BCA, GCB 'mistake' has increased support for Skerritt, says Bassarath
Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board chief Azim Bassarath believes both the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) had more than enough time to peruse the audited financial statements sent by Cricket West Indies (CWI), leaving them with no excuse not to attend last Sunday's annual general meeting (AGM).
Further, Bassarath believes the decision by both boards to snub the virtual AGM and force its postponement until April 11 was “a mistake” and had resulted in a strengthening of support for incumbent President Ricky Skerritt, and Vice-President Dr Kishore Shallow.
The veteran administration said while CWI had sent out the financials late, the management had given “reasonable excuses” for doing so. And after territorial boards received the e-mail containing the financials just before midday last Friday, Bassarath believes there was sufficient time to have reviewed them.
“The management of the board had submitted a reason, an excuse for not submitting the financials on time,” Bassarath said.
“I think the Barbados Cricket Association did waive the notice as was asked for by the management team and then they withdrew.
“The other territorial boards, with the exception of the Guyana Cricket Board, did not waive so I don't think that should really be any major excuse and reason for not attending the meeting.”
He continued: “How long will you take to really peruse a financial statement? If you take six hours, you got the statement about 48 to 60 hours before the meeting, and if you take six hours to peruse the document, it was enough time.
TCI Weather
A STRONG HIGH PRESSURE CONTINUES TO GENERATE MODERATE TO STRONG BREEZES ACROSS THE BAHAMAS
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACH GOERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE RIP CURRENTS ALONG EASTERLY SHORES
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, WARM, AND BREEZY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY, MILD, AND BREEZY WITH PASSING SHOWERS TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS BECOMES A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS INCREASING 15 TO 25 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BUILDING 5 TO 8 FEET IN THE CENTRAL AND
SOUTHEASTERN ISLANDS
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 86 °F 30 °C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 68 °F 20 °C
SUNSET: 7:24 PM
SUNRISE: 7:02 AM THUR
WEATHER OUTLOOK: THE HIGH PRESSURE WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN ACROSS THE BAHAMAS PRODUCING BREEZY CONDITIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
VW rebrand turns out to be April Fool's joke
German carmaker Volkswagen will not change its name to "Voltswagen" in the US despite earlier saying it would in a press release.
The name change was in fact an April Fool's joke that was leaked to the media several days early by mistake.
It was initially said to mark VW's shift to electric vehicles, and was backed by US boss Scott Keogh.
The carmaker will put out an official press release clearing up the matter on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the carmaker went as far as changing its name on its US website and even launched a new Voltswagen Twitter handle.
It denied speculation it was just a prank, leading to numerous media outlets picking up the story, including BBC News.
Source-BBC
Police bust 'world's biggest' video-game-cheat operation
A collaborative effort between Chinese police and gaming giant Tencent has led to the closure of what police say is the biggest ever video-game-cheat operation.
The gang designed and sold cheats to popular video games, including Overwatch and Call of Duty Mobile.
Roughly $76m (£55m) in revenue was made by the organisation which charged a subscription fee to clients.
Police seized assets worth $46m, including several luxury cars.
The operation was called "Chicken Drumstick", and had a website selling to "hundreds of countries and regions", local media reported.
Subscription prices for users began at around $10 a day, and up to $200 a month.
Kunshan police found and destroyed 17 cheats and arrested 10 people in connection with the ring.
It said it was the "world's biggest" cheating case due to the large sums of money and games involved.
With players able to win millions in gaming tournaments around the world, a crackdown on cheating has intensified in recent years.
In 2019, a survey revealed around a third of gamers admit to using cheats to improve their chances online.
Several high-profile gamers have also quit platforms over the rise of cheating on some games.
Cheating is literally ruining gaming and large companies like Tencent know it.
This latest operation shows how seriously the Chinese company, and other games-makers, are taking the issue.
Source-BBC
US$383 million replenishment for CDB fund to reduce poverty
The Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Board of Directors today endorsed a US$383 million programme for the 10th cycle of the Bank’s Special Development Fund (SDF), the programme devised to reduce poverty and inequality and transform the lives of citizens in its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).
The SDF represents the principal pool of concessional resources available to the Bank to assist BMCs in addressing poverty, sustainable development, governance, capacity development, gender inequalities, environmental sustainability, climate change, disaster risk management, and regional cooperation and integration. Established in 1970, the Fund is a unique partnership among the Bank’s stakeholders with both borrowing and non-borrowing members contributing to its resources.
