Kazz Forbes shines at Islands of the World Fashion Showcase
Kazz Forbes and his label, Saint George Fashion House (SGFH) delivered a highly praised fashion runway presentation at Islands of the World Fashion Showcase (IWFS) as a Guest Designer during the event’s finale on November 8th at Fort Charlotte, Nassau, Bahamas.
The two-day highly anticipated fashion extravaganza was held on November 7th and 8th and featured fashion designers from Bermuda, Cuba, Jamaica, Nigeria, Turks and Caicos, The Bahamas and the United States of America, that presented an array of haute couture, prêt a porter, resort wear and swimwear collections at the historical Fort Charlotte that was transformed into a Fashion Pavilion.
Bahama Islands Info; an online popular Bahamian news blog reported, “Turks & Caicos native Kazz Forbes, and his label, Saint George Fashion House, took the audience to the ultimate ball and red carpet with an array of high end evening gowns rounding out the series of traditional yet awesome runway experiences.”
“I was very impressed with the degree that Kazz Forbes with his line, Saint George Fashion House has come since I’ve witnessed his debut in New York in 2011. The production that he made here at Islands of the World Fashion Showcase; in one word, incredible! I think he has grown and with that I can only see a tremendous future ahead for him.” said event producer Owen Bethel.
“The collection really showed elegance, red carpet and haute couture straight through. The choice of fabrics, the intricate embellishments and craftsmanship, the concept that he had in his collection really showed a well thought through; a very detailed meticulous approach to fashion and I can only wish him the best in all his endeavours in the future and the world of fashion. He should go very far and we will be here to support him.”
Telling of the work of Kazz Forbes, Bethel once asked, “Could we possibly see the next Oscar de la Renta emerge from the soil of the Turks and Caicos?”.
Closing the designers exhibition, Saint George Fashion House presented a strategic spectrum of haute couture, prêt-a-porter and red carpet designs. The majority featured Forbes’ signature of elaborate and elegant hand beaded embellishments with sparkling glass beads and rhinestones, and other intricate works done by hand.
Mae Wayne, Publisher and Editor in Chief of SHE Caribbean Magazine said, “The line from Saint George Fashion House by Kazz Forbes was presented on the runway like a fashion story. An editorial well put together, crisp and dream like. A story of balance full of the splendor of Caribbean colors.”
“Presenting at Islands of the World Fashion Showcase was indeed an honour and I will like to again express heartfelt thanks to IWFS organizers for choosing me as a guest designer and to Digicel TCI Telecommunications for funding part of the collection and for supporting all my endeavours; even before the inception of Saint George Fashion House.” said Fashion Designer Kazz Forbes.
“I had a great time working and socializing with the organizers, models and hair and makeup teams. Everyone involved were so full of enthusiasm and the hospitality received alone made my entire experience beyond amazing. I'm extremely excited about the future of Saint George Fashion House and my career in fashion design.”
“Adding to my excitement of showcasing, a couple days before departing for Nassau, I learned that Je’Cannya Garland; a fifteen year old local aspiring model that competed in the 2014 TCI Top Model Contest and won the first runner up title, was also traveling to participate at IWFS.”
“I’m so proud of Je’Cannya. Working with her and seeing her take instructions from other participating designers and walking the catwalk made me realize even more that our country is so full of great young talents, and the importance of bringing awareness to the unfortunate lack of opportunities being generated for talent development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Since 2008, Islands of the World Fashion Showcase has held to the platform it was charged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its promotion of cultural diversity, and as a means to bring value-added levels of production to the fledgling fashion industries in developing nations, particularly more vulnerable small island developing states.
The intent of Islands of the World Fashion Show is to draw attention via international media and trade exposure to the skills and creativity across the spectrum of the fashion industry in the islands.
TCIG Mourns the Passing of Director of Agriculture, Ms. Margaret Kalloo
The Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs and the Department of Agriculture join with colleagues from the sub-region and internationally in mourning the untimely death of the Director of Agriculture, Ms. Margaret Kalloo, née, Boodram; every member of the Ministry and the Department grieves her passing.
Her contribution to field of Agriculture throughout the region and the Turks and Caicos Islands is well known and greatly appreciated. Her tireless efforts to promote veterinary public health, animal diseases surveillance, food safety, and SPS matters are but only a few examples.
Mrs. Susan Malcolm, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs stated; "Even though she was with us for only eight months, her impact was positively felt.
"We take this time to extend to her family and close friends our deepest and sincerest condolences. No words of ours can assuage the grief felt at this time."
