TCIG CONGRATULATES NEWLY APPOINTED CIVIL SERVANTS
The Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. the Hon. Rufus W. Ewing was pleased to hear of the recent appointments to the Civil Service, as announced by the Deputy Governor’s Office on Tuesday June 17, 2014, in which some twelve, deserving Turks and Caicos Islanders were successfully awarded placement in middle to senior management roles within the Government.
“I would like to congratulate the persons who have successfully received job placement with the Civil Service most recently and throughout the past year and half of elected Government under the Progressive National Party Administration. It has always been my Government’s vision to not only strengthen the Civil Service with hard-working, capable employees, but also to create job opportunities and ensure that our young people are recognized as valuable contributors, and given the opportunity to advance to management roles within the service through proper, fair, transparent and strategic succession planning.
“I expect that as a community, that we will support our young people in their new roles and encourage others to continue to strive for advancement in their careers, whether within the public service, as employees of the private sector, or as entrepreneurs, because it is through their success that we as a country will also be successful. We will continue to work with the Office of the Deputy Governor, who is responsible for the public service, to ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders are afforded the opportunity for professional development, employment and promotion to senior levels within the service, ” said Premier Ewing at the time of announcement.
Resource availability was the source of cry for many Government Departments in recent years especially during the period under the Interim Administration and time of global economic downturn, but despite financial constraints, and with continual improvement in the economy, the current Government has facilitated some sixty-some job placements in critical areas, since coming to office in November 2012, and will be facilitating even more employment in critical areas as the financial position of the government improves, thereby ensuring the advancement of an effective and efficient Civil Service.
Turks and Caicos Motoring Club –Strong Finish in Barbados
The Turks and Caicos name has once again gained attention in the world of competitive motorsports as Paul Horton and Stan Hartling took their "H Racing" teams to compete in the Sol Rally Barbados event earlier this month.
Sol Rally Barbados is the Caribbean's biggest international motor sport event that celebrated its 25th year this season.
The rally consisted of approximately 100 teams from over 30 countries across the globe. Over the three days of competition, the event attracted an estimated 20,000 dedicated spectators who lined the roadside in a carnival style atmosphere to catch the action as some of the finest prepared rally cars available screamed by.
Competitors include several WRC class professionals including well-known Paul Bird, Rodger Duckworth, Jeffery Panton and many more.
The Turks and Caicos Motoring Club covered two competitive classes this year. Paul Horton and co-driver Kris Yearwood competed in Super Modified 7 with his well-prepared classic Ford Escort Mk 1, while Stan Hartling with co-driver Andy Proudfoot competed in Super Modified 12 in a BMW M3.
Both teams placed strongly with Horton finishing in second place in his SM 7 division and Hartling coming fourth overall in the SM 12 group.
Hartling and Horton remain very committed to one day seeing competitive motor sports being hosted in the Turks and Caicos Islands. "We hope that over time we can show the government the positive impact that this sport has had on other Caribbean islands and how it benefits not only the government, but the youth and people of the Islands", stated Hartling.
Horton has had discussions with FIA officials in trying to establish the parameters for getting a long term plan for a phased facility that may start with youth based motorsports and then expand. "We want to try and promote a safe venue for the youth on the island to become involved in racing and motorsports that gives them an outlet and helps them become future competitors we can mentor."
Horton and Hartling also extended thanks and appreciation for those that traveled to Barbados this year to support and cheer on the Turks and Caicos team.
The motoring club's next events will include Horton's team competing in August for the Summer Nights Rally event in Barbados. The Event is 12 Special Stages, consisting of six during the day and six at night. Hartling is preparing his Super Charged Lotus Exige to compete in Canada this September in the five day endurance rally know as Targa Newfoundland.
Provo Water Company receives International accreditation for Water Lab
Provo Water Company today announced to RTC News that they have formally received international accreditation under ISO Standard 17025, placing their laboratory as the first testing laboratory in the Nation to receive this accreditation and the first Water Utility in the Carribean region with an accredited lab.
According to Sherry Bell Parker, It took 3 years to complete this process, she added that there are 3 other labs in the Caribbean that has been recognized & accredited. These include Jamaica & the Cayman Islands.
The accreditation demonstrates the extent of their commitment to providing a safe and reliable water source for the community. The management added that this also confirms that we are committed to providing the highest quality testing services available to the Turks & Caicos islands.
Ministry of Education on GSAT
The Minister of Education today released the results of the 2014 Grade Six Achievement Test for the Turks & Caicos Islands.
This year 411 students wrote the GSAT examinations, where three hundred and forty seven (347) will be eligible to move into High Schools across the Territory.
