Prime Minister, Garry Conille was hospitalized on arrival
Haiti’s newly elected prime minister, Garry Conille, was hospitalized late Saturday in the capital of Port-au-Prince just days after arriving in the country, the government said.
It wasn’t immediately known the cause of why Conille was hospitalized.
The office of the prime minister said in a statement that Conille was feeling slightly unwell “following a week of intense activities.” It did not provide further details except to say that Conille was stable and that he thanked those who visited him and wished him well.
However, the Prime Minister was discharged from a hospital Sunday after spending a night in treatment for an undisclosed condition.
In a video published on YouTube, Conille said he felt well and was ready to continue to help steer the country out of its current security crisis by forming a government that will also prioritize issues like health care.
In his video, Conille said: "The whole time I was at the hospital, I was thinking of something: People that need to go to the general hospital can't get there (due to widespread violence). People who need health care can't afford it."
Conille arrived in Haiti on June 1 after a transitional council selected him as the nation's new prime minister. He had been working outside the country as UNICEF's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Dominican authorities seized 322 packages
In a coordinated air, sea, and land operation in Santo Domingo, Dominican authorities seized 322 packages believed to contain cocaine and marijuana.
The operation, led by the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), along with the Dominican Republic Navy, Air Force, and intelligence agencies, took place off the coast of Bayahibe in the La Altagracia province.
The National Drug Control Directorate disclosed that agents, along with military officers, tracked several individuals aboard a speedboat near Saona Island.
Upon interception, the authorities seized 13 bags, nine of which contained 224 packages of suspected cocaine, and four bags with 98 packages of alleged marijuana, totalling 322 packages.
Three individuals—a Dominican, a Venezuelan, and a Colombian—were apprehended during the operation and are set to face legal proceedings in La Altagracia province.
Additionally, authorities confiscated two 40-horsepower outboard engines, five fuel cans, 20 cigarette packets, two GPS devices, a communication radio with batteries, a cell phone, and other evidence.
The confiscated packages, suspected to contain cocaine and marijuana, have been sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences for analysis to determine their exact type and weight.
Provo Water Company expands work in Provo
The public is hereby notified by Provo Water Company that the Eastbound Lane of Leeward Highway from Harvest Bible Chapel to Garden Loop Corner will be temporarily closed from Monday, June 10th to Thursday, June 13th, 2024. The lane closure will occur nightly from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am.
The closure is necessary to facilitate trenching works for the new transmission main project, which will continue during the day with minimal traffic disruptions.
To ensure public safety and minimize disruptions, motorists are requested to:
* Be aware of Road Flaggers directing traffic flow
* Proceed with caution and observe all directional signs and barriers
* Be aware of heavy equipment operating in the vicinity
* Drive at reduced speed to facilitate the safe and orderly flow of traffic
RBC appoints Kerryl Henry as Country Manager
RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited ("RBC”) recently appointed Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President ("AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).
In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the government, regulatory bodies, and the local community, a release from the bank said.
King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience.
Before her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.
King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech, and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker.
TCI Ports Authority promotes employees across the organization
The Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority has recently promoted several staff members across various roles.
Keith Simons has been promoted to Operations Manager effective June 1st, 2024.
In assuming this position, Simons will have day-to-day oversight of the security department at the Grand Turk and South Caicos ports and implementation of the Port Facility Security Plan.
Simons commenced employment with the Ports Authority in April 2010.
Aleno Todd has been promoted to Supervisor at the port in Providenciales.
He commenced employment in December 2021 as a security officer. Wanting to improve and grow, Todd engaged in training opportunities and responded to the vacancy of supervisor where he became successful.
Sharonna Walkin has been promoted to Compliance and Training Manager.
She will oversee the security training and performance for all security staff members across the organization, conduct port facility security audits and inspections, deliver exercises and drills, and recommend necessary workshops.
