World Health Day
World Health Day was observed on Sunday 7th April under the theme “Universal Coverage for all”. This day has been set aside by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1948. The ambitious vision set out 71 years ago of a world in which all people enjoy the highest attainable standard of health still stands today. The Turks and Caicos Islands joined the rest of the world in observing World Health Day.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO stated; “Today, half the world’s population cannot access essential health services. Millions of women give birth without help from a skilled attendant; millions of children miss out on vaccinations against killer diseases, and millions suffer and die because they can’t get treatment for HIV, TB, and malaria. In 2019, this is simply unacceptable.”
Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus further stated; “In the Sustainable Development Goals, all countries have committed to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. To meet that target, we need to see 1 billion people benefitting from UHC in the next 5 years.”
The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services is working to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals targets are met. The Turks and Caicos Islands are one of the first Caribbean countries to implement National Health Insurance Program which is a social health insurance scheme (NHIP). There are Primary Health Care clinics on all islands and extended clinic hours are offered on Providenciales at the Cheshire Medical Centre Monday to Saturday. Health care systems are being strengthened.
The Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services, Hon. Edwin Astwood, stated; “We see primary health care as the foundation of universal health coverage therefore, we will continue to strengthen our primary health care systems and services to guarantee early detection, treatment and prevention of diseases. We are putting Primary Health Care in the driver’s seat.”
Hon. Astwood thanks all personnel working in the medical profession for their hard work and commitment to ensuring a healthier Turks and Caicos as we continue to work towards making health care accessible for all.
Assange to fight US extradition, lawyer says
Julian Assange's lawyer says the WikiLeaks founder will fight his extradition to the United States.
Attorney Jennifer Robinson sounded defiant as she spoke to reporters after Assange was arrested in London on Thursday morning. She said the arrest sets a dangerous precedent for the rights of journalists.
Assange was arrested at the Ecuadorian Embassy, where he took asylum in 2012 while facing extradition to Sweden.
Robinson suggested Assange had long said he would be arrested if he was expelled if Ecuador expelled him from the embassy. She says at least he can now get medical care while in jail.
The defence team could fight attempts to extradite Assange to the United States to face charges related to the publication of tens of thousands of secret government documents.
Source-AP
Los Angeles Lakers legend resigns
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has resigned from his job as the team's president of basketball operations.
The Lakers have failed to reach the play-offs for the sixth year in a row.
Johnson, who played a key role in bringing LeBron James to the team last year, broke the news before the 104-101 defeat by the Portland Trail Blazers.
"I had more fun when I was able to be the big brother and the ambassador to everybody," the 59-year-old said at an impromptu news conference on Tuesday.
Johnson said he had not warned president Jeanie Buss of his decision to bring his two-year reign to an end.
"She doesn't know I'm standing here because I know I would be crying like a baby in front of her, even though I'm about to cry now," added Johnson.
"But it's the right thing to do, the right move to make."
Johnson, who said he had grown tired of the "the back-stabbing and the whispering" this season, also suggested he did not want to have to make a decision over the future of coach Luke Walton.
"Tomorrow I would have to affect someone's livelihood and their life," he said, without referring to Walton directly.
"I want to go back to having fun. I want to go back to who I was before taking on this job."
The Lakers paid tribute to Johnson, a Hall of Famer during his playing days with the team, in a brief statement.
"There is no greater Los Angeles Laker than Earvin Johnson," the statement said.
"We are deeply grateful to Magic for all that he has done for our franchise, as a player, an ambassador and an executive."
Source-BBC
Endgame fans queue for hours for cinema tickets
Advance sales of Avengers: Endgame movie tickets in Singapore caused cinema websites to crash on Wednesday.
Singaporean Marvel fans took to social media to complain after being unable to purchase cinema tickets.
Shaw Cinema introduced an online queue management system that saw over 72,000 people waiting for hours for their turn to select tickets.
Some people took advantage of the situation to resell the tickets online.
