FORECAST FOR 6:00 AM TODAY AND TONIGHT
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW ISOLATED AFTERNOON SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS, BECOMING MAINLY FAIR TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS CAN BE EXPECTED IN SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
HIGH TEMPERATURE TODAY 88F 31C
LOW TEMPERATURE TONIGHT 72F 22C
SUNRISE: 6:53AM SUNSET: 7:28PM
MOON
MOONSET: 1:52PM MOONRISE: 3:28AM TUE
TIDES
LOW TIDE: 8:52AM 8:52PM
HIGH TIDE: 2:48PM 3:16AM TUE
EXTENDED FORECAST: (FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS)...WEAK HIGH PRESSURE WILL COVER THE AREA TUESDAY THEN SHIFT EASTWARDS THROUGH WEDNESDAY AHEAD OF AN APPROACHING COLD FRONT
US deficit forecast to hit $1 trillion following tax cuts
The US is heading for a budget deficit of more than $1 trillion (£707bn) by 2020 following tax cuts and higher public spending, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
It said that while the measures will temporarily boost the US economy, they will exacerbate its long-term debt.
The agency said US debt could rise to a level comparable to World War II and the financial crisis.
It warned that it would have "serious negative consequences" for the US.
The CBO's report has been revised to incorporate the effects of a new $1.3 trillion government spending bill and the $1.5 trillion in Republican-led tax cuts approved last year.
It lifted its economic growth forecast for this year and next to 3.3% and 2.4% respectively.
However, the non-partisan CBO said the deficit - the difference between what the government spends and what it receives through tax receipts - is expected to rise to $804bn in 2018 from $665bn in the previous year.
The budget deficit is then expected to grow to $1 trillion by 2020.
Russia and US in fierce row at UN
The US and Russia have traded barbs at a UN Security Council meeting on the alleged chemical attack in Syria.
Russian representative Vassily Nebenzia said the incident in Douma was staged and that US military action in response could have "grave repercussions".
US envoy Nikki Haley said Russia - a Syrian military backer - had the "blood of Syrian children" on its hands.
Earlier, the UN human rights chief said world powers were treating chemical weapons use with a "collective shrug".
US President Donald Trump pledged later on Monday that the incident would "be met forcefully", adding that the US had a lot of military options and a decision on a response would be taken "tonight" or "shortly".
Calling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a "monster", Ms Haley said that if the UN Security Council acts or not, "either way, the United States will respond".
"Meetings are ongoing, important decisions are being weighed even as we speak," she said.
Washington has not ruled out military strikes. In April last year, the US fired cruise missiles at a Syrian airbase after a Sarin nerve agent attack on the opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun killed more than 80 people. International investigators held the Syrian government responsible.
The Syrian-American Medical Society said more than 500 people were brought to medical centres in Douma, in the Eastern Ghouta region, near the capital Damascus, with symptoms "indicative of exposure to a chemical agent".
It said this included breathing difficulties, bluish skin, mouth foaming, corneal burns and "the emission of chlorine-like odour".
Neither the death toll nor what exactly occurred can be verified as the area is blocked off with access denied.
Source-BBC
St Lucia PM worried about ongoing situation in Venezuela
The St Lucia government on Monday said it remains 'extremely concerned' about the ongoing political and economic situation in Venezuela after Trinidad and Tobago reported that a number of Venezuelans were entering the oil-rich twin island republic illegally and seeking asylum.
“Trinidad, Colombia, the rest of Latin America, have for the past couple of years been feeling the impact. Thousands of people, if not millions of people are migrating from Venezuela and as the situation continues to worsen, this becomes even a greater threat to the region and I am very concerned as to the impact here in St Lucia,” Prime Minister Allen Chastanet told reporters.
The Acting Chief Immigration Officer in Trinidad and Tobago, Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews, last week told a select Joint Committee of Parliament that an estimated 2,000 Venezuelans have applied for asylum there in recent months.
The committee was told that in 2015, there were 29 male Venezuelan detainees, but one year later the figure had risen to 125 including 97 females. Last year, there were 45 men and 82 women. She said that on a weekly basis, between 150 to 200 Venezuelans come here by sea, some of them, illegally.
