Minister Hon. Josephine Connolly and delegation attend the 18th Caribbean Week of Agriculture
Minister Honourable Josephine Connolly, along with her delegation, attended a highly productive visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, at the 18th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) and the 14th Special Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). Hon. Connolly, who currently serves as Chairperson of the CRFM Ministerial Council, led her team, which included Acting Director of Fisheries Kathy Lochkhart, Director of Agriculture Wilhelmina Kissoonsingh, and Executive Administrator Leandrea Missick, in making significant contributions to both events.
Minister Connolly presided over the CRFM Ministerial Council meeting, where vital issues were discussed, including the enhancement of fisheries statistics and information systems, the integration of biodiversity considerations into fisheries policies, and the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Global Diversity Framework. The meeting was marked by meaningful dialogue, leading to strategic steps for the sustainable management of fisheries across the Caribbean region.
Minister Connolly remarked, “This meeting was a crucial opportunity to address some of the most pressing challenges in our fisheries sector. The decisions we made will help to protect marine ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on them.”
The delegation also participated in the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, a dynamic event that brought together stakeholders from across the region to explore new innovations and approaches in the agricultural sector. A key feature of the week was the Agriculture Trade Show, held daily, which provided an excellent platform to showcase the latest advancements in agricultural technologies and sustainable practices. Participants were able to engage with a wide array of solutions aimed at increasing productivity and improving food security, particularly in light of the growing impacts of climate change.
Reflecting on the week, the Director of Agriculture shared, “CWA offered an invaluable opportunity to connect with regional leaders and innovators. We explored new technologies and sustainable practices that will greatly benefit the agricultural sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Acting Director of Fisheries echoed similar sentiments, adding, “The exchange of ideas and experiences during this week underlines the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges. The insights gained there will undoubtedly enhance our fisheries management efforts moving forward.”
Minister Connolly praised the overall success of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, noting that the event underscored the region’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. “This week has been an inspiring showcase of regional cooperation. The advancements in agriculture and fisheries presented here will have a lasting impact,not only on our individual nations but on the Caribbean as a whole. I look forward to applying the insights and solutions we've gathered to enhance our efforts in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The delegation’s participation reaffirmed the Turks and Caicos Islands’ dedication to advancing sustainable agricultural and fisheries practices and their involvement in shaping a more resilient and food-secure future for the region.
Ministry of Health and Human Services observes Global Handwashing Day
The Ministry of Health and Human Services joins the rest of the world to observe Global Handwashing Day on Tuesday, 15th October 2024.
The theme for Global Handwashing Day 2024 is “Why are clean hands still important?” The day is used to promote knowledge and capacity building of health and care workers through innovative and impactful training and education on infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene, and is an important reminder to all about the importance of hand hygiene to health. Inequalities in handwashing facilities can put individuals at higher risk for diseases that impact their health, education, and economic outcomes. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “US health care providers, on average, wash their hands less than half of the time they should.” This simple behavioral change, when carried out effectively, is said to reduce childhood mortality rates and related respiratory infections by 25% and death from diarrheal diseases by 50%. Global Handwashing Day (GH Day) is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap and clean running water, as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
It is important to make handwashing into a habit. The Global Handwashing Day helps raise awareness of the importance of washing with soap, but it also makes it fun for children to get involved. Proper hygiene requires that individuals know the importance of good hygiene and develop the habits to carry it out. Let us make every effort to encourage healthy behaviors by washing our hands after using the toilet, after coughing, blowing our nose and before serving or handling food and eating. Handwashing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent food poisoning. Follow these handwashing tips when preparing food: Wash hands before, during, and after preparing food.
In observance of Global Handwashing Day 2024, the National IPC Focal Point and Environmental Health personnel within the Ministry of Health and Human Services, visited the Helena Jones Robinson High School in Grand Turk, to provide information on Infection Prevention and Control in the school environment, including demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques.
Everyone has a role to play to ensure clean hands are within reach. Whether it’s in hospitals, schools, or in everyday interactions, practicing handwashing with soap still contributes to better health outcomes and a safer world for everyone.
Border Force Recovers Over $360,000 from Compliance Checks of High-Risk Importers
The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force has cracked down on three high-risk commercial importers, recovering over $360,000.00 in unpaid customs duties and fees. The Border Force has increased its compliance checks, sending a clear message to those who attempt to skirt customs regulations. These stricter measures not only ensure the accurate collection of customs duties and fees, preventing fraudulent activities like undervaluation or misclassification but also level the playing field for legitimate businesses and protect TCI's economy from unfair competition.