Golden Village and Cathay Cinemas both experienced problems with their online payment systems.
The cinemas told Channel News Asia that their websites were unable to handle the sheer numbers of fans trying to buy tickets online.
Cinemagoer Devaash Mahantheran said he had to wait for five hours in the Shaw Cinema online queue, before the system crashed and pushed him to the back of the queue.
Vincent Wong was similarly unhappy: "No matter which browser and which platform I use, I keep getting an error message and unable to complete my transaction. Take a look at how many seats are on hold with no way to advance to [the] payment stage, and nobody responds on the customer service line."
People could still go to the cinemas in person to purchase tickets, and on Singaporean online marketplace mobile app Carousell, there were hundreds of listings reselling pairs of Avengers: Endgame movie tickets at various prices.
Tickets are being resold from $20 Singapore dollars (£11) all the way up to $600 Singapore dollars (£340).
Marvel fan Jolyn Ng told the BBC that she had anticipated that the pre-sale queues would be really bad.
She was so worried that she would not be able to get tickets during the pre-sale on Wednesday that she had asked her employer for leave on 24 April - the film's Singapore release date - so that she could find a way to grab tickets.
"I had all the cinema websites open in tabs on my computer overnight, and at 09:30am, I was placed 993rd in the Shaw online queue," she told the BBC.
"But luckily I woke up at 3am due to being on edge, and I was able to buy the tickets from EagleWings Cinematics, a new independent cinema that opened last year."
The queuing system used by Shaw is designed to prevent people from crashing websites.
It is more commonly seen on websites that see huge spikes in traffic, such as the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play, or the Glastonbury Festival ticket website.
Shaw Cinemas apologised to fans who were left disappointed.
Source-BBC
IMF's Lagarde says further Brexit delay will 'hinder' UK growth
Further uncertainty over Brexit will hinder growth in the UK economy, the head of IMF has told the BBC.
Speaking ahead of the agreement of an extension to Article 50, Christine Lagarde warned that businesses and investors will remain hesitant in the coming months.
She said any prolonged uncertainty would have a "negative impact".
Ms Lagarde, a former French finance minister, said she hoped a deal could be struck quickly.
Speaking at the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, Ms Lagarde said: "If there was a prolonged uncertainty, we can suspect that the impact on confidence would continue because, you know, whether you're talking about investors, whether you're talking about decisions as to where to expand where to set up how to organize a supply chain, people are going to wonder, you know, what comes next and and how will it settle?
"So it would have a negative impact, no question about it. "
Ms Lagarde also expressed sympathy with the plight of British businesses.
She highlighted that even with the contingency plans in place, they would face disruption in the event of a no-deal Brexit and may have to be resigned to taking a hit to their balance sheets and possibly market share.
Earlier in the week, the IMF warned that no deal would cause the UK economy to shrink, echoing the scenarios published by the Government and the Bank of England.
Revealing her personal insight, the IMF managing director said the Brexit process was "very, very concerning on the one hand and very sad".
"I grew up across the Channel and in the city of Le Havre, and to me being able to go across to Southampton, in an easy and unhampered way, was wonderful."
Ms Lagarde told journalists that "Having my positive hat on it removes the risk of the no-deal Brexit on April 12, so at least the UK is not leaving on April 12 without a deal.
"We believe that the no deal Brexit would have been a terrible outcome."
Brexit is among risks the IMF has flagged at what it termed a delicate time for the global economy in its World Economic Outlook, with others including trade tensions between the US and China and high corporate debt levels in many countries.
Source-BBC
123 nabbed in immigration sweep in New Jersey
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says three Caribbean nationals are among 123 foreign nationals apprehended during a month-long operation targeting immigrants with prior arrests or convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
On Wednesday, ICE said the operation, which was spearheaded by its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), also targeted at-large criminal aliens and illegal re-entrants.
The Caribbean nationals are from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic.
Others arrested across the state are nationals of Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Poland and Spain.
Of those arrested during the operation, 90 percent had prior criminal convictions and/or pending criminal charges.