With support from CDB and other development partners, the BMCs have been making consistent efforts over the past two decades to reduce poverty and inequality. However, pressing development challenges persist and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has undermined some of the socio-economic gains achieved.
“A key concern for the Special Development Fund over this cycle will be the need to respond meaningfully to the challenges of poor and vulnerable groups whose conditions have been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic. The priority will be a focus on developing social resilience by building the capacity of individuals, communities and countries so that they are prepared for shocks, and can cope when they do occur,” CDB President Dr Wm Warren Smith said.
Member countries have pledged to contribute US$188.2 million to the SDF for the period 2020-2024 while the Bank has allocated US$162.8 million from internal resources, such as loan repayments. The remaining gap in the programme funding of US$32 million is expected to be provided by existing and prospective contributors. About two-thirds of the Fund will be used for concessional loans to BMCs with the remainder allocated to grants.
The top five contributors to SDF 10 are: Canada (C$81.4 million / US$59.6 million), United Kingdom (£21 million / US$26.5 million), Germany (€12.4 million / US$13.7 million), Jamaica (US$13 million) and Trinidad and Tobago (US$11.3 million).
“The impact of Covid-19 has put tremendous stress on social protection systems that were already challenged to respond to the needs of the poor and vulnerable. The Bank welcomes the sustained commitment of the Contributors to the Special Development Fund. Through this solid partnership, CDB can continue to lift people out of poverty and support countries in the recovery phase,” Smith said.
To tackle the fall-out of the pandemic and make further development gains, the overarching goal of SDF 10 is to assist BMCs to reduce poverty and inequality, and to transform the lives of BMC citizens consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals. The strategic direction of the Fund is built on three pillars, namely:
· social resilience and leaving no-one behind, which includes social infrastructure, education and training, initiatives geared toward capacity-building, youth development, agriculture, rural development, water, and sanitation;
· economic resilience for inclusive growth, which encourages the expansion of climate-resilient economic infrastructure; private sector development, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and blue economy initiatives, and;
· environmental resilience, which encompasses environmental management, climate adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk management and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Four cross-cutting themes, namely gender equality, good governance, digitalisation, and regional cooperation and integration run through these pillars.
Biden floats mask mandate amid concerns of fourth COVID surge
With health officials and infectious disease experts warning that a possible fourth COVID-19 surge is on the horizon as states start loosening health restrictions and mask mandates, President Joe Biden says he is looking into executive action.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky warned of "impending doom" as the rate of new COVID-19 cases rose by 10 percent. Because of this, she urged the nation to avoid a false sense of security amid an increasing rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.
"We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are, and so much reason for hope. But right now, I'm scared," Walensky said Monday at a press briefing, doubling down on her prediction that the nation will experience an avoidable fourth surge in COVID-19 cases.
The way to avoid a fourth surge, she says, is to keep wearing masks, maintain social distancing and to avoid unnecessary travel until more Americans are fully vaccinated.
President Biden, on the heels of Walensky's speech, called for more action from state governors.
"I'm reiterating my call for every governor, mayor, and local leader to maintain and reinstate the mask mandate – please," he said. "The failure to take this virus seriously -- precisely what got us in this mess in the first place."
Adding that the nation is still in the midst of a "life-and-death race" against the virus, which is now aided by new variants that make the virus more infectious, President Biden called for Americans to stop with the "reckless behavior" -- as seen by the spring breakers in Miami Beach, Florida over the past month.
Says Walensky, normalcy will return once the grand majority of Americans are fully vaccinated -- saying, until then "hold on for a little while longer."
COVID-19 has infected over 30.3 million Americans and has killed nearly 555,000 people in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Source-ABC
Dua Lipa to headline the 2021 Brit Awards
After making a splash at the Grammys earlier this month, Dua Lipa is set to headline the U.K. equivalent: The Brits.
She's one of the first performers to be announced for this year's ceremony, which will take place May 11 at London's O2 arena. The nominations -- in which Dua is expected to feature heavily -- will be announced tomorrow.
The star's history with the Brit Awards includes two performances and three wins. In 2018, she became the first female artist ever to receive five nominations in one year.
In a statement, Dua says, "I am so excited to be returning to perform for you all at The BRITs this year. It's going to be truly special to be back on stage in the U.K."
At the Grammys, the "Levitating" singer won the Best Pop Vocal Album trophy for Future Nostalgia, and also performed a showstopping medley during the telecast.
