Former Israeli President Shimon Peres dies
Former Israeli President Shimon Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and elder statesman of Israeli politics, has died, the Israeli news website reported last night.
He was 93.
Peres’ condition worsened following a major stroke two weeks ago.
He was one of the country’s most admired leaders at home and abroad and the last surviving link to Israel’s founding fathers.
He filled nearly every position in Israeli public life in an unprecedented seven-decade political career.
Caribbean declared measles free
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says the Americas including the Caribbean, is the first in the world to have eliminated measles, a viral disease that can cause severe health problems, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and even death.
“This achievement culminates a 22-year effort involving mass vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella throughout the Americas,” said PAHO, adding that the declaration of measles ’elimination was made by the International Expert Committee for Documenting and Verifying Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination in the Americas.
PAHO said the announcement came during its 55th Directing Council, which is currently underway and is being attended by ministers of health from throughout the Americas.
Measles is the fifth vaccine-preventable disease to be eliminated from the Americas, after the regional eradication of smallpox in 1971, poliomyelitis in 1994, and rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in 2015.
This is a historic day for our region and indeed the world,” said PAHO Director Dr Carissa Etienne, adding “it is proof of the remarkable success that can be achieved when countries work together in solidarity towards a common goal.
“It is the result of a commitment made more than two decades ago, in 1994, when the countries of the Americas pledged to end measles circulation by the turn of the 21st century,” she added.
In the Americas, PAHO said 101,800 deaths were attributable to measles between 1971 and 1979. A cost-effectiveness study on measles elimination in Latin America and the Caribbean has estimated that with vaccination, 3.2 million measles cases will have been prevented in the region and 16,000 deaths between 2000 and 2020, PAHO said.
TCI To Host First Annual Lionfish Festival
The Turks & Caicos Islands are to host its first annual Lionfish Festival. The Festival, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture's Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) and the Department of Culture, in conjunction with the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund, will be hosted on Providenciales and Grand Turk respectively and will include a REEF-sanctioned Lionfish Derby.
"Although it is a beautiful animal, lionfish are not supposed to be in the wider Caribbean region, but were introduced off the coast of the US and spread down through the Bahamas. Some TCI fishermen have been catching lionfish on a small scale for many years, and they know that although it's invasive, lionfish is a very tasty fish. However, these fishers do not typically target lionfish heavily because crawfish, conch, and other finfish are more profitable. So, we hope that the festival results in many lionfish being caught (and eaten) which will give our reefs a helping hand and also raise awareness about this invasive species. Above all we hope the events are fun and that many people from all walks of life come to take part. " said DECR Director, Dr John Claydon.
Provo's Lionfish Festival is slated for October 29th at Turtle Cove Marina and Grand Turk the following week on November 5th 2016, at the Library. Fishermen, watersports and dive operators are all encouraged to participate in the derby, which will kick off early in the morning. Family fun will follow with games for the kids, live music, watching of the scoring, free lionfish samples, filleting and dissection demonstrations, and a Q&A session about lionfish.
The Lionfish derbies will be a single day competition to collect and remove as many lionfish as possible. Teams will collect lionfish by spearing while free diving or snorkelling. Teams will begin competing at sunrise and will be required to bring their catch to the scoring station by 3:00 pm (South Caicos residents can participate in the Grand Turk Derby and the School for Field Studies will conduct scoring on South Caicos and report it to the organizers on Grand Turk. Each fish will then be measured, and cash prizes are awarded for teams catching the most, biggest, and smallest lionfish.
Not known to have any native predators, lionfish are greedy predators that prey on native fish and crustaceans in large quantities. Invasive predators, such as the lionfish, can pose a major threat to marine fisheries, habitats, and eco-system function. The First Annual Lionfish Festival hopes to draw attention to the Atlantic Lionfish invasion and help promote development of the commercial Lionfish market.
DIRECTOR OF TCI RED CROSS RECEIVES 2016 UK CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP
The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce that Mrs Lormeka Williams, the Director of the TCI Red Cross, has been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship for the 2016/17 academic year to study a Masters degree in Conservation Biology at the University of Kent in the UK starting in September. The award was presented to Mrs Williams by His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, at Waterloo on 10 August.
Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are awarded globally each year to outstanding individuals with leadership potential who are committed to contribute to the future development of their home countries, in Mrs Williams case the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mrs Williams previously worked closely with international organisations such as Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Darwin Project and the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Conservation Forum on various conservation projects and initiatives. During her tenure as Director of the TCI Red Cross she assisted in the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme which reaches out to vulnerable communities helping them to prepare and become more resilient and able to respond to disasters.
