Haitian government collapses
Six months after being sworn into office, the government of Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant was forced out of office Monday after the Lower Chamber of Deputies voted overwhelming to censure the administration.
The move came as Prime Minister Céant had gone to the Senate for a meeting only to find 13 Senators present.
The Senate, citing the recent arrest of five armed Americans last month and their subsequent release with the help of the State Department, had summoned both Céant and his justice minister to its chamber on Monday.
Senate President Carl Murat Cantave tweeted that due to the lack of a quorum, the prime minister's session is being rescheduled for Wednesday
However, in the Lower Chamber of Deputies, where 104 Deputies were present, they voted by a wide margin to censure the prime minister.
The agenda of the session was adopted by 88 deputies, 12 against and 4 abstentions and without the prime minister present, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies announced the continuation of the interpellation.
“The results of the session will be communicated to him,” said Deputy Gary Bodeau.
Source-CMC
MIKE CLERVEAUX NEW HAZARD MITIGATION & GIS SPECIALIST
The Turks and Caicos Islands civil service is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mike Clerveaux to the post of Hazard Mitigation & GIS Specialist within the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME).
For the past three years, Mr. Clerveaux held the post of Hazard Mitigation Officer within DDME. Prior to joining DDME, Mr. Clerveaux spent over 6 years as a Land Use Planner at the Department of Planning, with responsibility for reviewing planning applications while promoting integrated development planning through spatial interpretation of the macro-economic and sectoral policies to ensure their consistency with the principles of sustainable development. He has approximately eight years of experience in the field of GIS, Urban and Regional Planning and Disaster Management.
Prior to officially joining the DDME, Mr. Clerveaux played a critical role in assisting the DDME in advancing its mandate by working as a National Instructor for establishing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in the TCI, Deputy Leader of the Turks and Caicos Search & Rescue Taskforce (TSART) and member of the Damage Assessment Team and Communities United in Response to Emergencies (CURE).
In his new role, Mr. Clerveaux will be responsible for the administration of the Department’s Hazard Mitigation & Planning Programme. His duties will cover but are not limited to analyzing hazard data for the implementation of national pre-disaster planning and prevention measures and recommending mitigation measures to support sustainable development and planning in the country.
Mr. Clerveaux holds a MSc Built Environment (Specialization in Geomatics) and a BSc Urban & Regional Planning, both from the University of Technology, Jamaica and a Diploma in Secondary Education (Specialized in Industrial Arts) from Mico Teachers College, Jamaica. He also has completed a wide range of professional development courses which include Leadership Development; Financial Management and Reporting; Building GIS Applications in Support of Disaster Risk Management; Damage Assessments & Needs Analysis (DANA); Emergency Operations Management; GIS Management and Hurrevac (for the tracking of storms); and a Certificate in Business Continuity Management from H. Lavity Stout Community College, British Virgin Islands.
Deputy Governor Anya Williams in congratulating Mr. Clerveaux on his new role, said; “I am pleased to congratulate Mr. Clerveaux on his recent promotion; his second in the last few years! Mike demonstrates a high level of professionalism in carrying out his duties and has always done so. He is highly committed to the area of Disaster Management and preparedness and should be commended for his work in this area, where he continues to excel.”
Mr. Clerveaux in responding stated; “I look forward to serving in this new capacity and working with all stakeholders to advance the Disaster Management agenda in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is a privilege to continue to be a part of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies team in this key position as we plan for and reduce the impact of potential hazards on our shores.”
TCI OBSERVES WORLD KIDNEY DAY
The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services joins the rest of the world in observing World Kidney Day on the 14th of March under the theme “Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere”. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem worldwide with kidney failure and premature death being the main adverse outcomes. 850 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE are now estimated to have kidney diseases from various causes. Chronic kidney diseases (CKD) cause at least 2.4 million deaths per year and are now the 6th fastest growing cause of death. Locally there are over 100 persons living with chronic kidney disease stage 3 with 49 persons currently on dialysis.
We encourage everyone to get moving! Let us all take action. Keeping fit reduces high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases, two of which are the leading causes of kidney disease. Go for a walk, swim, run, go play your favorite sport, walk the dog or take the stairs.
