Tax software blamed for cyber-attack spread
A global cyber-attack that affected companies around the world may have started via corrupted updates on a piece of accountancy software.
Fingers are increasingly pointing to a piece of Ukrainian tax-filing software, MEDoc, as the source of the infection, although the company denies it.
Malware generally infiltrates networks via email attachments that users click on in error.
Microsoft described the method as "a recent dangerous trend".
The cyber-attack has caused disruption around the world and infected companies in 64 countries, including banks in Ukraine, Russian oil giant Rosneft, British advertising company WPP and US law firm DLA Piper.
Shipping giant Maersk said it was unable to process new orders and was expecting delays to consignments, while one of Europe's largest port operators in Rotterdam said that it had to use manual processes, and Dutch global parcel service TNT said it was operating with restrictions.
A Cadbury's factory on the island state of Tasmania ground to a halt when computer systems went down, according to Australian Manufacturing and Workers Union state secretary John Short.
Ukraine was hit hardest, suggesting the attack might be politically motivated.
According to anti-virus vendor ESET, 80% of all infections were in Ukraine, with Germany second hardest hit with about 9%.
A growing number of security experts, including the British malware expert Marcus Hutchins - credited with ending the WannaCry ransomware outbreak - claim to have logs that reveal MEDoc as the source.
In email correspondence with the BBC, Mr Hutchins said: "It looks like the software's automatic update system was compromised and used to download and run malware rather than updates for the software."
It was not yet clear how it had been compromised, he added.
MEDoc has denied the claims, in a Facebook post - but in a blog post analysing how the infection had taken hold on Windows machines, Microsoft also points the finger at the accounting software.
"Active infections of the ransomware initially started from the legitimate MEDoc update process," it writes.
Source-BBC
Brexit 'will blow hole in budget', EU commissioner notes
The UK's departure from the EU will leave a budget shortfall of at least €10bn (£8.8bn; $11.4bn), the budget commissioner has warned.
Günther Oettinger said the bloc must either spend less or find new money to fill the gap, equivalent to an estimated 16% of the entire budget.
Among the options on the table could be less generous payments to farmers or a tax on financial transactions.
"A big country, a net contributor is leaving," Mr Oettinger said.
"That must have consequences."
Mr Oettinger said each euro spent must have a positive impact on people's lives, as he presented a discussion paper on the EU's future.
Negotiations are under way for the UK to leave the EU by the end of March 2019, following last year's referendum vote.
It is not just Brexit giving the EU a budget headache.
"At the same time we need to finance new tasks such as defence, internal security...," Mr Oettinger writes, with regional policy commissioner Corina Cretu, in an EU blog.
"The total gap could therefore be up to twice as much."
The rebate, negotiated under former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, is a complex calculation which sees a sizeable proportion of the UK's net contribution to the EU each year returned.
Officials will now consult member states and the European Parliament, our reporter says,
They hope the "Brexit effect" will be clearer by the end of the year and a draft budget for the years 2020 and beyond will be proposed by the middle of next year.
Source- BBC
Hunt for pilot after attack on Supreme Court in Venezuela
The Venezuelan military is hunting for a rogue elite police officer suspected of carrying out a helicopter attack on the country's Supreme Court.
Oscar Pérez posted Instagram videos admitting the attack and calling on Venezuelans to rise up against the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
The officer's home has been searched as the president put the entire military on alert, citing a "terrorist attack".
The country is in the midst of a deep economic and political crisis.
Nobody was injured in the helicopter attack, which took place at around sunset on Tuesday evening.
One police source reported by Reuters said that the helicopter had been dumped in Higuerote, on the Caribbean coast, but that the pilot had not been found. The report has not been verified.
Images on social media showed two occupants, one masked.
The government said 15 shots were fired at a social event at the interior ministry. The helicopter then flew to the court and dropped four Israeli-made grenades of "Colombian origin". One failed to detonate. No-one was injured.
Many of those opposed to Mr Maduro see the Supreme Court as one of his main supporters.
Source- BBC
Italy threatens to shut ports as Migrant crisis looms
Italy has threatened to stop vessels of other countries from bringing migrants to its ports.
The warning came as Italy's EU representative, Maurizio Massari, warned in a letter to the bloc the situation had become "unsustainable".
Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni has accused other European nations of "looking the other way".
An estimated 10,000 people are believed to have attempted the journey from North Africa in the past four days.
