WEEKEND FORECAST FOR 12TH MAY 2017 TO 14TH MAY
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH PRESSURE REMAINS IN CONTROL OF THE WEATHER ACROSS THE TCI & THE BAHAMAS WITH MAINLY STABLE CONDITIONS.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM CONDITIONS TODAY...TURNING FAIR AND MILD TONIGHT.
WINDS: SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS, BUT FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES...& EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL & SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS, ALSO FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
HIGH TEMPERATURE TODAY 88 °F 31 °C
LOW TEMPERATURE TONIGHT 70 °F 21 °C
SUN MOON TIDES
SUNRISE: 6:27AM MOONSET: 7:49AM HIGH TIDE: 9:35AM 9:55PM
SUNSET: 7:46PM MOONRISE: 9:23PM LOW TIDE: 3:37PM 4:23AM SAT.
EXTENDED FORECAST: HIGH PRESSURE ACROSS THE AREA WILL GRADUALLY SHIFT EASTWARDS AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT THAT IS EXPECTED TO REACH THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS LATE ON SUNDAY.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND WARM CONDITIONS.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST & CENTRAL BAHAMAS...& EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE TCIAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND WARM WITH A FEW STRAY SHOWERS.
WINDS: SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST & CENTRAL BAHAMAS...SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE TCI, FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
Delancy Jr. sentenced to 12 years & Pratt sentenced to 8 years Imprisonment
21 year old Leonard Pratt of Grand Turk, was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment by a Supreme Court judge after he plead guilty to charge of Attempted Murder in connection with a report that was made on Saturday 17th December 2016.
On that date, Police and Medical team responded to the Bay Road area in Blue Hills, Providenciales after reports of numerous gun-shots were heard. Upon arrival at the scene, a 26 year-old victim was met and confirmed the report.
The victim later told detectives that he arrived home at around 6:30am, while in his vehicle he heard what sounded like two gun-shots and immediately began to feel a pain in his left arm. When he looked outside the vehicle he saw Leonard Pratt standing by his driver door holding a black handgun in his hand. The victim continue to tell officers that Leonard opened the car door and pulled him out of the vehicle and throw him onto to the ground as he searched him. He then placed the gun to his head and pressed the trigger but it did not fire. Another unknown male came placed his gun on the victim’s chest, pulled the trigger and that too did not fire. Both then ran away.
On that same date, Tactical Unit Officers were at the Providenciales International Airport when the suspect was seen, informed of the report and arrested. He later admitted to shooting the victim, and stated that it was retaliation to a previous incident. He was arrested and charged for the offence mentioned above
Also on Thursday 4th May 2017, in the Grand Turk Supreme Court, Colin Delancy Jr. of The Bight Providenciales, was sentenced to 12 years Imprisonment for the 2011 murder of Santa Suarez Ramirez of the Dominican Republic.
It was reported on Wednesday 20th July 2011 shortly after 9 pm that a female was shot at the sailing Paradise Restaurant located in Blue Hills. As a result, Police and emergency services responded where the victim, who was the bar-maid was later pronounced deceased from a gunshot wound.
Investigation revealed that Lavardo Smith armed with a gun along with two other males, dropped off by Colin who was waiting in a getaway car, entered the establishment and while inside Santa Suarez Ramirez was shot and killed. Police later arrested and charged all four males. Two of the men pleaded guilty to their charges and was subsequently sentenced to 4 and seven years respectively for their roles in the incident while Smith and Delancy maintained their not guilty plea.
They both went to a trial in the Supreme Court. In 2013, Smith was charged and found guilty of murder; he was sentenced to life imprisonment, while Delancy was charged and found guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years. Both men appealed to the Court of Appeal on a misdirection given by the trial judge which was granted. Hence a retrial was set for 2017.
On Wednesday 1st February 2017, after a retrial for Smith, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
STATEMENT FROM HON. SEAN ASTWOOD, DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF BORDER CONTROL AND EMPLOYMENT
We at the Ministry of Border Control and Employment have embarked on our mission of re-branding and revolutionizing the way that we work and the way in which we serve our customers. In our efforts to improve our service delivery, we have begun the streamlining of processes and improving performance and accountability. While there remains many concerns that we are addressing, we also recognize that there are many good things and good people that are existing in the Ministry that we can, and will, build upon and whom we can develop.
