Cuba's Castro starts Russian visit
Cuban President Raul Castro has arrived in Moscow and was to hold meetings Wednesday on a visit that will see him participate in the Victory Day military parade May 9.
"He arrived yesterday," the Kremlin's press service told AFP.
The visit is Castro's third to Russia as head of state. He is the first invited leader to arrive ahead of grandiose celebrations marking 70 years since Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Castro will meet Russian leaders including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
He and Putin last met in July 2014, when Putin went to Cuba on his Latin American tour. This will be their first encounter since the historic rapprochement between the island's leftist leaders and the United States.
In March Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov went to Havana to reinforce Russia's demands for an end to the US blockade.
Castro will meet Medvedev Wednesday to discuss economic ties in spheres of energy, transportation and health, according to the government.
Russia and Cuba were allies during the Soviet era and Raul Castro visited the country dozens of times in his capacity as defence minister. Among those was a visit in 1962, when he agreed to the details of placing Soviet nuclear missiles on the island, which unleashed the Cuban missile crisis.
Source-AFP
CONSULTATION ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE RENEWAL STRATEGY
The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services welcomed Consultant Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, former Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Bahamas, to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) April 30th – May 3rd 2015, to assist in the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) National Primary Health Care Renewal Strategy. Strengthening the primary healthcare system is one of the five pillars identified in the 2006 Health Care Renewal Strategy.
Dr. Dahl-Regis, a native of Nassau, Bahamas, received her Bachelors of Science degree in Medicine at the University of the West Indies. In April 1997, she was appointed Chief Medical Officer, in the Ministry of Health, Nassau. In 2009, Dr. Dahl-Regis received the PAHO Award for Administration, which represented her contribution to health care management and research and to medical education in primary health care.
The purpose of Dr. Dahl-Regis’s visit to the TCI, was to guide the process of assessing the current primary healthcare system and assist in the development of a National Primary Health Care Renewal Strategy. Consultation was held with all health sector partners both public and private, to gain a better understanding of what works well within the current primary healthcare system and what changes are necessary to strengthen the system. The three (3) day visit was quite rewarding as it provided a clearer path on the way forward.
Following this consultancy the National Primary Health Care Renewal Strategy document will be developed, which will first be piloted in one of our Primary Health Care clinics, after which it will be fully implemented in all clinics here in the TCI.
Our goal is to strengthen primary health care programmes and services offered in the Turks and Caicos Islands and to encourage residents and visitors to promote health and disease prevention as well as access high quality health care at Primary Health Care clinics.
All Government Primary Health Care clinics offered free blood pressure and blood sugar screening.
MAKING TCI A MORE ATTRACTIVE TOURISM DESTINATION - "STILL MORE TO BE DONE" WARNS GOVERNOR
Speaking to the Hotel and Tourism Association on Tuesday, 5 May, the Governor, Peter Beckingham, cautioned that, despite the excellent tourism figures and recent award from TripAdvisor, there was still a lot of room to make The Turks and Caicos Islands a sustainable top destination in the Caribbean.
"The TripAdvisor award, and the record tourism figures are above all a tribute to everyone engaged in the tourism industry, from resort owners to cleaning staff. But no one should be under any doubt that the demands on us will get ever harder, and the competition tougher. We need to take a careful look" the Governor said "at both our internal procedures, as well as a number of measures which directly affect visitors. I am well aware that your industry is still not happy with all the workings of the work permit system. I hear too many cases of applications taking too long. I am pleased to hear, following a recent meeting with business, that the Ministry of Border Control still plans to improve the process".
The Governor also encouraged the tourism industry and Government to be bold in its decision making about alternative energy. "All the energy experts who visit TCI say that we must start to advance the use of alternative sources of energy. If not they say we will quickly get left behind by other Caribbean countries, not to mention the rest of the world, and be in a position where we price ourselves out of the market compared to countries like Aruba, which are way ahead of us in their use of alternative energy".
Finally the Governor encouraged the tourism industry and the Government to do even more to promote the family islands, and to be more welcoming than we are to visitors. "I am constantly struck" he said "by how seldom visitors get beyond Grace Bay. I can understand that the typical 3-4 day American visitor may not have the urge to travel after arriving in Providenciales. But Grand Turk and the other family islands need to receive a higher profile, and as a result get more visitors than the tiny proportion they receive of stay-over tourists.
I will be interested to see how the Tourism Board proposes to spend its increased budget this year. I also would like to see an even more welcoming approach to visitors at Providenciales airport. They are literally the lifeblood of the prosperity or otherwise of everyone in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The heads of the public service and government departments, as well as the management of the Airport Authority, need to be constantly asking themselves whether there are ways to make the TCI welcome better than it is. There is still some way to go."
Mental Health Department shares facts about Violence and Mental Illness
In light of recent media coverage which may depict persons with mental illnesses as unpredictable and dangerous, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence (DMHSD) wishes to inform the public that the vast majority of persons with mental illnesses do not pose a threat for violence towards themselves and others.
According to the Director, Dr. Alicia Malcolm, “while studies suggest a link between mental illnesses and violence, the contribution of people with mental illnesses to the overall rates of violence is still very small.”
