Bolt to bow out in farewell season in Europe
Jamaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt will on Wednesday make his first appearance in Europe in his farewell season.
Bolt, winner of eight Olympic and 11 world gold medals, will bring down the curtain on his glittering career at August's world championships in London.
After kicking off his season on home soil in Kingston, the 30-year-old chose Ostrava and the Diamond League meet in Monaco as his two pre-worlds warm-up events.
It will be Bolt's ninth appearance in the northeastern Czech city, where organiser Alfons Juck has unashamedly gone out of his way to tailor the meet to the Jamaican's plans for the season.
"We gave priority in our preparation and the whole set-up of the meet to Usain," Juck told AFP.
Bolt said a Czech visit was always on the cards. "One meet I was always going to come to was Ostrava," he said.
That is not to say the meet has not attracted other stars, although there is a dearth of US and Jamaican athletes.
Van Niekerk summed up the athletes' sentiments that the meet was all about one person, however, Bolt.
"This year's really about honouring him and what he's done for the sport," said the 24-year-old South African, who beat Michael Johnson's world record when winning Olympic 400m gld in Rio last year to add to his world crown.
"He's been a massive inspiration to myself and to many other athletes out there.
"Hopefully, we as an upcoming generation can take the baton and continue what he's done."
Farah has similarly dominated his events.
Since winning silver over 10k at the 2011 world champs in Daegu, the 34-year-old Londoner has enjoyed an unbroken streak of nine global final wins (the 5000m in 2011, and the double at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and the 2013 and 2015 worlds).
Due to trade in the track for a pitch at conquering the marathon, Farah was full of praise for Bolt.
"The guy's incredible, what he's done for the sport," he said.
"It's going to come to an end at some point. I see him as a role model, someone I look up to. When you go through a down patch and say 'how am I going to do it?', he's shown us the way and I'm just glad to be part of it."
Bolt's presence has ensured a sell-out 15,000-capacity crowd at the Mestsky stadium.
Source-AFP
Global cyber-attack spreads to US
US drug giant Merck confirmed Tuesday it has become the first American company hit by a global cyberattack that started in Russia and Ukraine has spread through Europe and across the Atlantic.
"We confirm our company's computer network was compromised today as part of a global hack. Other organisations have also been affected," Merck said on Twitter.
"We are investigating the matter and will provide additional information as we learn more."
TCI COMPLETES NATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT ON MONEY LAUNDERING
A team from the Financial Market Integrity Unit of the World Bank Group is in the Turks and Caicos Islands to assist in the completion of a National Risk Assessment on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing. The risk assessment process itself is organized, led and undertaken by the national Anti-Money Laundering Committee using the World Bank Group's self-assessment methodology. The Hon. Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE chairs the Anti-Money Laundering Committee.
The assessment aims to identify the primary money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks in the country through a comprehensive analysis that will facilitate the making of comprehensive action plans to allow for a consistent approach to decrease the levels of risks, and strengthen controls and supervisory oversight in each sector. This will help allocate resources for the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing more effectively and efficiently, while meeting international standards as established by e.g., the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The World Bank Group has assisted the Turks and Caicos Islands in understanding the underlying methodology and in the use of the tool. This way, the Turks and Caicos Islands will build the capacity to undertake future risk assessments with no or minimal external support. The self-assessment methodology supports collaboration between the different government agencies and private sector parties that are jointly responsible for the country's anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing efforts. The World Bank Group has supported over seventy (70) countries in performing their national risks assessments since 2010.
The Turks and Caicos Islands National Risk Assessment was launched during the first initial workshop which was held over the period October 21-23, 2014. This second and final workshop marks the end of the NRA project with around fifty stakeholders and representatives from both the public and private sectors from 26th and 27th June 2017 at the Blue Haven Resort Conference Room on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands from 8am to 4:30pm daily with a half day closed policymakers' workshop on 28th June 2017.
Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles said; "This exercise will provide an opportunity for the Turks and Caicos Islands to evaluate whether existing legislative and administrative arrangements are adequate and sufficient to address existing and emerging threats in line with international standards. The assessment will also assist the TCI, including financial sector stakeholders to apply a risk-based approach in their business practices. We have had the support of both public and private sector stakeholders and are very grateful for their collaboration."
