U.S. senator contacts Taiwan representative over auto chip shortage
American Senator Debbie Stabenow said Thursday she had contacted Taiwan's representative to the U.S. regarding the global shortage of automobile chips, which she estimated was caused mainly by reduced shipments from a major Taiwanese semiconductor company.
"U.S. manufactures of automobiles, home appliances, and other products, are being forced to shut down a line or a plant temporarily because of a single company in Taiwan, which has reduced its shipments of semiconductor chips to our manufacturers," Stabenow said at a confirmation hearing for U.S. Trade Representative nominee Katherine Tai.
The Democratic senator from Michigan said she had raised the issue with several people in the new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden and also with Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's de facto ambassador to Washington.
In response, Hsiao told reporters in Washington that she had explained to several members of Congress, who had expressed similar concerns, that chip manufacturers in Taiwan had been forced to reassign production in 2020 because of a sharp drop in orders, as automakers had anticipated poor sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was a decision made by the private sector, Hsiao said, adding that chip manufacturers in Taiwan are now working to increase production to meet market demand.
Meanwhile, Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the Virginia-based U.S.-Taiwan Business Council (USTBC), said Thursday that Stabenow's remark on the issue was "incorrect and misleading."
The chip supply issue facing the American automobile industry is "primarily a function of the industry itself miscalculating its production needs," Hammond-Chambers said in a statement on the USTBC website.
The flow of semiconductor chips is a commercial matter, with companies placing orders based on expected demand, and those orders are executed along legally contracted boundaries, he said.
"The absence of enough chips to run American plants is absolutely not a function of any deliberate punitive actions by a Taiwan company," Hammond-Chambers said. "It is instead the result of American manufacturers failing to order enough chips."
In recent months, the U.S. has been seeking help from Taiwan, home to the world's largest contract chipmaker, to alleviate the shortage of automobile chips.
In a letter dated Feb. 17, U.S. National Economic Council Director Brian Deese broached the issue with Taiwan's Economic Affairs Minister Wang Mei-hua, according to the White House.
Earlier in the month, more than 30 Taiwanese business leaders took part in a virtual discussion between the U.S. and Taiwan on enhancing supply chain cooperation and development goals in the semiconductor industry.
However, no agreement was reached on how to quickly alleviate the shortage of automotive semiconductor chips, Wang said.
In a related development, President Biden on Wednesday signed an executive order to review the global supply chains used by four key industries to prevent shortages of semiconductors, medical equipment and other products.
(By Chiang Chin-yeh and Chung Yu-chen) of FocusTaiwan
Oculus recalls Quest 2 headset pads after skin rashes
Virtual-reality headset-maker Oculus is issuing a recall for the foam padding in its Quest 2 headset, warning it can cause skin irritation.
Facebook-owned Oculus said only a "very small percentage" of users were experiencing the problem.
But it is offering a free cover - made of silicone - to all Quest 2 owners.
Facebook also announced it was "pausing" Quest 2 sales and from 24 August all Quest 2 headsets would come with the new silicone cover.
The revamped headset would also have twice the internal storage, for the same price.
The problem with skin irritation was widely known among VR enthusiasts online and Facebook has previously operated a replacement programme for the small number of people affected.
But this new "voluntary recall", following discussions with US and Canadian safety regulators, is global in scale, with Facebook emailing many of its Oculus customers.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said it had received 5,716 reports of irritation "including rashes, swelling, burning, itching, hives and bumps".
But only 45 incidents had needed medical attention.
And those numbers were out of an estimated four million headsets sold in the US.
Facebook's VR and AR teams head Andrew Bosworth said: "While the rate of reports is small and the majority of reported cases are minor, we're committed to ensuring our products are safe and comfortable for everyone who uses them."
Source-BBC
Simone Biles withdraws from Olympic individual all-around competition "to focus on her mental health"
Following "further medical evaluation," American gymnastics superstar Simone Biles has withdrawn from Thursday's final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics "to focus on her mental health," USA Gymnastics announced.
"Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not to participate in next week’s individual event finals," the sport's national governing body said in a statement Wednesday. "We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many."
Jade Carey, who had the ninth-highest score in qualifications, will compete in Biles' place in the all-around on Thursday, according to USA Gymnastics.
Biles, considered the greatest gymnast in history, had qualified in all six of the women's gymnastics finals at the Tokyo Olympics -- team, individual all-around, vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor. The 24-year-old was on track to win an unprecedented six gold medals during the Games, with the aim of becoming the first woman since 1968 to win back-to-back titles in the all-around -- a competition that tests individual gymnasts on each of the four apparatuses.
