Marine Forecast for Tuesday & Wednesday
MARINE FORECAST ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY AT 2130 UTC.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: SWIMMERS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS….
GENERAL SITUATION: AN AREA OF HIGH PRESSURE IS OVER THE BAHAMAS & EXTENDING TO THE TCI AND WILL BE PUSHED TO THE EAST BY A STRONG COLD FRONT MOVING INTO THE NORTHERN ISLANDS TOMORROW
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION CONTINUES
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET WITH LIGHT SOUTHEASTERLY SWELLS OVER THE OCEAN
WEATHER: A FEW STRAY SHOWERS TONIGHT BUT SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS TOMORROW
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS
SEAS: 5 TO 8 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
WEATHER: WINDY CONDITIONS WITH THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE: 74°F 23°C
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 84°F 29°C
MOONSET: 08:38 PM HIGH TIDE: 09:49 PM
MOONRISE: 10:13 AM WED. LOW TIDE: 03:55 AM WED.
HIGH TIDE: 10:15 AM WED.
LOW TIDE: 04:46 PM WED.
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW
SPECIAL WARNINGS: SWIMMERS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS….
WEATHER: FAIR AND MILD TONIGHT WITH A FEW STRAY SHOWERS BECOMING PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY TOMORROW WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION CONTINUES
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET WITH LIGHT SOUTHEASTERLY SWELLS OVER THE OCEAN
WEATHER: FAIR AND WINDY TONIGHT BECOMING PARTLY SUNNY, WARM AND WINDY TOMORROW WITH THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS
SEAS: 5 TO 8 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE: 74°F 23°C
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 84°F 29°C
SUNRISE: 06:34 AM WED. MOONSET: 08:38 PM HIGH TIDE: 09:49 PM
SUNSET: 05:20 PM WED. MOONRISE: 10:13 AM WED. LOW TIDE: 03:55 AM WED.
HIGH TIDE: 10:15 AM WED.
LOW TIDE: 04:46 PM WED.
Predators defeated the Kings in the PABA
In the weekends PABA games just concluded, the Hustlerz defeated the Shottas 44-38.
Mohen Cox scored 11 points for the Shottas supported by one of the best high school players Darly Francois who scored 8 points and had 3 rebounds.
In the second game, the Predators defeated the Kings 59-53.
McKinnon scored 15 pts for the Kings while Troy Saunders was the scoring machine for the Predators with 22 points and 12 rebounds, he was supported by Roger Martinez with 20 pts. Elliot Johnson grabbed 18 rebounds along with his 4 points.
Games will continue this Wednesday with a double header starting 7 pm.
RTC Sports will have more on the double headers on Thursday.
Sony Pictures computer system hacked in online attack
Sony Pictures Entertainment has been targeted by computer hackers in an attack which reports say forced it shut down its systems on Monday.
A skull appeared on computer screens along with a message threatening to release data "secrets" if undisclosed demands were not met, reports said.
The message showed "#GOP" indicating a group called Guardians of Peace was behind the attack.
Sony has issued a statement saying the firm is investigating the "IT matter".
The tech firm has reportedly shut down its computer network as a precaution and advised employees that resolving the situation could take anywhere from one day to three weeks.
Meanwhile, an anonymous user on the Reddit news website posted an image allegedly from a Sony computer screen, which said "Warning: We've already warned you, and this is just the beginning… We have obtained all your internal data including secrets and top secrets".
News of the online attack comes just months after Sony's Playstation network was forced offline by a cyber attack in August.
Wee Teck Loo, head of consumer electronics research at Euromonitor said any negative news for Sony just "piles" pressure on the company that has been struggling financially in both its TV and mobile business.
"Three years ago, the hack on PlayStation network was massive, expensive and absolutely embarrassing. This time round, I don't believe that there will be massive damage, save for Sony's ego, even if the hack is real," Mr Loo said.
Charles Lim, senior industry analyst at ICT, Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific, however, said the attack has put into question what "multi-layers of prevention" Sony has to detect and handle such risks.
"In this breach, GOP claimed to have accessed private keys, source codes, password files and even their production schedule and notes, and that will raise questions," Mr Lim said.
High profile companies like Sony can be targeted and hacked every day, according consulting firm AT Kearney.
In its latest research, the firm said that experts estimate that at least 25% of all companies have already suffered financial loss through some form of cyber attack.
Source-BBC
Gov’t bans importation of used and reconditioned vehicles
A decision by Cabinet in Antigua to ban the importation of used cars older than five years has met strong condemnation from segments of the population.
The DAILY OBSERVER media received a press release from the Environment Division that read: “Cabinet agreed to the following recommendations: – that used and recondition vehicle(s) be no older than five (5) years for importation in Antigua and Barbuda.”
