Late Seymour Nurse hailed as 'true legend'
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has hailed late former West Indies stroke-maker Seymour Nurse as a “true legend”.
Nurse, who played 29 Tests between 1960 and 1969, passed away here Monday at age 85 after a long battle with illness.
He also served as a coach and administrator following his playing career, and remained a seminal figure in Barbados cricket.
“Seymour was one of the greatest batsmen ever to play the game and typified all the best of West Indian batting — flamboyant stroke-play combined with powerful hitting and an insatiable appetite for runs,” said CWI president Ricky Skerritt.
“Like most of the West Indian players of his generation, he not only enjoyed playing internationally, but he displayed his batting artistry on every opportunity he got in club matches for his beloved Empire and for Barbados in the West Indies first-class championship.
“Seymour will be fondly remembered not only for the legacy he created on the field of play, but the way he represented the game off the field.”
A stylish batsman, Nurse scored 2,523 runs at an average of 47.60, along with six hundreds and 10 half-centuries. He enjoyed a sparkling first-class career, gathering 9,489 runs at 43.93 with 26 hundreds.
His maiden Test hundred was a double — 201 against Bob Simpson's Australia at Kensington Oval here in 1965. Nurse made three hundreds in his final four Tests, hammering a career-best 258 against New Zealand in Christ Church in his very last international innings before retiring prematurely at age 35.
Skerritt also praised Nurse's contribution to the game following his playing days.
“On his retirement from the game, he served as a mentor and coach to many great West Indies players and was an astute administrator and selector,” he said.
“I was rather fortunate to work closely with Seymour when he was the liaison officer for the West Indies Under-19 team in the 1980s, and over the years, I always enjoyed our conversations about the game whenever we had a chance to speak.
“He was always humble and helpful, and never hesitated to give support and advice to young players.”
Legendary former West Indies opener Desmond Haynes also paid tribute to Nurse, labelling him a mentor.Nurse is survived by twin daughters Roseanne and Cherylanne Nurse.
Source-CMC
Chinese trade officials visiting US 'to make a deal'
Chinese trade officials intend to "make a deal" when they arrive in Washington this week for talks, President Donald Trump said Wednesday, reviving hopes for negotiations that had appeared to hang by a thread.
However, Trump continued to ratchet up pressure on Beijing, pressing ahead with plans to raise US duty rates on US$200 billion in Chinese merchandise — a prospect that has sent shivers through the global economy since last year.
US officials on Monday effectively canceled a six-month trade truce, accusing Chinese negotiators of backsliding on major commitments agreed to thus far in months of talks.
"China has just informed us that they (Vice-Premier) are now coming to the US to make a deal," Trump said on Twitter, referring to top trade envoy Liu He.
But Trump suggested he was comfortable either with making a deal or with leaving the tariffs in place.
"We'll see but I am very happy with over US$100 Billion a year in Tariffs filling US coffers...great for US, not good for China!"
Meanwhile, the office of the US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer released an official notice that duty rates on a vast array of Chinese-made electrical equipment, machinery, auto parts and furniture would more than double after midnight (0400 GMT) on Friday.Following Trump's first Twitter announcement Sunday on tariffs, stock markets around the world sank for two trading days. Wall Street was about flat shortly after 1400 GMT on Wednesday.
The world's top two economies have exchanged tariffs on more than US$360 billion in two-way trade, gutting US soy bean exports to China and weighing on the manufacturing sectors in both countries.
Trump also tweeted Wednesday that Chinese officials mistakenly hoped they could hold off to negotiate with a "very weak" future Democratic president "and thereby continue to ripoff the United States... for years to come."
Amid robust US economic growth, American officials have long believed however that they are better positioned than Beijing to withstand the pain of a trade war.
Trump also repeated on Wednesday his view — with which economists and fellow Republicans in Congress differ — that it is trade adversaries like China who pay such duties and not US importers and consumers.
Washington has demanded far-reaching and profound changes to the Chinese economy, such as submitting state enterprises to market principles, reducing massive subsidies and ending the alleged "theft" of US technology.
Source-AFP
NYC measles cases reach 466
The number of measles cases in New York City has reached 466 since the outbreak began in October.
The city's health department said Tuesday that 43 new cases were recorded since it last reported figures in April.
The new cases include two public school students who do not identify as members of the Orthodox Jewish community, but had religious exemptions that allowed them to attend school without being vaccinated.
Health officials said the children, who live in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn, did not attend school while infectious.
Orthodox Jewish communities in the Williamsburg and Borough Park sections of Brooklyn account for most measles cases in the city.