Chastanet told reporters that ever since his ruling United Workers Party (UWP) came into office over a year ago, security has remained the major priority for the island particularly as it relates to the ongoing situation in Venezuela.
“We are only six hours away by a fast boat from Venezuela, so we're very vulnerable,” he said, expressing concern also at the “deteriorating” economic and political situation in the South American country.
He said that criminals appear to be doing what they want and people were using Venezuela as a transhipment point for drugs from Colombia into Venezuela and the Caribbean.
“We have seen a huge influx of drugs and arms associated with Venezuela,” Chastanet said, adding that the security situation in the hemisphere could be affected if the situation in Venezuela continues 'unabated.'
Chastanet, who has long been a critic of the situation in Caracas, said that human rights were also being affected and that some were living in denial and pretending it is propaganda to suggest that there is a problem in Venezuela.
“People would not just be leaving that country if in fact it was just propaganda. There is a problem, and we are hoping that the government in Venezuela would recognise that there is a problem and part of that problem is when you go against your own rule of law and your own constitution,” Chastanet said.
He insisted that Castries was aware of the long standing friendship with Caracas, adding “their goodwill to us is not what is in question.
“What is in question is what they are currently doing. The impact it is having on their country and the security risk that they are creating for the rest of us,” he added.
Source-CMC
MAN 23, CHARGED FOLLOWING DEADLY SHOOTING IN MARCH
A 23-year-old man is now charged with Murder, Causing Grievous Bodily Harm, Discharging of a Firearm and Discharging Ammunition, following the deadly shooting incident on Friday, March 23rd, 2018 that left one woman dead and a 17-year-old injured. The charged man remains in Police custody.
A second man, a 21- year-old is still in police custody as investigation continues.
If you have any information into this incident no matter how small, please contact the Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901, 941-8082, 911 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-8477.
TCI Athletes Achieve Historic 4 Medals at Carifta 2018
The Turks and Caicos Islands recorded historic achievements at the CARIFTA 2018 Games in Nassau, Bahamas by securing 4 medals.
The former Minister for Sports, Hon. Karen Malcolm, who held the portfolio for Sports until February 1, 2018 when it was transferred to Minister Hon. Edwin Astwood, attended the Games which commenced on Friday March 30th 2018. Also, in attendance at the Games was Speaker of the House, Hon. Dwayne Taylor.
Hon. Malcolm sent congratulations to the entire Team TCI for their outstanding performance; stating, "I want to congratulate the young people who have represented our country so well at CARIFTA. I was so proud to watch the performance of our young athletes from the sidelines. They all did an excellent job, however, I must applaud the admirable performance of those who obtained medals and achieved their personal best at the Games. I would be remiss if I did not offer congratulations to the coaches and the persons who accompanied the athletes to the Bahamas. Team TCI has made its mark. This is the first time a team has won four medals at a CARFITA Games."
The results of the medal placement are as follows:
GOLD Medalist, Wikenson Fenelon, won the Octathlon;
SILVER Medalist, Ken Reyes, who came second in the Under 20 Boys 800m;
BRONZE Medalists, 4 x 100m Boys Under 17, Joshua Meghoo, Wooslyn Harvey, Daveon Durham and Darren Pierret; and
BRONZE Medalist, Javelin throw from Katrell Pierre.
The Minister, Hon. Malcolm added; "We, as a nation must be extremely proud of the medalists. Their performance was superb and we have a great caliber of athletes. Watching them compete on an international stage was a lifetime experience. I am very impressed. Every member of Team TCI gave their best. This was demonstrated in their performance this year. It illustrates that discipline along with hard work and determination are definitely the keys to success. Again, I am so proud of their performance."
The Minister also stated that she was very pleased with the group of athletes who travelled to Jamaica to compete in CARIFTA Swimming Championships. Their performances were also excellent and although they did not achieve a medal, most of them achieved their personal best and gained exposure to the world of swim competition.
Minister Malcolm encourages all youth to get involved in competition; be it athletics or otherwise. She emphasized that her government will continue to invest in Sports. She further added; "It is the intention of my government to improve the conditions offered to athletes, improve facilities available for them, and strengthen the country's sport programmes in order to produce more world class athletes. I can assure everyone that Sports is a priority for My Government; we will be strengthening our investment in sports to allow our children to develop their individual abilities from an early age."