The communique also noted that the Environmental Levy imposed on imported used vehicles would be raised from $4,000 to $6,000. (The Levy on new vehicles is $1,000).
Cabinet made the decision on September 3, and it came into effect from October 15, 2014.
When OBSERVER media contacted Comptroller of Customs, Raju Boddu, to ascertain whether the new levy and ban were already being enforced, he said he had not yet received official word from the central government.
One motorsports and car racing enthusiast said he was “annoyed” to the point of tears, when he heard the news.
“What fuels motor sports are cars from the 1990s,” he told OBSERVER. “The more we have sports-oriented cars in the country, the bigger it is for the car scene. (With this ban) motorsports in Antigua would just be a pipe dream.”
It has also been reported that online Japanese car dealers, through which many residents purchase vehicles, have been notified of the government’s decision. The motorsports enthusiast, who did not want to be named, said some of his counterparts were recently blocked when they tried to import a car from Japan.
“The dealer issued statements that said our government has sent them notification not to sell anything to anybody from Antigua and Barbuda before 2010,” the driver reported.
“There are at least three companies that have sent something in regards to that to people who have expressed an interest in purchasing.”
Meantime, Principal of Antigua Motors, one of the largest car dealers on island, Paul Ryan, described the move by Cabinet as “positive.”
He said the government was bringing its laws in line with most of the other Caribbean islands which have already adopted such a move.
Source-Daily Observer
US economy grows faster than first forecast
The US economy grew much faster than first reported during the third quarter, official figures have shown.
It expanded at an annualised rate of 3.9% between July and September, up from the 3.5% first estimated by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The rise, which follows a strong second quarter, means the US has seen its strongest two consecutive quarters of growth for a decade.
Consumer spending was the biggest driver of the raised estimate.
It grew by 2.2% according to the latest estimate, which was higher than the initial calculation of 1.8%.
Consumer spending is closely watched as it accounts for 70% of US gross domestic product (GDP).
The data suggests the US has shrugged off the slow start to the year when heavy snow saw the economy shrink.
Analysts are expecting growth of around 2.2% overall for the full year, matching the rate of expansion in 2013.
"The question of whether the economy is accelerating or will accelerate is no longer a question; we can say somewhat definitively that the economy has already accelerated," said Dan Greenhaus, chief strategist at BTIG.
Meanwhile, a separate survey, showed US house prices rose by more than expected in September.
The closely-watched S&P/Case Shiller index jumped 4.9% year-on-year.
The index, which measures single-family home prices in 20 cities, showed that prices were up 0.3% month-on-month on a seasonally adjusted basis.
"With the economy looking better than a year ago, the housing outlook for 2015 is stable to slightly better," said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices.
Source-BBC
Flight attendant guilty of money laundering
A Dominican flight attendant was on Monday fined EC$10,000 to be paid forthwith or spend 9 months in jail in connection with two money laundering charges.
Thirty-year-old Sherita Kernelle Newton, an employee of regional carrier LIAT, was charged with bringing criminal property into St. Vincent and the Grenadines, contrary to Section 123-1E of the Criminal Code.
She was also charged with being in possession of criminal property, contrary to Section 125-1C of the Criminal Code
She pleaded guilty to both charges when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown.
She had not paid the fined when court was adjourned before noon, and was taken away in an unmarked police vehicle.
Last Wednesday, Nov.21, law enforcement agents conducted a search of Newton’s apartment at Beachcomers Hotel, and questioned her in relation to monies she had in her possession, suspected to have been derived from criminal conduct.
Newton told police that she had EC$12,000, but when police counted the monies, it amounted to EC$27,000. She also had 25 euros in her possession.
Newtown told police that someone in Antigua had given her the money to take to an individual in St. Vincent and that she was paid EC$1,000 to transport the money.
She, however, did not disclose the identities of the person sending the money or the intended recipient.
Sources say that Newton had been transporting money in this way since early 2013.
She was taken into custody and the charges were brought against her after a joint investigation by the Financial Intelligence and the Narcotics Units.
The monies were forfeited to the Confiscated Assets Fund, but the court did not grant an application for confiscation of Newton’s benefit from the criminal action (namely the EC$1,000), she having been convicted of money laundering.
Source-CMC
Flyers defeats Steelers & Police arrested Coco Cola in PABA
The Flyers defeated the Steelers in a very close game 59-57 on Friday night.
New coach Alvarado Parker coached a very good game and players are buying into his philosophy of discipline and hard work.
The teams newest player, Reo Stubbs who recently returned home after a stint at a high school in the United States made a bold statement with his low post moves and soft touch with the ball. He scored 13 pts, 10 rebs, 3 blks and 2 steals. Andy Florvil scored 21 pts and had 7 steals. Welay Cherry chipped in also with 13 pts and 4 rebounds. Flyers Roddy Fulford scored 10 pts. Jordan Garland was the high point man with 15 pts and 6 rebounds. Captain Anthony Cash chipped in 10 pts, 5 Rebs and 4 steals.
