DDME Receives Mobile Antenna Towers For Improved Emergency Communication And Hurricane Preparedness
On Monday 19th of July the Department of Disaster Management and Emergency Services held a ceremony to commemorate the official hand over and commissioning of the DDME’s mobile antenna towers.
There are three mobile antenna towers currently in the Turks and Caicos these will be stationed in Providenciales, Grand Turk and South Caicos with the expectation of more to supply Salt Cay, North and Middle Caicos. A representative of alumni towers, a Florida based company who provided the satellites, noted that the company has been able to build systems that are specifically designed to with stand hurricane conditions. He said they are elated to provide the TCI with equipment that will strengthen the response efforts and communication after a disaster.
The Emergency Communications Manager, Mark Wilkinson, went into detail about the work that went into designing and creating the mobile antenna towers which are meant to provide more efficient communication and its notably long operation time of up to a week without electricity.
Wilkinson added that the mobile antenna towers were built to last much longer that towers that were previously built in the islands. Mentioning that it was important that the systems were able to withstand a hurricane seeing that previous systems were easily destroyed by Ike and Hanna in 2008. The mobility of the systems were also a benefit that the Emergency Communications Manager boasted about stating that transporting the system will be a two person job and takes 30 minutes to an hour to be installed. He also spoke about the regional benefits that would come with the establishment of these systems.
The Acting Governor, H.E. Anya Williams, gave opening remarks where she reminisced on the events of the 2008 hurricane season saying that while she is hopeful that the TCI will experience a less active hurricane season it is comforting and reassuring to have the equipment on hand to handle it, and to never have a repeat of what transpired when connection was lost between Grand Turk & Providenciales.
Minister with responsibility for Disaster Management, Honorable Arlington Musgrove, took a different approach, noting the many missed calls that the TCI has faced in this season but also the many other natural disaster including earthquakes or tsunamis that the islands are vulnerable to. Noting that this is an investment in disaster preparedness and the first step towards a more prepared and capable TCI.
Others in attendance to witness the unveiling were Permanent Secretaries & Deputy Permanent Secretaries along with Acting Director for DDME, Mike Clerveaux who also brought brief remarks.
Milwaukee Bucks beat Phoenix Suns to win first title for 50 years
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 50 points as the Milwaukee Bucks claimed their first NBA title for 50 years with a 105-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
The Bucks' 4-2 series win was sealed in front of a 17,000 crowd as 65,000 celebrated outside the Fiserv Forum.
They are only the fifth team to win the best-of-seven finals series after losing their first two matches.
"I'm happy I was able to do it with this team for Milwaukee," said Antetokounmpo.
The Suns were seeking a first NBA crown in their 53-year history, having also lost NBA Finals series in 1976 and 1993.
However, they were unable to contain Antetokounmpo, who became only the seventh player to register 50 points in a Finals game.
It was also the third game in the series in which the 26-year-old has managed at least 40 points and 10 rebounds.
Antetokounmpo matches the feat of Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon by collecting a regular season MVP, NBA Finals MVP and NBA defensive player of the year awards.
"I want to thank Milwaukee for believing in me. I want to thank my team-mates for playing hard with me," Antetokounmpo said.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer described the Greek forward as "a special human being".
"I've learned so much from him. He's a special leader," he said.
"These players are champions every day. They've embraced getting better every day."
Budenholzer was only four years old when NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson led the Bucks to their only previous NBA tile in 1971, when some of the current players' parents had not been born.
Unlike the 2020 NBA Finals which were played without fans, the Bucks' win kicked off a wild party inside the arena and on the streets of Milwaukee.
More than 10% of the city's population, crowded together in the Deer District outside Fiserv Forum, with some fans waiting in line for five hours before the game to ensure they would have seats.
Source-BBC
Chip Shortage Is Now Affecting New Car Sales
The semiconductor chip shortage that's affecting new vehicle supply and causing used car prices to climb is officially, concretely affecting new car sales. It's not a surprise and dealers and shoppers all knew this was coming, but now we have the data to prove it.
