Novak Djokovic wins fourth Wimbledon title
Novak Djokovic earned his first Grand Slam title in more than two years by beating Kevin Anderson to win his fourth Wimbledon championship.
Djokovic, seeded 12th, won 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-3) to claim a 13th Slam - his first major since the 2016 French Open.
The Serb, 31, quickly took control to win the opening set in 29 minutes, breaking twice more in the second set.
Djokovic saw off five set points in an even third set before dominating the tie-break to seal victory.
He dropped to his haunches just inside the baseline as Centre Court rose to acclaim the champion, hugging South African Anderson at the net before skipping over towards his box and celebrating wildly in front of his coaching team and wife Jelena.
"I had many moments of doubt, I didn't know if could come back to this level to compete," said Djokovic, who also won the Wimbledon title in 2011, 2014 and 2015.
"There is no better place to make a comeback, it's a sacred place for the world of tennis, it's very special."
He is now in outright fourth place on the all-time list of Grand Slam men's singles titles, moving clear of Roy Emerson and closing the gap on Roger Federer (20), Rafael Nadal (17) and Pete Sampras (14).
The former world number one will move back into the top 10 when the latest rankings are released on Monday.
Source-BBC
Sale of NFL franchise Carolina Panthers finalized
Hedge fund billionaire David Tepper finalized a deal to purchase the Carolina Panthers of the NFL for $2.275 billion, according to an ESPN report.
The franchise's former owner and its founder, Jerry Richarson, finalized the sale after he was fined $2.75 million for sexual and racial workplace misconduct on June 28. Allegations of the inappropriate behavior surfaced in late 2017. Shortly after the public learned of the allegations, it was announced Richardson would sell the team.
Tepper said in a statement:
"I am thrilled to begin this new era of Carolina Panthers football and am humbled by the overwhelming excitement and support for the team. On behalf of the fans and myself, I thank Jerry Richardson for bringing the team to the Carolinas and for entrusting me with its future."
Richardson also released a statement on behalf of he and his wife Rosalind:
"[We] are grateful to the Carolina community for the love and support you have shown your Panthers. Your enthusiasm for football and devotion to the team has been a source of strength for us and for everyone who calls the Carolinas home."
Tepper has now taken over the day-to-day operations of the team.
European Union is a foe on trade added the Donald
US President Donald Trump has described the European Union as a foe on trade.
He told CBS News that European countries were taking advantage of the US and not paying their Nato bills.
EU Council President Donald Tusk said anyone calling the EU foes was spreading "fake news".
Mr Trump said he had "low expectations" for his meeting on Monday with Russia's Vladimir Putin, which comes after 12 Russians were indicted for alleged hacking during 2016 US elections.
Mr Trump said he would raise this issue with Mr Putin at the summit in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, and "maybe some good" would come of it.
There have been calls in the US for Mr Trump to cancel his meeting with Mr Putin over the indictments, announced on Friday by US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
Sunday also saw a protest march against the summit in Helsinki. Demonstrators chanted "media must be free", and carried a banner calling for human rights.
"In a trade sense, they've really taken advantage of us and many of those countries are in Nato and they weren't paying their bills and, you know, as an example a big problem with Germany," he said.
He then returned to the theme of Germany's reliance on Nord Stream 2, a pipeline which will increase the flow of gas to EU states and which he controversially criticised ahead of last week's Nato summit.
He said: "There's a lot of anger at the fact that Germany is paying Russia billions of dollars."
He also accused Germany of "waving a white flag".
The comments drew a quick response from Mr Tusk on Twitter.
In an interview for ABC's This Week programme, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said he found it "hard to believe" that Mr Putin did not know about the alleged hacking.
"That's what one of the purposes of this meeting is, so the president can see eye to eye with President Putin and ask him about it," he said.
"He'll listen to President Putin's response, and we'll go from there."
Mr Trump also repeated his earlier criticism of the Obama administration, which was in power when the alleged hacking of Democratic party officials took place.
