No charges for deputies in Andrew Brown Jr. shooting, district attorney says
No charges will be filed against North Carolina sheriff's deputies who shot and killed Andrew Brown Jr., a 42-year-old Black man.
Brown's family maintains that he was "executed" by authorities as he sat in his car. Brown was a father of seven.
Elizabeth City, North Carolina, District Attorney Andrew Womble said the three deputies who discharged their weapons at Brown were justified in using deadly force against him.
Womble said Brown drove his vehicle toward the authorities and allegedly made contact with one deputy twice before officers opened fire.
The decision based on the results of an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, said Womble.
"Mr. Brown's death, while tragic, was justified, because Mr. Brown's actions caused three deputies with the Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office to reasonably believe it was necessary to use deadly force to protect themselves and others," Womble said Tuesday, saying Brown allegedly used his car as a deadly weapon.
The body cam footage from four of the investigators have since been released by the district attorney.
Womble adds deputies fired 14 shots at Brown and, according to an autopsy, Brown was struck twice, once in the head and the other in the shoulder. This contests what Brown's family has claimed in their independent autopsy, saying Brown was shot five times.
Brown's family, speaking through their attorneys, reacted to the news and accused the announcement as an "attempt to whitewash this unjustified killing. The family has since requested immediate intervention by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The then 42-year-old Brown was killed when deputies attempted to serve the warrants at his home in Elizabeth City on April 21. Details of what led to the shooting have not been released by authorities. Deputies were serving warrants related to felony drug charges when the shooting occurred, the sheriff's office said.
Source-ABC
Drake attends epic meet-up with LeBron James, Michael B. Jordan and Damson Idris
It looks like the G.O.A.T. Drake attended a party with a few of his G.O.A.T. friends.
On Tuesday, the Certified Lover Boy shared a series of photos of himself enjoying libations and laughs with a few celebrity friends, including LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, actor Michael B. Jordan, and Snowfall star Damson Idris. Also spotted in the photos is R&B singer Giveon, who sang vocals on Drizzy's "Chicago Freestyle."
"Having our way," wrote Drake in the simple caption on Instagram, followed by Jordan in the comments, who wrote, "Facts."
Drake, LeBron, Jordan and Idris posted in another set of Instagram photos from their meet-up, where they celebrated LeBron's investment in the new Lobos 1707 Tequila.
"Congrats to my brothers nothing like some Lobos to start your Monday off right," Drake wrote in the caption.
Hopefully, those drinks won't affect LeBron's skills in tonight's NBA play-in game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. The two teams will square off for the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Source- ABC
Work Progresses on TCI Public Service Pension and Gratuity Program
Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands the Honourable Charles Washington Misick and Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams recently met to progress work on the Reinstatement of a Turks and Caicos Public Service Pension and Gratuity Program.
The meeting was also attended by the former Director of the Deputy Governor’s Office, now Permanent Secretary of National Security Mr. Tito Lightbourne, along with the Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mrs. Athenee Basden, Budget Director, Ms. Nordia Campbell, Accountant General, Hemant Sinanan and lead consultant on the program Mr. Derek Osborne of Morneau Shepell Consultancy who all attended virtually.
The Turks and Caicos Pension and Gratuity Program was discontinued in 2012 due to financial hardship at the time.
Previously, the TCI provided a public service pension to all employees that joined the public service prior to 1992. This pension program also allowed for 25% of a person’s pension to be converted to a lump sum gratuity payment.
Persons that joined the service post 1992 (the introduction of the National Insurance Scheme) were not entitled to a TCIG Pension, but upon leaving the civil service were paid a gratuity for their years of service. Under the current arrangements, persons that joined the service pre 1992 are still entitled to receive a TCIG Pension, but no gratuity. Whereas, persons that joined the service post 1992 are not entitled to a public service gratuity or a pension.
In 2019/2020 a consultancy was funded to review and provide options on the reinstatement of a TCIG Pension/Gratuity Program. The report was presented to the Civil Service Association and Cabinet for consideration.
Commenting on his government’s commitment to this program, Premier Misick said: “My Finance team and I were grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Deputy Governor and consultant Mr. Derek Osborne to review and discuss the contents of the consultancy previously carried out on the reinstatement of a TCIG Pension and Gratuity Program.
I was pleased with the options provided that would seek to provide a sustainable long term retirement plan for not only public servants, but also persons that serve in statutory bodies and other capacities.
