DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, HON. AKIERRA MISSICK BREAKS GROUND FOR LONG BAY HIGH SCHOOL
I am grateful for all of you attending this ceremony today, and recognize my fellow politicians past, and present who took the time to be here to share with the Ministry on this occasion. Regardless of your political persuasion, your motivation to serve this country we love is commendable and the Turks and Caicos Islands love and thank you all. To all who have spoken today I want to say thank you for your kind words and the examples you have set.
I want to say a great thanks to the members of my Ministry and Department of Education who are here to partake in this celebration today. Each and every one of you’ve worked tirelessly on this project and it is only fitting to offer public thanks for your involvement and commitment. So with that said, PS Jones, Deputy Secretary Robinson, Director Howell, EO Thomas, HOS Lightbourne, Executive Assistant Williams, new DS Cox and the team at EMS, PWD and GSS Thank You for making this vision, promise, and pledge a reality!
And as time does not permit me to name everyone, I will conclude my thanks to the Members of Cabinet, Premier, Governor, Ministers, DG and even the CFO by saying that someday when the history is written, History will show that I served with great people -- a talented, dedicated, intelligent team -- team of men and women who love our nation as much as I do.
Today marks a major milestone in a journey started almost 40 years ago. In 1976 the Turks and Caicos Islands embarked on an official journey of nationhood, today that journey takes another step with the development of this school that represents the modernization of Secondary Education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Today I present a bridge to the future!!!
The construction of this school represents the first new major infrastructural investment by Turks & Caicos Islands Government on the island of Providenciales in a number of years. And while roads have been built and the airport renovate & extended, the idea of a new purpose built Government building on this island has become almost a rare thought – but today I say NO MORE.
Through dedication and motivation we have built a bridge over the obstacles an as we turn the sod on a new Government investment, for which I say proudly JUST LOOK AT US NOW.
Another day, another bridge, another reason to continue -- A bridge from a dream illustrated years ago in a newspaper advert that had been placed by my predecessor of this Constituency Galmo “Gilley” Williams. The advert envisioned a new school in a new area, with a new vision to uphold an old ideal, the ideal of more and better education for all, the ideal of keeping hope alive and keeping the dreams of the next generation always within their reach. Today, Gilley, Our dream is now a reality.
American journalist Sydney J. Harris once wrote, “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” In nation, after nation and generation after generation, education has opened more doors for more people then any key, or influence, or power or might, ever could. You see, in an era of building bridges, EDUCATION represents the strongest, longest and more reliable bridge to take the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands to the future.
Education is our bridge, a bridge over discrimination, a bridge over unsatisfactory jobs, a bridge over insufficient pay, a bridge over bridges that were built to act against us, a bridge over national debt and even a bridge over the sinking fund! As I say to my colleagues time and time again, if the sinking fund is going to be deprived for EDUCATION, then we must either borrow to learn or learn to borrow.
When I came office, I was awarded a group of people who were beyond all else passionate. Passionate about the TCI yes, and also passionate about the future, but I noticed an overarching passion in each of them, the passion to elevate the TCI education system above and beyond the best that the region and even the world has to offer. That kind of passion demanded my support, because while the passion was very much alive, the spirits were slowly dying.
This school project marks a tangible accomplishment of years of hard work and determination. The passion of a people has resulted in this advancement in education and this advancement in education shall cultivate a new passion of our people. Educational philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau once wrote – “Plants are shaped by cultivation and (people are shaped) by education”.
In times like these when the future may not appear as certain as it use to, we are charged as adults and leaders to always preserve the vision of a bright and promising future for our youth. This is our focus in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Libraries. And while other Ministries work equally as hard to ensure that we have a good present and a great future, we in my Ministry are dedicated to make sure that we the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands, through the Children that will be educated in this and other schools, would become the Masters of this country’s future.
This project is of utmost significance to us as a Country, and a People. This project is the sign of bolder and grander things to come for our people, and while this is no time to bask in the accolades or gloat over accomplishments, I want to assure you the Ministry is nearing completion of the design and specifications for Phase 2.
Today’s ceremony, although a major development for this Government and our People, it is only one step in a bolder plan for the investment in our People through Education.
Turks & Caicos we are staying the Course, and on the road to prosperity Good Morning.
