful once again, that God has brought us together."
The Scorehas sold over 12 million copies and earned two Grammy Awards: Best Rap Album, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, for "Killing Me Softly."
Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, September 24 at 10 a.m. local time on LiveNation.com.
Source-ABC
22nd COVID-19 related death in the TCI
The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is saddened to announce the country’s twenty-second COVID-19 related death.
An elderly patient with a known case of COVID-19 disease passed away at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales on the afternoon of Friday, September 17th, 2021. The next of kin have been notified.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health wish to extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family and friends on the unfortunate loss of their loved one.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health wish to remind the general public to practice the relevant public health measures to suppress the spread of COVID-19.
If you have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, please stay at home and contact the Ministry of Health Hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911. Please do not visit health care facilities if you have symptoms or signs of COVID-19. If your symptoms are severe, please call 911. Consult with your health care provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Crown, The Queen's Gambit, Ted Lasso win big at the 73rd Emmy Awards
The Crown and The Queen's Gambit were the big winners at the 73rd Emmy Awards, with each series earning 11 awards. Saturday Night Live followed behind with eight Emmys, and Ted Lasso and The Mandalorian won seven a piece.
During Sunday's telecast, The Crown won the outstanding drama series award, Ted Lasso took home the outstanding comedy award and The Queen’s Gambit received the Emmy for outstanding limited or anthology series.
Cedric the Entertainer hosted the in-person ceremony at The Event Deck at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles.
Here are the winners in the major categories:
Supporting actress in a comedy series
Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso
Supporting actor in a comedy series
Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso
Supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie
Julianne Nicholson, Mare of Easttown
Supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie
Evan Peters, Mare of Easttown
Supporting actor in a drama series
Tobias Menzies, The Crown
Supporting actress in a drama series
Gillian Anderson, The Crown
Variety talk series
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Competition program
RuPaul's Drag Race
Lead actress in a comedy series
Jean Smart, Hacks
Lead actor in a comedy series
Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso
Lead actor in limited series or movie
Ewan McGregor, Halston
Lead actress in a limited series or movie
Kate Winslet, Mare of Easttown
Lead actress in a drama series
Olivia Colman, The Crown
Lead actor in a drama series
Josh O'Connor, The Crown
Comedy series
Ted Lasso
Drama series
The Crown
Limited series
The Queen’s Gambit
Governors Award
Debbie Allen
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE CLEMENT HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL
The Ministry of Education wishes to advise the general public that face-to-face learning at the Clement Howell High School will cease with immediate effect, until further notice. The disruption to face-to-face learning is due to exposure by school personnel to COVID-19.
It has been reported to the Ministry of Education that two (2) unvaccinated teachers from the Clement Howell High School have tested positive for COVID 19 and one (1) teacher who is unvaccinated is in quarantine as a result of contact tracing. The school will be deep cleaned and sanitized during this period and students will resume face-to-face learning upon advice and approval from the Ministry of Health. In the interim, the students will resume virtual learning commencing Thursday, September 16th, 2021
The Ministry of Education further advises that one (1) unvaccinated teacher from the Ianthe Pratt Primary School and one (1) student from the Thelma Lightbourne Primary Schools have also tested positive for COVID 19 and theses persons have been instructed to resort to virtual learning. The public is hereby notified that these schools have been deep cleaned and the COVID 19 Protocols have been enforced to ensure the health and safety of teachers and students.
The general public is hereby advised that since the return to face-to-face learning, there has been no COVID 19 positive cases at the Ona Glinton Primary School. However, fourteen (14) students and one (1) teacher were tested as requested by the principal with the approval of parents. The test results were negative, and students were allowed to resume face-to-face learning.
The Ministry of Health has also reported that two (2) unvaccinated teachers and three (3) children from the Private Schools have also tested Positive for COVID 19, hence the Ministry of Education is continuing to monitor the situation and will keep the general public abreast of any major developments.
