PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT WEDNESDAY 24TH MARCH 2021
GENERAL SITUATION: WEAK RIDGING CONTINUES TO BUILD ACROSS THE ISLANDS WITH MOSTLY PLEASANT CONDITIONS
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW LIGHT SHOWERS MAINLY IN THE SOUTHEASTERN ISLANDS BECOMING FAIR AND WARM TONIGHT
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS OVER THE OCEAN IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
HIGH TEMPERATURE 84 °F 29 °C
LOW TEMPERATURE TONIGHT 64 °F 18 °C
SUNRISE 7:09 AM SUNSET: 7:21 PM
MOONRISE: 3:20 PM MOONSET 5:08 AM THU
LOW TIDE: 11:27 AM HIGH TIDE: 5:18 PM
LOW TIDE: 11:25 PM HIGH TIDE:5:49 AM THU
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE CONTINUES TO BUILD ACROSS THE ISLANDS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS
FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH JUST THE SLIGHT CHANCE OF A BRIEF PASSING SHOWER BECOMING FAIR AND MILD AT NIGHT, BREEZY IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN ISLANDS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEASTERN ISLANDS
THIRD SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION PASSED IN THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
The Premier and Minister for Finance, Investment and Trade, Honourable Charles Washington Misick laid the Supplementary Appropriation (2020/2021) (No.3) Bill 2021 in the House of Assembly of the Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday, 22 March 2021.
The Bill which is the third (3 rd ) Supplementary Appropriation Estimates for the financial year 2020-21 progressed to passage on Monday to provide additional funding for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in the summation of $14.5million USD.
Funds were relocated under this Bill, in the amount of $6.7m from Government savings to the recurrent expenditure to facilitate the payment of the citizens’ economic stimulus. $3.0million USD in funding was also shifted from the Contingency Fund for the purpose of the Citizens’ Relief economic stimulus.
The cash grants for citizens and MSMEs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased by 37.5 per cent to the amount of $27.9million USD. The retirement benefits allocation have increased by $1.8m, primarily to settle outstanding payments of gratuity and pension to former legislators. Therefore, the recurrent expenditure
has increased to $273.6m and the capital expenditure reduced to $27.5m. The revised expenditure is $307.4m, an overall reduction in expenditure of $1.0m.
“My Government has made the calculated decision to cancel a number of capital projects which were stagnated for the purpose of an in-depth review of project costs and environmental impact and the funds reallocated.
Additional funding has been allocated to complete ongoing projects that experienced delays due to further deterioration of the structures and additional costs resulting from TCIG having to enact the Force Majeure Clause in the civil works contracts because of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Also, additional resources
have been assigned to advance projects currently in the evaluation stage,” explained the Premier and Minister for Finance on the approved Supplementary Appropriation.
Premier Misick further added, “A major focus of my Government is to take care of our people during these difficult times by keeping the population healthy and safe while strategically rebuilding a sustainable economy.
The $11million USD allocated solely to the Citizen Relief economic stimulus will provide the much-needed financial assistance for Turks and Caicos Islanders who through the COVID-19 pandemic have been forced into debt due to temporary unemployment or termination of employment.
The Ministry of Finance has sensibly reallocated funds to progress critical projects and to provide additional funding in the areas that will greatly improve and impact the lives of the people of these islands”.
The Goldbergs star George Segal dead at 87
Oscar-nominated actor George Segal has died, his rep confirms to ABC News. He was 87.
Segal, currently known for playing Albert “Pops” Solomon on the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs, died Tuesday.
His wife of 25-years Sonia Segal said in a statement, "The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery."
Segal's manager and friend, Abe Hoch, also mourned the beloved actor and said, "I am saddened by the fact that my close friend and client of many years has passed away. I will miss his warmth, humor, camaraderie and friendship. He was a wonderful human."
Goldbergs creator Adam Goldberg honored the late actor by sharing a series of fun throwback photos of Segal, writing on Twitter after news broke of his passing, "Today we lost a legend. It was a true honor being a small part of George Segal’s amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops."
Segal, who was nominated for an Academy Award in 1967 for his role in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? -- of which he was the final surviving cast member -- was a prominent movie actor in the 1960s and 1970. Some of his most notable films during that time period are The Hot Rock and A Touch of Class.
He also starred in several 90s hits, such as Look Who's Talking Now and The Cable Guy.
The two-time Golden Globe winner also appeared in recurring roles in shows Murphy's Law, Retired at 35, Just Shoot Me! and Take Five.
He is survived by his spouse Sonia and daughters Polly Segal and Elizabeth Segal, of whom he shared with ex-wife and late film producer Marion Sorbel.
Source- ABC
Test on edge
Kyle Mayers earned his first Test wickets when he produced two critical strikes in as many overs to break a dangerous, record century stand, as he hauled West Indies back into the opening Test after half-centuries from Oshada Fernando and Lahiru Thirimanne threatened to put Sri Lanka in the ascendancy here yesterday.
