China and US pledge climate change commitment
Australian and NeChina and the US say they are committed to working together and with other countries on tackling climate change.
It comes after several meetings between Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua and his US counterpart John Kerry in Shanghai last week.
They both agreed on further specific actions to reduce emissions, a joint statement on Sunday confirmed.
US President Joe Biden is holding a virtual climate summit this week, which China says it is looking forward to.
However it is not yet known if Chinese President Xi Jinping will join the world leaders who have pledged to attend.
"The United States and China are committed to cooperating with each other and with other countries to tackle the climate crisis, which must be addressed with the seriousness and urgency that it demands," the statement said.
It added that both nations will continue to discuss "concrete actions in the 2020s to reduce emissions aimed at keeping the Paris Agreement-aligned temperature limit within reach".
Both nations also agreed to help developing countries finance a switch to low-carbon energy.
Li Shuo, senior climate adviser for environmental group Greenpeace, described the statement as "positive".
"It sends a very unequivocal message that on this particular issue (China and the United States) will co-operate. Before the meetings in Shanghai this was not a message that we could assume, " Mr Li told Reuters news agency.
Source-BBC
Former Bad Boy rapper Black Rob dies at 52
Former Bad Boy artist Black Rob, who is known for his 2000 hit single “Whoa!”, has passed away. He was 52, according to the New York Times. The exact cause of death is unknown.
The news was reported by former Bad Boy singer and producer Mario Winans as well as by Rob's frequent collaborator Mark Curry on social media.
Winans shared a photo of Rob on Instagram with the caption, "This hit my heart....... we will NEVER forget you brother! RIP BLACK ROB!"
Meanwhile Curry recorded a tearful video on Saturday confirming the news. "I wanna thank everybody for the donations … Rob passed away -- about an hour ago,” he said. “I need for his daughter, Iona Ross, little Robert Ross, y’all get in touch with me, please.”
Black Rob's passing comes less than a week after a video surfaced showing the rapper frail and in the hospital. In the video Rob had offered his condolences to rapper DMX, who had died earlier that day. It was later revealed by Rob that he was currently homeless and battling severe health issues.
"Oh man, I’ve been dealing with this for five years," he said in part. "Four strokes … I don’t know what to tell you man."
Born Robert Ross, Black Rob grew up in Harlem, New York and made his debut as an artist on Bad Boy's 1996 remix to 112’s “Come See Me.” During the '90s, he contributed to numerous Bad Boy remixes and singles, most notably “24 Hrs. to Live” featuring Mase, The LOX and DMX. In 1999, Rob released his debut album on Bad Boy titled Life Story. His hit single “Whoa!,” garnered him his first platinum plaque. From there, he continued as a featured artist on various albums, including “Bad Boy for Life” and G-Dep's “Let’s Get It.”
A GoFundMe page was recently created for him after news of his deteriorating health. Black Rob is survived by his four children.
Source-ABC
Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. Akierra M. D. Missick Visits Twin Islands
Hon. Akierra M.D. Missick, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing Planning & Development along with Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education and Labour, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, MP for the Twin Islands and Minister of Border Control and Hon. Randy Howell MP for Blue Hills, visited North and Middle Caicos to tour Government schools there and welcome students back to face-to-face learning. The schools visited were; Charles Hubert James Primary School, Adelaide Oemler Primary School, Raymond Gardiner High School and Doris Robinson Primary School.
Hon. Missick was also accompanied by team members from the Ministry, including Garvin Thomas (Directors of Public Works), Roger Harvey (Civil Supervisor) Bernadya Smith (Executive Administrator) and by The Public Works colleagues based in the Twin Islands.
Commenting on the visit, Hon. Missick stated; "Visiting our Twin Islands School Campuses was indeed a pleasure, and reminded me of what I loved most about serving as the Minister of Education in the past". While engaging with the students we could see and feel the excitement of the students returning to face to face learning and we are proud that this government was able to provide that in a safe environment"
Hon. Missick confirmed with school administrators that the Ministry of Infrastructure through the Public Works Department is committed to enhancing the Campuses so that the students not only become twenty-first century learners, but have twenty-first century campuses to meet their developmental needs. Consideration will be especially given to developing the sporting facilities on the Twin Islands and renovation of various school blocks, which were not repaired post the 2017 hurricanes.
The space needs for the various Turks & Caicos Islands Government Departments in the Twin Islands at the Paul S. Higgs complex was also assessed. "It is clear that our public servants in the Twin Islands are making do with what they have; but this Administration will not require them to work in conditions that are not comfortable. Hon Musgrove has provided me with space options on the Twin Islands, and our Estates team will commence the required reviews to make the expansion a reality." stated Hon. Missick.
In addition to the various schools, the group also visited the building site of the Promenade & Craft Market in Bottle Creek, North Caicos managed by the Ministry of IHPD, and lastly had an opportunity to sample the delicious lunch options at the Seaview Cafe, Middle Caicos.
Special thanks is extended to the DC's of North & Middle Caicos for being amazing hosts as well.