Source-ABC
T&T was held by Puerto Rico; Montserrat snatch late point
A brilliant second half strike forced Trinidad and Tobago to share the points in a 1-1 draw with minnows Puerto Rico while lowly ranked Montserrat stunned Central American giants El Salvador with a late goal to earn a point in another 1-1 stalemate, in the opening round of Concacaf qualifiers for the 2022 Fifa World Cup on Sunday.
Playing in Group F at the Mayagüez Athletics Stadium, T&T were lucky to escape to the half-time break without conceding after Puerto Rico missed a plethora of chances to get on the scoresheet.
However, things changed quickly in the second half as Joevin Jones put the visitors ahead in the 54th minute from close range.
Canada-born Ryan Telfer swung a left-sided cross into the box where Levi Garcia won a headed challenge for Jones to slot in from six yards.
Garcia came close to doubling his side's advantage soon after when his curling corner hit the far post but Puerto Rico, ranked 76 spots below T&T in the Fifa rankings at 179th, then hit back in the 72nd minute through substitute Ricardo Rivera.
On the field for only 10 minutes, the 23-year-old wrapped his head around Raul Gonzales's pinpoint cross into the box to beat goalkeeper Nicklas Frenderup from close range.
The result left T&T second in the group on four points behind St Kitts and Nevis who have won their opening two matches.
Source-CMC
PAHO encourages countries to maintain COVID-19 safeguards
PAN American Health Organization (PAHO) director Dr Carissa Etienne is urging member countries to maintain coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols and safeguards, even as vaccinations get under way in a number of territories.
Speaking during PAHO's recent COVID-19 digital briefing, Dr Etienne said that maintaining the measures is imperative, particularly against the background of increases in infections and deaths in several countries and especially in light of the upcoming Easter holidays, traditionally marked by heightened activities.
While acknowledging that cases were plateauing and declining in some regional states, Dr Etienne voiced concern that they were spiralling in others.
She described the latter scenario as an “active public health emergency” which indicates that “the COVID-19 virus is not receding, nor is the pandemic starting to go away”.
The director said that while the deployment of vaccines through the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) facility is under way, and all participating countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to receive their first shipments by early April, those allocations are not adequate to protect the vulnerable groups being initially targeted.
“Some countries… have received zero doses of vaccines through COVAX, thus far [while] other countries are getting enough to vaccinate a mere 20 per cent of their populations,” the director pointed out.
As such, Dr Etienne said the region remains “a very long way” from achieving the 70 per cent of countries' populations being targeted for vaccination to control transmissions and attain herd immunity.
“Until we get more than 70 per cent of our populations vaccinated, we must endeavour to continue and practise the smart, effective and targeted public health measures and do what works … like the wearing of masks, frequent handwashing and sanitising, avoiding crowded places, physical distancing, and covering of our sneeze or coughs,” she emphasised.
The director urged member countries' governments to ensure that these measures are effected and to be “cautious about lifting restrictions” as this could spur new increases and hospitalisations.
“Vaccines are coming, but they are still several months away for most people in our region. Until they arrive, we need to continue the course, not let our guards down, and follow the guidance of [our] local health authorities,” Dr Etienne added.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT HONOURABLE AKIERRA MARY DEANNE MISSICK, LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
A pleasant morning to you Mr. Speaker, Members of this Honourable House, Strangers in the gallery, my good people of Leeward and Long Bay, those listening via Radio Turks and Caicos and the streaming live on www.gov.tc/hoa.
Mr. Speaker, this morning I stand here, a proud Member of this Progressive National Party Government; and I would like to take a minute to commend the Honourable Premier and his team at the Ministry of Finance for all their hard work which resulted in a number of persons collecting their stimulus cheques over the weekend.
Mr. Speaker, there was much energy and enthusiasm in the air over the week and I am grateful to our Government for taking the bold step to provide tangible financial relief to the people of these Islands during these very difficult times.
Mr. Speaker, I urge our people to ensure that their stimulus packages are used in a meaningful way, but also remind us who are members of the Christain Faith, do not for your tithe and offering for your house of worship.
Mr. Speaker, I now turn my attention to giving a few brief updates from my Ministry and advise on some important upcoming activities.
Planning Department – National Physical Development Plan
Mr. Speaker, having participated in the consultation process for the Plan, I was quite knowledgeable about ongoing work.
