PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT FRIDAY 01ST APRIL 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: A BROAD RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE WILL PREVAIL ACROSS THE BAHAMAS THROUGH SATURDAY BEFORE RETREATING EASTWARD.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS TODAY. FAIR AND WARM TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS OVER THE OCEAN.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 88°F 31°C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 73°F 23°C
SUNRISE: 7:01AM
SUNSET: 7:27PM
MOONSET: 1:42PM
MOONRISE: 3:14AM SAT
LOW TIDE: 9:18AM 9:23PM
HIGH TIDE: 3:13PM 3:47AM SAT
EXTENDED FORECAST: A COLD FRONT WILL REACH THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND STALL BRIEFLY ACROSS THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS THEN MOVE EAST AGAIN ON MONDAY NIGHT.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY WITH THE CHANCE OF AN ISOLATED SHOWER OR TWO.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS, SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS AND 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS OVER THE OCEAN.
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY WITH A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS BECOMING NORTHEASTERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS BUILDING 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS OVER THE OCEAN.
DIGICEL LAUNCHES SAMSUNG GALAXY S7
Today, Digicel launches the newest additions to the Galaxy family of products, Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge capable of transforming the lives of consumers in the Caribbean and Central America. With a sleek design, a more advanced camera, streamlined software functionality and unparalleled connectivity to a galaxy of products, services, and experiences, the new Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge push the limits of what traditional smartphones are capable of doing.
Galaxy S7 and S7edge: All You Could Want from a Phone
The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge introduce the first Dual Pixel camera on a smartphone, delivering brighter and sharper images with brighter lens, wider aperture, bigger pixel and a more accurate autofocus even in low-light conditions. Motion Panorama, a new camera mode, brings movement to traditional panoramic photos, giving the user a completely immersive visual experience.
This is coupled with an elegant design, made possible through a perfect combination of 3D glass and metal; the Always-On Display [Always-On Screen] that provides users with a simplified experience without having to touch the screen; IP68 certification, which provides resistance to dust and water under certain conditions and an overall improved user experience with the screen edge of the S7 edge, capable of displaying easy shortcuts to users favourite features.
Enhanced Performance: From Charging to Gaming
The technology found in the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge also incorporates fast cable and wireless charging capabilities, extra storage via a microSD card slot, a powerful processor and increased battery capacity. These features, together with the Game Launcher and Vulkan API make the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge a new staple for gamers who can now record their experiences, share their screens with other gamers and even play high-performance graphic games with lower battery consumption.
The Virtual Galaxy Experience and More
Samsung has opened up new possibilities in the world of virtual reality with new Gear VR and Gear 360. With the Gear VR, Samsung has created a unique mobile experience combining the best hardware and software in the world of virtual reality. Gear VR offers a completely new way to experience and consume mobile content, continuing to strengthen the company's leadership in the portable devices category.
Samsung further enhances the already state-of-the-art virtual reality experience with the new Gear 360, a 3600 camera that transforms the way experiences and memories are shared. With its high resolution (3840 x 1920), the ability to withstand frozen images of 30 megapixels from two powerful lenses and aperture of F2.0, the Samsung Gear 360 potentiates the best of the Galaxy experience and allows users to become creators of their own content and enjoy virtual reality in ways that were once unimaginable.
Regional Sales Director of Samsung Electronics Latin America, Jorge Lopez, said; "At Samsung, we understand that the smartphone is at the centre of everyday lives, which is why we are fully dedicated to listening to what our customers need and want from their mobile companion and making that happen for them. For instance, with the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, we set out to design a best-in-class camera, with optimal graphics for gamers and a phone that was resistant to water and dust. The constant evolution of the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem is reflected in innovative products precisely like the new Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7edge, Gear 360, Gear S2, Gear VR and solutions such as Samsung Pay, all of which have taken the mobile experience to the next level.”
Digicel Chief Commercial Officer for Caribbean and Central America, John Delves, said; “Our customers want their devices to deliver on form, function and fashion. They want a device that spans both business and entertainment. The Samsung Galaxy S7 line delivers on all fronts - and then some. So we happy to be bringing next generation technology to our customers now – it is truly an exciting time in the world of technology for Digicel and our customers.”
Samsung continues to push the boundaries of hardware, software and services to create devices that are designed to improve how consumers connect, share, organise and get more out of life. The company is redefining what is possible, beyond the limits of today’s technology, by introducing a constellation of seamless mobile experiences.
Over the coming months, consumers in the Caribbean and Central will also have access to the secure, easy-to-use mobile payment service, Samsung Pay, which today operates in multiple other countries around the world and has become a global sensation after processing more than $500M during the first six months of operations.
