Digicel fibre network to help create 'smart cities' in Jamaica
DIGICEL Jamaica yesterday said that its underground fibre network will help create 'smart cities' in Jamaica.
According to the telecommunications company, its recently installed advanced fibre-optic technology boosts Jamaica's ability to handle large quantities of data at high speeds.
"Smart cities generate insights from big data to improve efficiency of physical infrastructure use and enhances decision-making as it engages e-participation with its citizens," Digicel said, adding that these cities are regarded as major growth drivers, as close to 50 per cent of the global GDP comes from urban centres.
Earlier this year, Senator Angela Brown-Burke, who is also the mayor of Kingston, noted the importance of the fibre network.
"This investment in fibre by Digicel Business will certainly help us to achieve some of the broader objectives of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation, as well as some of our ICT development plans," she said. "We're looking to redevelop downtown Kingston, and having this fibre network will definitely play a key role in making this work."
The Government has already started implementing smart city projects, such as the Tablets in Schools initiative.
"Kids are going to go home with their tablets," said Brown-Burke. "So once they're in a Wi-Fi area, they can pick up and continue their work."
With the first phase of its fibre network completed in the key commercial areas of Kingston and Montego Bay, Digicel now provides connectivity via fibre to major industries, including business process outsourcing (BPO), manufacturing and tourism.
For these businesses, fibre affords them the opportunity to take advantage of cloud services and other cutting-edge technologies like IP surveillance and video-conferencing.
"Businesses need to be able to access the type of technology that will enable them to perform at global standards," said Jason Corrigan, general manager of Digicel Business. "But we understand that most times, lack of capital to invest in solutions like these and not having the resources to manage them are barriers to adoption for many Jamaican businesses.
"That's why Digicel Business has invested so much in building out a shared-services cloud platform that will enable them to enjoy the benefits of the technology, regardless of their size or the amount of resources they have at their disposal. Being able to use these services on our fibre network gives businesses even more advantages, as they have access to greater bandwidth and speed," Corrigan added.
The company pointed out that its fibre network also plays an important role in achieving Jamaica's goal of becoming the fourth node in the global logistics hub.
According to Corrigan, the fibre, which connects directly to Digicel's Tier III certified data centre facility, would play an important role in supporting the connectivity needs of the businesses operating in Jamaica's proposed hub.
"Cloud computing, BYOD and video have changed the way organisations communicate, enabling employees, partners and customers to interact with the business 24/7," said Corrigan. "Being able to offer this level of service will undoubtedly provide motivation for multi-national corporations in the global logistics industry that have connectivity at the top of their list of priorities."
These services, Digicel said, also help to equip businesses with the tools they need to increase operational efficiency, save money and, more importantly, strengthen their global competitiveness.
"This is why Digicel Business strongly supports the Jamaica Observer Business Leader Award's celebration of businesses which have used the capital raised through an initial public offering to expand, become more efficient, create job opportunities and help stimulate the local economy. The listing of these companies on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange has also made them more transparent, which helps improve the overall business environment," Digicel said.
Pope says truth must prevail in Dom Rep sex abuse case
Pope Francis assured Dominican Republic authorities on Wednesday that the truth must prevail in the case of his former ambassador to the Caribbean country who is accused of sexually abusing young boys.
Francis met with the Dominican Republic's top prosecutor, Francisco Dominguez Brito, after his Wednesday general audience. Dominguez Brito also met with the Vatican's criminal prosecutor and other officials to discuss the case against Jozef Wesolowski.
The Holy See recalled Wesolowski last year after rumours surfaced in Santo Domingo that he allegedly paid shoeshine boys to masturbate. Wesolowski has been defrocked and placed under modified house arrest inside Vatican City pending a decision by the Vatican criminal court on whether to indict him.
In a statement, Dominguez Brito quoted Francis as stressing the importance that the truth must prevail and that both Vatican and Dominican courts do their work freely and respect the law. In a sign that the Holy See endorsed the prosecutor's account of their meeting, the Vatican spokesman read the statement to reporters.
Dominguez Brito told reporters he was satisfied with the Vatican's handling of the Wesolowski case so far, though he made clear that Dominican authorities had provided the Vatican with sufficient evidence to warrant prosecution.
While there is no extradition treaty between the Vatican and Dominican Republic, the Holy See has said Wesolowski, a Polish prelate ordained by St. John Paul II, no longer enjoys diplomatic immunity and could be prosecuted by other courts once the Vatican investigation is finished.
