The government must deal with threats Seriously
Dear Editor,
If something serious is happening to our country and our people of the Turks & Caicos Islands, by now we all know who will be silent and who will be hiding from their responsibilities. If you said the Premier and his Cabinet Ministers, you are 100% correct. I have never seen such a government that constantly hides from crises, and are afraid of speaking to serious issues affecting our people.
The recent occurrence of daily threats to our air-traveling residents and guests has been extremely disruptive to our people and also extremely harmful to our TCI Brand. But the Premier and his team are saying nothing and doing nothing because they feel that they can buy their way out of every bad decision they make, and buy their way out of every inaction on their part. Their motto is “just throw some money at it” and the people will forget about it. However, that style of politics does not work with the majority of our people anymore, as nowadays a government has to perform in all aspects of the people’s lives and livelihoods.
This PNP government needs to understand that the importance of security and safety at airports cannot be overstated, especially in today's world where the threat of terrorism and other security risks looms large. Additionally, they must take into consideration persons who may want to harm our country directly and those who do not agree with our laws and way of life. They must also understand the fragility of our Tourism industry, and that there are many other destinations in the Caribbean alone that persons can choose as an alternative to coming to our country.
The individuals/ individuals/organizations behind these current threats appear to know well that the Airports are critical hubs of transportation and commerce, hence making them attractive targets to cause harm, sow chaos, or disrupt societal order. This is especially amplified in an archipelago nation and one that which the economy is based on Tourism.
As such, action is needed by the government, not silence. What new robust security measures are being established to elevate the protection of passengers, airline personnel, airport staff, and the general public from potential threats and acts of terrorism?
The government through the Airports Authority must have a plan to Ensuring Continuity of Operations, as these disruptions caused by security incidents at our airports can have far-reaching consequences, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and economic losses. I do believe that by maintaining a high level of security and preparedness, airports can minimize the impact of security incidents and ensure the continuity of operations.
Additionally, to address these challenges, our airports must enhance, and immediately implemented, a wide range of additional security measures, including access control systems, additional surveillance cameras, security patrols, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Also, advancements in technology, such as biometric identification systems and artificial intelligence-based security solutions, which are now being leveraged to enhance security capabilities and improve threat detection.
A government that is not out of touch like this current PNP government would have understood that as technology advances and security threats to our country evolve, the airports should be continually exploring new measures to enhance security and safety.
A PDM government, under my leadership, will review and implement innovative approaches and technologies that can be considered for at airports to strengthen security measures, such as:
- Biometric Authentication- to verify the identity of passengers and airport personnel, enhancing security and streamlining the check-in and boarding processes.
- Explosive Detection Systems- systems that use cutting-edge technologies such as computed tomography (CT) scanning to enhance the detection of explosives and other prohibited items in baggage and cargo.
- Email Authentication Protocols- Implementations email authentication protocols such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to verify the authenticity of email senders and prevent email spoofing.
- Email Threat Intelligence- Utilize email threat intelligence feeds and services that provide real-time information on emerging email threats, malicious domains, and known threat actors to enhance our email security defenses.
- Cybersecurity Measures - to protect our airports infrastructure, systems, and data from cyber threats, and hacking attempts that could compromise airport operations and passenger safety.
- Drone Detection and Mitigation- to identify unauthorized drones flying near our airports premises and employing countermeasures to mitigate potential threats posed by rogue drones.
- Smart Access Control Systems- utilizing biometrics, RFID technology, or mobile credentials to manage and monitor access to restricted areas within our airport, reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.
- Enhance Emergency Response Training- emergency response training exercises and drills to prepare our airport staff, security personnel, and first responders to effectively respond to security incidents, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks.
- Public Awareness Campaigns- Educating passengers and airport visitors about our country’s security procedures, emergency protocols, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities to enhance overall security vigilance and community engagement in maintaining airport safety.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement – Our National Security Council to Work closely with both local and international law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity organizations, and industry partners to share threat intelligence, collaborate on investigations, and take legal action against malicious actors involved in email threats.
I believe that by integrating these new measures and technologies into existing security frameworks, our airports can further bolster their security posture, mitigate emerging threats, and ensure the continued safety and well-being of all individuals within airport environments.
