Hyundai and Kia shares hit by sales forecast
Shares of Hyundai and affiliate Kia Motors have dipped more than 4% after the carmakers issued their weakest growth forecast in nearly a decade.
Their combined sales are expected to grow by 4% to 7.86 million vehicles in 2014.
The outlook is lower than the 6.2% growth posted by the two firms in 2013.
The forecast comes amid increased competition from Japanese rivals who have benefited from a sharp decline in the yen's value in recent months.
The Japanese currency fell nearly 20% against the US dollar in 2013. A weaker yen makes Japanese goods more affordable for foreign buyers.
At the same time, the South Korean won has strengthened in recently - making South Korean cars more expensive for foreign buyers and negating some of the price advantage the firms had enjoyed in recent years.
The won has risen nearly 10% against the US dollar since June last year.
To add to Hyundai and Kia's woes, they have also been facing increased competition in the US from resurgent domestic carmakers Ford and General Motors.
That has seen their growth in the US - one of their biggest markets - slow.
Hyundai chairman Chung Mong-koo said: "Competition among companies is intensifying, as the global economy has entered an era of low growth".
Hyundai has also been hurt in recent months by a series of strikes by staff over pay, which resulted in fewer vehicles being produced at its South Korean factories.
'Injuries in Kenya grenade attack'
At least 10 people have been injured in a grenade attack at a Kenyan tourist resort south of the port city of Mombasa, say police.
Attackers hurled the device into a bar in the Diani area late in the night.
"We had an explosion at the bar and about 10 people were injured," said local police chief Jack Ekakuro, quoted in local media.
The injured are said to be in a stable condition and have been taken to hospital.
Source-BBC
Appeal for information into Robbery/Murder case by TCI Police
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) continue to appeal to the public for any information as they continue their investigation into the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Jocelin Odisse of Leeward Highway, Providenciales. The RTCIPF is now releasing the name of the deceased after notifying his next of kin. Odisse was fatally shot when three gunmen robbed a business place of a sum of cash on Tuesday December 31, 2013.
The RTCIPF are sparing no effort to ensure that justice is served and are doing everything within their powers to ensure that the persons responsible for this dreadful act are brought to justice.
Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin Farquhar wishes to reassure the public that the RTCIPF are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands during this busy time of year.
Persons who may have information about this incident and wish not to be identified are being urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 8477 or use the Crime Stoppers website www.crimestoppers.tc. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Bomb at New Year's Eve Party Kills 6 in the Phillipines
A bombing at a New Year's Eve party on a southern Philippine island has killed six people and wounded at least six others.
The Philippine military said an improvised explosive device was used in the attack, which hit the town of Sumisip, on Basilan island.
There has been no claim of responsibility and the motive for the attack is not known.
Militant Islamic groups, including the notorious Abu Sayyaf group, which has links to al-Qaida, are known to operate on the island.
Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for a wave of bomb attacks, kidnappings and beheadings in the southern Philippines.
The group has been fractured by a government anti-terror campaign in recent years, but continues to carry out attacks.
Happy New Year from the Office of the Premier
Dear All,
As we enter the year 2014, we must first of all give thanks to the almighty God for his goodness, mercies and blessings for bringing us this far in the journey of life. As a people we have much to be thankful for and much more for which we need to continue our prayers and trust and faith in God.
My government look forward to a healthy working relationship with you with sharing of information and exchange of ideas via this medium and others in the new year.
I take this opportunity on behalf of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to wish all residents of Turks and Caicos and the wider Caribbean a prosperous, healthy and God filled 2014.
Sincerely,
Dr. The Honorable Rufus W. Ewing, MBBS, DM, FRCSEd, FACS, MPH, MP
Premier
Turks & Caicos Islands
10 Most Interesting People of 2013
Well! 2013 has come and gone and so we look back at 2013 for the 10 Most Interesting People of 2013 and how they got into the top 10.
The list was compiled with the help of media experts and politicians celebrating the end of the year.
1. Kazz Forbes
Young Mr. Forbes assembled a top notch team along with the backing of corporate sponsors which he used to rebrand the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Pageant. SGFH played a focal role in showcasing the glitz and glamour of the Sizzling Six ladies who vied for the crown.
2. Chef Nik
Nikita Skippings burst onto the local scene with an energy and infectious smile that quickly became his brand. His hit television show was soon followed by his restaurant. Crackpot Kitchen has become a household name, thanks to Chef Nik's innovation and charismatic personality.
3. Sonia Bien-Aime
This trail blazer has racked up frequent flyer miles as she represented the Turks and Caicos Islands as one of the few female executives of FIFA. The ever eye-catching wife and mother is the epitome of "Mrs. Turks and Caicos"!!
4. Willandra Elliott
This teen ambassador has represented her country at home and abroad as the Junior Minister of Tourism. Job well done by the young beauty.
5. Delano Williams
This rising star needs no comparison to others of his ilk. We followed our Golden Boy on You Tube at the World Games. We cheered when he signed a NIKE contract. He has put the Turks and Caicos Islands on the fast track.