The Ministry of Education has implemented various measures to ensure the health and safety of teachers and students, one of these measures is the mandatory testing program for teachers. Teachers are currently required to be tested once per week, however, beginning the month of October 2021, unvaccinated teachers will be required to test twice a week, while vaccinated teachers will also be encouraged to conduct regular testing. Approval is also being sort for the random testing of students.
Another initiative in the fight against COVID 19 is the vaccination drive for students 12 years and older. This initiative is in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and parents are encouraged to get their children ages 12 years and older vaccinated. More information regarding these initiatives will be disseminated during the meetings with the various PTA bodies across the country beginning the first week in October 2021.
The Minister of Education Hon. Rachel Taylor would like to congratulate the schools for adhering to the COVID 19 Protocols and would like the general public to know that her Ministry is in frequent dialogue with the Health experts from the Ministry of Health in an attempt to create safer communities for the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The health and safety of our teachers and students are of paramount importance; hence we are taking the necessary precautions and urge teachers, students and the general public to continue to practice the safety protocols prescribed by the Ministry of Health.
This includes getting vaccinated, wearing masks, frequent washing and sanitizing of hands, practicing social distancing and remaining within the assigned spaces when at school. School administrators should seek to ensure that students remain within their bubbles at all times in order to facilitate contact tracing.
The Ministry of Education apologizes for any inconvenience and will provide updates as the need arises.
Opposition PLP wins general elections in Bahamas
The main opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was swept into office on Thursday, four years after it was severely trounced by the Free National Movement (FNM).
“Thank you for seeing the possibilities of what we can build together for our children and grandchildren. In the morning, we will rise as one nation and meet the challenges ahead,” PLP leader Phillip “Brave” Davis, 70, told supporters after Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis had called him to concede defeat.
In the last general election, Minnis had led the FNM to a convincing 35-4 margin for control of the 39 seat Parliament and unofficial preliminary results on Thursday showed that the PLP had won 32 of the seats with seven going to the FNM.
In his congratulatory speech in which he thanked all the PLP candidates and supporters for reversing the “dark days” of 2017, Davis, an attorney, told the electorate that they had voted “with brave hearts, hearts full of hope for our country.
“You voted for a new day, new beginning. We are a nation and a people yearning for renewal. It is time to face our challenges and face them head on. We will do so with humility, but also with determination.
“We will work so that opportunities reach out to every home because we believe the dignity of every member of our Bahamian family. To those who voted PLP today, I promise to work hard to justify your faith in us. For those of you who voted for a different party today, I pledge to work hard to overcome your doubts,” he added.
Minnis had defended his decision to call an early general election even as the country continues to battle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Critics, including some of the country’s foremost physicians, had expressed grave concerns that the public healthcare system will continue to teeter on the verge of collapse as they predict increased virus cases.
Davis said that there were many people who had not voted in the election because it was a snap poll “and may have caught you by surprise.
“You were not able to register on time and because transferring from one constituency to another was deliberately made difficult for you. Many of you did not vote today because you were afraid of being exposed to the virus. The protocols to protect the voters were only published at the last minute.
“It is the first time in our…history that a government has worked to disenfranchise voters and suppress turn out, but I want to say tonight whether you voted PLP or the other party…our government will serve all Bahamians.”
Davis said that the party had won in constituencies where it had never done so before, adding “ we thank you for your support.
“We are going to work hard to make sure that every year that passes you feel prouder and prouder of the votes you cast for us,” he said, adding that he wanted to thank the candidates of all the political parties.
“It is easier to sit on the sidelines and criticise than to climb into the arena yourself. It takes a lot of courage,” he said.
Davis goes into office after selling himself to the electorate as a formidable leader in stark contrast to an “out of his depth” Minnis whose last four years in office were marked by “a poverty of vision”.
“That’s the biggest tragedy of this government: a lack of vision, a poverty of ambition. They don’t have the imagination or courage or competence to create transformational change in our country. They only reach for boldness when they’re enriching their inner circle. But our problems are too big to think small,” he said on the eve of the election.
