WOMEN’S T20 West Indies Women book semifinal with England
West Indies Women saved their best performance of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for when it mattered most, in a clinical six-wicket victory over England Women that saw them progress to the semifinal round.
In a must-win game, Qiana Joseph scored her first-ever T20 half-century for the West Indies and captain Hayley Matthews struck an even 50, as the Caribbean side chased down England’s 141 for seven in 20 overs, finishing on 144 for four off 18 overs.
The victory was the West Indies Women’s first win over England Women since 2018 and snapped a 13-game losing streak.
The result helped the Windies top Group B, while eliminating England from the tournament with South Africa advancing in second position on net run rate after all three teams finished on six points.
It also marks the first time the West Indies Women have qualified for the semifinal of a T20 World Cup since 2018.
Australia will play South Africa in the first semifinal on Thursday, while the Windies and New Zealand will battle on Friday for a spot in the final.
Playing in her 100th T20 international, skipper Matthews and Joseph added 102 runs in an opening partnership that put them in firm control.
It was an especially impressive showing by Joseph, who opened in place of the injured Stafanie Taylor, who was ruled out with a leg injury.
Matthews wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard, blasting fast bowler Lauren Bell’s second delivery of the innings over the boundary at long leg.
Two balls later she guided Bell past short fine leg for four and then ended off the over that leaked 14 runs with another boundary over mid-off.
Joseph sent Nat Sciver-Brunt to the boundary on two occasions in the next over, as West Indies raced to 26 without loss.
An aggressive Joseph then clobbered off-spinner Charlie Deane for a six over midwicket and followed it up with successive boundaries off left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone in the fourth over.
Joseph was lucky not to be dismissed by Sciver-Brunt when she was 31, but Alice Capsey spilled the opportunity.
They were made to pay for the chance, and Matthews brought up the West Indies’ 50 in the fifth over when she tickled Sciver-Brunt to fine leg for four.
Matthews continued her assault by hitting Dean for three more boundaries in the sixth over as West Indies ended the power play on 67 without loss.
Joseph moved into the 40s after surviving another chance, this time Maia Bouchier dropping the catch at deep midwicket.
Bouchier gave Joseph a third lifeline when she got both hands to Joseph’s slug that went to deep midwicket, but she palmed the ball over the rope for six.
Joseph eventually brought up her maiden T20 half-century off 34 balls when she whipped leg-spinner Sarah Glenn to deep midwicket for a single.
Her luck eventually ran out when she was caught by Danni Wyatt-Hodge for 52 off 38 balls, inclusive of two sixes and six fours.
Matthews brought up her 14th T20I fifty shortly afterwards, but with the score 104 for one, she was back in the pavilion after miscuing a pull off Glenn to be out for 50 from 38 balls. Her knock contained seven fours and one six.
Her dismissal brought Deandra Dottin to the crease and she ensured the West Indies stayed in the ascendancy by clobbering Deane for two sixes and a four in the 16th over to leave her team needing 14 runs from 24 balls.
And even though both Shemaine Campbelle and Dottin lost their wickets, Aaliyah Alleyne held her nerve to end the contest by driving Ecclestone to the cover boundary to spark wild celebrations among the West Indies camp.
West Indies’ bowlers had earlier laid the groundwork by restricting England, with only Nat Sciver-Brunt putting up any real resistance.
Sciver-Brunt scored an unbeaten 57 from 50 balls, but England’s innings fell back once captain Heather Knight was forced to retire hurt on 21, with the score 80 for three.
Afy Fletcher was the main destroyer with 3-21 from her four overs while Matthews took 2-35.
Senate approvers legislation in the fight against corruption
The Jamaican Senate has approved the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency Order empowering the agency to investigate and prosecute a broader range of serious matters.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, who piloted the legislation, noted that the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) is an invaluable and effective tool in the fight against organised criminal activity in Jamaica.
She said the Order is designed to strengthen the agency’s investigative scope, further strengthening Jamaica’s security architecture and that it seeks to amend the first schedule of the MOCA Act to expand the pool of offences for which the agency may proceed against persons associated with or otherwise involved in organised criminal activity.
The pieces of legislation from which offences will be pulled include the Larceny Act 1942; Forgery Act 1942; Criminal Justice and Administration Act 2014; Road Traffic Act 2018; Firearms Prohibition Restriction and Regulation Act 2022; Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act 1966; Fisheries Act 2018; Praedial Larceny Prevention Act; and Common Law offences to include misconduct of public office, conspiracy, cheating the public revenue and inchoate offences.
Johnson Smith said that MOCA is the first agency of its kind in Jamaica, and “the value added to law enforcement by MOCA over the past decade speaks for itself”.