There you have it, from the love I have for my country and my people, I am again giving this PNP government a blueprint for addressing present critical issues in our country, as I am not short of ideas or concepts that show potential of fixing problems being faced. I just hope that they don’t mess it up, or fumble as much, like they did with others.
To that end I am putting to the Premiere and his government that the Terms of Reference for the New Airport Development should be immediately reviewed, to ensure that the highest levels of security measures, such as those I have outlined, are included, thereby allowing the new airport to be not only “State of the Art” in appearance, but also state of the art in safety and security. If you are unable to get this done, simply leave it to me and my PDM team to get it done.
In conclusion, the security and safety at our airports play a vital role in protecting lives, preserving the integrity of our civil aviation, and upholding public confidence in air travel. A PDM government will ensure the constant investing in robust security measures and will insist on the country staying vigilant against emerging threats, thereby allowing for the effective mitigation of risks, and the ability to ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders.
Hon. Edwin Astwood
Leader
People’s Democratic Movement
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DELEGATION VISITS WEST MIDLANDS AMBULANCE SERVICE
A delegation from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, recently undertook a pivotal visit to the West Midlands Ambulance Service in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The visit, which took place from April 21st to April 23rd, 2024, was held under the esteemed patronage of the Ambassador of Health of the British Overseas Territories, Professor Ian Cumming.
Led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE, the delegation included Ms. Renessa Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, and Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services. This strategic meeting was an integral part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance emergency services within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
During the visit, representatives from the West Midlands Ambulance Service provided comprehensive insights into their operations, sharing valuable expertise and offering collaborative initiatives for the development of the TCIs emergency services. Discussions encompassed various aspects, including training and mentoring programs tailored to empower emergency personnel within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
"The visit marked a significant step forward in our strategy for the advancement of emergency services," stated Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE. "We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support extended by the West Midlands Ambulance Service, and we look forward to implementing the insights gained to further enhance emergency care within our country. Permanent Secretary Lewis also expressed the Ministry of Health’s gratitude to Professor Ian Cumming for his assistance by way of arranging the visit."
Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services for the Turks and Caicos Islands, underscored the importance of the discussions, emphasizing the poignant exchange of ideas and the potential for meaningful collaborations which signifies a commitment to improving emergency services and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services expresses its sincere appreciation to the West Midlands Ambulance Service for their warm hospitality and invaluable contributions during the visit.
SIGNAGE REGARDING PROHIBITION OF JET SKIS IN PROTECTED AREAS
The Department of Environment and CoastsalResources (DECR) would like to make all jetski operators, jetski owners, jetski users, watersports operators, tour guides, and the public aware of ‘No jetski’ buoys that have been installed within the Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park and Nature Reserve.
Additional buoys will continue to be deployed and are strategically positioned along the perimeter of protected areas, serving as a clear boundary beyond which jet skis are not permitted. All jet ski users are to heed that jet skis are strictly prohibited within all protected areas in the Turks and Caicos Islands, by the National Park Ordinance (11 of 1975):
Section 3(1) Prohibitions and permitted activities within all National Parks
(g) Jet skis and hovercraft
Section 3(2) Prohibitions and permitted activities within all Nature Reserves
(f) Water skiing, jet skis or hovercraft
Section 3(3) Prohibitions and permitted activities within all Sanctuaries
(i) Water skiing, jet skis or hovercraft
Section 3(4) Prohibitions and permitted activities within all Areas of Historical Interest
(g) Water skiing, jet skis or hovercraft
A person contravening these regulations commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000 or a term of imprisonment, or both, as per Section 13 of the National Park Ordinance.
The accompanying map delineates the protected areas (highlighted in red) and indicates the placement of the buoys. It should be emphasized that the regions shaded in red signify areas where jet skis are not prohibited.
Barbados economy grew by 4.1 per cent during first quarter of 2024
Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB), Dr. Kevin Greenidge Tuesday said the local economy is projected to remain on its growth trajectory throughout 2024, hinged on the continued expansion of tourism as well as private and public investments.
“The economy is now larger in both real and nominal terms than before the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further growth of around 3.9 per cent is projected for 2024, contingent on additional expansion in arrivals and continued investment in the economy,” Greenidge told a news conference as the CBB reviewed the performance of the economy in the first three months of this year.
