Billboard honors Madonna
Madonna is being honoured by Billboard magazine - who've named her woman of the year for 2016.
The magazine has written a long list of reasons why they chose her and said it came following a year where she extended her record as the highest-grossing female touring artist of all time,
Janice Min president and chief creative officer for Billboard had this to say..
" Madonna is one of a miniscule number of super-artists whose influence and career transcend music. With her creative vision, relentless innovation, and dedication to philanthropic causes, she is an inspiration to hundreds of millions of people around the world, all while shattering every career record out there. She is an important feminist on top of that, a one-of-a-kind artist who’s used her influence to change the conversation around women, sexuality and equal rights."
The seven-time Grammy winner will receive the honour at the 11th annual Women in Music event, held on 9 December in New York.
Source-BBC
Thousands flee as typhoon smashes into Philippines
Typhoon Sarika smashed into the main Philippine island of Luzon early Sunday, ripping off roofs, toppling power lines and forcing more than 12,000 people to flee to safer ground, officials said.
Minor landslides and flooding were also reported a day after the cyclone brushed past a remote island and left one person drowned and three others missing, they said.
"The roofs of some house were blown away and power was cut in some areas," Mina Marasigan, spokeswoman for the government's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, told AFP.
"Minor landslides were also reported as well as floods. We're waiting for the typhoon to blow over to conduct a fuller assessment," Marasigan added.
Sarika was progressively weakening since making landfall on the east coast town of Baler before dawn Sunday (1830 GMT Saturday) packing winds of 130 kilometres an hour (81 mph), weather forecasters said.
It later raked across mainly mountainous and sparsely populated areas in the morning, and was expected to roar out to the South China Sea in the afternoon.
Marasigan's disaster agency said nearly 12,500 people left their homes in the typhoon's path, seeking refuge in government-run shelters and relatives' homes.
Eleven people were rescued after a boat capsized off the eastern island of Samar on Friday, while about 1,000 boats and 6,500 passengers were stranded at ports as the coast guard barred smaller vessels from putting to sea.
The disaster agency said 290 commercial flights, including 63 to international destinations, were cancelled due to bad weather.
Marasigan also said 23 mountain climbers were rescued in the northern Philippines.
The Philippine islands are often the first major landmass to be hit by storms that generate over the Pacific Ocean. The Southeast Asian archipelago endures about 20 major storms each year, many of them deadly.
Haiyan, the strongest typhoon ever recorded to hit land, smashed into the central Philippines on November 8, 2013, leaving 7,350 people dead or missing.
Source-AFP
Daughter of Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay fatally shot
Authorities say the 15-year-old daughter of Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay has been fatally shot in Kentucky.
The Fayette County coroner's office says in a statement that Trinity Gay died at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
The sprinter's agent, Mark Wetmore, confirmed in a text message to The Associated Press that Gay's daughter was killed.
Lexington police said in a statement officers went to the parking lot of a restaurant after witnesses reported gunfire exchanged between two vehicles. Officers located one of the vehicles and stopped two people for questioning.
Tyson Gay has competed in the last three Summer Olympics. He was part of a team that won a silver medal in the 4x100-meter relay at the 2012 London Games though that medal was ultimately stripped after Gay tested positive for steroids in 2013.
Source-AP
Haitian presidential, legislative elections to be held on November 20
The long delayed presidential and legislative elections in Haiti will be held on November 20 following yet another setback due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew.
On Friday, the Provisional Election Council said the second round of elections will be held on January 29.
Haiti’s elections had been scheduled for last week. The country’s previous elections, in 2015, were canceled because of violence and fraud, leaving Haiti in political limbo.
Since President Michel Martelly, demitted office in February – parliament elected Jocelerme Privert as interim president, but his 120-day mandate expired in June.
Haiti was forced to postpone the scheduled second round of elections in January amid protests after the frontrunner Jude Celestin said he would not campaign until government officials addressed fraud allegations resulting from the October 25 poll last year.
Celestin welcomed the latest postponement after the hurricane saying “getting assistance to the population is more important than elections right now.
“It’s difficult to go ask people to go vote, given what we’re dealing with right now. But elections are important. I hope that the CEP announces a new date as soon as possible so that regardless of the conditions, there is a new president who takes office in Haiti on February 7.”