Commenting on the award, Mrs Williams said:
“I am so happy to have been awarded the Chevening Scholarship and to have been given the opportunity to not only further my studies but to represent my country on an international level. I am looking forward to meeting and learning from other Chevening Scholars and sharing my knowledge and experience with them.”
The Governor, Peter Beckingham, said, “It is to Lormeka’s great credit that she receives this prestigious scholarship. I’m sure that she will use her experience for the benefit of the Turks and Caicos Islands when she returns to the islands, and I hope that everyone in TCI will be proud of her achievement.”
The deadline for submitting applications for Chevening Scholarhips for 2017/18 is 8 November 2016. All eligible people are encouraged to apply. For more Information, Contact the Chevening Officer- Mr Neville Misick.
Yahoo 'state' hackers stole data from 500 million users
Yahoo says "state-sponsored" hackers stole data on about 500 million users in what could be the largest publicly disclosed cyber-breach in history.
The breach included swathes of personal information, including names and emails, as well as “unencrypted security questions and answers”.
The hack took place in 2014 but has only now been made public.
In the UK it is believed data on about eight million user accounts was taken in the hack.
Stolen data includes names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth and encrypted passwords, but not credit card data, Yahoo said.
It said the information was "stolen by what we believe is a state-sponsored actor" but did not say which country it held responsible.
The FBI has confirmed it is investigating the claims.
Source-BBC
FBI considers investigation over plane claim
The FBI says it is gathering information about an alleged incident involving Brad Pitt and his children aboard a private flight last week.
It said it was evaluating whether to launch an investigation.
Pitt's wife Angelina Jolie filed for divorce on Monday citing irreconcilable differences.
Jolie has asked for physical custody of the couple's six children, asking the judge to give Pitt visitation rights.
The FBI told the BBC: "In response to your inquiry regarding allegations within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States; specifically, an aircraft carrying Mr Brad Pitt and his children, the FBI is continuing to gather facts and will evaluate whether an investigation at the federal level will be pursued."
Pitt released a statement to People magazine after Jolie filed for divorce, saying he was "saddened", and adding: "What matters most now is the well-being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."
Jolie's lawyer, Robert Offer, said the decision to divorce had been made "for the health of the family".
Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services said it could not confirm or deny whether it was investigating Pitt because of confidentiality laws.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has said it is not investigating actor Brad Pitt in connection with reports of allegations regarding his children, following claims they were looking into the matter.
They told the BBC: "The LAPD is not handling any report or allegations into child abuse for Mr Brad Pitt."
Source-BBC
NIB takes more clients to court
The National Insurance Board on Friday September 23rd 2016 saw defendant Romeo “Ron” Higgs appearing in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court to answer to an application for a writ of execution filed by the NIB for the levying of $5,500.00. The matter was set for trial on October 27th 2016.
Also on Friday September 23rd 2016, the defendant Lofton Morley of Direct transport appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court to answer to an application for a writ of execution filed by the NIB for the levying of $3,600.00. The matter was set for trial on October 27th 2016.
Separately, Defendant Norma Goodridge was scheduled to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court to answer to a writ of execution filed by the NIB for the levying of $8,750.00. The matter is set for trial on October 27th 2016.
Defendant Edwin Hernandez Cueto appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court to answer to complaints filed by the NIB for failing to pay contributions and additional charges as an employer in the amount of $1,511.52. The matter was adjourned for mention on October 27th 2016.
Japan PM seeks Cuba's help amid N Korea nuclear 'provocations'
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe concluded a visit to Cuba Friday with condemnation of North Korea's nuclear "provocations" and a request for help from Pyongyang's ally Havana to pursue a "world without nuclear weapons."
Abe, the first Japanese premier to visit Cuba, discussed the nuclear question in meetings with both Fidel and Raul Castro, the brothers who have ruled the communist island since 1959.
"Japan, the only country to suffer a nuclear attack in war, is determined to continue working to achieve a world without nuclear weapons, with the help of Cuba and the rest of the international community," he told a press conference, speaking through a translator.
The comment came after Abe condemned North Korea's recent nuclear weapons tests in his meeting Thursday with President Raul Castro.
