Tokyo Olympics chiefs prepare to resume 'safe' test events
Tokyo Olympics organisers yesterday unveiled virus countermeasures for test events that will resume later this week for the first time since the Games were postponed by the pandemic.
Tokyo 2020 chiefs pledged to hold the remaining 18 test events — which function as dress rehearsals for each sport — in a “safe and secure” manner, to see what they can “learn as we work towards the Games”.
Test events were halted after the sport climbing event was held from March 6 to 8 last year, with Tokyo 2020 staff replacing athletes because of infection concerns.
The first test event since the unprecedented postponement of the Games will be wheelchair rugby April 3-4, with water polo to follow one week later.
Tokyo 2020 Games delivery officer Hidemasa Nakamura said countermeasures would be based on the virus rulebooks unveiled by organisers earlier this year.
“We're trying to limit contact, avoid handshakes and other physical contact, and keep distance between athletes — one metre if two isn't possible,” he said.
Cheering will be banned and rooms and common spaces ventilated every 30 minutes.
Fourteen of the test events will be organised by Tokyo 2020, with the other four run by international federations.
Nakamura said the athletics test event at Tokyo's National Stadium on May 9 will be the only event organised by Tokyo 2020 where overseas athletes will participate and spectators will be present.
He said fans and overseas athletes will likely be involved in the four events organised by international federations — diving, water polo, artistic swimming and the marathon.
“Athletes coming here for the events organised by the international federations will have to go through immigration controls, so of course they're important test events for the organising committee,” said Games official Yasuo Mori.
Earlier this month, Olympic officials announced that overseas fans will be barred from the Games, which open on July 23, to help limit the virus risk.
A decision on how many domestic spectators will be allowed to attend is expected in April.
Source-AFP
Mastercard accelerates deployment of digital first solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean
Mastercard is expanding its Engage platform in Latin America and the Caribbean to offer customers easy access to a growing network of qualified technology and fintech partners that can quickly deploy Mastercard Digital First solutions.
These solutions will enable customers to provide entirely digital payment experiences for consumers, from acquisition and card usage to management and engagement, with a physical card option.
Mastercard Engage is a part of the company's Digital Vendor programme, which is a list of vendors serving issuers around the globe by helping them bring to market their Masterpass digital wallets and tokenise payment credentials hassle-free.
“It's clear that the change we are witnessing in consumer behaviour across our region is here to stay. As consumers become more technologically savvy and mobile, innovation in payments has taken on a new urgency,”said Walter Pimenta, senior vice-president for product and innovation for Latin America and the Caribbean.
“With platforms like Engage, our issuer and merchant partners will be able to tap into the tech resources and integrations they need to elevate their payment options for the 21st-century consumer,” he continued.
The Mastercard Engage network includes companies that provide various components and integration capabilities across the digital first customer journey to deliver a seamless payment experience.
Some of the new partners joining Engage that can help expedite digital first implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean are: Galileo and Tutuka, issuer processors with instant issuance capabilities; G+D, Thales and Verestro, end-to-end digital first enablers; MO Technologies and Juvo, innovative alternative credit scoring models providers; and Provenir, real-time risk decision-making enablers.
Source-JO
APPLICANTS TO SUBMIT OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTS UNDER THE CITIZEN RELIEF STIMULUS PROGRAMME
The Citizen Relief Stimulus Programme processing team has sent a number of email requests to applicants to submit documents required to progress their application. However, many applicants have not responded to the emails sent and the status of their applications remain “under review”.
Applicants are encouraged to check the email address that they provided on application for an email sent by noreply@gov.tc. The requested documents should be uploaded via the link provided in the email.
Please be reminded of the eligibility criteria:
The cash grant is available to a person:
(i) that has Turks and Caicos Islands Status or a British Overseas Territory Citizen, as verified by supporting documentation;
(ii) that is 18 years of age and over; and
(iii) the person should BE LIVING in the country
Additionally, applicants must present a copy of two valid Government Issued IDs, one confirming Turks & Caicos Islands status or British Overseas Territory Citizenship. An expired document is not a valid ID. *****(In the case where a copy of the TCI Status card is used, this would replace the requirement of two valid Government Issued IDs)
Applicants are asked to upload all requested outstanding documentation, via the link, on or before 9am on 29th March 2021. Failure to provided outstanding information will result in the application being declined.