6. Snwazna Adams
Miss Turks and Caicos Universe 2013 represented us at the Miss Universe Pageant in Russia. This high school teacher is a role model for aspiring beauty queens.
7. Adelphine Higgs Pitter
This hard working Lady Boss was promoted as General Manager for a resort on Grace Bay! A wife and mother, she balances that with her role as Operations Manager of her family funeral home services. Lovely local lady!
8. Darnell Hanchel
After responding to a promotion during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October 2012, she was diagnosed with the dreaded disease. This strong woman fought and conquered her battle. She now is an avid advocate for Cancer Awareness.
9. Dexter Landy
This Officer and a Gentleman moonlights as a sexophonist. His musical talent is taking him to exotic locales such as Parrot Cay as well as other local joints.
10. Ryesha Higgs
This young ingénue has already gained exposure on the international stage. Blessed with beauty and brains, she dances into the hearts of all her audiences with passion and grace. She commanded the runway as a model and a dancer in TCI Top Model as well as other events.
OTHERS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2014
Kadrica Hamilton
Having launched her fashion design in 2013, she is poised to become a household name.
Chrystal Charles
With a voice that commands any stage, she rocks and rolls like a modern day Diva.
Renau Destine
This up and coming photographer is making a name for himself at fashion shows and other glamorous events.
Joan Sutton
Already a published author of Social Studies textbooks, this young historian has a wealth of knowledge that she shares about our history. We can learn so much about our past from her!
So what do you make of the selection?
N Korean leader Kim Jong-un hails execution of uncle
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has spoken of the "elimination of factionalist filth" in his first public reference to the execution of his once-powerful uncle last month.
In a new year message broadcast on state TV, he said "resolute action" had strengthened the country's unity.
North Korea announced on 13 December it had executed Chang Song-thaek after convicting him of "acts of treachery".
The move raised concerns of instability in the secretive nuclear-armed country.
North Korea's new year messages are closely scrutinised by South Korea and other regional powers for clues to Pyongyang's policy goals.
Kim Jong-un said action to "eliminate factionalist filth" within the ruling Workers' Party had bolstered the country's unity "by 100 times".
"Our party's timely, accurate decision to purge the anti-party, anti-revolutionary elements helped greatly cement solidarity within our party," he said.
Mr Kim also accused South Korea and US of being "warmongers", working "frantically" to bring nuclear weapons to the peninsula.
An accidental conflict, he said, could trigger "an enormous nuclear catastrophe".
He called for the strengthening of North Korea's defence capabilities, adding that the country's dignity and the people's happiness depend on "the gun barrel".
Mr Chang was married to the sister of late leader Kim Jong-il, and is believed to have mentored Kim Jong-un when he succeeded his father in 2011.
Although seen as the second-most important figure in the country, he was dramatically removed from a special party session by armed guards and stripped of all his titles.
The state news agency KCNA later said he had admitted at a military trial to trying to overthrow the state, and had been executed immediately.
Analysts said one theory for Mr Chang's downfall was that he was too keen an admirer of China's economic reform.
The 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula technically in a state of war.
About 28,500 US troops are deployed in South Korea to help deter North Korean aggression.
Celebrations around the world as 2014 arrives
With fireworks, dancing and late-night revelry, millions around the world welcomed 2014 on Tuesday, gathering for huge displays of jubilation and unity as the new year arrived.
Dubai, a Persian Gulf city known for glitz, glamour and over-the-top achievements like the world's tallest skyscraper, sought to break another record by creating the largest fireworks show.
In Ukraine, anti-government protesters hoped to set their own record for the most people to sing a national anthem at the same time.
The Dubai skyline was a canvas for a dazzling 30-minute show capping off with six minutes of fireworks that engulfed the city's man-made, palm-shaped island, with its fronds and trunk shimmering in thousands of lights.
Organisers had promised that the fireworks would form a flying falcon, sunrise and United Arab Emirates flag. It was not immediately clear if the promised designs or world record had been achieved.
In total, the extravaganza was slated to include half a million fireworks from 400 firing locations synchronized by 100 computers, said Barrett Wissman, co-chairman of IMG Artists, which was managing the event. The company also organized the grand fireworks for the Atlantis hotel opening on Dubai's Palm Island in 2008.
The spectacle erupted at midnight at the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, and moved to the city's sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab hotel before ending at the Palm.
"It is really mind-blowing the size of this," Wissman said of the display.
The fireworks display was slated to surpass the current world record held by another Gulf Arab state in just the first 60 seconds. Kuwait has held the record since last year, when it fired more than 77,000 fireworks in a display lasting more than an hour.
Guinness World Record officials were on hand to measure the scale of Dubai's event, which needed to be longer than five minutes to qualify.
KIEV, UKRAINE
On Kiev's main square, at least 100,000 Ukrainians sang their national anthem in a sign of support for integration with Europe. The square has been the scene of massive pro-European protests for more than a month, triggered by President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to ditch a key deal with the European Union.
LONDON, ENGLAND
Britain planned to welcome 2014 with a mixture of futuristic fireworks and torch-lit tradition. For people in London, the New Year offered the opportunity to taste the fireworks.