Impressive Showing for TCI 2018 CARIFTA Swimmers
The team of nine TCI swimmers had their best showing ever in the 2018 CARIFTA swim competition in Kingston, Jamaica last weekend. Stand out swimmer Luke Haywood, 14, made it to three finals in the breaststroke events: 200 meter, 100 meter (1:13.82 ), and 50 meter (33.09). Top female swimmer Arleigha Hall, 17, swam to a top 16 place finish in the 50 meter free style (28.46).
All nine swimmers achieved Personal Bests in 43 out of 45 events they entered. The TCI team also for the first time fielded two female relay teams in the 400 meter and 200 meter freestyle distances, with two of the female athletes swimming above their age group.
Six of the nine TCI swimmers train in Provo (Leon Cummings, Jack Parlee, Alex Maclaren, Georgia Greatrex, Calen Castillo, and Lillian Taylor), while three (Luke Haywood, Arleigha Hall, and Raine Monet Williams) train in UK, Bahamas, and US respectively.
National Coach Jessica Soderquist stated; "I am incredibly proud of our swimmers, not just for their commendable performance in the pool, but as athletes and outstanding individuals in and out of the water. As it is with all competitive sport, swimmers face challenges and roadblocks, disappointments and successes. This competition was no different and all of our athletes showed resilience, courage, commitment, sportsmanship and humility. The people and the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands should be very pleased to have them out there competing as ambassadors for this growing sport."
Team Manager, Caren Castillo said; "It was a great pleasure spending a week in Jamaica with the TCI CARIFTA Swim Team that not only made Turks & Caicos sports history, but served as wonderful ambassadors for the country. We can be proud of all of them."
Ben Stubenberg, President of the TCI Swim Federation added; "We are very happy with our swimmers who took on Caribbean swim powerhouses like Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guadeloupe, and Jamaica, among others. With proper competition swim facilities, we have no doubt there will be many more TCI swimmers in the finals and on the podium."
Jarrett Forbes, Director of Sports, expressed; "We are very proud of our CARIFTA Swim Team! They represented the TCI well, in performance as well as ambassadors to our country. We appreciate the effort that the athletes and coaches put into training and competition and we are aware of the challenges our swimmers face in not having access to high performance training facilities. So we applaud the athletes and coaches for such a stellar performance in CARIFTA 2018. As we aim to develop swimming facilities in the TCI, we encourage young aspiring athletes to consider swimming and help us to continue to develop swimming in the TCI."
Hon. Minister responsible for Sports, Edwin Astwood congratulated the athletes stating; "I commend the swimmers and coaches on competing well and achieving their personal best. No doubt that swimming is an up and coming sport in the TCI. The Ministry commits to providing support to the Swimming Federation and would like to encourage young persons to choose swimming."
The Hon. Minister expressed that swimming should be encouraged as a means of survival, as an avenue for healthy living and as a competitive sport. Hon. Minister Astwood hopes to have swimming as a sport representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
TCI Police provides Crime Update
Police in Grand Turk Arrested and charged a 20-year-old man on Sunday, April 1st, 2018 for the offence of Possession of Controlled Drugs, following a stop search. The man was placed on USD$1500 bail, to appear at the Magistrates Court on April 6th, 2018.
Police in Providenciales on Sunday, April 1st, 2018, formally charged an 18-year-old male with five counts of buggery, in relation to a report made on March 5th, 2018. The accused is in Police custody.
On Wednesday, April 4th, 2018. Police in North Caicos arrested and formally Charged a man of Bottle Creek, for Burglary and Malicious Injury to Property, following reports of two burglaries that were reported on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018. The Old Customs building was burgled and stolen was one HP Laptop computer. The Adelaide Oembler Primary School Tuck shop was also broken into. A number of food items, that included eggs, apples, cereals, cream, and bread were stolen. The man is currently in Police custody.