More than 73,000 migrants have landed in Italy this year, an increase of 14% on the same period last year.
Some 2,000 have died or are missing feared drowned, the UN's refugee agency says, the vast majority attempting the crossing from Libya.
Libya is a gateway to Europe for migrants from across sub-Saharan Africa and also from the Arabian peninsula, Egypt, Syria and Bangladesh. Many are fleeing war, poverty or persecution.
An Italian government source told Reuters: "The idea of blocking humanitarian ships flying foreign flags from returning to Italian ports has been discussed. Italy has reached saturation point."
Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the Italian public were "exasperated" with the issue and a new long-term strategy was needed.
Rules on disembarking are governed by international law and the EU office on migration said any changes to guidelines should give humanitarian groups time to prepare.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea dictates that any ship learning of distress at sea must assist regardless of circumstances, and that the country responsible for operations in that area has primary responsibility for taking them from the ship.
It also clearly states that the relevant government "shall arrange for such disembarkation to be effected as soon as reasonably practicable."
Source-BBC
STATEMENT FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Detectives of The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating the shooting of an American visitor that occurred on Friday, June 23. The report indicates that around 1:43 a.m., police responded to a report of a shooting in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales. On arrival, police established that a male victim had been shot. The male, identified as Keven Newman of Alabama, was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center where he received treatment for a wound in the abdominal area. Contrary to reports, Mr. Newman sustained one shot about his body.
We are shocked and saddened by this grave incident, involving a visitor to the destination. Mr. Newman and his family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers while doctors continue to monitor his recovery.
Every effort was made by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board to support the Newman family throughout this unfortunate ordeal. The Government sought medical evacuation for Mr. Newman; however, quick-thinking family and friends made emergency arrangements beforehand with funds raised via a Go Fund Me page. Nonetheless, tourism officials met with the medical team and Mrs. Newman to receive progress report on Mr. Newman’s condition and offer additional care to the family while on island. A member of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board stayed by Mrs. Newman side until her husband was successfully evacuated.
Angela Aquino, CLB/United States Warden for the Turks and Caicos Islands was also on hand to give the Newman’s emotional support and lend travel assistance. Travel arrangements were made for the Newman’s son, who was also visiting the Islands, to return to the United States earlier today. He was personally escorted to the airport and through airport check-in by a member of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board. Personnel from the Ministry of Tourism and the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board remain in constant contact with the Newman family, and will provide updates to the media as they become available.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is treating this incident as a robbery and is aggressively pursuing this matter. Whilst at this stage no arrest has been made in connection with this offence, active enquiries are being followed up to identify those responsible.
The Ministry of Tourism wishes to acknowledge the gravity of this situation, and to condemn this heinous crime. The safety of our residents and visitors remains paramount.
Although the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be one of the safest countries in the region, if not the world, a single attack against any innocent person is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The Ministry of Tourism encourages persons, in the strongest way possible, to cooperate with law enforcement to report crimes which will aid in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We would especially like to appeal to anyone with information of crime against our visitors to report it to the local authorities or to crime stoppers.
Our residents and visitors should continue to enjoy all of the attributes of our Islands. We will not be intimidated by acts of cowardice.
We would like to remind Turks and Caicos Islanders, residents and visitors alike, legal or illegal, that any crime against our citizens can negatively affect our image as a low crime destination. Any crime against our tourists is an attack on our very livelihood which can contribute to the death of our tourism sector.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is known worldwide for our pristine beaches, exquisite under water sites, and friendly people. We all have a part to play in maintaining this reputation.
The Ministry of Tourism encourages all persons to exercise vigilance as we seek to restore the Turks and Caicos Islands that you have come to know and love.
IMF cuts forecasts for US economic growth
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cuts its growth forecasts for the US economy due to uncertainty about White House policies.
It now expects growth of 2.1% in 2017 and 2018, against earlier estimates of 2.3% in 2017 and 2.5% in 2018.
The forecast is also below the 3% rate targeted by the White House.
Proposals such as cuts to spending on programmes that benefit low and middle income households could lead to even slower growth, the IMF warned.
"The consultation revealed differences on a range of policies and left open questions as to whether the administration's proposed policy strategies are best suited to achieve their intended purpose," the IMF said.
The US is enjoying its third longest economic expansion since 1850.
