T&T, Haiti and Bermuda taste defeat in Women’s U-17 Qualifiers
Caribbean sides found the going tough when the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers continued on Monday night, with Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and Bermuda all losing their respective matches.
Playing at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad, the home side was blanked 3-0 by the United States.
After a goalless first half, USA’s Ashlyn Anderson got the breakthrough in the 63rd minute after capitalising on a loose ball inside the box.
Micayla Johnson then doubled their lead 15 minutes later with a close range finish, before Chloe Sadler’s 90th minute strike sealed the deal for the visitors.
At the Mini Estadio de la Federación Mexicana de Fútbol in Toluca, Mexico, Haiti were demolished 8-0 by Costa Rica, with Lucia Paniagua netting a hat-trick.
Veronica Solano opened the scoring for Costa Rica in the 19th minute, finishing inside the penalty area after capitalizing on a delivery from the right flank, before Paniagua scored back-to-back goals in the 19th and 27th minutes with two precise left-footed finishes to the back post to make it 3-0.
Costa Rica then struck twice in added time to go into the half leading 5-0, thanks to Fabiana Arguello and Paniagua, which helped her secure a first half hat-trick.
With the contest all but over, Raquel Recio got her name onto the scoresheet in the 61st minute, with Nubia Medina (71′) and Alisha Lindo (84’) completing the demolition.
Meanwhile, Bermuda also suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Mexico at the same venue.
The home side opened the scoring with two quick goals in the 15th and 16th minutes, courtesy of strikes from Citlalli Reyes and Joselyn Solis respectively.
In similar fashion, Anaiya Miyazato and Valeria Vázquez netted back-to-back goals in the 50th and 52nd minutes to extend Mexico’s lead, before Mia Villalpando closed out the win with the final goal for Mexico in stoppage time.
Source-CMC
ARJAH RIGBY APPOINTED THE FIRST PARALEGAL IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS
The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Arjah Rigby as the first Paralegal in the Turks and Caicos Islands Attorney General's Chambers.
Ms. Rigby holds a Bachelor of Law with a minor in International Relations from the University of Sussex in Brighton, England, which she obtained in 2022.
Ms. Rigby's dedication to the legal profession allowed her to further her education and training as she is currently pursuing a Master of Laws from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Amid her studies, Ms. Rigby actively participated in significant legal projects, including the CLOCK Project and Support Through Court, which assist Litigants In Person. Additionally, she took part in a public speaking initiative for Support Through Court at the 2023 Family Law Conference in Manchester, England, helping the charity secure funding from various donors.
Before returning home to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Ms. Rigby was employed as a Consumer Contact Adviser with Citizen's Advice Bureau in Manchester, England, from October 2022 to March 2023, where she advised clients on Consumer-based legislation, principles, and practical guidance, which offered solutions to client's consumer related issues. She began her tenure with the Public Service from March 2024 to January 2025 at the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions, where she served as the Personal Secretary to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
On the appointment, Ms. Rigby stated, "I do not take this appointment lightly; it is an honour to serve as the first Paralegal appointed within the Attorney General's Chambers. This role provides me with the opportunity to engage with the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands and contribute to strengthening our Civil Litigation Division through dedicated legal assistance. I am fully committed to serving to the best of my ability and leaving a lasting impact within the Chambers. My dedication to professional growth fuels my ambition to one day serve as Crown Counsel. Jeremiah 29:11 serves as my security blanket: 'For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' This scripture reminds me to keep moving forward, embracing every opportunity with faith and gratitude; prominent words coined by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, 'Forward ever, backwards never.' I extend my heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty, my family and colleagues for their unwavering support and encouragement."
Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles commented, "Ms. Rigby is a trailblazer, and her experience and expertise will add tremendous value to the work of our busy civil litigation division. She has embraced the opportunity with open arms and has the right disposition to make it a successful turn and to advance even further in the legal profession. We are grateful to Ms. Rigby for her enthusiasm and determination to work as part of a team in achieving the desired goals. Many congratulations on this historic appointment!"
Meanwhile, in congratulatory remarks, H. E. Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, stated, "Congratulations to Ms. Arjah Rigby on her appointment as the first Paralegal in the Attorney General's Chambers. Your appointment is not just a personal achievement but a significant moment in our legal profession. Your commitment to legal advocacy is very inspiring and your achievements thus far reflect the future of our legal profession. I have every confidence that you will excel in this role and eagerly anticipate the positive contributions you will bring to the Attorney General's Chambers and the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole.
