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.
Marley fifth on Forbes dead celebrities top-earning list
Reggae legend Bob Marley is listed at fifth among the highest-earning dead celebrities by Forbes magazine.
Marley, who died of cancer at age 36 in 1981, is said to have earned US$20 million year-to-date for his fifth place.
The list is topped by King of Pop Michael Jackson, who is estimated to be raking in some US$140 million since the start of the year.
Elvis Presley took second place with US$55 million, cartoonist and comic strip creator Charles Schulz was third with US$40 million, and fourth was actress Elizabeth Taylor with US$25 million.
Forbes said it compiled the list by talking to estate managers, lawyers and licensors and analyzing estimated posthumous earnings between October 2013-14.
Joan Rivers: Clinic cited for multiple failings
The New York clinic where Joan Rivers suffered a cardiac arrest during a medical procedure failed to follow standard protocols while treating her, state health investigators have said.
The comedian died on 4 September, aged 81, a week after she stopped breathing at the Yorkville Endoscopy centre.
A report released by the Department of Health cited multiple errors, including failing to detect Rivers' deteriorating vital signs during the procedure.
Negligence has not been alleged.
The New York medical examiner's office ruled Rivers died of brain damage due to lack of oxygen during the procedure examining the back of her throat and vocal cords
The death was classified as a "therapeutic complication", meaning it was a known risk.
The comic had been sedated with the anaesthetic propofol, however the report said there there were inconsistencies recorded in its dosage.
It added there was no record staff at the clinic weighed Rivers before administering the drug.
'Misconduct and mismanagement'
Hypoxia - brain damage caused by lack of oxygen - and cardiac arrest are rare side effects of propofol, but patients usually sign a waiver before surgery to confirm they understand the risks.
But the report said there were no records of medical consent for all the procedures performed.
Investigators said the clinic "failed to identify deteriorating vital signs and provide timely intervention" in Rivers' case.
They also noted a staff member took pictures of the comic without her consent while she was under anaesthesia, in violation of the clinic's mobile phone policy.
Rivers daughter Melissa said she was "outraged by the misconduct and mismanagement" that occurred and wanted to ensure it does not happen again with any other patient.
Her lawyers are investigating the circumstances surrounding her mother's death.
As a result of the state investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services has given Yorkville Endoscopy until 7 January to correct deficiencies to avoid losing accreditation to the government's Medicare programme covering the elderly.
The clinic told NBC it had submitted a plan to officials addressing all the issues raised. It added the physicians referenced in the report no longer provided services there.
Guyana president suspends parliament
The president of Guyana has suspended the national parliament to avoid MPs passing a vote of no confidence in his government.
Donald Ramotar invoked an obscure constitutional procedure to carry out the manoeuvre.
He said in a statement he was disbanding the legislature with the hope that it might eventually "benefit our people".
But his opponents accused the president of undermining democracy.
Mr Ramotar executed his decision as MPs returned for their first day of work after a two-month recess.
Under a constitutional tool known as "proroguing", he said he would be able to suspend parliament for a maximum of six months.
The measure would allow the president's administration to work with an opposition-controlled parliament without calling early elections, according to the Associated Press news agency.
"Fellow Guyanese," the president said in a statement, "my decision to exercise this constitutional option was not taken lightly, but it was the sole recourse that was left to me to ensure that the life of the 10th Parliament was preserved."
However opposition politician, Moses Nagamootoo - whose party filed the September no confidence vote - accused the administration of being "a recalcitrant and renegade government".
Source-BBC
Ferry captain sentenced to 36 years in jail
The captain of the South Korean ferry which sank in April has been found guilty of gross negligence and sentenced to 36 years in prison.
The Sewol ferry was carrying 476 people when it went down. More than 300 died, most of them school students.
Lee Joon-seok was among 15 crew members on trial over the sinking, one of South Korea's worst maritime disasters.
Prosecutors charged him with homicide and called for the death penalty, but judges acquitted him on that charge.
Lee is in his late 60s, and he accepted in court that he would spend the rest of his days in jail, according to the BBC's Steve Evans in Gwangju.
The judges said that he was clearly not the only person responsible for the tragedy and they accepted that his negligence did not amount to an intent to kill.
The disaster was blamed on a combination of illegal redesigns, the overloading of cargo and the inexperience of the crew member steering the vessel.
Crew members did not secure cargo which moved when the vessel took a tight corner, toppling the ferry, and Lee was filmed leaving the sinking ship while many passengers remained inside.
The chief engineer of the ferry, identified by his surname Park, was found guilty of murder and jailed for 30 years.
Thirteen other crew members were given jail sentences of up to 20 years on charges including abandonment and violating maritime law.
Relatives of victims were distraught at the verdict, with some weeping.
The AFP news agency reported that one woman screamed in the courtroom: "It's not fair. What about the lives of our children? They (the defendants) deserve worse than death."