Fed holds interest rates steady, defying pressure from Trump
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, just weeks after President Donald Trump intensified calls for lower borrowing costs and voiced eagerness about Fed Chair Jerome Powell's potential "termination."
The move marked the Fed's second consecutive decision to maintain the current level of interest rates, repeating an approach taken in January. Before that, the Fed had cut rates at three consecutive meetings.
The Federal Open Market Committee, a policymaking body at the Fed, said Wednesday that key economic indicators had improved but it cautioned of heightened economic uncertainty.
"Risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation have risen," the FOMC said in a statement.
Source-ABC
Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes 1st American pope
The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.
American Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the choice to replace Pope Francis. He has chosen the name Leo XIV as his name for pope.
Bells at St. Peter's Basilica rang and crowds cheered as the white smoke billowed from the chimney.
The new leader of the Catholic Church was chosen amid the third round of conclave voting.
Source- ABC
Navy loses 2nd fighter jet in Red Sea in a week
Another Navy fighter jet sank to the bottom of the Red Sea on Tuesday following the second such mishap aboard the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in just over a week, a U.S. official told ABC News.
The F/A-18 F fighter jet was attempting a nighttime landing onto the deck of the carrier when the crew was unable to stop it in time before going off the side, according to the official. When the “failed arrestment” of the aircraft became apparent, the two pilots ejected.
Both of the pilots were recovered and early indications are that they suffered minor injuries, the official said. No other injuries were reported.
The incident is the fourth major mishap involving the carrier since it deployed last year, including when another F/A-18 jet fell off the side of the Truman just eight days ago.
The Truman has been operating in the Red Sea since last year, when it was deployed to help protect commercial ships against near-constant attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The carrier was slated to come home last month, but Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extended its deployment while ordering another carrier — the USS Carl Vinson — to the region to bolster military power.
Source- ABC
Matthews nominated for ICC Women’s Player of the Month for April
West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews is among three female players who have been nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for April.
Matthews was nominated after an outstanding performance in last month’s Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan where she starred with both bat and ball.
Despite not securing one of the two qualifying spots on offer after finishing behind the hosts and Bangladesh Women, Matthews finished the tournament with 240 runs at a strike rate of 116.50, averaging 60.
She was also influential with her spin bowling, ending with the most wickets – 13 at an average of 15.84.
The other two nominees are Scotland Women’s skipper Kathryn Bryce and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana.
Bryce finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer – 293 runs from her five outings, averaging an astonishing 73.25 that included a ton and two half-centuries.
Meanwhile, Sana led the charge for the hosts in an invincible Qualifier campaign that saw them win all five of their games to punch their ticket to the marquee tournament in India.
Sana finished as the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan – picking up 12 dismissals at a miserly economy rate of 3.97.
Source-CMC
TCI Weather for May 5th-May 7th, 2025
GENERAL SITUATION: A broad, blocking high-pressure ridge is building across the region, bringing moderate to fresh breezes and maintaining a relatively dry air mass over the Turks and Caicos Islands.
WEATHER: Partly sunny this afternoon. Mostly fair tonight with isolated showers possible overnight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 3 feet or less; Atlantic Offshore – 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 88°F 31°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 77°F 25°C
SUNSET: 07:16 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 03:50 PM (2.0 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 10:00 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: A dry and stable air mass will persist across the Turks and Caicos Islands, limiting the potential for significant rainfall. Any showers that do develop will be brief and light.
TUESDAY: Partly to mostly sunny, with a high near 86°F (30°C)
TUESDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 77°F (25°C)
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 3 feet or less; Atlantic Offshore – 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:14 AM
SUNSET: 07:16 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:35 AM (2.6 FT) 04:56 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:06 AM (1.0 FT) 11:08 PM (1.0 FT)
WEDNESDAY: Partly to mostly sunny, with a high near 86°F (30°C)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 77°F (25°C)
WINDS: Northeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 3 feet or less; Atlantic Offshore – 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:13 AM
SUNSET: 07:17 PM
HIGH TIDE: 05:30 AM (2.3 FT) 05:56 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:54 AM (1.0 FT)
FORECASTER: H.HAMILTON
Counterfeit/Falsified Drug Alert: Ozempic
In response to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alert relating to the identification of hundreds of counterfeit/falsified Ozempic(semaglutide) 1mg injection in the U.S. drug supply chain, the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) wishes to alert all pharmacies, other healthcare providers and consumers to be vigilant when procuring this product from online or instore vendors who source this medicine from the US supply chain.
According to the FDA alert, Novo Nordisk - the genuine manufacturer - issued the initial notification revealing that the counterfeit Ozempic was distributed outside their authorised supply chain in the U.S. Medical products are considered counterfeit/falsified when their identity, composition or source are deliberately or fraudulently misrepresented. Ozempic is used to treat hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) in type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children over 12 years of age. It is also used to treat obesity.