Sandals and the Caribbean open for business
Sandals Resorts International says it has welcomed nearly 200 influencers, celebrities, and travel media to its resorts across the Caribbean and hosted several major radio remotes, creating close to 300 million global media impressions in what it described as “an aggressive and strategic marketing thrust” to inform the world that Sandals and the Caribbean islands are open for business.
The all-inclusive luxury resort chain has been engaged in this marketing initiative, a key component of its marketing strategy, since it reopened its first resort last June after forced closures caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“So far in 2021, Sandals South Coast has hosted two radio remotes reaching approximately five million listeners and resulting in over 50 million impressions,” Sandals stated in a news release.
Radio remotes see international radio stations broadcasting live from Sandals and Beaches Resorts to their listeners back home. This element of the company's strategy began as early as September 2020 at Sandals Grande St Lucian with broadcast reaching 19 key markets in the United States.
“On the heels of these successful radio remotes, Beaches Turks and Caicos is set to host its own radio remote in May with additional remotes tentatively slated for Barbados, Grenada, and The Bahamas,” Sandals stated.
The resort group said that in addition to US radio stations, it intends to invite stations from the United Kingdom to Grenada and/or Barbados later in the year.
“Our company has always been an innovator in marketing and promotions. We're one of the most well-known hospitality brands across the world and that's due to our well-oiled marketing machinery,” the release quotes Sandals' Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.
Source-Observer
Raúl Castro steps down as Cuban Communist Party leader
Raúl Castro says he is resigning as Cuban Communist Party leader, ending his family's six decades in power.
Mr Castro, 89, told a party congress that he is handing over the leadership to a younger generation "full of passion and anti-imperialist spirit".
His successor will be voted in at the end of the four-day congress.
The move, which was expected, ends the era of formal leadership by him and his brother Fidel Castro, which began with the 1959 revolution.
"I believe fervently in the strength and exemplary nature and comprehension of my compatriots," he told party delegates in Havana on Friday.
"And as long as I live I will be ready with my foot in the stirrups to defend the fatherland, the revolution and socialism."
Although Mr Castro has not endorsed a successor, it is widely believed the party leadership will pass to Miguel Díaz-Canel, who took over as the island's president in 2018.
Raúl Castro has been the party's first secretary since succeeding his older brother, Fidel, in 2011.
Fidel Castro led the communist revolution that toppled the Cuban government in 1959, when Raúl served as one of his commanders.
Fidel Castro led the country until falling ill in 2006 and in 2008 handed over the presidency to his brother. Fidel Castro died in 2016.
Source-BBC
Eight dead in Indianapolis FedEx facility shooting
Eight people were shot and killed and several others injured in a mass shooting Thursday night at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, according to local authorities.
Officers arrived at the scene just after 11 p.m. local time to find an active shooter situation, according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officials, who said the alleged shooter had ultimately “taken his own life.” Multiple victims were transported to various area hospitals, at least four in critical condition and three others with various gunshot injuries. Police said some hospitals also reported multiple walk-ins from the incident.
The identity and possible motive of the alleged shooter have not been released.
An internal briefing from the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency says the shooting location is “the second largest FedEx Express Hub in the world; only the FedEx SuperHub in Memphis, Tennessee surpasses its cargo traffic.”
There is no indication at this point that the shooting is connected to terrorism, two law enforcement officials told ABC News.
TCI Commonwealth Games appoints Rosalie Ingham-Hall as Chef de Mission to lead Team TCI into Commonwealth Games (2022).
The Turks and Caicos Islands Commonwealth Games Association (TCICGA) has appointed Mrs. Rosalie Ingham-Hall as the Chef de Mission to lead Team Turks and Caicos into the Commonwealth Games (2022). The Games will be hosted by the United Kingdom in the city of Birmingham from 28th July to 8th August 2022, where Team Turks and Caicos is expected to participate in three (3) sporting disciplines, namely Aquatics Swimming, Athletics and Road Cycling.
Mrs. Ingham-Hall is not new to the role of Chef de Mission, having served as Chef de Mission for Team TCI at the Commonwealth Games (2014), held in Glasgow and the Centro Caribe Sports formerly Central America and Caribbean Sports Organizations (CACSO)-2018, held in Barranquilla, Colombia. She currently holds the position as General Secretary of the Turks and Caicos Islands Amateur Athletic Association (TCAAA) as well as the General Secretary for the Turks and Caicos Islands Commonwealth Games Association (TCICGA). In addition, she is the former Board Member for the Turks and Caicos Islands, to the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization and a member of Women in Sports TCI. She has travelled on several occasions as Team Manager for the CARIFTA Games, North American Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) under 23 Championships, World Junior Championships and World Championships.
Mrs. Ingham-Hall has an illustrious athletic background spanning five (5) years at the HJ Robinson High School where she had the distinct pleasure of being Champion Girl for four (4) consecutive years. She remained undefeated in the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints. She also held the National female records for the 200m and 400m for a number of years. In 2016 her twenty-three (23) year old record for the 200m was finally broken. She had the honor of representing the Turks and Caicos at various International Events: CARIFTA, Central America and Caribbean Games and Pan-Am Championships. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to attend various Regional and International Training Seminars. Mrs. Ingham-Hall is certified as an IAAF certified level- 3 Track and Field Coach and also IAAF certified Track and Field Technical Official.