During this period the Chief Veterinary Officer will be acting Director until a suitable candidate can be found to replace her.
We need an Autopsy on the dead mammal
Dear Greenpeace Volunteer,
Please accept my request for your intervention to prevent the further exploitation of marine mammals in the TCI in the name of rescue.
A manatee is dead, and an autopsy is a must. The government of the TCI owes the world to conduct an autopsy on the dead manatee as these marine mammals are endangered species and it died in official TCIG care.
Days ago the TCI was graced with a visitor, a young sea cow who just came out of nowhere, just chilling and enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Nation’s Capitol.
Instantly a government official entrusted with protecting nature, or so I am assuming, decided that mother nature should not be left alone and all efforts were made to SAVE the animal. Save him from what? Salt water. Never-mind that he swam through thousands of miles of SALT WATER at about 2 miles per hour. He had to be saved from the SALT WATER and taken to FRESH WATER.
Gallons and gallons of fresh water was ferried to the sea creature, he must be thirsty, he gulped it down. Then came lettuce… that went down too. Calls were made and a flight was booked, the manatee was being rescued.
A mammoth sized rescue was performed, the sea was not safe for the sea creature, he would be much petter off in a backyard pool and so he was taken thereto. Tragedy struck soon after and the rest is history. The manatee is no more and has DIED IN CAPTIVITY at the hands of TCI Experts.
Now apparently, Manatees or Sea Cows cant stand salt water. Thats what the experts said. But other experts say different, you see the West Indian manatee lives in the West Indies, or Caribbean, generally in shallow coastal areas. It is known to withstand large changes in water salinity, so has also been found in shallow rivers and estuaries. It can live in fresh, brackish, and saline water. It is limited to the tropics and subtropics due to an extremely low metabolic rate and lack of a thick layer of insulating body fat. While this is a regularly occurring species along coastal southern Florida, during summer, this large mammal has even been found as far north as Dennis, Massachusetts and as far west as Texas.
A map of the territory of the West Indian Sea Cow shows the TCI smack dab in the middle of the mammal’s home territory. I guess the poor guy was right at home. The lack of thick body fat and low metabolic rate meant that the poor guy would have likely died from the change in temperature.
Lets consider the process of buying goldfish, when you buy them you take them home in a bag, then you place the bag in your tank for a while to get the temperature right then you let them swim - if not they would die. Did the Sea Cow die of this syndrome?
Not sure, but an autopsy would be sure to tell the truth.
Meanwhile all the King’s Horses and Men have failed again.
Sincerely,
Devon Williams
TCI Citizen
TCIG APPOINTS NEW HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER
Turks & Caicos Islands Government, Deputy Governor’s Office is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Keisha Bonita Taylor to the post of Human Resource Manager within the Human Resource Management Directorate.
Ms. Taylor who holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Finance with a minor concentration in Human Resource Management, has been a civil servant for over 14 years. She joined the HR team in April 2010 and worked in the Training Unit for some time as a Human Resource Officer attached to the Training & Development Division before leaving the service for a short while in 2012 during the Voluntary Severance Exercise. She returned in April 2013 through the VS Reengagement Program and has earnestly worked to assist the department in its HR efforts, most especially the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture which is the largest employment sector in government.
Commenting on the appointment Deputy Governor Anya Williams said; “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Taylor to her new post within the Human Resource Management Directorate. This appointment is part of our new Senior Management Deputy/Understudy program and I am sure that Ms. Taylor will continue to do well.”
Ms. Taylor added; “I would like to give God thanks and praises. The Human Resource Management Discipline is one that I am passionate about and even more so, the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Civil Service.
“TCIG was my first place of employment, which dates back 14 years ago. This institution has had a significant impact on the professional I am today! And this appointment is indeed an honorable, rewarding and grand opportunity. It will present the perfect platform, that will allow me to contribute and assist the team in the rebranding, transforming and development initiatives of Civil Service. Towards this end, I stand committed and I look forward to this journey and will continue to work diligently to meet the objectives of this post.”
TCI NATIONAL YOUTH AMBASSADOR REMARKS ON YOUTH FORUM
“Let me ascribe to the already established protocol, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. As TCI National Youth Ambassador I would like to contribute to today’s youth forum on the topic “ How schools should address bullying”. May I challenge your memory by saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? Obviously that was not the case. The death of Rebecca Ann Sedwick, a 12-year-old 7th grader who took her life 7 months ago in Polk County Florida proves that words are capable of harming vulnerable young children. Both physical and nonphysical forms can and do happen anywhere in the school, on the way to and from school, and even online. According to Motion Picture, 2012 Bully, “ Bullying is the most common form of violence experienced by young people.” This significantly means that us Turks and Caicos must address this immediately.