Congratulations Ms Rigby, on your new appointment and welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service. "
US federal court blocks Trump’s termination of TPS for Venezuelan migrants
A United States federal court has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to strip hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) while the case moves forward.
The San Diego, California-based immigrant advocacy group, Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), who, among others, represented the plaintiffs in the case, said US District Court Judge Ed Chen’s ruling protects about 350,000 Venezuelan TPS holders who were set to lose their work authorization on April 3 and deportation protections on April 7.
“As a result, they will instead retain the humanitarian protections while the case proceeds,” Guerline Jozef, HBA’s executive director, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CM).
In his 78-page ruling, Judge Chen ruled that the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) action threatens to inflict irreparable harm on hundreds of thousands of persons whose lives, families, and livelihoods will be severely disrupted, cost the United States billions in economic activity, and injure public health and safety in communities throughout the United States.
“At the same time, the government has failed to identify any real countervailing harm in continuing TPS for Venezuelan beneficiaries,” he added.
The judge also sided with plaintiffs in finding that “they will likely succeed in demonstrating that the actions taken by the DHS are unauthorized by law, arbitrary and capricious, and motivated by unconstitutional animus.”
The coordinator of the National TPS Alliance, Jose Palma, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said that, “in the face of adversity, we stand united.
“Today’s victory is not just a legal win, but a testament to the strength of the TPS community and all who fight alongside us. We will continue this fight with unwavering resolve, not only to protect the future of 350,000 Venezuelans, but to defend all TPS Holders in this country.
“Together, we will ensure that the voices of those who seek safety and opportunity are heard, and that no one is unjustly torn from their families,” Palma said.
A Venezuelan TPS holder and plaintiff who was due to lose her TPS protection in days, who wants to be identified only as M.H., said “my daughter and I rely on TPS to live here.
“Without TPS, I would risk being separated from my husband and young son, both of whom are US citizens. I am beyond elated to know that the judge has granted protection while we continue this fight to protect my family and hundreds of thousands of others.”
HBA said the suit argues that DHS violated the Administrative Procedure Act as DHS failed to follow necessary rules in reaching its decisions.
“Until now, no administration had ever moved to rescind a grant of TPS protection,” Jozef said, adding that the suit also challenges the termination as “unconstitutionally motivated by racial animus.
“DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump have consistently used racist tropes to dehumanize nonwhite immigrants, including in announcing the challenged decisions,” Jozef said, noting that the court order recognised that the DHS’s rationale for terminating TPS for Venezuelans was baseless.
Judge Chen wrote that the DHS’s rationae is entirely lacking in evidentiary support, adding that “for example, there is no evidence that Venezuelan TPS holders are members of the (Tren de Aragua) gang, have connections to the gang, and/or commit crimes.
“Venezuelan TPS holders have lower rates of criminality than the general population. Generalization of criminality to the Venezuelan TPS population as a whole is baseless and smacks of racism predicated on generalized false stereotypes.”
Besides HBA, Jozef said the plaintiffs are represented by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), the ACLU Foundations of Northern California and Southern California and the Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP) at UCLA School of Law.
“We are pleased that the court has taken this important step to protect Venezuelan TPS holders pending a final decision,” said Ahilan Arulanantham, faculty co-director of CILP.
“The court’s decision provides a crucial protection against mass deportations for a population that this administration has singled out for extreme vilification.”
Attorney Jessica Bansal, said Venezuelan TPS holders, like all TPS holders, are living and working lawfully in this country pursuant to a humanitarian programme created by Congress 30 years ago.
“Today’s decision to pause the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to strip them of protection provides them and their families with much-needed relief.”
Emi MacLean, an attorney with the ACLU Foundation of Northern California, said the court’s ruling “affirms that Secretary Noem breached the boundaries of DHS authority.
“Judge Chen’s decision today recognizes the critical role of TPS, protecting people who cannot safely return to their home countries. This humanitarian protection cannot be stripped away from hundreds of thousands of people for illegitimate pretextual reasons”.
HBA attorney Eric Crew said: this is a win for the rule of law.
“It’s a win for Venezuelan TPS holders, for Haitian TPS holders, and for all people who want to be able to rely on the promises the US makes,” he added.
