Prosecutors rest their case against Sean 'Diddy' Combs after calling 34 witnesses
Federal prosecutors on Tuesday rested their case in the sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
“At this time, subject to confirming all of the government records are accurate in the record, the government rests,” prosecutor Emily Johnson said.
Calling 34 witnesses over the last 28 days of testimony and introducing hundreds of pieces of evidence, prosecutors are trying to prove the onetime titan of hip-hop used his wealth and clout to coerce and manipulate women into unwanted and unconventional sex for his personal gratification.
In a sweeping racketeering case that threatens to send Combs to prison for life if he's convicted, the rap mogul is charged with using his business empire and personal fortune, once valued at nearly $1 billion, to secretly run a criminal organization devoted to protecting his reputation and funding years of criminal conduct.
Firebombing a Porsche, kidnapping one of his employees, breaking into a rival's mansion and paying a security guard a $100,000 bribe are just a few of the eye-popping allegations prosecutors presented to the jury to try to prove their contention that Combs is a criminal. They argue Combs forced women to have sex with male prostitutes as he watched and masturbated during drug-fueled sex sessions that could last days. To keep his alleged victims silent, prosecutors say, Combs used violence, coercion and threats that they would be embarrassed or face financial ruin.
As soon as the government rested its case, the defense asked the judge to immediately find Combs not guilty of all the charges.
“The defense moves for a judgment of acquittal on all counts,” defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro said. “The government has failed to meet its burden.”
The jury was not in the room for the argument.
“The evidence does not establish that Mr. Combs conspired with any other person to violate the RICO statute,” Shapiro said. “They failed to show that any other individual actually conspired with him to conduct the affairs of this 20-year purported criminal enterprise.”
A grand jury indicted Combs in September 2024 on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. After declining to take a plea deal from prosecutors, Combs went to trial in May and could go to prison for the rest of his life if convicted on all counts.
He has pleaded not guilty and insists that any sex acts — no matter how far outside the mainstream they might be — were voluntary and remain the private business of consenting adults. Attorneys for Combs have acknowledged that the superstar is "complex" and has committed acts of violence and abused illicit drugs, but they argue that he never engaged in sex trafficking or ran a criminal enterprise as prosecutors allege.
Source-ABC
Education Ministry shares results of Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment 2025
The Ministry of Education is pleased to announce the commendable performance of students in the 2025 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). A total of 430 candidates were assessed this year, with 419 students (97%) achieving grades at or above the Near Competent level (41% and above).
The CPEA administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) evaluates student achievement across four core subjects: Mathematics, English Language, Science, and Social Studies, serving as a pivotal academic milestone at the end of primary education.
The Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, expressed her pride in the students' achievements:
“We are indeed proud of our students’ outstanding performance in the 2025 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment. These results reflect the dedication of our educators, the supportive involvement of parents, and the hard work and perseverance of our children. We remain committed to providing a quality education that empowers every learner to thrive.”
Key Performance Highlights:
- 97% of students scored 41% or higher.
- 65% (279 candidates) achieved Competent or Advanced Competent status.
- 14% (60 students) attained Advanced Competence, reflecting a 1% increase over 2024.
- Math remains the area for growth, with 61% of students scoring 50% or above.
- Language (88%), Civic (82%), and Science (79%) showed strong performance at the 50%+ level.
- Gender differences was evident in performance across all levels, with a slight female lead in Competent to Advanced Competent bands, a decrease in lead when compared to 2024.
