Digicel TCI Update on its Saturday, 12th October network outage.
On Saturday, 12th October 2013, during one of the worst lighting storms the Turks & Caicos have experienced in years, multiple lighting strikes caused damage to critical equipment within Digicel TCI’s Core network, resulting in the majority of its services going offline.
Digicel TCI’s technical teams were onsite within an hour of the network going offline and they worked tirelessly throughout the day to replace the damage equipment and to get most of the services back online by mid-Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning the links that allow Digicel valued customers to call subscribers on other domestic networks were restored.
Digicel TCI’s network is now 100% back online, and while it does not envisage any other disruptions in service, Digicel TCI would like to caution the public that like all telecommunications networks, its network is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. If due to the current weather conditions being experienced it becomes necessary to make additional repairs to the network Digicel TCI will inform the public accordingly.
Digicel CEO, E Jay Saunders stated that, “I would like to apologize to all our customers and assure them that Digicel TCI takes all service interruptions very seriously. I met with the Digicel Board earlier in the week where we discussed the network outage along with plans to prevent a reoccurrence of the same. We have completed a full damage assessment and I can assure you that we will be making the necessary investments to the network to reduce our exposure to these sorts of issues in the future.”
L&L Parent Workshop: Attention and Focus in Children
The Learn and Lead Educational Center will host another Parent Workshop on Wednesday 23rd of October 2013, titled “Attention and Focus in Children”.
Managing Director of Learn & Lead Jamell Robinson told RTC News that more and more parents are complaining that their children just are ‘not settling.’
He said that a child that has difficulty with attention and focus often does not produce the results their parents know that they are capable of.
Specialist Educator, Senior Partner & wife Yoland Robinson also stated that this is becoming a common trend and needs to be reviewed by both educators and family if children are to move forward.
She’s urging people from all walks of life to join their team for an evening of knowledge sharing and discussion as we explore ways to improve attention and focus in children and in teens.
For more information or to register visit their center at www.learnandleadec.com.
TCI Fishing Study Now Underway
A U.K. sponsored pelagic fishing study commenced in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Turks and Caicos Islands today Friday, October 18, 2013. The study will determine the economic feasibility of developing an off-shore fisheries industry for the TCI, in addition to providing the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) with stock characteristic of various pelagic species.
At the time of this report, Dayboat I, the vessel being used in the study, is bringing in its first haul, which includes swordfish, mahi mahi, wahoo, big-eye tuna, yellowfin tuna and albacore. A shark and blue marlin were landed live and released, along with all undersized catch. No other bycatch has been reported at this time. A DEMA observer is aboard the vessel and DEMA is also able to monitor activities via virtual software.
When asked about today’s activities, DEMA Director Kathleen Wood said, “We are pleased that so far, all activities associated with this study appear to be proceeding as planned and as agreed. We know that there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this study but are confident that the sustainable methods employed and the results gleaned will speak for themselves and alleviate any concerns that the public may have now that the study is underway. We are hopeful that pelagic fisheries stocks will be sufficient to provide alternative livelihoods to TCI fishers.
Once the first voyage is completed, DEMA will be releasing all of the statistical data from the catch. DEMA also welcomes comments and questions from the public and can be contacted at environment@gov.tc and 941-5122.
GSS to Address the Flooding Road of Roadways in Providenciales
The Ministry of Government Support Services (GSS) is working on measures that are expected to reduce flooding along the roadways in Providenciales.
In light of the recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding in both Providenciales and Grand Turk, Ministry Officials have reviewed the problem areas and historical records with a view to the design and implementation of effective preventative measures for the affected areas.
The Ministry notes that there have been some recent improvements with the installation of a number of wells, but acknowledges that much more needs to be done to improve situation.
In addition to a number of short term measures being undertaken by the Department, consultants are being engaged under a Caribbean Development Bank funded project to review and develop strategies and a plan to reduce storm-water flood risks to communities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Project will map the levels of risk; identify and evaluate flood management options; undertake community vulnerability assessments; identify cost-effective drainage improvement measures; develop drainage policy and plans, as well as enhance the capacity of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to better manage flood hazards. The project will also assess the impact of projected sea level rise and other effects of climate change.
Among other things the consultants will investigate the extent of flooding and review of the existing management practices in an effort to determine levels of flooding that could occur during extreme rainfall events.