Last Monday, Judge Chen heard a challenge from a group of Caribbean TPS holders against what they described as the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of TPS humanitarian relief.
Individual Venezuelan and Haitian TPS holders are asking the court to Trump’s decision to end protections by April 2, while the case moves through the courts.
HBA warned that 250,000 Venezuelan TPS holders and 500,000 Haitian TPS holders risk losing their protected status this summer as a result of Trump’s actions.
Source-CMC
Sprint Legend Bolts Dad passes away
Usain Bolt was plunged into mourning on Monday when his father, Wellesley, died.
Sources close to the family confirmed his passing, adding that he had been ailing for a while.
His passing would be particularly painful to the world’s fastest man as he had a very close bond with his parents.
Wellesley was often seen in the stands, along with wife Jennifer, as they supported their son during his rise to global stardom.
When Bolt won his first Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, setting the then 100 metres world record of 9.69 seconds, his father was watching from home while his mother was in the stands.
"It was a tense moment for me,” he was reported as saying at the time, adding that he was not fond of flying. “So I wasn’t there for the 100.”
However, Bolt’s sponsor at the time, Digicel, convinced Wellesley to travel to Beijing for the 200 metres, but the race was being run when he was in the air and he missed his son capturing another gold and smashing the world record.
Since then, he never missed a major race in which his son competed.
Wellesley Bolt operated a shop in the family’s home district of Sherwood Content, Trelawny, for 15 years up to 2017. Prior to that he worked at the coffee board for 16 years.
Despite his son’s success, Wellesley and his wife opted to remain at their house in Sherwood Content and were reported to have been very generous to residents, giving away as many products as were sold at the shop.
“I need something to occupy my time so I don’t get lazy,” Wellesley was quoted as saying in one interview. “As parents, we are proud of him, but we don’t think it is fair for us to be acting over the head of various people in the community.”
Reacting to news of his passing, Sports Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange remembered Wellesley as a passionate and supportive figure.
Wellesley and his wife Jennifer were the picture of a loving and supportive family who were always there for their son, Usain,” Grange said.
“I found Mr Bolt to be an exceptional and passionate father who was invested in the success of his family. He was the strength of his family. I offer my sincerest condolence to Jennifer, Usain, and the rest of the Bolt family on the passing of Wellesley, or Gideon as he was so affectionately called by friends and neighbours in Trelawny,” said Grange.
Carole Beckford, who was the legendary sprinter’s publicist through 2012, described Wellesley as a happy man who enjoyed a good outing.
“He supported his son’s pursuit of his dreams and was as involved with him as much as he could. We had good times on road trips, and when we visited him, he always made us feel comfortable. May he rest in eternal peace,” Beckford said.
Source- Jamaica Observer
Hundreds feared dead as quake hits Thailand & Myanmar
Workers are feared trapped following the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Thailand's capital.
A 7.7 magnitude quake struck in neighbouring Myanmar on Friday at a depth of 10km, followed by a strong aftershock, according to the US Geological Survey.
Workers can be seen fleeing the scene in the Chatuchak neighbourhood.
Elsewhere in the city, crowds rushed onto the streets in panic as buildings swayed and water cascaded over from rooftop pools.
US stocks tick up in 1st trading since Trump's auto tariffs announced
U.S. stocks ticked higher on Thursday in the first trading since President Donald Trump announced 25% auto tariffs.
The tariffs have escalated a global trade war and prompted forecasts of higher car prices.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 20 points, or 0.05%, while the S&P 500 increased 0.25% on Thursday morning. The tech-heavy Nasdaq jumped 0.25%.
Shares of major U.S. automakers dropped in early trading. General Motors dropped more than 6%, while Ford fell nearly 2%. Stellantis — the parent company of Jeep and Chrysler — declined 1%.
The 25% tariffs will be applied to imported passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, minivans, cargo vans and light trucks, according to a White House fact sheet released Wednesday. The tariffs will take effect on April 3.
The tariffs will also be applied to key imported auto parts, including engines, powertrain parts and electrical components.
Source-ABC
Musk says Tesla not immune from tariffs as car firms hit
A day after US President Donald Trump said he would hit foreign cars and car parts with a new import tax of 25%, many of the world's biggest automakers appeared stunned into silence as they took in a move expected to wreak havoc across the industry.
