Works on the North to Middle Caicos Causeway cause a traffic diversion
Works on the North to Middle Caicos Causeway, has necessitated a detour for persons traversing that stretch of road.
Public Works Department in the Ministry of Support Services is advising the general public to be on the look-out for temporary traffic changes on the North to Middle Caicos Causeway this week.
A temporary diversion route has been constructed adjacent to the causeway in order to facilitate the installation of concrete box culverts by contractor Cove Construction.
A government press release Monday, notes the construction of box culverts, is important to the refurbishment of the Causeway as they will increase the water flow area through the causeway, an improvement both from the Engineering and Environmental aspects.
Drivers are being warned to take extra care on this section of the causeway, especially at night.
The Ministry of Government Support Services and Public Works Department, also advise the general public that work is on schedule for the construction of the causeway and apologize for any inconvenience caused by the temporary diversion.
They say the final outcome will be a noticeable improvement in the journey between North and Middle Caicos.
World Day for safety and Health at Work
The TCIG is celebrating World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which begun yesterday April 28, and continues through to Thursday may 2nd 2013, under the theme “The Prevention of Occupational Disease.
An occupational disease is a disease contracted as a result of an exposure to risk factors arising from work. Recognition of the occupational origin of a disease, at an individual level, requires the establishment of a casual relationship between the disease and the exposure of the worker to certain hazardous agents at the workplace. Occupational diseases cause huge suffering and loss in the world.
During the course of this week, a number of activities will be held to mark the occasion, starting as of today Monday 29th April, with Health Nurses assessing the staff of Ministry of Border of Control in Providenciales
Tomorrow Tuesday, April 30th 2013, Care kits will be taken to the schools in Providenciales and there will also be a presentation on The Prevention of Occupational diseases at Beaches Turks and Caicos at 6:30 p.m.
On Wednesday May 1st, there will be presentation in Grand Turk at Turks and Caicos National Museum and care kits will be taken to schools in Grand Turk.
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work week of observance ends on Thursday May 2nd, with staff of the Employment Services scheduled to take Care kits to all the Government entities in North Caicos.
Works on the North to Middle Caicos Causeway cause a traffic diversion
Works on the North to Middle Caicos Causeway, has necessitated a detour for persons traversing that stretch of road.
Public Works Department in the Ministry of Support Services is advising the general public to be on the look-out for temporary traffic changes on the North to Middle Caicos Causeway this week.
A temporary diversion route has been constructed adjacent to the causeway in order to facilitate the installation of concrete box culverts by contractor Cove Construction.
A government press release Monday, notes the construction of box culverts, is important to the refurbishment of the Causeway as they will increase the water flow area through the causeway, an improvement both from the Engineering and Environmental aspects.
Drivers are being warned to take extra care on this section of the causeway, especially at night.
The Ministry of Government Support Services and Public Works Department, also advise the general public that work is on schedule for the construction of the causeway and apologize for any inconvenience caused by the temporary diversion.
They say the final outcome will be a noticeable improvement in the journey between North and Middle Caicos.
RPT-Fitch Downgrades Turks & Caicos Islands' UK Government Guaranteed USD Bond to 'AA+'
A report carried by Reuters News Agency, has noted that Fitch Ratings, one of three "Big Three credit rating agencies" has downgraded the UK Government Guaranteed USD170m to the Turks and Caicos Islands.'
The report released Monday 22nd April, said (Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investor Service, and Fitch Ratings) Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSRO) designated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 1975), released the following statement today 22nd April 2013, regarding the Turks and Caicos Islands:
“Fitch Ratings has downgraded the UK Government Guaranteed Turks and Caicos Islands' USD170m 3.20% notes due 2016 to 'AA+' from 'AAA'.
KEY RATING DRIVERS:- The rating is based on the full, unconditional, and irrevocable guarantee provided by the Secretary of State for International Development, for and on behalf of the Government of the UK ('AA+'/Stable), in accordance with the terms and conditions of the guarantee as specified in the guarantee documentation.
The rating is sensitive to any further changes in the UK sovereign rating.”
Local businessman Albray Butterfield weighing in on this report, warns his friends and fellow Business Associates, that this is not a good thing or a good sign for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“What this means is that the international financial confidence in the United Kingdom, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Governments to not default has weakened, based on our current socio-economic condition and our future economic outlook over the next three years,” said Mr. Butterfield.
“The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has to diversify our economy, and do it fast. The last six years has proven that the tourism and financial industry is not sustainable, therefore, we can no longer hitch our economic future to two industries alone,” suggested Butterfield.
CTO extends Total Visitor Satisfaction Logo Competition to its member country – the TCI
As a member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands can enter a logo competition and have their winning design unveiled during Caribbean Week in New York this June.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is preparing to launch the Total Visitor Satisfaction (TVS) program throughout the region at Caribbean Week in New York to be held June 1 – 8, 2013.