CDEMA concludes Regional Logistics and Relief Workshop with plans for National Policy
The CDEMA Coordinating Unit is moving forward with plans for a National Relief and Logistics Management Plan and Policy following a two-week workshop facilitating the planning process. Workshop discussions formed a critical part of drafting the policy to enhance logistics and humanitarian response across the region.
Programme Manager for Preparedness and Response at CDEMA, Joanne Persad, shared that the workshop was a significant milestone in pushing the agenda of the 3-year Regional Logistics and Relief Management Programme. “The main objective of the workshop, beyond having the documentation, was the facilitation of a collective national think through on the intricacies of relief and logistics. We hope we were successful...and that you see your role in the relief and logistics supply chain and have a better understanding, as well as commitment to the process.”
The workshop virtually brought together key disaster relief personnel the four Sub-Region Focal Points of Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda alongside The Bahamas. CDEMA will provide support to the national disaster offices and organizations to ensure the policies are approved at Cabinet level. Participants from Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago were also introduced to the CDEMA Logistics System, which is currently being developed, with the World Food Programme to support the national policy.
Plans from the workshop will be presented to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and CDEMA Council as samples of the adoption process. The full complement of 19 Participating States will benefit from similar workshops starting at the end of the year.
Health officials warn that a fourth COVID-19 surge may be underway
As states relax COVID-19 health and safety measures, like mask mandates, in tandem with a slowly rising number of Americans who are fully vaccinated against the infectious virus -- health officials expressed caution that the nation is still at risk for another COVID-19 surge if America lets its guard down too soon.
Current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that roughly 70 percent of Americans over the age of 65 have obtained at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine -- roughly 28 percent of the nation's population -- which could play a role in how hard a potential fourth surge may impact the nation.
CDC data adds that 15 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated.
Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital, says its possible another surge may result in fewer hospitalizations and deaths because of the vaccine rollout.
"With rapid dissemination of the vaccines, increases in cases among healthy populations will not necessarily translate to hospitalizations and deaths as previously seen during the pandemic," he said.
Despite that, health officials express concern over a forth surge, regardless of vaccination rates.
Speaking Saturday to ABC News, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said he is "quite concerned" that the nation may see an uptick in daily cases.
The nation is already experiencing a rise in new daily COVID-19 cases, with 60,000 new diagnosed cases a day -- a 12.5 percent rise. This marks the first time in two month that new cases have risen, not fallen.
22 states have already seen at least a 10 percent rise in their seven-day case average -- on top of that, the Department of Health and Human Services also reports that hospitalizations have stopped falling, but have plateaued at 33,000.
Prior to that, hospitalizations plummeted by 70 percent since January.
Health officials are determining what caused daily cases and hospitalizations to stop falling -- citing relaxed COVID-19 measures, an increase in air travel and the emergence of new COVID-19 strains that are more infectious as potential contributors of the new trend.
And, while health officials say a fourth wave is likely, it might not be as widespread or fatal as the prior three surges due to the number of vaccinated Americans.
COVID-19 has infected more than 30.2 million Americans and killed nearly 550,000 lives in the country, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Source-ABC
Justin Bieber makes history as "Peaches" debuts at number one
Last year, Taylor Swift became the first artist ever to debut at number one on both the Hot 100 and the Billboard 200 album chart in the same week: She did it in August and in late December. In between, K-pop superstars BTS managed to pull off the same feat. But now, Justin Bieber has become the first solo male artist ever to do it.
Following the news that his latest album Justice had debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, now comes word that his new single "Peaches" has entered the Hot 100 at number one. It's Justin's seventh number-one hit, and his fourth to debut on top.
So far, "Peaches" is the first single from Justice to reach the top of the chart, following the Top 30 success of "Holy," "Lonely," "Anyone" and "Hold On."
Justin must've had a good feeling about the song: He recently had a peach inked on the side of his neck. His mom wasn't too pleased, though: In the comments on Justin's Instagram post showing off the new tattoo, she wrote, "Don't you have enough yet?"
Justin's wife Hailey celebrated the success of the album on Instagram on Monday, writing, "My best friend and favorite human made an album that is incredibly special. Being along for the ride and watching the journey, the work and dedication that went into this project has inspired me deeply. @justinbieber you are so dedicated, hard working, talented, and cool. I love you more everyday and I’m proud in a way words can’t describe."
Source-ABC
The 52nd NAACP Image Awards produced Big Winners
The 52nd NAACP Image Awards, which aired virtually Saturday, was a memorable and historical night -- to say the least.
