Kool & the Gang co-founder Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas dead at 70
Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, co-founder and saxophonist of Kool & the Gang, died "peacefully in his sleep" in New Jersey, the legendary funk band announced on Saturday.
Thomas was 70. Further details about his death were not given.
"An original member of Kool & the Gang, Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group, loved for his hip clothes and hats, and his laid-back demeanor," Kool & the Gang shared on its Instagram page. "A huge personality while also an extremely private person, Dennis was the alto saxophone player, flutist, percussionist as well as master of ceremonies at the band’s shows. Dennis’ prologue featured on the groups 1971 hit, 'Who’s Gonna Take the Weight' is legendary and an example of his showmanship."
Thomas, the post continued, was Kool & the Gang's "wardrobe stylist who made sure they always looked fresh." In the act's early days, he also "served as the 'budget hawk,' carrying the group’s earnings in a paper bag in the bell of his horn."
Thomas, along with brothers Ronald "Khalis" Bell and Robert “Kool” Bell, Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown and Charles Smith, formed the Jazziacs in 1964. Five years later, they changed their name to Kool & the Gang and released their self-titled debut album that same year. Since then, the band earned a pair of Grammy Awards and racked up numerous hits, including "Celebration," "Jungle Boogie" and "Ladies Night."
Thomas, who appeared on every one of Kool & the Gang's albums -- including their upcoming 25th studio release, Perfect Union -- last appeared on stage with the band during a July 4 concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Thomas' death comes nearly a year after Ronald "Khalis" Bell's passing last September at the age of 68.
Source-ABC
CABINET APPROVED EXPANSION FOR EAST BAY RESORT
The Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick and Cabinet members approved a development agreement for East Bay Resort in Cabinet on Thursday, 29 July 2021. The agreement was formally signed by His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin on Friday, 30 July 2021 at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is committed to providing job opportunities for all Turks and Caicos Islanders and providing effective outcomes to strengthen and foster the upward growth of the TCI Economy.
This new agreement will see the expansion of the existing resort on South Caicos to include outfitting the addition of forty-seven (47) room units, two (2) additional pools, a restaurant and bar, wedding facilities and brand enhancement. This development will attract travel and is expected to increase stay-overs on the island of South Caicos and will enhance current offerings for visitors interested in dive and watersports activities.
The Premier commenting on the development agreement stated, “I welcome developers of this highly anticipated project as partners with my government, in promoting economic growth, an increase in tourism offerings and job opportunities on the island of South Caicos.
It is critically important that we select sustainable, advantageous and smart investments that will add value to brand Turks and Caicos and that will enhance the lives of the people of these islands. I am excited for the start of this project and look forward to its grand opening once completed.”
Present for the signing were HE Governor Nigel Dakin, the Premier Honourable Washington Misick, Deputy Premier Honourable Erwin Saunders, Invest Turks and Caicos executives, and representatives of the development group JEM TCI Holdings Ltd.
The East Bay Resort was partially developed on the island of South Caicos between 2011 – 2015 and officially opened in 2016 with forty (40) guest units. The expansion will increase the existing room capacity to a total of eighty-seven (87) guest units.
TCIG partnering with developers for this project, signifies its commitment to pragmatic development, increased employment opportunities and the stimulation of the economy of South Caicos.
Felix & Kenny set records, Jamaica take relay gold, storm brewing
American athlete Allyson Felix and British cyclist Laura Kenny set medal records in their sports and Italy celebrated more track success on day 14 in Tokyo.
Felix, 35, became the most decorated female track and field athlete by taking bronze in a 400m final where Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas retained her title.
At the velodrome, Kenny became the most decorated female cyclist and the first British woman to win gold at three Olympic Games as she and Katie Archibald produced a dominant display in the women's madison, which was added to the Games programme for the first time at Tokyo 2020.
Kenny, 29, also became GB's most successful female athlete with her fifth gold, and sixth Olympic medal overall.
Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan's bid for a golden treble ended when she took bronze in the 1500m, although she can still win three medals in three events if she gets on the podium in the 10,000m having already won the 5,000m.
Italy's record showing in athletics continued with victory in the men's 4x100m relay after a 20km women's race walk win had earlier ensured their best ever gold-medal haul in track and field at a Games.
Meanwhile, 51-year-old Spanish race walker Jesus Angel Garcia became the first person to compete in an athletics event at eight summer Olympics.
As tears continued to flow on podiums, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said these pandemic-hit Games had exceeded expectations because athletes had given them "soul".
Felix wins 10th Olympic medal
With her 10th Olympic medal, Felix overtook Jamaica's Merlene Ottey as the most decorated female track and field athlete, and she can still add another on Saturday in the 4x400m relay.
The 35-year-old, competing in her fifth and final Games, took bronze in the 400m, with defending champion Miller-Uibo winning gold in 48.36 seconds.
Felix now has six golds, three silvers and one bronze to her name.
In the 1500m, Kenya's Faith Kipyegon retained her title with Britain's Laura Muir taking silver and world champion Hasan getting the bronze to end her chance of a hat-trick of golds at these Games.
The Dutch athlete will have to recover quickly as she is scheduled to run in the 10,000m final on Saturday.
Also on the track on Friday, Jamaican women underlined their sprinting dominance with a gold in the 4x100m relay, with the United States taking silver and Great Britain bronze.
Earlier in the day, Poland's Tomala Dawid won gold in the men's 50km walk, beating Germany's Jonathan Hilbert and Canada's Evan Dunfee.
And China's Liu Shiying was victorious in the women's javelin as Poland's Maria Andrejczyk took silver and Australia's Kelsey-Lee Barber won bronze.
Record gold for Britain's Kenny
There were emotional scenes at the velodrome as Kenny became the first British woman to win gold at three Olympic Games as she and Archibald were crowned madison champions.
"I've never wanted to win a medal so much in all my life," said Kenny.
The pair delivered a masterclass in madison racing, winning 10 of the 12 sprints on offer and gaining a lap to finish with more than twice as many points of second-placed Denmark. The Russian Olympic Committee took bronze.
Meanwhile, Harrie Lavreysen became the first Dutchman for almost 90 years to win the Olympic track cycling sprint, as he edged out team-mate Jeffrey Hoogland in a tense final.
Italy have their highest athletics gold-medal total at a single Games after a stunning victory in the men's 4x100m relay gave them a fifth.
The team, made up of Lorenzo Patta, individual 100m champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs, Eseosa Fostine Desalu and Filippo Tortu stormed past Great Britain's sprinters to take silver by 0.01 seconds.
Meanwhile, Antonella Palmisano became the first Italian woman to receive an athletics Olympic gold since 1984 when she won the women's 20k race walk on her 30th birthday.
"Today is my day. A perfect way to celebrate. I only think in a few days' time will I realise [I am the champion]," she said.
Her victory followed success on Thursday for her training partner Massimo Stano in the men's version as well as Italian victories in the men's 100m and high jump.
The last-ever men's 50km race walk was won by Poland's Dawid Tomala, who expressed his frustration at the fact the event is being scrapped from the Olympic programme from 2024.
"Of course in one side we are the last medallist, of course it's great, but unfortunately I can say what I can say, the history of the 50k is finished unfortunately," he said. "I think it was unexpected and it was something special in this race, you know and that's all."
'The A-Team' cruise to beach volleyball victory
American beach volleyball pair April Ross and Alix Klineman - nicknamed The A Team - claimed the gold medal, beating Australia's Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Taliqua Clancy 21-15 21-16 in just 43 minutes.
The team confirmed their dominance by being the only unbeaten team in the women's competition.
The more experienced of the two, Ross has now completed her set of Olympic medals, having won silver at London 2012 and bronze in Rio four years later.
"I can't fathom that it worked out the way it did," said Ross. "It's kind of a fairytale story like, 'oh, you know I'm going at 39 to try to get my gold medal,' and the fact that it actually happened feels so special and surreal."