The CBB said that the economy had shown strong growth during the first quarter of 2024, driven by robust tourism activity and ongoing infrastructure investments.
It said tourism activity surged in the first three months of 2024, propelling a 9.5 percent expansion in the traded sector. Conversely, the agricultural sector experienced a decline, with output falling by 6.8 percent year-on-year due to unfavorable weather conditions.
However, the CBB said that the robust growth in the traded sector stimulated the non-traded sectors, notably enhancing output in business and other services.
It said construction witnessed substantial growth, fuelled by the continuation of major private sector projects and escalated public investment in infrastructural development.
“Overall, the total real GDP (gross domestic product) for the quarter grew by 4.1 percent. Inflation rates slowed but remained moderately high as of February 2024. However, the labor market showed signs of improvement, evidenced by a decrease in unemployment claims,” Greenidge told reporters.
He told reporters that going forward, the government incentives to agriculture could improve the sector’s output in 2024, but adverse weather conditions could affect this outturn.
He said the introduction of a new domestic feed producer is expected to provide an alternative source of feed for farmers.
“The 2024/25 Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement (BPFS) included incentives for local milk producers to increase output through tax rebates. Orders of young chickens are on the rise, and capacity is expected to expand further with new pens under construction that should begin operation later in the year.
“However, adverse weather conditions are expected to persist and climate shocks could continue to have a negative impact on general agricultural production.”
Greenidge said that the tourism sector is poised to experience another productive period, predicting that the second quarter of 2024 is expected to exceed tourist arrivals registered in the comparable period for 2023, bolstered by the hosting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup and improved air access.
“Forward bookings up to the mid-point of 2024 stand above last year’s tally, and the market should benefit from increased seating capacity with additions to existing and new routes. Cruise traffic between June and August is slated to restart for the first time since 2021, with 12 cruise calls scheduled for this period. Long-stay tourist arrivals are predicted to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year, while in transit cruise passenger arrivals are expected to reach approximately 75 percent of the pre-pandemic average”
But the CBB warned that downside risks could present themselves via upward movements in ticket prices and potential disruptions from the hurricane season.
The bank said that risks to the future economic prospects for Barbados remain balanced for 2024, with steady growth and disinflation in the world economy.
The CBB noted that the April World Economic Outlook forecasts a more gradual economic slowdown than previously anticipated, accompanied by an upward revision to global growth prospects.
Greenidge said nonetheless, international growth is projected to linger below the historical average of 3.8 percent for the period spanning 2000-2019.
“This subdued trajectory is attributed to heightened central bank policy rates aimed at curbing inflation, the gradual withdrawal of fiscal support measures, and underlying lower productivity growth.
“Several downside risks persist, including geopolitical conflicts in various regions, constraints in freight supply, and prolonged tight monetary conditions driven by strategies to manage inflation. These global developments have the potential to influence the tourism outlook for Barbados and contribute to imported inflation pressures.”
He said domestic inflation is projected to moderate over the medium term, moving in tandem with falling international commodity prices.
The CBB projects that the 12-month moving average inflation rate is expected to moderate between 3.5 and four percent by the end of 2024, underpinned by falling international food prices and moderating oil prices.
“However, the inflation forecast remains susceptible to disruptions in the supply chain, stemming from ongoing international events, such as the Russia-Ukraine War, the Israel-Hamas conflict, tensions in the Red Sea, and persistent congestion in the Panama Canal,” the CBB said.
It said furthermore, the occurrence and severity of adverse weather conditions domestically could lead to localized food shortages and exacerbate food price inflation.
But Greenidge told reporters that nevertheless, ongoing negotiations for trade agreements with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries aimed at bolstering commodity trade hold the potential to contribute to inflation moderation over the medium term.
He said gross international reserves are expected to maintain a healthy position at the end of 2024.
“Continued growth within the tourism sector, complemented by the hosting of major sporting events, including the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, is expected to bolster tourism receipts and improve the current account.
“Moreover, private foreign investment inflows, particularly linked to the tourism sector, along with public sector inflows from multilateral development banks, are anticipated to sustain international reserves at a level equivalent to an import cover well above the accepted international benchmark of 12 weeks.”
Greenidge said that public sector reforms and growth-enhancing initiatives are expected to strengthen the government’s ability to achieve targeted primary surpluses while supporting domestic economic activity.