Men’s Health Conference 2017- 'Dubbed as Exciting'
The first ever exciting, provocative and informative Men's health Conference was held by the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services. The conference was held on the 15th and 16th of June islands represented at the conference held on Grand Turk on the 15th were Grand Turk and South Caicos, on Providenciales, men from Providenciales and North Caicos.
Men from other islands were engaged but were unable to attend. The conference delivered a holistic experience which provided education and connections to community resources aimed at improving the overall health of men in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Men were met with services that were at their fingertips. This conference encouraged positive health habits among men and even women who were in attendance.
Men were able to access service by visiting the various booths. Screening conducted at the conference were blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, blood sugar checks, HIV checks, Syphilis checks, BMI checks and depression screening checks. Men benefited from a nutritionist being on site to speak generally and one on one about healthy eating and demonstrations of how to prepare healthy nutritious drinks and sampling of a variety of drinks was a huge hit.
Other services offered at the conference were massages this was also a popular service along with the Red Light District were a very romantic scene was set up to encourage men to use condoms correctly. According to Mrs. Robinson Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit even though the number of men anticipated was not reached the conference was a huge success and saw men engaging and showing a willingness to adapt healthier lifestyles. She further stated; "It was for some men a real defining moment where commitments were made."
Dr. Connell keynote speaker from the University of the West Indies Cave Campus and Hypertension Specialist stated; "I would like to congratulate Turks and Caicos for hosting what appears to be the first Men's Health Conference in this region. I did some research on Men's Health Conferences and up to this point I have not seen one, Turks and Caicos you are doing a great work."
Engaging topics generated much discussion, topics presented were:-
"Most common Cancers in Men" - Dr. Yohamna Marante
"The Importance of the Physical Man Being Healthy to House the Spiritual Man" - Bishop Cox, Rock of Jesus Ministries
"High Blood Pressure, Diabetes & Early Morning Stiffness - Man Up, Stand Up & Know Your Numbers!"- Dr. Kenneth Connell, Key Note Speaker
"Men and Depression" - Dr. Patrick Prince
"Kidney Failure Who Cares" - Dr. Ravindra Kidney
"Man enough to Make the Right Choices"- Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing
"Cancer and Kidney Failure"- Dr. Henry Blythe
There was one screening that was to be offered at the conference and due to unforeseen challenges was not offered was the PSA test for prostate cancer. But, men were referred to the Public Health laboratory to have the test done. Due to the test being a blood test and not a rectal examination men opted to have the screening done.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association plays crucial role in embedding good governance
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has held a post-election seminar for newly elected Members of the Turks and Caicos Legislature to strengthen parliamentary practice and procedure following the recent elections. The CPA is the only Commonwealth body that works to strengthen territorial assemblies and legislatures such as the House of Assembly in Turks and Caicos as well as national, state and provincial legislatures. The relationship between Turks and Caicos and the CPA is key in providing a platform to develop good parliamentary practice within the UK Overseas Territories and to share good practice with other similar legislatures across the Commonwealth.
In her address at the opening ceremony, Turks and Caicos Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, MHA said that she wholeheartedly welcomed the CPA seminar, the purpose of which is to equip local Parliamentarians with the tools and knowledge they need to better serve the people who elected them. She further encouraged: "It is so important that as Parliamentarians we sharpen our skills and that we keep doing so to better equip ourselves."
On 15 December 2016, Turks and Caicos held transparent, free and fair elections for the second time since the introduction of the interim administration in 2009. The elections demonstrated the islands' commitment to the democratic ideals and standards upon which the Commonwealth is founded and the ideals enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. The election also resulted in the first female Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands signifying a strong commitment to gender equality and the importance of women's political leadership.
The CPA Post-Election Seminar in Turks and Caicos provided an excellent opportunity for newly elected Members of the House of Assembly to ask questions about parliamentary practice and procedure and provided Members with a better understanding of the parliamentary system and democratic processes in other Commonwealth jurisdictions. The seminar was opened by Hon. Dwayne S. Taylor, MHA, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Turks and Caicos. Commitment to improving democratic processes in the legislature was demonstrated by the active participation in the seminar of Members from all sides of the House.
