Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win fifth Australian Open title
Novak Djokovic proved too strong for Andy Murray as he won a fifth Australian Open title in a punishing final.
The Serb, ranked number one, came through 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-0 in three hours and 39 minutes.
It was a third win over British number one Murray in a Melbourne final and brought him an eighth Grand Slam title.
Murray, 27, has now won two of the eight Grand Slam finals he has played in, having lost all four in Australia.
"I would like to congratulate Novak - it is a fantastic record and thoroughly deserved," said Murray.
"It is probably my most consistent Grand Slam throughout my career but I just haven't been able to win."
Murray, who underwent back surgery towards the end of 2013 and was playing in his first Grand Slam final since winning Wimbledon earlier that year, added: "I'm closer than I was a few months ago.
"I'll try to come back next year and have a slightly different outcome in the final."
The Scot, who will return to fourth in the world rankings on Monday, had chances in each of the first three sets of the final but ultimately lost his way and his temper as Djokovic won 12 of the last 13 games.
Djokovic, a week younger than his opponent, did look vulnerable at times, hurting his hand in a fall and appearing to struggle with an ankle problem early in the second set.
There were some concerned looks to coach Boris Becker in the stands. He stumbled on more than one occasion and required some energy-boosting fluids at a break down in the third set.
Murray later admitted he had been "distracted" by the Serb's apparent physical issues and, just as at the US Open last September, he could not keep pace with Djokovic in the closing stages.
Source-BBC
Nigerian Military Repels Boko Haram's Attack
Nigeria's military said its forces have repelled a second attempt in a week by Boko Haram fighters Sunday to take over the key northeastern city of Maiduguri.
Military officials said the attack, which started about 3 a.m. (0200) GMT, on Maiduguri was contained, more than 12 hours after Boko Haram laid siege to the city from four different roads.
Heavily-armed gunmen set off explosives as they tried to enter the city, several residents said.
The officials said many militants were killed during the fighting in the capital of Borno state. Several civilians also died. A hospital source reported eight bodies had been brought in from the fighting.
Separately, a suicide bomber killed seven people in Potiskum, the economic capital of neighboring Yobe state, while two blasts -- one also carried out by a suicide bomber -- killed five people in Gombe city to the south.
These incidents come two weeks before Nigeria's February 14 general election. Election officials have conceded that voting will be impossible across much of the northeast.
President Goodluck Jonathan faces a stiff challenge from former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari.
Analysts have said Boko Haram will likely make another attempt to take over Maiduguri before that poll. The militant group tried to capture Maiduguri a week ago, but failed.
Despite waves of attacks in the city in recent months, Maiduguri has become a place of refuge for people forced to flee other areas in Borno that have been taken over by the Islamist rebels.
On Saturday, Chadian forces reclaimed the northeastern Nigerian town of Gamboru-Ngala, after a heated battle with Boko Haram that involved a ground and air campaign. Gamboru-Ngala, about 145 kilometers east of Maiduguri, was captured by Boko Haram last year.
A soldier involved in the operation said Chadian forces were working under the African Union agreement for member states to help Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram.
DETAILS RELEASED FOR THE STATE FUNERAL OF THE LATE DR.ROSITA BUTTERFIELD
TCIG today released details on the state funeral of the late Hon. Dr. Rosita Butterfield, MBE former Speaker of the Legislative Council 1991-1993 who passed away on Saturday 10th January 2014 in Nassau, Bahamas.
The State Funeral service will be held at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sport Complex, Downtown Ballpark, Providenciales on Thursday February 5th, 2015 at 10:00am.
Her body will be lie in the State at the House of Assembly from 1:00pm-12:00am Monday 2nd February and from 8:00am-2:00pm Tuesday 3rd February. The House of Assembly Members will view the body between the hours of 3:00pm – 4:00pm on Monday 2nd.
The members of the family will view the body from 4:00pm- 5:00pm, the Nurses Association and other Government Officials from 5:00pm – 6:00pm and the general public from 6:00pm – 11:30pm.
The body will leave the House of Assembly on Tuesday 3rd February at 1:30pm from the JAGS McCartney International Airport to depart for Providenciales at 2:00pm.