He said the recently delivered budget speech by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mia Mottley, focused on enhancing fiscal discipline and promoting economic growth.
Restructuring of state-owned enterprises (SOE), including the dissolution of the Barbados Agricultural Management Corporation (BAMC), the amalgamation of the Rural and Urban Development Corporations (RDC and UDC) into the newly formed National Development Commission (NDC), and the reform of the National Housing Corporation (NHC), are expected to reduce overlap and achieve financial and operating efficiencies in the medium-term. “Moreover, the digitization of the public sector and the creation of a National Data Centre, led by the newly established Gov Tech, also aim to improve the efficiency of public sector services.”
Greenidge said that the reform and modernization of the corporation tax structure, aimed at meeting the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Inclusive Framework Global Rules, are anticipated to yield a net tax positive impact on the medium-term revenue outturn.
“The 2024 budget speech also outlined planned public sector investments, such as road and water infrastructure projects, the ongoing construction of the Geriatric Hospital, refurbishments to public health facilities, and the construction of sporting facilities, as well as measures geared towards improving climate resilience and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“The success of these and other fiscal initiatives are crucial to achieving the targeted primary balances necessary for ensuring debt sustainability in the medium and long-term.”
Greenidge told reporters that the debt-to-GDP ratio should continue its downward and sustainable trajectory and that the renewed interest in the domestic securities market alongside external borrowing are expected to assist in financing the government’s needs. “Despite the increase in debt over the period, the expansion in economic activity and sustained primary surpluses are expected to pave the way for achieving the 60 percent debt target by the financial year 2035/36,” Greenidge added.
Source-CMC
Haiti’s CPT elects new president, new prime minister
The former president of the Haitian senate, Edgard Leblanc Fils, was on Tuesday named as the president of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) as efforts continue restore peace and security in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
His appointment comes a day after members of the Council held a high-level meeting at the Reception Villa (Primature), with the High Police Staff Nationale d’Haïti (PNH) led by Frantz Elbé and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H) led by Colonel Jodel Lesage.
The meeting was first official contact of CPT members with the heads of these two public institutions responsible for security and also provided an opportunity to analyze the security situation and, by mutual agreement, to identify possible solutions to the issue of insecurity and kidnappings which represent the main concern of the entire population.
The CPT also named former sports minister Fritz Belizaire as the country’s prime minister replacing Michel Patrick Boisvert, the former minister of economy and finance who was the current interim prime minister.
Belizaire is little known and even some members of the council were unfamiliar with him, but Fils welcomed the appointment saying “this is a very good choice for prime minister.
“The important thing for us is this will,” he told the brief ceremony attended by nearly two dozen people.
The nine-member transitional council, seven of whom have voting rights, and Belizaire, who served as sports minister during the second presidency of René Préval from 2006 to 2011, is reported to have had the support of four of the council’s voting members.
Haiti has been steeped in political turmoil and social unrest following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021.
Rival gangs have over-run the poverty-stricken French-speaking country, plunging citizens into further despair and forcing several foreign agencies to remove non-essential staff from their offices in Haiti.
Following the installation of the CPT last Thursday, seven countries officially notified the UN Secretary-General of their intention to contribute personnel to the Security Council-backed support mission for the crisis-wracked Caribbean nation.
The UN said Kenya has offered to lead the multinational mission that aims to provide much-needed back up to the national police in a bid to regain control of the streets from gang rule.
The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica also pledged their support, the UN said.
Source-CMC
New Barbados diplomat presents credentials to Cuban government
Barbados’ new Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall, has presented her credentials to the Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister, Josefina Vida.
Ambassador Marshall, a former regional media executive and broadcaster, succeeds Philip St. Hill, who has since retired from the Foreign Service.
In presenting her credentials, Marshall said it was a great honor to represent Barbados in her mother’s birthplace and reiterated Bridgetown’s commitment to cooperating with Cuba, particularly in health, education, tourism, environment, and agriculture.
Vidal expressed Cuba’s willingness to strengthen bilateral relations further and promote exchanges in all sectors of common interest.
Cuba and Barbados established of diplomatic relations in December 1972.