Walkin commenced employment in October 2011 as a Security Supervisor, moved up the ranks being promoted to Ports Facility Security Officer after celebrating her 10th anniversary with the organization.
Fris Forbes has been promoted to Operations Manager effective June 1st, 2024.
In assuming this position, Forbes will have day-to-day oversight of the security department at the Providenciales and North Caicos ports and implementation of the Port Facility Security Plan.
He will also oversee the supply chain optimization functions for the Providenciales port, which consists of developing port efficiency benchmarks, monitoring port efficiency, and being the focal point for the Ports Authority, stevedores, shipping liners, and other stakeholders in the supply chain.
He commenced employment with Ports Authority in August of 2017 moving up the ranks quite quickly and obtaining several certifications.
Congratulations to you all, continue to do well in your new roles!
DIGICEL launches new subsea fibre cable system
Digicel Group Tuesday announced the activation of its subsea fibre cable, Deep Blue One, describing it as a “significant investment” in an international submarine capacity that will supercharge connectivity across the Caribbean and South America.
It said that the new system will particularly benefit French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago and that this advanced fibre cable network will provide seamless connectivity to the countries it serves, facilitating uninterrupted communication and real-time data transmission.
Digicel said that Deep Blue One also presents an invaluable opportunity to connect offshore oil and gas rigs, supporting the growing energy sector in the region and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.
“Subsea fibre has long been the backbone of global connectivity, and Deep Blue One is set to serve as a catalyst for the next wave of economic development in the region,” said Marcelo Cataldo, Digicel Group’s Chief Executive Officer.
“ At Digicel, our focus has always been on keeping our customers connected to the people and things that matter most; driving economic development in the countries we serve is a key part of that. This is an exciting milestone for us, and we are committed to unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation across the region,” he added.
The company said Deep Blue One’s redundant pathways and cutting-edge technology ensure reliability, optimal operational efficiency, and minimal downtime even in challenging environments.
“Leveraging the latest technology, this subsea cable network is also designed to accommodate future growth and evolving technological requirements, offering scalability and flexibility to meet industry demands.
“Additionally, as part of Digicel’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact, the build-out of Deep Blue One prioritized sustainable practices, while supporting the transition towards a greener future.”
Digicel said in addition to connectivity, Deep Blue One will bring a full economic ecosystem for the benefit of all.
The link between increased connectivity and improved economic outcomes has long been proven, with the company referring to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) reporting that a 10 percent increase in fixed broadband penetration can result in up to 2.3 percent increase in gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, while a 10 percent increase in mobile broadband penetration can result in up to 2.8 percent increase in GDP per capita.
Source-CMC
Regional central bank governors pledge to deal with a host of financial issues facing the Caribbean
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Committee of Central Bank Governors has reaffirmed its commitment to using every tool in their monetary policy arsenal to combat inflation, ensure financial stability, and promote efficiency and innovation in financial services delivery.
Ten Caribbean central banks participated in the two-day virtual meeting over the last weekend that was chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB), Dr. Kevin Greenidge.
A statement issued following the meeting noted that the discussions focused on regional economic developments, particularly how the easing of global inflation and food prices, moderated by rising oil prices, will influence the growth prospects for Caribbean economies. They examined the differential impacts on commodity-based versus service-based economies within the region.
“A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to financial system issues, with a strong emphasis on payments market developments and opportunities for enhanced regional collaboration.
“As individual member countries and the region collectively seek to modernize their payment systems and accelerate the adoption of digital solutions, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to using every tool in their monetary policy arsenal to combat inflation, ensure financial stability, and promote efficiency and innovation in financial services delivery,” the statement added.
It said recognizing the competitiveness of the financial system as crucial to economic prosperity, the governors acknowledged the common challenges faced by citizens across the region, including opening bank accounts and accessing banking services.
“They pledged to work collaboratively to implement strategies and reforms that address these obstacles, and improve access to banking services across the region,” the statement said, adding “going forward, the CARICOM Governors’ Technical Working Group on Intra-Regional Payments will engage with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) team on the Fully Scalable Settlement Engine (FuSSE), a collaborative project between the Bank for International Settlements and the IDB”.
