PDM Holds Convention in South Caicos
The Peoples Democratic Movement is gearing up for a weekend of excitement as it holds the annual national convention on the island of South Caicos. The two day affair will see party faithfuls from all over especially from Grand Turk, Provo and North Caicos.
The theme: Commitment Without Excuse will be heard throughout the sessions as each attendee will be challenged to dedicate more time and effort into building the movement.
South Caicos has not hosted a national convention in over two decades so the loyal party supporters are excited about this opportunity. Everyone is welcomed to join us on Friday for a night of fellowship. On Saturday there will be a business session for the PDM caucus. Election of officers is expected to take place. We intend to emerge with a strong leadership team who will continue building on an already strong team.
This year marks the 39th anniversary of the PDM party. This convention is the spring board for the next milestone. PDMs are encouraged to recommit themselves and help to make the next year a most productive and progressive one ever.
Ministry of Health and Human Services congratulates participants of the recently completed Mass Casualty Management Course
The Ministry of Health and Human Services extends congratulations to eighteen Emergency Response Workers who received intense training in Mass Casualty Management the week 23 -28 June, 2014 in Providenciales.
Participants included health care professionals such as doctors and nurses from the TCI Hospitals, nurses from the Primary Health Care Department, Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Medical Responders as well as representatives from the Police Department, 911 Dispatch Services, Airport and Domestic Fire Services, Ports Authority and Turks and Caicos Red Cross.
The objectives of the course were:
1. To strengthen the capacity of the Turks and Caicos Islands to respond to natural and man-made disasters
2. To ensure that procedures, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood within the current public/private health care system
3. To enhance intersectoral cooperation and collaboration
This course was an historical occasion, as this was the first Mass Casualty Management workshop conducted by our locally trained Mass Casualty Instructors. Our Instructors were formally trained by the Pan American Health Organization and provided with the skills to conduct local Mass Casualty Training in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with the opportunity to branch out to become Regional Instructors.
There are a total of six Mass Casualty Instructors namely Dr Denise Braithwaite, Ms Charlene Higgs, Mrs Audrey Ewing, Ms Imternizia McCartney, Mrs Mary Forbes and Mr Winston Quelch. The main Instructors for this first course were; Dr Denise Braithwaite, Ms Charlene Higgs and Mrs Mary Forbes with support from Mrs Audrey Ewing.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services is thankful for all its partners, especially the Department of Disaster Management, TCI Hospitals and TCI Airports Authority for the support given towards this vital Mass Casualty Management training.
LIME’s Scholarship & Grant students perform well
LIME made an investment in the area of education and the students who were on the LIME Scholarship and Grant program have excelled in their studies.
Last year, Leslyn Nelson, Aaron Lightbourne and Salutatorian Gabrielle Williams graduated as members of the team.
This year LIME is also pleased with the excellent performances of Natalia Williams who attends the HJ Robinson High School and the first Valedictorian of the program. Marvin Jennings and Leroy Penn are Salutatorians at their respective schools; the Maranatha High School and the Wesley Methodist School.
The company recognizes that the team work of parents, teachers, the students and the contributions from LIME worked together to see this level of achievement. Congratulations to the parents of these students who have now seen these young people reap the rewards of their hard work. LIME is so very proud of Natalia’s accomplishments as the first Valedictorian of the program.
Natalia said: “I am an intrinsically motivated, hardworking and ambitious young lady. These traits along with the support of those around me have no doubt contributed to my latest achievement of becoming the Valedictorian of the H.J. Robinson High School Class of 2014.”
She continued: “I enjoy reading and dancing, and believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. My next goal is to successfully become a Medical Technologist and serve the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Natalia also thanked her parents for being there for her while studying late into the night. She also thanked LIME for helping to provide that incentive each year so that she pushed herself towards a goal that she consistently met.
Marketing Manager, Rachel Harvey noted: “Natalia, Leroy and Marvin have performed well throughout their life in secondary school and LIME wished them every success in their future endeavors.”
As Natalia, Leroy and Marvin leave the program, LIME will welcome a new member to the Scholarship family.
LIME congratulates all the students that have performed so well during this graduation cycle.
LIME Turks & Caicos launched 4G Technology
LIME Turks & Caicos Islands has introduced its 4G technology with the official launch of its 4G+Me campaign. The launch was held at the Grace Bay Hotel with a large number of corporate customers in attendance. LIME’s new General Manager Mr. James Pitt was on hand to welcome guests.
The evening began with the soulful music of Sounds of Sax as customers mingled with staff as they enjoyed cocktails. The 4G backdrop was beautiful against the blue tranquil water of the world famed Grace Bay beach.
Mr. Pitt addressed the crowd at this significant juncture of the company’s history, “LIME’s goal is to be the Provider of Choice in the Turks & Caicos with the best in data offerings and unparalleled customer service.”
He continued, “LIME will compete on the highest level with any other company on island. We know that data is critical in modern life and business and most of you here are corporate customers – with the ability to access high data speeds whenever and wherever you want.”
HOD Sales Mrs. Delleriece Hall also commented, “LIME has been serving the Turks & Caicos Islands from the days of telex, now the company is offering 4G speeds to customers. This speaks of the investment and staying power that is synonymous with LIME in the TCI.” She stated, “LIME will be offering competitive plans with this 4G service and customers are encouraged to check out the MyPlan for postpaid and the new MyPlan Prepaid packages as well.”