As my Government prior to coming to office, committed to swiftly progressing the work and necessary funding to deliver on this important initiative, I am pleased to advise that $2 million in seed funding has already been approved in the new FSPS for this initiative, which will subsequently be included in the upcoming budget.
I look forward to Cabinet’s consideration of this proposal and to working to bring this program to fruition.”
Deputy Governor, Anya Williams in commenting said: “On behalf of the public service of the Turks and Caicos Islands my office is pleased to progress the work on the reinstatement of a Public Service Pension and Gratuity Program.
The discontinuation of a pension/gratuity program for civil servants post 1992 has caused significant concerns as persons that remain in the service are not only not entitled to the same benefits as some of their previous and current colleagues, but even pre 1992 employees that remain in service have expressed difficulty in being able to transition into retirement at the age of 60 as there is no longer the option to receive a lump sum gratuity payment to assist as was previously the case.
Our public servants carry out very important roles on behalf of the government and people of these islands and deserve to be adequately compensated for the roles that they do.
As it stands, the Turks and Caicos Government is the only territory that does not offer a pension or gratuity program for its staff which needs to be addressed.
As we work to progress the work on this initiative, following formal approval by the Cabinet we will undertake necessary consultations with the civil service on the design of the program so that we can progress the necessary legislation and funding request to the House of Assembly to facilitate the implementation of this vital program.”
Trinidad looking to benefit from US vaccine pledge
The Trinidad and Tobago government Tuesday said it is moving to ensure that the country benefits from the decision of the United States to share an additional 20 million doses of coronavirus (COVID-19) virus within the world in the coming six weeks.
Foreign And Caricom Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne, responding to an opposition question in the Senate on the issue, told legislators that he has also met with the Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy here, Shante Moore, to discuss the matter soon after President Joe Biden had announced the new initiative.
Biden said Monday that the doses will come from existing production of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine stocks, marking the first time that US-controlled doses of vaccines authorized for use in the country will be shared overseas. It will boost the global vaccine sharing commitment from the US to 80 million.
“We know America will never be fully safe until the pandemic that's raging globally is under control,” Biden said at the White House.
The announcement comes on top of the Biden's administration's prior commitment to share about 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is not yet authorized for use in the US, by the end of June. The AstraZeneca doses will be available to ship once they clear a safety review by the Food and Drug Administration.
“Very targeted advocacy continues,” Browne told the Senate, saying Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who is also the chairman of the 15-member regional integration grouping, Caricom, has been leading “the advocacy with contacts such as Maxine Waters, high level influential figure in the US administration”.
He said discussions were also taking place with the Atlantic Council, a high level think tank.
Source-CMC
The Youth Department presents ‘It Takes a Village' Series
The Department of Youth Affairs is proud to present the continuation of its “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” Webinar Series from May 12th – 26th, 2021. This webinar is a four (4) part series, designed to highlight the persons and the roles dedicated to the development of Youth. Each portion will be dissected to help the Youth and the Community alike gain a better understanding of who and what is working in their best interest and to ensure the proper decision and avenues are in place for their access, use, future and success.
This series will also allow for the panelists (village) to publicize/expose the measures and programmes that may be in place but are not well known. Measures that may assist Youth and Families in the different challenges they may be facing. It will allow Panelists to discuss the importance of their roles in Youth Development and also allow room to discuss common issues that they face with Youth and further initiatives that are being developed to aid in the development of Youth.
It is imperative that all roles in Youth Development take up its rightful place and ensure their part is being done. The Youth are the future, and if we fail to prepare them and equip them with the necessary advice and tools for success, then the livelihood of the people and the country is at stake. These webinars will allow them to gain the information needed to guide them on their journey.