The city's mayor — in conjunction with telecommunications company Vodafone — said this year's explosive display would come packed with peach-flavoured snow, edible banana confetti and orange-scented bubbles, allowing people to feast with more than just their eyes. The multisensory display will also include scratch-and-sniff programs, LED wristbands and fruit-flavoured sweets.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
In Sydney, Australia, fireworks organisers expected to set off 7 metric tons (7.7 US tons) of pyrotechnics in 12 seconds in a display that sprayed from the sails of the Sydney Opera House and the city's harbour bridge.
"It filled up the whole sky," said Mona Rucek, a 28-year-old tourist from Munich, Germany.
AUKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Closer to the International Dateline, New Zealand concluded 2013 with its own fireworks that erupted from Auckland's Sky Tower while cheering crowds danced in the streets of the South Pacific island nation's largest city.
TOKYO, JAPAN
In Tokyo, five priests at the Zojoji temple used ropes to swing a wooden pole against a large bell, sounding the first of 108 gongs to mark the New Year. Simultaneously, "2014" lit up in white lights on the modern Tokyo Tower in the background.
Juji Muto said he was curious to hear how the bell sounded. The 75-year-old retiree said he wishes every year for good health.
BEIJING, CHINA
China planned light shows at part of the Great Wall near Beijing and at the Bund waterfront in Shanghai. The city of Wuhan in central Hubei province called off its fireworks show and banned fireworks downtown to avoid worsening its smog.
ROME
Pope Francis used his year-end prayer service of thanksgiving to urge people to ask themselves: Did they spend 2013 to further their own interests or to help others?
The pontiff asked people to reflect if they used the past year to make the places where they live more liveable and welcoming. Citing Rome as an example, Francis said the city is full of tourists, but also refugees.
PHILIPPINES
More than 260 people had been injured by firecracker blasts and celebratory gunfire in the Philippines, a nation marking the end of a year of tragic disasters, including a November 8 typhoon that left more than 6,100 dead and nearly 1,800 missing.
"Many here are welcoming the new year after losing their mothers, fathers, siblings and children so you can imagine how it feels," said village chief Maria Rosario Bactol of Anibong community in Tacloban, the city worst hit by Typhoon Haiyan. "I tell them to face the reality, to move on and stand up, but I know it will never be easy."
Source-AP
Beyonce defends using Challenger disaster audio in song
Singer Beyonce has defended using audio recordings from the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster in a track from her recently released album.
The pop star has been criticised for using clips of an ex-Nasa public affairs officer on her XO track.
"My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster," the singer said in a statement.
The song, she continued, "was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones".
The use of the recordings, she said, was intended "to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you.
"The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten."
XO, one of the 14 songs on Beyonce's self-titled new album, was written and produced by Ryan Tedder and Terius Nash.
Seven astronauts died on 28 January 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds after launch.
The XO track begins with a recording of Nasa's former public affairs officer Steve Nesbitt referring to "a major malfunction" on the day of the tragedy.
June Scobee Rodgers, the widow of Challenger commander Dick Scobee, told ABC News she was "disappointed" that footage from an "emotionally difficult moment" had been used in the song.
Retired Nasa astronaut Clayton Anderson was also critical of the singer, calling the sample "simply insensitive, at the very least".
The former Destiny's Child member was born in 1981 in Houston, home to America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
In 2011, she recorded a special greeting for the Atlantis shuttle crew, telling them they "inspire all of us to dare to live our dreams".
Iron Man 3 tops 2013 box office
Comic book blockbuster Iron Man 3 was the highest-earning film of 2013 around the world.
The film, in which Robert Downey Jr reprises his role as billionaire crime-fighter Tony Stark, made $1.2bn (£734m), according to online movie tracker Box Office Mojo.
Animated comedy Despicable Me 2 came in at number two with global takings of $918m (£555m).
In the third slot was The Hunger Games: Catching Fire which made $795m (£480m).
Variety noted that the top 10 includes eight sequels or reboots, two original properties and three that were animated.
Gravity, Alfonso Cuaron's 3D film about astronauts adrift in space, is at number seven having made $653m (£395m) since it was released in October.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug also made a late entry into the top 10.
The second instalment in the big screen Hobbit adaptation, directed by Peter Jackson, has topped the north American box office since the film was released in mid-December.
The full top 10 is:
1 Iron Man 3 - $1,215m
2 Despicable Me 2 - $918m
3 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire- $795m
4 Fast & Furious 6 - $788m
5 Monsters University - $743m
6 Man of Steel - $662m
7 Gravity - $653m
8 Thor: The Dark World - $629m
9 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - $614m
10 - The Croods - $587m
Source: Box Office Mojo
According to other industry statistics, the north American box office is projected to reach $10.9bn (£6.6bn) this year - representing its largest ever take, surpassing 2012's total takings of $10.8bn (£6.5bn) by more than $100m (£60m).
But the estimated number of tickets sold remains similar to last year. The National Association of Theatre Owners projects the actual number of tickets sold in 2013 will remain at 1.36bn, the LA Times reported.
Ticket-price inflation and pricier 3D and Imax movies helped lift revenue to an all-time high even as attendance failed to match its peak, it said.