Sixty Four(64) students will not be moving on to High School at this stage and will have to repeat the GSAT according to the Ministry. The education department noted that these students did not attain the 50% pass mark and is still under the age of 13.
The Ministry congratulated all the teachers, principals, parents and students who successfully wrote the Grade Six Achievement Test. Congratulations were also extended to the schools fielding the top three students that include, Richmond Hill Primary and Precious Treasures.
Congratulations also goes out to the other schools who fielded top ten students including, Oseta Jolly Primary School, Shining Stars Preparatory, Best Institute, Charles Hubert James Primary and Ona Glinton Primary School.
Deputy Premier & Minister of Education, Hon. Akierra M D Missick after receiving the results sent her heart felt congratulations to all the Grade Six Students who participated in the GSAT exams, the Minister comforted those students who did not attain the pass mark, “ do not be discouraged but just see this result as a speed bump in the road to your success. Many more speed bumps will come, but it is how they are overcome that matters.”
TCI reports additional cases of chikungunya
The Ministry of Health and Human Services has received confirmation of an additional four positive cases of chikungunya.
This brings the total number of positive cases for the TCI to six. In addition, the Ministry of Health is also closely monitoring dengue fever cases as a number have recently been reported. These individuals will be followed up according to established protocols and procedures.
Chikungunya is a viral illness, which is spread by the bite of an infected Ae-des aegypti mosquito. Chikungunya was first identified in the Caribbean region in December 2013 in St Martin and has subsequently spread to affect 18 countries in the Caribbean. The disease has progressively spread across the region through close trade and travel links between the Caribbean islands and has even resulted in imported cases being identified in Florida.
Symptoms of chikungunya appear between four and seven days after someone has been bitten by an infected mosquito and include fever, joint pain, rashes, headache, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms can last for a few days however joint pain may persist for much longer. See your health care provider if you develop these symptoms. Severe cases of chikungunya requiring hospitalisation are rare. There is no specific medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection or disease.
The Ministry of Health is continuing activities to prevent further spread of these illnesses through public education and enhanced vector control activities throughout the TCI. To protect yourself and your family, the Ministry of Health and Human Services advises persons in the TCI to take the following precautions:
1. Check around buildings for anything that could hold water, inspect your home and yard weekly
2. Turn containers over or cover them
3. Get rid of or cover old tires
4. Properly dispose of all garbage/refuse
5. Cover boats, children’s pools, etc.
6. Clean rain gutters and make sure they are flowing properly
7. Check screens for holes
8. Tightly cover water drums and rain barrels
9. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
10. Apply insect repellents on exposed skin liberally (e.g. repellants containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535)
11. Use mosquito nets at night
12. Use air conditioning when indoors or secure all doors and windows with screens
13. Call the Environmental Health Department to treat large bodies of stagnant water on or around your property.
American Airlines cuts flights to Venezuela
American Airlines says it is cutting almost 80% of its flights to Venezuela from next month.
From July 2, American will operate only 10 flights per week instead of the current 48.
The move comes as part of a continuing dispute over the repatriation of revenue due to tight currency controls in the oil-rich country.
A number of airlines have already suspended or reduced the number of flights to Venezuela.
"Since we are owed a substantial outstanding amount ($750m, £442m to March 2014) and have been unable to reach resolution on the debt, we will significantly reduce our flights to the country after 1 July," the airline said in a statement.
American said it would only fly to Venezuela from Miami, suspending its flights from New York, Dallas and Puerto Rico.
Tight foreign currency controls make it difficult for foreign airlines to repatriate money from ticket sales in Venezuela.
The authorities have restricted access to dollars and want to make them more expensive to purchase, which may lead to losses for companies that are still waiting for cash from as far back as 2012.
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) estimates Venezuela is delaying payment of $4bn.
American Airlines is the largest foreign carrier serving Venezuela.
TCI Top Model, Brielle Swann graces Times of the Islands magazine
Times of the Islands summer 2014 issue is set to hit newsstands today! On the cover and in an eight-page editorial spread is TCI’s newest Top Model, Brielle Swann.
Having being named the FACE of the Turks and Caicos on Friday, May 2nd by industry experts in Providenciales, the Grand Turks native took the plunge in her first of many editorial photoshoots to come. The shoot, which took place at the award-winning Point Grace Resort - was the most picturesque location with its turn-of-the-century British Colonial architecture, lush tropical foliage, fantastic vistas and lavish furnishings; made the perfect backdrop for the safari themed spread.
The 2014 TCI Top Model, donned in outfits by Courtney Robinson Couture, Rosetta Talbot, L’été Boutique, shoes courtesy of Shoe Gallery along garments sourced by the TCI Top Model organizers - provided the 5’9” Cockburn Town ethereal beauty with a fabulous array of stylish ensembles.