Importantly, Novo Nordisk revealed that the counterfeit product’s label displays the following:
lot number PAR0362 (which is authentic) and an illegitimate serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517.
Novo Nordisk has indicated that only when both the lot number and the first eight digits 51746517 are used together should the product be considered counterfeit. Neither Novo Nordisk nor the FDA can confirm the contents or quality of the counterfeit product, which may present a safety risk for patients who use the counterfeit product. Therefore, if used, these counterfeit products may result in the ineffective treatment of patients due to incorrect dosage, contamination with harmful substances, or use of unknown or substituted ingredients. This may pose serious risks - which could be life-threatening, to health because they are administered by subcutaneous injection. Notably, the FDA is aware of six adverse event reports linked with this lot, however, none of them appear to be associated with the counterfeit product.
The Minister of Health and Human Services – Hon. Kyle R. Knowles, and the Mohhs’ top priority is to ensure public health safety and so in light of this update are imploring all wholesalers, retail pharmacies and other healthcare professionals to:
Examine all Ozempic products received from within the US supply chain.
Administer, dispense, distribute or sell the counterfeit Ozempic labelled with lot number PAR0362 and serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517.
Quarantine all remaining stock(s) of the counterfeit pens for possible disposal by the Environmental Health Department (contact: 338-2142).
Notify your overseas suppliers for any additional information.
Patients/consumers are encouraged:
Not to use any counterfeit Ozempic 1mg injection labelled with lot number PAR0362 and serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517.
To contact their physicians and/or pharmacist if they have any questions or concerns before using any Ozempic 1mg injection.
To purchase Ozempic 1mg injection only from authorised pharmacies and not online stores.
To report any suspected side effects associated with Ozempic 1mg injection via the MoHHS Adverse Drug Reaction Form found at https://gov.tc/docs/ADR.pdf.
Three TCI Regiment Members Successfully Complete Maritime Coxswain Course in Jamaica
Three distinguished members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment—Lieutenant Zachery Rigby, Lance Corporal Antonio Clarke, and Marine Nicardo Ewing—have successfully completed an intensive eight-week Patrol Craft Coxswain Course at the Caribbean Military Academy, School of Maritime Studies, in Port Royal, Jamaica. They were among a total of ten candidates from the Jamaica Defence Force and Jamaica Constabulary Force.
The course was strategically designed to develop essential skills and knowledge for operating auxiliary patrol boats in both inshore and offshore environments, supporting critical missions such as interdictions, counter-terrorism, and narcotics enforcement. Its primary objective was to prepare participants to maneuver and navigate effectively during diverse maritime operations.
Key areas covered included:
· Basic Coxswain Skills (ramp launch & recovery, mooring, pier tie-offs, high-speed maneuvering)
· Maritime Safety and First Aid
· Inter-Agency Response Coordination
· Vessel Stability and Man Overboard Procedures
· Navigation and Survival at Sea
· Basic Engineering (outboard motors and diesel systems)
· Ship Husbandry
· Insertion and Extraction Operations
· Maritime Law Enforcement
The program emphasised practical boat handling, beginning in the second week and continuing throughout the course, allowing trainees ample time to hone their skills as small boat operators. To qualify, candidates were required to achieve a minimum score of 70% across all assessments.
Reflections from Participants
Lieutenant Rigby described the course as a valuable opportunity, noting that the welcoming environment fostered learning and growth. “The skills, experience, and knowledge I gained have significantly enhanced my ability to perform my duties more efficiently and effectively,” he said.
Lance Corporal Clarke expressed that the training was a career-changing experience. “This course has given me the confidence and expertise to command a patrol craft and crew. I learned valuable skills in navigation, interdiction tactics, maritime law enforcement, and leadership. I am proud to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment and look forward to sharing these skills with my team.”
Marine Ewing also shared her experience “I attended the Patrol Craft Coxswain Course from February 24 to April 25, 2025. The course was comprehensive and covered essential areas such as navigation, communication, and emergency protocols. The hands-on training component was particularly beneficial, providing practical experience in a controlled environment.
The instructors demonstrated a high level of expertise and professionalism, making the learning process both informative and engaging. The facilities available during the course were of top quality, enhancing the overall training experience.
I found the course content highly relevant to real-world operations, offering valuable insights and techniques that I believe will greatly assist in our duties.”
This training initiative paves the way for the upcoming deployment of two fast patrol vessels scheduled for delivery in May 2025. These vessels will be commissioned as the core of the newly established TCI Regiment Maritime Troop, reinforcing the Islands' border security and sovereignty.