The champions have earned many celebrity fans over the course of the tournament, including Mr T - star of The A-Team, the 1980s action-adventure television show.
Meanwhile, the US women's volleyball team are one win away from their first Olympic gold medal after beating Rio silver medallists Serbia in straight sets in Friday's semi-finals.
Jamaica increased its medal count to seven (three gold, one silver and three bronze) after Hansle Parchment created the upset of these delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in the men's 110m hurdles final.
He scorched the track in a seasonal best 13.04 seconds to overhaul the howling favourite, World Champion American Grant Holloway (13.09 seconds) in the last 20 metres, with Jamaica's other entrant in the final, National Champion Ronald Levy finishing third in 13.10 seconds.
The Jamaican women's 4x100-meter relay team took home the gold medal on Friday in a dominant showing.
The Jamaican team won the race in 41.02 seconds for the second-fastest time in history behind the United States' world record of 40.82 at the 2012 Olympics. Their victory ended the U.S. team’s push for a third consecutive Olympic gold in the event.
Their victory came after Jamaica swept the podium in the 100-meter final. Elaine Thompson-Herah leaves Tokyo with three gold medals after winning won the 100 meters on Saturday in an Olympic record and then taking the 200 meters with the second-fastest time in history.
Briana Williams ran the lead-off leg for the Jamaicans. Jamaican legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was second and Shericka Jackson was third in that race.
Source-Olympic 2021
St Vincent PM suffers concussion during a protest
Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves suffered a concussion when he was struck in the head by an object outside Parliament on Thursday during the protest organised by the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) and two trade unions against a move by his government to have front line workers vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“By the grace of God almighty, I am doing well and on the mend. It is confirmed that there are no neurological deficits. However, I have suffered a concussion and must be monitored over the next four to six weeks. But, it could have been far more serious.
“I take this assault as not just an injury, but, also look to the intent of the throwing of this projectile at me. The intent was to cause grave harm, even death,” Gonsalves wrote on his Facebook page.
Gonsalves, who flew to Barbados for further medical treatment, suffered the concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
The US Centres for Disease Prevention and Control notes that this sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
In his Facebook page posting, where he also published a video of himself and his wife, Eloise, leaving the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Barbados, after taking a brain scan, Gonsalves said “It is equally culpable: the person who threw the stone as are those who instigate and continue to instigate disgraceful events that threaten my life and the lives of others.
“There is one person whom I hold responsible, and it is not just the person who did the direct act. We can have our disagreements, but, to cross the line into violence is unacceptable in a democratic society,” he said, adding “by all means, exercise your right to protest, but, that gives you no right to do violence toward anyone”.
“It is the fundamental right of parliamentarians to have access to the parliament in order to discharge their duty. And, it is the right of the people of North Central Windward to have their duly elected representation heard and not denied. I am heartened that Parliament continued their work last night even in my absence.
“I would like to thank the hundreds of people who have send their thoughts and prayers and condemned the senseless violence that occurred. I would also like to thank the police officers who sought to protect the right of the voters of North Central Windward to have their voice represented in Parliament. And, of course, to the doctors both in St. Vincent and Barbados in whose good hands saw me through,” Gonsalves wrote.
Parliament has since approved the amendments to the Public Health Act that allows for the vaccination of public sector employees, considered to be front line workers and removing the word “voluntary” from a section of the law that speaks to vaccination against an illness that has triggered the declaration of a public health emergency — as is the case with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Gonsalves, who turns 75 on Sunday, is expected to return to St Vincent on Saturday, his deputy, Montgomery Daniel, told the state-owned NBC Radio on Friday.
Source-CMC
Leader of of the Opposition is lobbying for a Second Stimulus Package
Leader of the Opposition, the Honorable Edwin Astwood in a release to RTC news is calling on the Government to issue a second Stimulus or Relief Package.
