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!
Shares slide after China brands online games 'electronic drugs'
Shares in two of China's biggest online gaming firms have slipped after a state media outlet called them "electronic drugs".
Tencent and NetEase shares fell more than 10% in early Hong Kong trade before regaining some of those losses.
Investors are increasingly concerned about Beijing cracking down on firms.
In recent months authorities have announced a series of measures to tighten their grip on technology and private education companies.
An article published by the state-run Economic Information Daily said many teenagers had become addicted to online gaming and it was having a negative impact on them. The news outlet is affiliated with the official Xinhua news agency.
The article cited Tencent's hugely popular game Honor of Kings, saying students were playing it for up to eight hours a day, and asked for more curbs on the industry.
"No industry, no sport, can be allowed to develop in a way that will destroy a generation," it said before going on to liken online games to "spiritual opium".
Tencent has now said it would introduce new measures to reduce children's access to and time spent on its Honor of Kings game. The company also said it plans to eventually roll out the policy to all of its games.`
The recovery in share prices came as Economic Information Daily deleted the article from its account on the Wechat social media platform.
Tencent also saw its shares fall last week after being ordered to end exclusive music licensing deals with record labels around the world.
The move was aimed at tackling the technology giant's dominance of online music streaming in the country - it currently controls more than 80% of China's exclusive music streaming rights after an acquisition in 2016.
Tencent is only one of a number of Chinese companies listed in the US, Hong Kong and mainland China to see shares fall sharply this year as Beijing clamps down on the country's technology and education industries.
Last week saw shares in Chinese online tutoring firms slump after they were stripped of the ability to make a profit from teaching core subjects in China.
The new guidelines also restricted foreign investment in the industry.
The major shift in policy came as authorities try to ease the financial pressures of raising children.
Officials have been worried after China's latest census showed that the birth rate had fallen to the lowest in seven decades.
It is one of the biggest ever overhauls of the country's $120bn (£87bn) private tutoring sector.
Source-BBC
Twitter works with news sites to tackle disinformation
Twitter will collaborate with two of the largest international news providers, Reuters and the Associated Press, to debunk disinformation on its messaging site.
The news agencies will help Twitter give more context and background information on events which create a high volume of tweets.
Twitter hopes this will counteract the spread of misleading information.
There has been renewed pressure to remove false content from the platform.
Twitter said the partnership will enable it to ensure accurate and credible information is rapidly available "when facts are in dispute".
"Rather than waiting until something goes viral, Twitter will contextualize developing discourse at pace with or in anticipation of the public conversation," Twitter said.
Currently, when large or rapidly growing conversations happen on Twitter that may be noteworthy or controversial, Twitter's Curation team finds and promotes relevant context from reliable sources in order to counter potentially misleading information posted by users.
In a blogpost, Twitter said the new programme would "increase the scale and speed" of this work by increasing their "capacity to add reliable context to conversations happening on Twitter".
The post said material from Reuters and AP would improve information credibility on the platform when Twitter's Curation team "doesn't have the specific expertise or access to a high enough volume of reputable reporting on Twitter".
It is the first time Twitter has formally collaborated with news organisations to promote accurate information on its site, according to a spokesperson from the social media firm.
Earlier this year, Twitter launched Birdwatch, a new community-moderation system which enabled volunteers to label tweets they found to be inaccurate.
Twitter will work separately with the two rival news agencies, and will focus initially on English-language content.
Source-BBC
More wildfires possible in the West as fire conditions worsen
Fire conditions in the West are worsening this week, increasing the possibility of more blazes.
Currently, 90 large wildfires are burning in 12 states in the West -- at least 35 of which ignited over the weekend due to lightning strikes.
Another heat wave is blanketing the region as moisture from the monsoons in the Southwest move away, leaving behind a dry atmosphere and tinderbox conditions. Heat advisories and excessive heat watches have been issued from Oregon to Arizona, with temperatures expected to surpass 100 degrees again.
The McFarland Fire in Wildwood, California, has prompted evacuations in the area after it grew to more than 2,100 acres and remains just 5 percent contained.
The Dixie Fire near the Feather River Canyon in Northern California, the largest in the state so far this year, is now at 248,000 acres. Firefighters were able to halt the blaze's progression, which is now 33 percent contained, but some evacuation orders remain in place.
Firefighters in Oregon have made progress against the Bootleg Fire, the largest in the country, with 84 percent containment after it grew to nearly 414,000 acres, the third-largest wildfire in state history.
Above-normal significant fire potential is expected to continue in the Northwest, northern Rockies and northern portions of the Great Basin, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center's National Fire Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for August through November.
Source-ABC
Busta Rhymes, Montell Jordan, LL Cool J and more attend Biz Markie memorial service
Trailblazing hip hop legend Biz Markie was laid to rest Monday. Following the service, the "Just A Friend" rapper's family, famous friends and fans gathered to celebrate his life.
Page Six reports that among those paying their respects at the memorial were Busta Rhymes, Montell Jordan, LL Cool J and many others.
Rapper Busy Bee spoke to the outlet when attending the service in honor of the Harlem-native, which was held at the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts.
"Biz was an icon," he expressed. "He is what we call hip-hop."
"Remember, Biz didn’t get killed, he didn’t die in some tragedy. He died in peace," Busy continued.
His widow, Tara Hall, was also in attendance following the memorial and revealed to the crowd some of her fondest memories of her late husband.
"The thing I’m going to miss the most about him was every time he would see me, his face would just light up with that Chiclet, toothy smile," she recalled. "Seeing him smile made me smile... He made me laugh every day. That is not hyperbole. That is a fact."
His widow previously revealed to TMZ that former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama wrote her a letter to express their condolences.
Also paying respects to the late rapper were Ice-T, Fat Joe, Teddy Ted, Dapper Dan, DJ Cool V and the Rev. Al Sharpton, who praised the artist for his "authenticity" and never forgetting who he was when he hit the big time.
"Some artists started Black and then went mainstream," said Sharpton. "Biz was one of the artists that made mainstream come Black."
Biz, born Marcel Theo Hall, died July 16 at age 57 after a lengthy battle with Type 2 Diabetes.
Sources-ABC