Flow Sports Gives Viewers Anytime, Anywhere Access to 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games
Caribbean viewers will have a front row seat to watch the best young athletes from the across the Commonwealth in action at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, as Flow Sports, the Home of Sports in the Caribbean, airs 8 hours of live coverage each day, from July 19 to 23rd.
The largest-ever edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games will be hosted this year in The Bahamas and presented by the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).
Flow Sports will once again deliver anytime, anywhere access so ‘on-the-go’ viewers can have the option of watching the coverage on the Flow Sports App or via the website, www.flowsports.co.
According to Sean Riley, Managing Director of Flow Sports, “We are pleased to announce that Flow Sports has worldwide distribution rights to broadcast the Commonwealth Youth Games. We are truly proud of this development as it gives our talented young regional athletes significantly more exposure while allowing their families, friends and fans the opportunity to see them in action as they compete on the world stage. This will no doubt delight Caribbean people in the diaspora who wish to catch up on the action of our up and coming star athletes.”
As with the highly successful coverage of the 2017 Flow CARIFTA Games in Curacao this past Easter, the Flow Sports team of well-known Caribbean sports media personalities will cover a variety of disciplines such as aquatics, boxing, beach volleyball, beach soccer and judo, anchored in the highly anticipated track-and-field events.
The Commonwealth Youth Games is the largest sporting competition to ever take place in The Bahamas and at the official press conference to announce the Games, BTC Interim CEO Dexter Cartwright said, “Today is a very special day for BTC, our sister company Flow Sports l, as we open our arms here in The Bahamas to welcome hundreds of young athletes from almost 70 countries. Continuing our mission to invest heavily in sports, we are proud to officially announce our $250,000 investment in the sixth edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games – and we’re confident it’s going to be the best yet. Good luck to all the competitors!”
For a full listing of the daily times for live event broadcasts, please visit the Flow Sports website at www.flowsports.co/tv-guide/.
This is the first time the event has been held in the Caribbean in over 50 years – the last being the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.
TCIG SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS $200m CLAIM brought BY TWI
TCIG has successfully defended itself against a series of massive claims totalling nearly $200m brought by Trade Wind Industries Limited (TWI). The claims, first brought in the TCI Courts in 2012, and then in an international arbitration, were almost wholly dismissed, TWI winning just $255,010 in damages together with some interest and limited costs.
TWI brought claims for (a) breach of its leases by permitting of the building of the Leeward Marina in 2007/8; (b) massive damage to its stock of conch and its farm caused by dredging in 2008/9; (c) massive damages for breach of a development agreement in 2012; (d) defamation by the Governor in 2012; and (e) expropriation of its assets. Altogether the damages claimed across all five claims totalled nearly $200m.
The Arbitrators' Awards were previously confidential, but a recent agreement between the parties means publication is now permitted. The First Award, dated 13 October 2016 is 280 pages long and followed many weeks of hearings earlier that year; a short summary of it has more recently been prepared by the Tribunal. The First Award decided that:
(a) permitting of the building of the Leeward Marina in 2006/7 including associated dredging was a breach of TWI's then existing leases but TWI were entitled to only $250,000 damages for that breach;
(b) TWI failed to prove that dredging caused any damage to its conch or farm. TWI's business was loss making so it was entitled to no damages in respect of that claim;
(c) although a development order issued by the interim administration in 2012 did not strictly comply with the terms of the development agreement and TWI were therefore entitled to a revised development order, TWI failed to prove it suffered any loss as a result, so it was awarded nominal damages of only $10;
(d) although most of the defamation claims were dismissed, in one respect what was said by former Governor Todd was defamatory; however TWI were entitled to damages of only $5,000 taking into account the "sometimes dishonest and provocative way in which TWI's senior personnel had dealt with TCIG and the Governor";
(e) TWI did not have any assets expropriated and its claim in that respect was dismissed entirely.
