Two men assisting the Police with attempted Robbery Incident
Two men, 28 and 32 years old are in Police Custody assisting investigators with an attempted robbery incident which was reported on Sunday 7th February 2016 at a business establishment in the Bight.
One of the men who was at the time masked and armed with a handgun entered the building and ordered patrons to put up their hands when a struggle ensued. The security officer and patrons were able to disarm the gunman.
The suspect, however, managed to flee the scene before police arrived leaving behind the handgun and a quantity of live ammunition. They were handed over to the Police.
A crime scene was established, and investigations are ongoing.
We always welcome and thank the public for their assistance but advice to be extremely cautious when thinking about confronting criminals with weapons most especially firearms as you might be putting your life in imminent danger or harm.
Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 941-8067 or National Crime and Intelligence Bureau (NCIB) via email ncib@tcipolice.tc 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.
Flow Football App Subscribers Can Win Tickets to UK Premier League Match
As if having all their favourite football action on one exciting app was not enough, C&W communications - operator of the Flow and LIME brands - is now giving fans an opportunity to see a UK Premiere League match of their choice.
Any subscriber who downloads the Flow Football App is eligible to win a complete prize package which includes: two tickets to a Premier League match of choice, return airline tickets to the UK, three-night hotel accommodation, as well as US$500 spending money. The competition runs from now through to February 29, 2016.
In announcing the competition, John Reid, President of C&W’s consumer group, who has been leading the brand transformation across the Caribbean, had this to say, “I can’t think of a more opportune time to be a Flow/LIME consumer, as we continuously roll out innovative products and services all focused on providing a unique and unparalleled experience for our customers”.
Over the past year, the Company has unveiled an exciting and unrivaled suite of customer-centric products catering to the sports enthusiasts, the binge-watching TV viewers, ‘app loving techies’, and even special education apps. As such, customers now have access to an array of applications including the Flow Football App; Flow To Go where customers can access content to smart devices and phones; the Wikipedia app which gives access to the popular search engine free of cost, and the Start Screen App to help mobile users make the most of their hand held devices.
Reid explained that the latest move is designed to reward loyal customers, while recognising that in a digital age, customers are increasingly accessing content on multiple devices. He added, “In 2015 when we were awarded the exclusive audio distribution rights for the Barclays Premier League across the Caribbean, we were able to give our customers access to the latest sports news, transfer activity and live streaming of every BPL match. Based on the number of downloads to date, it is obvious that customers love this service and we want to recognise that passion with an unforgettable experience for the lucky winner.”
For this latest move, customers have to simply download the Flow Football App, click on the advertising banner promoting the competition, enter name and contact details as requested and then confirmation will be provided. Announcement of the winners will take place on March 1, 2016. The prize must be claimed before April 1, 2016. The prizes are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Winners must have valid travel documents i.e. passport, visa (where applicable) for entry to the UK.
The competition is open to Flow/LIME mobile customers from 13 C&W Mobile markets. These are Jamaica, Barbados, Cayman, Anguilla, Antigua, BVI, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Turks & Caicos.
Machel heads for hat-trick
Machel Montano looks set to win the Road March title for the third consecutive year with “Waiting on the Stage”. If Montano wins today, as the choice of music used to cross the Adam Smith Square stage in Woodbrook suggests, this would be the first time the soca superstar has been able to win the Road March in three consecutive years. Montano has already copped seven Road March victories.
In the years 2006 and 2007, with “Band of the Year” with Patrice Roberts and “Jumbie” and then later in 2011 and 2012 with “Advantage” and “Pump your Flag”, Montano was able to claim back-to-back Road March wins. However, he has not as yet been able to complete a Road March hat-trick.
It now seems like the third time will be the charm for Montano.
Source- Joel Julien of Trinidad Express
Devon Seale is 2016 Calypso Monarch
Devon Seale delivered two masterful performances to be crowned the 2016 Calypso Monarch at Sunday's Dimanche Gras at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain.
