CDB to provide US$200m to fund Belize strategy plan
The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it will provide US$200.5 million to Belize to finance its 2016-2020 strategy plan.
It said that the strategy will help the country address some of the social, environmental and economic challenges it faces.
“CDB remains a committed partner in helping Belize achieve sustained growth and development. This strategy will bolster the government of Belize’s ongoing reform efforts by supporting interventions that will support inclusive social and economic development, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of good governance,” said CDB’s director of economics, Dr Justin Ram.
The regional bank said that the strategy aims to drive five development outcomes including increasing competitiveness and productivity; improved quality and access to education and training; improved social sector outcomes; enhanced environmental management and reduced vulnerability to natural disasters; and improved governance and development planning.
Gender equality, regional cooperation and integration, as well as energy security and citizen security, will be key features of CDB’s interventions delivered through the strategy programme.
The CDB said that the US$200.5 million package includes US$126.5 million in loan resources and US$74 million in grant funds, including resources to support necessary reforms to unlock Belize’s growth potential.
“The approved country strategy is aligned with CDB’s strategic objectives of promoting broad-based economic growth and social development, and promoting good governance. It builds on policy dialogue with key policymakers and stakeholders, and complements the government of Belize’s 2016-2019 Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy and the work of other development partners in Belize,” the CDB said.
Source-CMC
C’bean countries to benefit from new USAID agreement
Caribbean countries are expected to benefit from a multi-million dollar agreement signed between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
USAID will provide more than US$31 million to improve health in Latin America and the Caribbean over the next five years and PAHO said the partnership will support its technical cooperation in its member states in areas including tuberculosis, malaria, neglected infectious diseases, maternal and neonatal health and inequities related to gender, ethnicity and other social determinants.
The agreement also supports efforts to strengthen health information systems, as well as health systems overall, PAHO said.
“We are proud of the many health achievements that our work with USAID has produced in our member countries, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue this partnership to build on those achievements,” said PAHO Dominican-born Director Carissa F Etienne.
“We very much look forward to working together over the next five years.”
PAHO said it has worked with USAID for nearly three decades to improve the health and lives of people in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“This collaboration has led to health progress including the eradication of river blindness from several of the region’s countries, continuing declines in malaria cases and deaths in 19 of the 21 endemic countries, and the attainment of most of the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),” PAHO said.
“At the same time, this joint work has also highlighted the need for innovative strategies to build further on the progress achieved.”
USAID’s Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, Marcela Escobari, said “we are encouraged by the gains that the health sector in Latin America and the Caribbean has made in the decades since USAID first embarked on partnership with PAHO.
“Together, with local ministries of health, we continue to help improve affordable access to quality health care for the most vulnerable people in the region,” said Escobari.
PAHO said the new agreement will support continuing and new efforts to build “strong, sustainable and equitable health systems” and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the long-term goal of achieving universal health.
The new agreement includes support for PAHO as technical secretariat for a Promise Renewed for the Americas, an initiative to reduce inequities and accelerate improvements in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health. Other partners include UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Source-CMC
Melania Trump shrugs off husband's way with women
Despite a flurry of sexual assault accusations against Donald Trump and recordings of him boasting that he uses his fame to grope and kiss women, Melania Trump on Monday shrugged off her husband's "boy talk" in an interview with CNN.
Just as her billionaire husband has, the Slovenian-born ex-model slammed the media for unfair treatment of the Republican White House nominee who has recently lost ground in the polls to his Democratic rival.
Melania Trump turned the blame on the host of the show that aired the tape of Trump boasting that as a star he can grab women "by the p***y”.
"I said to my husband that, you know, the language is inappropriate, it's not acceptable," Melania Trump said in the sit-down interview. "And I was surprised because that is not the man that I know."
"I wonder if they even knew that the mic was on because they were kind of boy talk and he was led on, like, egged on from the host to say dirty and bad stuff."
She said that she had never heard her husband use such vulgarity.
"I don't know that person that would talk that way and that he would say that kind of stuff," she said, before writing if off as "boy talk."
"The boys, the way they talk when they grow up and they want to sometimes show each other, oh, this and that and talking about the girls," she went on.
"But yes, I was surprised of course."
Trump's wife seemed to echo some of his claim that there is a conspiracy out to derail his campaign.
"I was not surprised that the tape came out," she said. "Why after so many years? Why three weeks before the election?"
"It was the media. It was NBC. It was Access Hollywood."
