Yemen war: Children killed in air strike on bus
Dozens of people, many of them children, have been killed or wounded in a Saudi-led coalition air strike in rebel-held northern Yemen.
The bus was travelling through Dahyan market in Saada province at the time.
The health ministry run by the rebel Houthi movement said at least 43 people were killed. The Red Cross said most of the victims were under 10 years old.
The coalition, which is backing Yemen's government in a war with the Houthis, said its actions were "legitimate".
"[The air strike] conformed to international and humanitarian laws," spokesman Col Turki al-Malki said in a statement.
He added that the coalition had responded to ballistic missile launches by the rebels, which he said had targeted civilians in the southern Saudi city of Jizan.
The coalition has insisted it never deliberately targets civilians but human rights groups have accused it of bombing markets, schools, hospitals and residential areas over the past three years.
The head of the ICRC's delegation in the country later said "scores" had been killed, with many casualties under the age of 10. He added that the organisation was sending additional supplies to hospitals in the area.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR BAHAMAS AND TURKS AND CAICOS 9TH AUGUST, 2018
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE PRODUCING STABLE CONDITIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TODAY.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACHGOERS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS AT EAST COAST BEACHES.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY OFFSHORE TODAY. FAIR AND WARM WITH THE SLIGHT CHANCE OF A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY ACROSS THE EXTREME NORTHWEST BAHAMAS TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS INCLUDING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.
WINDS: VARIABLE AT LESS THAN 10 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS INCLUDING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS…4 TO 7 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS INCLUDING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 92°F 33°C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 79°F 26°C
HEAT INDEX: 105°F 41°C
SUNRISE: 06:41AM MOONSET: 06:27PM LOW TIDE: 11:29AM
SUNSET: 07:47PM MOONRISE: 05:40AM FRI. HIGH TIDE: 05:56P
LOW TIDE: 12:24AM FRI.
HIGH TIDE: 06:16AM FRI.
EXTENDED FORECAST: HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE WILL REMAIN THE DOMINANT WEATHER FEATURE THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND.
FUTURE LEADERS IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PUBLIC SECTOR URGED TO APPLY FOR A CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDY IN THE UK
Applications open 6th August 2018 – 6th November 2018
Talented professionals from throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands public sector are able to apply for a fully-funded one year Master’s Degree, under the UK’s Flagship scholar programme supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organizations.
The Chevening Scholarship Programme is a global scholarship programme aimed at future leaders. Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural events.
TCI has been successful in having five talented individuals awarded this Scholarship in the past four years. Mrs. Kenisha Bacchus, who currently works as a Legal Consul for the TCI Financial Services Commission (awarded in 2014), Miss Myrlchina Lewis, Financial Manager within the Accountant General’s Office (awarded in 2015), Mrs. Lormeka Morley-Williams who has also recently been appointed as Deputy Director within the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources(awarded in 2016), Mrs. Jasmine Parker-Thomas is currently in the UK finishing up her studies (awarded in 2017) and Ms. Chandra Craigg who has been awarded for 2018 to study an MSc in Marketing and Digital strategy.
The Governor, Dr. John Freeman said:
“We are looking for ambitious, professional, forward-thinking leaders from any walk of life. There is no such thing as a “typical” Chevening Scholar, but one thing that all of our previous scholars have in common is that they were bold enough to step forward and apply.
‘If you are chosen for Chevening, you will receive a first-rate UK education which can open doors in your career. You will also become part of the global Chevening Alumni network full of dynamic influencers who have shared the same experience as you will, and can offer mentorship, advice, and contacts.
There is a lot to potentially gain from submitting a thoughtful application, so if you or someone you know has what it takes to be a Chevening Scholar, I would encourage you to apply before the 6 November deadline.”
IN ORDER TO SUMBIT AN ELIGIBLE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS MUST:
Be a Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, and return there for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship.
Have completed an undergraduate degree
Have at least two years’ work experience
Be able to meet the Chevening minimum English Language Requirement
Be able to obtain the correct visa, and receive an unconditional offer from a UK university
Chevening Scholarship offers a monthly stipend, travel to and from your country, a thesis or dissertation grant and tuition fees.
Applicants should read the online guidance and be able to demonstrate how they meet the Chevening selection criteria before submitting an application. Further details of closing dates and priority subject’s areas are available at
www.chevening.org/apply
For more Information Contact the Chevening Officer- Mr. Neville Misick
Email: Neville.misick@fco.gov.uk
Telephone: +1649 -946-2308/9
Honouring our Ancestors - Emancipation Day 2018 celebration
A long-standing local tradition, the Emancipation Day celebration took place on August 1st, 2018 under the theme, “Honouring the Ancestors: Celebrating the unbreakable spirit and tenacity of the People of the Turks & Caicos Islands.”
The local commemoration of what is known throughout the Caribbean as “August Monday” was observed through authentic African Drumming, cultural dance, poetry, spoken words, and local music.
Cheshire Hall Plantation on Providenciales, provided the perfect venue for the event – a 200-year old historical site which was both home and the place of work for thousands of plantation slaves back in the 18th century. Dr. Dellareese Higgs, Education Manager at TCNT told guests, “This plantation should remind us of our ancestors who toiled on this soil, and created a history filled with pride and ingenuity in their quest for survival. We are the roots, the lineage of these great people.”
The observance celebrated freedom and achievements, and encouraged participants as well as spectators from all over the island about continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
Coordinated by cultural enthusiast and artist Mr. David Bowen, and executed through the collaboration between the Turks & Caicos National Trust, Turks & Caicos Museum and the Department of Culture, activities were centred upon the theme – with the spiritual walk and prayers at the ‘Great House’ as one of the highlights.
