Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation - Ministerial Statement
Mr. Speaker, I rise to give this honourable house a statement on the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation, where I am humbled by the awesome opportunity to serve as Minister.
Mr. Speaker, the late, great Dr. Martin Luther King noted, “there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” These words, Mr. Speaker, could never be more relevant than today as I recall my recent visit to Her Majesty’s Prison here in Grand Turk.
Mr. Speaker, I want to first thank the amazing Superintendent and staff of the Prison for the incredible work that they do on a daily basis to maintain stability and control of the prison, and for their care for the inmates. I wish to also acknowledge His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, the Deputy Speaker and my ministerial colleagues for their support and interest shown in the prison. But Mr. Speaker, having visited the prison twice now, I must also commend the prisoners themselves, for the efforts that they too are making to help ensure that the institution is a safe and calm environment, which would allow for the eventual and successful rehabilitation and resettlement of offenders.
I am aware Mr. Speaker, that the prison has recently emerged from a period of grave instability, and it is certainly now in a much better place, but Mr. Speaker, this sense of stability remains fragile, not least of all because of the very nature of the business, but also due to the absolutely critical need for the immediate rehabilitation of the facilities, and the urgent improvement to the state of living of those we have responsibility and care for.
Mr. Speaker, I am constantly reminded by the Superintendent of the words of the late Honourable Nelson Mandela, who stated that “no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” Mr. Speaker, based on that rule, and the deplorable state of HMP, we would certainly be judged very harshly as a nation. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, words such as inhumane, cruel and unjust are just some of the labels that would come to mind, and we would be known as a nation that has no heart for the most vulnerable of our citizens. And, Mr. Speaker, while there are those amongst us who would deem this a fitting environment for offenders and those who would seek to terrorize our communities, we must forever be reminded that, these are very own sons and daughters, our siblings, our nieces and our nephews Mr. Speaker, and while we support a system of justice for their actions, we should want that to be in an environment that promotes and supports the opportunities for their full rehabilitation and reform, because the fact is, Mr. Speaker, prisoners will one day re-enter society and when they do, they become our neighbors, our in-laws and our colleagues, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have the greatest potential for success once they have resettled. Mr. Speaker, this is only possible if we do what is right, and we must do it, if for no other reason than the fact that prisoners too are human beings and should be treated as such.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, my ministry is immediately seeking to bid in the upcoming budget for the redevelopment of HMP infrastructure to address the collapsing buildings, the dysfunctional sewers and the condemned water cisterns and facilities. With these improvements to the structural security, the management of HMP can fully focus on the rehabilitation and reform programs that are critically needed. These programs, Mr. Speaker, would foster, cement and support a spirit of hope in prisoners and the desire to be better, more productive citizens in our communities. This is possible, Mr. Speaker, and I am confident that two years from now this institution will be an effective institution for reform and change.
Mr. Speaker, I wish that I could stand here today and say to this honourable House that the prison is the only challenge facing my ministry, but sadly Mr. Speaker, that is far from the reality on the ground. Having met with my team at the Ministry, and the Heads of Departments, it is blaringly obvious that the departments are suffering from a consistent lack of investment over the years, and while some might argue that they did not fall within successive governments’ priorities, based on what we faced as a nation over the years, I would argue Mr. Speaker, that this Ministry is the critical and essential network of any safe, functional and productive society, and unlike the other sporadic distractions and crisis that rise and fall over time, which often demand the greatest focus of governments, critical services such as Domestic Fire Service, Water, Energy and Utilities, Postal Services, Communications including radio, Road Safety, the Government’s publishers and supplies stores form the infrastructural support systems that should never be neglected and ignored, due to the profound risk doing so presents to our communities and the very lives of our citizens.
Mr. Speaker, I pause here to recognize the hardworking men and women of this ministry who, despite all, have continued to push forward and work with what they have, while continuously fighting for a better way of working and for the necessary investment to improve their efficiency and the satisfaction of their customers. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it is apparent that their cries were either falling on deaf ears, or they were being heard but unheeded, I don’t know which it is, but whatever the case, little to nothing has been done in support of this ministry in the past and as a result we are now faced with the following Mr. Speaker:
Two corroded and severely damaged fire engines that have been deemed unfit for operation when carrying a load of 500 gallons.