Rosalie is much involve in the day to day running the of the TCAAA and also in promoting the athletes of the Turks and Caicos Islands. In her expression of thanks and appreciation to the TCICGA on the occasion of her appointment, Mrs. Ingham-Hall stated, ”..sports have played a very important role in my development - most importantly it helped me to cope with the highs and lows of life and to build character, resilience, respect and patience. It is always a privilege and honor to lead Team Turks and Caicos to any Championships Event or to be away from the spotlight getting things done. My task is an important responsibility which I take on whole-heartedly".
TCICGA President, Mr. Godfrey Been, describes Mrs. Ingham-Hall as an individual who is dedicated to sports and who will go the extra mile to get the task done. He added that, regardless of her quiet demeanor, she is no push over and he has the utmost confidence in her abilities.
All for You: Janet Jackson's blockbuster 2001 album turns 20
April 16 marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Janet Jackson’s blockbuster seventh studio album, All for You. In honor of the milestone, here are five fascinating facts about the album.
5. Janet made All for You after divorcing René Elizondo Jr., whom she’d secretly married in 1991. He's the guy whose hands were covering her breasts on the cover of Rolling Stone in 1993. Despite the split, her producer, Jimmy Jam, said Janet was optimistic about the future, which is why the album was carefree, fun and upbeat.
4. Janet said All for You is “a suite of songs that helped me move from one emotional level to another.” She added, “I feel free, and there’s nothing more wonderful than freedom.” As MTV noted, the album's two themes were "the liberation that comes with ending a bad relationship, and sex."
3. All for You debuted at number one with the biggest opening sales week of Janet’s career, selling more than 605,000 copies. It’s since sold more than seven million worldwide and is one of the best-selling albums of the decade.
2. All for You spun off the number-one title track, and the follow-up hits “Someone to Call My Lover” and “Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think this Song Is About You)." The latter is based around a sample of Carly Simon's 1972 hit "You're So Vain," and Simon added a new spoken-word part to it. A remix added Missy Elliott.
1. The song “All for You,” spent seven weeks at #1, making it Janet's most successful single since 1993's "That's the Way Love Goes." It also made radio airplay history and won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. To date, it's Janet's most recent Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit.
Source-ABC
US pledges to work with new Haitian prime minister
The United States says it is looking forward to working with the new Prime Minister of Haiti, Claude Joseph, who has pledged to continue efforts for the staging of referendums and the organisation of new elections in the French-speaking country.
“The US looks forward to continued cooperation with Prime Minster Claude Joseph, the government of Haiti and all Haitian stakeholders and international partners working to hold free and fair legislative and presidential elections in 2021,” said Julie Chung, acting assistant secretary for US Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Joseph was inaugurated on Wednesday at a Council of Ministers meeting held at the National Palace, and reiterated his desire to continue government actions, according to the wishes of President Jovenel Moïse.
He said he is aware of the challenges ahead of him, but was prepared to mobilise all the necessary resources in order to remedy the problems linked to the insecurity confronting the country.
He said that he is committed to working towards restoring peace and security, as one of priorities of the government, while also renewing his commitment to continue the process that would allow the referendum to be held and the organisation of elections.
Joseph replaces Joseph Joute, who on Wednesday took to social media to announce that he had submitted his resignation to Moise. His resignation came after only year in the job. He was appointed prime minister in March 2020 by presidential decree and without a political agreement with the country's vocal opposition.
His appointment came two months after Moïse began ruling by executive order after the terms of most members of parliament expired.
Source-CMC
Jamaica asks residents tom report vaccine side effects longer than 72 hours
Jamaica's Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging persons to contact their health provider if side effects from the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine persist beyond 72 hours.
Speaking in an interview with JIS News, Director of Family Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Melody Ennis, said that the expected side effects usually last for 24 to 48 hours.
“You might go up to 72 hours, but after that you should be okay. If your symptoms persist beyond that, we are asking for you to contact your health department or doctor and state what is happening to you and we will document,” she said.
Dr Ennis said the side effects, though uncomfortable, are actually a good sign.
“It says that the body is working well and we are developing the antibodies or the germ-fighting tools that we are actually going to be using when the real germ comes in,” she pointed out.
In highlighting the possible side effects, the family health director said that “more than one in 10 persons who get the AstraZeneca vaccine may develop a fever. They may develop joint pains, muscle ache, feel very fatigued, and may develop a headache”.
The one-in-10 statistic also applies to the possibility of individuals having a flu-like illness such as cough, sore throat, runny nose and vomiting. “Then there are some symptoms which are a little rarer. They occur in one in 100 persons. They may have abdominal pain, decreased appetite, they may get a rash, they may also have some vomiting,” Dr Ennis noted.