But the country is having trouble adjusting to the challenges produced by technology and demographic changes, the IMF said.
There are some features of this report that must make uncomfortable reading at the White House, suggestions of a struggle to agree policies and concerns about the impact on poorer Americans.
The IMF's forecasts were initially raised on the Trump administration's desire to reform taxes and boost infrastructure. Now it's a case of as you were, due to "differences on a range of policies within the administration" and IMF doubts about whether the "proposed policy strategies are best suited to achieve their intended purpose".
And as for the current budget plan, the IMF's economists say it seems to place a "disproportionate share of the adjustment burden on low and middle-income households".
The organisation said it supported ideas such as tax reform, family leave policies and investment in infrastructure as a way to boost growth.
But it cautioned against some of the other measures supported by the Trump administration.
It urged the US to preserve the current system of financial oversight, maintain a commitment to free trade and retain recent gains in health insurance coverage.
The IMF's earlier forecasts had assumed the economy would receive a boost from the Trump administration's policies, but it has now dropped those assumptions.
Source-BBC
Weather Update until Sunday July 2nd,2017
GENERAL SITUATION: A broad western Atlantic high pressure ridge continues to maintain brisk winds over the Central and SE Bahamas, as it shifts southward ahead of an approaching weak cold front over the Southern United States. The combination of increased surface moisture and several low to mid level troughs in the Central and Northwest Bahamas will produce some unsettled weather across the area through Thursday. These weak lows or troughs in the NW and Central Bahamas will continue over the area as surface high pressure system remains stationary through Sunday.
Wednesday 28th – Partly cloudy to occasionally cloudy with few scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms during the day through nightfall in the NW and SE Bahamas. Maximum temperature 89ºF and minimum temperature 79ºF. Small craft should exercise caution for all areas. Winds SE'ly at 10 to 15 knots in the NW Bahamas, falling light and variable at times and E to SE at 10 to 15 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas. Seas 2 to 4 feet over the entire Bahamas.
Thursday 29th – Partly to mostly cloudy with lingering showers or isolated thunderstorms mainly across the NW Bahamas during the day through night time. Elsewhere mostly sunny, hot and humid with the slight chance of showers during the day, turning fair and warm at night. Maximum temperature 90ºF and minimum temperature 80ºF. Small craft should exercise caution in the SE Bahamas. Winds E to SE at 10 to 15 knots in the NW and Central Bahamas and E'ly at 15 to 20 knots in the SE Bahamas, decreasing late. Seas 2 to 4 feet in the NW and Central Bahamas and 4 to 6 feet in the SE Bahamas, decreasing late.
Friday 30th – Partly to mostly sunny, hot and humid with the slight chance of showers or a possible isolated thunderstorm during the day. Fair and warm at night. Maximum temperature 89°F and minimum temperature 80°F. Small craft caution continues in the Central and SE Bahamas. Winds E to SE at 10 to 15 knots in the NW Bahamas and E'ly at 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas. Seas 2 to 4 feet in the NW Bahamas and 4 to 7 feet in the Central and SE Bahamas.
Saturday 01st – Partly to mostly sunny, hot and humid with few isolated passing showers or a possible isolated afternoon thunderstorm during the day. Mainly fair and warm at night. Maximum temperature 89°F and minimum temperature 80°F. Small craft caution continues in the Central and SE Bahamas. Winds E to SE at 10 to 15 knots the NW Bahamas and E'ly at 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas. Seas 2 to 4 feet in the NW Bahamas and 4 to 7 feet in the Central and SE Bahamas.
Sunday 02nd – Partly to mostly sunny, hot and humid with few scattered showers or a possible isolated thunderstorm during the day. Mainly fair and warm at night. Maximum temperature 89ºF and minimum temperature 80ºF. Small craft caution continues early for most islands in the Central and SE Bahamas. Winds E to SE at 10 to 15 knots in the NW Bahamas and E'ly at 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas, decreasing to 15 knots or less later in the Central Bahamas. Seas 2 to 4 feet in the NW Bahamas and 4 to 6 feet in the Central and SE Bahamas, decreasing to 5 feet or less in the Central Bahamas later.
Beachgoers and Mariners should exercise extreme caution due to the high risk of rip currents and rough surf, especially along the northern and eastern shorelines during stated advisories. Winds and seas will be higher in heavy showers and thunderstorms. Boaters and beachgoers should be alert for possible waterspout activity and take all necessary precautions.