With Sri Lanka cruising on 170 for one, half-hour after tea to wipe out their 102-run first innings deficit, newly installed captain Kraigg Brathwaite summoned Mayers, who removed Fernando for 91 with his first delivery of brisk medium pace before accounting for veteran Dinesh Chandimal for four in his very next over.
Experienced seamer Kemar Roach added the wicket of Thirimanne for 76 a few overs later as Sri Lanka lost three wickets for 19 runs in the space of 45 deliveries, before Dhananjaya de Silva stroked 46 not out and Pathum Nissanka, an unbeaten 21, to see Sri Lanka to the close on 255 for four.
Mayers finished with two for 10 from four overs while Roach has taken two for 28, leaving West Indies trailing by only 153 runs heading into Wednesday's critical fourth day at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.
“I'm happy to get my first Test wicket,” Mayers said afterwards.
Sri Lanka needed only two overs to wrap up the West Indies innings for 271 after the home side resumed the morning on 268 for eight, left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando (2-52) bowling Rahkeem Cornwall for 60 and then hitting Shannon Gabriel in front without scoring, four balls apart in his first over.
Armed with a healthy lead, West Indies pressed home their advantage when Roach induced a false stroke from captain Dimuth Karunaratne and had the left-hander caught at third slip by John Campbell for three in the fifth over of the innings.
Victims identified in Boulder shooting, suspect charged
Colorado is in mourning following a senseless attack on a grocery store on Monday. Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold on Tuesday, identified the lives lost in the mass shooting.
10 people, including a police officer, were killed at the King Soopers store. The officer was identified as 51-year-old Eric Talley and his cruiser has since become a memorial that stands outside the police department where the public can pay their respects. The car has since been covered in flowers, balloons, notes and candles.
Talley, who was among the first to respond, joined the Boulder police in 2010 and was working on becoming a drone operator to take himself out of the front line. He was a father of seven.
The other victims were identified as: Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Teri Leiker, 51; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; and Jody Waters, 65.
Families and friends of the victims are working to preserve their memory.
Rikki Olds, a 25-year-old who worked at the grocery store, was remembered by her uncle Robert Olds in an interview with ABC News. He called her a "strong, independent" young woman who was "so loved" by many.
"She was bubbly. She was the light of the room," he added. "Her giggle, her laugh would just bring you up to her level."
Olds says his niece's boyfriend rushed to the supermarket after news broke of the tragedy and waited behind the yellow tape in hopes of good news.
Erika Mahoney, daughter of victim Kevin Mahoney, revealed her father was about to become a grandfather -- but he will never be able to hold his grandchild. "I know he wants me to be strong for his granddaughter," she wrote on Twitter.
President Joe Biden ordered flags to be flown at half staff at the White House in honor of the victims.
Congress is now considering several gun control laws, including the ban on assault weapons, high capacity magazines and closing "loopholes in the background check system," said President Biden.
The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, purchased a Ruger AR-556 pistol on March 16, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. He was apprehended alive and has been charged with 10 counts of murder. No motive is known at this time.
Source-ABC
£5,000 fine for people going on holiday abroad
A £5,000 fine for anyone in England trying to travel abroad without good reason is due to come into force next week as part of new coronavirus laws.
The penalty is included in legislation that will be voted on by MPs on Thursday.
Foreign holidays are currently not allowed under the "stay at home" rule which ends on Monday.
From next week the ban on leaving the UK will become a specific law, backed up by the threat of the fine.
Under the current plan for easing restrictions, the earliest date people in England could go abroad for a holiday would be 17 May.
However, another surge in Covid cases in continental Europe, as well as the slow rollout of vaccines across Europe, has cast doubt on the resumption of foreign travel.
Government adviser Prof Neil Ferguson, of Imperial College London, told BBC Radio 4's World at One border measures should be relaxed more slowly than domestic restrictions.
He said: "I think conservatively, and being risk averse at the moment, I think we should be planning on summer holidays in the UK not overseas."
Prof Ferguson also criticised the exemptions that currently permit foreign travel and suggested everybody should be subject to mandatory testing when arriving into the UK.
Legally-permitted reasons for foreign travel currently include work, volunteering, education, medical needs, and to attend weddings or funerals.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said restrictions on travelling abroad for leisure were necessary to guard against the importation of large numbers of cases and new variants which might put the vaccine rollout at risk.
Chief executive Tim Alderslade said: "A tiered system, based on risk and adaptable to changing circumstances with the virus, means travel can resume this summer, and all our focus will remain on agreeing the structure that can make this a reality."
Source-BBC
Bermuda opens COVID-19 vaccinations to residents aged 16 and above
In Bermuda today, teenagers here have the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine, with health authorities on Monday opening vaccination to all residents over the age of 16.
Health Minister Kim Wilson told the House of Assembly that the government's vaccination campaign was “our best chance of moving beyond the pandemic”.