Health officials say 84 individuals in Williamsburg have received summonses subject to fines for not complying with a mandatory vaccination order.
Jamaica becomes 1st C'bean country to host IACHR
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith has expressed hope that the high-level interaction afforded by the the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) 172nd Period of Sessions will “deepen the country's understanding of the function of the commission and its strategic priorities for 2017 to 2021.”
Johnson Smith was speaking at the Welcome Breakfast for the IACHR Delegation held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Monday.
This is the first time a Caribbean country is hosting the IACHR.
The foreign affairs minister said the event could serve to share the perspectives of the Region in the implementation of "our obligations under the American Convention on Human Rights”.
Meanwhile, President and Rapporteur on the Rights of Children and Adolescents, IACHR, Esmeralda Arosemena de Troitiño, said that holding the sessions in Jamaica fulfills one of the commitments of the IACHR, which is to “raise awareness of the Inter-American system in the Caribbean”.
The IACHR's 172nd Period of Sessions continues at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters with public hearings currently underway, to end on Friday.
Petitions will not be heard against Jamaica as host country.
Source-Jamaica Observer
China vows 'necessary countermeasures' on Trump tariffs
Beijing has said it will respond in kind if President Trump imposes higher tariffs on Chinese exports on Friday.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry said that if the US tariff measures are implemented, it would take "necessary countermeasures".
The warning comes as US and Chinese officials prepare to meet over the next two days.
On Wednesday President Trump tweeted that Vice Premier Liu He "is now coming to the U.S. to make a deal. We'll see."
On Sunday Mr Trump said on Twitter the US would more than double tariffs on $200bn (£152bn) of Chinese goods on Friday and could introduce fresh tariffs.
US trade representative Robert Lighthizer later accused China of backtracking on commitments in trade talks.
However, he insisted a deal with Beijing was still possible.
The US stock market is down over 2% since Sunday but did not react to the comments on Wednesday from China.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry said in its statement: "The escalation of trade friction is not in the interests of the people of the two countries and the people of the world.
"The Chinese side deeply regrets that if the US tariff measures are implemented, China will have to take necessary countermeasures."
Mr Trump's claim that Beijing is looking to strike a trade agreement followed an earlier tweet, in which he claimed to know why China had reneged on its promises.
He said that if a Democrat was elected in the 2020 US presidential election, Beijing hoped the new administration would take a softer line on trade.
Source-BBC
Duke and Duchess of Sussex name son Archie
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have named their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
Introducing him to the cameras earlier in the day, Meghan said: "He has the sweetest temperament, he's really calm. He's been the dream."
As they laughed, Prince Harry said: "I don't know who he gets that from."
The announcement came after the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh met their eighth and newest great-grandchild for the first time at Windsor Castle.
By deciding to call their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, Harry and Meghan have chosen not to use a title for their first born.
As the first born son of a duke, Archie could have become Earl of Dumbarton - one of Harry's subsidiary titles - or have been Lord Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, but instead he will simply be Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
Talking about their first few days as parents, Meghan said: "It's magic, it's pretty amazing. I have the two best guys in the world so I'm really happy."
The duke added: "It's great. Parenting is amazing.
"It's only been two and a half days, three days, but we're just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy."
On which parent the baby resembled more, Harry said: "Everyone says that babies change so much over two weeks.
"We're basically monitoring how the changing process happens over this next month really. But his looks are changing every single day, so who knows."
Meghan added: "Thank you everybody for all the well-wishes and kindness, it just means so much."
Source-BBC
Dominique Gardiner Appointed as Crown Counsel
The Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service is pleased to congratulate Ms. Dominique Gardiner on her appointment to the post of Crown Counsel with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s Attorney General’s Chambers.
Ms. Gardiner obtained her undergraduate degree with honours in Law with Accounting & Finance from the University of Liverpool in June 2016 and in July of 2017 completed the Legal Practice Course along with an MSc in Law and Business from the University of Law in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Commenting on Ms. Gardiner’s appointment Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams said; “We are pleased to formally welcome Dominique to the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service. Ms. Gardiner interned with the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Financial Services Commission during her studies and after completing did a joint pupillage with the Attorney General Chambers and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in pursuit of being called to the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar which was accomplished in July 2018. Ms. Gardiner was temporarily appointed to the post of Crown Counsel prior to her appointment and we are pleased to now have her permanently join our Chambers team.”