The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan also addressed Members at the CPA Post-Election Seminar.
The CPA Secretary-General said; "The Post-Election Seminar in Turks and Caicos demonstrates the CPA's commitment to our Small Branches and to the territorial legislatures that we represent. I am delighted to visit the CPA Turks and Caicos Branch to share good practice with local Members on issues such as the importance of Codes of Conduct as a tool to help address the trust deficit in Parliaments; the importance of gender equality in parliament; and the essential role that an effective Committee can play. This peer-to-peer learning and bringing together of expertise from across the Commonwealth, goes to the heart of the CPA's key strength as an Association."
The newly elected Members of the House of Assembly heard from experts from across the Commonwealth including: Hon. Shirley Osborne, MLA, Speaker of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly; Hon. Dave Levac, MPP, Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, Canada; Mrs Jacqui Sampson-Miguel, Clerk of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago; as well as local Members and officials from Turks and Caicos.
Following the CPA seminar, a CPA Roadshow for over 150 young people was held at the Helena Jones Robinson High School Auditorium in Turks and Caicos as part of the CPA Roadshows tour of Commonwealth schools and universities. The CPA Secretary-General was accompanied at the CPA Roadshow by the Speaker; the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition; and many Members of the House of Assembly of Turks and Caicos.
Students had the opportunity to discuss the importance of the Commonwealth and of parliamentary democracy with the CPA Secretary-General. The Premier of Turks and Caicos spoke to students about what unites them with each other and with others across the Commonwealth and to recognise that focusing on unity will benefit all citizens in Turks and Caicos. Hon. Shirley Osborne, MLA spoke about the work of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) as the CWP regional representative for the Caribbean Region and she highlighted the great success of women's representation in Turks and Caicos with women occupying many senior positions in all three arms of the state – executive, legislature and judiciary. Hon. Shirley Osborne also reminded young people that parliaments work best when all people including women govern together.
The CPA Roadshows provide an opportunity for young people to learn about the political values of the Commonwealth such as diversity, development and parliamentary democracy; to discuss issues of concern about the society in which they live; and to find out about the work of the CPA.
During the CPA visit to Turks and Caicos, the CPA Secretary-General held a range of bilateral meetings with the Speaker of the House of Assembly; the Premier; the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Charles W. Misick, OBE, JP, MHA; and His Excellency the Governor of Turks and Caicos, Dr John Freeman, CMG.
The Secretary-General discussed the range of parliamentary strengthening programmes that the CPA offers to its members and is developing to support the professional development of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff. The newly-elected Members attended the CPA Post-Election Seminar, which took place in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, from 7 to 9 June 2017, hosted by the CPA Turks and Caicos Branch.
Google hit by EU fine over Shopping service
Google has been fined 2.42bn euros ($2.7bn; £2.1bn) by the European Commission after it ruled the company had abused its power by promoting its own shopping comparison service at the top of search results.
The amount is the regulator's largest penalty to date against a company accused of distorting the market.
The ruling also orders Google to end its anti-competitive practices within 90 days or face a further penalty.
The US firm said it may appeal.
However, if it fails to change the way it operates the Shopping service within the three-month deadline, it could be forced to make payments of 5% of its parent company Alphabet's average daily worldwide earnings.
Based on the company's most recent financial report, that amounts to about $14m a day.
The commission said it was leaving it to Google to determine what alterations should be made to its Shopping service rather than specifying a remedy.
Margrethe Vestager, the European Union's Competition Commissioner declared that "What Google has done is illegal under EU antitrust rules,"
"It has denied other companies the chance to compete on their merits and to innovate, and most importantly it has denied European consumers the benefits of competition, genuine choice and innovation."
Ms Vestager added that the decision could now set a precedent that determines how she handles related complaints about the prominence Google gives to its own maps, flight price results and local business listings within its search tools.
Google had previously suggested that Amazon and eBay have more influence over the public's spending habits and has again said it does not accept the claims made against it.
Source-BBC
Serious Assault on Mr. Kevin Newman in the TCI
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force continues to investigate the shooting of Mr. Kevin Newman in Grace Bay in the early hours of Friday 23rd June 2017.