“Since January 2020 to present, MOCA has conducted approximately 98 targeted operations, resulting in a total of 85 persons being arrested, 84 of which were formally charged,” she told the Senate.
She said the Government will continue to review laws and fortify the legislative framework to ensure that they are best aligned with the needs of the security forces in the pursuit of the fight against crime and violence.
Source-CMC
Four CARICOM countries involved in TVT pilot project
Educational institutions in four Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are participating in the pilot phase of the Digitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Delivery Project.
The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that the project is designed to transform how the Caribbean people access instructional programmes or courses that focus on the skills required for a specific job function or trade.
It said the project seeks to establish a regional digital platform that supports the digitalisation of TVET delivery across CARICOM member states.
The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology in Barbados, the New Life Organization in Grenada, the HEART College of Hospitality Services, HEART College of Beauty Services and HEART College of Construction Services in Jamaica and the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP) Limited in Trinidad and Tobago are participating in the pilot project.
Project Manager and Deputy Programme Manager of Education at the CARICOM Secretariat, Dr. Denise Stoney-James, said the project’s implementation involves developing regional guidelines for digitalizing TVET delivery and training.
She said it includes converting at least three occupational programs for online delivery and a pilot and rollout of a software solutions platform to support end-to-end TVET digitalization.
“We will also train a cadre of TVET instructors, assessors and verifiers, and monitors in Member States to serve as “Train-the-Trainers”. she said, adding “They will support the continuous availability of competent instructors, assessors, and validators for online TVET qualifications in Member States and the creation of digital TVET teaching and learning content”.
In addition, the project will enhance TVET delivery through institutional capacity development (monitors, instructors, assessors, and verifiers) in online pedagogy training – a combination of teaching methods (what instructors do), learning activities (what instructors ask their students to do), and learning assessments (the assignments, projects, or tasks that measure student learning).
Stoney-James said the initiative aims to develop an incentive program to target women and representatives from marginalized groups. It will increase enrollment by improving access and participation for both groups through TVET curriculum revision and TVET qualification development for online delivery modes.
The project is being supported by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (Agência Brasileira de Cooperação” – ABC), the European Union (EU), and the German Cooperation for Sustainable Development (GIZ).
The TVET Delivery Project is a crucial element of the CARICOM Human Resource Development (HRD) 2030 Strategy, which was approved by CARICOM countries in 2017.
The project aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.
The project, which started on March 1, 2024, is expected to be completed within 24 months.
Source-CMC
REMARKS FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and especially to our girls and young women, it is a true privilege to stand before you today on this International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to recognizing the strength, potential, and invaluable contributions of girls all over the world. This year’s theme, “Elevating Girls’ Voices for Sustainable Development,” reminds us that sustainable progress in our communities and nations cannot be achieved without listening to, investing in, and empowering the voices of our girls.
Girls are not just the future leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers—they are today’s agents of change. When we elevate their voices, we ensure that their unique perspectives, creativity, and solutions are part of the collective journey towards development and progress.
Elevating Girls’ Voices:
To elevate girls’ voices means recognizing their innate potential, nurturing their dreams, and providing them with equal opportunities in education, leadership, and all areas of society. It means breaking down barriers such as gender discrimination, inequality, and violence that stifle their growth and keep their voices silenced.
We must support our girls in standing up for their rights, making their voices heard in decision-making spaces, and providing platforms where they can thrive. Sustainable development depends on how well we invest in our girls—ensuring they have access to quality education, healthcare, and a safe environment where they can grow and flourish.
Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development is not only about economic growth or environmental preservation. It is also about social inclusion—ensuring that no one, especially our girls, is left behind. Girls must be part of shaping policies and solutions that address the challenges of our time, such as climate change, poverty, and gender inequality.
A Call to Action:
As leaders, educators, parents, and community members, it is our responsibility to create an environment where girls feel valued, heard, and empowered. By doing so, we are contributing to a sustainable future that benefits everyone.
In this regard, I draw inspiration from the Scripture. In Proverbs 31:8-9 (KJV), we are admonished to:
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Let us, therefore, be advocates for our girls, ensuring that their voices are elevated, that they are protected from harm, and that they are empowered to lead in the pursuit of a brighter, more equitable future.
Prayer:
Let us bow our heads in prayer: Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of this day and for the precious lives of every girl represented here and across the world. We pray that You would continue to bless, protect, and guide them as they pursue their dreams. Lord, we ask that You open doors of opportunity for them, break every barrier of discrimination, and surround them with Your love and wisdom.