She said the island's latest outbreak of COVID-19 infections – 40 in the space of three days – stemmed from social gatherings last month that broke restrictions against the spread of the virus.
“Everybody in Bermuda is now being impacted as a result of the actions of a few irresponsible people. Now is not the time to relax our vigilance,” Wilson said.
Unlike similar outbreaks in November and December, linked to three events at two venues in one weekend, the surge in new cases was “almost all” linked to a more contagious UK variant of COVID-19.
Minister Wilson said it was spreading among a “noticeably younger” demographic, and that “more workplaces, more schools and a greater variety of activities are being impacted” as people test positive and their contacts are quarantined.
She noted that the Cabinet had responded by rolling back “earlier relaxations” and imposing restrictions, including an 11:00 pm to 5:00 am curfew and reducing gatherings from 25 to a maximum of 10.
Source-CMC
FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT TUESDAY 23RD MARCH 2021
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND WARM WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS OR A THUNDERSTORM, BECOMING FAIR AND MILD TONIGHT
SMALL CRAFT SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION IN SEA SWELLS, GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS INCREASING 10 TO 15 KNOTS BY EVENING
SEAS: 1 TO 3 FEET BUILDING 3 TO 5 FEET IN NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 84°F 29°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 66°F 19°C
SUNRISE: 7:10AM MOONRISE: 2:19 PM LOW TIDE: 10:32AM 10:26PM
SUNSET: 7:21PM MOONSET: 4:22 AM WED HIGH TIDE: 4:20PM 4:55 AMWED
EXTENDED FORECAST: WINDS SPEED WILL INCREASE AS HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS ACROSS THE ISLANDS
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, WARM AND HUMID WITH A QUICK PASSING SHOWER, FAIR AND MILD AT NIGHT
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET, UP TO 5 FEET ALONG EASTERLY SHORES
10 people killed, suspect in custody following mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado
The state of Colorado was rocked Monday by a mass shooting at a grocery store in Boulder. Police tell ABC News the "active shooter" was reported at a King Soopers grocery store.
Police tell ABC News that authorities were responding to reports of a person shot in the parking lot. When officers arrive, the gunman opened fire.
Sources claim the gunman used a long gun. 10 people, including a Boulder police officer, have been confirmed dead, but the number of persons injured remains unknown. That number can chance, says Boulder District Attorney Michael Michael Dougherty, who says authorities are still notifying next of kin.
The slain officer was later identified as 51-year-old Eric Talley, who joined the force in 2010.
Talley's father, Homer Talley, spoke about his son in a statement to ABC News.
"He took his job as a police officer very seriously. He had seven children. The youngest is 7 years old. He loved his kids and his family more than anything," he said, adding Eric was training to be a drone operator to remove himself from the front lines because "He didn't want to put his family through something like this."
The state SWAT team responded to the shooting, as well as several law enforcement agencies. The FBI also arrived to investigate.
According to video taken by witnesses, the gunman was apprehended alive and walked out of the store with his hands up to surrender. Boulder Police say the suspect, who has not been identified, was injured and was taken to a hospital.
Currently, the motive is unknown, but police say there are no additional suspects at this time.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis tweeted out a statement Monday, writing, "My prayers are with our fellow Coloradans in this time of sadness and grief as we learn more about the extent of the tragedy."
A King Sooper spokesperson said in a statement, "Our hearts are broken of senseless act of violence."
Source-ABC
Robin Thicke reflects up about past drug abuse: "I lost myself"
"Blurred Lines" singer Robin Thicke has a lot to be thankful for, especially when he looks back at his "darkest days" when he was dependent on drugs and alcohol.
Appearing Monday on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast, the singer -- who is now sober -- didn't mince words about his past struggles with addiction.
Thicke, 44, said his substance abuse spiraled out of control after the sudden deaths of his father Alan Thicke and manager Jordan Feldstein, followed by losing his home in a fire within the span of two years.
"Just everything at the same time all hit the wall," the singer described.
"I was in good control of my faculties. I was a beer and a glass of wine kinda guy. It wasn't until the touring and partying and the lifestyle. You just think you can manage it all," said Thicke. "You think you can keep going at that pace. And then your habits catch up with you."
Thicke also expressed he became addicted to painkillers when he began having problems with his back, which "became a bad habit."
Shepard, who recently confessed to falling off the wagon after over a decade of sobriety, connected with Thicke's analysis about painkillers and added, "Opiates have the illusion of being manageable, don't they?"
"And the illusion of normalcy. Some form of normalcy," the Masked Singer judge replied. "You don't have to hide in the bathroom. You're not falling down or slurring your words. It's not on your breath. You can't necessarily see it in the eyes."
He says another major loss, the 2020 death of his mentor Andre Harrell, is what finally snapped him out of the downward spiral and inspired him to "change my life."
"I lost myself," the Grammy nominee confessed. "I don't want to be that person ever again."
Source-ABC