UK EXPRESSES CONCERNS ABOUT ILLEGAL SLOOPS FROM HAITI
The UK Government has been following with concern the recent dramatic increase in the number of illegal sloops reaching TCI from Haiti. The UK government is considering immediate practical steps to help the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to deal with the situation including the possible deployment of a Royal Navy vessel to carry out maritime patrols and aerial surveillance.
The UK government is also in discussion with regional partners about possible assistance that can be deployed quickly to address the situation.
Additionally, the UK Government is funding the cost of the upgrades to the TCI coastal radar at a cost of over $500,000. The radar equipment and technicians have already arrived in TCI and work is underway.
Commenting on the situation, Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Mrs. Anya Williams, said "I have been in frequent, active dialogue with the Governor while on leave in the UK and with the TCI Government, the police and border control officials over the past week on the country's response to this worrying recent surge in the number of illegal sloops from Haiti.
I have alerted the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London to these developments and requested assistance from the UK Government to help TCI deal with the problem.
I am glad that the UK Government is considering as matter of urgency immediate measures that will help us tackle the problem."
En Vogue riding a “Rocket” for first hit in over 20 years
En Vogue dominated the 90s with six number one R&B singles, and now the “Funky Divas” are making a strong comeback with their first hit in over two decades.
Their new single “Rocket” is living up to its name, flying up the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart to number ten. This is their first top ten hit since “Whatever” reached number eight in 1997.
“Rocket,” written by Ne-Yo, is the single from En Vogue’s first new album in 14 years, Electric Cafe, due out April 6.
The group will kick off a European tour April 2 in Dublin, Ireland, and will also perform several spring and summer shows in the United States, including dates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Houston, and Washington, D.C.
Source-ABC
Trade wars are good, says Trump
US President Donald Trump has said "trade wars are good", amid controversy over his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.
He tweeted that the US was "losing billions of dollars on trade" and would find a trade war "easy to win".
On Thursday he said steel imports would face a 25% tariff and aluminium 10%.
Canada and the EU said they would bring forward their own countermeasures. Mexico, China and Brazil have also said they are considering retaliatory steps.
Critics argue that the tariffs would fail to protect American jobs and would ultimately raise prices for consumers.
The news sent shares down around the world on Friday, with Wall Street stock markets opening sharply lower.
In a tweet early on Friday, Mr Trump said the US would "win big" in a trade war.
He later followed this up with further tweets, saying the US must "protect our country and our workers" and that the trade deficit left him with no choice on tariffs.
The combative posts follow Thursday's assertion on Twitter that US steel and aluminium industries had been "decimated" by trade policies.
"We must not let our country, companies and workers be taken advantage of any longer," he said.
The US imports steel from more than 100 nations and brings in four times more steel from abroad than it exports.
Since 2000, the US steel industry has suffered, with production dropping from 112m tons to 86.5m tons in 2016, and the number of employees in steel work falling from 135,000 to 83,600 in the same period.
Source-BBC
TCI Passes on Chairmanship of OCTA after successful year
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson along with a delegation consisting of the Deputy Governor and EU Program Manager, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Permanent Secretary of Finance, Athenee Basden, Director of the Office of the Premier Ronlee James, TCI UK Representative and Head of the London Office, Tracy Knight and Consular Officer, Kimo Tynes attended the Ministerial Conference of the Association of Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union (OCTA) and 16th annual European Union Overseas Countries and Territories Forum in Brussels, Belgium on the 22 and 23 of February, 2018.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has had a long relationship with European Union and as such the islands have significantly benefitted in expertise, advice and financial assistance over the years. The TCI most recently benefitted from two European Development Funds (EDF) 10 and 11 and is also a participant in several Regional EU Programs. Under the EDF 11 Program, which is focused on improvements in the education sector and sustainable energy, marine biodiversity, climate change and disaster risk reduction.
Commenting on the EU Forum and the continued partnership between the TCI and the EU, Premier Hon. Cartwright-Robinson said; "The Turks and Caicos continues to benefit over the years from funding through the European Development Fund programme, but moreover, the past several days spent with fellow OCTA Leaders and Representatives as well as European the Commission, signify to me their commitment to issues we face both collectively and individually. It has been a rewarding year as Chair of OCTA and we look forward to continuing our relationship, building on the successes we both share.
"Last year on assuming the Chair of OCTA, I outlined that one of the main areas my government would be focused on is the environment and renewable energy for the long-term protection, survival and vitality of our marine and eco environments and I was pleased to report on the success we have had at that, particularly in light of experiencing two major hurricanes in 2017. But my governments commitment doesn't end there. I remain steadfast to the issues around Climate Change, a specific concern to all members of OCTA and which remit falls under my office, as we have begun to identify initiatives that will lower our carbon emission and footprint and increase our adaptability."