Obama Sees 'Significant Progress' on Nuclear Security
U.S. President Barack Obama hailed the "significant progress" the world's nations have made on nuclear security, and pledged the United States will continue to cooperate with all efforts to reduce nuclear stockpiles and keep them safe.
Addressing more than 50 world leaders gathered at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Obama said more than a dozen nations have disposed of their entire supplies of highly enriched uranium and plutonium — the radioactive elements necessary to build nuclear bombs.
During six years of international meetings on nuclear security — including four summits, which he initiated — the U.S. president said, "We’ve embraced a new type of thinking and a new type of action."
"This is a perfect example of a 21st-century security challenge that no one nation can solve alone," Obama told the leaders at a plenary session of the summit broadcast worldwide. "It requires coalitions and sustained coordination across borders and institutions. And the good news is we’ve made significant progress.”
Obama also met with a smaller gathering of the nations mostly closely involved in last year's nuclear agreement with Iran. He told the so-called P5+1 group the deal with Iran "achieved a substantial success and focused on the dangers of nuclear proliferation in a real way."
He stressed, however, that "full and continued implementation" of the Iran agreement will "take the same level of cooperation" from the international community.
Source-Voa
Jamaica equipped to conduct Zika testing for other countries
Jamaica is equipped to conduct Zika virus testing on behalf of other countries if so assigned by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Acting Director of the National Virology Reference Laboratory at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Professor Monica Smikle, told JIS News that the facility is a valid WHO testing agency.
Members of staff have also benefited from training from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
The certification to test for Zika, Professor Smikle informed, comes from the WHO through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“There was a process of capacity building after which tested samples were sent to the CDC in Puerto Rico for validation. Following subsequent reports that all tests were completely successful, the lab was given the go-ahead to proceed with testing here in Jamaica,” she explained.
The Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) was designated as the Zika testing lab in the Caribbean when the virus entered the region.
With the need to facilitate faster diagnosis for Zika, the Government of Jamaica provided $10 million to upgrade the UHWI Virology lab to quip it to test for the disease locally, and also provide increased capacity for the diagnosis of dengue and chikungunya.
WHO/PAHO Country representative, Dr Noreen Jack, explained that while there is little difference in the cost of having the test done in the island versus sending samples to CARPHA, the benefit is in the faster turnaround time for results.
She noted that PAHO has been supporting in-country testing and capacity building for Jamaica and other countries in the region. “We had a consultant virologist here to provide support and this was also done for Barbados and Suriname,” she explained.
For his part, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Winston De La Haye, said that while the Ministry’s interest is in procuring the equipment and ensuring that the lab has adequate chemicals for the testing of Jamaicans, this does not preclude the facility from assisting other countries.
He said that having had its testing approved by the CDC and benefited from training from PAHO, “the lab will be able to tweak and fine-tune its processes and be able to do more samples.”
“This opens up an opportunity for them to offer the service to other Caribbean islands,” he added.
The virology lab houses the National Influenza Centre for the island.
It is a full service laboratory that performs a range of diagnostic services for the detection and monitoring of a wide range of viral infections such as respiratory, central nervous system, gastrointestinal and sexually transmitted infections.
Source-JIS
Tobacco Bill Commences today April 1st in the TCI
Effective 1st April 2016, the Tobacco Control Law comes into force.
This new law is designed to protect the population of the Turks and Caicos Islands from the harmful effects of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and regulate the distribution, sale and manufacturing of tobacco products.
In order to comply with the law the public should be mindful of the following:
A. All persons engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing, exporting, distributing or
selling tobacco products must obtain a license within the first nine months of the law coming into force
B. Do not sell tobacco products (including toys and candy resembling tobacco products) to minors
C. Do not engage in tobacco advertising, promotion or sponsorship
D. Tobacco companies must disclose the contents of tobacco products and information about the health effects of their products
E. Do not display tobacco products in such a way that it is visible to the public
F. Do not use tobacco vending machines or sell tobacco in a way that a customer may handle the product without assistance of a clerk
G. Do not sell a smoked tobacco product as an individual unit, unless the product is individually labelled as required
H. Packaging and labelling of all tobacco products must have big, visible graphic health warnings
and no misleading descriptors (such as light or mild, etc.)