“As we know, bullying remains one of the largest problems in schools, with the percentage of students reportedly bullied at least once per week steadily increasing since 1999. Additionally, cyber bullying has become more rampant and has contributed to the suicides of multiple children. The Internet has unleashed spitefulness to a degree unseen before. Thanks to the accessibility to the Internet and the affordability of new technology, bullies now have multiple ways to harass their victims. The current generation has the added ability to use technology to expand their reach and the extent of their attacks exponentially.
“Most school bullying takes place in areas that are less supervised by adults, such as in the student cafeteria or “tuck-shop” as we know it, in restrooms, corridors, and of course classrooms.
“Schools need to create an action plan to address these spots. I suggest we address these spots by additional adults or using security techniques including closed circuit cameras. Students and parents need to know that the school takes bullying seriously and will take any actions, including arrest to prevent its occurrence. Reduce the amount of time students can spend unsupervised. Because much bullying occurs during the least supervised time, reducing the unsupervised amount of time available to students can reduce the amount of bullying. Provide classroom activities and discussions related to bullying and violence, including the harm that they cause and strategies to reduce their incidence. Involve students in establishing classroom rules against bullying and steps they can take if they see it happening. My fellow people, these are just a few of many ways to address bullying, we must take this is as a careful consideration.
“Bullying is not something that will fly by tomorrow, but will last a lifetime if not treated properly in schools in the Turks and Caicos. As we have this youth forum today let our thoughts, suggestions and skills be aided together in eradicating bullying in such a way that the topic today be rephrased to “Eradicate Bullying now or never” The youth is our future, as we often say, but bullying leaves no future perhaps not even a brighter day.
“Thank you.”
Donte Francis
National Youth Ambassador
TCIG HOSTS TAXPAYER EDUCATION DAY
The Revenue Department will be hosting its first annual Taxpayers Education Day on Friday, November 14th, 2014. The central focus of the event is to inform and educate taxpayers on the various revenue streams administered by the Department.
An invitation is extended to the private sector and general public to visit our booths at the Town Center Mall, Providenciales & Hibiscus Square, Grand Turk from 10am to 3pm. Please see flyer attached.
Other highlights of the day include: launching of the Department’s jingle and Facebook page and most importantly, an award ceremony in honor of the winner of the Caribbean Organization of Tax Administrators (COTA) 4th Annual Essay Competition, Ms. Martha Bohlale Rakuone, 15 years old from H.J. Robinson High School, Grand Turk.
The award ceremony which is being held in conjunction with the Education Department will take place during the school’s general devotions at 8:15AM. Ms. Rakuone and the H.J. Robinson High School will receive prizes from COTA, TCIG and Digicel TCI for her national & regional achievement.
We proudly congratulate Ms. Rakuone and thank all participants; we encourage all students to participate in the next competition.
P.A.B.A Basketball returns for 2014/15
The long awaited P.A.B.A night league is finally here.
RTC Sports learned that games are set to begin on Saturday 15th November 2014 at 7 pm Gus Lightbourne Center.
Twelve teams will compete for the much coveted PABA rings. The Gt Stallions will collect their second set of hardware while Coach Brother Will will be named coach of the year for the 3 time in four years.
The new team for this year are the Hustlerz led by Captain Kirk Adams and coached by veteran Colin Williams.
The league will miss the competitive Harbor Boys team who decided to take a year off to focus on its team objectives.
The Steelers recruited Mr Alvarado Parker as their coach; while veteran Coach Trevor Cooke has returned for another stint with the Police Badgers. The Badgers has also recruited Duran Dean and Ehlo Seymour from the Harbour Boys.
Alvin Parker and Devon Cox joined the Coca Cola classics formerly known as the J&D Collectors.
The HAB Supersonics and the Nazarene Kings are the youngest teams with players from the TCIPS Lions and Clement Howell High Eagles.
This year will be very exciting as each team will play 13 games during the regular season.
PABA President told RTC Sports that 'the movement of players around the league will set up a very high level of competition'. He is inviting basketball fans to come out and enjoy some good games. Admission will only be $5.00.
RTC Sports & Sportswatch team will share results from each game.