Emilio Seymour, Director General of Border Force, stated, "Border Force is committed to upholding the integrity of our trade environment and protecting the financial interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands. By intensifying compliance checks, we are reinforcing our zero-tolerance stance for fraudulent behaviour. We urge all commercial importers to strictly adhere to customs regulations to avoid penalties and disruptions to their businesses. We need voluntary compliance told a more secure and prosperous trading landscape for everyone.”
Submitting false declarations to Border Force when importing goods can have severe consequences. In addition to paying unpaid duties and overpayments, importers may face seizure of goods, fines of up to $20,000, and imprisonment for up to two years. This applies to both paper and electronic submissions.
The public is also advised that the importation of controlled substances, firearms, offensive weapons, indecent materials, and certain plant, food, or animal products can result in fines up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment.
Border Force plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and secure trading environment. By working closely with brokers and importers, the department is fostering a culture of voluntary compliance and building trust within the trade community. Border Force is investing in training and resources to help customs brokers and importers understand and meet their obligations, minimizing disruptions, streamlining processes, and preventing delays due to non-compliance.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services hosted the 2nd Women’s Health Symposium
On October 5, 2024, Beaches Resort was the venue for an impactful Women’s Health Symposium hosted under the theme: Advocate, Educate, Celebrate Women's Health Matters. The symposium, organised by the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, attracted women from across the Turks and Caicos Islands to engage in crucial discussions on topics affecting their well-being.
The event brought together presenters from a range of distinguished medical professionals and thought leaders to explore topics designed to educate and empower women to prioritise their health and wellness.
The event began with an opening prayer by Mrs. Anansa Jervis and an introduction by the Mistress of Ceremony, Mrs. Cheryl Ann Foreman, setting the tone for a day of inspiration and enlightenment. This was followed by a warm welcome from the Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy unit, Dr Camelia Clarke and opening remarks delivered by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Ms Renessa Williams. Both leaders emphasised the importance of women’s health and the need for continued advocacy and education in the field.
The Minister of Health and Human Services, Honorable Shaun D Malcolm, commented, “Women’s health isn’t just another priority; it’s at the heart of our families, our communities, and our nation’s overall well-being. Every day, we are working to ensure that women’s health is not just talked about but truly protected and promoted. We can make a lasting impact by coming together—healthcare professionals, advocates, and all of you here.”
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of TCI Hospitals, who inspired participants to advocate for their health. Dr Braithwaite-Tennant emphasised the importance of taking charge of one’s well-being while highlighting the progress made in women’s health initiatives in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“This symposium was a vital reminder that women’s health matters,” said Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant in her keynote speech. “By advocating for ourselves, educating ourselves, and celebrating our collective achievements, we can create healthier futures for ourselves and the generations to come.”
The other sessions included:
Anti-Ageing: A Dermatologist’s Perspective – Led by Dr Marsha Barnett, this session provided insights into maintaining youthful skin and overall health as women age.
Chronic Diseases and Women’s Health – Presented by Dr Samantha Barrett-Palmer, this session examined the impact of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension on women, emphasising the importance of prevention and management.
Understanding and Prioritizing Gynaecological Health – Delivered by Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Dawn Perry-Ewing, this deep dive into reproductive health focused on preventive care and the importance of regular screenings.
Breaking Barriers in Breast Cancer Awareness and Care – Led by General Surgeon and former Premier, Dr the Honourable Rufus Ewing, this session highlighted the significance of early detection, cutting-edge treatments, and breaking the stigma around breast cancer.
Navigating Mental Wellness: Strategies for Women’s Health – This session was presented by Dr Anya Malcolm, who focused on the mental health challenges faced by women, offering strategies for self-care, resilience, and mental wellness.
The symposium also featured a compelling panel discussion titled Empowering Women Leaders: Balancing Innovation, Technology, and Well-Being, with insights from a diverse panel of influential women leaders. Panellists included Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Mrs Cathrice Williams (Director of Information Technology at the TCI Financial Services Commission) and Mrs Rachell Salao Roulett (Vice president, Fortis). The discussion emphasised the need to balance leadership roles with personal health and wellness while leveraging technology and innovation to support women’s health journeys.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services extends its gratitude to the speakers, panellists, and attendees for making the second women’s health symposium a resounding success. The event was a testament to the power of collective action in advancing women's health and leadership.
Xi Jinping is worried about the economy
China’s sputtering economy has its worried leaders pulling out all the stops.