Numbers collected by Black Book, Hearst's data and analytics arm, show that new-car sales for June were down about 14 percent compared to 2019 (2020 is not a good marker to look at for comparison to what's "normal," since that was during the pandemic). This was the first month where the shortage affected actual sales. As you can see in the chart above, which shows the average number of new listings using a two-week moving average, the number of new vehicles available in the marketplace has dropped substantially.
Starting from a base of around 3.4 million units in May 2020, the number of new-vehicle retail listings dropped off to around 2.5 million by last July. But then it stopped declining, hovering between around 2.2 and 2.7 million for about nine months. Things started to decline in May and have only just continued to fall. For mid-July 2021, the number of new retail listings is around 1.2 million.
"We saw a substantial drop in available new inventory starting early in the spring due to chip shortage," said Alex Yurchenko, senior vice president of data science and analytics at Black Book. "The inventory was dropping fast throughout the spring [as] dealers were selling everything they got with very low incentives and high speed."
Looking forward, the second half of 2021 is likely to be another wild roller coaster for people looking to buy and sell cars.
"We expect the sales to remain below 2019 (and 2020) levels at least in Q3 with some rebound later this year," Yurchenko said. "The timing is still a big unknown. Even talking to OEMs does not help. Once the production numbers are restored, we expect the incentives to go up as many OEMs will fight to regain market share."
Around 17 million cars were sold in the U.S. in 2019, the fifth year in a row the industry moved that much metal. Yurchenko said Black Book's current projections for 2021 sales remain at 16 million, with sales numbers dropping in the third quarter, and possibly also the fourth, due to the shortage.
Source- Car and Driver
Biden tries to clarify comment that Facebook is 'killing people'
Days after Facebook publicly rejected President Joe Biden's message to the platform that it's "killing people" by allowing the spread of vaccine misinformation, even as COVID-19 infections rise and vaccinations fall around the U.S., he tried to clean up his comment about the social media giant Monday, saying he hopes Facebook doesn't take it "personally."
"It was pointed out that Facebook, of all the misinformation, 60% of the misinformation came from 12 individuals. That's what the article said," the president said, in reference to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's warning last week of the threat misinformation poses to public health.
"My hope is that Facebook -- instead of taking it personally -- that somehow I'm saying Facebook is killing people, that they would do something about the misinformation -- the outrageous misinformation -- about the vaccine. That's what I meant," President Biden clarified.
When pressed if he felt the social media company was doing enough to combat the misinformation, the president said he was unsure, because he wasn't sure what action they had taken over the weekend.
The controversial comment came on Friday, one day after the surgeon general put out a new advisory arguing that misinformation, particularly on social media websites like Facebook, has hindered vaccination efforts and prolonged the pandemic -- putting more lives at risk
SCOTIABANK & AMERICAN EXPRESS ANNOUNCE AN EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT TO GIVE GREATER VALUE TO CARIBBEAN CUSTOMERS
American Express and Scotiabank today announced the expansion of their global relationship with an exclusive agreement for Scotiabank to issue American Express® Cards in various countries in the Caribbean. The focus will be to exceed the expectations of top tier card customers in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Scotiabank will first launch the metal version of The Platinum Card®, aimed at Cardmembers who seek to live their lives to the fullest and get access to unique opportunities, all backed by two strong international brands. The Platinum Card® will be initially issued by invitation only to existing Scotiabank customers.
Scotiabank American Express® Cards will be accepted by the Global American Express Merchants Network and customers will have access to travel, lifestyle, and protection benefits.
The wide range of specially curated benefits and services of the new Card include:
· Access to VIP airport lounges worldwide with the Global Lounge Collection Program, including Centurion Lounge®, International American Express Lounges, Delta Sky Club and Priority Pass™.
· Dinning Program with a wide range of selected restaurants both local and global, offering discounts and other perks.