Deputy Governor and EU Program Manager Her Excellency Anya Williams added; "As the European Development Fund Program Manager for the past five (5) years since the Turks and Caicos Islands was reinstated into the program in 2008, I am happy to report that the TCI currently manages one of the most successful EU programs in the region. Programming Documents for the 11th EDF which focuses on the Education Sector were the 2nd in the region to be signed at the 15th OCT Forum held in Aruba in February 2017 and work is already well underway through the development of a new Education Sector Policy, the tendering of the construction of a new primary school on the island of Providenciales and a number of key strategic reforms in the education sector. "We are grateful for our continued partnership with the EU and for the early release of the first tranche of $4m under this program which was received shortly after the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria in Sept2017 to assist with any potential cash shortfalls. The Turks and Caicos has already submitted an application for emergency relief funding under the EDF 11 B Envelope to assist with rebuilding works required in our education sector and is also a part of the Regional Program which will be focusing on Renewable Energy and Marine Biodiversity, along with the Thematic Program which will be focusing on Climate Change.
We register our thanks to our technical team the PS Finance Mrs. Athenee Basden and Director of Strategic Policy and Planning Mrs. Kathleen Forbes (Deputy Program Manager) for their continued assistance in managing the EU work programs and along with colleagues in the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning and Ministry of Tourism and the Environment look forward to even further progress on the EDF 11, Regional and Thematic work programs."
As the Chair of OCTA, the Premier was responsible for chairing the Ministerial Conference of OCTA and round table discussions, with her Ministerial colleagues. This year, the TCI also participated in a one-day meeting on oceans organised by OCTA, under the theme "More than 17,000,000 Km2 of Ocean Policy: OCTs and the Sustainable Management of the Ocean and its resources". During that discussion, the Premier highlighted her governments challenges and commitment to the issues faced including: challenges with pollution, fisheries, new opportunities for blue growth and new opportunities for research.
It is customary for the Chair of OCTA to host a Gala Dinner in honour of the delegates, officials and guests who have travelled to the host country, or in this instance Brussels, for the auspicious occasion.
This year the Premier, as Chair, brought some of Turks and Caicos' best cultural performers along with her to treat guests to a taste of TCI's culture, with musicians Quinton Dean and Lindsey "Zeus" Butterfield, as well as London based students Renate Hinds and Mary Fulford who performed both songs and poetry.
At the conclusion of the week of meetings, French Polynesia was elected as Chair of OCTA and thanked the TCI for its leadership over the past year and welcomed all to Tahiti next year where the next OCTA Ministerial and OCT EU Form 2019.
Inter-Caribbean Airways Announces Dominica to Tortola and St Lucia Services
Inter-Caribbean Airways has announced new nonstop schedule services from Dominica to St Lucia and Tortola, with one-stop connections via Tortola to St Thomas, St Croix, Sint Maarten, San Juan, Providenciales and Santo Domingo.
The latest information from the airline, release Sunday, says Travelers can also make two-stop connections via Inter-Caribbean flights to Kingston and Nassau. Flights to and from Dominica begin on Thursday, March 22 with three weekly flights.
“We are pleased to begin connecting Dominica with our Caribbean, bringing affordable air fares to this latest Inter-Caribbean destination,” said the airline’s CEO Trevor Sadler.
“We look forward to welcoming citizens and residents aboard and adding new connections and cities that Dominica can enjoy,” Sadler further added.
Colin Piper, Director of Tourism in Dominica, said the new service, which gives Dominicans new choices to fly to and from the island and more connections to other places, is very timely.
Racist’s Name Stripped from Hall of Residence at UWI St Augustine Campus
The oldest Halls of Residence at the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) St Augustine Campus, has officially dropped the name of a racist British Colonial Governor in South Africa.
What was once Milner Hall of Residence, named after Lord Alfred Milner, is now Freedom Hall.
The process to review the name started last October, after having gained approval of the Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GPC) on the recommendation of a report compiled by Pro Vice-Chancellor Alan Cobley, Professor of South African History.
The report confirmed the association of Lord Milner with crimes against humanity in Africa among other actions driven by his self-proclaimed ‘British race supremacy’ ideology.
The name review process included a series of consultations with key stakeholders of The UWI St. Augustine Campus including Hall residents and a wider call to all students, staff and alumni to recommend alternative names.
The final decision was made on the recommendation of current residents of Milner Hall.
The new name was approved by both the Campus Finance and General Purposes Committee earlier this month and the University-wide Finance and General Purposes Committee on Tuesday.
Campus Principal, Professor Brian Copeland expressed his satisfaction with the process.
“I am pleased that due process was followed with transparency and that consultation was prioritised. The result is a new name and our new focus will be on helping our students, particularly the residents of Freedom Hall to adjust to the change,” he said.
British PM plans Brexit speech next week
Prime Minister Theresa May will make a speech this week on Britain's partnership with the EU after Brexit, her office said on the weekend, after she chaired an eight-hour cabinet meeting to thrash out a plan.
May took senior ministers to the premier's country retreat of Chequers for the afternoon and dinner to discuss what economic ties they want Britain to have with the European Union after leaving the bloc in March 2019.