The decision to withdraw came on the heels of Biles' early exit from the team final on Tuesday, after a rare stumble on her first vault.
Afterwards, Biles spoke with her coach and a trainer before walking off the competition floor, leaving teammates Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum to finish the event. Team USA ultimately placed in second, winning a silver medal, while Russia's team took the gold.
Source-ABC
DOMINIQUE DURHAM APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL
The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dominique Durham to the post of Director of the Housing and Community Renewal Department within the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.
Mr. Durham joined the public service in 2017 as a Senior Quantity Surveyor after having returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands from United Kingdom where he was employed as a Quantity Surveyor at Bouygues and a Surveyor at CBRE Limited where he gained extensive experience in project management.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree (First Class Honors) in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management from the University of Greenwich (2012) and a Master’s Degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of South Bank (2015). He is also a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Commenting on his appointment Mr. Durham said:
“I am humbly grateful and honoured for the opportunity to continue my service with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development in my new role as Director of Housing.
I thank God for his continued favour and for those that supported me and valued my expertise and ability throughout.
My experience within the industry has given me valuable insight into the housing needs within our communities and I am highly enthused about this exciting challenge and look forward to working with the Government to actively progress its housing and development goals to ensure safe, quality and equitable homes for future generations in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks on Mr. Durham’s appointment said:
“We extend sincerest congratulations to Mr. Dominique Durham on his appointment as the Director of the newly established Housing and Community Renewal Department which will be responsible for leading on the development of a National Housing Policy which will seek to expand first time home ownership opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands by working in collaboration with the Planning, Survey and Mapping and Crown Land Departments to identify crown land for the construction of low costs housing and other initiatives, as well supporting current homeowners in retaining equity in their current holdings.
Dominique joined the public service in 2017 as our Senior Quantity Surveyor within the Ministry of Physical and Infrastructure Development and has been an asset to the ministry and government in regards to his work, advice and assistance on the Turks and Caicos Islands Capital Program.
Prior to returning to the Turks and Caicos he gained extensive experience in the United Kingdom where he provided advice to lending institutions on projects in the range of £60m - £400m.
Mr. Durham is more than capable of taking on this new role in helping to shape future housing opportunities in these islands and we wish him and the Department of Housing and Urban Renewal much success as it seeks to fulfill a key mandate in these islands.”
CARICOM countries threaten boycott of OAS Council meeting
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have threatened to boycott a meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) scheduled for later on Wednesday, if their request for a debate on the “current situation” in Cuba is not placed on the agenda.
The 13 CARICOM countries said they have taken note of a special meeting of the Permanent Council of the OAS to address “The Situation in Cuba” and has written to the Chair of the Council, Washington Abdala, regarding the matter.
In their July 27 letter, signed by the Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative, Sir Ronald Sanders, the regional countries noted that “our delegations collectively reiterate the position, previously expressed by Antigua and Barbuda, by formal letter of July 26th that since 1962 Cuba has not been a member of the OAS and has not participated in any of its activities.”
The letter noted that although efforts had been made to get Cuba back into the organisation including the passage of a resolution in 2009 that “the participation of the Republic of Cuba in the OAS will be the result of a process of dialogue initiated at the request of the Government of Cuba”, Cuba has made no effort to re-join the OAS and has publicly said that it will not do so.
“It is the considered opinion of our delegations that the proposed convocation of this meeting, which has been called without consultation, would be unproductive and would serve no useful purpose.
“All 13 of our delegations urge you to reconsider holding the meeting and advise that should you decide to proceed, our delegations will be obliged not to attend,” the letter stated, adding that “we request that this letter be distributed to all member states urgently”.
The countries named in the letter are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, St Lucia, St Kitts-Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago
Source-CMC
CDC reverses guidance on masks for vaccinated people
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday reversed its mask guidance for vaccinated people due to the delta variant surge.
Vaccinated Americans should now wear masks inside if they’re in places with substantial or high transmission, the CDC said.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said data show that on "rare occasions, some vaccinated people with the delta variant … may be contagious and spread the virus to others. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendations."
The CDC also said Tuesday that masks should be worn in schools by all students, teachers, staff and visitors, even for those who are vaccinated. The CDC said students should return to full-time in-person learning this year with prevention strategies in place.
The United States is facing a COVID-19 summer surge as the delta variant spreads.
More than 611,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, according to real-time data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
Just 57.6 percent of Americans ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
COVID-19 has infected more than 195 million people worldwide and killed over 4.1 million.