"North Korea continues provocations including nuclear tests and the launch of ballistic missiles, which is posing a different level of threat to the region and Japan," he told the president, according to a read-out of their conversation from the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
"I know Cuba has had a friendly relationship with North Korea. Having said this, I would point out that the peace and stability of East Asia is crucially important for Japan."
He invited Castro to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese cities levelled by US atomic bombs at the end of World War II, to witness firsthand the destruction of nuclear weapons.
The Cuban leader said he "strongly wished" to accept the invitation before stepping down in 2018, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
Abe also pressed for new efforts on nuclear disarmament in his meeting with former president Fidel Castro, Cuban state media reports said.
Japan said Abe had also asked for the Cuban government's "understanding and cooperation" on the sensitive issue of Japanese citizens believed to have been kidnapped by North Korea to train spies for the reclusive communist state.
North Korea caused outrage in Japan when it admitted in 2002 that it had kidnapped 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 80s to train agents in the country's language and customs.
Five of those were allowed to return home but Pyongyang has insisted, without producing solid evidence that the eight others died.
Abe arrived in Cuba Thursday, a day after addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
There, he also hammered home Japan's concern over North Korea's test earlier this month of what Pyongyang called a miniaturized nuclear bomb suited to a long-range warhead.
Abe told leaders gathered at the UN that the world has to find "new means" to stop North Korea's nuclear programme.
"The threat has now reached a dimension altogether different from what has transpired until now," he said.
Arriving in Havana, Abe said he wants to "open a new page" in Japanese-Cuban relations, after the historic rapprochement between Havana and Washington, Tokyo's close ally.
To that end, he announced a new sports exchange program in which Japan will send coaches to train Cuban baseball players -- a shared passion -- and invite Cuban gymnastics coaches to Japan.
He also broached Japan's call for UN reform, thanking President Castro for his "renewed support" for Tokyo's bid to become a permanent member of the Security Council.
Turning to China -- another Cuban ally with problematic relations with Japan -- Abe told Castro he was "seriously concerned" with Beijing's actions in the East and South China Seas, which include building artificial islands capable of hosting military airbases.
Source- AFP
Shooting in Parking lot
Investigators of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are searching for suspects in connection with a shooting in a parking lot on South Side Plaza located on Aviation Drive Providenciales that left one man wounded.
Police responded the area around 2:55 AM this morning (Friday 23rd September 2016) after reports of a fight and gunshots fired were made to 911. Upon arrival at the scene, four shots were heard, and a number of persons were seen running from the area. An unknown male wearing blue jeans and light blue shirt brandishing a silver handgun was seen, and as officers approached him, he ran into the nearby bushes and made good his escape. Police also responded to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where a 24-year-old male was seen with a gunshot wound to his leg. He informed officers that he received the wound while at the area of the shooting.
The male was treated and later discharged.
Police are seeking the assistance of witnesses who were in the area during the time of this incident and may have seen what happened or can identify the male or persons who were shooting, please call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 338-5901/941-8067. The information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter page.
CONTRIBUTION IN PARLIAMENT By Hon Leader of the Opposition
In her two minute speech today in Parliament, the Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Leader of the Opposition raised several critical issues ranging from matters relating to education, health and public service.
She stated her concern as a parent and representative as to the seeming lack of preparedness for the reopening of schools this year in terms of the outstanding repairs, the lack of text books available and the shortage of teachers in critical areas.
She said that the physical plants/schools have not been repaired and this is visible from the Schools that she has already visited. She said it is a frustrating experience for parents to try to secure text books that are not on Island and further that the lack of teachers for critical areas is also posing a problem. She called on the Ministry to address these concerns today for the people of this country.
Hon Cartwright Robinson also raised concerns about matters in the area of health. She cited her concern about the closure of the vital National Health Insurance Board due to the sick out over the last two days and called on the Government to resolve the issues with the staff. She raised the matter of the fight against Zika citing her recent experience in South Caicos on Saturday where mosquitoes were widespread and stated that she thought that greater care would be taken during this time when we are told that we now have 11 cases. She said that she believe that the Government should state the Islands on which these cases are so as to raise a different level of awareness so that individuals themselves will also take care of their surroundings and Islands.
Hon Cartwright Robinson also mentioned, though not for response in the House of Assembly, the need for the Government to ensure that we do not lose our Chief Dental Officer who is a Turks and Caicos Islander. She reminded the House of one of the reasons why she brought the Motion to introduce pensions and gratuities for post 1992 civil servants so as to not only attract but to also retain the best and brightest.
She closed by wishing all civil servants, a Happy Civil Servants day.