TCI Cabinet holds 5th Meeting
Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 5th meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday April 2, 2025, at the Hon Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales. All members of Cabinet were present.
Here is a summary of this Cabinet meeting:
Cabinet noted the outcome or performance of the cost of living relief programme.
Approved the new administrative mechanism for collecting the share transfer duty/tax payment.
Approved the development agreement for the construction of a resort and staff housing development for the Palace Company TCI Ltd., Hadley Investment III Ltd.
Agreed to the terms of a settlement of legal proceedings.
Endorsed the draft UK-OT biodiversity strategy.
Agreed recommendation concerns…
The Cabinet agreed in principle for TCIG to agree to financial assurances in relation to the airlift to South Caicos.
Noted the findings of the recent queen conch study and agreed to the proposed plan of action.
Approved the appointment of the following persons to the Sports Commission Board effective April 1, 2025:
Two-Year Period-
Mrs. Desiree Adams-Robinson, Deputy Chair
Mr. Thomas Ewing, Member
Ms. Pekeira Brooks, Member
One-Year Period-
Mrs. Tamara Bassett, Member
Approved legislative changes to the Magistrate’s Court Act and the Firearms Act.
Approved the appointment of the following persons to boards within the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services:
Work Permit Board Zone 1, April 1, 2025- March 31, 2028
Mr. Marciano Williams, Chairman
Work Permit Board Zone 1, April 1, 2025- March 31, 2027
Hon. Emily Saunders, Member (South Caicos Representative)
Mr. Benmore Kennedy, Member
Work Permit Board Zone 2, April 1, 2025- March 31, 2027
Mr. Addison A. Gardiner, Member
Mr. Marcusson Lightbourne, Member
Immigration Appeal Tribunal, April 1, 2025- March 31, 2027
Mr. Robert Fulford, Member
Mrs. Desmona Belliard, Member
Approved amendments to the Road Traffic Act 2021 and Customs Act for further submission to Parliament to remove the requirement for permits for the importation of vehicles and to restrict the importation of a criteria of Japanese vehicles over 5 years.
The Cabinet also noted a report from the World Bank Group Global Digital Summit.
Further details will be shared at a later date on RTC.
THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH CELEBRATES THE 23RD ANNUAL VACCINATION WEEK IN THE AMERICAS AND THE 14TH ANNUAL WORLD IMMUNIZATION DAY
Vaccination Week in the Americas is celebrated from April 26th to May 3rd, 2025, under the theme “Your decision makes a difference”. This year, the campaign focuses on the Disease Elimination Initiative which aims to accelerate the elimination of more than 30 communicable diseases and conditions related to communicable diseases. Eleven (11) of these are diseases that can be prevented with lifesaving vaccines.
The week began on April 26th with a virtual launch hosted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), our regional partner in the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). During the launch, vaccination experts and officials from PAHO congratulated the region on its achievements and encouraged all countries to continue the hard work, particularly those countries that are or have been experiencing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Belize and the Turks and Caicos Islands were invited to present their activities for the week because of their focus on the Human Papilloma Vaccine (HPV) and the future eradication of various cancers, including cervical cancer.
“The region of the Americas is the world leader in the elimination and eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases and has made significant achievements in obtaining and maintaining high vaccine coverage. However, because the Caribbean region offers the world sun, sea, sand, the perfect location, and warm hospitality for travelers, our risk of importation of diseases through travel and trade is increased. Because of this, it is imperative that we continue our efforts to protect our nations. The TCI has a mandatory medical evaluation program for migrants seeking to work in the TCI, and this, along with our already robust EPI program, has proven effective in the prevention of major spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in the past. I wish the team a successful vaccination week. Honourable Kyle Knowles – Minister of Health and Human Services
“Along with our efforts of maintaining high coverage in childhood vaccines, we are focusing on the prevention of various cancers in our most vulnerable group by offering the HPV vaccine to adolescents. High-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against HPV infection and can prevent cervical cancer. The demand for this vaccine is increasing because of its proven effectiveness. We have done an excellent job as a country by achieving an 80% coverage in the HPV vaccine, the highest to date in the Caribbean region. I wish to register the Ministry’s thanks to our partners in this life saving good; the parents for recognizing the importance of vaccines, the adolescents who understand accountability for their personal health, the government for always providing the funding needed to procure lifesaving vaccines, the government of Canada for their donations of cold chain equipment that helps us to maintain the efficacy and quality of our vaccines, PAHO for their invaluable support, the various schools that partner with us on this journey, our local partners in health for your support and finally, my hardworking team of public health nurses for reaching every child, every person, everywhere across the TCI to ensure that our country is protected and doing our part in this role. When we protect our country, we do our part in protecting our region and the world. Join us in keeping the TCI VPD free” – Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care and EPI Manager for the Turks and Caicos Islands.