Baptist Hospital is First Hospital in South Florida as a Comprehensive Stroke Center
Baptist Hospital of Miami, in partnership with Baptist Health Neuroscience Center, has received certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Baptist Hospital is the first hospital in South Florida, the second in the state and one of only a few nationwide to receive this esteemed distinction. Comprehensive Stroke Center status is the nation's highest level of accreditation. It is earned only by those hospitals that have state-of-the-art infrastructure, staff and training necessary to treat patients with the most complex strokes.
"This advanced certification is an important recognition of the skills, experience and teamwork that have been developed at Baptist Hospital and Baptist Health Neuroscience Center,” said neurosurgeon Sergio Gonzalez-Arias, M.D., medical director of Baptist Health Neuroscience Center. “Our talented team of physicians, nurses, technologists, therapists, pharmacists and staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients with the most severe and challenging types of strokes and cerebrovascular disease.”
To achieve its status as a certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, Baptist Hospital volunteered to undergo a rigorous onsite review by Joint Commission experts. The hospital was shown to have the necessary requirements, including highly skilled specialists such as neurologists, neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists; advanced imaging capabilities; 24/7 availability of a neurointensive care unit with dedicated beds for stroke patients; and clinical staff with the unique education and competencies to care for patients with the most complex cases of stroke.
Stroke – a “brain attack” that cuts off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain – is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Approximately 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year. It can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of age, sex or ethnicity. Stroke is a condition that must be treated quickly for the best chances of recovery and survival. Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. However, recognizing symptoms and getting medical treatment quickly can limit disabilities and save lives.
“By achieving this advanced national certification, Baptist Hospital has demonstrated that it is equipped to provide specialized stroke care that can lead to better outcomes for patients,” said Bo Boulenger, chief executive officer of Baptist Hospital. “Our highly skilled, multidisciplinary team is committed to elevating the standard of care for the community we serve.”
Baptist Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. In addition to Baptist Hospital, Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Mariners Hospital and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2014
GENERAL SITUATION: A WEAK HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE WILL PREVAIL ACROSS THE BAHAMAS TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY….
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: MAINLY FAIR TONIGHT WITH A SPOTTY SHOWER OR TWO ……PARTLY SUNNY AND WARM TOMORROW WITH THE CHANCE OF AN ISOLATED SHOWER OR TWO…
WINDS: VARIABLE LESS THAN 10 KNOTS TONIGHT BECOMING NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS TOMORROW…
SEAS: LESS THAN 3 FEET TONIGHT BECOMING 2 TO 4 FEET TOMORROW ….
LOW TEMPERATURE TONIGHT 71F 21C HIGH TEMPERATURE TOMORROW 85F 29C
SUNRISE 6:26AM FRI MOONRISE 11:27PM
SUNSET 5:23PM FRI MOONSET 12:30PM FRI
LOW TIDE 6:49PM HIGH TIDE 12:51AM LOW TIDE 6:55AM FRI HIGH TIDE 1:08PM FRI
TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday 6 November 2014 at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales.
All Ministers were present except the Deputy Premier.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Reviewed and approved the Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Bill (2014) and the Encouragement of Development Ordinance (Amendment) 2014 for onward submission to the Clerk of the Legislative House of Assembly to be included in the order paper for the next sitting of the House;
· Advised the Governor to approve the introduction of the Companies (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2014 Non-Profit Organisations (Amendment) Regulations Bill at the next meeting of the House of Assembly;
· Noted the positive financial performance of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for the second quarter of the financial year 2014-2015 for the period July to September 2014. Year to date results showed an operating surplus of $43.9 million, this result is a positive variance of $27.9 million over the budgeted surplus of $16.0 million and $32.6 million over the last year's surplus of $11.3 million. Year to date recurrent revenue outturn was $122.4 million, which was $18.4 million or 18% above the budgeted outturn of $93.7 and $28.7 million or 31% above the results of the same quarter last year. Year to date recurrent expenditure outturn totalled $76.8 million, which resulted in a favourable variance of $8.6 million or 10% when compared to budgeted outturn of $85.4 million and $2.8 million or 4% above the results of the same quarter last year. Cabinet also approved the publication of the said financial report as required by Section 46 of the Public Finance Management Ordinance 2012.
· Agreed in principle to the introduction of container scanners at TCI ports, and noted they would consider a range of technologies subject to cost / benefit analysis of proposals;
· Hear a presentation from the Head of the TCI Airports Authority on the Providenciales Airport master plan and its provisions for the medium term growth of the facility. Cabinet noted the importance of ensuring the Airports Authority continued to consider how the needs of the airport will change in the longer term;
· Considered and approved the appointment of Mr. Lloyd Stubbs as a member of the Tourist Board.