Mr. Newman was a visitor to the Islands and has returned to the US where he continues to receive medical treatment. Detectives from the RT&CIPF Serious Crime Team are actively following lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for what was a callous act in shooting Mr Newman.
In addition, Detectives are also investigating other offences of robbery that have occurred in Providenciales although there is nothing to connect them to the assault of Mr Newman at this stage. Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said this morning: “The shooting of Mr. Newman was a callous and cowardly attack and my thoughts are with Mr. Newman and his family as he recovers in hospital. My detectives are doing all they can to bring those responsible to justice. However, they need the help of the community. Someone knows or suspects who may have committed this act and I urge you to speak to one of my officers or, if you wish to remain anonymous, please call CrimeStoppers on 1-800-8477 or contact the Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901. I know the community and those visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands are concerned about the attack on Mr. Newman.
To reassure the community, visitors and those who work within the tourism industry, addition visible policing has been deployed to key locations. My officers would welcome a chat with you if you are concerned. I myself worked with my team Saturday evening and I spoke to a number of tourists and partners providing security at the hotels and resorts in order to provide support to my teams and so that I can see for myself how we are seeking to reassure and engage with the community and visitors.
I would again ask that people remain alert and vigilant but not alarmed. Sensible precautions should be taken when walking around the Island late in the evening. These include taking licenced taxis where possible and walking together in groups. I would also advise not carrying more valuables than you need and to make use of safes and where they are available. I am grateful for the public's support and patience during what is a worrying time for the Islands. If you are concerned, speak to my officers, they are here to serve, support and assist you. My officers are working hard to keep you safe and we will use all available tools and tactics to prevent offences and bring those who seek to commit crime to justice. "
Also speaking out on the assault is HE.Governor Freeman.
Like everyone in the Turks and Caicos Islands, I was appalled to hear of the shooting of Mr Kevin Newman in Providenciales.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Newman and his family and friends at this time. Officers of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) are continuing to carry out investigations into this terrible crime and are in continuing touch with the family of Mr. Newman. I have been in regular contact with the Acting Commissioner of Police and with the Premier since the shooting.
I want to assure the public that the RTCIPF are doing all they can to bring the perpetrators of this sickening crime to justice. We are united in our commitment to combating crime in the TCI. I want to reiterate the words expressed by the Acting Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting, in his earlier statement – this is a “callous and cowardly attack” and we cannot allow such in our society.
We will not allow criminals to operate and feel safe from justice in our communities. This is why you will have seen a more visible policing presence throughout communities, with other efforts being made on the part of the RTCIPF to ensure public safety over the longer term. However, the police cannot do it alone, and this is why the assistance of the public is vital.
If you know or suspect something, in relation to any crime, I urge you to speak up. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or contact the Chalk Sound Police Station via 338-5901.
Mitsubishi eyes Renault-Nissan to grow U.S, China
Mitsubishi will tap new growth in the United States and China by using the Renault-Nissan "toolbox" of products, technologies and factories, top executives said.
Mitsubishi has been unable to gain sufficient traction in the world's two biggest auto markets because it has been short on resources, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Chairman Carlos Ghosn said.
That will be remedied now, Ghosn told reporters at a press conference here Friday in advance of the automaker's annual shareholders meeting.
"A lot of this potential depends on new products," Ghosn said of Mitsubishi's turnaround.
"There are a lot of needs which have not been addressed by Mitsubishi because Mitsubishi doesn't have the technology or doesn't have the segment or did not have the platform."
He said Mitsubishi will lean heavily on resources from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the global cross-ownership arrangement that struggling Mitsubishi was brought into last year when Nissan took a controlling 34 percent stake in its smaller Japanese rival.
Ghosn promised a V-shaped recovery for Mitsubishi, which saw profits plunge last year amid a scandal over faked fuel economy ratings. That crisis opened the door for Ghosn, who was then joint CEO of Nissan and Renault, to orchestrate the Mitsubishi takeover and appoint himself its chairman.