In commenting on her appointment Ms. Gardiner said; “The opportunity to serve as Crown Counsel within the Attorney General’s Chambers is one that I am truly grateful for. I am eager to contribute to the Chambers’ efforts of upholding the rule of law in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and to working along with highly skilled, experienced and hard working professionals. My aim going forward is to provide high caliber legal support and representation to the Public Service as I develop in this profession.”
The Hon. Attorney General QC said; “It is a pleasure to welcome Dominique Gardiner into the Civil team in Chambers. The employment and development of bright young Turks and Caicos Islander attorneys is a core goal of our succession planning. Dominique comes to the post with a stellar academic record and has made an impressive start. She will add value to the work being done by the civil division and in Chambers generally. We are very pleased that she has chosen to start her career with us.”
Commissioner James Smith on Yearly Crime Statistics for April 2018 – March 2019
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is pleased to report that we have seen a continued drop in crime overall when compared to the same period last year. We have achieved a reduction of 3% when compared to 2017/2018, with 94 fewer crimes reported. While we welcome this decrease, it is concerning that the murder count has risen from 4 in 2017/2018 to 8 reported during the 2018/2019 period. These crimes have a major impact on the country and we continue to use all available investigative means to arrest those responsible.
Burglaries and aggravated burglaries have also increased by 36 percent with 377 burglaries reported in 2017/2018, compared to 510 burglaries reported 2018/2019.
In drug-related crimes, persons reported for the possession of drugs has seen a decrease. In 2017/2018, 79 crimes were reported compared to 66 crimes in 2018/2019. Offences of possession of drugs with intent to supply are from 16 crimes to 13 crimes for the same period.
The use of firearms in committing crime puts citizens in fear and always has the potential to end in tragedy. I am pleased to report that firearms-related crimes are down by 48 percent with 137 reported in 2017/2018 compared to 72 from the period 2018/2019. In reference to the recovery of firearms, for the 2018/2019 period, a total of 13 firearms and 178 rounds of ammunition were recovered. We continue to look for ways to restrict the availability of illegal firearms coming into the country and work closely with partners in law enforcement to tighten control and make full use of our ballistic examination technology.
We are also pleased to report a 17 percent decrease in the number of Robberies across the country, these are down to 98 offences for the period 2018/2019 when compared to 2017/2018 when there were 118 offences reported. This decrease has been the trend over the last two years and we will be keeping a strong focus on these crimes to continue to bring these numbers down further.
Following the implementation of CCTV in Providenciales and the second phase due to commence in Grand Turk along with the application of other technology and our increased vehicle fleet numbers, we anticipate continued success in this regard.
We work very hard to protect our highly valued tourist sector and compile statistics to re-assure visitors and investors that the country remains a very safe destination. In this regard crimes against tourist have seen a modest reduction from 64 in 2017/2018 to 62 in 2018/2019. Again, this follows a downward trend from the year 2016/2017 when there were 108 incidents.
For the 2018/2019 financial year, a total of 214 persons were arrested and charged and have faced or are facing the courts for crimes committed, while a total of 230 persons were arrested on suspicion for crimes committed and further enquiries ongoing.
This year we have placed a strong focus on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults with the provision of a purpose built centre and specialist training. We continue to invest in training for our officers to ensure they are properly prepared to deal with the many and complex issues they face on a daily basis. We rely on the active participation of our communities to assist in the fight against crime and anti-social behavior.
I would ask householders and businesses to do everything they can to make it difficult for burglars to enter their property, perhaps by installing a home security system, keeping all doors and windows closed and secured when not at home or during the hours of darkness, and keep shrubbery and trees trimmed. Be a good neighbor and keep an eye on each other's property, reporting anything suspicious to the Police.
Weather for the week
General Situation: A surface trough along with a mid to upper level trough across the Central Bahamas continues to trigger unsettled weather across the entire Bahamas with some severe weather occurring at times through Thursday. The mid to upper level trough will shift across the NW Bahamas and weaken on Thursday as it completely dissipates by Friday. Meanwhile building high pressure ridge north of the Bahamas will produce moderate to strong breezes over the area through Thursday, then it will weaken and shift eastwards through Sunday.
Wednesday 01st – Partly cloudy, breezy to windy and warm with the chance of isolated showers in the NW Bahamas during the daytime, turning partly cloudy to fair and warm at night with the slight chance of a shower. In the Central and SE Bahamas cloudy to occasionally overcast and windy with scattered showers and widely scattered thunderstorms, some becoming heavy to severe at times during the daytime through nightfall. Maximum temperature 83°F and a minimum temperature 74°F. Small craft advisory across the entire Bahamas becomes a caution across the Central and SE Bahamas later. Winds E to SE at 15 to 25 knots across the entire Bahamas early but decreasing to 10 to 15 knots in the NW Bahamas later and dropping to 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas later. Seas 5 to 8 feet across the entire Bahamas early, falling to 4 to 7 feet later in the Central and SE Bahamas later and 3 to 5 feet in the NW Bahamas. Light to moderate NE’ly to E’ly swells overall areas.