AGRICULTURE DEPT. ACKNOWLEDGES FOOD RECALL OF CONAGRA BRAND PRODUCT
Conagra Brand, Inc., a Milton, Pa. establishment a recall of spaghetti and Meatball products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.
The Animal Health Service Division of the Department of Agriculture wishes to inform the public that it is issuing an immediate recall for spaghetti and meatball products Imported by Sunny Foods.
The initial recall was issued by Conagra Brands, Inc., a Milton, Pa. establishment, the company is recalling approximately 717,338 pounds of spaghetti and meatball products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product(s) contains milk, a known allergen which is not declared on the product label.
The United States Department of Agriculture has learnt that some of the recalled product was exported to the Turks and Caicos Islands. If you have bought any of this product, please do not consume it but rather return it. The Agriculture Department has ensured that all remaining product is removed from the shelves.
For further information you may contact the Agriculture Department at 946-5801.
Luis Fonsi attempts to explain "Despacito's" success
It's lucky number seven for "Despacito," the smash song by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber. The song has just racked up its seventh week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. But what is it about "Despacito" that's made it the first Spanish #1 hit since "The Macarena" 20 years ago? Luis says, "That's probably the question I get asked the most, and I don't have a perfect answer."
Luis does have a few theories, though. One is that he "didn't write it or record it thinking that it was gonna be a crossover record," he tells ABC Radio. "I just wanted to write a great song for people to dance to, with one of those melodies that just sticks in your head and it won't leave."
"I think it has a little bit of that, to the point that it's so strong that even people who don't understand the language just kinda automatically get connected to it."
Then, Luis recruited guest artists to add something special to the mix.
"Daddy Yankee did an amazing job and obviously, five months in, four months in, we dropped the remix with Justin Bieber...who just took the song one step further," he tells ABC Radio. "So I think everything just kind of aligned and happened in a very sort of organic way."
"People are loving it," Luis says. "So I'm just honored that, after 20 years of not having a Spanish #1 song, it just happened to be my song."
Luis will kick off a U.S. tour in September, starting in Las Vegas and wrapping in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Source-ABC
Antigua regrets Canada's decision to end visa-free travel
The Antigua and Barbuda Government yesterday said it regrets the decision of the Canadian Government to end visa-free travel for nationals of the twin island.
In a statement, the Gaston Browne Administration said that “this decision relates to concerns over persons who obtain passports under Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIP) in the Caribbean”.
Under the CIP, several Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts-Nevis, and St Lucia provide citizenship to foreign investors who make a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of the individual Caribbean countries.
The statement noted that the Trinidad-based Canadian high commissioner had advised Prime Minister Browne of the new development late on Friday, “prior to an official announcement today.
“At the time, the Canadian official said that a concern is that Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Programme is not a residency programme. In response, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne pointed to the intense vetting of its CIP system, the revenues to the people of Antigua and Barbuda when the terms of trade and aid have declined and the banking system is threatened.”
The statement noted that despite the end of visa-free travel, the official Canadian Government statement said, “Canada continues to welcome visitors from Antigua and Barbuda.
“Most approved visa applicants will receive a multiple entry visa, which allows travellers to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years. For each visit, travellers can stay for up to six months,” the statement noted.
It said that Antigua and Barbuda is the last of the countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States from whom the Canadian Government has withdrawn visa-free travel, at a time of heightened security over terrorism and refugees.
It said that of all 14 independent Caricom countries, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, and Barbados were the only ones that had continued to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada.
“The Canadian Government was keen to point out in its official statement that “Canada remains firmly committed to its partnership with Antigua and Barbuda, and values working together on mutual challenges and opportunities”.
The statement recalled that, “Canada and Antigua and Barbuda share long-standing ties that are rooted in history,” the Antigua and Barbuda Government statement quoted from the Canadian statement.
Prime Minister Browne said that at a time of intensified concerns about terrorism and refugees in North America and Europe, including evidence of ISIS recruits in the Caribbean, he recognised the concerns that Canada and other countries might have.
He has pledged that, as part of the international effort to combat terrorist activity, Antigua and Barbuda would continue to be vigilant with its passports and border security.
Browne said that the two countries have already started working to make the system of visa applications and approvals for Antigua and Barbuda citizens as efficient and affordable as possible.
Source-CMC