May You empower us as leaders, parents, and mentors to support our girls, elevate their voices, and create a world where they can thrive. Grant us the strength to fight for justice, equality, and peace so that every girl can live in safety and fulfilment. Let Your grace be upon them, that they may grow to be the change-makers You have called them to be.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Let us all commit today to elevating the voices of our girls, for in doing so, we lay the foundation for a sustainable, just, and inclusive future. Thank you.
BORDER FORCE-LED OPERATION IN SOUTH CAICOS RESULTS IN ARREST
The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force led a successful operation in South Caicos on 9th and 10th October 2024, targeting illegal work activity. The operation resulted in the apprehension of seven individuals, including two females and five males.
Four of the apprehended individuals are currently detained by Border Force for illegally working in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are being processed and face potential legal consequences. The remaining three individuals are in the custody of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) following the discovery of cannabis during the operation prompted by indications from the Border Force canine unit. One of these individuals will also face charges for overstaying in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This operation highlights Border Force's strategy to combat immigration and customs offences throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. The inland operations, including workplace enforcement, aim to address the root causes of illegal immigration by tackling illegal working. Border Force is committed to not only apprehending and deporting illegal immigrants but also prosecuting both undocumented workers and employers who facilitate illegal employment.
Emilio Seymour, Director General of Border Force stated "Our recent operation in South Caicos demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling our obligations to the Turks and Caicos Islands. We will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration and customs laws through inland operations throughout TCI. I am incredibly grateful to our officers for their dedication and hard work, as well as the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their invaluable assistance."
Border Force is issuing a stern warning to businesses and individuals alike: Employing undocumented workers is an offence. Those found guilty face significant penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years. Additionally, undocumented workers themselves are subject to deportation upon conviction. Individuals who harbour illegal immigrants or facilitate their entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands face even stricter penalties, including fines of up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years.
Five Cays Robbery
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force wishes to inform the public that officers from the Serious Crime Unit are actively investigating an armed robbery that took place on the evening of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Five Cays, Providenciales.
Preliminary reports indicate that at approximately 9:32 pm, officers were dispatched to Granny Hill, where a male and female were victims of a robbery.
The suspects stole a silver 2008 Nissan Note hatchback, cash, and other valuables. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Shortly after 5 pm yesterday (October 10), the vehicle was recovered in Five Cays.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal firearms to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
FORTIS TCI BEGINS CONSULTATION ON DRAFT RENEWABLE ENERGY AND RESOURCE PLANNING BILL
FortisTCI has conducted a comprehensive review of the provisions outlined in the draft 2023 Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill and a formal consultation process has commenced with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) and the Energy and Utilities Department on the Bill.
The consultation process on the draft Bill, which includes the energy provider FortisTCI, TCI Government, and independent consultant Mr. Abayomi Carmichael, who was engaged by TCI Government to facilitate public consultation, started on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. This follows a kick-off meeting held on Wednesday, September 18, to discuss the consultation process. Additional meetings are planned over the next few months to continue formal discussions.
FortisTCI strongly supports renewable energy in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Company believes the continued integration of renewable energy sources is necessary for the country's long-term sustainability, to diversify the energy mix, lower electricity rates over time, and reduce carbon emissions. This year alone, approximately 50% of the Company's capital budget was committed to clean and transitional energy projects, with ongoing commitments to invest in renewable energy and low-carbon energy sources.
The draft Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill, in its current form, aims to encourage the development and use of renewable energy in TCI. The Bill sets forth the licensing requirements for renewable energy producers and guidelines for connecting to the grid. It proposes an energy levy for solar energy producers, details licensing provisions for renewable energy installers, and addresses the roles of the Minister and the Energy and Utilities Commissioner.
The Bill also includes a net billing arrangement, which enables solar energy producers to sell electricity back to the utility. Additionally, the Bill provides a framework for the development of an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The IRP is a strategic planning tool to forecast the country's future energy demand and establishes the pathway and energy sources needed to meet those demands. The current national roadmap for renewable energy integration, also called the Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (RNETS), sets the country’s target at 33% renewable energy by 2040.
FortisTCI, as the electricity supplier, has articulated its vision regarding provisions in the draft Bill to support a balanced, equitable and effective approach to renewable energy integration.
· Role of the Public Supplier: The Company’s continued investment in renewable energy is fundamental to its obligation to serve, and to provide customers with least-cost, reliable electricity.
· Grid Integrity and Safety: The connection of independent solar systems to the grid should be done in a manner that preserves the integrity of the grid and ensures the continued safety of FortisTCI employees and the public. Proper protocols are vital to maintain a steady, safe and reliable power supply.
· An Integrated Resource Planning process should be established to determine the most cost-effective strategies for meeting customers' future energy needs. This process is key to guiding investment decisions and resource allocations.
