First Case of the UK Variant COVID-19 B.1.1.7. identified in TCI
The Ministry of Health received the results of genomic sequencing which was conducted at the Caribbean Public Health Agency on samples from the TCI.
Samples were sent by the National Public Health Laboratory in the TCI, from a selection of positive samples identified through PCR testing. Genomic analysis/sequencing was undertaken in order to identify whether any of the variants reported overseas, were in circulation in the TCI.
Four samples were sent for analysis, one of which has been confirmed as the UK variant or B.1.1.7. This individual has completed quarantine and recovered.
Today's results were not unexpected due to the TCIs borders being open to international and regional travel as well as the recent increase and spike in the number of new cases reported locally, however, it does highlight the need for all TCI residents to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and one another through the use of face coverings, frequent hand hygiene, physical distancing and getting vaccinated.
The COVID-19 virus like any other virus, can undergo mutations. This is well documented in viruses such as seasonal influenza (flu). The B.1.1.7. variant was first detected in the UK and was first sequenced in the UK in September 2020. A number of variants have been identified globally and there is concern that variants could cause additional challenges with controlling the pandemic. COVID-19 variants have been shown to spread more easily (more infectious), have a higher mortality rate and possibly may not be as responsive to the different vaccines being rolled out. This particular variant includes a mutation in the 'spike'protein which is responsible for the more infectious characteristic described.
Approximately 91,626 cases of the UK variant have been detected in England and Wales and it is responsible for the surge in cases seen in the UK since the end of 2020. It was first identified in South East England and since its identification, became the predominant strain in the UK with a preponderance to spread more rapidly between persons resulting in high case counts as well as having a higher rate of mortality. The UK variant or B.1.1.7. has been identified in a number of other countries including the US with cases being found in Florida which the TCI has close travel links, where it is becoming more and more prevalent.
The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, which is being rolled out in the TCI to residents, has been shown to be effective against this variant, however the general public is reminded to be vigilant in adhering to all public health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus throughout the community.
Commonwealth Games to highlight women's sport on 'super Sunday'
The 2022 Commonwealth Games will have a 'super Sunday' on 7 August celebrating women's sport with three major finals.
The medal matches for women's hockey, 20-over cricket and netball will all take place as part of 11 medal sessions in one day.
Ama Agbeze, who captained England to netball gold in 2018, said: "It's a great boost for female sport.
"It's great that the schedule has been accommodating and to get it sorted this way."
Agbeze, who joined the Games board earlier this month, added: "It's highlighting women and it's basically a whole day to celebrate women's sport."
There will be a further nine events that will conclude a week earlier on Sunday 31 July, with the schedule designed to fit around the final of the women's football European Championship which kicks off at 17:00 BST that day.
In total, there will be 283 medal events across 11 days of competition, with the Games in Birmingham set to start on 28 July.
Meanwhile, Ian Reid, chief executive officer for Birmingham 2022, is confident the Games will be able to go ahead with full capacity venues.
He said: "The general environment looks a lot more positive with the publication of the government roadmap [out of the coronavirus lockdown].
"Of course it would be remiss of us if we weren't also looking at various scenarios and all the appropriate plans in place to make sure this is a safe environment.
"But we're really confident that we'll get back, that we'll have full stadiums.
"We'll start selling tickets later in the summer and we'll feel positive if at that point stadiums are starting to fill up in other events."
Source-BBC
REVENUE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES E-SERVICES FOR BUSINESS LICENCE PROCESSING
The Revenue Department is pleased to announce the launch of the Business Licence E-Services Platform on February 22nd, 2021. Businesses will be able to digitally obtain or maintain their business license accounts with the Revenue Department through the world wide web.
The introduction of the E-Services Platform will allow businesses to apply for, renew, amend, cancel or pay related business license fees. The Business Licence E-Services will be accessible through Revenue Department's Webpage: http://gov.tc/revenue
Via the E-Services portal, applicants will be notified when applications are ready for pick up, or if there are any additional information required; Applicants can login to their portal and track their application status, and submit required information requested by the Department to further process their submissions on the E-Services platform.
The Department highly urges the general public to utilize the online portal in the upcoming 2021/2022 business license renewal period and going forward as this will assist in the fight against the spread of Covid-19 by reducing the need to visit our offices.
The Revenue Department anticipates your continued cooperation as we work to improve efficiency through digitization of our Services.
TCI OBSERVES FIRE PREVENTION WEEK CAMPAIGN February 22nd– 26th2021
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), in conjunction with the Turks and Caicos Fire and Rescue Service, will be hosting a Fire Prevention Campaign during the week of February 22nd– 26th2021, as part of a national effort to increase fire safety. This year's theme of Fire Prevention Week is "LOOK. LISTEN. LEARN. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere."
The theme focuses on three fundamental actions people can take to be fire-safe:
LOOK for potential fire hazards around your home and take action to prevent a fire from starting.
LISTEN for the smoke alarms in an emergency. Make sure everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarms and can hear them in an emergency.
LEARN two ways out of every room. Practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in your home before a fire starts so you and your family can get out quickly.
The Turks and Caicos Islands have seen an increase in the number of fires over the years. The most-reported home fires start in the kitchen. Throughout the week the DDME in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Island Fire and Rescue Department will have educational Fire Safety posts and PSA videos on social media.
Since COVID-19 has impacted in-person events and gatherings, this virtual awareness campaign will demonstrate what to do and not do in the kitchen to avoid fire accidents. With more people staying inside their homes, it is arguably more important now to raise awareness on fire prevention. We encourage residents to follow us on our Social Media Platforms and participate in activities for the week.
The DDME encourages everyone to participate in fire prevention activities at home, work, school, and all locations, making this Fire Prevention Week the beginning of an annual effort to improve fire safety in the TCI.
