REOPENING OF H. J. ROBINSON HIGH, ONA GLINTON PRIMARY AND OSETA JOLLY PRIMARY
The Ministry of Education appreciates the understanding that parents and the general public demonstrated over the past few weeks as we worked out the logistics for the resumption of school since the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria. As previously mentioned, our priority was to get the senior students at both the primary and high school levels back to school as quickly as possible. While this is so, the Ministry is keen to ensure that students resume classes in conditions that are safe and healthy - free from mold and other hazards.
To this end, the Ministry of Education has partnered with the Public Works Department and the Environmental Health Department and we are pleased to announce the reopening of the following schools and for the following students with effect from, Tuesday, 10th October 2017:
|
School |
Island/location |
Forms or Grades |
|
H. J. Robinson High |
Grand Turk |
Forms 1 to 5 |
|
Ona Glinton Primary |
Grand Turk |
Infant 1 to Grade 6 |
|
Eliza Simons Primary
|
Grand Turk |
Infant 1 to Grade 4 at the Ona Glinton Primary
Grade 5 and 6 at the HJRHS Auditorium
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oseta Jolly Primary |
Providenciales |
Grades 4 to 6 at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex
Grades 2 and 3 at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre |
|
|
|
|
The Ministry of Education commits to continue updating you, parents and the General Public via further announcement in the coming days, as we work together to return our students to a state of normalcy.
NEWS ITEM ON TROPICAL STORM NATE SUNDAY 08TH OCTOBER 2017
THIS IS A NEWS ITEM ON TROPICAL STORM NATE ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY FORECAST OFFICE SECTION AT 6AM SUNDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2017.
...NATE MOVING FURTHER INLAND OVER MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA...
...RAPID WEAKENING ANTICIPATED...
AT 5AM EDT, THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM NATE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 28.4°NORTH AND LONGITUDE 88.4° WEST OR ABOUT 80 MILES NORTH-NORTHEAST OF BILOXI MISSISSIPPI OR ABOUT 135 MILES WEST-SOUTHWEST OF MONTGOMERY ALABAMA.
NATE IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 23 MILES PER HOUR. A TURN TOWARD THE NORTHEAST WITH AN INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK, NATE'S CENTER WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE INLAND ACROSS THE DEEP SOUTH, TENNESSEE VALLEY AND CENTRAL APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS THROUGH MONDAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 70 MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. NATE IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO QUICKLY WEAKEN AS IT MOVES FARTHER INLAND. IT SHOULD DEGENERATE INTO A REMNANT LOW LATE MONDAY.
THE NEXT NEWS ITEM WILL BE ISSUED AT NOON.
Electricity System Upgrade and Expansion Project launched in Suriname
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of Suriname have partnered to deliver a more reliable, efficient and sustainable electricity supply in that country. The Electricity System Upgrade and Expansion Project, which will be implemented by utility company, N.V. EnergieBedrijven Suriname (EBS), was launched on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Courtyard Marriott Paramaribo.
Under the Project, EBS will undertake the upgrade of 36.6 kilometres of sub-transmission and distribution lines, the construction of five new substations, and the expansion or upgrade of three existing substations. It will also include the installation of three solar photovoltaic plants by 2021, two in the Nickerie and one in Coronie. In addition, a Master Grid Study and a Dynamic Stability Study will be conducted, in anticipation of changes to the operating environment, as a result of provisions under the country’s Electricity Act (2016).
Speaking at the launch, Director of Projects at CDB, Daniel Best, noted that the energy sector is a key driver of economic growth and social development for Suriname.
“The Bank’s 2014 to 2018 Country Strategy Paper for Suriname identified support to EBS and support for investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency as priorities for the Government of Suriname. We know the importance of a reliable electricity service in supporting economic activity and social development. CDB is therefore pleased to be a partner in investing in this upgrade and expansion project, and supporting the country’s shift to more sustainable energy sources,” said Mr. Best.
Rabindre Parmessar, EBS’ Chief Executive Officer said that over the years, the utility company has struggled with outdated infrastructure in the city and districts of Suriname.