Its recovery plan has begun by focusing mostly on business in Southeast Asia, where it already has deep roots. But going forward, it will concentrate more on the U.S. and China, Ghosn said. Expanding there is key because of the vast size of both markets.
Ghosn promised results, particularly in China, as early as next year.
"Without any doubt, for me, the potential of development and growth of Mitsubishi in China is very big, and hopefully you will see it immediately, not five years down the road. You're going to see it next year and the year following," said Ghosn, flanked by Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko. "Also, the potential of development of Mitsubishi in the United States is very big."
Neither Ghosn nor Masuko offered details about what lineup holes Mitsubishi needs to plug. But Masuko said electrified vehicles and crossovers will be the focus going ahead, and Ghosn said the alliance intends to commonize EV components to maximize cost and r&d efficiencies.
Masuko also said he hopes to tap the global production network of Renault and Nissan.
Source-AutoNews
TCI WEATHER
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE CONTINUES TO MEANDER TO THE NORTH OF THE BAHAMAS AS IT PRODUCES MODERATE TO FRESH BREEZES ACROSS THE AREA.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: MARINERS AND BEACHGOERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE CAUTIOUS OF ROUGH SURF AND DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS MAINLY ALONG THE EASTERN SHORELINES.
FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS :
WEATHER: PATCHY CLOUDS WITH PASSING SHOWERS LIKELY TONIGHT. PARTLY SUNNY, WINDY AND WARM TOMORROW WITH FEW ISOLATED PASSING SHOWERS.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND AN ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS OVER THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EASTERLY AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS IN THE TCI OVER OPEN WATER.
SEAS: 4 TO 7 FEET OVER THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 5 TO 8 FEET OVER THE TCI.
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE: 77F 25C
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 91F 33C
SUNSET: 08:03 PM FRI
SUNRISE: 06:22 AM SAT
MOONSET: 07:42 PM FRI
MOONRISE: 06:56 AM SAT
HIGH TIDE: 08:08 PM FRI LOW TIDE: 02:37 AM SAT
HIGH TIDE: 08:29 AM SAT LOW TIDE: 02:37 PM SAT
Snapchat map update raises safety worries
An update to Snapchat that shows publicly posted images on a searchable map has raised safety concerns among parents.
Snap Map lets people search for places such as schools and see videos and pictures posted by children inside.
It also lets people locate their "friends" on a map that is accurate enough to determine where people live.
Snap, the company behind Snapchat, stressed to the BBC that location sharing was an opt-in feature.
Snap Map was launched on Wednesday and was promoted as a "new way to explore the world".
Video clips and photos that members have posted publicly can be discovered on the map, while members who have chosen to share their location can also be seen on the map by those they have added as "friends".
However, members can add people they have never met to their friends list too.
A message to parents posted by St Peter's Academy in Staffordshire warned that the location-sharing feature lets people "locate exactly where you are, which building you are in and exact whereabouts within the building".
One parent described the update as "dangerous" while another said she could not find the setting to disable it.
People have expressed concern online that the app could be used for stalking or working out exactly where somebody lives.
"If you zoom right in on this new Snapchat map thing it literally tells you where everyone lives? Like exact addresses - bit creepy no?" wrote one user called Leanne.
"This new Snapchat update is awful. An invitation for stalkers, kidnappers, burglars and relationship trust issues," suggested Jade.
Snap told the BBC that accurate location information was necessary to allow friends to use the service to meet, for example at a restaurant or crowded festival, and said points of interest on the map, such as schools, were provided by third-party mapping service Mapbox.
Concerned parents could find out more information on its Privacy Center website, a spokesman told the BBC.
"With Snap Map, location sharing is off by default for all users and is completely optional. Snapchatters can choose exactly who they want to share their location with, if at all, and can change that setting at any time," a Snap spokesman said.
"It's also not possible to share your location with someone who isn't already your friend on Snapchat, and the majority of interactions on Snapchat take place between close friends."
How to switch off Snap Map location sharing
When in photo-taking mode, pinch the screen to open Snap Map
Touch the settings cog in the top right corner of the screen
Tap "Ghost Mode" to switch off location sharing
Photos and videos posted to Snapchat's public 'Our Story' will still be discoverable on the map
Source-BBC