However, we will also continue our efforts to eradicate other legacy issues including corruption and other mal-practices from within the Ministry. Today, May 9th, the collaborative efforts of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Integrity Commission saw the seizure of numerous files from the Providenciales office, as a part of their on-going investigations into alleged acts of corruption by members of the Civil Service. These activities will be on-going and we are committed to seeing them through to ensure that the Ministry of Border Control and Employment can operate as a well managed, efficient and responsive organization that consistently delivers on its corporate objectives and responsibilities.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION MOURN THE PASSING OF TWO STUDENTS
The Ministry of Education expresses condolences to the families of Mario Powell and Brianna Mesidor.
Mario was a 4th Form student at the Clement Howell High School. He was a very jovial young man who cared about his classmates and his friends. His classmates remember him as the person who made the classroom come alive. His teachers remember him as a most helpful student.
Brianna was a student at the Oseta Jolly Primary School. Even though she spent a considerable amount of time out of school seeking medical attention, she lived for the times that she spent with her classmates and friends. Brianna was a source of inspiration to her teachers, her classmates and her family.
Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Education, extends her condolences to Mark and Marcia Powell and to Marlene and Lejer Alixiant as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.
"The loss a child is never a pleasant experience and our hearts yearns for an explanation. I commend you to almighty God and pray that He will grant all the relatives and friends strength during their time of grief. To the Clement Howell High School and Oseta Jolly Primary School family and community, once again I convey my profound condolences. I can only pray that time and the memories with these two precious souls will lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss."
"It is particularly sad when young lives with much promise are suddenly taken away from the community. May the souls of our beloved departed, Mario and Brianna, rest in eternal peace."
MINISTER OF HEALTH, AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN SERVICES ATTEND WORLD HEALTH CARE CONGRESS (WHCC 2017)
The Minister of Health Agriculture and Human Services the Hon. Edwin A. Astwood accompanied by his Executive Administrator, Mrs. Darlene Clerveaux-Forbes, attended the Word Health Care Congress (WHCC 2017) at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park during the period April 30 – May 1, 2017 in Washington DC.
The 14th Annual World Health Care Congress convenes decision makers from all sectors of health care to catalyze meaningful partnerships and change. The faculty focuses on policy and market forces impacting the Health Care business environment including consolidation, consumer empowerment, digital health, and the ongoing shift to value-based payment.
During the two-day educational focus event, Hon. Astwood met with a number of Health Care Leaders and Medical Directors, Representatives from Health Agencies, such as; the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, National Council for Behavioral Health, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Hospital Association. He also met with Insurance companies and Benefits Consultants, representatives of Health Care Companies and Medical Groups, Ministers from the UK Overseas territories; Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Minister for Health & Social Development, BVI and Hon. Evans Rogers, Minister of Health & Social Development, Anguilla, were also in attendance. Other Senior-level Executives from all segments of the Health Care and Life Sciences Industries attended and exchanged ideas, held discussions on market trends, and explore possible solutions to the most pressing challenges facing patients, the medical traveler and care givers in the various health care sectors.
Hon. Astwood attendance focused mainly on Medical Travel and all related. These workshops and panel discussions were hosted by the International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ), which allow participants to discuss and garner greater knowledge on the Domestic Medical Travel Opportunity, thereby fostering strong relationship between the US based, the Caribbean, and the Latin American based health providers and customers. Through this medium, Hon. Astwood was able to identify opportunities to promote the TCI and raise interest in the destination for Health Care/ Medical Tourism.
Among the information presented in the workshops and forums, were discussions on areas of opportunity for Quality Medical Care, Vetting the Realities of Health Care Travel, Maximizing the International Patient Journey, Healthcare Choices, Health Brand, Determining Health care Value, Formation and the role that brand play in Medical tourism, How Patient experience drives the Global Brand, Medical Travel Markets, Medical Travel Facilitator and Facilitator Liability, Who Travels for Care, Emerging Trends in Medical Travel, the Patient Experience and other issues and challenges faced in the medical tourism. Information on how consumers use facts and data to choose their providers was provided focusing on focusing on Communication and the international patient journey.
Hon. Astwood also attended a Dinner and Panel discussion hosted by Health City Cayman where he talked on the Turks & Caicos Medical Travel experience, and participated on the discussion on the key concepts, opportunities, and Barriers in Medical Travel.
Hon Astwood commented; "The workshop was very informative and provides a clear and better understanding of medical tourism."