The dissection of these webinars will transpire as follows with representatives for each sector:
Week 2- May 12th 2021
The Role of the Community
- Community ‘Then’ vs ‘Now’
- Police
- Rights of the Child
- Cadets
Week 3- May 19th 2021
The Role of the Government
- Education
- Youth
- Culture
- Social
- Sports
Week 4- May 26th 2021
The Role of the Family
- Role of the Father
- Role of the Mother
- Role of the Child/Children
- Role of the Grandparents
Contact Person:Ms. Jasmine Malcolm,Youth Officer, Providenciales, Cell: 649-232-3209/ Email: jmalcolm@gov.tc
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT MONDAY 17TH MAY 2021
A WEAKENING FRONTAL BOUNDARY ACROSS THE AREA WILL CONTINUE TO GENERATE INCREASED SHOWER ACTIVITY ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS WHICH INCLUDES THE TCI. MEANWHILE, BUILDING HIGH PRESSURE WILL SUPPORT FRESH BREEZES IN ITS WAKE THROUGH TONIGHT.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS SHOULD REMAIN VIGILANT DUE TO THE THREAT OF POSSIBLE WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY IN THE VICINITY OF THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY. BEACHGOERS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ALONG NORTHERN AND EASTERN SHORELINES.
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDY, WARM, AND BREEZY WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS IN THE VICINITY OF THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY THROUGH TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: A SMALL CRAFT CAUTION IS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS. EXPECT GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS BUT GUSTY AT TIMES IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS, DECREASING 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS, SUBSIDING 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS.
HIGH TEMPERATURE TODAY: 88°F 31°C
LOW TEMPERATURE TONIGHT: 72°F 22°C
SUNSET: 7:46 PM
SUNRISE: 6:24 AM TUE
MOONSET: 12:57 AM TUE
MOONRISE: 11:55 AM TUE
HIGH TIDE: 12:23 PM & 12:48 AM TUE
LOW TIDE: 6:20 PM & 7:25 AM TUE
WEATHER OUTLOOK: THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY IS EXPECTED TO DISSIPATE, AS HIGH PRESSURE CONTINUES TO BUILD ACROSS THE AREA ON TUESDAY.
DECR to Commemorate International Day of Biological Diversity
The Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) is excited to commemorate International Day of Biological Diversity, hosted annually on 22 May, by participating in the United Nations Environmental Program's 'Restoration Begins with Me' Campaign. And you can too!
The campaign 'Restoration Begins with Me' invites you to submit a photograph or a short video of an activity that shows how you value plants, trees or forests, and what they mean to you.
The United Nations (UN) has declared 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, in a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems around the world. Led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UN Decade is building a strong, broad-based global movement to ramp up restoration and put the world on track for a sustainable future.
People across the Wider Caribbean are invited to submit a photograph with a short description, or a short video, of an activity such as tree planting or caring, or anything associated with such an activity that shows how they value plants, trees, forests, mangroves and what they mean to them. Accompanying descriptions should be no longer than 200 words and can be made in English, Spanish or French.
The campaign, launched on the International Day of Forests (IDF) under the theme "Restoration Begins With Me", will culminate on World Environment Day (WED), when the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration will be formally launched.
The objectives of the campaign are to:
· Raise awareness of the value of ecosystem restoration, the value of trees and forests, their contributions to ecosystem health and human wellbeing;
· Introduce the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, sources of information, its significance and tips on how individuals can take action to join this global conservation effort;
· Stimulate engagement and discussion on social media related to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity;
· Increase knowledge of the work of the UN.
Photos and videos should be submitted to restoration-begins-with-me@cep.unep.org by 17th May 2021. Qualifying videos will be featured in our special World Environment Day launch video, and in a regional environmental forum.
The participation guidelines are available on the Secretariat's website: www.unep.org
We invite you to share widely with persons in your country who may be interested in participating. Please see attached graphics in English and Spanish for dissemination; the French versions will be shared shortly.
The International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is a United Nations–sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity issues, and falls within the scope of the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals. In this larger initiative of international cooperation, the topic of biodiversity concerns stakeholders in sustainable agriculture; desertification, land degradation and drought; water and sanitation; health and sustainable development; energy; science, technology and innovation, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building; urban resilience and adaptation; sustainable transport; climate change and disaster risk reduction; oceans and seas; forests; vulnerable groups including indigenous peoples; and food security. The critical role of biodiversity in sustainable development was recognized in a Rio+20 outcome document, "The World We Want: A Future for All".
Join this rallying call and participate in the conversation on ecosystem restoration.
West Indies Women players & staff receive first jab
West Indies Women and support staff have received the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine through a partnership between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Antigua's Ministry of Health, Wellness & The Environment.
Eighteen players and members of the management group were inoculated this week following the start of the month-long, high- performance camp here nearly two weeks ago.
Several other players and support staff had been already vaccinated in their home territories prior to their arrival here.