Total damages awarded to TWI were $255,010. These were paid by TCIG to TWI in late 2016 shortly after the First Award was provided to the parties. The arbitration began in 2013 after TWI's claim in the TCI Supreme Court was stayed on TCIG's application in favour of the arbitration process. Three Arbitrators - all senior lawyers in London - were selected as arbitrators to hear the case. . As well as the First Award, the Arbitrators also produced a Second Award dated 10 April 2017, which is also now being published. That Award deals with various supplementary matters including:
finalising the terms of a development order for TWI. TCIG has now granted that Development Order; whether TWI should be entitled to 31 declarations dealing with the Tribunal's First Award. The Tribunal decided TWI was entitled only to one, namely that TWI is entitled to farm fin fish; legal costs of the arbitration process. The Tribunal decided that the parties should largely bear their own costs, save that TWI would be entitled to receive 20% of its legal costs from TCIG. The Tribunal came to this conclusion because it said that although TWI had won something, "its financial recovery was extremely small compared to what it claimed, the rights it has vindicated may or may not be of any substantial value, and a large part of the costs were incurred on issues that TWI lost";
TWI was entitled to interest on its damages of $135,986.30. TCIG has paid that interest to TWI;
The Tribunal left open some final matters including some remaining legal costs. It is shortly expected to issue a third and final award dealing with all remaining outstanding matters, bringing the litigation to an end.
The Attorney General commented: "TCIG is delighted to have been able to see off this massive damages claim and long-running litigation. The claim - for nearly $200m - would have been potentially catastrophic for the Government if TWI had been awarded anything like the sum theywere claiming, and the fact that TWI has brought this enormous piece of litigation lasting years, alleging their business has been destroyed by the Government, and seeking these huge damages, but in the end has been awarded only $255,010 in damages, some interest and some limited costs is a very good result for the Government."
FIVE DIGICEL CUSTOMERS TO SEE BRUNO MARS LIVE IN CONCERT IN CHICAGO
Digicel has announced that five lucky customers will get a chance to jet off on a VIP experience to see Bruno Mars live in concert during his 24K Magic World Tour at the United Centre in Chicago on Saturday 19th August 2017 – thanks to its d’Music streaming app.
By simply subscribing to d’Music and streaming Bruno Mars’ XXIV playlist or activating a Quick Pick plan, these lucky customers will get to enjoy this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience with a loved one. The VIP experience package includes roundtrip airfares, accommodation, ground transportation to and from the concert and of course, tickets to see the popular five-time Grammy Awards artist in live and in living colour.
Designed to give customers access to music right at their fingertips, whenever they want it, wherever they are, d’Music allows Digicel customers to stream and download their favourite music from a library of over 30 million local and international songs covering all genres. The app is fun, hip and easy to use for all music lovers.
“It’s all about delivering unique experiences to our customers and rewarding them with exclusive opportunities and content that they can get only from Digicel,” said Peter Lloyd, Digicel Group Director of Marketing. “d’Music has received great response so far and now we’re excited to be partnering with Warner Music Group to bring them even closer to more of the things they love. This is just another example of us staying true to our commitment of valuing its customers and putting them at the forefront of everything we do.”
The promotion has already been launched in Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines and is set to be launched in all other markets across the region in the coming weeks.
Police News in the TCI
A 21 year old male of Providenciales was arrested and charged by Detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force with Burglary in connection with a report made on Tuesday 13th June 2017.
The complainant told officers that he secured his shed located at the Kids Park on the Lower Bight on Sunday 11th June 2017 and upon arrival around 3:30pm the day of the report he noticed the corrugated door slightly up and inside was ransacked. A number of items were reported missing. An investigation commenced.
On Saturday 8th July 2017, the suspect was arrested and immediately charged and cautioned for the offence mentioned.
He was taken to court for the charges and remanded into custody.
In another story, Detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are continuing their investigation into the death of 24 year old Guillot Pierre who died on Tuesday 11th July 2017 at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.
Detectives are treating this investigation as a Homicide and two males, ages 21 and 29, have been arrested on suspicion of Manslaughter in connection to this incident.
Richard Gail also known as ‘Richardson’ or ‘Rich Boi’ who is a suspect in the matter is being sought by the police. Investigations into this matter are ongoing.