Thursday 02nd – Variable cloudiness, warm and humid with some scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms during the daytime through nightfall. Maximum temperature 86°F and a minimum temperature 74°F. Small craft advisory across the NW and SE Bahamas early becomes a caution across the Central and SE Bahamas later. Winds E to SE at 15 to 25 knots in the NW and SE Bahamas early but decreasing to 12 to 18 knots in the NW Bahamas as winds become 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas later. Seas 5 to 8 feet over NW and SE Bahamas, falling to 3 to 5 feet in the NW Bahamas later and 4 to 6 feet in the Central and SE Bahamas with light to moderate E’ly swells across the Bahamas.
Friday 03rd – Variable cloudiness, very warm and humid with scattered showers and widely scattered thunderstorms mainly across the NW and Central Bahamas, generally clearing across the Central and SE Bahamas through nightfall. Maximum temperature 88°F and a minimum temperature 75°F. Small craft should exercise caution in the Central and SE Bahamas. Winds SE’ly at 10 to 15 knots in the NW Bahamas and E to SE at 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas. Seas 2 to 4 feet over the NW Bahamas and 4 to 6 feet in the Central and SE Bahamas but higher in moderate NE’ly to E’ly swell across the Bahamas.
Saturday 04th – Mostly cloudy to overcast, very warm and humid with lingering showers or possible isolated thunderstorms mainly across the NW Bahamas during the daytime. Turning fair and warm at night. Maximum temperature 88°F and a minimum temperature 75°F. Small craft should exercise caution across the Central and SE Bahamas but decreasing across the Central Bahamas by afternoon. Winds SE to S at 10 to 15 knots in the NW Bahamas, falling light and variable at times and E to SE at 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas, falling to 10 to 15 knots in the Central Bahamas later. Seas 2 to 4 feet in the NW Bahamas, falling light and variable at times and 4 to 6 feet in the Central and SE Bahamas becoming 2 to 4 feet in the Central Bahamas later. Lingering E’ly to SE’ly swells across the entire Bahamas.
Sunday 05th – Partly sunny, very warm and humid with the chance of few isolated showers in the NW and Central Bahamas during the daytime, turning partly cloudy to fair and warm at night time. Partly cloudy to cloudy and very warm with the chance of passing showers during the daytime through nightfall. Maximum temperature 89°F and a minimum temperature 75°F. Small craft should exercise caution in the SE Bahamas early. Winds ESE to SSE at 10 to 15 knots in the NW and Central Bahamas, falling light and variable at times and E to SE at 15 to 20 knots in the SE Bahamas, decreasing to 10 to 15 knots later. Seas 2 to 4 feet over the NW and Central Bahamas and 4 to 6 feet in the SE Bahamas, falling to 2 to 4 feet later.
Dissipating E’ly to SE’ly swells expected overall areas.
Beachgoers and mariners should be vigilant due to rough surf and the high risk of dangerous rip currents mainly along the north and east coast beaches during stated advisories. Mariners should exercise extreme caution for ocean swells and possible severe weather activity over parts of the Bahamas as stated.
22nd National Academic Awards Ceremony for May
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture & Library Services and the National Council of External Examinations will host the 22nd National Academic Awards Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 10th May 2019 at Horse Stable Beach, North Caicos. The ceremony will be hosted by the Raymond Gardiner High School, under the theme: Perseverance: The Hallmark of Excellence.
This Ceremony aims to recognise the academic achievements of the Class of 2018 in their final examinations in secondary schools. Inclusive of the three (3) National Scholars, Briann Gardiner of Raymond Gardiner High, Caitlin Lewis of TCIPS Comprehensive High and Zaria Ingham of Maranatha Academy, 140 students from nine (9) secondary schools will be recognised.
All the awardees attained the minimum requirement of five (5) passes in their external examinations, including English Language and Mathematics.
Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services, commends all of the awardees on their sterling performance in the 2018 external examinations. “You have every reason to be proud of your achievements. I am delighted to share this moment with you and to participate in the ceremony where we will highlight your academic successes and reward you for your accomplishments to date. On behalf of the Government and people of these islands I wish you good success in your future endeavours. May God’s favour rest on each of you.”