Hosted by comedian and black-ish star Anthony Anderson, the annual event spotlights the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of TV, literature, film, social justice and music. Ahead of this year's awards ceremony, Anderson won Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series during last week's non-televised show, where a slate of winners were revealed among various categories.
Beyoncé won four awards, including Outstanding Female Artist and two for her assistance on Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage" remix. Bey also won Outstanding Music video for "Brown Skin Girl," a win she will celebrate with her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, as well as WizKid and Saint Jhn, who were all featured on the song.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris opened Saturday night's show with a testimony of their efforts towards creating a united nation. Meanwhile, former First Lady Michelle Obama appeared to present Georgia's Stacey Abrams with the first Social Justice Impact Award for her dedicated efforts and advocacy for voting rights and social issues.
This year's Image Awards gave viewers a history lesson with presenters such as Misty Copeland, Samuel Jackson, Regina King, and Lin-Manuel Miranda appearing at historical destinations across the country. Appearing from the California African American Museum, Sistas co-stars Novi Brown and KJ Smith introduced Jazmine Sullivan, who performed her Heaux Tales single, "Pick Up Your Feelings."
Later in the evening, fellow R&B vocalist Maxwell celebrated the 25th anniversary of his debut album, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite, with a nostalgic performance.
Comedian Tracy Morgan took us back to his old stomping grounds at the Apollo Theater in New York to reveal Issa Rae's win for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy series. Issa's HBO series, Insecure, also won Outstanding Comedy series.
Fellow comedian and actor Eddie Murphy received NAACP's Hall of Fame Award, presented by his longtime friend and collaborator Arsenio Hall.
Mary J. Blige and Method Man won Outstanding Supporting Actress and Actor in a Drama series, respectively, for starring in Starz series, Power Book II: Ghost from Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. It also won Outstanding Drama Series.
Viola Davis won Outstanding Actress for her roles in How to Get Away with Murder and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, bringing her a total of six NAACP awards.
Davis' co-star Chadwick Boseman received the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for starring in Da 5 Bloods. Boseman's widow, Taylor Simone Ledward appeared on his behalf to accept the award and encourage viewers watching to get screened for colon cancer, which is the disease Chadwick silently battled for four years until his death last August.
The evening also paid respect to fallen entertainers including Cicely Tyson, Andre Harrell, Naya Rivera, Bishop Rance Allen, as well as civil rights activist John Lewis, among others.
Four-time NBA champ and entrepreneur LeBron James was honored with the prestigious President's Award for using his platform and status to uplift and empower others through the LeBron James Family Foundation, as well as his groundbreaking, public I PROMISE School.
Other big winners include DJ D-Nice for Entertainer of the Year and Martin Lawrence and Will Smith's Bad Boys For Life for Outstanding Motion Picture.
Source-ABC
Lil Nas X’s “Satan Shoes” sell out in under a minute
Controversy sells! Lil Nas X’s exclusive “Satan Shoes,” inspired by the devilish music video for his new song “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” were released on Monday, and Complex reports they sold out in less than a minute.
The sneakers, created in collaboration with art collective MSCHF, are black-and-red Nike Air Max 97s that have been modified to include a pentagram charm, text reading "LUKE 10:18" and even a drop of real human blood. LUKE 10:18 references a Bible verse about Satan’s fall from heaven.
Only 666 pairs were made and sold at $1,018 a piece. Fans can still enter to win the 666th pair on the sneakers’ website. The winner will be drawn on Thursday.
Nike, by the way, has neither authorized nor endorsed the sneakers. According to docs obtained by TMZ, the company is now suing MSCHF over the shoes. Lil Nas is apparently not named in the lawsuit.
After receiving backlash for the shoes, the "Old Town Road" singer released a fake apology video, which jump-cuts to the now-infamous end of the "Call Me By Your Name" music video.
Source-ABC
Misick Government releases Stimulus Checks to TCI Residents
The Turks & Caicos Government commenced on the 26th March 2021 the release of its Citizen Relief Stimulus Cheques on the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales to approved applicants.
In a noticed sent out via RTC news, the PS of Finance, Athenee Harvey asked residents to ensure the social distancing rules are followed, she added that cheques will be released using a batch system.