Investors sold off carmakers' shares in Japan, Germany and the UK on Thursday, wiping billions of value off names such as Toyota, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover.
Firms in America were some of the hardest hit, with General Motors down more than 7%.
Shares in Tesla, which is known for its US factories and whose boss Elon Musk is one of Trump's biggest donors and closest advisers, were notably spared from the hit, ending the day flat.
But Musk warned that even his company would not be immune from the tariff disruption.
"Important to note that Tesla is NOT unscathed here," Musk wrote on social media. "The cost impact is not trivial."
Tesla's Model Y, which topped Cars.com's 2024 index of American-made cars for the third year running, only sources 70% of its parts from the US, according to Patrick Masterson, lead researcher for the list.
"The major takeaway I think people should know about this is no vehicle is 100% US-made," he said.
"The consumer is going to feel it across the board and I really don't think that any automaker is going to be spared from this, Tesla included."
According to Macquarie, the latest tariffs could affect roughly $300bn—$400bn in imports, depending on what parts are affected by the order. That amounts to almost 10% of everything the US brings into the country each year.
It is expected to push up prices by roughly $4,000 to $12,000, depending on the vehicle.
TCI Weather Forecast
GENERAL SITUATION: Multi-layered troughing over the Turks and Caicos Islands is leading to increased cloud cover and increased chance of showers and thunderstorms later today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: THERE IS A MARGINAL TO SLIGHT RISK OF ISOLATED STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TONIGHT.
WEATHER: Partly to mostly cloudy with a low (20 percent) chance of showers or isolated thunderstorm this afternoon, then a medium (40 percent) chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms tonight.
New total rainfall accumulation of about a quarter of an inch.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots, shifting northeast to east at 5 to 10 knots tonight
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet, Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet, Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 6 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 88°F 31°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 77°F 25°C
SUNSET: 7:01 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 01:01 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 06:53 PM (2.3 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The surface trough will move across the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday, bringing periods of shower activity. By Friday, high pressure will build over the region, tightening the pressure gradient and generating strong to near-gale force winds and rough seas into next week.
THURSDAY: A medium (40 percent) chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms in the morning, then a low (30 percent) chance of showers in the afternoon. Partly to mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
THURSDAY NIGHT: A medium (40 percent) chance of scattered showers overnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
ADVISORY: A small craft caution is in effect during the day and a small craft advisory comes into effect in the evening.
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet, Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet, Atlantic Offshore – 3 to 6 feet
SUNRISE: 06:45 AM
SUNSET: 7:02 PM
LOW TIDE: 01:02 AM (0.7 FT) 01:46 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 07:23 AM (3.0 FT) 07:47 PM (2.6 FT)
FRIDAY: A medium (50 percent) chance of scattered showers in the morning through the afternoon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 85.
FRIDAY NIGHT: A medium (40 percent) chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect.
WINDS: Northeast to east at 15 to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 to 5 feet, Atlantic Nearshore – 4 to 6 feet, Atlantic Offshore – 6 to 8 feet, increasing to 7 to 10 feet in northeasterly to easterly swell in the evening.
SUNRISE: 6:45 AM
SUNSET: 7:02 PM
LOW TIDE: 02:00 AM (0.7 FT) 02:29 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 08:10 AM (3.0 FT) 08:38 PM (3.0 FT)
MASTERING INTERVIEWING AND NETWORKING SKILLS: A TRANSFORMATIVE WORKSHOP
The Recruitment Group’s founder, Mrs Melanie Smith, a renowned career coach and talent development consultant, recently led a dynamic workshop on ‘mastering interviewing and networking skills’ for the participants of the 2025 TCI Top Model Contest. Designed to equip aspiring professionals with essential career-building techniques, the session provided invaluable insights into how to navigate interviews, build meaningful connections, and position oneself for success.
Mrs Smith emphasised the crucial role of interviews, not just as a means of securing opportunities but as a powerful platform for individuals to showcase their skills, confidence, and value. She also highlighted the importance of networking, stressing that staying visible, fostering key relationships, and making meaningful connections are just as vital as acing an interview.