“The remarkable results of our officers and law enforcement partners highlight ICE's ongoing commitment to public safety,” said John Tsoukaris, Field Office Director of ERO Newark.
“This operation focuses on the arrest of individuals convicted of serious crimes and are a threat to public safety,” he added. “Because of the targeted efforts of these professional and dedicated officers, there are 123 fewer criminals in our communities.”
The operation was supported by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the direction of Troy Miller, Director, New York Field Office.
“These individuals will go through removal proceedings before an Immigration Judge; or, for those under a final order of removal, arrangements will be made to remove them from the US,” ICE said.
It said the immigrants range from age 19 to 56 years old, with “the great majority” arrested, or previously convicted, of driving under the influence.
Some individuals also had arrests or convictions for sexual assault on a minor, child abuse, possession of narcotics, distribution of narcotics, fraud, criminal restraint, domestic violence, possession of a weapon, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, endangering the welfare of a child, fraud, promoting gambling, shoplifting, burglary, forgery and illegal reentry, ICE said.
Source- CMC
Renewals of British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) Turks and Caicos Islands Passport Books
The Department of Registration and Citizenship within the Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services hereby advises the public of the importance of checking the validity of their passport books on a regular basis, whether they have immediate plans to travel, or not. On average, international travel requires a validity period of six (6) months or more. Applications for the renewal of passports with less than six (6) months remaining should be made as soon as possible and ahead of the upcoming high travel season during the summer months.
The public is also reminded that BOTC Turks and Caicos Islands passports cannot be extended and must be renewed in order to facilitate travel. Further, limited validity passports, otherwise known as emergency passports, are issued only in cases of extreme emergency and unforeseen and/or unavoidable official travel by public officers. Applications for limited validity passports must be accompanied by documentation substantiating the emergency or unforeseen and/or unavoidable need for official travel, in addition to all other supporting documents required when otherwise applying for a full validity passport and the applicable fees.
All applications for renewal or first time passport books can be made to the Customer Services Center located at Level 1, Sammy Been Plaza, Airport Road Providenciales or at Three Degrees Business Complex in Grand Turk.
Weekend Forecast
GENERAL SITUATION: A SURFACE TROUGH EXTENDS ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS…WHILE REMNANTS OF A FORMER FRONT AFFECTS NORTHWEST BAHAMAS.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACHGOERS AND MARINERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ESPECIALLY ALONG EASTERN SHORELINES.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDY, WARM AND BREEZY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY IN THE NORTHWEST & SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS…PARTLY CLOUDY TONIGHT WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION IS IN EFFECT.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS…DECREASING 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS TONIGHT.
SEAS:4 TO 7 FEET OVER THE OCEAN…FALLING 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS TONIGHT.
HIGH TEMPERATURE TODAY 85 °F 29 °C
LOW TEMPERATURE TONIGHT 70 °F 21 °C
SUNRISE: 6:58AM SUNSET: 7:26PM
MOONRISE: 7:21AM MOONSET: 7:54PM
HIGH TIDE: 7:44AM & 8:04PM
LOW TIDE: 1:56PM & 2:22AM SAT.
EXTENDED FORECAST: THE SURFACE TROUGH ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS WILL DRIFT WESTWARD THROUGH SATURDAY WHILE DISSIPATING…MEANWHILE HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD ACROSS THE AREA THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND, MAINTAINING BRISK BREEZES OVER THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH A FEW STRAY SHOWERS…BREEZY IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST & CENTRAL BAHAMAS…& EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE NORTHWEST & CENTRAL BAHAMAS…& 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH A FEW STRAY SHOWERS…BREEZY IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST & CENTRAL BAHAMAS…& EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE NORTHWEST & CENTRAL BAHAMAS…& 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
PREMIER ROBINSON ANNOUNCES SHUFFLE OF CABINET
Premier of the Turks & Caicos, the Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson has ended the speculations long ongoing as to the Ministers that will be changing portfolio.