Machel Montano performs ‘Like ah Boss’ to retain Power Soca Monarch title
Trinidadian Soca star, Machel Montano, retained the Power Soca Monarch title during the early hours of Saturday holding off a strong challenge from Neil “Iwer” George and veteran comedienne Nikki Crosby during the “Fantastic Friday” celebrations as Carnival activities moved into the final weekend ahead of the traditional street jump up on Tuesday.
Montano, dressed in a gold suit with red trimmings, sang his hugely popular 2015 tune, “Like ah Boss” in which he argues he could party more than any other person on the planet. The song is already being touted as a road march contender.
George, who uses the stage name “he Boss” came second with his tune “Play D Mas” while Crosby entering the competition for the first time, as “Granny” placed third with her tune of the same title.
In the Groovy Soca Monarch category, Ola-tun-ji Yearwood won his popular 2015 hit “Ola,” while Darryl “Farmer Nappy” Henry placed second with his tune “My House.
Antiguan Ricardo Drue stopped a complete Trinidad and Tobago domination of the competition, placing third with his tune “Vagabond”.
New initiative funded by the FSC assists banks
The Turks and Caicos financial Services Commission (FSC) today announced that a recently set up Committee, made of representatives from all TCI licensed banks and chaired by the Commission, will be meeting tomorrow Tuesday February 17th, 2015.
Committee members will be discussing and taking forward steps to implement an Automated Clearing House system (ACH) for banks in the TCI.
ACH is a computer-based clearing and settlement facility established to process the exchange of electronic transactions between participating banks. The system is set to improve the level of service currently offered by performing real time payment and eliminating the existing mandatory clearing period imposed by banks when either party to the transaction is not their customer. The automated service will also lower the cost of check processing as well as streamline the clearing process by handling large volume of credit and debit in batches.
Members of the Banking Association are in full support of the new electronic network, as its implementation should adequately address issues with the way clearings are currently handled, the waste of time and resources spent as well as assist reducing human errors.
Service providers Montran, Aperta and Jack Henry Associates have all been invited to present their software platform to the Committee in the coming weeks. Following their presentation, members of the Committee are expected to recommend their choice and start determining rules to govern the system.
Once implemented, membership in the ACH - Automated Clearing House - will be mandatory for all banks holding a "National" license.
The Turks and Caicos Financial Services Commission (Chair), Turks and Caicos Banking Association, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotia bank, First-Caribbean International Bank, Turks & Caicos Banking Company, British Caribbean Bank and Bordier Bank make up the Membership of the Committee, which includes one representative for each organisation.
Grenada Gets $1.6 Million Grant from Germany for Green Energy
Germany’s government has agreed to provide just under $1.6 million in funding to support reforms in Grenada’s energy sector.
The funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety is for a project called “Reform of the Electricity Sector to support Climate Policy in Grenada.”
The project, which will launch later this month, aims to support Grenada both in the use of green energy and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
The plan is for institutional amendments to allow for more investments in green energy and energy efficiency, according to a statement from Grenada’s government.
“Grenada has great potential for renewable energy and hence a unique opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint,” said Dr Michael Freu-den-berg, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Port-of-Spain with responsibility for Grenada. “By doing this, Grenada can lead the way for small island states in amending institutional structures to follow the path of a sustainable society,” Freu-den-berg added.
The project is the second of its kind by Germany’s government.
The first one launched in April 2013, aiming to increase resilience of climate-change vulnerable communities in Grenada.
LIAT aims to cut over 150 employees reducing costs by EC$13 million per year
The financially strapped regional airline, LIAT, has announced plans for a voluntary separation package (VSEP) that could result in more than 150 employees being removed from the company’s payroll.
Chief executive officer David Evans said LIAT will embark on a process of cost reduction right across the airline, but that will also include a reduction in the number of people that they employ in the business. “We will embark upon that process in full consultation with our staff themselves, and also their representatives. We would wish to achieve these reductions, where possible, on a voluntary basis and that will be our aim,” added Evans.
Chairman of the shareholder governments, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, speaking at the end of a meeting in Bridgetowm, Barbados, said the plans were to reduce the airlines debt significantly.
He said it would involve reducing the staff number from 800 to about 620, “which should save LIAT about EC$13 million per year. But of course, they will have to pay the severance cost of about EC$22 million.
The meeting was also attended by host Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and his Dominican counterpart Roosevelt Skerritt and Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation Robin Yearwood.