The program measures visitors’ satisfaction in seven core areas, including:–
1. Accommodation
2. Immigration & Customs
3. Restaurants
4. Sites and Attractions
5. Shopping
6. Safety & Security
7. Transportation & Infrastructure - as well as total visitor satisfaction with the destination.
CTO says given the uniqueness of the Total Visitor Satisfaction or TVS program in the tourism industry, it has decided to develop a TVS logo for advertising and branding purposes, and as such, is providing all legal residents of its member countries, including residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the opportunity to give their input into the design of the logo.
The aim is to enable its entire membership to participate in the CTO’s pursuit of an elegant visual identity of our CTO’s TVS™ program. The logo should represent our shared goal of improving visitors’ satisfaction, with all Caribbean destinations, encompassing the building of a reputation for service excellence.
Listen out for details of how you may become part of this exciting competition on our Community Calendar
Minister of health and Human Services, Portia Stubbs-Smith encourages persons entering health, to consider Medical Laboratory
The Minister of health and Human Services, Portia Stubbs-Smith has expressed her ministry’s delight in joining the rest of the world in celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals, especially those in the Turks and Caicos Islands who perform and interpret numerous Laboratory tests on a daily basis.
Hon Smith in her declaration of Medical Laboratory Professionals week, encouraged persons entering the field of health, to consider Medical Laboratory.
USVI governor asks federal government for energy assistance
Governor John de Jongh has requested the US Department of Health and Human Services provide additional assistance to US Virgin Islanders struggling to pay their electricity bills.
In a recent letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the governor petitioned for favorable consideration of another $1 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding for fiscal years 2013 to 2015 to deal with the territory’s “energy emergency.”
The territory’s government is trying to help low-income senior citizens and people with disabilities afford their power bills by greatly supplementing LIHEAP funding, having spent $1.5 million per year over the past few years on its own Energy Crisis Assistance Program. But with the highest electricity rates in the country, the local government is forced to cap the assistance it offers those in need, according to de Jongh.
"The geographic isolation of the US Virgin Islands, compounded by the inability to achieve an interconnected grid within the Territory, and therefore necessitating the operation of two isolated electric systems, has resulted in power generating costs from fuel oil combustion that currently exceeds 51 cents per kilowatt-hour, and based on current market factors are threatening to go even higher. That is 5x the stateside average, for an economy with a per capita income well below that of the poorest state, even before the closing last year of our largest employer and taxpayer, the HOVENSA refinery on St Croix,” de Jongh wrote.
US Virgin Islands utility customers currently pay two and a half times more per kilowatt-hour than residents of Hawaii, the state with the most expensive rate for electricity.
The governor noted the Department of Health and Human Service’s current efforts to help US Virign Islands shoulder the escalated power costs through relief and strategic guidance. But more help is needed.
“There is no doubt that the compounding effects of high unemployment, and high utility costs has put a tremendous squeeze on our families,” de Jongh said in the letter.
The tremendous costs are a result of almost full dependence on oil imports for generation of electricity in an era of increased costs for crude oil. The Virgin Islands is working on converting to liquefied natural gas and other fuel sources that should reduce energy costs by more than 30 percent. That solution is still more than two years away, and the territory’s low-income residents are in need of immediate help.
“We are requesting special consideration for LIHEAP funds for this year and the next two years. After that I expect that many of the initiatives my Administration is putting into place will result in lower electricity costs,” de Jongh wrote.
Those initiatives include large commercial solar projects that will provide 17 percent of the territory’s power, plans for utility-scale wind power, installation of a heat recovery steam generator, as well as upgrades to US Virgin Islands power plant turbines that will allow the burning of more than one type of fuel to produce electricity.
“Based upon the information shared above, I am respectfully requesting your assistance in exercising your discretionary authority to grant additional LIHEAP assistance to the US Virgin Islands,” de Jongh wrote.
UN lowers 2013 Latin America growth forecast
The economy of Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to grow by 3.5 per cent this year, less than previously forecast, because of uncertainty about the future of the world economy and slower growth in developed nations, the United Nations said on yesterday. The region’s growth estimate was also lowered from an earlier 3.8 per cent view because of “a recovery that has been less dynamic than expected” in Argentina and Brazil, said the UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Growth in the two South American powerhouses is still expected to help the region’s expansion, with a projected 3.5 per cent for Argentina and 3 per cent in Brazil on the back of improved agricultural activity and investment, the report added. The UN agency known as Eclac said the regional expansion will be backed by consumer growth as a result of better labour indicators, the rise of banking credit and investment.