After filling the runner-up berth last year, Seale up the ante with “Respect God's Voice” and “Spirit of Carnival” to beat a strong field of contenders.
On what could best be described as the night the younger generation schooled the old bards, Helon Francis, 22, the 2016 Young King Calypso Monarch, who was making his first appearance at the Savannah's “Big Yard”, took second while two-time defending monarch Roderick “Chucky” Gordon was third.
In “Respect God's Voice” which was directed at former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Seale reminder her that she was fond of saying Vox Populi, Vox Dei –the voice of the people is the voice of God. He tells her that the people made their choice by voting her out of office at the last election so she should respect that decision and not be a sore loser.
It won him the loudest show of appreciation from the audience, whose applauding and whistles of approval could be heard long after he had left the stage.
In round two Seale's delivery of “Spirit of Carnival” was also well received.
Taking the stage dressed as a blue devil with his body painted as if in preparation for Jouvert and accompanied by an entourage of jab jab, he served up a tongue-in-cheek ditty about artistes of old singing a 'party song' in the second round of the Dimanche Gras as there was an unspoken rule that no one would get pong in the second round.
Nowadays however, he said, in the second round is lecture like we in some class while good, good soca kicking brass.
He sings, “Why must I sing bout Kamla, why she like masala or the PP bacchanal
Although I love meh picong songs in the second round…spirit of carnival,
People want to, jump, and they want to, wave
Spread their wings and break away
People want to, wine, and they want to, grind
Because in two hours is Jouvert
With the hot and sweaty jab jab, stink and dutty jab jab, kicking off the festival
The second round too boring, look at people snoring…spirit of carnival.”
His delivery definitely broke the series of political commentary that graced the Savannah and it probably swayed the judges' decision in his favour.
Francis was impressive in his first Dimanche Gras appearance with his smooth delivery of “Paradise” and “Real Bandits”, showing that he's one for the future while Gordon was his consistent self in performing “”Fixing Time” and “It Eh Go Wuk”.
Karene Asche, another of the young crop of calypsonians and who copped the crown in 2011, rounded out the top four with two solid renditions of “Bring Back The Love” and “The Politics Of Spite.”
Seale took home one million dollars for his winning effort with Francis, Gordon and Asche, picking up $500,000, $250,000 and $150,000, respectively.
Full results
1. Devon Seale – “Respect God's Voice”/”Spirit Of Carnival
2. Helon Francis – “Paradise”/”Real Bandits”
3. Roderick “Chucky” Gordon – “Fixing Time”/”It Eh Go Wuk”
4. Karene Asche – “Bring Back The Love”/”The Politics Of Spite”
5. Selvon “Mistah Shak” Noel – “Generation Next”/”#HYSM”
6. Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool – “The Bad Road”/”When Trini Get Vex”
7. Heather Mc Intosh – “By Other Men's Fault”/”The Headquarters”
8. Victoria “Queen Victoria” Cooper-Rahim – “More Hope”/”The Aftershock”
9. Winston “Gypsy” Peters – “Too Many”/”Ship Of State”
10. Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins – “Advice To The Boss”/”Ah Feel It For Gayle”
11. Carlos “Skatie” James – “Jus Come Chinee”/”Back On Track”
12. Marsha Davis “Lady Adanna” Clifton – “Murder A Day”/”My Music”
Source- Daily News By Donstan Bonn
WEATHER AND MARINE FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH PRESSURE CONTINUES TO CREATE FRESH BREEZES OVER THE BAHAMAS
NORTHWEST/CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: CLOUDY AND BREEZY
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT
WINDS: WEST NORTH WEST /NORTH NORTH WEST 15/20KTS
SEAS: 4/6FT IN MODERATE NORTHERLY SWELL
TURKS AND CAICOS
WEATHER: CLOUDY WITH A SHOWER OR TWO
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT
WINDS: NORTH NORTH WEST/NORTH NORTH EAST 15/25KTS
SEAS: 6/9FT IN MOD NORTHERLY SWELL
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 73°F 23°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 59°F 15°C
SUNRISE: 6:47 AM MOONSET: 8:24 PM LOW TIDE: 3:14 PM
SUNSET: 6:01 PM MOONRISE: 8:57 AM HIGH TIDE: 9:18 PM
WEATHER OUTLOOK: CONTINUING BREEZY AND MILD TOMORROW
Training Workshop for Teachers and Library Assistants
A training workshop was held for Teachers and Library Assistants on Grand Turk and Providenciales during the week of January 18 - 22, 2016.