Dominican and Polish authorities have opened investigations against him, but no charges have been filed, presumably pending the outcome of the Vatican investigation. Dominguez Brito acknowledged that the Vatican had jurisdiction over the case given that Wesolowski was a diplomat when the alleged abuse occurred.
Minister Of Health Observes International Day Of Persons With Disabilities
“These days the technology can solve our problems and then some. Solutions may not only erase physical or mental deficits but leave patients better off than 'able-bodied' folks. The person who has a disability today may have superability tomorrow”.
Daniel H. Wilson
Today, December 3rd, the Turks and Caicos Islands celebrate with the rest of the World, “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” under the theme: “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE PROMISE OF TECHNOLOGY”
Technology has surely changed our landscape, on a daily basis we unintentionally use aides such as braille when pressing the number keys during transactions at local ATM's, and home keys when typing on computers. For many with disabilities technology has also allowed for mobility and communication.
Fifty years ago the occurrence of hip damage or injury to the knees meant reduced mobility, today this is not the case. Even on our little beautiful country technology has filtered its way into the healthcare system allowing for patients to have such procedures as orthopedic surgery; something previously unheard of decades ago, now being performed locally, which otherwise would have perhaps resulted in disabilities.
We have truly progressed as a society, with ramps and parking spaces bearing universal accessibility symbols in our banks, general stores and places of interest being a common sight. To those who paved the way, thank you for your vision.
As Minister of Health and Human Services, it is my goal to continue removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating in sustainable livelihood activities, inclusive of services and products.
We are truly overcoming obstacles through public – private sector partnership thus allowing the facilitation of empowerment by persons with disabilities in the workplace and educational institutions through technology. It is with pleasure that I highlight the donation by Seven Stars Resort Staff of ten (10) iPads to the SNAP Center in Providenciales; thus allowing for a practical approach to the role of technology in creating enabling working environments, especially through education. There are many good partners such as Kiwanis Club of Providenciales, the Road Runners Club and many others, playing their role in our respective communities.
Within this backdrop I encourage those with loved ones having disabilities to be registered on the National Register of Persons with Disabilities. This register has allowed better assistance in designing the necessary programs and services that are needed within the Turks and Caicos Islands. This baseline has established a more accurate benchmark for national identification. Additionally, we have seen the assessment of over 28 children in the islands, all of whom are registered. Previously individuals had to leave the comfort of their homes to have this done.
In the future I am sure that the Turks and Caicos Islands will see its share of bio robotics, transplants and basic devices all aiding in the betterment of lives for those in need. Let us all commit to making the Turks and Caicos Islands a country that is fully accessible to all with technology creating a level playing field.
Take time out to show love or perhaps surf the internet to see what affordable technological device can be used by a family member or friend thus allowing them to have a more comfortable life. May God continue to shine his mercies on us in these Beautiful by Nature, Turks and Caicos Islands.
TCI OBSERVES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The Ministry of Health & Human Services in collaboration with the Department of Special Needs joins the rest of the world on Tuesday 3rd December 2014 in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme, “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE PROMISE OF TECHNOLOGY”.
This year the International Day of Persons with Disabilities will focus on the role of technology in:
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Responses
- Creating Enabling Working Environments
- Disability-Inclusive Sustainable Development Goals
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons (IDPD) was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The” promise of technology” includes the benefits and impact of assistive technology, accessible information and communications technology, technological adaptations and other policy and programmatic measures to improve the well-being and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and development.
The 2014 commemoration of IDPD will work to harness the power of technology to promote inclusion and accessibility to help realize the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society and shape the future of sustainable development for all!
The following activities are planned for the occasion:
South Caicos
Wesley Memorial Church will host a Cottage Meeting at the Wellness Center, 3rd December, 2014
Grand Turk
5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Wellness Center, 8th December, 2014
Providenciales
December 3rd 2014, Staff and students of the SNAP Center will spent the day at Oseta Jolly Primary School, interacting with students and teacher alike, bringing awareness to disabilities, but most of all their abilities.
December 5th 2014, Open House at SNAP, students’ work on display 10:00am – 12:00pm
Presentation of Equipment & Supplies to SNAP Center for the Home Economics Program and a security system by Provo Roadrunners & Scotia Bank (Providenciales) Social Group.
December 13th 2014, Training sessions with SNAP PTA , Dealing with Behavioral and Emotional Problem in the Classroom and the Home and Fine Motor and Motor Development.