Hon Astwood added that it is greatly needed for citizens in the Turks & Caicos Islands. It has been 17 months since the COVID-19 Pandemic and many individuals in this country continue to be disadvantaged and suffer financial setbacks caused by the effects of the Pandemic.
Even though tourism and the economy has restarted wonderfully in Providenciales, not everyone is directly benefitting, and some families continue to be hurting under the financial burden brought on by the Pandemic.
In addition, other family islands, outside of Providenciales, continue to feel the full brunt of the Pandemic. Many persons remain unemployed, and many local businesses continue to be inactive, or have closed indefinitely. They are all now wondering if they will get another stimulus check, and if so when will it be paid out.
This lack of employment and business inactivity is greatly seen in Grand Turk, where the prolonged absence of cruise ship visits is driving half of the population under and closer to living in poverty. Persons are leaving their homes in order to seek employment in Providenciales.
Salt Cay and South Caicos are nowhere close to their normal pre-pandemic economic and tourism activity. There are also seeing persons leaving these Islands for other Islands.
North and Middle Caicos may be seeing some tourism spill over from Provo, but it is still not at Pre-COVID numbers.
Therefore, there is still a great need for the Government to provide stimulus support to those struggling persons and businesses throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands and since the stimulus check issuing process has been simplified, this can be expedited immediately, after gaining approval in Cabinet. Thereafter, the Treasury could start sending out checks in a matter of days. The amount should be at the same $1,000 level.
If the argument about source of finances is brought up, the Government may choose to look at the millions of dollars allocated for land acquisition in this years' (2021/2022) Budget. The people’s immediate needs should be prioritized over wants such as land acquisitions. Even though there is 10 Million budgeted for works, which is a good thing, not all needful citizens will be able to benefit, or would be in the position to have a business license, bid, and win a government works project. Hence, some individuals will continue to be disadvantaged, and with schools opening at the end of this month, will not be able to afford the needed materials and supplies for their children.
Additionally, consideration should be given to providing local businesses with grants and duty concessions for restarting. The grants may vary in amount with consideration given to the size and nature of the local business added Hon. Astwood.
In closing the representative added that he wants to put it to the Government to seriously consider giving an additional stimulus to those needful citizens and business in our country.
U.S. men fail to advance to 4x100 relay in Tokyo
The first time U.S. sprinter Ronnie Baker tried to grab the baton, he found himself holding a handful of Fred Kerley's jersey. The second time, Baker whiffed. By the third try, Kerley was side-by-side with Baker, practically using both hands to shovel the stick into his teammate's palm.
The names might change, but the results for the American Olympic 4x100-meter relay team at the Tokyo Olympics remain every bit as brutal.
The exchange between Kerley and Baker wrecked the Americans in qualifying Thursday, leading to a sixth-place finish that left them out of the final and extended a quarter-century of misery for the country that brings the deepest track team to the Games.
"We just didn't get the job done today. That's all," said Kerley, who ran the second leg.
Outrage spread quickly, as it always does when this happens.
"The USA team did everything wrong in the men's relay," sprinting great Carl Lewis wrote on Twitter. "The passing system is wrong, athletes running the wrong legs, and it was clear that there was no leadership. It was a total embarrassment, and completely unacceptable for a USA team to look worse than the AAU kids I saw."
The U.S. men won't win a medal they used to count on in what is turning out to be a rough Olympic track meet. But what used to be a conversation about the deepest track team in the world simply giving away a medal really can't be viewed in that light anymore.
The U.S. men haven't won the 4x100 at the Olympics since 2000 and haven't made it cleanly to the finish line in a final since taking a silver medal in 2012. But they gave that one back because of a doping ban against Tyson Gay.
Source-ESPN
What's next for Cuomo after sexual harassment report?
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo vehemently has refused to step down after the release of a report that found he sexually harassed multiple women and created a hostile work environment.
The blistering report, by New York Attorney General Letitia James, was released on Tuesday after a four-month investigation. Cuomo has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.
While James said that the state attorney's probe would have no criminal referral, district attorneys in Manhattan, Albany, Westchester County and Nassau County have now requested the investigation's materials to look into the accusations, which allegedly took place in those jurisdictions and could lead to criminal charges.