· Premium benefits and competitive rates at over 1,100 exclusive properties worldwide through the Fine Hotels and Resorts Program, such us Half Moon, The Cove at Atlantis, The Loren at Pink Beach, Amanyara or The Ocean Club.
· Platinum Concierge 24/7 travel and lifestyle services to help Cardmembers unlock more of their Card benefits.
Additionally, Platinum Cardmembers can earn rewards and accumulate points on all their day to day purchases, which can be used to redeem flights, hotels, car rental and excursions through the Membership Rewards® program.
Scotiabank also announced its Installment Plans, which allow eligible purchases to be paid off over time at competitive interest rates.
"At American Express we are focused on growing our Network Participants' businesses, using our experience to create tailored products and services," said Mario Luna, Commercial Director of Partnerships with Banks of American Express for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. "This agreement with Scotiabank will provide clients with access to our Global Network of Merchants along with a world of special experiences, exclusive benefits and extraordinary services, with the security and support that characterize us.”
Commenting on the upcoming launch, Anya Schnoor, Executive Vice President for Scotiabank in the Caribbean, Central America and Uruguay said “We are excited to join forces with American Express to deliver exclusive new products to our customers.” And added, “Combining the experiences of two successful companies with rich histories and collective brand power will make for a meaningful collaboration that will enhance our product suite and allow us to offer a strong value proposition to our customers”.
Managing Director (Acting) and Commercial Banking Manager for Scotiabank Turks & Caicos, Andy Dickson said. “We are very pleased to be backed by American Express on this initiative. We know our customers will appreciate the new, exclusive benefits that our new Amex card offers.
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT TUESDAY 20TH JULY 2021
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH PRESSURE WILL REMAIN THE DOMINANT WEATHER FEATURE ACROSS THE COUNTRY TODAY.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY WHILE BEACHGOERS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS AT EAST AND SOUTH COAST BEACHES IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS. RESIDENTS ARE STILL BEING URGED TO REMAIN HYDRATED AND LIMIT OUTDOOR ACTIVITY DUE TO HIGH HEAT INDICES.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, HOT AND A BIT BREEZY ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS MAINLY IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS TODAY. MOSTLY FAIR AND WARM WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW PASSING SHOWERS OR AN ISOLATED THUNDERSTORM TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS. SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS SHOULD ALSO BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 7 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 108°F 42°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 75°F 24°C
SUNRISE: 6:32 AM SUNSET: 7:58 PM
MOONSET: 4:52 PM MOONRISE: 3:44 AM WED.
LOW TIDE: 10:55 AM & 11:59 PM
HIGH TIDE: 5:28 PM & 5:44 AM WED.
EXTENDED FORECAST: (FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS) THE COMBINATION OF A PLUME OF SAHARAN DUST COUPLED WITH SURFACE RIDGING WILL PRODUCE MOSTLY STABLE CONDITIONS ACROSS THE AREA THROUGHOUT MOST OF THE WEEK.
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, HOT AND HAZY WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY ACROSS THE EXTREME NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND A BIT BREEZY IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEASTERN ISLANDS.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
Montserrat marks 26th anniversary of Soufrière Hills volcano explosion
Montserrat is marking the 26th anniversary of the explosion of the Soufrière Hills Volcano with Premier Easton Taylor-Farrell acknowledging that it “has changed our lives forever”.
After a long period of dormancy, the Soufrière Hills volcano became active in 1995, killing at least 19 people and has continued to erupt ever since. Its eruptions have rendered more than half of the British Overseas Territory uninhabitable, destroying the capital city, Plymouth.
At least two-thirds of the population have left the island.
Premier Taylor-Farrell said Montserrat cannot forget 26 years ago when the Soufrière Hills volcano rumbled and said that ever since, “the devastation, the migration of our people and the general feeling of hopelessness that many of us experienced have shaped us into a resilient people”.