We are appealing to persons who may have any information of Richard’s whereabouts or any information that may assist in this investigation, to please contact us at 338-5901 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-8477.
Finally, At around 12:21am on (Tuesday 18th July 2017), Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched to a home in the Millennium Highway area of Blue Hills after a report of a shooting was made.
Upon arrival on the scene a 49 year old male victim was located, he informed officers that as he arrived home from work, three (3) males wearing hoodie and white shirts covering their face and armed with a handgun approached him demanding money and the key for his vehicle. He threw the keys in the nearby bushes and after doing so, one of the males shot him in the back then ransacked his car and took an undisclosed amount of money before running away into the nearby bushes.
The male was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment.
Investigations into this matter are ongoing.
We are appealing to persons who may have any information that may assist in this investigation, to please contact us at 338-5901 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-8477.
THE MINISTRY RESPONSIBLE FOR SPORTS CONGRATULATES MRS. RITA GARDINER
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services extends heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Rita Gardiner on achieving the Commonwealth Games Award of Merit.
The Commonwealth Games Federation awards membership of the Order of Merit for distinguished services rendered to the Commonwealth Games movement, including the games themselves, to the federation and to a Commonwealth Games Association. The honour is awarded on the recommendation of the Executive Board at the General Assembly.
The recipients of this special award are individuals whose voluntary contribution and achievements have significantly impacted on society and its work, or represent the society in an exemplary way, in particular in the fields of sport and youth.
The Minister responsible for Sports, Hon. Karen Malcolm, is delighted to hear this good news. She stated; "Mrs. Gardiner is well deserving of this award for all the hard work and dedication she gave to the world of sports." Hon. Malcolm also commented that Mrs. Gardiner, a trailblazer in many ways, has committed extensive time and knowledge as she travelled and worked with athletes from all disciplines of sport.
She further stated that; "I am proud that my government has redoubled efforts to support all sports. We are making provisions to enhance opportunities for all athletes to participate in sports, and to ensure athletes and coaches have access to the training and competition opportunities."
The Ministry responsible for Sports is thrilled that Mrs. Gardiner received this accolade for her outstanding service to sports, including her years of commitment to the Games movement and would like to thank her for her many years of service to sports.
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services also wishes the best for the team of young men and their coaches who travelled to Puerto Rico this weekend to represent the country in Puerto Rico International Basketball Tournament.
Minister of Home Affairs Transportation and Communication Attends CANTO 2017
Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams is attending the 33rd CANTO’s Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic during the course of this week, July 16 to 20, 2017. CANTO is a non-profit association made up of operators, organizations, companies and individuals in the telecommunications sector. The Association has a Caribbean and Latin American focus as it relates to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) issues for the region and global perspective.
Deliberations are being held under the theme “Reimagining ICT as a tool for National Growth and Development” and the Turks and Caicos is proud to be featured on the agenda through presentations by Economist, Adviser, Author and Publisher, Professor Gilbert Morris and Country Manager for Cable and Wireless Communications, Mrs. Delleriece Hall. Professor Morris will be presenting the feature address on “Technology, Disruption and the Economics of Genuine Democracy” while Mrs. Hall will be a panelist on “Caribbean Women in ICT CEO’s Forum.” Both are scheduled for Monday, July 17th and Wednesday, July 19th, respectively.
Attending this years’ conference is the Prime Minister for Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne who brought the feature address at yesterday’s Opening Ceremony and eleven Ministers with responsibility for Telecommunications in the region.
Turks and Caicos Islands regulators, operators and a senior Ministry of Home Affairs Transportation and Communication official, are also in attendance.
999,999th Porsche 911 ever made sold in Canada
The one millionth Porsche 911 ever manufactured won't be coming to Canada as part of its world tour, but the 999,999th 911 was sold here.
The Guards Red 911 Targa 4 GTS that came down the automaker's Zuffenhausen facility production line — right before the millionth car — was delivered to Pfaff Porsche in Vaughn, Ont., just north of Toronto, the dealership said on its website.