The feature game of the night did not live up to much of the hype as was anticipated. The new look Coca Cola team suffered at the hands of the Police Badgers, as the Police drank the Cola Cola 68-50. Former Harbour boys players Duran Dean and Ehlo Seymour fortified front and back court of the police along with recent graduate from Tabernacle High in the Bahamas Melvin Elsie Jr.
There was balance all around scoring for the Police. Evans Dubois led the way with 17 pts and 5 asts, Melvin Elsie Jr scored 11 pts, 5 Rebs, 3 assists and 8 steals. Duran Dean chipped in with 7 pts and 8 rebs.
Coca Cola's Merlin Forbes dominated the scoring with 19 pts and 6 rebs. Dinero Harvey chipped in with 15 pts and 4 steals.
RTC Sports will have more on the leagues games next week.
Australia's Phil Hughes 'critical' after being hit by cricket ball
Australian cricketer Phil Hughes is in a critical condition in hospital after being hit by a ball during a match in Sydney.
The 25-year-old South Australia batsman, who has played for his country, collapsed after he was struck by a "bouncer" from New South Wales bowler Sean Abbott.
The game was immediately halted as Hughes received treatment. He was eventually taken from the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to the city's St Vincent's Hospital.
"He is in intensive care after undergoing neurosurgery in theater," David Faktor, a spokesman for the hospital, told CNN. "His family are with him at the hospital."
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Hughes was "intubated" by medical staff who flew by helicopter to the ground. The procedure involves inserting a tube into the body to enable that person to breathe.
They said he was now in an induced coma, though CNN could not confirm these details.
Hughes was playing for South Australia against Sydney-based New South Wales, a team he represented between 2007 and 2012.
"He received immediate treatment at the ground led by CNSW and CA Chief Medical Officer Dr John Orchard. He was then taken to hospital by ambulance and is receiving the best available care.
Source-CNN
TCI Cabinet discussed key issues at last meeting
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 19 November 2014 at the NJS Francis Building on Grand Turk.
All Ministers were present at this cabinet meeting.
· Agreed it was minded to increase the national minimum wage by by 25% from USD 5.00 to USD 6.25 per hour, effective 1 April, 2015. Cabinet invites views on this proposal to be submitted to tciminimumwagereview2014@gov.tc by 31 December, 2014.
· Noted the recommendation of the Procurement Board on the award of a contract for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of one 14,500 gallons per day salt water reverse osmosis plant for water undertaking on Salt Cay;
· Approved the naming of the following completed and to-be-completed Government buildings after individuals who have made significant contributions to the Turks and Caicos Islands within their profession or field of work: the new Grand Turk Customs Warehouse - The Alexander L Adams Customs Warehouse; the new Salt Cay clinic - The Evelyn G W Simmons Health Care Clinic; the new Middle Caicos clinic - The Alsada Hall Malcolm Health Care Clinic; the new Grand Turk water plant - the Hon. Louis Astwood Waterworks; the South Caicos Clinic - Nurse Madeline Mills Clinic; the South Caicos Community Clinic - Bertram Malcolm Community Clinic; the South Caicos Airport - James Bassette Airport; the Middle Caicos Causeway - Missick Williams Causeway.
· Approved the membership of Ms Charlene Higgs to the Service Review Board as required under the Hospitals Project Agreement Schedule 6, Section II, part 1;
· Agreed to develop and issue a tender for the removal of scrap metal, old vehicles and tyres from the Turks and Caicos Islands;
· Noted that there should be stricter enforcement of business and food licensing as well as abandoned vehicle removal provisions in Providenciales and Grand Turk. Cabinet undertook to contact the relevant government departments to emphasise this point;
· Agreed to explore the policy options available to reduce the amount of plastic consumable waste (including plastic bags and styrofoam containers) in the Islands;
· Agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rotaract International Youth Organisation for the upkeep and maintenance of the NJS Francis park and the use of the building located on the park as part of their Youth Service Programme;
· Approved the 2015/6 - 2018/19 Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement for submission to the Foreign Office prior to its passage to the House of Assembly as required by the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012;
· Agreed to revise the Magistrates' Courts Ordinance as it relates to the appointment of Justices of the Peace and to draft a Bill for a new Notary Public Ordinance. Cabinet also approved a moratorium, effective immediately, on the appointment of new Justice of the Peace and Notary Public appointments until the revisions have been enacted in law;
· Noted, as per the reporting requirement under Section21 (12) of the Public Procurement Ordinance 2012, that no waivers were granted for the period July to September 2014.
Ministers will provide further information on these matters in due course.