Take a picture of yourself in action! Share it on your social media accounts with the hashtag #move4kidneys. You can also share it on our Health Promotion Facebook Page @ https://www.facebook.com/tcihealthpromotions
Mrs. Aldora Robinson Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit stated that; “Let us choose to exercise, choose to drink more water and less sugary drinks, choose to eat less processed foods choose to have health checks regularly. Let us as a nation be healthier by choice.”
The Honourable Minister of Health, Agriculture, sports and Human Services, Edwin Astwood voiced his concern that there has been an increase in the number of dialysis patients and we must act. Hon. Astwood further stated; “There are many reasons why there is an increase of persons being diagnosed with kidney disease. We have greater levels of obesity, increased numbers of diabetics requiring dialysis and this of great concern. We must change our behaviour and live healthier lives.”
Blood pressure, weight and urinary tests get yours done today! It is important to check yourself. During this week the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services encourage persons to “Get Checked”. Visit the clinic nearest you or your private doctor. Early detection is best. Known diabetic and hypertensive persons need to take extra care ensuring that they take their medications, exercise, eat a healthy diet and have regular check-ups.
Our kidneys are complicated yet amazing organs that do many essential tasks to keep us healthy. The main job of your kidneys is to remove toxins and excess water from your blood. Kidneys also help to control your blood pressure, to produce red blood cells and to keep your bones healthy.
The road ahead to raising awareness about the dangers of kidney disease is long but, let us work together to make the Turks and Caicos healthier and empowered. Remember “Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere”
For more information, contact the health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 338-2772.
Janet Jackson & others to enter the Rock Hall of Fame
Radiohead, Roxy Music and Janet Jackson will join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year, alongside Def Leppard, The Zombies, Stevie Nicks and The Cure.
The seven inductees are the biggest intake since 2004; and bring the total number of acts in the hall to 330.
Nicks was already a member as part of Fleetwood Mac; and becomes the first woman to enter the Hall of Fame twice.
"To be recognised for my solo work makes me take a deep breath and smile," she said. "It's a glorious feeling."
Artists are eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their debut album.
Def Leppard, Roxy Music and Stevie Nicks were all accepted the first time their names appeared on the ballot.
Janet Jackson got in on her third attempt - finally earning a place alongside her brothers in the Jackson 5, 21 years after their induction.
The star, whose hits include Rhythm Nation, That's The Way Love Goes and Together Again is one of America's most successful female artists; and the only singer in US chart history to have three albums that each contain at least five top 10 hits.
"We did it u guys ? Thank U for all your love and support," she tweeted after her place was secured.
In a separate statement, the star added: "Thank you Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I am truly honoured and I am happy to be in there with my brothers."
But Jackson didn't have to wait as long as British psych-rock band The Zombies - who have been eligible since 1989 and appeared on three previous ballots.
"You do start to doubt that it could happen," singer Colin Blumstone told Rolling Stone. "I've tried to be fairly philosophical about it and tell myself that if we don't get inducted, it's just a bit of fun.
"But of course when you're actually inducted, everything changes. You think, 'This is a career-defining [and] life-defining moment.'"
Artists who didn't make the cut this year include LL Cool J, Rage Against The Machine and electro pioneers Kraftwerk.
Source-BBC
Mercedes hands U.S. plant an ultra-luxury mission
In a stunning new chapter of Mercedes-Benz's expansion in North America, the automaker plans to build an ultraluxe Maybach model exclusively at its plant in Alabama, where the rarefied sedan nameplate will be applied to an SUV.
The new Maybach, based on the all-new third-generation GLS platform, would be the most expensive passenger vehicle made in America. The model is expected to be priced at about $200,000, sources said.
The unibody Mercedes-Maybach GLS would be powered by a 560-plus hp V-8 engine and likely debut in China this year and go on sale early next year.
Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dietmar Exler described the Maybach GLS as a "halo car."
The Maybach brand "stands for luxury," Exler told Automotive News. "It will help build the Mercedes brand, no question."
Mercedes hopes to introduce the Maybach brand across different models, just as it has done with its AMG performance brand.
"We'll logically extend it where it makes sense," Exler said. "I cannot imagine you will have a Maybach A class. But on the top luxury cars, to have the luxury edition makes a whole lot of sense for us."
Mercedes' strategic move comes as the auto industry's flashiest brands roll out SUVs for the price of starter homes, lured by beefy margins and the prospect of younger buyers. With Aston Martin and Ferrari joining Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini, the global market for ultraluxury SUVs should grow from around 7,500 last year to above 20,000 by 2023, according to AutoForecast Solutions. About 75 percent of these vehicles will be sold in the U.S. and China.