Albany District Attorney David Soares said Tuesday his office is reviewing the report's findings to see whether criminal charges should be filed and encouraged more victims to come forward. He called the matter "developing" and said his office would be reviewing the documents.
On Wednesday, Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah also asked in a statement for the investigative materials to conduct a criminal investigation into Cuomo's alleged conduct.
Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance also said in a statement that the office requested materials pertaining to incidents that occurred in Manhattan.
Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce A. Smith said the office requested documents for incidents that occurred in Nassau County to "investigate any potential crimes."
James, the state's attorney general, also is investigating whether Cuomo broke the law in having members of his staff help write and promote a book on his leadership in the pandemic, for which he was set to rake in more than $5 million, The Associated Press reported.
Source-ABC
Aaliyah's estate issues a statement about "unauthorized projects" from the late singer
The estate of Aaliyah Haughton has issued a statement about protecting the singer's legacy after her former label teased allegedly "unauthorized projects."
The statement appeared on Aaliyah's official Instagram and Twitter Wednesday night, noting unusual "tactics" from those trying to "leech off" her unreleased music.
"… For 20 years, we have battled behind the scenes, enduring shadowy tactics of deception with unauthorized projects targeted to tarnish," the statement reads. "We have always been confused as to why there is such a tenacity in causing more pain alongside what we already have to cope with for the rest of our lives."
"Now, in this 20th year, this unscrupulous endeavor to release Aaliyah’s music without any transparency or full accounting to the estate compels our hearts to express a word: forgiveness," the message continues. "Although we will continue to defend ourselves and her legacy lawfully and justly, we want to preempt the inevitable attacks on our character by all the individuals who have emerged from the shadows to leech off of Aaliyah’s life’s work."
The statement adds that Aaliyah's estate "desire[s] closure and a modicum of peace so we can facilitate the growth of the Aaliyah Memorial Fund and other creative projects that embody Aaliyah’s true essence, which is to inspire strength and positivity for people of all creeds, races, and cultures around the world."
The statement arrives not long after Aaliyah's former label, Blackground Records, hinted at releasing her music on the website AaliyahIsComing.com. The singer's uncle and co-founder, Barry Hankerson, is currently reviving the label as Blackground Records 2.0.
Aaliyah died in a plane crash in 2001 at age 22. She released three albums during her brief career, but only her 1994 multi-platinum debut, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, is available for streaming.
Source-ABC
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONING OF KEW FARM, NORTH CAICOS
It was a day of pride and joy for the community of North and Middle Caicos as the Department of Agriculture formally commissioned the recently upgraded Kew Farm facility on the 9th July, 2021. The event started at 2 pm and Her Excellency Anya Williams, the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Missick, the Honourable Deputy Premier Erwin Jay Saunders, the Honourable Josephine Connolly, the Honourable Rachel Taylor, the Honourable Matthew Stubbs and the Honourable Sean Malcolm and our esteemed farmers were in attendance.
The Kew Farm, North Caicos is a historical site and is part of the rich agricultural history of the Turks and Caicos Islands that started with the propagation of Sisal in the late 1940’s. Opened in the 80’s, the farm is now equipped with an office, animal pens, roads and lighting and a packing house. It is the first Government Facility in the Turks and Caicos that is completely Solar-Operated. Not only will the farm have the capacity to carry out its day to day activities by effectively utilizing energy but it is now aligned with regional and international standards for modern farm structures.
The farm is the first Research Farm in the TCI and its mandate is not for commercial production as its goal is not to compete with farmers for the limited market share. But it would be utilized for Research and Training purposes so that farmers can have access to new technologies and interactive training to improve their production. The new journey to include agriculture sector in the National Development plans of the TCI has only just begun!!!