This week of training was very significant as it marked the first time in many years that staff and teachers were exposed to training targeted at the development of library skills, library programs and helping teachers to raise an interest in reading among very young children.
One of the key objective were to expose school teachers to the benefits and techniques of incorporating Public Library resources into their classroom and learning exercises. The workshop heightened awareness to libraries as a critical partner in education. Attending teachers found the training to be very useful and enlightening.
The library assistants were exposed to skills training and that portion of the workshop was intended to increase their skill level to enable an acceptable standard of services and operations throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The facilitators for the workshop were Mrs. Winsome Hudson, National Library of Jamaica and Mrs. Grace Spence, former Librarian at Jamaica Library Service. A special thanks to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services and the Deputy Governor's Office, major sponsors of this program.
"The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to have funded this program through the Professional Development Budget which was created in the 2015/2016 Budget to focus particularly on providing in depth training and skills development programs to departments across government," said Deputy Governor Anya Williams.
"As the Ministry of Education seeks to redevelop and improve its library services across the islands, this training program will be of great assistance to this work. Congratulations to all attendees."
Joining in extending congratulations was the Minister responsible for Library services Honorable Akierra Missick; "As Minister I envision a well-staffed, highly professional library service which caters for the reading needs of all and the Development of staff is one strategy we are using.
"I commend the staff for taking up this initiative and I know this will motivate staff members to do further studies in Library Services. We congratulate all the participants, the acting librarian and all who made this training a success."
CDEMA participates in 2nd Humanitarian Networks and Partnership
In efforts to further the region's capacity in providing humanitarian assistance to affected Participating States of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the region's institution with responsibility for disaster risk management participated in the second annual meeting of the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW).
The event was held under the theme 'Effective Preparedness and Response' from February 1st - 4th, 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose of the event was to provide a platform for networks and partnerships to explore ways to strengthen their interoperability, and to improve their cooperation in areas of common interest. As co-chairs of the Consultative Group, the Department for International Development (DFID UK) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) led the event.
CDEMA's representative, Joanne Persad, Programme Manager Preparedness and Response participated in the week's activities on behalf of the region. She participated in the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) sessions as the Regional Focal Point.
"Some of the key issues being addressed at the regional level include the development of regional and national search and rescue capacity, the damage assessment and needs analysis (DANA) continuum and building interoperability among national, regional and international networks towards strengthening of the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) managed by the CDEMA", said Persad.
The HNPW brought operational and service-oriented response and preparedness networks together on the basis of shared, practical challenges that cannot be solved by any singular network or organization. The forum enabled participants to inspire and learn from one another, compelled networks to explore new and innovative approaches to perennial challenges and facilitated the development of collective solutions and the mobilization of shared resources towards these ends.
Building on the success of the first HNPW, the second annual meeting brought together 825 representatives from several emergency preparedness and response networks supported by UNOCHA's Emergency Services Branch including national institutions, regional organizations, research and academic institutions, NGOs, UN agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and the private sector.
Gastroenteritis cases discovered in North Caicos
For the past seven days the Ministry of Health, Agriculture & Human Services has noticed a significant amount of Gastroenteritis cases in North Caicos especially among school age children.
The Environmental Health Officer has conducted a number of educational sessions with the teachers and student of the affected schools and has advised the principle on the necessary requirements for cleaning and sanitizing of the school.
Samples were taken for testing to identify the underlying cause.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services reminds everyone to practice personal hygiene and sanitation during this winter season.
