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.
WENDERA SEYMOUR, KIA SWANN AND TARINA PARKER APPOINTED AS NEW STATISTICIANS
As the government continues to strengthen its resources within the civil service, the Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointments of Ms. Wendera Seymour, Mrs. Kia Swann and Ms. Tarina Parker as Statisticians in the Department of Statistics within the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade.
Ms. Seymour, who is a former graduate of the Marjorie Basden High School on South Caicos, holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration; a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Howard University and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Economic Policy from the University of London. Ms. Seymour previously worked at Grace Bay Medical Center and then Saunders and Co. as Legal Assistant. During her time at Saunders and Co. she served as the Secretary for the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Council Association.
Since joining the Statistics Department in 2017, Ms. Seymour has been afforded opportunities to engage in a number of regional trainings/workshops/attachment in areas of Statistics such as External Debt, Preparation for Census, Data Dissemination, ICP (International Comparison Programme), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) to help develop her skills as a Statistician.
Mrs. Swann is pursuing an online dual degree in BS ORM/MSL from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She comes with many years of professional experience, having held several management positions in the United States before relocating to the Turks and Caicos Islands with her husband Mr. Rex Swann. Mrs. Swann prides herself as being hardworking, highly-motivated and ambitious. Known for her efficiency, leadership, organizational skills, commitment and creativity towards any task.
Ms. Parker graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 2006 of the Helena Jones Robinson High School with Fourteen (14) external passes and is also a recipient of a special Certificate award from CXC as an outstanding Business Science Student and served as the Junior Minister of Tourism 2005-2006. After attending the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College for one year, she then transitioned into the University of Tampa (UT) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts, Biology degree.
While at UT, she was selected to serve as the Ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands and was voted in as Vice President of the Black Student Union. Miss Parker also worked temporarily at the Department of Statistics before transitioning to Scotiabank(TCI) Ltd. where she served for over 5 years as Teller, Customer Service Representative, Business Banking Officer (Acting) and Assistant Manager Services & Support (Acting).
Mrs. Seymour stated; "I am very pleased to have been appointed as a Statistician within the Statistics Department. I am very confident that I have made a positive contribution since joining the Department and look forward to new challenges and opportunities ahead. Special thanks is extended to the Government of the TCI for affording me this opportunity to make a contribution and to the Chief Statistician Mr. Shirlen Forbes, as it is through his leadership and guidance I am able to participate in the necessary trainings to build my skills and contribute to the overall development of my well-being in order to help with the continuing success of the department and the country."
Mrs. Swann commented; "I am excited to start a new challenge within the TCI Government sector. I am very grateful to have been afforded this opportunity and confident that I will be able to make a positive contribution within the Department of Statistics."
Ms. Parker added; "I am elated to be afforded the opportunity to serve in such an important capacity in TCIG. This area has always been one of my passions and I intend to utilize all the experience and skills I gained during my temporary tenure in previous years within this department . I am open to all opportunities presented to perfect all the skills needed to carry out my duties to make a positive and notable impact within the Department of Statistics."
Commenting on the new appointments, Director of the Department Mr. Shirlen Forbes stated; "I welcome the new members to the Department of Statistics and would like to thank the Government and the public sector management for providing this much needed human resource which will help in ensuring that statistics is available to the public in a timely manner."
Deputy Governor Anya Williams elated with the new appointments added; "The pleasure is mine to welcome these three ladies to the Turks and Caicos Islands civil service and to congratulate them on their new appointments. The Statistics Department continues to play a valuable role on the part of the government in providing valuable advice and statistics to the government and people of these islands.
"The addition of these new staff members will continue to assist in building capacity within the department and will help in delivering the vital services to all policy and decision makers. I trust that they will find their time within the department to most engaging and encourage them to take full advantage of the training and other opportunities provided to them."
Weather for the Bahamas & the TCI
GENERAL SITUATION: LOW LEVEL TROUGHING ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS CONTINUES TO SUPPORT SOME SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ACTIVITY ACROSS THE ISLANDS WHILE HIGH PRESSURE REMAINS ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEASTERN ISLANDS.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS SHOULD REMAIN VIGILANT DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY.