TCI Represented at Hurricane Ivan 10 Symposium in Grenada
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is being represented at the Regional Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Forum, convened to examine advances in Response and Recovery approaches since Hurricane Ivan devastated the Region in September, 2004.
Dr. Virginia Clerveaux, Director of Disaster Management and Emergencies is in Grenada attending the “Ivan 10 Symposium”, which is being held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, from 1st – 3rd December 2014. The event is organized by the Coordinating Unit of the CDEMA in collaboration with the Government of Grenada and other CDEMA partners. It is a CDEMA Corner Stone event to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Ivan.
Hurricane Ivan impacted the Caribbean in September 2004 as a Category 5 Storm on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. It was one of the most powerful storms to hit the Caribbean in decades and left a trail of damage and destruction from Trinidad and Tobago to the Cayman Islands with most significant impact in Grenada, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Regional losses amount to USD$3 billion and 64 persons died.
Convened under the theme “Exploring Response and Recovery, Embracing Resilience” the symposium will examine response and recovery approaches following the impact of Hurricane Ivan, whilst exploring progress towards resilience in the region. This event will also feature the Caribbean sub-regional Consultation on the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS), to frame the Caribbean’s perspective as an input to the regional consultation in 2015 and the global summit in 2016.
The World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) is an initiative by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to make humanitarian action related to natural hazards and conflicts more effective. The WHS will aim to develop stronger partnerships and seek innovative solutions to persistent and new humanitarian challenges.
The main objective for the Ivan 10 Symposium are:
To explore the evolution of response and recovery approaches since Hurricane Ivan.
To articulate a CDEMA-System position to contribute to the World Humanitarian Summit Process
To examine advancements towards resilience building through sound financial and economic practices innovation
Topics to be discussed at the symposium include inter alia, Humanitarian Effectiveness, Reducing Vulnerability and Managing Risk, Development and Economic Consequences of Climatic Hazards, and Transformation through Innovation.
Light trucks, holiday discounts drive volume up 5%
Spurred by a 20 percent gain at Chrysler Group and aided by Black Friday discounts and light-truck demand, U.S. light-vehicle sales jumped 5 percent last month, pushing the annualized pace of deliveries above 17 million for the second time this year.
The seasonally adjusted annual rate of 17.2 million fell shy of August’s 17.5 million. But it showed that demand remains robust as the industry winds up its fifth year of recovery since the recession.
Some analysts, however, warned that November’s surge could steal some sales from December.
Sales of cars, crossovers, minivans, SUVs and other vehicles totaled 1.3 million in November, the highest tally for the month since 2001. Light-truck volume jumped 9 percent while car deliveries slipped 0.1 percent.
“Automakers were keen marketers in November, tapping early into Black Friday magic to boost sales to levels not seen in more than a decade,” said John Krafcik, president of the TrueCar online car-buying service. “While the deals were good, automakers held the line on incentives.”
Subaru led all automakers with a 24 percent gain. General Motors, helped by strong truck and SUV deliveries, rebounded from a soft October with a 6 percent advance. American Honda Motor Co. set a November record with combined Honda and Acura sales of 121,814 units, an increase of 5 percent.
Toyota Motor Corp. and the VW brand each rose 3 percent. Volumes at Ford Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Corp. declined. Kia and Hyundai also fell.
Among GM brands, sales rose 27 percent at Buick, 23 percent at GMC and 3 percent at Chevrolet. Volume dropped 19 percent at Cadillac. GM’s retail deliveries edged up 5 percent and fleet volume jumped 11 percent.
Edmunds.com estimated GM's incentives rose 23 percent in November to $3,505 from a year earlier.
“The buzz around Black Friday helped drive strong showroom traffic but there was a lot more at work in the market,” Kurt McNeil, vice president for U.S. sales operations at GM, said in a statement. “More people have jobs and job security, their wages are starting to increase, household wealth is growing and low pump prices look like they’re here to stay through 2015.”
Source-Auto News
PlayStation turns 20 today
The break-through video console from Sony (SNYFY) Computer Entertainment marks its 20th anniversary today, and to celebrate, Sony is releasing a special Anniversary Edition PS4.
Pre-orders start on Dec. 6, and are available only in "very limited supply," according to the company.
Shunei Yoshida, author of the PlayStation.Blog, noted that the original PlayStation launched in Japan on Dec. 3, 1994.
"20 years is a long time!" he blogged. "In 1994, many outsiders thought that Sony was slightly crazy to launch the original PlayStation into an incredibly competitive gaming market. Who could blame them?"