The bill also states that smoke will not be allowed in an enclosed public place, enclosed workplace, or public conveyance, including places listed below:
1. Government buildings
2. Hospitals and medical facilities
3. Airports
4. Hotels, motels, inns (with the exception of areas for smoking, 15 to 25 ft. radius)
5. Reception rooms, lobbies or areas where the public have access
6. Public owned facilities rented out for events
7. Meetings and interview rooms
8. Corridors, toilet areas, stairways and elevators
9. Public lounges and canteen areas
10. Bars
11. Clubs
12. Restaurants
13. Pool halls
14. Schools
15. Government vehicles
16. Vehicles used for public transport
17. Areas designated for public transportation
18. Shops and shopping centres
19. Cinemas
20. Public parks
21. Sporting complexes such as stadiums, ballparks, basketball courts etc.
22. Workplace facilities
23. A public places where tables and chairs are provided for customers to consume food purchased from an on-site service
24. Any other facilities that are accessible to the public.
A manager, owner or lessee of a place listed above must post signs prominently on the premises or public conveyance, stating that smoking is not permitted in that place or public conveyance.
The laws will be enforced by Public and Environmental Health officers, Customs officers and Police officers who will have the power to enter any public place in which tobacco products are sold, manufactured, stored, transported, received, distributed or supplied and conduct inspections or investigations.
For further information about the Tobacco Control Ordinance contact the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Department at: 338-3613 in Grand Turk, 338-4737 in Providenciales and 338-6301 in South Caicos or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD.
Business Email Fraud Reported
Financial Crime Investigators of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are warning the Business community of a new trend of a hacking method that mainly targets businesses by using email. Officers are investigating two reports by victims who have lost a substantial amount of money.
Since email has caused a significant decline in the use of fax machines, and even telephone for most companies, the ability to monitor the emails exchanged within a company makes it easier for hackers to become familiar with their financial procedures.
There modus operandi for carrying out this act can be done in two ways.
1. By company billing structure: Company A routinely does Business with Vendor B. Vendor B submits a bill to Company A through email, which is then approved by the CEO/CFO and forwarded to the accounting department. The Accounting Department pays the bill to Vendor B like usual. This seems like a pretty harmless and basic payment structure, but can be problematic if a hacker catches on to the system.
If Company A’s email system has been unknowingly compromised, the hacker could familiarize himself with their payment procedures and ongoing transactions. Next, the hacker would send a bill posing as Vendor B with new payment instructions. The CEO/CFO would recognize Vendor B as a vendor they routinely do business with and see the bill was for a legitimate transaction. The bill would get approved and forwarded to the accounting department. The accounting department would submit payment following the new instructions, which puts the money right into the pockets of the hacker. Company A would not discover the mistake until they receive a late payment notice from Vendor B.
The second method is the Fraudster posing as the CEO: In this method, the hacker sends an email to the accounting department posing as the CEO/CFO of the company. The email can request a wire transfer with provided account information and the pretense that the payment is for a new or current vendor. The hackers do this by setting up a forwarding system to receive all emails sent to a CEO/CFO of a company. Once he or she has monitored the company's exchanges and feels comfortable with the situation they make their move. This is done by sending a wire payment request using the CEO/CFO’s actual email account, or creating a spoof email that resembles the CEO/CFO’s email. The employee may not even notice the email has been altered. Example JohnDoe123@tciconstruction.com and JohnDoe123@tciconstruction101@
TIPS to protect your Company for email Fraud
Here are some steps to take in order to prevent email fraud from happening to your company.
1.) Verify a change in payment with the vendor over the phone with a previously established phone number (not one that was provided in the email)
2.) Keep a hard copy of vendor contacts who are authorized to approve changes in payments
3.) Use a dual-approval system for any wire transfer requests that meet specified requirements
4.) Send a PIN number via text or require verbal communication before submitting payment
Police are urging anyone with information or who may noticed suspicions activities in their company to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 3385901.
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.
The Stallions & Kings emerges victorious in the PABA
The Kings defeated the Sonics in an 82-55 bout while the Stallions galloped over the Spartans in a 100-84 victory in the PABA Wednesday night games.
Reco Forbes returned from an injury to dish out 31 points, 7 Rebounds and 4 steals for the Spartans along with 17 points from Devon Williams. Clifton Jean led the way for the Stallions with 26 points, 8 Rebounds and 3 steals supported by the return of Tamilaurri Lightbourne with 16 points, 4 Rebounds and 6 assists.
Fedlor Semora scored 19 points, and Randy Rigby added 17 points, 5 Rebounds 5 assists 4 steals for the Kings while Darly Francois led the way for the Sonics with 16 points, 7 Rebounds, 4 steals supported by Galvin Hall with 14 points.
Games will continue tonight as the Kings battle the Predators and the Badgers take on the Hustlerz as the race to the playoffs continue.