Source-CMC
Scores you want to know
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
INTERLEAGUE
St. Louis at Detroit (Postponed)
Tampa Bay 1, Milwaukee 0
Oakland 5, Pittsburgh 1
Seattle 2, Atlanta 1
LA Angels 6, Philadelphia 5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Baltimore 2, NY Yankees 0
Toronto 6, Kansas City 5
Minnesota 3, Chi White Sox 2
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Washington 7, Miami 2
Chi Cubs 3, NY Mets 1
Cincinnati 5, San Diego 2
LA Dodgers 8, Arizona 4
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS
Boston 102, Miami 88 (Boston leads series 3-1)
Oklahoma City 97, New Orleans 89 (Oklahoma City wins series 4-0)
Denver 108, LA Lakers 106 (Denver wins series 4-0)
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Florida 6, Tampa Bay 1 (Florida wins series 4-1)
Dallas 4, Vegas 2 (Series tied 2-2)
NY v. Trump day nine: Michael Cohen’s banker takes the stand following week of dramatic testimony
Michael Cohen’s former banker Gary Farro is expected to return to the witness stand on this morning to detail Cohen’s frantic effort to set up a shell company to pay Stormy Daniels $130,000 for her silence ahead of the 2016 election. Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker concluded his testimony on Friday and was followed by Trump’s longtime gatekeeper and executive assistant Rhona Graff.
Jurors saw contact entries that Graff testified she created for Trump for both Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal -- both women who received hush money payments for their silence about their alleged affairs with the former president.
Graff also testified that she saw Daniels on the 26th floor of Trump Tower – where Trump’s office is located – around the time that Trump was considering casting Daniels in the Celebrity Apprentice.
Source-ABC
Chris Hemsworth talks health, the disappointment of Thor 4 and more in Vanity Fair
In an extensive cover piece, Chris Hemsworth goes deep with Vanity Fair about leaving Hollywood for his native Australia, his disappointment over Thor: Love and Thunder and how — for the last time — he does not have Alzheimer's.
On the latter point, Hemsworth found out through his 2022 Disney+ show Limitless that his DNA showed a risk for the disease. But that revelation, plus a planned break from making movies — partly to nurse an injured back — had the rumor mill spinning.
"It really kind of ticked me off because it felt like I had been vulnerable with something personal and shared this," the Marvel movie star admits.
"No matter how much I said, 'This is not a death sentence,' the story became that I have dementia and I'm reconsidering life and retiring and so on."
However, he did allow, "I did read a really funny comment at the bottom of one article: 'I hope Chris forgets he's retiring and comes back.'"
The star also looked back at his final film as Thor: 2023's Love and Thunder, in which the acclaimed humor from director Taika Waititi's blockbuster predecessor Thor: Ragnarok went off the rails for both critics and audiences.
"I got caught up in the improv and the wackiness, and I became a parody of myself," Hemsworth says. "I didn't stick the landing."
The actor will next be seen in the Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosa for one of his filmmaking idols, fellow Aussie George Miller.
The filmmaker says Hemsworth became unrecognizable as the warlord Dementus. "When I saw Chris many months later, my first instinct was, 'Wait a minute, this is not Chris Hemsworth. This is a fraud!" Miller says.
Source-ABC
Denzel Washington's career to take center stage with American Black Film Festival retrospective
RTC's affiliate, ABC Audio has confirmed that the celebrated career of two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington will take center stage at a first-of-its-kind retrospective at this year's American Black Film Festival (ABFF).
The 28th annual festival takes place June 12 through June 16 in Miami Beach.
Debuting Saturday, June 15, The Retrospective: Celebrating the Legacy of Denzel Washington will "take attendees on a journey through Academy Award-winning actor and director Denzel Washington's cinematic legacy, showcasing his extraordinary talent and enduring impact on the film industry."
The celebration of the Training Day and Glory Oscar winner's life on and off screen "will feature themed activations and screenings throughout the festival of some of his most iconic films, including Devil in A Blue Dress," culminating with "a special tribute/onstage interview with Mr. Washington himself on closing night."
The festival organizers express, "The conversation will not only celebrate his achievements on screen but also his significant cultural impact off-screen as a director, producer, humanitarian, husband, and father."
The ABFF bills itself as the "preeminent event of its kind, empowering Black artists and spotlighting a diverse array of entertainment content created by and for individuals of African descent."
Source-ABC