“In some places the electrical infrastructure has surpassed their economic and technical life…With our creative and dedicated workforce we have managed to keep the situation under control. We can assure you that with the loan of 65 million USD to the Suriname Government on behalf of the NV EBS and with an own contribution of 32 million US dollar we took a serious step in the positive direction to make the electrical infrastructure of Suriname healthy again.”
Ashwin Adhin, Vice President of Suriname, called the Project a fruitful result of combined efforts of CDB, the Surinamese Government and EBS.
“Our government will leave no stones unturned to achieve the objectives necessary to improve the energy sector. We will do this together with CDB and other important people and institutions,” said Mr. Adhin.
Total funding for the project is USD98 million (mn). CDB is providing financing through a loan of USD65 mn, and the additional USD33 mn will be provided by the Government of Suriname and EBS.
The Project is consistent with CDB’s strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development, and its corporate priority of strengthening and/or modernising social and economic infrastructure. It also reflects the Bank’s commitment to promoting energy security, a cross-cutting theme in its Strategic Plan 2015-2019.
Rapper Nelly arrested for sexual assault; attorney calls allegations "completely fabricated"
Rapper Nelly has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an unidentified woman Friday night following a concert in Washington state.
A statement Saturday morning from police in Auburn, WA, just south of Seattle, confirms the arrest.
“At 3:48 AM a female called 911 to report that she was sexually assaulted by a male, who is known as the rapper ‘Nelly’,” the statement declares, noting the alleged assault occurred on a tour bus parked at the White River Amphitheater near Auburn, where Nelly had just finished performing as part of his ongoing tour with country act Florida Georgia Line. Nelly’s featured on the 2013 hit remix of the band’s song, “Cruise.”
“After Patrol Officers investigated the incident, at 4:37 AM Nelly was taken into custody and booked at the SCORE jail facility,” the statement goes on. “Auburn Police are continuing to investigate this incident. The above details are all we have to release at this time.”
Nelly, 41, born Cornell Haynes Jr., was released from custody later Saturday morning.
Nelly’s attorney, however, says the rapper is “the victim of a completely fabricated allegation.”
In a statement provided to ABC News, Scott Rosenblum says: “Our initial investigation, clearly establishes, this allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness. I am confident, once this scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges.”
Rosenblum’s statement ends: “Nelly is prepared to address and pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation.”
Source-ABC
Jason Aldean opens Saturday Night Live
In his first public appearance since the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Jason Aldean opened Saturday Night Live with a speech and a song.
Aldean was onstage at the Harvest 91 Festival in Las Vegas when Stephen Paddock opened fire, killing nearly 60 people and wounding hundreds more. He's posted several messages online since then, but Saturday night on SNL, he took center stage to comment on the tragedy.
"I'm Jason Aldean," he began. "This week, we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history. Like everyone, I'm struggling to understand what happened that night and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal. So many people are hurting. They're our children, parents, brothers, sisters, friends -- they're all part of our family."
He continued, "So I wanna say to them, 'We hurt for you and we hurt with you.' But you can be sure that we're gonna walk through these tough times together, every step of the way. Because when America is at its best, our bond, and our spirit...it's unbreakable."
Aldean and his band then kicked into the perfect song, not only given the circumstances, but given the fact that this past week, we also lost a music legend who inspired both rock and country musicians. He played Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down."we lost a rock legend this past week: Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down."
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR FRIDAY 06TH OCTOBER 2017
GENERAL SITUATION: A SURFACE TROUGH NEAR FLORIDA ALONG WITH BROAD TROUGHING ACROSS ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE NATE WILL BRING POCKETS OF UNSETTLED WEATHER THROUGH THE BAHAMAS THROUGH TONIGHT.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: MARINERS AND BEACHGOERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR ROUGH SURF AND THE HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ALONG EASTERN SHORELINES.