Burglary
Police are investigating a Burglary that occurred in the Bight Providenciales, on Sunday, April 1st, 2018. According to Police reports, it was reported that at 7:36 a.m. upon arrival to the restaurant, the owner noticed his business establishment burgled and ransacked. Missing were, one black 60 inch flat screen Television valued USD$1000, 1 black flat screen Sankey Television valued USD$1000, 1 black Plum cellular phone valued USD$40, 1 Internet box value unknown, a quantity of alcohol that included 19 bottles of mixed wines, 3 cases of mixed beers, 9 bottles of mixed liquor valued USD$500.
Police in Providenciales are investigating the burglary of the Champions for Christ School on Sunday, April 1st, 2018. Missing according to the complainant was one grey container containing snacks value USD$300 was reported missing along with cellphones, other important documents.
Suspicious Activity
Police are also investigating an incident that took place on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 where a 34-year-old woman reported to 911 that she jumped out of moving jitney after an attack and attempted kidnapping. The complainant was on her way from the Down Town area. The vehicle, a white Nissan car was driven by a slim built male with brown complexion.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force continue to appeal to the general public who may have any information that can assist in the detection of any crime to come forward, or contact the Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901, 941-8082, 911 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-8477.
FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT THURSDAY 5TH APRIL 2018.
GENERAL SITUATION: A COLD FRONT AND ASSOCIATED FRONTAL TROUGH ACROSS THE NORTHERN BAHAMAS CONTINUES TO MOVE FAIRLY QUICKLY SOUTHEASTWARD.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ALONG THE FRONT AND TROUGH LINES IS LIKELY TO PRODUCE GUSTY WINDS AND CHOPPY SEAS.
TURKS & CAICOS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND A SLIGHT CHANCE OF ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 5 TO 10 KNOTS
SEAS: 1 TO 3 FEET OVER THE OPEN WATERS.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 85F 30C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 71F 21C
SUNSET: 07:26PM SUNRISE: 06:56AM FRI.
MOONRISE: 12:21AM FRI. MOONSET: 11:25AM FRI
LOW TIDE: 05:16PM HIGH TIDE: 11:37PM
LOW TIDE: 06:05AM FRI. HIGH TIDE: 11:57AM FRI.
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR TOMORROW: PARTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS LIKELY.
Trump Administration Seeks to Temper China Trade War Fears
President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States is not in a trade war with China, after Beijing announced plans to impose tariffs on $50 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to a similar package announced by the United States.
In a Twitter post Wednesday, Trump contended, “We are not in a trade war with China, that war was lost many years ago by the foolish, or incompetent, people who represented the U.S.” He added, “Now we have a Trade Deficit of $500 Billion a year, with Intellectual Property Theft of another $300 Billion. We cannot let this continue!”
On the same day, White House chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Bloomberg News, “None of the tariffs have been put in place yet, and these are all proposals.”
Since the start of this week, the United States and China have been engaging in a tit-for-tat trade spat. On Monday, in response to earlier tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed by the Trump administration, China started tariffs of up to 25 percent on 128 U.S. products, including fruits, nuts, pork, wine, steel and aluminum.
Later the same day, the U.S. Trade Representatives (USTR) proposed to increase tariffs on 1,300 imported goods from China, mostly aerospace, medical and information technology products.
Less than 12 hours later, China announced it plans to impose retaliatory duties of 25 percent on 106 politically sensitive American goods, including soybeans, automobiles and aircraft.
The proposed list is now entering a “public notice and comment process, including a hearing,” the USTR said. After this process is completed, the USTR will issue a final determination on the products subject to the additional duties.
China’s commerce ministry said the question of when the measures will go into effect will depend on when the U.S. tariffs become active.
China’s Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai told reporters on Wednesday, “Negotiation would still be our preference, but it takes two to tango. We will see what the U.S. will do.”
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders reiterated at Wednesday’s press briefing that this measure is now going through the review process, and “it will be a couple of months before tariffs on either side would go into effect and be implemented.”
“We’re hopeful China will do the right thing. Look, China created the problem, not President Trump. We’re finally having a president who’s willing to stand up and say enough is enough, we’re going to stop the unfair trade practices,” Sanders said.
She also warned if China doesn’t stop the unfair trade practices, the administration will move forward to the next step.
Scott Kennedy, deputy director of the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said he believes that the U.S. and China are already in a trade war.
Source-VOA