The four main challengers for the post of president are Jean-Henri Céant, Jovenel Moise, Moïse Jean-Charles and Celestin.
Source-CMC
New Financial Services Commission Director & Staff Appointmented
In their continuing efforts to ensure that it human resources are adequate and prepared to meet the regulatory challenges of a dynamic financial services industry, the Financial Services Commission announced the establishment of a Human Resources Department in Providenciales.
The meeting was to appoint a new board member and three heads of departments, the promotion of 11 members of staff and the confirmation to the permanent staff of five temporary staff. These staff changes took effect from 1 October 2016.
The new board member, Dr David Oakden, comes to the Commission with extensive training and experience in insurance. Dr Oakden is an independent consultant and a former Managing Director in the Actuarial Division at the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) in Canada. Dr Oakden is a fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Toronto. The Commission’s Managing Director, Mr Niguel Streete, commented that “Dr Oakden is an excellent complement to our existing Board skill set, bringing demonstrated and relevant industry and regulatory experience and strategic acumen to the Commission in the area of insurance. His experience will further support our strategy to deliver value to our stakeholders through good governance and regulatory excellence.”
The new heads of departments and members of the Commission’s management team are
i) Mrs Kenisha Bacchus: Director of Human Resources and Administration, and Advisor to the MD on Legal and AML Matters
ii) Mrs Karlene Ferrier: Registrar of Companies, Trademarks and Patents
iii) Ms Corine Bolton: Director of Insurance
In commenting on the new appointments, Mr Streete stated “I am confident that the new heads of department have the requisite skill, training, experience and attitude to build on the successes of the Commission. These are officers with a deep understanding of regulatory issues and a commitment to the jurisdiction. They also recognise the important link between financial stability and economic development.”
The Commission is confident that these staff changes create a strong foundation for pursuing the initiatives in its strategic plan and for building local regulatory capacity.
US bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones on flights
The US Department of Transportation has banned Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones on flights after reports of the device catching fire.
Passengers will not be able to take the phones on flights or in their luggage to and from the US from 16:00 GMT on Saturday.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously advised against packing the phones in luggage.
Samsung permanently stopped Galaxy Note 7 production this week.
"We recognise that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.
"We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident in-flight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."
Samsung recalled around 2.5 million phones in September after complaints of exploding batteries.
While it later insisted that all replaced devices were safe, there were reports that those phones were catching fire too.
The company then said it would stop Galaxy Note 7 production.
"The fire hazard with the original Note 7 and with the replacement Note 7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall," said US Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Elliot Kaye.
"I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund. It's the right thing to do and the safest thing to do."
Source-BBC
FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT THURSDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: A LARGE HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM NORTH OF THE AREA WILL MAINTAIN FRESH TO OCCASIONALLY STRONG NORTHEASTERLY BREEZES ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS WHILE A SURFACE TROUGH TRAILING SOUTHWEST FROM NICOLE EXTENDS TOWARD THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS AND BEACHGOERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS AND MODERATE NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS AT BEACHES MAINLY ALONG THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN SHORELINES.
NORTHWEST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND BREEZY WITH A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON. MOSTLY FAIR WITH A CHANCE OF A FEW PASSING SHOWERS TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT
WINDS: NORTHEASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET BUT HIGHER IN MODERATE TO LARGE NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS
TURKS AND CAICOS
WEATHER: VARIABLE CLOUDINESS AND HOT WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON. FAIR AND WARM TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: NORTHEASTERLY AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND LIGHT AND VARIABLE IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS OVER OPEN WATERS
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS BUT HIGHER IN MODERATE TO LARGE NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS OVER THE OCEAN
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 88F 31C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 75F 24C
SUNSET: 6:44PM SUNRISE: 7:08AM FRI.
MOONRISE: 5:09PM MOONSET: 5:20AM FRI.
LOW TIDE: 12:03PM HIGH TIDE: 6:11PM
LOW TIDE: 12:30AM FRI. HIGH TIDE: 6:39AM FRI.
WEATHER OUTLOOK: HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM NORTH OF THE BAHAMAS WILL MAINTAIN FRESH TO OCCASIONAL STRONG NORTHEASTERLY BREEZES ACROSS NORTHWEST BAHAMAS THROUGH THE WEEKEND WITH LARGE SWELLS GRADUALLY SUBSIDING AS A SURFACE TROUGH TRAILING NICOLE WILL EXTEND TOWARD THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS THROUGH THE WEEKEND.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: PLEASE SEE THE LATEST NEWS ITEM ON HURRICANE NICOLE, LOCATED LESS THAN A HUNDRED MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF BERMUDA. TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 5 DAYS.