They will also seek to:
1. Understand the mechanics of the flooding from rainfall events as well as consider the impact of rising sea levels and climate change on the TCI;
2. Determine the locations that are prone to inundation and the amount of inundation that will occur from specific storm events; and
3. Conducting a Risk Assessment and develop an emergency plan and method to address the flooding that is occurring in order to mitigate damage.
PWD Seeks Public Help to Identify Faulty Street Lights
The Public Works Department (PWD) is seeking the assistance of the public to identify street lights that are non operational or mal-functioning. These include lights that go on and off, dimmed lights, those that burn continuously or lights that remain off.
PWD stands ready to repair any street light that is not working effectively as they benefit all sectors by providing well lit streets and communities. A well-lit street will discourage criminal activity and contribute to the general safety of the public.
Please note that PWD is NOT soliciting requests for new street lights due to budgetary constraints; however the Department is encouraging the public to report areas that are in need of lighting to facilitate planning.
• To report street lights on Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay please contact Anryn Malcolm or Don Lightbourne on 338 2502 or 946 2801 ext. 10913
• For lights in Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos please call: Garvin Thomas or Roger Harvey on 946 4596.
Pakistan's PM to Meet Kerry in Washington Sunday
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif meets with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington Sunday at the start of the highest-level official Pakistani visit to the U.S. in several years.
Sharif will meet with President Barack Obama later in the week as the two countries consider various issues, including counter-terrorism and Washington's use of controversial drone strikes within Pakistan's borders.
U.S. officials have praised Sharif for his efforts to reduce tensions in the area since he was elected prime minister in May. The U.S. is looking to Islamabad for help in reconciliation efforts between the Taliban and neighboring Afghanistan.
The Englishman in charge of the worst team in the world
Waking up on an island of crystal blue lakes, turquoise seas and tropical temperatures each morning sounds like paradise.
But rather than relaxing in a hammock all day in his adopted home of the Turks and Caicos Islands, 41-year-old Englishman Matthew Green is busy trying to rid the country of the title 'world's worst football team'.
It's a distinction they share with Bhutan and San Marino at joint 207th place in the Fifa world football rankings.
The task isn't easy, as Green's team last won in 2008 (against St Lucia) and haven't actually played a match for two years because of a shortage of players. His squad includes a variety of occupations, including a policeman, lawyer, teacher and construction worker.
Add the fact that his only other managerial experience is with a pub team in Hull and you get an idea of how tough his job is.
"Everybody thinks you are sat on the beach drinking pina coladas," Green says. "I wish I was, but there is too much to do.
"I did once take a pub side in Hull, called Spiders, to a Sunday League title. But that was a bit different to running an international team.
"Every time I go back to Hull, my brother and friends make fun of the fact we are ranked so low. I know they are only joking but there is pride there. You want to see your country rise up the rankings.
"We are certainly capable of doing so, if we can get some extra resources."
The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British territory made up of 40 Caribbean islands - eight are inhabited - covering an area of 166 square miles. The overall population is about 30,000, one third of whom are under 15.
As technical director of their football association, Green is responsible for overseeing all aspects of football development, from working with the men's and women's national teams to the youth set-up, coaching and refereeing.
The island's league has six amateur teams, yet most of the players are expats meaning Green has a pool of fewer than 25 players to choose from.
There are some talented youngsters, but they tend to be on scholarships in America and the UK, making it difficult to return for matches or training camps.
One of the few professionals available is Gavin Glinton, 34, who plays for Vietnamese second division club Mikado Nam Dinhis. He is the country's all-time top goalscorer, with four goals in eight international matches.
"The players are great to deal with, for the most part," says Green, one of three full-time football employees.
The island's FA was formed in 1996 and became affiliated to Fifa two years later. Back then they had no pitches, no leagues, and had to wait until 2006 for their first win - against the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Cup.
So how did a former teacher from Hull become their manager?
Green was released by Hull City at the age of 15 for being too small and went on to qualify as a teacher. He arrived in the Bahamas in 1998 trying to find a job at a school.
The search was fruitful and he turned Temple Christian High School into one of the major powerhouses of Bahamian football, with the senior high girls team winning the national championship every year from 2001 to 2007. At the same time he also started to work his way up the national coaching ladder.
He was also an active player, finishing top scorer for Grasshoppers FC in 2000 and 2001.
In 2007, he spotted an advert for technical director of the Turks and Caicos Islands FA and decided to give it a go.