He stated that; "I've learned that the Medical travel markets is built on "Choice" and requires much collaboration amongst stakeholders. In addition, the patient experience and value (that is the relationship of Quality to Cost) is a major determinant for customer choice. The key to developing a successful Medial Tourism Program is High quality, liability and aftercare, all focusing on an enhanced Patient experience, and the Turks & Caicos should find a niche health care market and focus on the delivery of excellence in Patient Care, Patient Experience, and Patient Satisfaction."
Wine Cellar hosts Cinco de Mayo celebrations
THE WINE CELLAR hosted their annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations at the Ports of Call in Providenciales last Friday.
The Mexican celebration is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.
The initiative featured about seven different restaurants and attendees had the opportunity to enjoy an array of Mexican inspired dishes.
One of the organizers of the event, Desmond Williams said that the Wine Cellar has been organizing this event for over a decade and that it was a fun way to give residents and visitors something to do.
Mr John Draper, vendor at the event and owner of Baci Restaurant, an Italian restaurant in the Turtle Cove area, stated that he has been a part of this event since its inception and that he was always amazed with the turnout.
Sales and marketing representative for the Wine Cellar and co-organizer of the event, Anthony Bell thanked the vendors and the public for their continuous support.
GOVERNMENT PLEASED WITH TOWN HALL MEETINGS IN MIDDLE AND NORTH CAICOS
The newly elected Government has begun its first series of Town Hall Meetings as promised in the Change Document. A meeting was held with the residents of Middle Caicos at 2pm on Friday, April 28, 2017 and in attendance was the Premier Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and Minister of Tourism and MP for Middle and North Caicos, Hon Ralph Higgs.
Representatives of the Government later that evening traveled to the Island of North Caicos to hold another Town Hall Meeting. In attendance was Premier Robinson, Hon Higgs, and the Minister for Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, Hon Goldray Ewing.
Residents on both Islands were welcoming and expressed their delight at the fact that the representatives from the Government were present to hear from them and to keep them informed. The Government used the opportunity to update the residents of the Twin Islands on its activities since coming to Office and also to advise what Programs and Projects were in this year's Budget for the Twin Islands.
Premier Robinson said that she was particularly encouraged and excited by the attendance. She committed to addressing the concerns raised and pledged her Government's commitment to keep them informed.
Hon Ralph Higgs stated; "We must encourage our residents to be more involved in the governance of these Islands and to ensure that they familiarize themselves with Budget provisions for their Islands. Keeping close to our people in this fashion is a commitment made by us as a Government and we intend to visit at least once per quarter."
This first series of Town Hall Meetings was organised to follow the recent passing of the Fiscal Budget, but early enough to affect the decisions for the 2018/19 Budget whose cycle will begin shortly.
TCIG MAKES Presentation TO Early Childhood classrooms
The Department of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication, was delighted to distribute educational materials to the various Early Childhood classroom within the Government and Private School throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The department's overall aim is to contribute to a solid foundation from early childhood stages that would have long term benefits for the economy and society in general. When children are young, they are learning sponges. Every new experience, every word they learn, every behavior they adopt, is an investment in a more fruitful future. We further believe that, Early Childhood education is about honing and molding the holistic child, which will eventually form the basis of their lifelong journey and we commit to playing an integral role in this critical stage.
Principals were contacted regarding this initiative and were given an opportunity to select items based on the priority needs of the individual classes. The presentation was done in Grand Turk and will continue throughout the Islands next week.
The Minister with responsibility for Gender Affairs, Hon. Vaden Williams stated; "I am delighted to present the educational resources to the early childhood classroom as it would stimulate their ability to develop resilience in children as early as possible. By creating a consistent, secure and fair social environment, with clear expectations and predictable consequences, children can develop skills in managing themselves and their emotions."
He further added; "Early Childhood is so much more than playing. While the basic educational benefits of preschool (such as literacy and numeracy) are tangible, the advances children achieve towards becoming well-rounded individuals are truly invaluable and the Ministry will continue in its endeavor to be a contributing factor to this advancement."
The team comprised the Hon. Vaden Williams, Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Acting Permanent Secretary, Director of Gender Affairs and other staff from the ministry.
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TUESDAY 9TH MAY 2017
GENERAL SITUATION: A WEAK HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL REMAIN IN CONTROL OF THE WEATHER OVER THE AREA IN THE WAKE OF THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY EXTENDING JUST NORTHEAST OF THE TURKS & CAICOS.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM WITH THE SLIGHT CHANCE OF A FEW BRIEF SHOWERS MAINLY IN THE TCI TODAY. FAIR AND COOL TONIGHT.