FOR NORTHWEST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND HOT WITH FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS OR POSSIBLE ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS TODAY, TURNING PARTLY CLOUDY AND WARM TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
CENTRAL, SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS & TURKS & CAICOS
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND HUMID WITH THE CHANCE OF PASSING SHOWERS. PARTLY CLOUDY TO FAIR AND WARM TONIGHT
ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 91°F 33°C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 75°F 24°C
SUNSET: 06:51 PM FRI MOONRISE: 07:52 PM FRI LOW TIDE: 03:02 PM FRI
SUNRISE: 07:05 AM SAT MOONSET: 08:49 AM SAT HIGH TIDE: 09:02 PM FRI
LOW TIDE: 03:15 AM SAT HIGH TIDE: 09:28 AM SAT
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE WEEKEND: AS PRESSURE GRADIENT SLACKENS ACROSS THE BAHAMAS THERE WILL BE A MIX OF SUN AND CLOUDS WITH FEWER SHOWER ACTIVITY THROUGH SUNDAY.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: SEE LATEST NEWS ITEM ON TROPICAL STORM NATE ISSUED AT NOON TODAY. ELSEWHERE, THERE IS A NON-TROPICAL AREA OF LOW PRESSURE IS FORECAST TO FORM ALONG A FRONTAL BOUNDARY ABOUT 800 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE AZORES ON SATURDAY. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SUGGEST THE LOW WILL THEN ACQUIRE SOME TROPICAL OR SUBTROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND A TROPICAL OR SUBTROPICAL CYCLONE COULD FORM EARLY NEXT WEEK. THE LOW IS FORECAST TO DRIFT OVER THE NORTHEASTERN ATLANTIC FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS. FORMATION CHANCE THROUGH 48 HOURS IS LOW OR ABOUT 10 PERCENT AND FORMATION CHANCE THROUGH 5 DAYS IS MEDIUM OR ABOUT 40 PERCENT.
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY 06TH OCTOBER 2017
GENERAL SITUATION: A DEEP LAYERED TROUGH ACROSS THE FLORIDA PENINSULA CONTINUES TO SUPPORT UNSETTLED WEATHER ACROSS PARTS OF THE BAHAMAS WHILE A STRONG HIGH PRESSURE NORTH OF THE AREA RETREATS NORTHWARDS ALLOWING WINDS TO RELAX ACROSS THE ISLANDS.
CENTRAL BAHAMAS/ TURKS & CAICOS
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
WEATHER: ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE.
MOONSET: 7:48 AM
MOONRISE: 7:52 PM
HIGH TIDE: 8:43 AM 9:02 PM
LOW TIDE: 3:02 PM 3:15 AM SAT
EXTENDED FORECAST: WINDS WILL DIMINISH ACROSS THE BAHAMAS AS THE PRESSURE GRADIENT SIGNIFICANTLY RELAXES, WITH MUCH MORE TRANQUIL MARINE CONDITIONS THIS WEEKEND INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
WEATHER: ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE.
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
WEATHER: ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: PLEASE SEE LATEST NEWS ITEM ON TROPICAL STORM NATE, LOCATED OVER THE GULF OF HONDURAS.
AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE IS FORECAST TO FORM IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO ALONG THE SOUTHERN EXTENT OF A FRONTAL BOUNDARY, ABOUT 900 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE AZORES. THIS LOW COULD SUBSEQUENTLY ACQUIRE SOME SUBTROPICAL OR TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS WHILE IT REMAINS NEARLY STATIONARY OVER THE NORTHEASTERN ATLANTIC OCEAN DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS. THIS SYSTEM HAS A LOW CHANCE OF BECOMING A TROPICAL CYCLONE DURING THE NEXT 5 DAYS.
Digicel Chairman Visits TCI After Hurricanes
Digicel’s Chairman, Denis O’Brien, visited the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on Tuesday, October 3rd, to get a first-hand account of the impact of the recent hurricanes on the cluster of Islands.
His itinerary included meetings with His Excellency Dr. John Freeman, Governor Hon. Anya Williams Deputy Governor, Hon. Premier Charlene Cartwright Robinson, Hon. Sean Astwood Deputy Premier, Hon. Delroy Williams Minister of Telecommunications and Hon. Edwin Astwood Min. of Health in Grand Turk to discuss Digicel’s plans for further investment in the rebuilding of the TCI.
Mr. O’Brien’s trip also incorporated a meeting with the hard-working Digicel technical team in Providenciales and Grand Turk. “I am very impressed with the hard work and dedication that the team displayed in such a difficult time. It shows in the rapid recovery that I’ve seen here today only two weeks after Hurricane Maria impacted The Turks and Caicos Islands. I can assure you Digicel will continue to be a pillar of strength in the community as the resilient TCI team continues recovery efforts,” Mr. O’Brien stated.