He said the population is determined to see our “beloved Montserrat develop and advance economically and socially” praising God for “ his mercies, his guidance and for giving us the will to hold on and to rebuild.
“And, indeed, we are making every effort to rebuild and chart Montserrat's sustainable development. The evidence of this progress is all around us, and I will quickly highlight some recent milestones.”
The premier said that the volcanic crisis has resulted in access issues for Montserrat, as pyroclastic flows destroyed the WH Bramble Airport in the east and crippled port operations in Plymouth.
“But, significant improvements to our access infrastructure will soon be realised as Government intends to award a design and build contract for the Montserrat Port Development Project later this year.”
He said that the design for a new hospital will soon be announced and that “I am also keen to progress new investments and partnerships on the back of these critical infrastructure, so that we may maximise the benefits from our projects, and lay a path for greater sustainability for our island.
He added that the 26th anniversary of the eruption of the volcano “is also a good opportunity to share our past memories, stories, and pictures of this aspect of Montserrat's history with the younger ones around us, and the new generation of Montserratians so that, they too, can understand and appreciate our history, our resilience and determination and our will to see Montserrat thrive”.
Source-CMC
DOJ charges 4 Chinese nationals with state-backed worldwide hacking campaign
The Justice Department on Monday Monday announced the unsealing of an indictment charging four Chinese nationals with a years-long effort to hack into computer systems of dozens of companies, universities and governments in the U.S. and at least 11 other countries.
The two-count indictment, returned by a grand jury in May but unsealed just last Friday, names four residents of China in connection to the scheme -- three of whom are identified as officers with the Hainan State Security Department, an arm of China’s intelligence service.
Ding Xaioyang, Cheng Qingmin, Zhu Yunmin, and Wu Shurong had one goal, according to court documents: install malware on protected computers and steal the data on the computers.
Prosecutors allege that the scheme went on from July 2009 to September 2018. The Justice Department alleges that the hackers targeted infectious-disease research related to Ebola, MERS, HIV/AIDS, Marburg and tularemia.
The indictment comes on the heels of the Biden administration, several allies and partners and NATO are joining forces to "expose and criticize" China for a "pattern of malicious cyber activities," announcing on Monday that the PRC is profiting off some of the cyberattacks they’ve supported, and officially saying they were behind the Microsoft Exchange server breach in March, according to senior administration officials.
Source-ABC
Biden pushes back on inflation fears ahead of infrastructure plan vote
With financial markets down sharply Monday over whether the new delta variant would endanger the recovery, President Joe Biden on Monday pushed back on inflation fears also giving investors jitters, insisting that his policies will create a strong economy and that higher prices are only a short-term growing pain.
While pushing his infrastructure policies to lawmakers, he also made the case that inflation is merely temporary, a result of lingering supply chain challenges and an uneven restart after an unprecedented economic upheaval.
"Reality is you can't flip the global economic light back on and not expect this to happen," President Biden said.
President Biden noted that 60 percent of price increases, according to some economists, are due to global supply chain challenges, such as the shortage of semiconductors that has spurred a spike in car prices, and the increase in lumber prices.
Calling price increases temporary, the president worked to assure Americans he won’t let inflation get out of control.
President Biden also noted that he has assured Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell that he is committed to the independence of the Fed, and encourages Powell to take whatever steps necessary to keep the economy strong.
Source-ABC
Dow sinks more than 700 points over virus fears
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 700 points Monday, as renewed fears over the delta coronavirus variant cast a shadow on the economy's post-pandemic recovery.
Anxieties over potential inflation have increased in recent months despite reassurances from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and others that it is likely temporary.
The Dow ended the trading session down 2.09 percent, or 725 points, closing at 33,962. At one point the blue-index chip had plunged more than 850 points.
The S&P 500 slid 1.59 percent to 4,258 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 1.06% to 14,274.
Monday's sell-off puts the Dow on track for its worst day of the year.
Source-ABC