The body will lie at the Faith Tabernacle Church, Leeward Highway from 3:00pm Tuesday February 3rd until 9:00am on Thursday 5th February, 2015. Family viewing would take place from 4:00pm – 6:00pm and the Nurses Association and Government Officials from 6:00pm – 7:00pm and the general public from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. On Wednesday 4th February there will be a public viewing from 8:00am - 6:00pm.
The body will leave the Faith Tabernacle Church and will proceed along Leeward Highway to the Gustavus Lightbourne Sport Complex, Downtown Ballpark on Thursday 5th February, 2015 at 9:00am.
All attending members of the public are asked to be seated by 8:45am. The public is further asked to note that persons will not be allowed to enter the venue after 9:00am. The service will be carried live on Radio Turks and Caicos and local television stations.
On Thursday February 5th the following roads will be closed from 9:00 am:
• Down Town section of Leeward Highway
• Butterfield Drive
• Sections of Blue Hills Road and Kew Town
All flags are to be flown half-mast from today until the date of the funeral.
Cabinet Meeting Statement for January 29th,2015
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired a meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday 29th January 2015 at the House of Assembly Building on Grand Turk.
All Ministers were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Noted the continuing problem with stray dogs across the islands and requested that the Ministry of the Environment and Home Affairs step up their campaign for the control of dogs as a matter of urgency. The Ministry will announce arrangements for the campaign in due course;
· Advised HE. Governor to approve TCI Gazette subscription fees to one standard rate of $200 for email and hard copy subscriptions. Electronic copies of the Gazette will be available to the general public free of charge on the TCIG website;
· Noted the recommendations of the Procurement Board on award of the following contract: Splitting of the Clement Howell High School/ Development of Long Bay High School;
· Advised HE. Governor to approve the grant of a 99 year lease to TCI Toscana GP, Limited, over a portion of the accreted land lying seaward of Parcel 60812/37 & 38 subject to survey and planning restrictions;
· Noted the continued positive financial performance of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for the period October to December 2014, as submitted in the Third Quarter Financial Report from the Accountant General and approved the publication of the financial report as required by section 46 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
Border Control Minister calls for Referendum on Independence
During debate on the Constitutional Review Commission’s report the nation learned exactly what Minister for Border Control and Labour and Member from North and Middle Caicos thinks of the 2011 Constitution; that it is essentially rubbish. “I have a copy of the constitution here, because it is printed by government with government monies and it is property of the government I wouldn’t destroy it by tearing it up because it would be seen of malicious damage to property. However, Mr Speaker but that is exactly what I think of the document on the whole.”
Hon Donhue Gardiner actually served on the committee overseeing the national consultation leg of the review; but said there now needs to be a referendum to do two things; one determine if TC Islanders want to gain independence from the British and to two, determine if the changes recommended are what the electorate really want.
An attorney, Minister Gardiner says he believes the trial by jury right needs to be returned in the constitution as the right solely of the defendant in any case. “I would certainly come down on the side of being in favor for the reinstatement of that right and the right also that he might also have to a bench trial.”
He adamantly expressed that no governor, whom he labeled a virtual stranger should have so much power in the legislative.
On the point of who should make up the members of the House of Assembly, Hon Gardiner has the view that no member of the House should be appointed; that all should be elected by the voting public during a General Election.
“I do not believe in the notion of an elected Speaker from the outside, I believe unless you have been tested at the ballot box you do not have a right to speak on behalf of the people, you do not have a right to vote on behalf of the people, you do not have a right to preside over the People’s House.”
Minister of Education Youth, Sport and Library Services- Hon. Akierra Missick Tuesday 27th January 2015
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
Minister of Education Youth, Sport and Library Services- Hon. Akierra Missick
Tuesday 27th January 2015
1. SALUTATIONS: NEW YEAR GREETINGS
Mr. Speaker as I rise to give my first statement for the New Year. I am cognizant of how thankful we all should be to have made it to see the year 2015. Mr. Speaker it is with this spirit of thankfulness that I stand to first give New Year greetings to you Mr. Speaker, the members of this Honorable House, those in the gallery, those listening by radio, the members of the entire Ministry and their families and of course Mr. Speaker the members of my constituency.
2. SYMPATHIES:
Mr. Speaker, I join the other members in extending sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones over the past weeks since we last met. (Dr. Rosita Butterfield, Oletta Robinson- Harrison) sister of former Minister and others)
I want the families to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.
3. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:UPDATE
Mr. Speaker, as you know school reopened successfully with all teachers back in place on January 5th. A number of workshops marked the start of what is called the Hilary term. ( I will mention them below) Mr. Speaker during this term we will host the National Primary School Spelling Bee this is carded for February 12th and 13th . We expect to also host a creative writing workshop and a teaching of math workshop. Both workshops will be supported by the Jubilee Fund which is administered from the Governor’s Office. We will update the house further on these activities including the upcoming Education Week exercises and the annual School Sports Competition
3.A DONATION FROM FISHING TOURNAMENT HJROBINSON
Mr. Speaker you might have already heard that the HJRobinson High School benefitted greatly from a donation from the Grand Turk Fishing Tournament committee . We thank the committee for this donation of thirty computers and we know that this will be aligned to our own project to upgrade IT in all schools. The CITU (formerly computer unit) is also to be acknowledged for their cooperation in ensuring the room was ready for operation
4. UNICEF SPONSORED WORKSHOPS
Mr. Speaker over the past two weeks we conducted two workshops which were sponsored by UNICEF and DFID. Both workshops are part of our overall objective to strengthen elements of our sector. The Developmental Surveillance and Screening Workshop for Early Childhood Education teachers and providers took place on January 12th to 14th and the main goal was to expose participants to features of designing effective screening and early intervention for children at risk. In the end this exposure will help participants contribute to our strengthening of this important sector. We all recognize the importance of Early Childhood Education to building a foundation on which children learn.
In the same vein UNICEF sponsored the workshop on Administrative Data Systems for Early Childhood Development education; this information will help advance effort to help monitor the survival, development, education and protection of children in this sector. A draft plan with clearly defined actions to improve our overall approach is one outcome of this training. Mr. Speaker both initiatives address strategic imperative 6 of our National Education Sector, five year plan aimed at the Early Childhood Education Sector.
4 a. 11th EDF CONSULTATIONS:
Mr. Speaker for the next four weeks beginning Monday 19th consultants will be working with the Education Sector and other stakeholders to prepare documents and ensure that they are in the quality required for the programming of the OCT’s 11th EDF territorial allocation, which is aimed at Education Sector Reform. Mr. Speaker this consultation will provide the technical assistance to TCIG to be able to benefit from a sizeable EU fund allocation.
5. YOUTH DEPARTMENT
Mr. Speaker the Youth Department is again working with the Scholarship Secretariat and Beaches Foundation to conduct another Apprentice Program. This initiative fulfills the youth policy objective aimed at providing opportunities for development and employment for young people.
This initiative was very successful in the last year with over 40 young persons participating in training in various areas of the hotel industry. This as you know is an integral part of our overall tourism thrust. Mr. Speaker the program exposes our young people to help them gain an appreciation for the industry and to be able to state with confidence that they have had exposure to many areas as far as hotel management goes.
Mr. Speaker the program is aimed at graduates who are not currently working nor attending College, the program will run for six months and applicants will receive a weekly stipend to assist with living expenses. The feedback from last year’s participants was that the experience was rewarding and many have found jobs within the industry based on their involvement in the program. We are encouraging all young people who meet the criteria to sign up, more information is available from the Ministry, Beaches and Youth Department.
5.a YOUTH PARLIAMENT:
Mr. Speaker we promised to keep everyone updated on the progress of the introduction of Youth Parliament. Mr. Speaker work is progressing with the recent formation of the National Youth Parliamentary Committee. The Youth Department in collaboration with the House of Assembly and this newly formed committee will work toward hosting of a Youth Parliament. This initiative is to ensure, as per the youth policy that young people have a voice in decision making at all levels.
6. DEPARTMENT OF SPORT:
Mr. Speaker I want to congratulate two of our athletes who continue to make strides. Mr. Angelo Garland and Ifeanyi Otuonye have national records over the past two weeks. Mr. Garland broke the 400m record with a time of 48.44 seconds at a recent meet – Texas A&M invitational. On Saturday 24th January Mr. Otuonye broke the previous record held by Darian Forbes in a time of 20.69 seconds. (Darren’s record was 21.78) congratulations to them both.
Mr. Speaker we have entered the very active sports season and we are looking forward to the engagement of a number of our NGBS particularly in field of basketball. Mr. Speaker I will take the time just to mention a few of the sporting activities the public is invited to support.