Just hours after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its policy on indoor mask use for vaccinated Americans, the agency sent out an alert to doctors, pressing them to step up vaccines.
The Health Alert Network Health Advisory reiterated that vaccine coverage needed to go up "to prevent surges in new infections that could increase COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality, overwhelm healthcare capacity, and widen existing COVID-19-related health disparities."
As of Tuesday, 66.6 percent of Americans above the age of 12 have received one vaccine dose, however the rates are lower in several southern states including Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Those states, the alert noted, have seen a major jump in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
"Unvaccinated persons account for the majority of new COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths," the CDC said in its alert.
Source- ABC
TCI Hospital relaunches key educational programs
InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital held a press conference on Thursday, July 22nd, 2021, to relaunch two educational programs that seek to raise awareness of healthcare careers to help improve the currently limited local medical expertise in the domestic workforce.
During the press conference, remarks were delivered by Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant – Chief Executive Officer at TCI Hospital, Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders – Minister of Health, Hon. Rachel Taylor – Minister of Education, Hon. Kyle Knowles – Member of Parliament for Wheeland, Dr. Sani Amatti – Deputy Chief of Medical Services at TCI Hospital, and Dr. Jacqueline Moe-Cox – Education and Training Manager at TCI Hospital.
The READY observership program seeks to provide upper-level high school students with a behind-the-scenes look and in-depth knowledge about professions in health care. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the program is delivered in a virtual format over three days with practical and theory presentations delivered by health care workers. The program commenced on Wednesday, July 21st, 2021.
The Clinic Exploration program seeks to target students pursuing a health care-related course at a tertiary level institution and ordinarily resident in TCI. The program spans ten days and comprise of virtual and onsite sessions. The onsite sessions include a skills lab on phlebotomy, suturing, vital signs, manual handling, applying splints, Heart Saver, and Basic Life Support training. There is also a requirement to deliver a 20-minute presentation. TCI Hospital is accredited and licensed as a teaching hospital, and the program commenced on Monday, July 26th, 2021.
Commenting on the relaunch, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at TCI Hospital, stated: "The program started in 2012, and we currently have two graduates of the program who are now physicians. There is Dr. Raven Saunders, who is working with the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Royelle Robinson, who is working at the TCI Hospital's Emergency Department." She continued: "There is a worldwide shortage of health care workers, which the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened. We are continuously partnering with the TCI Government, TCI Community College, and the TCI Ministry of Health as we recognize that there is a need to build local capacity."
The TCI Government scholarship policy currently includes even more areas in health care. Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, stated: "Our scholarship policy currently addresses areas in healthcare including medicine, medical technology, environmental science, health care management, psychiatry, psychology, health, and safety. Therefore, we plan to review the education policy within the year, and it will definitely relate to other areas of concern. During the process, we will partner with the Minister of Health who will guide us accordingly."
Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Health, stated: "This is a great initiative because there is a shortage of medical personnel. We are competing with the world market now, trying to find staff to fill in when the Cuban Brigade leaves the TCI, and I am certain that we will solve this problem. However, we are very short on local medical talent in almost every area. This program encourages students and holds their hands, and helps them to get across the finish line. I wish to thank everyone who is a part of this program. This is a major initiative, and I encourage you to stick with it and use the experience."
Hon. Kyle Knowles, Member of Parliament for Wheeland, stated: “This is definitely a wonderful opportunity for many of our youth across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The initiative has really shown success stories. Having two persons who would've initially started and are now medical practitioners shows the program's overall success. I want to encourage our young people across the country who are now looking at career paths. There are more opportunities, and as the Minister alluded to, we are making significant strides to broaden that scope so that we can, at some point, have a fully staffed medical facility with Turks and Caicos Islanders."
Professional Growth Opportunities at FortisTCI with Recent Promotions for Four Employees
FortisTCI announces four recent staff promotions that became effective between May and June 2021. The movements are a part of the company's talent growth strategies, which seek to ensure continuous learning and development and mobility throughout the organization. FortisTCI is also a people-focused and performance-based organization that recognizes and rewards consistent exemplary work.
Shatel Wilson previously served as Manager of Internal Audit and has been promoted to Director of Internal Audit and Risk Management. In her new role, she will be responsible for assurance services, including risk assessment, design, testing, reporting, and monitoring of corrective actions for all internal audit activities. She is also responsibility for advisory services that contribute to achieving operational, compliance, and financial objectives.