The session was highly interactive, with participants engaging in hands-on exercises that focused on crafting and delivering compelling personal introductions, developing networking strategies to build authentic connections, and participating in mock interview sessions to enhance confidence and communication. They also learnt techniques for mastering responses to common interview questions, as well as the importance of professional etiquette, including being prepared, showing up on time, and dressing for success.
Using examples from well-known figures in acting, modelling, and business, Mrs Smith challenged participants to define their personal brand, identify their unique selling points, and refine how they present themselves to the world.
While the workshop was tailored to fashion and modelling professionals, the lessons extended far beyond the industry, equipping attendees with practical, lifelong skills applicable across various careers.
Reflecting on the session, The Recruitment Group’s founder shared: "Success in any field requires confidence, preparation, and the ability to connect with the right people. This training is about equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to stand out, communicate effectively, and create opportunities for themselves."
Mrs Smith went on to add: “I hope this experience was both insightful and transformative, allowing participants to refine their interview techniques, build confidence, and develop the networking skills necessary to showcase their personal brand in a professional setting. At The Recruitment Group, we remain committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies they need to thrive in their careers.”
Courtney Robinson, Executive Producer of the TCI Top Model Contest, emphasised the importance of these skills in the fashion industry, stating that models today must possess personality, presence, and a strong sense of self. He noted that they need to not only command the room but also navigate it effortlessly with confidence. “From go-sees to industry meetings and exclusive events, models must be open to meeting new people, engaging in meaningful conversations, and effectively networking to secure brand opportunities,” Robinson said that first impressions, personality and being able to communicate effectively matter and that being prepared to present one’s best self is key to a model’s success.
TCI Top Model launches on Saturday, 26th April 2025, at The Spa at The Palms Resort, Grace Bay, Providenciales – under the theme ‘Beauty Personified’. Following on from there, the 2025 TCI Top Model Contest – En Vogue will be hosted on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, at Brayton Hall in Providenciales. For both events, tables and tickets go on sale Friday, 28th March 2025.
T20 World Cup a resounding success for Caribbean
Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dr Kishore Shallow said the 2024 T20 World Cup, which was co-hosted by the West Indies, brought “unparalleled success” to the region in generating US$1.66 billion.
The tournament, which was also co-hosted by the USA from June 1 to 29, was the ninth edition and saw 20 teams compete in 55 matches across six venues in the Caribbean and the USA.
It was the second time the West Indies hosted the prestigious competition, having previously done so in 2010.
According to an independent Economic Impact Assessment conducted by the ICC and Nielson Sports, almost every sector benefited from the financial impact.
Barbados, which hosted group matches, as well as fixtures in the Super 8 and the final, led the way by generating US$426.4 million, followed by St Vincent and the Grenadines (US$224.8 million), Saint Lucia (US$132.5 million), Antigua & Barbuda (US$114 million), Guyana (US$76.7 million) and Trinidad and Tobago (US$68.9 million).
In his address, Dr Shallow said the statistics showed the importance of sports to the region and the need for proper infrastructure and world-class facilities.
“No doubt this tournament was more than just a sporting event.
“It was a transformative moment for our region, solidifying the Caribbean’s position not only as the heartbeat of the world of cricket, but also as a hub for economic growth, tourism and global investment,” Dr Shallow, who was recently elected unopposed for his second consecutive term said.
“The independent Economic Impact Assessment conducted by the ICC and Nielson Sports paints a compelling picture. This World Cup injected an astonishing US$1.66 billion into the economies of the host nations, directly benefitting businesses, workers and communities across the Caribbean.
“In an era where economic resilience is more critical than ever, this event served as a beacon of possibility, showcasing the power of sports, the power of cricket, to drive tangible, lasting economic progress,” he further added.
Dr Shallow disclosed that US$174.3 million was generated through accommodation; US$116.1 million was generated by food and beverage sales; retail and tourism generated US$133.7 million, and transportation and flights generated US$124.5 million.
Additionally, the multiplier effect was estimated at US$537.4 million generated in secondary spending, while future tourism impact was projected at US$36.6 million
Dr Shallow said the time had come for countries in the region to look for alternative ways of attracting revenue and investments.
“For far too long, our economies have been over-reliant on traditional industries and we have to seek avenues for diversification.
“This World Cup brought direct economic relief to thousands of people, with jobs created across multiple industries…”Dr Shallow said.
“This tournament has provided a blueprint for how sports can be leveraged as a strategic economic tool.”
Source-CMC