Melania Trump said the "left-wing media" was "bashing him because they want to influence the American people how to vote. And they're influencing in the wrong way."
She voiced dismay when told that most Americans believe the Republican presidential candidate has made unsolicited and unwanted passes at women.
"My husband is kind, and he's a gentleman. And he would never do that," she said.
"Everything was organized and put together to hurt him, to hurt his candidacy"
Source-AFP
King’s House crowd in Jamaica goes wild for Shabba
Fans, well wishers and supporters sent wild cheers across the expansive lawns of King’s House in St Andrew, Jamaica yesterday as deejay Shabba Ranks rose to accept his Order of Distinction from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.
Shabba Ranks, whose given name is Rexton Ralston Fernando Gordon, was recognised for his invaluable contribution to the Jamaican music industry.
Dressed in an off-white suit, pewter-coloured shoes, topped with a Fedora Bordeaux, the two-time Grammy Award winner moved towards the platform and earned the loudest cheers from the hundreds gathered.
Before ascending the steps, the 50-year-old artiste paused, doffed his Fedora then handed it to the uniformed guard. With this, the cheers grew even louder.
It was a proud Shabba Ranks who spoke to the Jamaica Observer moments after the investiture.
“Triumphant. Dat a my feeling right now because, as my mother used to tell mi from I was little, that hard work does pay off. So wi can see dat di validation for hard work is jus’ greatness — good really begets good. For my island to look at me as one of those proteges and bestow the Order of Distinction pon me, when I first hear, it’s just delight, joy and ‘cause me to think about how, for so many years, mi a work with the strength of my forefathers who did their work and still could not achieve dis in their lifetime... So mi jus’ proud,” he stated.
The deejay, known for tracks such as Trailer Load, House Call, Ting-a-Ling and Mr Lover Man, said he continues to work, having recently completed a summer tour in Europe.
“Di music continues. Di music never stops. People in their mind feel like di music stop. Music can’t stop until di man who is doing di music is ungrateful to God Almighty, that’s when his creative process and development ends. So whoever waan hear Shabba, I never disappoint, I’m always here. Mi have some whole heap a music but some people feel like they don’t want to pay Shabba for my music... a some free issue dem want an’ for 30 years I’ve been doing that. So, if they don’t want to pay my yute dem will release it in case of anything.”
He said he is ready to perform on a local stage any time, once promoters are willing to pay.
Watching from the sidelines was Shabba’s mother, Constance Christie, whom he affectionately calls “Mama Christie”. For her, Shabba had nothing but the highest praise.
“When mi look pon Mama Christie mi jus’ know how beautiful life is ‘cause she bring mi forth and nurture mi in di right an’ proper way so mi could become a progressive man in dis world. Every time mi look pon her mi see progress. Every time mi Look pon her mi see a representation of God Almighty... every time mi look pon her mi just see strength and and niceness,” Shabba added.
Source-Jamaica Observer
The Accountant topples The Girl On The Train at US box office
Ben Affleck's latest film, The Accountant, has topped the US box office on its opening weekend.
The crime drama, which also stars Anna Kendrick and Oscar winner JK Simmons, took $24.7m (£20.3m), holding off competition from Kevin Hart: What Now?.
The US comedian's concert film took $11.98m (£9.83m).
The two new entries knocked last week's number one, The Girl On The Train, based on the novel of the same name by Paula Hawkins, down to number three.
The film, which stars Emily Blunt and Justin Theroux, took $11.97m (£9.82m) on its second weekend of release.
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children and Deepwater Horizon rounded off the top five with $8.9m (£7.3m) and $6.4m (£5.2m), respectively.
North American box office top five
1. The Accountant - $24.7m (£20.3m)
2. Kevin Hart: What Now? - $11.98m (£9.83m)
3. The Girl on the Train - $11.97m (£9.82m)
4. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - $8.9m (£7.3m)
5. Deepwater Horizon - $6.4m (£5.2m)
Source: ComScore
The success of The Accountant - in which Affleck's character Christian Wolff uses his accountancy office as a front for his work for criminal organisations - is the continuation of a long partnership between the actor and Warner Bros.
Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros president of domestic distribution, said: "We're in the Ben Affleck business and we're proud of it.
"Audiences just love him. We've had a lot of movies with him and we have a lot of movies coming up with him."
Affleck's previous films with the company include 2014's Gone Girl, which took $37.5m (£30.7m) on its opening weekend, and Argo, which launched with $19.5m (£16m) in 2012 and went on to win the best picture Oscar.