"The way forward will be set out by the prime minister in a speech following discussions at full cabinet," a meeting that usually takes place on a Tuesday, a Downing Street spokesman said.
Thursday's meeting involved members of a Brexit cabinet sub-committee, including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who has called for a clean break with Brussels, and Finance Minister Philip Hammond, who favours closer ties.
There was discussion on the automotive sector, agri-foods and digital trade, while May led talks on the overall future economic partnership, the spokesman said.
Britain is under pressure to set out more details on what it wants, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte warning in London last week that the "clock is ticking".
EU President Donald Tusk is due to issue guidelines for talks on future ties at a summit on March 22-23, with the negotiations expected to begin in April.
Britain says it will be leaving the EU's single market and customs union, as it seeks to end free movement of migrants and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.
May wants a new deal that would reduce as much as possible any tariffs or red tape on trade, but EU chief negotiator Michel Bar-nier has warned that some barriers are unavoidable if she pursues her current path.
Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, is due to give a speech today Monday, with further detail on his party's position on Brexit.
Any deal agreed with Brussels would have to be passed by the House of Commons, where May’s Conservatives have only a slender majority.
Texas Wesleyan University baseball coach fired
A Texas university baseball coach has been fired after telling an 18-year-old high school player from Colorado over email that he doesn't recruit players from his state because they "had trouble" passing drug tests in the past.
Texas Wesleyan University -- a private liberal arts university in Fort Worth -- announced Thursday that head baseball coach Mike Jeffcoat was "no longer an employee" after the contents of the email he sent to the high school senior went public.
Gavin Bell, a senior at Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, Colorado, had expressed interest in attending the university and playing for its baseball program, he told ABC Denver affiliate KMGH.
Jeffcoat then sent him a politically charged email that said the program decided "to not take a chance" on student-athletes from Colorado due to the failed drug tests in the past, KHMG reported.
The email reads:
"Hi Gavin,
Thanks for the interest in our program. Unfortunately, we are not recruiting players from the state of Colorado. In the past, players have had trouble passing our drug test. We have made a decision to not take a chance on Student-athletes from your state. You can thank your liberal politicians. Best of Luck wherever you decide to play.
Mike Jeffcoat
Head Baseball Coach
Texas Wesleyan University"
On Wednesday, the university confirmed that the email was sent by a school baseball coach, saying, "The comments he made are in no way a reflection of Texas Wesleyan University, its values or its recruiting practices."
The next day, the school announced Jeffcoat's departure after a personnel investigation was conducted.
"This university and its athletic program does not discriminate on the basis of the public policy of any state," Texas Wesleyan University President Fred Slabach said in a press conference Thursday. "We look at the individual student. We care about those students."
In addition, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics violation "took place under Jeffcoat's watch," a school statement read, but it did not disclose the details of the violation due to the ongoing investigation. The university self-reported the violations, which have to do with player eligibility, to the NAIA.
Bell's former high school baseball coach, Allan Dyer, told KMGH that he decided to make Jeffcoat's email public after he said he complained to the university and did not receive a response. Dyer described Bell as a "great kid" and a leader both on and off the field.
The university received Dyer's email on Monday afternoon, and it immediately triggered an investigation into Jeffcoat, John Veilleux, Texas Wesleyan University vice president for marketing and communications, told ABC News.
Jeffcoat is a former pitcher for Major League Baseball, ESPN reported.
ABC News could not reach Jeffcoat or Bell for comment.
95 Basic Safety
STCW/95 Basic Safety Training
The Maritime Department (MD), in collaboration with Sea School International, will be hosting the annual STCW/95 Basic Safety Training for local captains and skippers wishing to obtain a Boat Masters License. This licence is the legal document required by any person who wishes to participate in the water sports business as a local captain, or anyone who wishes to be the captain of a small commercial vessel. The holder of a local Boat masters license will be permitted to operate a small commercial vessel up to twenty-four (24) meters in length or up to one hundred and fifty (150) gross tonnes and a pleasure vessel under four hundred gross tonnes.
Training in Provo will run from 26th February to 2nd March, 2018 at the Conference room, Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR), Lower Bight Road Providenciales.
Fees for the course for 'First Time' attendees will be $630 per participant for all three days. A refresher course, for individuals where their 5-year certificate has expired, will cost $355.
The three-day training will include:
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Basic Fire Fighting;
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Personal Survival Techniques;
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Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities; and
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First Aid/CPR
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Refresher
Roger Federer becomes oldest world number one
Roger Federer became the oldest world number one in tennis history after he beat Robin Haase at the Rotterdam Open.
The 36-year-old replaces Rafael Nadal, 31, at the summit, as the Spaniard recovers from a thigh injury.
Federer's prospects looked slim when he lost the first set, but he dropped just two games thereafter to claim a 4-6 6-1 6-1 win and reach the semi-finals.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion will face Italian Andreas Seppi or Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the last four.