Oseta Jolly wins the 2016 Primary School Classics
The 2016-16 Track & Field Primary Championships has concluded in the Turks & Caicos Islands and congratulations are being extended to the individual Class Champs:
Class 4 (7 and under Girls) –Krysann Williams from Oseta Jolly Primary
Class 4 (7 and under Boys) –Sheen Augustine from Oseta Jolly Primary
Class 3 (9 and under Girls) –Ashley Gardiner from Ianthe Pratt Primary
Class 3 (9 and under Boys) –Jenaldo Joachim from Oseta Jolly Primary
Class 2 (11 and under Girls) –Sayannah Escoe from Richmond Hill Preparatory
Class 2 (11 and under Boys) –Hayder Williams from Wesley Methodist
Class 1 (11 to 13 years Girls) –Queen Forbes from Iris Stubbs Primary
Class 1 (11 to 13 years Boys) –Wiky Jeanty from Ona Glinton Primary
RTC Sports understands that the overall Champion Boy and Girl for 2016 Primary School Track & Field Classic were:
Male - Wiky Jeanty from Ona Glinton Primary
Female - Sayannah Escoe from Richmond Hill Preparatory
Taking up the coveted trophy was Oseta Jolly emerging victorious. The Following are the placements of the schools.
1 Oseta Jolly Primary School
2 Enid Capron Primary
3 Ianthe Pratt Primary
4 Ona Glinton Primary
5 Iris Stubbs
6 Richmond Hill Primary
7 Eliza Simons Primary
8 Charles Hubert James Primary
9 B.E.S.T Institute
10 Alpha Charistian Academy
11 Adelaide Oemler Academy
12 Community Christian Academy
13 Wesley Methodist
14 International
15 Doris Robinson
16 Holy Family (did not show)
The Department of Sports in partnership with the Education Department told RTC sports that they are in the planning stages now and would like to host these Classics next year so a team can be taken to the all age competition in Bahamas.
Thanks were also extended to the Officials, Coaches, Parents and teachers for preparing the athletes.
The Acting Director also extended her gratitude and thanks to the following:
TCIG Ministry of Education, Youth Sports & Library Services
Department of Sports Staff Education Officers
TCI Amateur Athletic Association DDME
Mr. Calvin Williams Mr. Chad Stubbs
Mr. Gevellin Owens Mr. Phenel and crew
TCIG Public Works Department Ms Francis Rigby
Mrs. Racheal Taylor Caribbean Cruising
Mr. Godfrey Been Environment Health
TCI Customs Department Mr. Kerim Fulford
TCI Taxi Association Ms. Lorna O'Gilivie
TCIG GSServices Fortis Tci
Caicos Express Mrs Verneice Selver
Mrs. Lynn Smith Lime
PERDUE FOODS RECALL CHICKEN NUGGETS DUE TO CONTAMINATION
The Animal Health Service Division of the Department of Agriculture informed RTC News today that they are issuing an immediate recall for chicken nuggets (Applegate Farms brand only) imported by Graceway Trading.
The initial recall was issued by Perdue Foods LLC., a Gainesville, GA., establishment, for approximately 4,530 pounds of chicken nugget products (produced for Applegate Farms) that maybe contaminated with extraneous plastic materials.
The United States Department of Agriculture in a release say they have learnt that some of the recalled product was exported to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Animal Health Service Division is informing residents that if they have bought any of these products, not consume it but rather return it.
The Agriculture Department has ensured that all remaining product is removed from the shelves.
NIB Providenciales takes non-contributors to the Magistrate's court
The National Insurance Board pursue delinquent contributors in the courts.
1. On March 16th 2016, Kerlin Smith of Central Security Services were scheduled to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court for sentencing after pleading guilty to complaints for failing to pay nis contributions and additional charges as an employer in the amount of $10,064.46. The matter was adjourned for Friday April 8th 2016.
2. Wayne Hall of Ocean Vibes were scheduled to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court to answer to a complaint filed by the NIB for obstructing an NIB compliance officer in the lawful execution of her duty. Mr. Hall failed to appear and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The matter was adjourned for Friday April 8th 2016.
3. Also, Romeo “Ron” Higgs were scheduled to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court for to answer to an application for judgment summons filed by the NIB for the levying of $1,700.00 and a writ of execution also filed by the NIB for the levying of $4,100.00. Both matters were adjourned for Friday April 8th 2016.
4. On March 16th 2016, Lofton Morley appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court to answer to an application for judgment summons filed by the NIB for the levying of $400.00. Mr. Morley was ordered to pay to the NIB $400.00 by April 15th 2016. Morley also appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court for to answer to an application for a writ of execution filed by the NIB for the levying of $2,400.00. Mr. Morley was ordered to pay to the NIB $2,400.00 by June 15th 2016.
6. Hartwell Smith was scheduled to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court for to answer to an application for judgment summons filed by the NIB for the levying of $13,684.66. The matter was adjourned for Friday April 8th 2016.