A Maybach GLS is well-timed, as consumers around the world shift to the SUV body style as their preferred vehicle and as high-net-worth populations surge, said Tim Urquhart, an analyst in London with IHS Markit.
"Luxury SUVs are taking off," Urquhart said. "It's what a big section of the market wants."
An SUV also could help freshen Maybach's brand. The Mercedes-Maybach S sedan is associated with older demographics of the high-end market.
Sedans are perceived by many consumers to be old-fashioned, said Ed Kim, automotive analyst at AutoPacific.
"The ultra-high-net-worth kids want something different, and these ultraluxury SUVs certainly fit that," he said.
IHS' Urquhart sees strong demand from America's Instagram-obsessed celebrities and sports stars.
"The U.S. market pretty much revived the G class, the G wagon and the AMG variants of that," Urquhart said. The Maybach GLS will "appeal to the Kardashians and hip-hoppers, if they want something slightly different to the G wagon."
Ultraluxury SUVs, which often share platforms with much less expensive vehicles, are cash cows for automakers. The $165,000 Bentley Bentayga, for instance, shares a platform with the $53,550 Audi Q7.
SUVs generate the revenue that funds the r&d of the flagship sports cars that premium automakers have built their brands on, Kim said. "Without Cayenne, Porsche would not have the kind of money available to make 911s," he said.
Source-AutoNews
PROJECT ANNOUNCED TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
A collaborative project to develop an evidence base of environmental data, for policy formation and evaluation, on the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been announced. Funded by UK Darwin Plus it focuses on the mapping and modelling of environmental risk, monitoring the islands’ recovery following recent hurricanes, and aims to provide information to help the islands to maintain their environmental resilience.
This is a collaborative project between Environment Systems Ltd, the Government of TCI, the National Parks Trust of BVI and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). It will help to develop skills in government staff which will enable them to use data from earth observation satellites providing the evidence to determine risks, focus recovery and select any opportunities to enhance the environment. When staff are able to generate the mapping and modelling themselves, the islands can really start to benefit from these new techniques and sources of data. This will also improve the capability of officials by enabling them to present evidence in their day-to-day work and to help keep the islands “beautiful by nature.”
“We are grateful to have persons receive training in this important area, which will help strengthen our competencies in identifying and reducing the risks and impacts of a natural disaster”, expressed the Honourable Minister Ralph Higgs, Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime & Gaming, Turks & Caicos Islands Government.
A workshop taking place on TCI, run by Environment Systems Ltd, involves staff from BVI and TCI and is running from Monday 11th - Friday 15th March. Delegates will be studying techniques which can uncover the hidden value that our environment is providing in terms of essential services, such as water, food and flood resilience. It will also explore how environmental indicators can be developed to monitor any changes that impact long-term environmental sustainability. There are huge benefits that come from shared experience across delegates from BVI, TCI and the UK that such workshops facilitate.
The success of the project will be measured by the ability of staff to use new types of data to analyse, monitor and assess environmental risks. This will enable them to identify opportunities that both safeguard and enhance the islands’ environments and ensure their resilience in the future. New IT equipment has also been delivered as part of the project ensuring long-term impact. Island staff will benefit from continuous and up-to-date stream of satellite data delivered direct to their computers.
The project builds on previous work which mapped the vulnerability of five Overseas Territories (including TCI) from 2017 onwards. It will also support future projects, such as the monitoring of sargassum seaweed as an environmental indicator. It will also support the work of the Conflict, Stability & Security Fund (CSSF) on Natural Capital and Environmental Indicators.
Mark Wilkinson Appointed as Radio Communications & Telecommunications Specialist
Mr. Mark Wilkinson has been appointed as the Radio Communications & Telecommunications Specialist at the Department of Disaster Management & Emergencies within the Turks & Caicos Islands Government.
Mark is a graduate of the Art Williams Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, where he studied Aeronautical Engineering and specialized in Avionics Engineering, which comprises of Radio Communications, Radars, Compasses & Navigational Instruments. Mark, is the holder of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License issued by TCI Civil Aviation Authority & Guyana Civil Aviation Authority in accordance with the UK Air Navigation Order (OT) 2007 & British Civil Aviation Requirements, Section L of the UK Air Navigation Order 2001 Requirements. As a Licensed Aircraft & Avionics Engineer, he started at the Guyana Defense Force Air Corps Division where he certifies Aircraft Radio Communications systems and Military Radio Communications.