"This was during the Obama administration. They were doing whatever it was during the Obama administration," he said.
"The DNC should be ashamed of themselves for allowing themselves to be hacked. They had bad defences and they were able to be hacked," he added.
He said he had been told "by a number of people" that hackers had also targeted the Republican party but "we had much better defences", although he added that "this may be wrong".
The US president has taken in a Nato summit and a visit to the UK ahead of his meeting with Mr Putin.
The visit has been controversial because of a newspaper interview in which he said the US would probably not give the UK a trade deal under the terms of Prime Minister May's Brexit plans, and also said Europe was "losing its character" because of immigration from Africa and the Middle East.
He has since downplayed his Brexit comments - but speaking to the BBC on Sunday Mrs May said Mr Trump had advised her to "sue the EU".
He is expected to leave the UK later after staying at his Turnberry resort on Scotland's Ayrshire coast during the private leg of his visit.
Source-BBC
Haiti prime minister resigns after deadly unrest
Embattled Haiti Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant resigned today following deadly violence and looting sparked by a now-abandoned plan to raise fuel prices.
"I submitted my resignation to the president of the republic," who has "accepted my resignation," Lafontant said in the lower house of Haiti's legislature.
Last week, the government in the impoverished Caribbean country announced plans for major fuel price hikes – 38 per cent for gasoline, 47 per cent for diesel and 51 per cent for kerosene.
The announcement sparked mass protests, with streets in the capital Port-au-Prince and other cities blocked with barricades of debris and burning tires.
Dozens of shops were looted and burned and cars were set ablaze. At least four people were killed. The government quickly did an about-face and called off the planned price increases.
Lafontant, who took office in February 2017, had faced widespread criticism even before the spasm of violence.
Source-AFP
Civilian deaths hit record high, says UN
The number of civilians killed in the long-running war in Afghanistan reached a record high in the first six months of this year, the UN says.
Some 1,692 fatalities were recorded, with militant attacks and suicide bombs said to be the leading causes of death.
The report comes as at at least seven people were killed in an attack on the rural development ministry in Kabul.
Recent attacks claimed by Taliban and Islamic State group militants have killed scores across the country.
The figures for the conflict, which began in 2001, are the highest since the UN started keeping records in 2009.
The report, by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama), says the number of recorded deaths rose by 1% compared with the same period last year.
However, the report adds, injuries fell by 5% to 3,430, and the total number of civilian casualties - accounting for deaths and injuries - dropped by 3% to 5,122.
The record high death toll came despite an unprecedented ceasefire by Afghan security forces and the Taliban last month, which was largely respected by both sides, Unama said.
Earlier this month, Nato leaders gathered at a summit in Brussels to discuss the conflict in Afghanistan.
The US has said it is planning a strategic review a year after President Donald Trump agreed to remain involved in the 17-year conflict.
The US-led invasion drove the hardline Taliban from power in 2001, as part of a crackdown on Islamist militants after the 9/11 attacks in the US.
Thousands of Nato troops were deployed and a long, bloody conflict followed as the ousted militants fought back.
In 2014, Nato formally ended the combat mission, handing over to Afghan forces, whom it had trained.
Since then, the Taliban have made substantial territorial gains across the country.
Source-BBC
26TH MEETING OF THE REGIONAL CULTURAL COMMITTEE (RCC), HELD IN GEORGETOWN, GUYANA
The Twenty-Sixth Regional Cultural Committee (RCC) Meeting convened in Georgetown, Guyana on June 25, 2018 where Directors of Culture throughout the Caribbean were in attendance. Representing the Turks and Caicos Islands Culture Department was Director of Culture, Ludwina Fulford.
One of the primary objectives of the two-day session was to discuss areas such as Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA), Reparations for Native Genocide and Slavery, Leveraging CARICOM's Cultural Assets, Animation and Financing Culture. Additionally, all Directors were given an opportunity to provide an update on the various cultural activities taking place within their respective countries. Representatives from the host country for the upcoming CARIFESTA were in attendance and provided an update on the progress being made to host next year's event.
Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA) has been a catalyst for the strengthening of regional amalgamation among our Caribbean countries, artisans and cultural practitioners, for more than four decades. Over the years, Caribbean nations have enthusiastically participated in the festival and used it as a catalyst to promote the arts and culture of their country. The festival has over the years been an avenue for Caribbean artisans to show case their history, skills and talents both regionally and internationally.
The 2019 festival will be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago from August 16 – 26 and will showcase a multi-talented cultural display in the visual and literary arts, storytelling, fashion, body art, craft, theatre, dance, music, film and new media from participating countries within the region in an enabling environment. It is anticipated that a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands will participate in CARIFESTA 2019.
The meeting also called for the sharing of information across the Region and the need for countries to be proactive in their pursuit of cultural and economic sustainability. It was acknowledged, however, that countries are often hampered in their undertakings by limited resources and lack of support for the creative industry. It was noted too that it is critical for countries "to proceed with urgency to decide on the region's priorities and develop policy models across the Caribbean." Countries were encouraged to inculcate in their people that culture and cultural industries are businesses, not merely social entertainment and as such should be treated accordingly.
Commenting on the sessions, Director Fulford said; "It's always a wonderful, enlightening and enriching opportunity when Heads of Departments of Culture throughout the Region gather to proclaim and/or reinforce our visions for our respective Departments, share our initiatives, discuss policies, challenges and successes, and devise strategies for overcoming any obstacles we face, which, more often than not, are very similar in nature, across the Region. We left the meeting renewed, charged and committed to implement best practices, and further formulate initiatives that would bring greater awareness to, and foster deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage. In addition, I am extremely pleased that the Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Culture has recently held a session in collaboration with OCTA Innovation in Providenciales. This was a timely undertaking as it was geared primarily towards understanding the needs of our artisans and bettering the relationship with them, and it formed a part of the discussions during the RCC."
Presentations were made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Caribbean Export and Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), all of whom provided information on ways in which they can further assist in the development of various programmes and the provision of financial support for cultural initiatives.
Dialogue has already begun between the Department of Culture and Mr. Yuri Peshkov, Programme Specialist for Culture Cluster Office for the Caribbean, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for additional technical assistance with fine tuning the Turks and Caicos Islands National Cultural Policy document and additional programmes that the Department wishes to embark upon.
TCI Hospital unveils state-of-the-art ventilator equipment
InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has acquired four (4) new state-of-the-art ventilators that will provide critical patients with enhanced respiratory care. The Puritan Bennett™ 840 ventilators are also equipped with optional advanced technology upgrades, which can be customized to meet a variety of future clinical needs.
Unlike conventional mechanical ventilators that are specific to a patient type, the new equipment can meet the needs of practically every patient type —from neonatal patients weighing as little as 300 grams to adult patients weighing as much as 150 kg. The ventilator improves the patient’s ease of breathing and has additional safety features.
Representatives from Medtronic, the global manufacturer and only authorized training provider of the ventilator systems along with Medical Link, conducted training exercises on July 2 – July 6, 2018 at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. Biomedical engineers were trained on the installation components, while physicians and nurses were trained on how to use the ventilators and troubleshoot. These trainees are now certified and will serve as super users to cross train other medical staff.
InterHealth Canada’s partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) to manage the hospital encompasses an equipment replacement program to ensure there is an upkeep of medical devices in accordance with an equipment life cycle plan. The plan allows for the replacement of existing medical devices and equipment with new medical technology and system upgrades via monies obtained from TCIG that have accumulated over time. New medical devices and equipment that were not present during the opening of the hospital are sourced via the fund once a business proposal referred to as a change enquiry is presented to TCIG, and approval has been granted.