His future projects with the studio include mob drama Live By Night, which opens at Christmas, as well as a number of films in the DC comics franchise.
He is currently in pre-production on The Batman, which he will star in, write and direct.
The UK premiere of The Accountant takes place in London on Monday.
Source-BBC
Bravo keeps West Indies afloat in first Test
West Indies defied Pakistan's victory bid with Darren Bravo playing another resolute knock on the fifth and final day of the first day-night Test in Dubai on Monday.
At tea Bravo was unbeaten on 46 off a 115-minute stay and with him Roston Chase (21) having added 38 for the fifth wicket stand to thwart Pakistan's spin-cum pace attack on a weary Dubai stadium pitch.
Bravo, who had made 87 in West Indies first innings total of 357, has so far hit three boundaries and a six and has been the main hurdle between Pakistan and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
West Indies still need another 192 runs for an unlikely victory.
Chase, famous for his 137 not out at Jamaica which helped West Indies draw a Test against India in July this year, has so far batted without any problems.
But West Indies were in trouble right from the start when they resumed at 95-2 as Mohammad Amir had Marlon Samuels caught behind for four with the first ball of the day.
Jermaine Blackwood (15) helped Bravo took the total to 116 when left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz trapped him leg-before, a decision Pakistan only got on referral.
Pakistan did not get what was expected from leg-spinner Yasir Shah as he bowled faster rather than giving flight to the ball.
Shah, who took 5-121 in the first innings, has yet to take a wicket in the innings.
The remaining two Tests will be played in Abu Dhabi (October 21-25) and Sharjah (October 30-November 3).
Source-
CARICOM to begin sending supplies to Haiti this week
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will this week begin sending disaster relief to Haiti, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Matthew earlier this month.
The supplies come as the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), moves into its second week of on-the-ground response in Haiti.
CARICOM will focus its efforts on Les Cayes and Jeremie, two communities in the south of Haiti that were most severely affected by the category four hurricane, which also devastated parts of the Bahamas, another member of the community.
CDEMA’s operations specialist, Retired Brigadier General, Earl Arthurs, who is leading the CDEMA team here, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that CARICOM is hoping that its supplies will begin arriving in Haiti on Wednesday.
“I think it would be more food and water and things for the children. And then, after that, the next consignment will be some building supplies and so. But we have people from the regional co-ordination centre in Barbados who are actually doing all the planning and stuff like that,” Arthurs told CMC after meeting with his team.
“My job on the ground is to give support to the emergency operations centre in these two devastated township,” he said.
The CARICOM Operation Support Team (COST) arrived in Haiti on October 8 and has spent the last week visiting and assessing the affected areas and meeting with all the key operators in Jeremie and Les Cayes.
This week, the CDEMA team will be responsible for helping CARICOM to identify one of the communities that was badly affected within the Les Cayes area — where Hurricane Matthew has affected 110,000 persons, according to official figure.
Haitian officials have called a coordination meeting of all responders in the southern area for Monday.
Source-
Climate change could push 122m into extreme poverty – UN
Climate change could sink up to 122 million more people into extreme poverty by 2030, mostly in South Asia and Africa, where small farmers will see their output plummet, the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) warned Monday.
In an annual report, the FAO warned that a worst-case scenario of high-impact climate change would pound the communities that rely on agriculture for their livelihood, and food insecurity could spread to all regions.
It called for a "broad-based transformation of food and agricultural systems" to adapt to a warmer world, with an emphasis on supporting small shareholders.
"There is no doubt climate change affects food security," FAO chief Jose Graziano da Silva said.
"What climate change does is to bring back uncertainties from the time we were all hunter gatherers. We cannot assure any more that we will have the harvest we have planted."
Farming is both a driver of climate change, responsible for some 21 per cent of global greenhouse gas production, and a victim, with crops adversely affected by drought and floods.
Adopting "climate-smart" practices, like planting nitrogen-efficient and heat-tolerant crops, or finding better ways to conserve water, would reduce undernourishment for many millions, the FAO said.
The report also called on signatories to the 2015 Paris climate deal to "put commitments into action", underscoring the need to help developing countries with climate change mitigation.
Source-AFP
THE PREMIER DR. THE HON. RUFUS W. EWING WELCOMES HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR DR. JOHN FREEMAN
Mr. Speaker, your excellency Governor Dr. John Freeman, Honorable Members of this House of Assembly, invited guests and strangers in the gallery.