The Premier Hon. Charles Washington Missick recognized the stalwarts in the field of Agriculture. He acknowledged the need to create the linkage between agriculture and the tourism industry - “Creating the right linkages would ensure that we are strategizing to have control of our own food.” The idea is to start by introducing agriculture in a meaningful way into the curriculum, farmers forming co-operatives and creating the required market access. With the additional funds injected into the sector it would give farmers the added support.
The Hon. Josephine Connolly commented, “We cannot emphasize that food security and decreasing our high dependency on food imports is a major ambition, we have to create linkages for the Agricultural sector growth, so that we would be able to feed not only residents but visitors. We are serious about this agriculture sector. As you know during the recent budget session, we infused one million additional dollars into the sector. These funds will go toward several initiatives, including the setting up of a more structured and comprehensive grant scheme for farmers and the development of a National Nursery, that will provide seedlings and further support to farmers across these islands.”
The farmers were presented with the first incentive packages distributed by the Honourable Josephine Connolly with the assistance of Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism Mr. Arthur Been. The package consisted of high yielding seed varieties that included corn, sweet peppers, eggplants, tomatoes and many other vegetables. The staff of Kew Farm North Caicos were honoured for their hard-work and dedication by tokens of appreciation distributed by Her Excellency Anya Williams.
Truly a memorable day in the history of Turks and Caicos Islands Agriculture. It is certainly not the end but a new beginning. Let’s continue to Grow TCI as we need you on board to make this happen.
HON. JOSEPHINE CONNOLLY’S EMANCIPATION DAY SPEECH
As a child Emancipation Day was one of the greatest occasions celebrated, the sincerity of a humble people was seen; as great orders such as the Benevolent and Eunice Lodge (Odd Fellow and Household of Ruth) would turn out with great pride. This was during a time when social capital was in surplus and child dreamt of marching in 1st of August in the parade. My people, it is my intent to rekindle and awaken the community unity and preserve our heritage.
As we celebrate Emancipation Day, and reflect on the treacherous journey taken some 400 years ago by our ancestors, gratitude to our omnipresent God should be foremost. As first voyage with African slaves from West Africa changed the course of history and was one of the greatest atrocities in the past millennium. Mothers, fathers and children stolen, separated and worse of all stripped of an identity losing genealogical links. As we live a paradigm shift some of our neighbors have already begun bridging historical links with trade. Blood lines that have survived - the reconnection of Africa’s grandchildren. The hardships and suffering must never be forgotten as we pave the way forward for a better society. Resilience has brought us here today.
Sisters and brothers, the Turks and Caicos Islands can stand tall knowing that just steps away from the Emancipation Square, visions were being crafted for emancipation. Yes, as small as we are we played an instrumental role in the Parliament Act of 1807 that led the way for Emancipation. How, you may ask? Through the likes of Mary Prince, born in Bermuda and brought here as a slave; her fight for freedom and the first black woman to be published in Europe and work along-side the likes of Wilberforce. Her story is well documented and narrated through author Susannah Strickland and was published in 1831.
My people, freedom fighting is not new to the Turks and Caicos Islands; we often state that our history is rich but how willing are we to not only explore but embrace the discovery?
The challenges we may face today and, in the future, may not be as in the past, but they will require the same courage and tenacity as our ancestor before us. Today I encourage all of us to continue to pave the way, maintaining the legacy left by those who fought for us; and for those who will come after us.
My people, rejoice! Know that on this day as we sing not only negro spirituals and the traditional melodies such as ‘See my Doe-Doe Jump’ we pay homage to those that bore the pain and those that did not make it across the passage of no return from Africa to the Americas.
My Government’s establishment of the Faith and Religious Affairs Department will only strengthen activities such as this gathering but create products that will be both domestic and international as it will foster the framework for the enhancement of Heritage Trails. My, people our heritage believe it or not has influenced major events as the aforementioned. Let us continue to act in the best interest of humanity and preserve justice and I am comforted by these words from the Beatitudes, “Blessed are those who are prosecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”
On behalf of Ministry of Tourism in general and the Department of Culture in particular, have a safe and enjoyable Emancipation Day!