He landed the job and discovered an island of beautiful beaches and average summer temperatures of 29C. It's little surprise that celebrities such as Hollywood actor Bruce Willis and England defender Rio Ferdinand have splashed out on properties there in recent years.
Green lives on his own in a two-bedroom house surrounded by natural vegetation, overlooking lakes and hills. A balcony provides picture-perfect views.
After 15 years in the Caribbean he feels at home, although traces of his heritage are revealed from time to time.
"My accent varies depending on who I am talking to," he says. "I have a 'coaching voice' which is a bit of a 'put on', but it makes sure all our players can understand me.
"My Hull accent comes out when I get angry or excited - which is quite often!"
The islands haven't played since their 10-0 aggregate defeat to the Bahamas in a World Cup qualifier in 2011.
Green is determined to hold a couple of friendlies in the coming months, ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign in the Concacaf group.
Written by Andy Cryer for the BBC
Justin Bieber Talks About Dealing With Heartache in 'Believe 3D'
Justin Bieber discusses the challenges that come with being popular in a new sneak peek at his upcoming docu film "Believe 3D". In what seems to be a reference to his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez, the teen singer talks about masking his emotion and smiling through his pains.
"I could be going through a big argument and I'm like, 'I'm about to go onstage right now.' And we're yelling, and then I gotta rise up on the toaster," he says. "It's like, I'm upset. I don't want to have to smile and put on a happy [face], but sometimes you just gotta suck it up."
"That's just one of the things you gotta deal with being in this position, in this world, in this industry," the teen adds. He also states, "You always gotta keep a smile on your face through all the negativity. You gotta hide your emotions sometimes, especially for me going onstage."
The 3D movie will be released in the U.S. on Christmas Day this year. Following up the successful 2011 documentary "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" directed by John M. Chu, it will focus on the singer's transition from teen pop star to young adult during the making of his album "Believe" and the tour that followed.
Stephen Baldwin Pays $100,000 in Back Taxes
Actor Stephen Baldwin has paid a part of his overdue taxes. Baldwin appeared in front of a judge at Rockland County Court on Friday, October 18 and paid $100,000 on the total amount of $343,068 which he owes the State in back personal income taxes, penalty and interest.
Outside the court, Stephen told reporters that he was confident he would be able to pay the remaining $243,068 by March. Stephen and his lawyer Russell Yankwitt also said that prosecutors' decision to allow quarterly payment made the process easier. "This was never about not wanting to do the right thing, never about not wanting or willing to pay what I owe," the contestant on "The Celebrity Apprentice" added, as quoted by The Journal News.
The youngest of the four acting Baldwin brothers was arrested in December for failing to file Personal Income Tax Returns for 2008, 2009, and 2010. His total tax liability due to New York State was $400,000 which included the tax, penalty and interest. He pleaded guilty for tax evasion charge in March and was ordered to pay his debt to the State in one year. At the March court meeting, Supreme Court Justice Charles Apotheker noted that the actor had already paid $100,000 of the total amount.
Outside the court, Baldwin told reporters that he did not intend to avoid paying tax. "Unfortunately, I got some really bad suggestions and advice from lawyers and accountants," he said back then. He is scheduled to appear in court in January.
Source-AceShowbiz
Depp surprises Sir Christopher Lee with film award
Hammer horror star Sir Christopher Lee said it was a "very emotional moment" when he received his British Institute Fellowship from his friend Johnny Depp.
He tearfully accepted the award at the London Film Festival, saying: "I didn't know you were going to be here. I must try and pull myself together."
The prize for best film went to to Pawel Pawlikowski's Ida, about German occupation of Poland and the Holocaust.
Screenwriter Jonathan Asser won best British newcomer.
He took the accolade for his debut feature Starred Up, about the practice of placing violent young offenders prematurely in adult prison.
BFI fellow and film critic Philip French said of Ida that the jury was "deeply moved by a courageous film that handles, with subtlety and insight, a painfully controversial historical situation".
Sir Christopher, 91, who described receiving his award as "a great joy", is famed for his villainous portrayals of Bond bad guy Scaramanga and evil wizard Saruman in The Lord of the Rings.
He has amassed more than 250 screen credits, including The Wicker Man, The Man with the Golden Gun and more recently, several Tim Burton films including Sleepy Hollow, which starred Depp. He also played Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequels.
Depp, who sneaked into the awards ceremony to surprise his friend, said it was his "great honour" to present the award to "a very great man", saying he had been "fascinated and inspired" by him.