They have unveiled stimulus measures, offered rare cash handouts, held a surprise meeting to kickstart growth and tried to shake up an ailing property market with a raft of decisions - they did all of this in the last week.
What is less clear is how the slowdown has affected ordinary Chinese people, whose expectations and frustrations are often heavily censored.
But two new pieces of research offer some insight. The first, a survey of Chinese attitudes towards the economy, found that people were growing pessimistic and disillusioned about their prospects. The second is a record of protests, both physical and online, that noted a rise in incidents driven by economic grievances.
Although far from complete, the picture neverthless provides a rare glimpse into the current economic climate, and how Chinese people feel about their future.
Beyond the crisis in real estate, steep public debt and rising unemployment have hit savings and spending. The world’s second-largest economy may miss its own growth target - 5% - this year.
That is sobering for the Chinese Communist Party. Explosive growth turned China into a global power, and stable prosperity was the carrot offered by a repressive regime that would never loosen its grip on the stick.
The slowdown hit as the pandemic ended, partly driven by three years of sudden and complete lockdowns, which strangled economic activity.
And that contrast between the years before and after the pandemic is evident in the research by American professors Martin Whyte of Harvard University and Scott Rozelle of Stanford University's Center on China's Economy.
They conducted their surveys in 2004 and 2009, before Xi Jinping became China’s leader, and during his rule in 2014 and 2023. The sample sizes varied, ranging between 3,000 and 7,500.
In 2004, nearly 60% of the respondents said their families’ economic situation had improved over the past five years - and just as many of them felt optimistic about the next five years.
The figures jumped in 2009 and 2014 - with 72.4% and 76.5% respectively saying things had improved, while 68.8% and 73% were hopeful about the future.
However in 2023, only 38.8% felt life had got better for their families. And less than half - about 47% - believed things would improve over the next five years.
Meanwhile, the proportion of those who felt pessimistic about the future rose, from just 2.3% in 2004 to 16% in 2023.
While the surveys were of a nationally representative sample aged 20 to 60, getting access to a broad range of opinions is a challenge in authoritarian China.
Respondents were from 29 Chinese provinces and administrative regions, but Xinjiang and parts of Tibet were excluded - Mr Whyte said it was “a combination of extra costs due to remote locations and political sensitivity”. Home to ethnic minorities, these tightly controlled areas in the north-west have long bristled under Beijing's rule.
Those who were not willing to speak their minds did not participate in the survey, the researchers said. Those who did shared their views when they were told it was for academic purposes, and would remain confidential.
Their anxieties are reflected in the choices that are being made by many young Chinese people. With unemployment on the rise, millions of college graduates have been forced to accept low-wage jobs, while others have embraced a “lie flat” attitude, pushing back against relentless work. Still others have opted to be “full-time children”, returning home to their parents because they cannot find a job, or are burnt out.
Aston Martin shares shaken after profit warning
Luxury carmaker Aston Martin's share price sank more than 20% after it said profits will be lower than expected this year.
The company, famed for its links to fictional superspy James Bond, has been hit by supply chain issues and falling sales in China.
The share price of Stellantis, the owner of brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Jeep, also plummeted on Monday after a profit warning.
Carmakers across Europe have been suffering lately, with disappointing sales and increased competition from abroad taking a heavy toll on earnings.
Aston Martin is a prestige brand that makes upmarket cars in relatively small quantities.
Last year, it sold 6,620 vehicles, with about a fifth of those going to the Asia-Pacific region.
However, the company says it has been hit by a fall in demand in China, where a slowing economy has affected sales of luxury cars.
It has also been affected by problems at several suppliers, which have affected its ability to build a number of new models.
As a result, Aston says it will make about 1,000 fewer cars than originally planned this year.
Sales, which had originally been forecast to rise, are now expected to be lower than in 2023, and earnings will fall short of current market expectations.
Adrian Hallmark, who became Aston Martin’s chief executive a few weeks ago, said it had become clear that “decisive action” was needed to adjust output.
But he added that he was “even more convinced than before” about the brand’s potential for growth.
Meanwhile, Stellantis has become the latest large-scale carmaker to revise its financial forecasts, thanks to a deterioration in the industry outlook.
The company has been struggling with weak demand in the US, a key market, where it has been forced to offer discounts in order to shift unsold stock.
It has also been facing increased competition from Chinese brands, which have been expanding aggressively abroad.
As a result, it said it expects its profit margins to be significantly lower than previously thought this year.
The announcement sent its shares tumbling. By lunchtime on Monday, the price was down more than 14%.
The problems at Stellantis and Aston Martin reflect a wider malaise in the European car industry.