We gather today to welcome the newest addition to our beloved country, his excellency Dr. John Freeman and his wife Mrs. Freeman.
His arrival marks the continuance of a tradition that extends throughout our history. Each Governor has brought to our islands, differing styles, various abilities and each, the mandate of the UK Government. To say that the mandate of The UK Government is not always aligned with the mandate of the government elected by the people of these islands, would be an understatement. Though at times there may not be that commonality of purpose and though there may be the often encountered friction between the elected representatives and the representative of the Crown, we however look forward your excellency's contribution and we look forward, to working with you in a manner that is progressive, productive and amicable and in the best interest of the people of these islands.
The relationship between the United Kingdom and our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands is one that extends back over 200 years. This is a relationship that many Turks and Caicos Islanders value and wish to maintain.
Yet it is our position that any relationship no matter how solid its foundation and how mutually beneficial it may be, must constantly be evaluated for ways that the relationship may evolve, grow and strengthen.
Today, we are at a crossroads. Our relationship with the U.K. while being maintained, must evolve. Your excellency, it is our hope that you will see the obstacles that this government has overcome. From the elimination of the debt, to the continued building of institutions that would benefit Turks and Caicos Islanders, this government has demonstrated a willingness to work with the U.K. when it was in the best interest of our country. Please also be aware that this Government continues to stand ready to work around the U.K. whenever necessary and wherever the rights of our people and the wellbeing of our nation are at stake.
We as UK Overseas Territories Leaders constantly chide the UK Government for its approach to the territories where we are not seen or treated as partners despite its commitment under the 1999 white paper, "Partnership for Progress and Prosperity" or the 2012 white paper, "Security, Success and Sustainability" ignoring the fact that we are a country with a government democratically elected by the people to enact policies in the best interest of the people.
Governor towards this end and as will be discussed at the upcoming Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London, we envision an evolution of our relationship "to the next level" to that of an equal partnership.
To the Next level of greater autonomy over the operation of our Police Force as we believe that a Turks and Caicos approach to Turks and Caicos crime prevention and security is the best way forward to maintaining law and good order in our islands. This includes having our own Commissioner of Police, training and creating opportunity of upward mobility of our Officers and strengthening Community Policing.
We seek the evolution To a higher level of governance over our God given lands to be used for the betterment of our people. There is no democratically justifiable reason why we as a Government elected by the people of these islands cannot enact policies governing the management and distribution of our "Crown Land" without the need to obtain the approval and consent of the UK Government before passage in Cabinet or in this House of Assembly. We have been at a tug of war for almost 4 years over our crown land policy and I look forward to your excellency's expeditious assistance in getting our draft Crown Land bill and regulations from White Hall into the hall of this honorable House of Assembly where the elected members will be the ones charged with deciding what is best for our people and not the nameless and faceless of White Hall who have no knowledge, care our concern for our people.
It is our demand to move this country To the next level with a Cabinet in which there is greater autonomy, chaired and comprised only of individuals elected by Turks and Caicos Islanders, fully empowered to act on behalf of the people who elected us.
We aspire to move this country To the next level with a financial framework that is void of individuals such as a Chief Financial Officer with financial veto powers who are not elected by the people of these islands. As a man residing amongst our people, you will be judged by and your time in these islands will be honored by the honor you in turn show to the nation and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Yes, we expect you to see to it that the UK Government honors their own commitment by removing the CFO position from the constitution and repeal of the CFO Ordinance. We have paid our debt, the UK Loan guarantee has been removed despite our funding of SIPT against our will, our macro-economic targets, to the disappointment of the UK Government are being met, and no justifiable reason exists in this modern day democracy for the UK government to continue to have not only financial oversight but financial veto powers and powers of appropriation in these islands or any other territory.
We have fulfilled our obligations, we have conformed to institutions of good governance even more stringent than those in the UK and have still achieved success for the people of this country despite being set up to fail. Now it is time for you to be honorable and return to the duly democratically elected government of the day, the autonomy to decide where, when and how we spend the people's money on behalf of and for the people.
We intend to advance this nation To a higher level where elected officials can discuss and make decisions as equals on issues that impact the lives of the people of these islands rather than being dictated to via orders in council, adoption of conventions for our ratification under instructions, or by economic pressures from supranational authorities, be they policies on International Financial Centers, Environment or others. The views, concerns and lives of the people of these islands must matter.