• Rising Star Sport Club youth development Basketball
• Female Basketball development
• PABA nightly league
• Filipinos Basketball and Volleyball competition
• Rugby under 19 male and female inter Island development competition
• Secondary schools Female Softball Competition Friday 30th and 30th January
• We are also getting ready for Secondary Schools National Track & Field Competition March 8th, 9th & 10th, 2015
• Secondary Schools Volleyball Competition March 30th & 31, 2015
• CARIFTA Track & Field – ST Kitts & Nevis – April 3rd – 6th, 2015
• CARIFTA Swim – Barbados – April 3rd – 8th
6a.SWIM CARIFTA:
Mr. Speaker I mentioned the dates for CARIFTA and I wish to inform the House that this year we will participate in the swim competitions of CARIFTA. Laura Shaw the athlete for CARIFTA Swim took part in a meet in the USA representing TCI Swim Federation and improved on her personal best in the 50m breast, and 100m back. Her personal best pushed her into the B group for competition. She continues to take part in invitational meet to improve her time for CARIFTA in April.
TURKS AND CAICOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Mr. Speaker from recent statements you would have heard that the Community College was to expand its offerings in technical and vocational areas. Mr. Speaker the college recently purchased over 40,000 worth of new material and equipment for teaching in technical areas. This project was funded through the Ministry of Education and as soon as these are fitted in place the public will be invited to view.
Mr. Speaker once again I wish everyone the very best for 2015 and thank you for the opportunity.
SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST 26 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY, 2015
GENERAL SITUATION: A strong cold front will slide through the Northwest Bahamas by this evening while an old frontal boundary gradually dissipates near the southern islands.
Monday 26th - Variable cloudiness and windy with scattered showers with the chance of isolated thunderstorms today becoming cool and windy tonight in the Northwest & Central Bahamas and partly cloudy and breezy with few showers in the remainder of the islands. Maximum Temperature 77°F and Minimum Temperature 59°F. Small Craft Should remain in Port in the Northwest & Central Bahamas. Winds W-NW 15-25 knots increasing to 20-30 knots with higher gusts by this afternoon in the Northwest & Central Bahamas and variable at 10 knots or less turning SW-W 10-15 knots by afternoon in the Southeast Bahamas. Seas 5-8 feet over the ocean building 8-12 feet by noon in the Northwest & Central Bahamas and 1-3 feet building 2-4 feet by noon in the southern islands.
Tuesday 27th – Windy and cool but showers expected across the Southeast Bahamas. Maximum Temperature 78°F and Minimum Temperature 59°F. Small Craft Advisory in effect. Winds W-NW 15-25 knot. Seas 5-8 feet.
Wednesday 28th – Partly cloudy, cool and windy with few isolated showers. Maximum Temperature 78°F and Minimum Temperature 60°F. Small Craft Advisory in effect for the Northwest & Central Bahamas. Winds NW-N 15-25 knots in the Northwest & Central Bahamas and NW-N 10-15 knots in the Southeast Bahamas. Seas 5-8 feet over the ocean with light to moderate swells in the Northwest & Central Bahamas and 2-4 feet but up to 7 feet in the southwesterly swells in the Southeast Bahamas.
Thursday 29th – Partly sunny, a bit breezy and cool with a chance of showers in the Southeast Bahamas. Maximum Temperature 80°F and Minimum Temperature 66°F. Small Craft Caution in effect. Winds NE 15-20 knots falling NE 10-15 knots in the Northwest Bahamas by evening hours. Seas 4-6 feet over the ocean subsiding 2-4 feet in the Northwest Bahamas by evening.
Friday 30th - Mostly sunny; cool tonight in the Northwest & Central Bahamas however, cloudy with scattered showers in the Southeast Bahamas. Maximum Temperature 80°F and Minimum Temperature 68°F. Small Craft Caution in effect for the Central & Southeast Bahamas. Winds NE-E at 10 knots in the Northwest Bahamas and NE 15-20 knots in the Central & Southeast Bahamas. Seas 1-3 feet over the ocean in the Northwest Bahamas and 4-6 feet over the ocean in the Central & Southeast Bahamas.