Customers also enjoyed the tropical beat of the Soundproof Band; the rhythmic dancing of Shara Bowen; the fascinating Fire Dancer and the music of Prime DJs.
The food paid homage to each LIME Caribbean island as customers won prizes such as the latest smartphones and tickets to the Busy Signal concert.
The launch activities continued with the Island Fish Fry powered by LIME where customers were able to received various specials on LIME’s 4G network. The culmination of the events took place on Friday with the “LIME TIME” radio show; a live broadcast from the LIME office and the Busy Signal concert which LIME was a major sponsor.
LIME realizes that 4G is not a destination; it is a journey and customers are welcomed to join the company on this road to success.
Clashes Erupt in East Jerusalem After Palestinian Teen's Funeral
Israeli police fired tear gas and stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinians Friday, as thousands mourned a 16-year-old boy believed killed in revenge for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers.
The clashes erupted after Friday prayers as residents buried Mohammed Abu Khudair. Palestinians say his death was in response for the murder last month of the Jewish teenagers, which in turn has been blamed on the militant group Hamas.
The apparent tit-for-tat killings have stoked anger throughout the region, threatening to unleash a new cycle of violence and recrimination from both sides.
Khudair's body was discovered Wednesday in a Jerusalem forest about an hour after he was forced into a car. Israeli police are investigating whether it was indeed a revenge killing, possibly by Jewish militants.
The discovery of Khudair’s body prompted days of unrest in East Jerusalem and elsewhere. His funeral Friday, in the Arab neighborhood of Shuafat, coincided with the first Friday prayer services of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Germany Arrests Man Suspected of Spying for US
German authorities have arrested a German man employed by the domestic intelligence agency (BND) on suspicion of spying for the United States, two politicians with knowledge of the affair told Reuters on Friday.
The German Federal Prosecutor's office said in a statement that a 31-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of being a foreign spy, but it gave no further details.
The affair risks further straining ties with Washington which were damaged by revelations last year of mass surveillance of German citizens by the U.S. National Security Agency, which included monitoring Chancellor Angela Merkel's mobile phone.
The man has admitted passing to an American contact details about a special German parliamentary committee set up to investigate the spying revelations made by former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, the politicians said.
Both lawmakers are members of the nine-person parliamentary control committee, whose meetings are confidential, and which is in charge of monitoring German intelligence. The parliamentary committee investigating the NSA affair also holds some confidential meetings.
Brazil to face Columbia on Friday
Brazil will face Colombia today for a spot in the World Cup semi-final. Everybody expects a tough game for Brazil, which is hosting the tournament. In a country where soccer is king, every Brazilian has an opinion on the national team.
As was expected before the tournament, Brazil finished first in group A. However, the team's style received a lot of criticism. The last game against Chile in the round of 16 did not quiet the criticism. Brazil could not win during the 90-minute game or in overtime. Instead, Brazil qualified through penalty kicks. Neymar, the striker, is a star, but his teammates do not have his talent and the 22-year-old player often seems alone on the field.
Brazil has scored 8 goals in 4 games, but Colombia has scored 11 times. James Rodriguez, the World Cup’s top scorer and the new Colombian superstar, scored five of those goals.
Fans still hope the odds are in favor of Brazil, which has won 5 trophies, a record in World Cup history. Paul Camargo hopes Brazil will add a sixth cup.
Church Softball Games saw big plays in Providenciales
The exciting Church Softball league continued last night at the National Stadium.
In the first game of the evening, it was Paradise Baptist VS St. Monica’s Church that seemed like a walk in the park. St. Monica’s won that game in the third inning because of the Ten run rule, with the final score resulting in St. Monica’s 11 to Paradise 1.
In the second game between the Romans Catholic & Jericho Baptist,this game provided entertaining plays for the fans; the score was tied 2 all up to the 5th inning, in the top of the 5th, Jericho was able to score another 2 runs to put the score 4 to 2.
In the bottom of the 5th, the Romans set up to bat, they needed 2 to tie or 3 to win, with two out and bases loaded all they need now was 2 runs. The play was made, the batter hit his ball down to 3rd base line, which was missed by the third baseman, and they scored 2 runs allowing Romans to win 5 to 4.
Games will continue on Monday with Harvest VS Bethany and Abundant Life VS Prophecy.
KB Homes challenges Quality Super Kings in T20 cricket
The TCICA T20 Cricket competition will continue on Sunday 6 July 2014 at the Down Town Ball Park, in Providenciales.
This is a game not to be missed between KB Homes as they do battle with Quality Super Kings.
Match starts at 12 pm.
World Bank commits US$10.2 billion to boost Caribbean economic growth
The World Bank says it has committed US$10.2 billion this year to support Latin America and the Caribbean efforts to boost economic growth and maintain historic social gains.
The Washington-based financial institution said that the amount included resources from its International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
The World Bank’s IBRD and IDA “maintained its strong support for the region” by approving more than US$5.1 billion in new loans in fiscal year 2014, US$4.6 billion from IBRD and US$455 million from IDA, the bank’s fund for the poorest countries, the statement said.
“Support was aimed at generating opportunities for all through public and private sector projects that expand public services, improve regional productivity, competitiveness and integration, create new quality jobs and assist those most in need,” said the bank, adding that Haiti received US$103 million in IDA grants.