Shatel is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and a Certified Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18001:2007 Internal Auditor. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and has recently joined the TCI Society of Professional Accountants (TCISPA). She also holds both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Accounting and joined FortisTCI in 2012.
Richard Gibbs previously served as Supervisor of Financial Services and has been promoted to Manager of Financial Services. In his new role, Richard is responsible for managing company-wide accounting and financial reporting, including providing and maintaining reliable financial and business information and ensuring financial systems, data, and reports meet accounting standards, best practices, regulatory requirements and strategic objectives.
Richard holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. He is also a CPA and a current member of AICPA. Richard joined FortisTCI in 2014.
TeAndra Thomas previously served as Energy Production Engineer I and has been promoted to Manager of Maintenance Planning and System Control. In her new role, TeAndra is responsible for the efficient dispatch of generation units at the Providenciales plant and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. TeAndra is also responsible for the maintenance program and maintenance planning for all energy production assets at the Providenciales Plant.
TeAndra joined FortisTCI in 2009 and was one of the company's earliest scholarship recipients. She is also one of the few female engineers locally and regionally. TeAndra holds a Bachelor of Engineering and recently earned a designation as a Professional Engineer with Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL), a distinction recognized throughout North America.
Tarek Fulford previously served as Mechanical Technician II and has been promoted to Mechanical Technician III. He is responsible for carrying out preventative and corrective repairs to all plant mechanical equipment and other company assets in line with recognized mechanical practices in his new role,. Tarek is also responsible for troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing mechanical faults on diesel generating units and plant auxiliary equipment utilizing appropriate technology. He will occasionally assist as the maintenance team leader.
Tarek joined FortisTCI in 2011 and is certified with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) as a level 4 Power Generation Mechanic.
Speaking about the company's recent promotions, FortisTCI President & CEO Ruth Forbes said, "Talent management and professional development are critical areas of focus at FortisTCI. We know that providing high-quality electricity service for our stakeholders requires having the right skills in the right areas at all times. This includes ensuring that employees have access to learning and growth opportunities throughout their careers which can afford them upward and lateral advancements."
Mrs. Forbes continued, "On behalf of the FortisTCI team, I congratulate Shatel, Richard, TeAndra, and Tarek on their recent promotions. It remains an exciting time for those working in the energy sector, and I know each of them has much to contribute in their respective new roles to our energy transformation. I wish them every success in this new phase of their careers."
Dominica launches new electronic passport
Dominica yesterday launched its electronic passport (e-passport) that it says will significantly reduce identify theft and will be an integral component of its border management systems.
National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore told the ceremony that Dominicans have until July 2023 to acquire the new passport.
“Let me assure you that the rolling out of the new e-passport should not lead to concerns and confusion. There will be a two-year period for the phasing out of the current machine-readable passport, and this is being done to ensure that everyone can reasonably apply for the new passport,” he said.
Blackmoore said the authorities are aware that some passport holders have recently renewed their travel document “and it is this consideration, as well as ensuring that there is a smooth transition, that's why we are giving a phased out period to apply for the new passport”.
Tourism Minister Denise Charles, who deputed for Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit at the launch, said Dominica has joined other countries worldwide that have “taken the bold step” in providing the new travel document.
“E-passports will add a new layer of security to traditional non-electronic passports by embedding an electronic chip in the passport booklet that stores biographical information such as facial features as well as a digital security feature.
“Therefore, our electronic passports should make the immigration checkpoint process must faster and would allow immigration officers to quickly authenticate of travels, first providing protection against identity theft and fraud,' she said.
Source-CMC
Key moments from the Olympic Games: Day 3
American swimmer Caeleb Dressel led the men's team to a gold medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay on Monday, marking Team USA's second gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Katie Ledecky on the U.S. women's swimming team was bested in the 400-meter freestyle by Australia's Ariarne Titmus. Ledecky's silver increased U.S. swimming's current medal total at the Tokyo Olympics to 8.
The U.S. softball team defeated Japan 3-1 to keep their perfect 5-0 record, finishing the group stage. The two teams will face off again in the final on Tuesday.
Naomi Osaka is hoping to bring home the gold in women’s singles for host country Japan and is on her way after defeating Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-2. Novak Djokovic is also closer to something remarkable after defeating Jan-Lennard Struff: a Golden Slam. A Golden Slam is achieved by winning all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold in the same year, a feat only accomplished by Steffi Graf in 1988.
There were 16 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 among people at the Tokyo Olympics on Monday, including three athletes and one personnel member staying at the Olympic Village. The total now stands at 153, according to data released by the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee.
Source-ABC