Prime Minister Stuart said the change in strategic direction is welcomed by Barbados. “We expect to see a turnaround in LIAT’s fortunes, more responsiveness to market messages and, of course, once the whole issue of fleet renewal is complete and the disposal of the seven remaining Dash 8 planes and the reduction in the head count is complete we think that LIAT will be on a much more viable and sustainable footing,” said Prime Minister Stuart.
Evans said the airline had no choice but to trim its workforce given the fact that it is spending an estimated 27 per cent of revenue on staffing. “We hope to come out of this process at the end of the year, leaner, fitter, more responsive to the market and, most importantly, more responsive to our customers,” he said.
Gonsalves said the airline was also in need of an immediate cash injection to help stabilize its finances, and had approached the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for assistance.
CDB is already providing US$65 million to finance the re-fleeting exercise of the airline.
LIAT’s chairman Jean Holder said that the inability to dispose of its retiring seven Dash 8 aircraft is also costing it about US$11 million annually.
He said a “weakening market” for the planes among the reasons for being unable to offload the planes.
LIAT announced that it would re-locate four of the airline’s new ATR aircraft at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, while Antigua where LIAT is headquartered will have two. The remaining two aircraft will be based in Trinidad.
PABA Teams raises the bar ahead of All-Star Games
As the PABA All Star weekend draws closer, action continues to burn up the PABA Basketball league in Provo.
In the first game, the Five Cays Knights defeated the Steelers 62-48 while in the second game the Stallions galloped all over the HAB Sonics with a 88-52 blowout game.
Wesley Cherry top scored with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block & 2 steals. He was supported by Alex Fortunate with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal for the Steelers. Andujar Gardiner scored 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals; he was assisted by Petrallo Russell with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals for the Knights.
Mark Handfield and Andy John were the top re-bounders for the Knights with 10 and 12 rebounds apiece.
In game two, the trio from TCIPS led the way again for the Sonics. Ranguel Suero scored 10 points, 6 assists & 3 steals, Darly Francois had 15 points & 5 rebounds while Jose de las Santos had 9 pts and 10 rebounds for the Steelers Sonics.
Stallions new addition to their team Enrico Smith made a grand entrance with some dunks and overall excellent play which earned him 16 points, 5 Rebounds and 3 assists, Tamaurrii Lightbourne scored 12 points, 10 rebounds and had 4 assists while Levard Missick scored 13 points, 6 Rebounds and 2 assists.
Closing out the scoring tally for the Stallions was Ray Harris with 9 points and 10 rebounds for the Stallions total. Games continue this Wednesday night when the undefeated 7 -0 Police Badgers will face the 4-4 flyers and the 6 -1 Predators will challenge the 2-4 Shottas.
Ray J's Girlfriend Princess Love Is Reportedly Arrested After Beating Him Up
Ray J's girlfriend Princess Love was arrested in New Orleans on Wednesday, February 11 after she beat him up, TMZ reported. Law enforcement sources told the site that the incident occurred when Ray J got back to his hotel after spending the night with TV producers at a strip club.
According to the site, the 34-year-old singer told police that his girlfriend "went ballistic and attacked him, cracking several ribs, busting his lip open and tearing his ACL." A person staying in the hotel allegedly heard Princess scream, "I'm gonna kill you." A security guard who saw Ray J bleeding after running out of his room then called cops.
Police confirmed to Mail Online that Princess was charged with domestic abuse and battery. However, sources claimed that Ray J bailed her out of jail and paid $10,000 for her lawyer.
On the day the incident happened, the "I Hit It First" singer posted on Instagram a photo of some sexy women at a nightclub along with caption, "Hmmmm #NewOrleans." Despite the severity of the report, Ray J didn't appear to show any sign of injury in his recent Instagram photos.
Source-AceShowbiz
Bobbi Kristina Will Not Be Taken Off Life Support
Contrary to circulating rumors, Bobbi Kristina Brown will not be taken off life support this week, according to Bobby Brown's lawyer Christopher Brown. Christopher told E! News on Monday morning, February 16 that the rumors were "false stories," before adding that there was "nothing happening."
Earlier on the day, Radar Online reported that Bobby decided to keep his daughter on life support until the end of this week" and continued to "pray she survives." A source told the site that Bobby "decided to set a timetable to remove her life support Friday after discussions with Whitney Houston's family."