Actress Gabrielle Union sues BET
Actress Gabrielle Union is suing the BET network, claiming they are unfairly trying to extend her contract on the series "Being Mary Jane."
Union filed suit against BET and Breakdown Productions Inc. on Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. She is alleging breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation.
According to court documents, the actress maintains that she agreed to sign on for the BET drama with the understanding that the series would shoot no more than 13 episodes per season. Union did not want to commit to more episodes to allow for her other work in film.
The complaint states that Union was assured during a meeting in 2012 with series creators Mara Bock Akil and Salim Akil that they "would never be able to produce more than 13 episodes of the series per season." BET later confirmed that the show would film between 10 to 13 episodes per season, Union claims.
Season 1 premiered in 2013 with eight episodes followed by 12 episodes in Season 2. Union's contract was then amended to give her a raise, ensure she would be paid for 13 episodes regardless and she was made an executive producer on the popular series. Season 3 featured 10 episodes.
Union's suit alleges that BET is now attempting to shoot 10 episodes each of Seasons 4 and 5 in succession -- meaning that she would be required to film 20 back-to-back episodes and "fraudulently extend the term of Ms. Union's contract."
BET released a statement about the legal action on Wednesday.
"While we hold Gabrielle Union in the highest esteem, we feel strongly that we are contractually well within our rights and are committed to reaching a swift and positive resolution in this matter," the statement read.
Union -- who is set to be paid $150,000 per episode for Season 4 and $165,000 per episode for Season 5 -- is seeking $1 million in damages and an amendment to her contract stating BET will not shoot more than 13 episodes per season.
Source-CNN
Kim Kardashian sues over robbery story
Kim Kardashian West was robbed at gunpoint in Paris recently and now says she has also been victimized by an online publication.
The reality star filed suit in a federal lawsuit in New York against MediaTakeOut.com -- and its founder Fred Mwangaguhunga -- alleging they libeled her.
According to the suit Media Takeout published a series of stories "in which they claimed, without any factual support whatsoever, that Kardashian faked the robbery, lied about the violent assault, and then filed a fraudulent complaint with her insurance company to bilk her carrier out of millions of dollars."
CNN has reached out to Media TakeOut and Mwangaguhunga for comment.
The stories ran under headlines which said evidence pointed to her staging the robbery, that French police suspected Kardashian West of letting the robbers in, and that she was guilty of a federal crime if she had indeed faked the robbery and filed a $5.6 million insurance claim.
The articles have since appeared to have been removed from the site.
The legal action is the first high profile thing Kardashian West has done since the heist as she has been maintaining a low profile.
Source-CNN
20-year-old Evanson Walkin sentenced to 8 years imprisonment
On Tuesday 11th October 2016 in the Providenciales Supreme Court, 20-year-old Evanson Walkin of Five Cays Providenciales, was sentenced to prison after he had plead guilty earlier to two counts of Carrying Imitation Firearm to cause fear in connection with a report that was made on Saturday 26th September 2015.
Around 12 AM on that date, a nine (9) year-old male child and his 25-year-old sister was walking home from a store in Five Cays Providenciales when Mr. Evanson Walkin began following them. Upon reaching home, Mr. Walkin who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol started behaving aggressively by making used of indecent language, forced himself into the home of the complainant. While inside, the complainant sister asked him to leave, but he refused to do so. Instead, he grabbed her by the arm, dragged her to the floor and place a curtain over her head.
When the 9-year-old tried to assist his sister by asking Evanson to stop, he (Evanson) took what appeared to be an orange flare gun from his waist and placed it on the right eye of the child and threaten to push him outside and kill him. The child got frightened and started screaming as he ran outside crying and shaken with fear. Mr. Walkin followed him and began beating him about the body. While doing so, a neighbor saw what was happening asked him to leave the little boy alone. He then pointed the flare gun at the neighbor and told her he would kill her as well and fled the scene.
Walkin was immediately arrested and charged with the offences and was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment.
Sentenced will run concurrently.