House to vote on COVID-19 relief bill
The House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill for COVID-19 relief.
The package includes direct aid to small businesses, $1,400 direct checks to Americans making less than $75,000 annually, an increase in the child tax credit, and a $15 minimum wage.
If it passes the House, it will head to the Senate where it faces a tougher test.
The Senate Parliamentarian already ruled that a $15 minimum wage requirement cannot remain in the coronavirus relief bill as written.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released a statement calling the ruling “deeply disappointing” and promising that Democrats will continue their effort to raise the minimum wage. “We are deeply disappointed in this decision. We are not going to give up the fight to raise the minimum wage to $15 to help millions of struggling American workers and their families. The American people deserve it, and we are committed to making it a reality.”
Budget committee ranking member Lindsey Graham celebrated the ruling in a tweet.
Source-ABC
Kanye spent over $12 million on presidential campaign
Kanye West spent over $12 million on his 2020 presidential campaign, according to his Federal Election Commission report.
In total, the 43-year-old rapper received over $14.5 million in contributions for his failed run at the presidency, with just under $12.5 million of that coming out of his own pocket. According to Forbes, though, it seems he's got plenty to go around.
West topped the outlet's list of highest-paid celebrities of 2020, claiming the number two spot behind his soon-to-be former sister-in-law Kylie Jenner. He earned an estimated $170 million, with a lot of the funds coming from his Yeezy sneaker deal with Adidas.
Source-ABC
Region's tourism experts urge governments to forego measure on proof
Caribbean tourism experts are urging regional governments to seriously consider allowing visitors with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result to forego current quarantine requirements.
The suggestion was raised Wednesday and immediately picked up traction among industry leaders at an online discussion hosted by the umbrella Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) under the theme 'Peak Position'.
“Perhaps the time has come for Caribbean destinations to consider allowing people to skip quarantine once they are vaccinated and have a negative COVID-19 test,” Collin Pegler, managing director of resort marketing international, urged his colleagues at the well-supported CTO event.
Barbados Today online quoted Pegler as saying: “…So perhaps we will have to move into a vaccine passport situation. A lot of governments have shied away from this but I can't see it is a bad thing.
“You got a vaccination and you have a card in your hand that proves that you have had that vaccination along with a negative test up to three days before travel, then I don't understand the need for somebody to go into quarantine.”
Pegler's sentiments were echoed in the respected CondeNast Traveller magazine by Dr Karl Minges, chair of health administration and policy at University of New Haven, who said it is fair to assume that soon, hotels, airlines, and immigration services may require proof of vaccination before people are allowed to travel.
“This may be especially true for countries that have near-zero rates of transmission — New Zealand or parts of Australia — and are waiting to vaccinate the entire country,” said Minges. “You could receive a COVID-19 vaccination record to bring with you, for example.”
ECCB approves Royal Bank of Canada sale
Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy Antoine, has confirmed that his organisation will be approving the sale of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) operations in several territories in the Eastern Caribbean.
Antoine, accompanied by chair of the Monetary Council, St Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister Timothy Harris, made the disclosure during a press briefing following the conclusion of an ECCU Monetary Council meeting held recently at the ECCB headquarters in Basseterre, St Kitts.
RBC assets will be sold to a consortium of indigenous banks within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union jurisdiction, namely the 1st National Bank of St Lucia, Antigua Commercial Bank, National Bank of Dominica, Bank of Montserrat; and Bank of Nevis.
“On the question of RBC, the ECCB has approved the application for the sale of the RBC operations in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union to a consortium of indigenous or national banks. That process is now moving forward, and an announcement will be made in due course. But the idea is to conclude that transaction not too long from now,” Antoine said.
“So that is moving forward. In fact, I can tell you [on February 11, 2021] we submitted to the finance ministers a vesting order or vesting orders, which is an important legal instrument to transfer assets from one bank or banking entity to another,” he added.
The governor also briefly addressed the recent announcement by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) that its bid to sell a majority stake in FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited (FCIB) failed to meet the approval of Caribbean regulators.
“In terms of the sale of CIBC, I would simply confirm that regulators across the region considered it. Central Bank of Barbados is the lead regulator, based on the jurisdiction of CIBC FCIB. But all regulators, including the ECCB, were involved in that discussion, and came to that decision which has been conveyed… the application was denied,” he said.
Source- The Observer
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2021
TCI FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS…VARIABLY CLOUDY, WARM AND WINDY WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 T0 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND EASTERLY AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 5 TO 8 FEET IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
Twitter unveils 'super follow' feature
Twitter has announced plans for a new "super follow" feature which will enable account holders to charge for exclusive additional content.
This could take the form of extra tweets, joining a community group or receiving a newsletter, the firm said.
Twitter unveiled its plans at a virtual event held for investors.
It's the first time in a while that the platform has announced significant changes to the way in which people can use it.
It also said it was testing a live audio discussion service - which has proved popular on a new rival, the audio-only social network Clubhouse.
"Why don't we start with why folks don't believe in us," said Twitter founder Jack Dorsey.
"It comes down to three critiques: we're slow, we're not innovative, and we're not trusted."
Twitter, which was launched in 2006 and recorded its first annual profit in 2018, said it hoped to double its revenue in 2023.
"Twitter is unquestionably looking for ways to drive new revenue streams with this new service," said analyst Ben Wood from CCS Insight.
"For those with compelling enough content this service could be attractive but I expect it will be hard to deliver big paydays for the average Twitter user."
The news has received a mixed reaction among Twitter users. Social media consultant Matt Navarra asked his followers whether they would be prepared to pay a premium for their favourite accounts - and 85% responded that they would not.
A spokesman for Twitter said Super Follow was due to be launched this year.
Source-BBC