Major determinants of violence continue to be socio-demographic and economic factors, including age, gender and low socio-economic bracket. Other factors that interact to produce violence also include substance abuse or dependence; a history of violence or physical abuse; and recent stressors such as losing a job, getting divorced, or being a victim of crime.
There is also an increased possibility that someone with a mental illness may be violent if they are not accessing mental health services or complying with treatment. Dr. Malcolm also explained, that for persons experiencing symptoms of a psychotic illnesses such as frightening hallucinations and delusions as well as paranoia, there is a small chance they may become violent when they are scared and misinterpret what is happening around them.
The Department is therefore advising the public that if you encounter a mentally ill person who appears to be aggressive or violent, maintain a calm demeanour and do not overreact, as this may cause the individual’s behaviour to escalate. Also, stay out of arms reach, avoid arguing or getting into a power struggle and call for help.
To family members and caregivers of mentally ill persons, encourage your love one to comply with their treatment regimen and follow-up regularly with their doctor. Also, immediately report any noticeable changes in their behaviour to a mental health professional.
Many persons with even the most serious of mental illnesses can and do recover. They can manage their conditions and go on to lead happy, healthy, productive lives.
As a community, we must embrace persons with mental illnesses for who they are — normal human beings experiencing a difficult time who need your open mind, caring attitude, and helpful support.
Remember, mental illness is not a choice and could happen to anybody.
For more information on caring for someone who is mentally ill or to receive post traumatic counselling, contact the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence.
National Health Sector Strategic Plan Consultancy, May 4th – May 8th
The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes Dr. Ramon Figueroa, Director of the Policy Analysis and Planning Unit, Ministry of Health, Belize and previous Health Systems and Services Advisor, PAHO/WHO, Barbados. Dr. Figueroa who holds a degree in Medicine and Master of Public Health is visiting the TCI 4th – 8th May, 2015 to assess the TCI Health Sector and to facilitate a National Health Sector Strategic Planning workshop with Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services leadership, Governments Departments and Health Sector stakeholders, 5th and 6th of May.
The National Health Sector Strategic Plan will build upon the five pillars established in the 2006 Health Care Renewal Strategy, which are to:
Improve the local delivery of secondary and tertiary care services by construction of two hospitals;
Upgrade the Primary Health Care system;
Develop a Healthy Lifestyles Initiative;
Establish a National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) as a health financing mechanism; and
Enact health sector regulatory mechanisms including the formation of a Health Regulatory Authority (HRA), which would govern and monitor many aspects of the healthcare delivery process.
The objectives of this consultation are to do the following:
Review and validate the strategic direction of the TCI health sector;
Discuss and analyse the health system structure so as to ensure it meets the defined goals of the TCI health sector;
Review and validate the vision, mission and core values of the TCI health sector;
Review proposed strategic objectives and develop medium term objectives (outcomes), define strategies to achieve these outcomes, and define indicators to monitor and evaluate achievements; and
Ensure the TCI Health Sector Strategic Plan is aligned and poised to achieve Universal Health Coverage overtime.
“The overarching goal is to lay the foundation for the development of a National Health Sector Strategic Plan in partnership with all key stakeholders that will guide the achievement of our vision of a healthier and empowered people at every stage of development in communities conducive to healthy living” stated Wesley Clerveaux, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and Human Services. “We encourage all persons in related fields to join us in welcoming Dr Ramon Figueroa.”
Delano Williams helps Team GB to Rio Games in 2016
It was in heat three of the men’s 4x400m relay that we saw former World Junior Champion and Grand Turk son of the soil Delano Williams represent; a part of Team Great Britain in that hot event which ultimately took Great Britain to the finals of the IAAF BTC World Relays Bahamas and made them an automatic qualifier for the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.
The squad did not medal in that final race of the meet, which culminated the two days of relays but overall Team GB placed sixth in the Men’s 4x400m which gets the group into the Summer Games next year. The Turks and Caicos’ Delano Williams, who is Jamaica trained as a sprint champion and apart of Team Great Britain which is Olympics bound in advance of the races, told the Jamaica Gleaner not to expect to see him in the sprint relays, in fact Delano is now angling for the 400m where there is less GB competition for spots on that particular squad.
In the end, it was the US which pulled out with 61 points after winning the most gold medals at this weekend’s IAAF World Relays staged in Nassau; Jamaica was second with 46 despite a surprising defeat for Usain Bolt and his team in the Men’s 4x100m relay, Great Britain was in eighth place gaining 15 marks while the Bahamas rounded out the top ten with 11 which included two silvers and saw the revival of Golden Girl, Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie in the 4x100m sprint; B Final.
Source-Jamaica Gleaner/Magnetic Media
JAGS remembered again, 35-years after his tragic death
A moment of silence held yesterday for James Alexander George Smith McCartney, the first Chief Minister of the TCI by the party he helped to found in 1975; the People’s Democratic Movement.