The introduction of new ventilator equipment reinforces the hospital’s commitment to keep pace with changes in medical technology and evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and ensure patient safety. Commenting on the new equipment, Surgical Services and Biomedical Services Manager, Pheona Brown said: "Our critical patients will benefit greatly from these state of the art ventilation systems, which will be positioned in critical care areas such as the Emergency Department, High Dependency Unit, Surgical Suite and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We are extremely pleased to be able to offer even better quality care to our patients, with the introduction of this new innovative technology.”
TOUR BOAT CAPSIZES IN GRAND TURK- NO INJURIES
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police can confirm that a tour boat had capsized near shallow waters in Grand Turk.
The 21 tourists and 2 crew members were assisted by nearby kayakers in the North Creek.
RTC News understand that 911 Central received a call around 10 a.m. where the Grand Turk Police were dispatched along with Emergency Medical Technicians.
There are no reports of death or injuries. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation.
1ST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) OF THE TCI PORTS AUTHORITY BOARD DIRECTORS
On Wednesday 20th June 2018, The Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, and Ministers of Government attended the 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Chairman of the Ports Authority Board, Devon Williams presented Ports Authority Annual Report for 2017/18. In his report Mr. Williams stressed the importance of ports to the overall development of the TCI. Chairman Williams also highlighted progress on capital projects, particularly the commencement of a consultancy to plan the redevelopment and modernization of the South Dock, Providenciales port. Chairman Williams also noted that the Ports Authority is also participating in a government-led Transport Sector Infrastructure Master plan consultancy which purports to improve connectivity through a coordinated and enhanced transport network.
Premier Robinson, who also has responsibility for the TCI Ports Authority, brought featured remarks. She reiterated the important role the ports play in the economy, and also noted recent progress on ports capital projects. The Premier indicated with several development projects for the TCI recently announced and others in the planning stage, there would be increased need for effective ports. Referring to the South Dock, Providenciales Redevelopment and Modernization project, Premier Robinson emphasized that her government was not looking for another 'shelf' document. The Premier stressed the importance of putting in place proper implementation arrangements for the project, which would be recommended by the consultancy.
Attendees were also enlightened by remarks brought from shipping agent and freight forwarder Carl Simons, Deputy Director of Ports Delton Jones and a representative of the Consultancy firm CBCL Limited.
During the AGM, past Chairmen of the Board and Directors who retired in 2017/18 were also recognized for their contributions to the development of the ports system.
The AGM was attended by stakeholders in the private sector, government departments and members of the Ports Authority staff.
TCI OBSERVES INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING
Annually the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence within the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services joins the global celebration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) on June 26th, which seeks to bring attention to the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse. The importance of a drug free country cannot be underestimated; health i.e. physical or mental, as well as financial and social burdens will be significantly reduce if demand and supply of these substances are weakened.
Substance use disorders accounted for 10.58% of the population receiving treatment in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) in 2017, which reflects an increase from the previous year's 4.96%. While this finding does indicate that more persons are seeking assistance, it pushes to the forefront the importance of continuing in the fight against drugs. Drug use trends for last year further indicated that: illicit drug use among teenagers remains a concern largely due to the popularity of marijuana; young people referred to the Department are showing less disapproval of marijuana use and decreased perception that marijuana is dangerous; fewer teens smoke cigarettes than those who smoke marijuana; and alcohol use among teens remains a high concern.
To combat the abuse of drugs and alcohol within the TCI, there has been a number of developments within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence in recent years, such as: the implementation of the Tobacco Control Ordinance, Tobacco Control Regulations and Policy; the appointment of additional staff to the field i.e. a Psychiatrist, Mental Health Nurses and Substance Abuse Counselors; Increased domestic and international training for staff and frontline personnel. In addition, the Department is also focused on the following initiatives to address substance abuse: Monitor local and international substance use trends and develop prevention policies; ensure that legislation/regulations are being enforced; provide appropriate cessation treatments; enhance awareness campaigns and increase presence in schools and communities as it has been found to reduce usage by 25 percent in other populations.