Published photographer Renau Destine of Double R Media, who was assisted by Galacty Vancela -photographed Brielle in and around the property, and on the Point’s white sandy beaches. On hand during the shoot was Courtney Robinson, Director of Production for the TCI Top Model Contest, who was also the shoot’s Fashion Editor.
The creative team also consisted of Kerietta Simpson, TCI Top Model Contest’s Head of Fashion and Grooming Fashion, who was the shoot’s hairstylist and makeup artist, transforming the Top Model, and Claire Parrish, Advertising Manager for Times Publishing.
This summer’s Times of the Islands magazine are on newsstands and in your favorite stores from today.
NEW SENIOR AND MIDDLE MANAGEMENT GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS
Deputy Governor Anya Williams has announced a range of new appointments within the Turks and Caicos Government, it was announced today, Tuesday, 17 June 2014.
In addition to new senior and middle management posts, TCIG has introduced a new Senior Management Understudy Training Programme. This is designed to support the development of progression and careers paths within the civil service.
Deputy Governor Williams said:
“I would like to congratulate these persons on their new appointments and would like to wish them much success as they carry out their new roles. The Management Understudy Training Programme, is a core component of our new succession plan to ensure that local people are provided with opportunities to progress within the civil service, by receiving the training and personal development to help them progress into these roles.
“As candidates for our 21st Century Manager Programme, our new colleagues will be given the opportunity for training internships, either in the UK or other Overseas Territories, just like Clyde Green, our newly appointed Rehabilitation Manager who is currently benefitting from an internship where he is reviewing the UK’s prison rehabilitation work.”
New Senior Appointments in TCIG are as follows:
· Director of Estates - Neroy Kennedy
· Water Engineer - Omowale Harvey
· Investment Services Executive (Aftercare) - Justin Misick
· Assistant Commissioner of Revenue (Legal) – Na-si-ya Misick
· Assistant Director of Planning – Tori-ono Williams
· Deputy Superintendent of Prison - Raymond Grant
· Assistant Superintendent of Prison - Meshelle Jennings Prison
· Rehabilitation Manager - Clyde Green (Mr.Green is currently in the UK on training and will take up his new post on completion.)
New Deputy/Understudy Roles:
· Deputy Director of Social Services - Tiffany Thomas-Brown
· Deputy Budget Director – Pe-shina Williams
· Assistant Accountant General - Sally Jean Astwood
· Assistant Accountant General - Ahmed Jones
Six cases of chikungunya confirmed in Cuba
Cuban health authorities confirmed six cases of the mosquito-born chikungunya disease Wednesday, the latest in a spate of Caribbean countries reporting the fever-causing illness in their backyard.
The health ministry said that most of the cases were linked to individuals who had travelled recently, likely to Haiti or the Dominican Republic.
In its statement, in state-run newspaper Granma, the ministry added that the patients were “progressing well.”
Chikungunya produces symptoms similar to dengue, including high fever, joint pain and skin rash.
The virus is carried by mosquitoes — most commonly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are also responsible for dengue.
Since December when two cases were confirmed on the Caribbean island of St Martin, chikungunya has cropped up across the Caribbean.
As of early March there had been more than 8,000 suspected cases in the region, according to the World Health Organization.
Meanwhile health authorities in El Salvador Saturday said that the disease had appeared in the Central-American country.
Cuba’s ministry of public health gave notice it would “strengthen surveillance and control measures of travellers arriving from countries at risk of the disease, mainly in the Caribbean.”
It added that almost all of those who were infected on the island were linked to “illegal trade.”
In Cuba, the only Communist country in the Americas, individuals travelling abroad commonly import clothing, footwear and household appliances which they sell at home, and which is considered an illegal activity.
There is no vaccine or treatment for chikungunya, which has infected millions of people in Africa and Asia since the disease was first recorded in 1952.
Source-Associated Free Press
Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne announces his Cabinet
Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that his newly sworn-in Cabinet will eliminate work permit fees for CARICOM nationals.
In his inaugural address on Wednesday, which was observed as OECS Day, Mr Browne said his campaign promise would be fulfilled.
“It was suggested that we were dangling a carrot before the Caribbean brothers and sisters when we promised we would eliminate worker permit fees for CARICOM nationals. Well, there’s no need for any sort of dangling this evening”.
“Nevertheless, I announce this evening, OECS Day, that effective 26th June, 2014, no work permit fees shall be collected from CARICOM nationals who are being offered, duly advertised, and processed employment opportunities here in Antigua and Barbuda,” Mr Browne said.
He emphasized that his Labour Party administration “will deliver and I say to you tonight, promise made, promise kept”.
The CARICOM member states are Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
Source-DVN