· Equitable Benefits for All Customers: Those who do not install renewable energy systems should not cross-subsidize, that is, pay the associated costs, for those who do.
In addition, FortisTCI anticipates that incoming renewable energy legislation should follow sound regulatory principles and interact seamlessly with the Electricity Ordinance and related regulations.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions attended the Annual Conference of International Association of Prosecutors in Baku, Azerbaijan
During the period 29th September through 2nd October 2024, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Angela Brooks, represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution at the 29th annual International Association of Prosecutions Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan where 80 countries participated in this year’s conference. The International Association of Prosecutors, (IAP), is the largest association of prosecutors globally.
The conference program was designed to engage and inspire the prosecutors’ work from a practical perspective, while also addressing the technical aspects of the current challenges prosecutors face. Under the theme, “The Role of the Prosecutor in upholding the Rule of law”, this year’s sessions discussed approaches to balancing the pillars of an independent criminal justice system, the role of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system, and the challenges prosecutors face in upholding the rule of law in this digital age.
It was against this backdrop that the conference explored how prosecutors can best ensure that there is procedural equality between the prosecution and defense and considered the role that prosecution authorities play as one of the main pillars of an independent criminal justice system. The conference also considered how victims and witnesses can be served by the criminal justice system to ensure that they can give their best evidence, both through specific initiatives and greater collaboration between the criminal justice stakeholders.
Dr Brooks was one of the esteemed chairpersons for the conference, who chaired the sessions, “Transparency and public confidence in the criminal justice system.” This workshop considered prosecutorial engagement with the media and civil society, the use of metrics to demonstrate prosecution standards and the role of the media as a safeguard against potential abuses.
Minister, Honourable Jamell Robinson and team will provide updates on the National Physical Development Plan
The Minister, Honourable Jamell Robinson and his team will provide updates on the National Physical Development Plan, ongoing efforts of the informal settlements unit, joint operations with the crown land unit, the status of housing refurbishment programs, and other key infrastructure developments.
Join RTC on 89.1fm, online at www.rtc89fm.com and our app at Radio Turks and Caicos in the Google Play Store.
Department of Behavioural Health Services Hosted the 10th Annual Mental Health Conference
On 10th October 2024, the Department of Behavioral Health Services within the Ministry of Health and Human Services hosted its 10th Mental Health Conference under the theme: Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace. The primary goal of the conference was to engage attendees in critical dialogue about the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Held at Beaches Resort, the event was attended by approximately 100 people from a wide cross-section of the community, including human resource managers, chief executive officers, healthcare professionals, educators, youth workers, mental health professionals, and advocates.
The conference began with an opening prayer by Ms. Tania Allen, followed by an introduction and welcome by the Director of the Department of Behavioural Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm. Delivering opening remarks via video was the Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, who reiterated the importance of implementing mental health policies in the workplace and building best practices that create cultures where workers have the potential to contribute productively and thrive.
The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Jody-Ann Pratt, Director of Human Resources at the Ritz-Carlton. Ms. Pratt spoke on the topic: Supporting Employee’s Mental Health- A Guide for HR Professionals. With an educational background in Psychology, Ms. Pratt clearly depicted how Human Resource Managers and organizational leaders are perfectly positioned to bridge the mental health gap by providing support and tackling stigma in the workplace. In her delivery, Ms. Pratt provided key elements to supporting mental health in the workplace which include:
Building a supportive work culture
Strengthening Employee Assistance Programmes
Normalizing mental health days
Promoting physical health as part of mental health
Having a concise crisis plan
Fostering a sense of community within the organization
The conference also included a panel discussion on ‘Prioritising Mental Health Theirs and Yours’. The esteemed panel was comprised of Mrs. Sheba Wilson (CEO, Trainer, Speaker & Coach) Mrs. Ruth Forbes (President & CEO, Fortis TCI), Mrs. Tonya Greaves (Psychologist in the Department of Behavioural Health Services) and Mr. Edwin Taylor (HR Manager). The panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Darron Hilaire Jr. (Marketing Communications Executive at Flow) and added a wealth of knowledge on taking care of employee mental health while also emphasizing self-care and managing compassion fatigue.
Also featured during the event was a mental health avenue, where attendees were able to view and glean from various booths focused on psychology, psychiatry, substance abuse prevention, and Nutrition. Presentations were also delivered by staff of the Department of Behavioural Health Services: Dr. Jadetra Ingraham (Clinical Psychologist) and Ms. Tiara McTaire (Mental Health Education Specialist) who spoke on ‘Business Bumps – Unmasking mental health issues at work’.
The Department of Behavioural Health Services wishes to thank the keynote speaker, panelists, presenters, moderators and attendees for making the 10th Annual Mental Health Conference such a success.