Mark was previously employed by the Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority from 2008-2017 in the capacity of Executive Engineering & Maintenance Manager where he was responsible for the Maintenance & Operations of all Telecommunications, Radio Communications, Navigational & Meteorological Systems for the TCIAA. In addition to his aviation and telecommunications background, Mark also has training in Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) system, Mass Evacuation & Emergency Voice Evac Systems, Hurrtrak Hurricane Tracker & Weather System and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Business Continuity Planning.
Mr. Wilkinson’s appointment took effect on the 1st March 2019, where he is responsible for the design and implementation of a robust Emergency Radio & Telecommunication system for the Turks & Caicos Islands. Mr. Wilkinson will work with the DDME Team, Government Departments and Stakeholders to develop and maintain Emergency Communication systems throughout the islands.
Commenting on the appointment Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Anya Williams said; “As communication is one of the most important factors in the response both during and after a disaster, our aim is to ensure that the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies is not only equipped with the right communication experts and skills, but also the necessary tools and equipment that would allow us to appropriately carry out our duties. The loss of communication on the islands of Grand Turk and South Caicos for an extended period after Irma demonstrated our vulnerabilities in this area and the need to ensure that alternative communication systems are put in place. We are happy to have Mr. Wilkinson join our team in DDME and hope that he can assist us in improving our communication systems and response.”
When asked about his appointment, Mr. Wilkinson, said; “I am excited to be a part of this team and certainly looking forward to making a difference by developing our emergency communication systems throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands.”
Ex-Trump chief gets 43 more months in jail
Donald Trump's ex-campaign chief Paul Manafort has been jailed for 43 more months on charges stemming from the Russia investigation.
It comes a week after the 69-year-old was given a 47-month prison sentence for fraud in a separate case.
The latest sentencing arises from two conspiracy charges Manafort pleaded guilty to last year.
He told the federal court in Washington DC that he wanted to apologise for his actions.
"I am sorry for what I have done and for all the activities that have gotten us here today," he said, speaking from a wheelchair.
Source-BBC
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT WEDNESDAY 13TH MARCH 2019
GENERAL SITUATION: A WEAK FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE THROUGH THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS WITH HIGH PRESSURE RAPIDLY BUILDING IN ITS WAKE.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACHGOERS AND BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR MODERATE TO ROUGH SURF AND THE HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS AT NORTH AND EAST COAST BEACHES.
TURKS & CAICOS AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS:
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH THE SLIGHT CHANCE OF A STRAY SHOWER TODAY. MOSTLY FAIR AND MILD TONIGHT.
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 72°F 22°C
SUNRISE: 7:21AM
SUNSET 7:16PM
MOONRISE: 11:58AM
MOONSET: 1:43AM THUR.
LOW TIDE: 6:24AM 6:26PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:14PM 12:56AM THUR.
EXTENDED FORECAST: THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL BECOME QUASI-STATIONARY JUST SOUTH OF NEW PROVIDENCE WHILE THE HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE WILL GRADUALLY WEAKEN ACROSS THE AREA THROUGH THURSDAY.
Swiss and French climbers died in avalanche
Two of three climbers who died in an avalanche on Ben Nevis on Tuesday are understood to have been from France and the other from Switzerland.
Swiss authorities have confirmed the death of one Swiss national and that another was injured.
The avalanche in Number 5 Gully was witnessed by a Scottish Avalanche Information Service team member and a climbing guide, who raised the alarm.
It is one of the worst Scottish climbing accidents in recent years.
A Swiss embassy spokeswoman told the BBC Scotland news website: "Swiss authorities are in contact with the Scottish authorities as well as with the families in Switzerland."
The survivor of the avalanche on the mountain near Fort William has been receiving treatment at hospital in Glasgow.
The names and ages of those who died have not yet been released.
Twenty-nine volunteer mountain rescuers were involved in the rescue operation as well as a group of military personnel from the Joint Services Mountain Training Centre.
Lochaber MRT said conditions on the mountain were "very difficult with very high winds, snow and thunder and lightning".
Source-BBC