The following students hold the top ten positions in the country:
|
Position |
Name |
Sex |
School |
Total Marks |
Percentage |
|
1 |
Sydney Kay Brisbane |
F |
B.E.S.T |
482 |
96.4 |
|
2 |
Arianna Shalini Daniel |
F |
RHP |
472 |
94.4 |
|
3 |
Darnique Dorvette Handfield |
F |
AOPS |
470 |
94.0 |
|
4 |
Erion Elrico Choy Stoll |
M |
OGPS |
463 |
92.6 |
|
5 |
Dominick Glenroy Gardiner |
M |
OGPS |
461 |
92.2 |
|
5 |
Lebron Wolf Sertune |
M |
B.E.S.T |
461 |
92.2 |
|
7 |
Marlissa Alana Caesar |
F |
ESPS |
455 |
91.0 |
|
8 |
Kalesia Jasianne Robinson |
F |
ESPS |
453 |
90.6 |
|
9 |
Mejohnsky Delicieux |
M |
OGPS |
452 |
90.4 |
|
9 |
Tyler Derson Delancy |
M |
B.E.S.T |
452 |
90.4 |
|
9 |
Jace Costley Charles Mullings |
M |
RHP |
452 |
90.4 |
The top positions in each of the four subject areas are held by the following students:
|
Component |
Name of Student |
Percentage |
School |
|
Mathematics |
Sydney Kay Brisbane |
97.5 |
B.E.S.T. INSTITUTE |
|
Language |
Sydney Kay Brisbane |
96.43 |
B.E.S.T. INSTITUTE |
|
Science |
Sydney Kay Brisbane |
96.67 |
B.E.S.T. INSTITUTE |
|
Social Studies |
Darnique Hanfield Erion Elrico Choy Stoll
|
98.3 |
ADELAIDE OMELER PRIMARY SCHOOL ONA GLINTON PRIMARY SCHOOL |
Our focus is on holistic education, ensuring that each student excel academically while also developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and social responsibility. The 2025 results are not just about academic success but also about the overall growth and development of our boys and girls.
CPEA Prize-Giving ceremonies will be held across the country beginning on Monday, 30 June 2025 under the theme “ Strong Foundations, Limitless Futures”.
|
CPEA Prize-Giving Ceremonies 2025 |
|||
|
Date |
Time |
Island |
Venue |
|
Monday, 30th June 2025 |
10:00 a.m. |
Grand Turk |
Yellowman & Sons Auditorium |
|
Tuesday, 1 July 2025 |
10:00 a.m. |
South Caicos |
Mt Olivet Baptist Church |
|
Wednesday, 2 July 2025 |
10:00 a.m. |
North & Middle Caicos |
Horse Stable Beach Community Centre |
|
Thursday, 3 July 2025 |
10:00 a.m. |
Providenciales |
Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex |
The Ministry commends all school leaders, teachers, parents, and communities who understand the value of strong partnerships and the critical importance of collaboration. We remain committed to our mission to create an environment where each learner is successful.
TCI Recives Six (6) Additional Certificates of Analyses For Commonly Prescribed Antidiabetic Medicine
The Pharmacy Unit within the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) is pleased to report that it has received six (6) additional certificates of analyses following the testing and analyses of six (6) samples of the commonly prescribed antidiabetic medicine, metformin. This brings to a total of 11 samples following the receipt of five (5) certificates of analyses earlier this year. The samples – which have been confirmed as achieving the required quality standard - were selected from batches that have been utilised on the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) market.
A Certificate of Analysis is a legal document that certifies the quality of a medicine and/or its ingredients known as excipients. The certificate demonstrates that the batch/ sample tested meets all the required quality control standards which confirms product quality and safety.
The Unit continues to partner with the Medicines Quality Control and Surveillance Department (MQCSD) of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) as a part of their risk-based Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) Programme for medicines to conduct these tests and analyses. The TCI’s involvement in the PMS Programme continues to strengthen and support the effectiveness of its medicines regulatory system by:
Providing data and information that will better inform the government on the appropriate and effective regulatory actions and strategies to implement (that will improve the availability of safe and essential good quality medicines), and
Identifying in a timely manner, possible substandard and falsified products/medicines on the TCI market.
Importantly, the Minister of Health and Human Services – Honourable Kyle R. Knowles declared that “it is essential to improve fair access to safe, effective and quality medicines as these are hallmarks of effective disease management/treatment.” As such Hon. Knowles notes that “the MoHHS and by extension, the Pharmacy Unit, will continue to strengthen the systems and capacities required to improve the effective monitoring of drug/patient safety.”
The MoHHS will continue to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all TCI residents are positively impacted by actively monitoring and regulating all medicines used within the TCI. The MoHHS is also encouraging persons to utilise the Adverse Drug Reaction Form - found at https://gov.tc/docs/ADR.pdf - to report any suspected:
adverse events - suffered from the use of medicines and/or
substandard or falsified medicines.
These reports are paramount as they aid in determining whether medicines will be submitted for analysis and testing.
Ford announces Recall of Aviators and Explorers
There is a sweeping recall of Lincoln Aviators and Ford Explorers from 2020 to 2025.
According to Auto Week, If your 2020 to 2025 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator’s second-row seats have been acting up, you’re not alone. Ford is recalling 121,235 Lincoln Aviators and 183,427 Ford Explorers from model years 2020 through 2025 because of a second-row seat “easy entry seat fold switch bezel.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report, the affected Ford Explorers’ and Lincoln Aviators’ easy entry fold switch bezels may have been installed incorrectly. These bezels can be misaligned with the switch and can cause the seat to bind or the switch to become stuck in the down position.
This could lead to a situation where the seat becomes unlatched in the seat track, which would cause the seat to move or the seat to fold while the vehicle is in motion. A seat that’s moving unexpectedly in the cabin could lead to injury or a potential collision.
According to the recall report, Ford estimates that only 6% of vehicles will present the defect. That said, if you’re the owner of an affected vehicle, Ford has a fix. Ford says you can take your affected vehicle to its dealer for the second-row seat fold switch bezel to be inspected. If the bezels are installed improperly or damaged, they will be replaced free of charge.
Ford has already started notifying dealers about this recall, but letters to owners are scheduled for June 23, 2025. The recall report also notes that the remedy letter will be mailed out on August 25, 2025. If you’re curious about the status of your Explorer or Aviator, Ford says that the affected vehicle VINs are now searchable.
Source- Auto Week
Crown Land Unit Leads Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise In Blue Hills
The Crown Land Unit, led a multi-agency enforcement exercise in Blue Hills earlier in June, with operational support from the Informal Settlements Unit, the Physical Planning Department, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The exercise targeted unauthorized structures located on Block and Parcel number 60503/317, situated in the area known as Evangelical Yard in Blue Hills. Fourteen (14) Enforcement Notices were issued under Section 22 of the Crown Land Ordinance. Notices were affixed to each unoccupied structure found to be in illegal occupation of Crown land.
This operation is part of the government’s continued effort to uphold the laws governing Crown land and to curb the spread of unauthorized developments.
The Informal Settlements Unit remains committed to working with its partners to support lawful land use and promote the creation of safer and more sustainable communities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Gilgeous-Alexander guides Thunder to NBA glory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander capped a dominant season as he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Championship after beating the Indiana Pacers in game seven of the play-off finals.
The Canadian, 26, scored 29 points and had 12 assists in their 103-91 success over the Indiana Pacers in Oklahoma to clinch the series 4-3 - the first time since 2016 that the finals had gone to a deciding seventh game.
He was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) to add to his NBA regular season MVP award and scoring title, just the fourth player and the first since Shaquille O'Neal to achieve the rare treble in one season.
It is the Thunder's first title since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008 after Seattle won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers lost key player Tyrese Haliburton to a leg injury just seven minutes into the contest when he slipped and fell while driving towards the basket, but still held a narrow 48-47 lead at half-time.
However, the Thunder, who with an average age of 25.6 are the youngest side to win an NBA Finals title since the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977, out-scored them 34-20 in the third quarter and pushed the lead out to as many as 22 points (90-68) in the fourth.
"It doesn't feel real, so many hours, so many moments, so many emotions, so many nights of disbelief," said Gilgeous-Alexander.
"It's crazy to know that we're all here. But this group worked for it, this group put in the hours and we deserved this."
"Our togetherness on and off the court, like how much fun we have, it made it so much easier. It made it feel like we were just kids playing basketball. It was so fun.
"We have a lot to grow, individually and as a group. I'm excited for the future of this team. This is a great start. I'm really excited for this team."
The Thunder completed a franchise record 68-win season, just four years after they recorded only 22 victories across a Covid-shortened 2020-21 campaign, their first under coach Mark Daigneault, who took over in November 2020.
Source-BBC
Hon. E. Jay Saunders speaks on “ENHANCING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY” at TCI Business Outlook
I must say that it is a pleasure and an honour to address you at this 2nd Annual Turks and Caicos Islands Business Outlook, especially on the topic "Enhancing Digital Technology."