On Friday, Volkswagen issued its second profit warning in three months, while it has also suggested it might have to close plants in Germany for the first time in its history.
Its German rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW have also downgraded their profit forecasts in recent weeks.
Among the common issues are falling sales in China – until recently a highly lucrative market for expensive and profitable high-end models – coupled with growing competition from Chinese brands in other markets.
According to Matthias Schmidt of Schmidt Automotive Research, European firms have been caught out by a wave of "unsustainable" discounting by Chinese brands in their home market, which has affected sales of high-priced vehicles.
“German brands, and VW in particular, have been caught off-guard by the pace of change in China” he explains.
Source-BBC
People are scrambling in North Carolina from devastating storm
Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons found himself on Monday at the epicenter of a disaster zone in the US.
His town of Weaverville, North Carolina, had no electricity and no power. Only one grocery store was operational, utility poles had gone down, the town’s water plant had flooded and people had been without safe drinking water for four days, he told the BBC.
In the larger Buncombe County, where Weaverville is located, at least 35 people are dead and 600 are unaccounted for, a local CBS News affiliate reported.
Mr Fitzsimmons said the county set up a website where people can inquire about missing persons. Officials have so far received 11,000 requests.
Across the US south-east, millions of residents were thrown into chaos by storm Helene. It slammed into Florida as a category 4 hurricane on Thursday before barrelling across the states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, leaving flooding, power loss and death in its wake.
In the days since the true scale of the destruction is coming into sharper relief as residents begin to return home to survey the damage.
At least 116 people have died nationwide, officials have said.
One of those people was Madison Shaw’s mother. “Her last words to me were… 'I love you, be safe. I'll see you later,’” the resident of Anderson, South Carolina told CBS News. “And I said, 'I love you. I'll see you later as well.'”
“I can't even describe it,” Ms Shaw told CBS News. “My mom was my best friend.”
A White House spokeswoman said on Monday that two million people are currently without power. President Joe Biden called the storm "history-making."
Some of the most dire reports are coming from North Carolina, where the state's governor Roy Cooper said that communities had been “wiped off the map” and that dozens of rescue teams had been deployed.
Buncombe County and the western corner of North Carolina endured some of the worst of Helene’s wrath.
The county includes Asheville, a city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains famed for its arts and music scene. Helene inundated the city with flood waters, drove people from their homes and left residents scrambling for basic resources. Trucks and trees smashed into buildings while downed power and telephone lines hung dangerously over the streets.
"Homes have been destroyed, flattened," said 21-year-old Josh Griffith who lives just outside of Asheville in the town of Leicester.
"When it hit, we watched semi-trucks and storage crates and dumpsters and propane tanks floating down the river just rushing through parking lots, destroying everything in its path,” he told the BBC.
The apartment he shares with his fiancée sits high up on a hill and was safe from any serious damage. But on Saturday afternoon, by then without power or food, they decided to make their escape, taking rain-drenched roads out to north-east Georgia.
At one point, Mr Griffith and his partner were forced to drive straight through flood water, 6 inches deep of running water on top of 6 inches deep of mud.
Emergency officials generally caution people against driving into flood waters of any depth during a storm.
"It was really scary," he said. "Any time you’re driving over rushing water like that, there’s a fear your tires might slide out from underneath you."
They made it out, stopping overnight in Georgia before driving back North Carolina, armed with food, water and supplies for their neighbours in Buncombe.
"People are just scrambling to get any resources they can," he said.
Source-BBC
Baseball legend Pete Rose dies at the age of 83
Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s hit king who then became a pariah for gambling on the game, has died at the age of 83, the medical examiner in Clark County, Nevada, confirmed to ABC News on Monday.
Rose was found at his home by a family member, according to the medical examiner. There were no signs of foul play. The coroner will investigate to determine cause and manner of death. The medical examiner told ABC News that Rose was not under the care of a doctor when he died, and the scene is being examined.
By the end of his 24-year career, 19 of which were with the Cincinnati Reds, Rose held the record for most career hits, as well as games played, plate appearances and at-bats. He was also a 17-time All-Star, the 1973 NL MVP and 1963 Rookie of the Year.
He also won three World Series -- two with Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine" clubs in 1975 and 1976, and a third with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980.
But Rose will always be remembered as much for being banned for life from MLB in 1989 over gambling on games while he was managing the Reds.
With Rose under suspicion, new MLB Commissioner Bart Giamatti commissioned an investigation led by John Dowd, a lawyer with the Department of Justice, in April 1989. By June, the damning report was released, documenting at least 52 bets on Reds games in 1987. The bets totaled thousands of dollars per day, according to the Dowd Report.