Mr. Speaker, members of the Consultation team were in country last week, March 22-26 and met with a number of essential agencies before the implementation of the Plan. My Ministerial colleagues and I had an opportunity to meet with the team Mr. Speaker and heard first-hand some of the recommendations for land use development in these islands over the next ten years, building upon five key principles.
Mr. Speaker, those principles are:
Equity
Resilience, sustainability & multi-functionality
Island Linkages
Nature as beauty
TCI Culture
Mr. Speaker, another important recommendation I would like to share: it has been common practice over the years that most development proposals are initiated by developers first contacting various TCIG departments/statutory bodies such as Invest TCI, Crown Land Unit, then the Planning Department, further Mr. Speaker, agreements are often reached prior to the involvement of the Planning Department.
The NPDP recommends that the Department of Planning be the focal point/the logical nexus for coordination of all future development. The Department already follows an established development plan approval process via the Development Manual and Physical Planning Ordinance, so the Plan recommends TCIG and the Planning Department follow to streamline the development process and continually make development and preservation decisions that fall in line with the NPDP.
Mr. Speaker, as we work towards, development of our implementation priorities, we will keep members abreast.
Public Works Department
Mr. Speaker, my team and I participated in the First National Hurricane Preparedness meeting on March 9, 2021, and as a result of that meeting Mr. Speaker, Public Works Department has already begun to prepare the required checklist of works to be carried out for this year’s Hurricane Season, which is again predicted to be very active.
Mr. Speaker, as a part of that checklist, our team has already completed the inspection of all shelters. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to inform this Honourable House that a number of Government owned shelters have recently been refurbished and outfitted with standby generators, with the assistance of a generous donation from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
Mr. Speaker, the remainder of Government Approved and Private Shelters require minor repair works, which are being scoped and prepared to be sent our through the Public Procurement Process (PPP for quotations.
Mr. Speaker, it is our intention to procure fire extinguishers (which are a requirement) for all of our shelters in the new Financial Year. As a result of the protocols put in place by the Ministry of Health Mr. Speaker, additional washing stations and automatic hand sanitising machines are being procured for the all shelters to assist with the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19.
Mr. Speaker, also by way of information, the Ministry of Infrastructure is in the process of procuring new Satellite Phones and Handheld Radios for our offices throughout the islands, these would ensure that we are able to be in contact with staff during and following the passage of a storm.
Mr. Speaker, the final update I would like to give by way of purchases that we have made to assist us in our Disaster Preparedness efforts, is to advise that the Public Works Department has procured several pieces of heavy equipment, inclusive of a tractor with attachments, portable fuel tanks, verge cutters and mulching machines.
Mr. Speaker, this equipment should be in country by July and would not only assist us in times of disaster Mr. Speaker, but would be a welcomed addition for our Maintenance team.
Mr. Speaker, the team is also in the process of finalizing some additional works for a number of schools around the islands; however, we anticipate that those works would be completed for the re-opening of schools following the Easter Break.
Mr. Speaker, my teams at the Estates Management and Public Works Department collaborated with colleagues at the Ministry of Education for the successful reopening of schools and I would again like to express my thanks and appreciation to them as we work together to ensure the safety of our children. We conducted a site visit with our Colleagues yesterday, and have chart a way forward at ECPS.
Mr. Speaker, before I take my seat, I would like to advise the General Public and in particular Petty, Small and Medium Contractors and TCIG Vendors of the Ministry’s intention to host a Contractors & Vendors Summit in Grand Turk and Providenciales, with virtual capacity for Middle/North Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay.
Mr. Speaker, the Grand Turk & South and Salt Cay Summit has is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 2021 and Provo & Middle & North Caicos for Thursday, April 22, 2021. More details of both events would be communicated shortly, contractors and vendors in those categories are asked to look out for additional information and registration details. This summit was brought forward as the bulk of one-on-one meetings requested since being appointed as Minister, this is the main discussion point and concern. Further, Mr. Speaker we are reviewing the larger contract process as it fits within the Public Procurement Process and relevant ordinances.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, the team at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development will be participating in a Staff Retreat on Friday, April 9, 2021 we chart the course for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development towards being a well-oiled machine tasked with supporting planning policy, infrastructural development & plant management within these islands.
Mr. Speaker, thank you again for allowing me to update this Honourable House on the continued work of my Ministry and I look forward to giving further updates on our upcoming activities.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you, and wish everyone a blessed Holy Week as we pause and reflect on the ultimate servant’s final days, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May God bless and keep each of us all the days of our lives.