Today, technology is at the heart of global wealth and economic prosperity.
The top 4 of the 5 wealthiest individuals globally are in technology. They are:
1. Elon Musk – USD$407B
2. Larry Ellison – USD$242B
3. Mark Zuckerberg – USD$239B
4. Jeff Bezos – USD$228B
In addition, and impressively, all 5 of the world's largest companies (by market capitalization) are technology-driven enterprises. They are:
1. Microsoft – 2.63T
2. NVIDIA – 2.61T
3. Apple – 2.0T
4. Amazon – 1.67T
5. Alphabet (Google) – 1.58T
I highlighted these facts to show digital technology’s enormous potential for:
* wealth creation,
* economic development, and
* social change – especially to the benefit of Turks & Caicos Islanders.
The main technologies driving this Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) are:
* Artificial Intelligence (AI),
* Cloud Computing,
* Data Analytics, and
* Blockchain.
AI, particularly Generative AI (like ChatGPT), is transforming industries and driving efficiencies.
Governments globally are leveraging digital technologies and are achieving transformative results. For example,
• Estonia, the face of digital governance due to its National ID platform, has improved public service efficiency, and as a result, grew their economy.
• Similarly, Singapore's integration of AI and digital services has significantly boosted its GDP and citizen satisfaction.
• South Korea’s extensive digital infrastructure and innovation-friendly policies have fostered significant economic growth.
• Rwanda, through its ambitious digital transformation, has improved governance, transparency, and public service efficiency.
• Dubai, a leader in smart city technology, has dramatically enhanced its business ecosystem and citizen services.
Inspired by the successes of these countries, my vision for the TCI is ambitious, but is achievable, and it aligns with our Vision 2040 aspirations.
We will utilize digital technologies to transform the Turks and Caicos Islands Government into a High-Performance Government:
I.e. A government that consistently delivers outstanding results for its citizens. A government that makes meaningful strides towards achieving a high quality of life for current and future generations of citizens and residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
We will also utilize it to grow our economy, grow GDP, and improve border and domestic security.
As highlighted in my 2025 budget speech, several upcoming projects demonstrate our government’s commitment to transforming the Turks and Caicos Islands
into a country that delivers:
“A high quality of life enjoyed by citizens, residents and future generations.”
National ID Project: Scheduled for rollout by early 2027, this platform will streamline public services, enhance border security, facilitate ease of business, and lay a foundation for comprehensive digital governance.
Automated Clearing House (ACH): We are actively working with local banks to introduce ACH, which will revolutionise financial transactions, reducing transaction costs, enhancing transparency, and boosting economic activity across the islands.
Generative AI and Business Intelligence (BI): Initiatives underway in collaboration with Microsoft AI Copilot include projects such as AI chatbots for government websites, intelligent border security systems, and advanced data management for our Land Registry and Registrar General's databases.
These projects that I will speak to now are central to realising our Vision 2040 goals:
1. Economic and GDP Growth: Initiatives, such as the ACH, will significantly reduce financial transaction friction, promoting increased investment and business efficiency. By extension, our National ID system will enable efficient citizen verification, directly enhancing the ease of doing business.
2. Improved Border and Domestic Security: AI-driven border systems will substantially strengthen security infrastructure, safeguarding our residents and enhancing visitor confidence, vital for our tourism-driven economy.
3. Efficient Delivery of Government Services: Implementing comprehensive e-government initiatives, such as AI-driven customer service platforms and streamlined online services for vehicle and driver’s license renewals, and public transportation and ride (taxi) hailing, will enhance public sector efficiency, public safety, and citizen satisfaction.
4. Inclusive Growth and Prosperity: By adopting business intelligence and AI solutions, we will make better-informed policy decisions, enhancing equity, economic inclusion, and generating tangible benefits for Turks and Caicos Islanders across all the islands.
Looking 5-10 years ahead, I can see digital technologies creating significant opportunities for us to modernize our islands.
I envision, and our Government is working towards creating a digitally enabled nation, seamlessly interconnected, and offering best in class digital services accessible by every citizen.
E-Governance, digital healthcare, smart education systems, smart and safe city technologies, and renewable energy solutions integrated through intelligent grids will transform our islands, positioning the Turks and Caicos Islands as a sustainable, digitally driven country.
Our ongoing efforts align with our core strategic goals:
1. building a resilient economy,
2. improving citizen security,
3. driving down the cost of living,
4. protecting the elderly and the vulnerable,
5. increasing investments in human capital development,
6. ensuring environmental sustainability, and
7. strengthening governance (particularly our good governance) structures.
I am confident that the foundations we’re laying today will deliver lasting benefits, thereby creating a future where every Turks and Caicos Islander can thrive, enjoying the fruits of sustained, inclusive growth and technological advancement, and most of all, live their best lives within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Thank you. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. And may he continue to bless our Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
Are we seeing an Iran-Israel ceasefire?
US President Donald Trump took a gamble by inserting the US into the worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, but it may have paid off - at least for now.
Trump announced on Tuesday evening that the two countries had agreed to a ceasefire that he said could lead to a lasting peace.
While neither Israel nor Iran has definitively confirmed the development, White House officials are privately touting what they say is a diplomatic breakthrough.
And, if the American president has in fact ended what he labelled the "12 Day War", it would make for a significant step back from the brink of a conflict that seemed on the verge of engulfing the region, along with pulling America further in after US airstrikes hit Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday.
"Provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement, "we have no intention to continue our response afterwards."
It may not be called a ceasefire, but as the 4 am deadline arrived in Tehran the Israeli attacks reportedly came to a halt. The two parties appear to be on the verge of turning down the heat.
This latest development comes after a tumultuous day in the region, when Iran followed through on its promise to retaliate for Saturday's US strike.
According to early reports, all the Iranian missiles directed at the massive US base in Qatar were intercepted and there were no American casualties or damage.
During his address to the nation on Saturday night, Donald Trump warned that there would be an overwhelming American answer to any Iranian attacks on US interests. He promised that there were more targets that could be struck by American forces if needed.
For more than 24 hours, the world waited to see what Iran would do. Once Iran had acted, attention swung back to the US president and, after a few hours, he had his first say.
"Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered," Trump posted on his social media site.
He said that Iran had gotten it out of their "system" and added that "perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region".
With the damage is reported to limited, Trump seemed to be inclined to hold his fire in the hopes that the Iranians will be willing to negotiate in earnest. And, behind the scenes, the White House says he was talking to Qatari mediators and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to work out the details of the ceasefire.
Trump's weekend attack on Iran was a high-risk manoeuvre, but a scenario in which the pay offs are already coming into view.
Source-BBC
Remarks from the Deputy Premier at the TCI Business Outlook under the theme " Prioritizing Inclusive Sustainable Growth”
“Prioritizing Inclusive Sustainable Growth,” captures the essence of what our economy must become and underscores our unwavering commitment to this vision. We aim for an economy that grows not just in numbers but in depth, reach, and resilience. One that lifts people, protects nature, and creates space for everyone to participate and thrive.
As Acting Premier, I am pleased to share how the Government is working to position the Turks and Caicos Islands for long-term success—through diversification, smart investment, and meaningful collaboration with the private sector.
Diversifying for Economic Resilience
Our proactive approach to diversification is a testament to our optimism and hope for the future. We must reduce our dependence on any single sector to future-proof our economy. While tourism remains a vital driver of growth, we are focused on building complementary industries that provide balance, stability, and sustainable opportunities.
Our diversification strategy includes investments in:
• Agriculture and fisheries – to strengthen food security and create value-added exports;
• Renewable energy – to reduce costs, ensure energy independence, and meet our climate goals;
• Financial services – to position our jurisdiction as competitive, compliant, and innovative;
• The orange and digital economies – where creativity, culture, and technology drive 21st-century jobs.
• Infrastructure – The bedrock that drives any successful economy
This multifaceted approach will help build a more inclusive and resilient economic foundation that is better prepared to withstand global disruptions. It will also create new job opportunities, enhance food security, and reduce our carbon footprint.
Strengthening Revenue and Fiscal Systems
A sustainable economy relies on strong, fair, and efficient public finance systems.