Faced with few options, Rose voluntarily accepted placement on baseball's ineligible list in August 1989. Despite this, Rose continued to deny he ever gambled on his own team, until he admitted it in his 2004 autobiography My Prison Without Bars.
Two years after Rose was banned for life, the Baseball Hall of Fame ruled no one on the ineligible list would be allowed into the institution. The controversy over Rose's suspension and ban from the Hall of Fame has taken on a life of its own, becoming a subject sports fans often debate more than his legendary on-field exploits.
Rose petitioned the league to be removed from the list in 1992, 1998, 2003, 2015 and 2022 -- but either was rejected or received no response each time.
Rose never strayed far from baseball, despite being on the sport's ineligible list. His No. 14 was retired by the Reds and appeared on the sport's All-Century Team, as voted by fans, in 1999. The team was announced at that year's All-Star Game in Boston and Rose received a standing ovation.
Sing Sing actor exonerated 27 years after wrongful murder conviction
Sing Sing actor Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez has officially been cleared of the charges for which he was wrongfully imprisoned. He was acquitted of murder Monday morning, 27 years after he was convicted.
JJ was wrongfully convicted of killing a retired New York police detective in 1998 during the robbery of a gambling parlor in Harlem. Thought to be Tee, one of the robbers who had identified himself at the time, JJ was sentenced to 25 years to life, despite failing to match the description of the suspect and phone records that supported his alibi.
After nearly 24 years behind bars, JJ was granted clemency on Aug. 17, 2021, and released from the Sing Sing on Sept. 9, 2021. An investigation later revealed his DNA didn't match Tee's DNA.
JJ received an apology from President Joe Biden in 2022 but could not visit with him in person because he didn't have a travel pass.
“It’s a lot deeper than discrimination. It comes down to diminishing a person’s human dignity. I’m getting a part of my dignity back,” Velazquez said, per Variety. "There’s nothing that they can do to give me back the 24 years I lost, and all of the tribulations to incur as a result. There’s a spirit of vindication, but there’s still a lot of trauma that’s unaddressed — that the system refuses to address.”
Now a criminal legal reform activist and founding member of the education initiative Voices From Within, JJ stars alongside Clarence Maclin and Colman Domingo in Sing Sing, a movie about a wrongfully convicted man who finds purpose through the prison’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program.
He says he'd like to act more in the future.
Source-ABC
New Border Force Bill Approved to Strengthen TCI’s Defence
The House of Assembly passed the Border Force Bill on 26th September 2024, significantly strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands’ border security measures. The bill establishes the legal framework for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Border Force, sending a clear message that we are prepared to take decisive action to protect our borders and nation’s sovereignty.
Border Force, under the strategic leadership of the Director General, combines the work and resources of the Customs Department and Immigration Department to create a unified border control agency. With an operating budget of over $19 million with over $13 million in capital and a workforce of approximately 180 dedicated personnel, Border Force bolsters TCI’s response to immigration and customs threats.
The department has three key operational divisions, each led by a director: ports operations, inland operations, and services. Divisions are staffed by officers with specialised skills, ensuring we have the right people at the right place.
The Border Force mission is clear: to secure our nation's borders, control migration, and protect our national interests while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. Border Force will be more powerful than its predecessors, enabling it to deliver on tougher priorities such as reducing the size of the unlawful population, enhancing border security, and modernising and professionalising border operations. To do this Border Force will be equipped with enhanced capabilities, including:
Frontline officers will be granted cross-conferred powers, building on their existing police-like authority.
The latest in border security technology will be deployed to improve screening capabilities and detect potential threats.
Intelligence gathering and analysis will guide resource allocation, enabling Border Force to target high-risk individuals and activities.
Border Force officers will receive ongoing training to ensure they are equipped to handle evolving security challenges and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
This integration of customs and immigration functions has already begun at key points of entry in Providenciales and North Caicos. Cross-training of officers in Grand Turk and South Caicos is underway to prepare them to provide a unified service. This initial phase represents a significant step forward, and Border Force is committed to extending the integration process across all areas by October 2024.
Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services, states, “The passing of the Border Force Bill sends a clear message to those who dare to breach our borders: we will not tolerate your illegal activities. Border Force, as a unified authority, is our new gatekeeper. The public will notice the immediate impact of this reform. They will see improved accountability and border security measures. Let the increased presence of our Border Force officers in a single uniform serve as a visible reminder of the government's commitment to security”.