AREA: NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS TURNING VARIABLY CLOUDY AND MILD TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS CAN BE EXPECTED IN SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS
SEAS: LESS THAN 3 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
AREA: SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, WARM AND BREEZY WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW PASSING SHOWERS TURNING FAIR AND MILD TONIGHT.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 32°C
LOW TEMPERATURE 76°F 24°C
SUNRISE 6:22AM SUNSET 8:01 PM
MOONSET: 5:55AM MOONRISE: 7:43PM
HIGH TIDE: 7:02AM & 7:28PM LOW TIDE: 1:04PM & 1:56AM THU
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: LOW LEVEL TROUGH REMAINS NEAR THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND WILL CONTINUE TO TRIGGER SOME SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WHILE WEAK HIGH PRESSURE IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS, TURNING FAIR AND WARM AT NIGHT.
WINDS: SOUTHERLY AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE NORHTWEST BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS, 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS, TURNING FAIR AND WARM AT NIGHT.
WINDS: SOUTHEASTERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: A weak, non-tropical low pressure system located just offshore of the southeastern coast of North Carolina is producing a small area of disorganized cloudiness and showers. Environmental conditions are expected to be only marginally conducive for some limited development of this system during the next day or two before the low moves northeastward away from the United States. Formation chance through 5 days is low at 10%.
Supreme Court upholds Trump's travel ban
The Supreme Court Tuesday upheld President Donald Trump's travel ban in one the most highly anticipated decisions of this year, saying the ban is "squarely within" the president's authority.
The Court's 5-4 ruling that the third iteration of Trump's controversial proposal, Travel Ban 3.0, is constitutional comes after two previous attempts by the administration to bar immigration to the United States from certain foreign countries.
President Trump reacted quickly, tweeting "SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS TRUMP TRAVEL BAN. Wow!"
That newest iteration of the travel ban is a presidential proclamation signed on Sept. 24, 2017, that indefinitely restricted most travel from the countries of Chad, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, linking the restrictions to those countries' purported vetting deficiencies. In April, The U.S. lifted travel restrictions on Chad.
Some of those countries have a majority-Muslim population, leading to accusations that the administration was unfairly targeting Muslims. Federal judges in Maryland and Hawaii issued injunctions shortly afterward that blocked the ban for the majority-Muslim countries but allowed restrictions from North Korea and Venezuela to go into effect.
Trump said in a statement the ruling is a "tremendous victory" for the American people.
In the case, Trump v. Hawaii, the state of Hawaii argues that the ban hurts its university system by banning potential students and scholars from entering the country. Individual plaintiffs who joined the case with Hawaii also say it separates them from family members who applied for visas to enter the country.
The administration argued that Travel Ban 3.0 was vetted by multiple agencies and was based on a review of foreign policy, not religion. Hawaii and the other plaintiffs challenged the proclamation, asking the court to rule on whether it was a lawful use of the president's authority, was too broad, or improperly targeted countries with a large Muslim population.
The court ruled in favor of the administration, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing "..the Government has set forth a sufficient national security justification to survive rational basis review. We express no view on the soundness of the policy. We simply hold today that plaintiffs have not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their constitutional claim."
"The proclamation is squarely within the scope of Presidential authority under the INA," Roberts wrote in the court's decision, also saying that neither dissent "even attempts a serious argument to the contrary." INA is an acronym for the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Source-ABC
Former Haitian president, coup leader dies
Former Haitian coup leader, Lieutenant General Henri Namphy is dead.
Namphy died on Tuesday in the neighbouring Dominican Republic following a battle with lung cancer.
Namphy, who lived in exile in the Dominican Republic, headed Haiti's military-dominated government after the fall of the Duvalier family dictatorship.
He became head of the interim National Council of Government that took charge of Haiti in 1986 when Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier fled into exile in France.
He also served as president before he was ousted in a coup in 1988.
His presidency lasted only last three months, and after being ousted he fled to the Dominican Republic.
He was 85.
Source-CMC