“We’ve been sharing our economic plan with you since March. It’s part of our comprehensive Blueprint for Change, which our candidates have been sharing with you in your communities. It’s a bold vision for a more dynamic, more inclusive, more resilient economy,” he said, promising voters that starting on Friday, the 17th, “I hope you’ll partner with us to start turning that vision and plan into a reality.”.
He said that his government would reduce value added tax (VAT) and raise revenue by asking the wealthiest to pay more instead of taxing others.
We’re going to reduce VAT to 10 percent. It’s going to help you a little; it will lighten the load during these tough times, and make every dollar go a little farther,” Davis said during the campaign, adding that the Minnis government had nothing new to offer the electorate.
“And who could forget that they reduced business licence fees not for small businesses, but for those with more than $50m in annual sales. They did all that only months after they promised you it was going to be ‘the people’s time’. .
On Thursday night, Davis reiterated his PLP’s plans for a brighter Bahamas adding the victory coincided with Jewish religious observance in which it is “a day for righting wrong, a day for asking forgiveness from those whom hey have harmed.
“A day for asking those whom they have helped, how can I help you more> These are the questions they are asking everyday,” he said, flanked by his wife, Ann, their children and grandchildren.
The elections here were observed by several teams including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of American States (OAS)
Source-CMC
BAHAMAS & TCI 3-DAY FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: TROUGHING EXTENDING FROM AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE NORTHEAST OF THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS WILL TRIGGER POCKETS OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS OVER PORTIONS OF THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS. MEANWHILE, WEAK HIGH PRESSURE RIDGING MAINTAINS LIGHT WINDS AROUND THE ISLANDS.
AREA: ALL AREAS
WEATHER: ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS MAINLY IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS. PARTLY CLOUDY TONIGHT.
WINDS: SOUTHERLY AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS… SOUTH TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 1 TO 3 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
TODAY’S HIGH TEMPERATURE: 92°F / 34°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE: 77°F / 25°C
HEAT INDEX: 104°F / 40°C
MOONRISE: 4:39 PM
MOONSET: 3:31 AM FRI.
LOW TIDE: 10:36 AM
HIGH TIDE: 5:05 PM
LOW TIDE: 11:37 PM
HIGH TIDE: 5:31 AM FRI.
EXTENDED FORECAST (FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS): THE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM EAST OF THE BAHAMAS WILL GRADUALLY TREK NORTHWARD, AS HIGH PRESSURE PROGRESSIVELY BUILDS OVER THE ISLANDS THROUGH SATURDAY.
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
WEATHER: CHANCE OF FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT LESS THAN 10 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. EASTERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN
THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: CHANCE OF FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: LIGHT AND VARIABLE OVER THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. EASTERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 15 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL AND 3 TO 5 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: THERE ARE THREE AREAS OF INTEREST CURRENTLY BEING MONITORED;
[1] SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS HAVE CHANGED LITTLE ON ORGANIZATION WITH AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE MORE THAN 500 MILES WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS. THIS SYSTEM HAS A HIGH OR 90 PERCENT CHANCE OF CYCLONE FORMATION THROUGH THE NEXT FIVE DAYS.
[2] SHOWER ACTIVITY REMAINS POORLY ORGANIZED IN ASSOCIATION WITH A BROAD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM LOCATED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES TO THE SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF THE
OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA. THIS SYSTEM HAS A HIGH OR 70 PERCENT CHANCE OF CYCLONE FORMATION THROUGH THE NEXT FIVE DAYS.
[3] A TROPICAL WAVE LOCATED JUST INLAND OVER AFRICA IS EXPECTED TO EMERGE OFF THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA IN A FEW DAYS. THIS SYSTEM HAS A LOW OR 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF CYCLONE FORMATION THROUGH THE NEXT FIVE DAYS.