The market is still competitive. Xbox One from Microsoft (MSFT, Tech30) is in hot demand this holiday shopping season, giving the PlayStation 4 a run for its money, along with competing consoles from Nintendo, including the Wii U.
Trying to gain an edge, Sony recently unveiled an Internet cable service called Vue, which would be accessible through PlayStation consoles instead of a cable box.
The company is struggling. Sony expects to lose more than $2 billion in the current fiscal year, largely due to losses in the highly competitive smartphone industry.
Source-CNN
Burt Reynolds Denies He's Broke
Burt Reynolds insists he is not broke. The actor was rumored facing a dire financial crisis after putting more than 600 of his personal items up for auction, but he claims he's just cleaning the house. "I want everyone to know that contrary to what all the news outlets are saying, I am not broke," he says.
"I have been dealing with a business dispute for many years as well as a divorce settlement. I am simply selling some of my memorabilia that I have enjoyed for so many years but do not have use nor room for them anymore," he explains to ET Online. "Quite frankly, I am sick of so many pictures of myself in my own home."
The auction will take place at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on December 11 and 12. Burt's 1998 Golden Globe trophy for "Boogie Nights", the outfit he wore in "Smokey and the Bandit", and cowboy boots from movie "Striptease" are among the items on sale. "I've collected so many things that I truly adore but at this stage of my life I find it very difficult to manage them all," he says.
Burt filed for bankruptcy in 1996, three years after a messy divorce from actress Loni Anderson. He also has mortgage issue and has been trying to sell his Jupiter, Fla. house, cutting down the price from $8 million to less than $5 million.
Source-Ace.Showbiz
Woman sues Bill Cosby for alleged sexual assault in 1974
Yet another woman has come forward accusing comedian Bill Cosby of sexual assault.
Judy Huth filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming sexual battery and infliction of emotional distress during an incident at the Playboy Mansion, according to the documents first obtained by Radar Online.
The alleged sexual assault took place in 1974 when Huth was 15 years old.
According to court documents, Huth and a 16-year-old friend met Cosby when he was filming a movie at Lacy Park in Los Angeles.
After talking with the girls, the suit alleges, Cosby invited them to his tennis club the following Saturday, "where he served them alcoholic beverages and played games of billiards."
They then went to the Playboy Mansion where, the lawsuit says, Cosby asked Huth to sit on a bed beside him, after she came out of a bathroom.
"He then proceeded to sexually molest her by attempting to put his hand down her pants, and then taking her hand in his hand and performing a sex act on himself without her consent."
CNN reached out to Cosby's lawyer Martin D. Singer but was not immediately able to get a response. His camp has repeatedly and vigorously denied previous allegations.
Source-CNN
Relatively quiet 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season
The 2014 Atlantic hurricane season which officially ended on November 30 will be remembered as a relatively quiet season as was predicted and can even be described as uneventful for the Caribbean region.
The Caribbean was spared this season from any major storms or hurricanes but it is not always going to be so.
It was predicted that during the 2014 Hurricane Season, there could be about 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes of categories 3, 4 or 5. The actual numbers at the end of the official season were 8 named storms, 6 hurricanes and two major hurricanes.
The two major hurricanes were Edouard, a category 3 in early September and Gonzalo, a category 4 in mid-October. The other Hurricanes were Arthur, a category 2 in early July, Bertha, a Category 1 in early August, Cristobal, a Category 1 towards the end of August and Fay, a category 1 in Mid-October. The other named storm, Hanna towards the end of October remained a tropical storm. There were 9 depressions.
While there were no direct hits to any Caribbean Country, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts/Nevis and Anguilla were affected by Hurricane Gonzalo, while the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Bermuda and other islands in the Lesser Antilles were affected by some of this season’s hurricanes.
The effects of the 2014 Hurricane season in North America and the Caribbean resulted in 17 fatalities and damage totaling about US$232 Million.
During the season, the Caribbean was also affected by intense precipitation due to Trough systems and tropical waves which would have negatively impacted some of the islands. This has prompted the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), a risk insurance facility, which many of the countries subscribe too, to pay off US$1.5Million as compensation for damage to St. Kitts/Nevis and Anguilla in early November.
Amidst the Hurricanes, storms and intense rains during the 2014 Hurricane season some Caribbean countries suffered some drought conditions. These countries included Jamaica, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Guyana and Antigua where stringent measures had to be introduced for use of water. The St. Lucian Government had to declare a water crisis, Jamaica trucked water into various communities and in Antigua, a water supplier had to significantly increase the amount of water it provided on a daily basis.