As Bobbi begins her third week at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, her boyfriend Nick Gordon has gotten a tattoo tribute to her. Nick posted on Facebook on Sunday afternoon, a photo of his newly inked arm with Bobbi's name. Nick and Bobbi previously got matching "WH" tattoos in honor of her late mother.
On Saturday, TMZ reported that some of Bobbi's organs were shutting down and her family agreed if Bobby withdrew his daughter's life support because she's dying. The report was then debunked by an unidentified family member, saying it was overblown. "There hasn't been a change in the past week," the source told PEOPLE, "Nothing at all. It's not like her kidneys are shutting down or anything. There hasn't been any change."
Of Nick, the source said, "We don't talk about him. Bobby doesn't mention him at all, ever. We're trying to give positive energy around Krissi, and Nick is not positive energy."
Source-AceShowbiz
Greece is set to request a loan extension, reports say
Greece is expected to request a six-month extension of its loan agreement on Wednesday, according to reports.
The loan would not be an extension of the current bailout agreement, which includes strict austerity measures, Greek government officials were quoted as saying.
On Monday night, Greece rejected a plan to extend its €240bn (£178bn) bailout, describing it as "absurd".
Without a deal, Greece is likely to run out of money.
The eurozone has given Greece until Friday to decide if it wants to continue with the current bailout deal.
Greece wants to replace the bailout with a new loan that it says would give it time to find a permanent solution to the debt crisis.
Greece's current bailout expires on 28 February. Any new agreement would need to be approved by national governments, so time is running out to reach a compromise.
Earlier Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called for a vote to scrap its austerity programme on Friday, the same day as the eurozone deadline.
"We will not succumb to psychological blackmail," Mr Tsipras told parliament.
"We are not in a hurry and we will not compromise."
Earlier, Germany's Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, said that Greece needed to make up its mind whether it wanted to extend the bailout programme.
"None of my colleagues so far understands what Greece wants... whether Greece itself knows is not clear either," he said.
Mr Tsipras criticised Mr Schaeuble, saying that the German finance minister had lost his cool on Monday.
"Not because he spoke up against the Greek government, because that is his right, but he spoke condescendingly towards the Greek people," he said.
The Greek stock exchange closed down by 2.45%, having fallen by as much as 4% earlier in the day.
US investment bank JP Morgan claimed over the weekend that €2bn worth of deposits was flowing out of Greek banks each week and estimated that if that were to remain the case, they would run out of cash to use as collateral against new loans within 14 weeks.
JP Morgan's estimate is based on a calculation that a maximum of €108bn of deposits is left in Greek banks.
The most up-to-date figures from the Greek central bank show deposits dropped 2.4% month-on-month in December to €160.3bn from €164.3bn, marking the third monthly fall in a row.
IS May Be Selling Human Organs, Iraqi Diplomat Says
Iraq’s U.N. ambassador warned Tuesday that Islamic State militants might be trafficking human organs to help fund their campaign of terror.
In a briefing to the U.N. Security Council, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim said Islamic State was carrying out the most serious of crimes against Iraqi people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“These are, in fact, crimes of genocide committed against humanity that must be held accountable before international justice,” he said.
Many of the crimes of the Islamic State have been well-documented, often by the group itself. But in a shocking new allegation, Alhakim said he had reports that IS militants were dealing in human organs.
The Iraqi ambassador told reporters that the government discovered evidence of the possible organ trafficking in recent weeks in shallow mass graves containing 10 to 20 bodies each.
“When we discover mass graves, we look at the bodies," he said. "Some of those bodies are killed by bullets, some of them by knives. But when you find pieces of the back is [sic] missing and the kidneys is [sic] missing, you will wonder what it is.”
He said IS has access to airports in Mosul and in the Syrian city of Aleppo, from which it could transport the illicit organs to international middlemen and buyers.
The envoy also alleged that in recent weeks Islamic State militants had executed at least a dozen doctors in Mosul because they refused to remove organs from victims.
The U.N.’s top envoy to Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov, said his office had seen the reports about the organ trafficking but could not confirm them without further investigation.
Such reports are difficult to confirm, especially with a third of Iraq’s territory in the hands of the militants.
Similar claims were raised five years ago related to possible organ trafficking during the Balkan war in the late 1990s. Allegations were made that the Kosovo Liberation Army ran detention centers along Albania's border with Kosovo, where captives, including Serbs, were killed and their organs were sold on the black market. Those allegations have never been proved.
Source-VOA