We seek this equal partnership not for personal gain, nor for the acquisition of personal power.
We seek an equal partnership and greater autonomy because we fervently believe that regardless of the ideology or political affiliation Turks and Caicos Islanders have grown and evolved far beyond the current state of affairs.
We seek an equal partnership and greater autonomy because we believe that the people of Turks and Caicos have within our collective intellect, the ability to manage more of our own affairs.
We seek an equal partnership and greater autonomy because we believe that Turks and Caicos Islanders have within our hearts, the courage to carry our homeland into the future.
We seek an equal partnership and greater autonomy because we believe that Turks and Caicos Islanders have within our spirit, the character to work with the U.K., build with the UK and see a new, evolved relationship emerge that reflects the intellect, ability, courage and character of our people.
Governor, yes, like every other nation, like the UK, we make mistakes and we fall, but we get up and rise again to the next level stronger than before, learning from the mistakes of the past. We do not need any training wheels, we do not need any holding of hands, what we need are barriers to be removed, shackles to be removed, greater autonomy and equal partnership in the best interest of our people. Governor we are a resilient people, with a strong will to survive as we have for centuries despite the barriers and despite the setbacks, we will continue to rise to the next level.
Your excellency, I truly believe that you have joined us in a key moment of our history.
The moment when we decided to put our heads together, work together and build together a new partnership. A more equal partnership.
To quote Bruce Hafen an equal partnership is built "...one choice at a time, one conversation at a time, one threshold crossed at a time..."
Your excellency, you will find our islands to be welcoming, our people friendly and our country to be one of the most beautiful in the world. We hope that your stay with us will be one that you cherish for the rest of your life. On behalf of my government and the people of Turks and Caicos, we welcome you and wish you and your family well as we work together for the benefit of Turks and Caicos.
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT TUESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: A BROAD SURFACE LOW JUST EAST OF THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS ALONG WITH A MID TO UPPER LEVEL TROUGH IN THE VICINITY OF THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS WILL CONTINUE TO INFLUENCE THE WEATHER ACROSS THE ISLANDS TODAY.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS AND BEACHGOERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO ROUGH SURF CONDITIONS AS A RESULT OF SEA SWELLS AND THE RISK FOR RIP CURRENTS AT BEACHES MAINLY ALONG THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN SHORELINES.
NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND BREEZY WITH A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THE CHANCE OF AN ISOLATED THUNDERSTORM TODAY. MAINLY FAIR TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT.
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS OVER THE OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 4 TO 7 FEET OVER THE OCEAN, BUT UP TO 12 FEET IN NORTH TO NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS.
SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: VARIABLECLOUDINESS AND WARM WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WITH SOME BECOMING HEAVY AT TIMES THROUGH TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS ALL AREAS.
WINDS: VARIABLE AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS.
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS, BUT UP TO 10 FEET IN NORTH TO NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS.
HIGH TEMPERATURE TODAY: 88 °F 31 °C
LOW TEMPERATURE TONIGHT: 75 °F 24 °C
SUNRISE: 7:10AM MOONSET: 9:42AM HIGH TIDE: 10:00AM & 10:23PM
SUNSET: 6:40PM MOONRISE: 9:10PM LOW TIDE: 4:26PM
EXTENDED FORECAST: THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED BROAD LOW PRESSURE AREA WILL MEANDER JUST TO THE EAST OF THE AREA WITH A TRAILING TROUGH ACROSS THE ISLANDS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: VARIABLE CLOUDINESS AND BREEZY WITH FEW SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS MAINLY ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS…NORTHEASTERLY AT 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS…VARIABLE AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 4 TO 7 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS…3 TO 5 FEET IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS…3 FEET OR LESS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS..SEAS UP TO 11 FEET ACROSSS ALL AREAS IN NORTH TO NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS.
FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TOMOSTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS MAINLY ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: NORTHERLY AT 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS…LIGHT AND VARIABLE IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 3 TO 5 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS…3 FEET OR LESS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS…SEAS UP TO 9 FEET IN NORTH TO NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS ACROSS ALL AREAS.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Shower activity associated with a low pressure area located just to the northeast of the Southeastern Bahamas has become more concentrated this morning, and surface observations indicate that pressures are falling in the area. The low is expected to slowly intensify as upper-level winds become more conducive and a subtropical or tropical cyclone could form during the next day or two as the low moves northward or north-northwestward. This system now has a 70 percent chance of formation during the next five days.