- Jay Saunders, one of Digicel TCI’s founding Directors said of Denis O’Brien’s visit, “This signals that the TCI is top of mind to Digicel. In fact, the urgency with which the network restoration has been treated, with the team of engineers on the ground in quick time, sends a strong message that the loyalty of the people of The Turks and Caicos Islands to Digicel has not gone unnoticed.”
Digicel was the first mobile provider to restore 3G services in Grand Turk, a feat that according to Stephen Murad, Digicel TCI’s Chief Commercial Officer was a tremendous one for Digicel, he added, “Knowing that we were able to connect people in a desperate time of need brought us the greatest satisfaction. Our customers have been patient and understanding and we will continue to honour their commitment to us by working to restore the network fully.”
“Full restoration will take more time in some places. We will be continuously updating our customers as we complete key areas of our TV and Broadband Network” said Addison Stoddard, Chief Technical Officer.
Digicel Applies 75% Rebate After Hurricanes
Digicel will be applying a 75 percent rebate to all Postpaid, Home TV, Broadband and Corporate customers’ bills for the month of September, following the havoc wreaked by the recent hurricanes on the Turks and Caicos Islands. This rebate is due to the lapse of service, post the weather systems and also in keeping with the company’s efforts to help the public with the return to normalcy.
The Digicel technical team continues to work around the clock to restore full service to our Home Internet and TV services as well our Business Solutions network, with good progress being made. Lydia Tucker, Digicel’s Accounts & Service Director comments, “It is imperative that we ensure that we take care of our customers’ needs while still working towards the humanitarian element after two major storms.”
Digicel will continue to provide network updates to customers through all media channels and on its Facebook page.
THE TURKS & CAICOS HAS BEEN PLACED UNDER HURRICANE WATCH
ALERT #1 ON HURRICANE IRMA ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY TUESDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER, 2017 AT 6AM EDT.
…DANGEROUS HURRICANE IRMA IS HEADING FOR THE LEEWARD ISLANDS WITH 150 MPH WINDS ……
A HURRICANE ALERT IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE ISLANDS OF THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. THIS INCLUDES THE ISLANDS OF INAGUA, ACKLINS, CROOKED ISLANDS, MAYAGUANA, LONG CAY, SAMANA CAY, RAGGED ISLANDS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.
THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HAS NOW BEEN PLACED ON A HURRICANE ALERT! THAT MEANS HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED IN THE MENTIONED ISLANDS WITHIN 60 HOURS.
AT 5AM EDT, THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IRMA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 16.6 DEGREES NORTH AND LONGITUDE 57.0 DEGREES WEST OR ABOUT 320 MILES EAST OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS, 1040 MILES SOUTHEAST OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, 1120 SOUTHEAST OF MATTHEW TOWN INAGUA AND 1440 MILES SOUTHEAST OF NEW PROVIDENCE.
IRMA IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 14 MPH, AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TODAY, FOLLOW BY TURN TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST TONIGHT. ON THIS FORECAST TRACK, THE CENTER OF IRMA WILL MOVE NEAR OR OVER PORTIONS OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS TONIGHT AND EARLY WEDNESDAY
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 150 MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. IRMA IS A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE. SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN INTENSITY ARE LIKELY DURING THE NEXT DAY OR TWO, BUT IRMA IS FORECAST TO REMAIN A POWERFUL CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE.
HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 45 MILES FROM THE CENTER AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 140 MILES FROM THE CENTER.
RESIDENTS IN INAGUA, ACKLINS, CROOKED ISLANDS, MAYAGUANA, LONG CAY, SAMANA CAY, RAGGED ISLANDS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SHOULD ENSURE THAT ALL HURRICANE PREPARATION ARE PUT IN PLACE AS THEY CAN BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE THE EFFECTS OF HURRICANE IRMA BY THURSDAY AFTERNOON. RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE BAHAMAS ARE ADVISED TO SERIOUSLY BEGIN MAKING PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE IRMA.
SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS SHOULD BEGIN TO SEEK SAFE HARBOUR FOR THEIR VESSELS AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE PROPERLY SECURED.
THE NEXT ALERT ON HURRICANE IRMA WILL BE ISSUED AT 9AM TODAY.