In her address to the nation, the Premier added that three Ministers will be changing Ministry's, here is the Premier's address:
"Despite the challenges my Government faced over the first half of our term in Office, my Government continues to make great strides in delivering the promised change for our people. We have continued to keep our people informed through all social and media platforms and through our Town Hall Meetings.
In a series of appearances over Public Radio, RTC marking the midterm, Ministers of my Cabinet have reported in full on accomplishments and works in progress against our contract with the people, the Change Document. We continue to fulfill our promises.
As committed to do at the half term mark, I have now reviewed and proposed changes to Cabinet. The new portfolio assignments and the reassignments of Departments are sure to assist us in delivering on our promises and list of priority flagship projects.
I am pleased to announce the following:
The Deputy Premier Hon Sean Astwood will head the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development.
The Hon Vaden Delroy Williams will head the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services.
The Hon Goldray Ewing will head the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation. The Departments of Water and Energy will join this Ministry.
The Hon Ralph Higgs will remain the Minister of Tourism. However, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies will join this Ministry and will work closer with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources as we further our agenda in relation to climate change and the further protection and conservation of our environment.
The Hon Karen Malcolm will remain the Minister of Education under the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services. However Social Services and Gender will join this Ministry as we focus greater efforts on the family unit with renewed focus on children, youth and women programs.
The Hon Edwin Astwood will remain the Minister of Health.
I will continue to hold the Ministry of Finance and the Premier's Office will be renamed Office of the Premier, Local Government and Community Affairs.
These changes will take effect from May 8th following the Budget Debate. During the Budget Debate, all Ministers will announce their Ministry's major flagship priorities for the new financial year.
We are excited in our work and remain committed to the change that is and will continue to take place. We continue to be honored to serve the people of these Islands.
May God continue to bless these Turks and Caicos Islands."
That was the full statement from the Hon Sharlene L Cartwright Robinson, Premier & Minister of Finance of The Turks and Caicos Islands speaking about a cabinet shuffle that will take effect in May.
TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ITS HOME OWNERS POLICY
The1st of April 2019 marked the effective date for the coming into force of the Home Owner’s Policy, recently approved by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
The Turks and Caicos Government (TCIG) is keen on promoting homeownership and providing incentives to help those struggling to get on the property ladder or to protect the savings and equity that existing homeowners have painstakingly placed in their homes.
To progress this initiative, Turks and Caicos Islands Government has initiated its Homeowner’s Policy that will provide a duty waiver program, applicable to all Turks and Caicos Islands citizens who are homeowners or in the process of becoming a first time homeowner.
The Hon Premier Cartwright Robinson commented stating; “This Program will give Turks and Caicos Islanders a better opportunity to maintain or increase the equity in their homes as existing home owners of 10 years or more, or to enter the housing market for the first time with some incentives. These incentives will include either a reduction of $20,000 in stamp duty or an import duty waiver of up to $20,000 on building materials/appliances/furniture and fixtures. I am excited the interest already expressed and I know that many will benefit under this Program. Homeownership is an empowerment tool and we are happy to deliver on this important imitative”
To ensure that the Public has all the necessary information required to benefit under this policy, a copy of the approved policy is attached to this release for ease of reference. A copy of the policy can also be downloaded from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government website at www.gov.tc, and the Customs Department website at www.customs.gov.tc.
Hard copies of the policy will also be available at the following locations:
- The Premier’s Officer, Providenciales and Grand Turk;
- The Office of the District Commissioner, Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle Caicos and North Caicos;
- The Customs Department, Providenciales and Grand Turk;
- The Land Registry, Grand Turk;
- The Department of Planning, Grand Turk and Providenciales
Persons can submit their queries regarding homeowner’s policy the following email address: tcihomeapp@gov.tc.
All homeowner’s policy applications can be submitted to the Ministry of Finance in Grand Turk and Providenciales or through your local District Commissioner’s Office in North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay.