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
Scottie Pippen predicts the US Olympic men's basketball team will "bring home the gold"
NBA legend Scottie Pippen has a special message for the US Olympic men's basketball team, who is competing for their fourth consecutive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Pippen spoke to ABC Audio about his prediction for this year's roster, which features several first-time Olympians.
The former Chicago Bulls player -- who was a first time Olympian himself when he joined the 1992 Dream Team alongside Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird -- said the team features "the best [players] in the world."
"I think those players have truly shown -- throughout their careers -- that they're some of the top in the game," Pippen remarked before diving into his prediction for how the team will perform in Tokyo.
Saying Team USA "will bond and gel throughout their practices and their preparation [and] training," the basketball great declared, "They will do well and bring home the gold."
Pippen, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, shouted out Kevin Durant. The Brooklyn Nets player is primed to win his third gold medal at this year's Olympics.
"I'm wishing him to bring home the gold for Team USA," Pippen expressed. "I think his leadership will truly be needed in this year's Olympic Games, especially on the basketball stage."
Pippen also reminisced about his time playing in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, noting the pressure athletes face when they compete on the world stage.
"You're representing the country. The amount of people that are behind you and pulling for you, it's an amazing feeling," he recalled. "It's something I will never forget."
The US Olympic men's basketball team tips off against France this Sunday at 8 a.m. ET.
Three lucky people and their friends can watch the Olympics from Pippen's Chicago mansion, which is available on Airbnb for three one-night stays on August 2, 4, and 6.
Source-ABC
Keyshia Cole's mother, Frankie Lons, passes away at age 61
Keyshia Cole's biological mother, Frankie Lons, has passed away at age 61.
According to TMZ, Lons, whose struggle with substance abuse was documented on Cole's various BET reality series, including Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, reportedly overdosed at her Oakland home on Sunday, the same day she was celebrating her 61st birthday.
Cole’s younger sister, Elite, confirmed the news of her mother's death in an IG Story. “Worse pain ever….to see my mama in a body bag on her birthday! My heart so broken.”
As you may recall, Cole had a rocky relationship with her biological mother and father, Virgil Hunter. Although the singer was adopted and raised by family friends, she eventually reunited with her biological family once her career hit the mainstream.
It was just early last year that Cole had praised her mother for deciding to check herself into rehab.
"Maybe that's what'l make THIS Time different," she'd written in a now-deleted post. "This being what YOU WANTED AND NO ONE ELSE...."
As of March of last year, Frankie had reportedly been sober for 60 days.
Cole has not yet commented on her mother's passing.
Source-ABC
Jeff Bezos to blast into space aboard New Shepard rocket
Billionaire Jeff Bezos will blast into space on Tuesday, in the first crewed flight of his rocket ship, New Shepard.
He will be accompanied by Mark Bezos, his brother, Wally Funk, an 82-year-old pioneer of the space race, and an 18-year-old student.
They will travel in a capsule with the biggest windows flown into space, offering stunning views of the Earth.
New Shepard, built by Bezos' company Blue Origin, is designed to serve the burgeoning market for space tourism.
"I'm excited. People keep asking me if I'm nervous. I'm not really nervous, I'm curious. I want to know what we're going to learn," Bezos said in an interview with CBS News.
"We've been training. This vehicle's ready, this crew is ready, this team is amazing. We just feel really good about it."
Though the private spaceflight revolution is often billed as an effort to expand access to space for all, seats aboard one of Virgin Galactic flights will initially set customers back $250,000, while the regular ticket price for New Shepard has not been disclosed.
With a net worth of around $200bn, Bezos is the world's richest man. The 57-year-old recently resigned as chief executive of Amazon, the e-commerce giant he founded, to focus on special company initiatives and his other ventures such as Blue Origin.
Bezos' brother Mark, 53, founded an advertising agency and is now a senior vice president at Robin Hood, a New York-based charity.
The fourth passenger is the son of Joes Daemen, founder of Dutch private equity firm Somerset Capital Partners. Oliver had originally secured a seat on the second flight, but was drafted in to replaced the anonymous winner of a public auction.
This unnamed winner, who paid $28m (£20m) to join Bezos on New Shepard's first crewed flight, had to pull out "due to scheduling conflicts".
Source-BBC
Certain Neutrogena, Aveeno sunscreens recalled due to traces of cancer-causing chemical
Johnson & Johnson has issued a voluntary recall of several sunscreen products after finding they contain trace amounts of a cancer-causing chemical.
The recalled products include five Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreens, according to a statement released Wednesday by the company.
Some samples of the affected products, all spray-on sunscreens, were found to contain low levels of benzene, according to Johnson & Johnson, the parent company.
Johnson & Johnson said it recalled the products out of an "abundance of caution," noting the low levels of benzene found in the samples would not be expected to impact people’s health.
The most severe health complications typically come after long term exposure to benzene, which the CDC defines as exposure of one year or more.
The five sunscreen products impacted by the voluntary recall are:
NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen
NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen
NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen
AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen
Product images and lot information is available on www.Neutrogena.com and www.aveeno.com.
Johnson & Johnson is advising consumers to stop using these products and discard them.