We are expanding our revenue base, reforming our revenue generation structures for equity and resilience, and enhancing compliance mechanisms to ensure the Government collects what is due. Through consultancy and technical assistance from IMF/CARTAC. They are assisting with Revenue Generation reform in MOF to improve compliance, implementing a new system, and exploring new revenue streams. These efforts are not just about funding services—they are about creating the fiscal space to invest in people, infrastructure, and innovation.
Supporting MSMEs and Local Enterprise
Inclusive growth must begin at home, and our commitment to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is a testament to this. We recognize that MSMEs are the lifeblood of local commerce and employment and are deeply committed to their success.
We have committed over 90% of MSME funding to date, with 89 projects receiving concessions. The fisheries sector received the highest allocation, and South Caicos recorded nine concessions—the highest ever from that island.
Our support includes financing and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs scale up, modernize, and enter new markets.
Elevating the Tourism Sector
We acknowledge the transformative leadership of the former Minister of Tourism the Honourable Josephine Connolly, under whom the country transitioned from the traditional Tourist Board to a dynamic new agency—Experience Turks and Caicos.
This reform contributed to a historic achievement: 2.0 million arrivals by air and sea in 2024, a record for our destination.
Looking ahead, our strategy is clear: We will protect the exclusivity and value of our tourism brand. This means focusing not just on the number of visitors, but on quality—growing Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) and investing in experiences that reflect the uniqueness of our islands.
Real Estate and Investment Confidence
The real estate sector remained stable in 2024, with 2.5% growth, and is projected to grow 3.2% in 2025. These figures reflect investor confidence and underscore the importance of clear planning, sound land management, and predictable regulatory environments.
Building Infrastructure for the Future
No economy can grow without the infrastructure to support it. That is why we are investing in a modern, integrated infrastructure network—fit for 2040 and beyond.
In 2023, we spent $38.6 million on capital projects. While this was an improvement, we are not satisfied with the pace of delivery. The procurement and approvals processes have proven to be a challenge, and we are actively reforming it to unlock faster, more efficient project execution.
For the coming fiscal year, $86.7 million will be allocated to Economic Affairs, covering:
• Infrastructure and land development,
• Tourism enhancement,
• Agricultural support,
• Environmental and coastal protection,
• Utilities, communications, and disaster resilience.
Transforming the Energy Landscape
No sector reflects the urgency of sustainability more than energy.
We are committed to a clean energy transition, beginning with the modernization of our power grid to handle growing demand and enable renewable integration. We aim to generate 40% of electricity from renewable sources, with solar as a central driver.
To support this, we are introducing net metering, allowing residents and businesses to generate solar power and receive credits for feeding excess energy back into the grid.
This is not just about clean power but about economic empowerment, energy security, and lowering the cost of living.
Conclusion
Inclusive, sustainable growth must remain central to our collective ambition as we look ahead.
It calls on us to create an economy that is not only robust and competitive, but also fair and forward-facing—where growth reaches across sectors, across islands, and into the hands of all who call these shores home.
It means embracing innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, protecting our environment, and building resilience in every development layer.
At this forum, we are not just forecasting the future but helping shape it. The partnerships we forge here, the strategies we refine, and the bold ideas we commit to will determine the trajectory of our economy for years to come.
Let us move forward with clarity, courage, and shared purpose toward a future that is more inclusive, more sustainable, and filled with opportunity for all.
Thank you.
Tom Cruise is set to receive an honorary Oscar
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the entertainers who will receive honorary Academy Awards at the 2025 Governors Awards.
Along with Cruise, choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas will receive honorary Oscars at the upcoming ceremony. Additionally, Dolly Parton is set to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
The trophies will be presented at the 16th annual Governors Awards on Nov. 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.
“This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact,” AMPAS President Janet Yang said in a statement.
As for what led to Cruise's recognition, Yang said it was his "incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community [that] has inspired us all."
Yang said Parton "exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts."
Allen's recognition comes from her history as "a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres," Yang said, before also recognizing the production design from Thomas.
"Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft,” Yang said.
Cruise has been nominated for three Oscars. Allen has choreographed the Academy Awards ceremony seven times. Thomas is known for his work on Spike Lee's films, including Do The Right Thing and Malcolm X. Parton is being recognized for her humanitarian work, which includes her organizations the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Source-ABC