No fire halls, neither in the nation’s capital of Grand Turk, nor in the nation’s economic capital, Providenciales, which leaves our equipment in the exposure of the elements, and our officers displaced and challenged in their response times in fire-fighting.
An inefficient, incomplete and fragile water network, which leaves many unconnected to our water mains, and those connected with lower performance standards and an expensive operation for the generation of water.
Obsolete and outdated printing equipment in the Government Publishing Department which limits the true potential of the unit which could otherwise be developed to offer a full suite of printing services.
Insecure and exposed postal services which can be a target for the disingenuous amongst us, and thereby opening us up to unimaginable national security risks.
Unstable and limited radio communication services throughout the islands and the inability to respond to technical issues and outages, and to offer an additional suite of services.
Inefficient and cumbersome delivery of services for motor vehicle operations, which continues to frustrate our customers and staff alike.
Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the challenges. These are coupled with the insufficient human and operational resources such as specialized staff, vehicles and information systems and databases that would allow a more effective and timely delivery of our services.
However, Mr. Speaker, while these are indeed some of our greater challenges, my team and I, we, see them as opportunities and ways in which we can improve our departments and our offerings to the public, and towards this end, Mr. Speaker, we are looking forward to the opportunity to have some, if not all, of these initiatives addressed and funded under this great government.
Rest assured, Mr. Speaker, we are not blind to the fact that there is extreme pressure on the financial resources of the government and the competing priorities of our government, but we remain persuaded by our conviction that, as a government, we must ensure that these critical departments of this ministry and our communities remain operationally safe, sound and effective in the delivery of our services.
Despite all Mr. Speaker, there remains some positive movements by my ministry, some of which I would like to highlight:
Postal Service
The introduction of a barcode system for the creation of labels and the trackability of mailbags
The introduction of a stamps contract
The work towards the introduction of a Global Track and Trace (GTT) system
Radio Turks and Caicos
Preparation for IP Broadcast
Water Undertaking
Commissioning of a million-gallon water storage tank for Grand Turk
The repair of critical facilities in Salt Cay
The implementation of a customer billing system
Energy and Utilities
Review of, and proposed, modernization of the Electricity Ordinance to allow for renewable energy generation which will be advancing to the House in coming weeks
Finalization of the TCI Energy Policy
Preparation of the TCI Energy Community Outreach and Communication Strategy
Consultation on the establishment of a Multi-Sector Public Utilities Authority – The reports from which will be presented to Cabinet in coming weeks
And many more
Mr. Speaker, as mentioned, we continue to press on with the work, and in the next twelve months our focus will particularly be aimed at accomplishing the following:
Implementation of a new database for the Road Safety department to enable real-time sharing of data relevant to stakeholder departments such as the Police Force and Immigration departments.
A review of the telecommunication sector to mitigate the real risk of being completely disconnected from the global society and economy; to better regulate the telecommunications sector; to address convergence in the industry and to introduce new ways of utilizing and integrating technology into our everyday activities.
Improving HMP Services by upgrading the infrastructure (building new blocks, upgrading sanitation, plumbing and electrical systems, install lighting and fencing), training staff to ensure their safety and that of those in their care, as well as delivering rehabilitation programmes to improve self-sufficiency and re-settlement.
Providing the islands of Grand Turk, South Caicos, and Salt Cay with efficient, sustainable and environmentally conscious water service through reverse osmosis.
Providing the islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands with an effective response to emergencies and fire suppression along with engaging in active campaigns for fire prevention education and awareness.
Rebranding of Radio Turks and Caicos and providing all radio listeners throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands with captivating, modernized listening along with informative and educational programmes.
Provide the Public Service with high-quality printing services and Gazette Publications in a timely fashion.
Implementation of laws that will facilitate and encourage greater use of alternative energy and improve regulation of public utilities through the establishment of a multi-sector regulatory agency by March 2022.
Do not be misled Mr. Speaker, these are all tall orders, but as I have said repeatedly, I come for this work…and I have a team that is no stranger to work…and we have a people and a country who deserve only the best that we have to offer. It is on this merit Mr. Speaker, that I stand in commitment to this work being done.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to address this honourable House. May God bless you and the members. May He always bless our people and our beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands.
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.