“CWI is committed to assist[ing] the vaccination drive across the region by raising awareness and helping to educate communities, as this will help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus in the West Indies,” said CWI's Chief Medical Officer Dr Israel Dowlat.
“We continue to invest in the health and well-being of our cricketers and staff and are extremely grateful to the Ministry of Health in Antigua and Barbuda for assisting in getting everyone at the camp vaccinated.”
CWI, which is based here in the country's capital, said it was “supporting the Government's efforts to raise awareness of the importance of receiving the vaccine to protect everyone from the COVID-19 virus”.
Overall, the training camp features 30 players and a 12-member management group, and is geared toward preparing for the World Cup qualifiers at year-end in Sri Lanka.
Source-CMC
Israeli Airstrikes Pummel Gaza as Violence Enters 2nd Week
Israel pummeled Gaza City with airstrikes early Monday as violence in the region entered its second week.
The Israeli military said targets included tunnels used by Hamas and homes belonging to several commanders of the militant group that rules Gaza.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The attack followed comments Sunday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he was not planning any “immediate” end to deadly airstrikes on Gaza.
He spoke the same day that Israeli jet fighters flattened three buildings and killed at least 42 people, the deadliest single attack in the latest round of violence between Israel and Hamas.
On Sunday morning, Hamas launched rockets from civilian areas in Gaza toward Israeli civilian areas. One hit a synagogue in Ashkelon, a southern city, hours before evening services for Jewish holiday of Shavuot. No injuries were reported.
Since the fighting began on May 10, at least 197 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 58 children and 34 women, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. At least 10 Israelis have been killed in the rocket attacks, including a six-year-old.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had phone calls with his counterparts in Egypt, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and France Sunday to discuss “the urgent work to halt the conflict gripping in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza.”
With Egypt's Sameh Shoukry, Blinken "reiterated his call on all parties to de-escalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence, which has claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children," the State Department said in a statement.
Blinken and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud discussed "the ongoing efforts to calm tensions in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza and bring the current violence to an end."
In a televised address flanked by his defense minister and political rival, Benny Gantz, in a show of unity, Netanyahu told the Jewish state Sunday that the attacks were continuing at “full force” and will “take time.”
“I hope it won’t take long,” Netanyahu told CBS’s “Face the Nation” show in the United States. But he said the end of the attacks was “not immediate” despite international efforts to broker a cease-fire in the weeklong exchange of missile fire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli airstrikes targeted a major downtown street of residential buildings and store fronts over a five-minute period early Sunday, flattening two adjacent buildings and another about 50 meters away.
Israel also bombed the house of Yehya Al-Sinwar, the top Hamas leader in Gaza. It was not immediately clear if Sinwar was home. An Associated Press report said he was “likely in hiding along with the rest of the group’s upper echelon.”
Source-VOA
Cayman Islands removes PCR tests for vaccinated travellers
The Cayman Government has removed the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing requirement for returning travellers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination course with the Health Services Authority (HSA).
The announcement, which also maintained a ban on carnival parades, was made through a statement Friday evening outlining amendments to existing COVID-19 regulations.
“Amendment to Regulation 4 removed the requirement for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing prior to boarding a plane to the Cayman Islands. This applies only if the traveller has completed a full course of vaccination by the HSA against the COVID-19 disease at least two weeks before boarding,” the statement said.
The quarantine protocols remain unchanged. Those fully vaccinated returning to the Cayman Islands are required to isolate for 10 days.
However, unvaccinated travellers are mandated to quarantine for 14 days and PCR tests 72 hours prior to arrival will still be required for everyone else.
The changes were gazetted Friday and took effect immediately.
The newly amended Control of COVID-19 (No 2) Regulations, 2021 will continue through July 15 .
The Government also issued an exemption for shelters from the 500-person gathering limit when the premises are being used for an emergency.
“Amendments to Regulations 2 and 3 permit emergency shelters to have over 500 persons indoors only in circumstances where the premises are being used as an emergency shelter in the event of a threat of a disaster or the aftermath of a disaster,” the statement said.
This change comes weeks ahead of the formal start of the 2021 hurricane season on June 1.
Changes were also made to the prohibitions around carnival-related social events.
These events now have the green light to resume in earnest; however, Government has maintained the prohibition for parades, including carnival parades.
Source-CMC