Norovirus is a contagious virus often referred to as the stomach flu; however it is more severe and is highly infectious.
The bug causes stomach inflammation with vomiting and diarrhea.
Norovirus is spread by:
• Direct contact with an infected person
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects
• Ingestion of contaminated foods or liquids
These viruses can infect anyone at any age once or more during a lifespan. The illness often begins suddenly and is usually not serious. Most people feel better within 1¬ to 2 days. However, this illness can be serious in young children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.
Symptoms of norovirus infection usually include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps. Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Bodily fluids lost from vomiting or diarrhoea may cause mild to severe dehydration. These fluids can be replaced by drinking lots of liquids or oral rehydration solution. Severe dehydration, which can be life threatening, requires immediate medical attention.
To prevent the spread of germs and infections, the Ministry of Health and Human Services encourages everyone to:
• Wash your hands properly and frequently especially after using the toilet and changing a diaper and before eating and preparing foods. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Note: hand sanitizer is not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water.
• Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook shellfish thoroughly before eating them.
• Keep your environment clean and surfaces disinfected with a bleach and water solution.
• Avoid sick persons. If caring for a sick person, keep them isolated, clean and disinfect contaminated areas and thoroughly wash soiled laundry.
To this end the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services advises all parents and Guardians of children experiencing Gastroenteritis not to be alarm, the Environmental Health Department on North Caicos is working with the schools to ensure that the required deep cleaning is conducted.
GraceKennedy Money Services Being Expanded Into Turks & Caicos Islands
GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) of the GraceKennedy Group and authorized agent of Western Union is expanding operations into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The new addition would bring GraceKennedy to serving as Western Union’s agent in 11 countries across the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, and the most recent addition, the Cayman Islands. The Cayman islands saw four services centres open in November last year.
“This expansion is aligned with GraceKennedy’s strategic vision of becoming a Global Consumer Group delivering long term consumer and shareholder value, through brand building and innovative solutions in food and financial services, provided by highly skilled and motivated people,” GraceKennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby, said. “With two and a half decades of expertise in the money services industry, we look forward to meeting the needs of customers in the Turks & Caicos Islands.”
Chief Executive Officer of GKMS Michelle Allen said the computer would also continue its investment in robust compliance systems, which are critical to its business.
Caribbean Performance & Outlook Study Shows Tourism
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has released the results of its first annual Industry Performance and Outlook survey, indicating a cautious, but positive period as reported by the region's hospitality and tourism industry stakeholders. The growth in occupancies and revenue stimulated job growth and increased capital expenditures by hoteliers throughout the region.
The majority of respondents indicate a strong to moderate performance throughout 2015 with optimistic forecasts for 2016 despite prevalent concerns over profitability due to increased costs outpacing average daily rate (ADR) growth in a globally competitive industry.
"The good news is that hotel occupancies and average daily rates increased in 2015 for the majority of hotels, and employment has grown along with it. On the flip side, hotels identified high operating and air travel costs as major growth deterrents which continue to plague the industry as it struggles to compete for markets that are unwilling to bear significant rate increases," said Frank Comito, CEO and Director General of CHTA.
More than 50% of hoteliers reported increases in occupancy and ADR in 2015, while more than 92% reported employment rates at the same level or greater than 2014, demonstrating a positive impact on Caribbean economies.
A more positive cash flow is also resulting in greater investments, with more than 68% of hoteliers reporting an increase in capital expenditure. "These investments have broader economic reach, as hotel expenditures for construction, supplies and materials stimulate greater local spending, positively impacting local businesses, extended employment and additional tax revenue.
Despite the upside and a positive outlook for 2016, approximately 67% of hotels reported a net profit in 2015 compared to 33% reporting a net loss. High operating costs and competitive constraints on raising ADR are the primary contributors to the profitability challenge facing one-third of the reporting hotels.
Despite increased costs in operations, nearly 74% of those polled indicated a fair or positive outlook for 2016 with only 26% responding negatively.