Saturday 31st – Partly sunny with some clouds and the chance of brief showers; fair tonight. Maximum Temperature 80°F and Minimum Temperature 67°F. Small Craft Caution in effect. Winds NE-E 15-20 knots. Seas 4-6 feet over the ocean higher in moderate swells.
FEBRUARY, 2015
Sunday 1st – Partly sunny with a chance of few brief showers. Maximum Temperature 81°F and Minimum Temperature 68°F. Small Craft Caution in effect. Winds E-SE 15-20 knots in the Northwest & Central Bahamas E 15-20 knots in the Southeast Bahamas. Seas 4-6 feet over the ocean.
SHANICE WILLIAMS REPRESENTS THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AT 63RD MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government extends congratulations to Miss Turks and Caicos Universe 2014, Shanice Williams who proudly represented The Turks and Caicos Islands at the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant in Doral Florida, USA.
The twenty-one year old Grand Turk beauty was one of eighty-eight contestants vying for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2014 copped by Miss Columbia Paulina Vega, and fierce though the competition be, it was not enough to subdue the spirit of the Turks and Caicos Islands, nor did it shake the confidence of the country’s beauty queen Ambassador.
Residents rallied behind Ms. Williams throughout the past weeks leading up to last evening’s finals, and actively participated in online voting polls in their show of support. Ms. Williams also received extensive media coverage while in Doral and official photographs captured several of her moments in interviews and other events organized by the Pageant Committee.
The newly announced Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith who was among supporters present at the preliminaries and Costume competition in Doral remarked, “Shanice is a very talented young lady, of whom we are extremely proud. Her confidence was unwavering and she exhibited the very essence of the Turks and Caicos Islands Beautiful by Nature brand.”
Premier, Dr. the Hon. Rufus Ewing commented, “This is a very proud moment for Turks and Caicos Islanders. It was heart-warming to see the outpour of support that Shanice was shown and it proves that we can unite and be proud of who we are as a people, our heritage and everything that is Turks and Caicos. Shanice is our queen and I know that she did her best and that is all that matters.”
Premier Ewing also went on to recognize the efforts of the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Pageant Committee and Chair, Mr. Kazz Forbes and the members and staff of the Tourist Board for their invaluable contribution. He commented, “I also want to congratulate the Tourist Board and Mr. Kazz Forbes and his committee for the 2014 production and especially their commitment to having our country so ably represented in the international arena. We must support our young professionals who are coming forward and leading on initiatives such as this as it not only brings a fresh approach and gives them the opportunity to make a contribution, but it also helps to cultivate and instill a greater sense of national pride in the generation of the future.”
Ms. Williams returned to the country on Tuesday January 27, 2015.
Joan Rivers' daughter sues clinic over death
Joan Rivers' daughter has filed a malpractice claim against the New York medical clinic that treated her mother days before she died.
Rivers suffered a cardiac arrest while undergoing a procedure to examine her throat at the Yorkville Endoscopy centre in August 2014.
The legal claim alleges doctors were not adequately trained and performed unauthorised procedures on the star.
Rivers' family is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
In November, state health investigators said the clinic failed to follow standard protocols while treating Rivers, who died a week later.
The Department of Health cited multiple errors, including failing to detect the comedian's deteriorating vital signs during the procedure, but negligence was not suspected.
The New York medical examiner's office ruled Rivers died of brain damage due to lack of oxygen during the procedure.
The death was classified as a "therapeutic complication", meaning it was a known risk.
Source-BBC
Apple earnings beat expectations as iPhone sales soar
Apple reported earnings of $18bn (£11.8bn) in the first quarter, a 40% increase from the same period a year earlier.
Record sales of iPhones were behind the surge in profits.
Apple said it sold 74.5 million iPhones in the last three months of 2014, with a significant portion of those sales coming from China.
However, sales of the iPad continued to disappoint, falling by 18% in 2014 from a year earlier.
"We'd like to thank our customers for an incredible quarter, which saw demand for Apple products soar to an all-time high," said Apple's chief executive Tim Cook in a statement accompanying earnings.
The demand for Apple's larger iPhone 6 Plus model appeared to help boost profits and increase the iPhone's gross profit margin - or how much Apple makes per phone - by 2% to 39.9%.
However, Apple declined to offer a specific breakdown of sales for the iPhone 6 and other models.
Source-BBC