“On Saturday May 9th, would mark the 35th anniversary of the death of the country’s first Chief Minister and only named National Hero, our Party’s first leader, the Hon James Alexander George Smith McCartney. On May 9th 1980, the news of his untimely demise sent shock waves throughout these islands and the region as he was currently the youngest Caribbean leader at the time. So we’re going to ask you to just inconvenience yourself a bit, as we stand and observe a moment of silence in memory of our Party’s first leader.”
That was PDM Leader, Hon Sharlene Robinson, speaking at the PDM headquarters yesterday evening. After this upcoming National Heroes Day on May 25, JAGS McCartney will be referred to as the ‘Right Excellent’; this was announced by the newly commissioned National Honors and Awards Committee, which is right now accepting nominations for seven different National Awards. Nomination booklets are available in all islands at public places, including clinics and some banks.
Deadline for entries is June 30, 2015.
Germany Arrests 4 Extremist Suspects
German authorities say they have arrested four people who are suspected of founding a right-wing extremist group to attack mosques and housing for asylum seekers.
Officials announced the arrests Wednesday, saying they confiscated a stash of explosives during the raids as well.
The four detainees — three men and one woman — are being held on terrorism charges. They are reported to have called themselves the "Old School Society" and are believed to have been planning attacks on well-known Salafist Muslims in Germany and on places where asylum-seekers are housed.
In western Germany, police said unidentified arsonists had set fire to a building housing asylum seekers in the town of Limburgerhof, where the housing was under construction. Police said they have not yet determined the motive for the attack.
Last week police in Frankfurt said they foiled a plan by alleged Islamic extremists to attack a popular bicycle race on the May Day holiday. The police arrested a Turkish-German man and his Turkish wife. Authorities reported finding a stash of weapons and bomb-making ingredients in the couple's home. The race was consequently canceled.
Floyd Mayweather: Bruno, Tyson, Froch, Khan united in praise
Floyd Mayweather will go down as one of boxing's greatest fighters, says former WBC heavyweight champion Frank Bruno.
The American outclassed Filipino rival Manny Pacquiao with a unanimous points decision in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The boxing world was unanimous in praise of Mayweather, 38, following his victory at the MGM Grand and Bruno said he could fight on until he is 50.
And former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson hailed him "invincible" after his 48th career win.
Tyson believes Mayweather stands alone at the forefront of boxing: "He controlled the fight, he has great endurance, he did a really good job.
"It's his era, his time. He is in invincible mode now - no-one can stand with him at this particular moment."
And he is getting better as he gets older, according to Bruno: "As a boxer you've got to admire him, he's got to go down as one of the greats.
"If you look at Mayweather and understand him and work him out, from 16 until now he hasn't changed in his attitude or whatever.
"I think he can go on until he's 50 in boxing because he's got the secret to looking after himself," Bruno told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme.
Former world cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson was surprised by the margin of Mayweather's victory. He said: "He shocked me and shocked everybody because he stepped up another three, four, five levels and shut him out. It was a complete masterclass.
"The whole thing of boxing is hit and not be hit. That's what he did."
Amir Khan, who hopes to be Mayweather's next opponent, told Sportsweek: "It was a classy fight. The mistake Manny made was drop to Mayweather's pace.
"To fight Mayweather you have to stick to your own pace, and that's something a young fighter would do."
Four-time world champion Carl Froch was disappointed with the Filipino: "Was Pacquiao that poor or Mayweather that good?"
"Mayweather was sharp, accurate. I wanted to see more from Pacquiao, I am disappointed," the Nottingham fighter told Sky Box Office.
"I was a bit disappointed with Pacquiao saying he thought he won. You can see when you are getting beat and outboxed. The best man won."
Six-weight world champion Oscar De La Hoya had hoped for a little more action: "Call me old-school but I like the fans getting their money's worth by watching an action-packed fight.
"I'm just not into the boxing, running style. I like jumping out of my seat because a fight was existing."
Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan was not surprised by the manner of Mayweather's victory. "Mayweather was much too smart and quick for Manny. Just as I predicted - boringly one-sided," he tweeted.
Source-BBC
J.Lo Pays Tribute to Selena at 2015 Billboard Latin Music Awards
Jennifer Lopez served as a musical guest at Billboard Latin Music Awards on April 30 in Miami. She paid tribute to Selena Quintanilla, singing the late singer's hits like "Como La Flor", "Bidi Bidi Bam Bam", "Amor Prohibido", "I Could Fall in Love", and "No Me Queda Mas".
J.Lo delivered her performances with the help of Los Dinos, the family band that backed up Selena who was tragically killed 20 years ago. "Hands up for Selena and Los Dinos," the singer addressed the crowd who flocked to the Bank United Center. "Sing with me!"
The "American Idol" judge changed her costumes at least three times throughout her performance without leaving the stage. She hugged Selena's family at the end of the performance.
Jennifer Lopez was nominated for Latin Rhythm Song of the Year, thanks to her collaboration with Wisin and Ricky Martin. Unfortunately, the award went to J Balvin's "6 AM" featuring Farruko. J.Lo's ex-husband Marc Anthony, meanwhile, managed to take home one prize for Tour of the Year, while Romeo Santos and Enrique Iglesias led the pack with 10 and 9 wins respectively.
Source-AceShowbiz