The first round of cheques will be issued to approved applicants age 50 years and older. Approved applicants within this age range should take note of the following dates, times and venue:
- Providenciales – Turks and Caicos Islands Government Providenciales Treasury
26th March 2021 between 1pm and 6pm approved applicants ages 60 years and older
27th March 2021 between the hours of 10am to 6pm approved applicants ages 60 years and older
- Grand Turk – Anglican Church Dillion Hall
26th March 2021 between the hours of 10am to 6pm approved applicants ages 60 years and older
27th March 2021 between the hours 10am to 6pm approved applicants ages 50 years and older
Citizen Relief Stimulus cheque issuance will begin on the Islands of South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos and Salt Cay at 10am on 29th March 2021. Further updates will be provided in due course.
To access your Citizen Relief Stimulus cheque approved applicants must adhere to the following:
- Provide a VALID Turks & Caicos Islands Government issued photo identification (eg. Driver’s Licence, NIB Card, NHIP card, BOTC passport or a TCI Status Card);
- Provide a copy of their application number;
- Appear in person at the cheque issuance location. (Cheques will not be assigned to a bank or issued to individuals other than the approved applicant); and
- Wear a facial covering
Kindly note cheques MUST be collected on the same island as indicated in the application. Additionally, uncollected cheques will be cancelled one month from date of printing she told our news desk.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 5th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 24 March 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Grand Turk.
All members were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
• Was given an update by the Ministry of Health on:
a) The measures being taken to address and mitigate against the threat of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) to the country, including the need to test for multiple variants, and
b) The installation of Oxygen Generators at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and the Cockburn Town Medical Centre.
• Approved amendments to the Public and Environmental Health (Testing of COVID-19) Regulations to include:
a) The use of Lateral Flow Devices for local surveillance of high-risk TCIG departments;
b) Robust reporting requirements; and
c) Confirmatory testing and testing requirements.
• Approved the rollout of an expanded Vaccination Campaign, including among other measures, the use of more marketing mediums, drive-through vaccine sites, and community outreach/events.
• Approved a policy for a programme of mandatory Covid-19 testing of unvaccinated staff in the public sector for key high-risk departments.
• Approved an amendment to Public and Environmental Health (Arriving Passengers) Regulations to allow for upon arrival PCR testing at the airport for TCI residents who have been fully vaccinated (2 doses) in the TCI; doing away with the requirement for such persons to obtain a negative PCR test within five days prior to their arrival in the Islands with effect from 1 May 2021.
• Approved an amendment to the Public and Environmental Health (Pandemic) Regulations to reduce the prescribed quarantine period from 14 days to 7 days for fully vaccinated persons (2 doses) who come into contact with someone with the COVID-19 disease.
• Approved an MOU with the Turks and Caicos Islands Medical Association (TCIMA) to assist the Ministry of Health with COVID-19 local surveillance through a programme of community testing using Lateral Flow Devices.
• Approved the overturning of a decision by the Collector of Stamp Duty by granting a waiver to a named individual on appeal in the context of a closed stimulus programme.
• Approved an update to the Provisional Warrant approved by the House of Assembly in December 2020 for a withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund in respect of the Recurrent Expenditure of the Islands for part of the fiscal year 2021/22. The revised Provisional Warrant will be re-submitted to the House of Assembly.
• Approved the Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Amendment) Bill 2021 to improve good governance within the Invest Turks and Caicos Agency Ordinance regarding legal, financial, regulatory, and compliance matters. The Bill will be submitted to the House of Assembly for debate.
• Approved an amendment to the supporting documents to be submitted by applicants over the age of 75 years to enable them to benefit from income assistance/relief under the Citizen Relief – Covid-19 Stimulus Program.
• Approved the removal of members of the Board and the appointment of Joe Conolly as Chairman and Carla P. Blake-Thomas as Deputy Chair of the TCI National Health Insurance Board for a period of two (2) years with effect from 1 April 2021.
• Were updated on ongoing work by Labour and Employment Services and the Department of Immigration, in particular issuance of work permits, prosecution and departure from the TCI of persons found residing in the country illegally.
• Were updated on progress with addressing processes, structures and staffing of the Gaming Control Commission and approved the removal of the members of the Board.
• Approved the waiver of stamp duty for the purchase of Project House by the Financial Services Commission.
• Confirmed the round robin approval of the Supplementary Appropriation (2020/2021) Bill 2021 and noted its recent approval by the House of Assembly.
• Were updated on ongoing works by the Ministries of Education, Infrastructure, Tourism and Health. Members were also updated on end of year (financial) work by the Civil Service and staffing across various departments.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.