Owner Rob Tenuta received the car in a special ceremony, during which Porsche Cars Canada CEO Alexander Pollich joined salesperson Alex Krigos to complete the transaction.
Tenuta received some special gifts to accompany his special car, including a Porsche desk pylon anodized black like his 911 Targa 4 GTS’s roll bar, which is traditional silver, and a special certificate from Porsche.
The one millionth Porsche 911 rolled off the line May 11. Porsche outfitted the Carrera S in “Irish Green,” to mark the occasion. It also gave it a custom interior, a mahogany rim on the steering wheel and a couple nods to the one million number, including a badge on the dash.
Porsche will not be selling the 911, however. Instead, it will embark on a worldwide tour before being sent to the Porsche Museum.
Porsche Cars Canada spokesperson Patrick Saint-Pierre confirmed to Automotive News Canada the historic car won’t be making its way to Canada as part of the tour.
Source-ANC (Automotive News Canada)
IDB launches 'Orange Economy' book on the Caribbean
Highlighting the contributions of creative talent to social and economic progress, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched the e-book, “Orange Economy: Innovations you may not know were from Latin America and the Caribbean”.
The IDB said it uses the term “orange economy” to describe the cultural and creative industries, which include activities such as architecture, audiovisual arts, digital services, fashion, graphic and industrial design, handcrafts, music and software.
In 2015, the IDB said it generated more than US$124 billion in revenue and provided jobs to more than 1.9 million people in the region.
The e-book, which can showcases 50 outstanding initiatives in the cultural and creative industries from 12 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The case studies underscore how creativity works as an engine for innovation and a tool to help countries diversify their output and engage in the knowledge-based economy,” the IDB said.
“Among the selected startups, we highlighted those that succeeded in bridging the analog and the digital realms, a key convergence for reinventing the entrepreneurship ecosystem and our cities, drawing from what communities need, their surrounding environment and leveraging our cultural heritage,” said IDB lead specialist Alejandra Luzardo, one of the authors.
The e-book includes examples exhibited in different editions of “Demand Solutions: Ideas for Improving Lives,” the IDB’s flagship initiative on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Despacito" Scores 10th week at #1, Ed Sheeran ties Top 5 record
There's no stopping "Despacito." The Luis Fonsi/Daddy Yankee/Justin Bieber collabo has just hit its 10th week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's just the 35th song ever to rack up at least 10 weeks at the top in the entire history of the chart, which dates back to 1958.
"Despacito" is the longest-running #1 since Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You," which spent 12 weeks at #1 earlier this year. And speaking of that song, it's just tied the record for the most weeks in the top 5: 27. The Chainsmokers just set that record recently with "Closer;" now Ed has matched it.
But "Despacito" needs to hang on for seven more weeks if it hopes to set the all-time record for most weeks at #1. The current record is held by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day." That one topped the chart for 16 weeks from 1995 to 1996.
Finally, Shawn Mendes' latest hit "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" rises to #8, giving the Canadian singer his third top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, following "Stitches" and "Treat You Better."
Source-ABC
Severe weather alert issued for Barbados
A severe weather alert has been issued for Barbados, as the Barbados Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of two tropical waves to the south-east of the island.
The statement, issued at midday on Monday, indicated that the wave closest to the island had an area of low pressure located about 700 miles east south-east of the Windward Islands, and was moving west to west-northwest at about 15 mph/24 km/h.
The associated shower and thunderstorm activity continues to show some signs of organisation, but the system appears to lack a well-defined centre at this time.
However, the statement cautioned that environmental conditions were marginally conducive for some slow development before the system reached the Lesser Antilles.
“Regardless of development, pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain, thunderstorms and occasional gusty winds are likely to spread across the island late Tuesday into Wednesday,” the statement read.
It added that rainfall accumulations of one to two inches (25 to 50 mm) were possible along the path of the system, and swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres (8 to 10 feet) were also likely.
The Meteorological Service says an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft was scheduled to investigate the first wave if necessary.
Source-CMC