“On top of this, there are high prices for commodities. Although they’re expected to be lower compared to 2012, they will be kept at high levels,” the Santiago-based agency said in a statement. Brazil is a top producer of soft commodities like orange juice and coffee, the world’s biggest beef exporter and the No2 producer and exporter of soybeans. a is a global top exporter of soy meal and soy oil and the No 3 exporter of the bean.
“South American countries, which generally are more specialized in the production and export of commodities, will grow on average 3.5 per cent in 2013 thanks to the preservation of growth in Asian economies,” ECLAC said. “This will bring positive economic outcomes both for the level of income as well as exporting activities.”
Growth in the export-dependent region will be led by Paraguay. The world’s No 4 soy exporter is seen expanding by 10 per cent, followed by Panama’s 8 per cent and Peru and Haiti’s 6 per cent growth this year. Chile, Bolivia and Nicaragua will expand by 5 per cent. Colombia will clock 4.5 per cent growth and Uruguay will grow by 3.8 per cent, ECLAC said.
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, will benefit from “more dynamism in the United States. A stronger agricultural sector will benefit Cuba, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic, while improvements in construction sector will lift Guatemala, Honduras and Haiti. “In the Caribbean the acceleration in the growth rhythm will continue with a rise of 2 per cent as a result of dynamism in economies specialised in the production and export of raw materials, mainly Guyana and Suriname,” ECLAC said.
Growth also will be boosted in tourism-dependent Caribbean nations with an improved economic outlook in the United States. The ECLAC also scaled back its 2012 forecast to 3.0 per cent from an earlier view of 3.1 per cent due to a slower global expansion hit by a recession in Europe, a slowdown in China and sluggish US growth.
TCI to work with Haiti to prevent illegal migration
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) says it wants to work better with Haitian authorities to prevent the flow of illegal migrants into the British Overseas Territory.
Governor Ric Todd has held talks with the TCI-based Haitian Consul General, Karlo Pellissier and a statement issued afterwards noted that the meeting was called to discuss how the two countries “can better work together to tackle the issue of sloops” leaving Haiti for the TCI.
It said the meeting, which was also attended by Immigration Minister Don-Hue Gardiner, agreed that Haiti would send an expert delegation for talks with TCI officials on deterring illegal immigration and prosecuting the traffickers.
The meeting also agreed that the Governor’s Office will explore the possibility of having a British Royal Navy warship stationed in the Caribbean “to provide hurricane relief and to interdict drugs and people trafficking, contribute more to maritime patrolling between TCI and Haiti”.
In addition, the parties agreed that both countries “would stress in public information campaigns that any illegal immigrants making such a journey are taking a serious risk of death; they will almost certainly be caught and deported; and if they do get into TCI they will not find work”.
Todd is quoted in the statement as saying that he had visited the TCI immigration detention centre in Five Cays, where an estimated 300 illegal immigrants from Haiti had been processed and repatriated over the last two weeks.
“Preventing illegal immigration is everyone’s business. While positive steps have been taken, such as the new coastal radar stations, clearly too many people are trying to make the dangerous 90-mile sea journey to TCI.
“While it is true that many of them have been lied to about the possibilities of finding work and a new life here, indeed many think that they are being taken to Miami,” said Todd, adding “we must also face up to the fact that some people in TCI are prepared to employ illegal immigrants”.
He said, when an illegal person is employed, “it denies a legal resident the chance of a job and deprives the government of work permit income”.
Cuban opposition group Ladies in White collect prize
Members of the Cuban opposition group Ladies in White have collected the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in Brussels.
They were awarded the prize by the European Parliament in 2005, but Cuba barred them from leaving the communist-run island to collect it.
The abolition of exit permits by the Cuban government in January made it possible for the women to travel.
They were given the prize for their campaign to free 75 jailed dissidents.
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded annually by the European Parliament to individuals or organisations who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom. It is named after the late Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov.
In 2012, it went to Iranian activists Jafar Panahi and Nasrin Sotoudeh.
As she accepted the award on behalf of the group, Lady in White Laura Labrada said they had never lost faith that one day they would be able to collect the prize.
"We are mothers, wives, daughters and sisters of Cubans who find themselves in prison in Cuba for exercising the most sacred human right: to live according to one's own conscience," she said.
Ms Labrada collected the prize on behalf of her mother, co-founder of the Ladies in White Laura Pollan, who died in 2011.
She was joined by other Ladies in White at the ceremony.
"You are the symbol of resistance against the Cuban government, and thousands of Cubans support you inside and outside the country," said the president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz.
But in Havana, the Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister, Abelardo Moreno, suggested that other Cubans were more worthy of the award.
The Ladies in White was founded by the wives, sisters and friends of 75 jailed Cuban activists, who were rounded up and sentenced to long prison terms in 2003 as part of a crackdown on the opposition movement.