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS BUT FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES OVER OPEN WATERS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 84F 29C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 66F 19C
SUNRISE: 6:29AM SUNSET: 7:44PM
MOONRISE: 6:50PM MOONSET: 6:29AM WED.
HIGH TIDE: 7:40AM LOW TIDE: 1:49PM
HIGH TIDE: 8:05PM LOW TIDE: 2:27AM WED.
EXTENDED FORECAST: A HIGH PRESSURE AREA WILL PERSIST OVER THE BAHAMAS AND WILL KEEP CURRENT BENIGN WEATHER CONDITIONS THROUGH THE END OF THE WORK WEEK.
Four promoted to senior director roles at Fortis
FORTISTCI has announced expanded roles for four senior executives as a part of the company's organisational restructuring exercise.
These new appointments took effect on March 1.
Don Forsyth, former director of engineering and planning, has been named as senior director of electrical planning, engineering and energy delivery.
Aisha Laporte, who served as director of customer services, is the new senior director of customer services and stakeholder engagement.
Catherine Buena-Munsayac, former director of internal audit, risk and compliance is now senior director of enterprise risk management and internal audit, and Archie Gaviola, former director of financial services, has been promoted to senior director of financial and treasury services.
Forsyth joined the FortisTCI team in 2013 as director of engineering and planning.
He is a utility electrical engineering professional with 20 years' experience in island utility systems.
He began his career in the industry at the single generation plant in Grenada and moved through the ranks to become manager of planning and engineering.
His expertise includes generation and transmission and distribution operations and maintenance activities, a broad range of engineering studies related to system capacity expansion, system protection, system control, distribution automation and renewable energy implementation.
Over the years he has held numerous technical and managerial roles.
Forsyth has a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad.
He also holds an Executive MBA from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados.
Laporte joined FortisTCI in 2008 as supervisor of financial services. In 2011 she was promoted to manager of financial services and played a key role in several major finance projects designed to improve the company's treasury and financial reporting processes.
In 2012 she was promoted to director of customer services.
As the leader in customer services, she focused on developing additional customer services in energy audits, automation of customer information and payments via the customer web portal, as well as enhancing revenue protection services.
She has also served on the committee that developed and introduced renewable energy programmes in FortisTCI.
Prior to joining FortisTCI, she worked as principal auditor for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government from 2003-2006.
She also worked as auditor for two years at KPMG, one of the leading professional auditing firms in the TCI.
Laporte graduated with a Bachelor's degree with distinction in Accounting from Nova Southeastern University in Florida in 2002.
A year later she became part of a group of fewer than 10 Turks and Caicos Islanders, at that time, to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Buena-Munsayac joined FortisTCI in 2008 as manager of financial services and was promoted to director of financial services and risk management in 2011.
While in the finance department, she led the implementation of financial controls and optimization of the use of the previous enterprise resource planning system.
She also facilitated the introduction of the enterprise risk management process.
In 2014 she transferred to internal audit where she was instrumental in the set-up of FTCI's internal audit department, ERM and Sarbanes-Oxley readiness programmes.
She has diverse industry experience covering energy and utilities, food and beverage, logistics, manufacturing, advertising, financing, real estate and banking.
She has a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy and holds both Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor certifications.
Gaviola joined FortisTCI in 2009 as financial reporting and business planning consultant, focusing on compliance with international financial reporting standards and development of financial models for business planning and analysis.
He was promoted to manager of financial services in 2012 and director of financial services in 2014.
He was instrumental in assisting the company with obtaining its investment grade corporate credit rating from Standard & Poor's and the subsequent inaugural issue of notes in the United States private placement market.
He has managed the company's financial reporting under both IFRS and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Previously, he worked as audit senior at one of the big four auditing firms and managed assurance engagements for mostly international financial institutions.
Gaviola has a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy and is a certified public accountant.
FortisTCI president and CEO Eddinton Powell said: "As we enter a new phase of business in the energy sector highly skilled talent will continue to be at the forefront of organisational success.
"I am particularly pleased that we have been able to promote from within because, across all four portfolios, these members of senior management have shown technical prowess, leadership growth and the capabilities and commitment to keep moving the Company in a forward direction.
"On behalf of the entire staff at FortisTCI, I am pleased to congratulate them on their professional and personal achievements."
FortisTCI has been restructured into three main divisions, corporate services; operations; and innovation, strategic planning and information, communications, technology.