The virtual meeting also provided a platform to explore various aspects of financial stability and inclusion with the statement noting that the highlights included an overview of the regional financial stability report, findings from a region-wide survey on bank fees, and updates on approaches to addressing correspondent banking issues.
“To enhance financial resilience, the governors agreed to form a region-wide central bank committee on statistics to harmonize the quality and availability of financial data,” the statement said, adding updates from regional working groups, including the recently formed Regional Central Bank Group of Reserve Managers, were also received.
The governors emphasized their commitment to implementing fintech solutions, mitigating cybersecurity risks, and incorporating artificial intelligence into central banking operations. Additionally, the Caribbean Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) presented on climate risk and its implications for financial stability. Governors agreed to continue incorporating climate-related risk in their financial stability analytical toolkits, the statement said.
The regional central bank governors also discussed the situation in Haiti with the statement noting that they “expressed solidarity for a durable solution”.
The next meeting of the Committee will take place in Barbados in November.
Sourcee-CMC
TCI Sport delegation visits the Cayman Islands and Barbados
State recognized funeral for Terry Newton Smith held in Grand Turk
On Saturday June 1st, the Turks and Caicos Islands held a state recognized funeral for Terry Newton Smith a former civil servant within the TCI Government.
He graduated in June 1969 from the Helena Jones Robinson High School
and about a month later, he was temporarily employed at the Land & Survey Department and officially appointed to the Public Service as a Survey Assistant on March 1st, 1970.
In 1976, Terry was promoted to District Surveyor. Two years later, he was granted a scholarship to attend the College of Arts and Science and Technology (CAST) now known as the University of Technology, graduating in 1980 with Certificates in Land Surveying and Land Valuation. He also completed education in the UK at North East London Polytechnic further qualifying himself in his field. In 1986, Terry was once again promoted to Chief Surveyor. His life as a surveyor took him across various islands in the TCl.
In April 1990, he was appointed to be the second Director of Land Survey from TCI.
Terry furthered his education in 1999, obtaining a Diploma and Associate Membership with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
He served as PS in various ministries prior including: Environment & District Administration, Ofice of Public Service Management, Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Home Affairs.
He was subsequently appointed as Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources, Immigration and Labour. In 2004, he was appointed at the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs with responsibility for Prisons and later Disaster Management was added. A year later he was appointed as Acting Director of Disaster Management for 2005-2006.
Even after retiring, Terry could not resist the urge and passion to serve. He continued to rise to the occasion to serve his country in the capacity of Director of Ports Authority for several years and volunteering to assist Disaster Management, lending his expertise during the hurricane season periods.
We at Radio Turks and Caicos would like to wish his family our sincerest condolences, May his soul rest in peace.
Opposition Leader, Hon. Edwin Eastwood calls for a review
Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood is calling for a review of the firearm law and cases involving Turks and Caicos Islanders, given the new precedent set with the sentencing of American tourists caught with illegal ammunition.
In a statement following the first sentencing of an American tourist under the newly clarified Firearm Ordinance 2022 by the court of appeal, Astwood said he believes that the judiciary now must review similar cases where Islanders have been penalized to the full extent of the law, while tourists are getting off with minor punishment.
He stated: "In light of the Supreme Court ruling today (May 24) on the case of the American Tourist who was caught with 20 rounds of high-powered rifle ammunition while leaving Turks and Caicos Islands, as Leader of the Opposition, and the Government in waiting, we believe that a precedent has been set and it is now necessary to immediately review the cases of Turks and Caicos Islanders who fall in a similar circumstance.
I repeat, justice must be given to our people who may fall under exceptional circumstances.” End quote
Hon. Astwood said it is necessary to immediately review and potentially amend the existing Firearms laws, allowing public consultation, thereby creating a more nuanced and flexible legal framework.