Among the performers were: Sea Breeze Rip Saw Band, TUCA Cultural Group & Drummers, Sara Goldsmith & Negro Spiritual Choir; Spoken Word Artists: Cora Malcolm, Derek Rolle, Beth Atkins, Levinia Bishop & Steven Wilson.
The event, a celebration of 180 years of freedom, was attended by the Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister responsible for Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services, and Hon. Ralph Higgs Minister responsible for Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime and Gaming.
Pastor Goldston Williams ended the event with a prayer uplifting the people of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and paying homage to the ancestors who paved the way and left behind a legacy to be proud of.
PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE DISEASE KNOWN AS "CANINE TRANSMISSIBLE VENEREAL TUMOR" IN DOGS
The Department of Agriculture acknowledges the presence of the disease known as "Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor" (CTVT) on the Turks and Caicos Islands. Cases have been found on the islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos and until recently, suspected cases were seen in Providenciales.
Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) also called TVT or Sticker's Sarcoma is a cancer that is transmitted mainly by sexual contact in DOGS ONLY. It may also be transferred during childbirth, mother grooming her puppies and by social behaviors such as licking, sniffing or scratching. It poses NO threat or risk to humans or any other animal species. But is commonly spread in areas where there is a roaming or stray dog population and amongst dogs that are not sterilized i.e. Spayed or neutered. The disease is treatable once diagnosed early.
We are asking the public to be aware of the more noticeable signs of CTVT which is usually seen on the male and female genitals of the dog, this includes:
- Blood from the genitals
- Protrusion of a "cauliflower like" growth or tumor from the genitals
- Straining to urinate
- Disfigured or unusual swollen genitals
- Excessive licking of the genitals
It can also be seen on the face, mouth, nostrils and abdomen, however, you will need your veterinarians assistance to diagnose these cases.
If any of the aforementioned signs are seen, immediately:
- Take your dog to a veterinarian to be examined and treated if applicable.
- Report any sightings of strays and roaming animals with these lesions to the Department of Agriculture located at 16 Parade Avenue, Butterfield Square, Providenciales, Telephone 1(649)9465801, E-mail:agriculture@gov.tc
VENDOR PAYMENT PROTOCOL
PUBLIC NOTICE
ACCOUNTANT GENERALS DEPARTMENT (TREASURY)
VENDOR PAYMENT PROTOCOL
The Treasury has been receiving requests to make changes in respect of the names in which payments are made. This directive seeks to clarify the protocol which is applied.
- Payments will be made in the name in which an invoice is submitted.
It is the duty of the vendor and then contracting department to ensure that the invoice is accurate as the vendor's details.
Trading Under a Business Name
It is best practice that the business operates a bank account in the name of the business.
- Where there is no incorporated entity and there is a person trading under a business name that vendor should ensure that the invoice reflects "the name of the individual trading as [Business Name]"
- Where there is no incorporated entity and there are two (2) or more persons trading under a business name, if there is no bank account in the name of the business the following process will obtain:
- The partners need to go to the Business License Unit at the Revenue Department.
- Complete and sign a Payment Authorization Form indicating the partner(s) to whom any payment may be made (see attached sample).
- The Revenue Department will forward a copy of the signed Payment Authorization Form to the Treasury.
- Treasury will then make payment(s) accordingly
Former Barbados minister charged with laundering
The former minister of industry of Barbados was arrested in Florida on Friday and had his initial court appearance on Monday in connection with an indictment charging him with laundering bribes that he allegedly received from a Barbadian insurance company in exchange for official actions he took to secure government contracts for the insurance company.
Donville Inniss, 52, a US legal permanent resident who resided in Tampa, Florida, and Barbados, was charged in an indictment with one count of conspiracy to launder money and two counts of money laundering. The indictment was returned under seal by a federal grand jury sitting in Brooklyn, New York, on March 15.
“Donville Inniss allegedly used the US financial system to launder bribes he received while serving as a government official in Barbados,” said assistant attorney general Brian Benczkowski. “These charges demonstrate the commitment of the Department and our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who seeks to use our financial system to promote or launder the corrupt proceeds of their crimes.”
“As charged in the indictment, Inniss abused his position of trust as a government official by taking bribes from a Barbadian company, then laundered the illicit funds through a bank and a dental company located in the Eastern District of New York,” said US Attorney Richard Donoghue. “The Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable corrupt government officials here or abroad who use the US financial system to facilitate their criminal conduct.”
Nicholas Bett: Kenya's former 400m hurdles world champion dies aged 28
Kenya's former 400m hurdles world champion Nicholas Bett has died aged 28, following a car crash on Wednesday.
Bett had just returned from the Africa Championships in Nigeria when he died in Nandi, north west Kenya.
In 2015, he made history in China by becoming the first Kenyan to win a world gold at a distance shorter than 800m.
He was a two-time African bronze medallist and his twin brother Haron Koech is also a hurdler.
Athletics Kenya confirmed Bett's death on Twitter, while Kenyan sports minister Rashid Echesa tweeted his condolences to the Bett family.
Gianni Moscon: Team Sky rider banned for trying to hit a rival at Tour de France
Team Sky rider Gianni Moscon has been banned for five weeks by the UCI, after he tried to hit another rider during stage 15 of this year's Tour de France.
The Italian, 24, was disqualified from the race after the incident with Team Fortuneo-Samsic's Elie Gesbert.
Moscon has apologised and accepted his punishment, which ends on 12 September, saying he "regretted" his actions.
"I reacted in the heat of the moment and it was never my intention to hit the rider," said Moscon.
"As the footage shows I didn't make contact, but I regret my actions and I have already apologised to both Gesbert and Team Fortuneo Samsic for the incident."
Last year, Moscon was suspended by Team Sky for six weeks after racially abusing a rival.
He was also disqualified from last year's World Championship road race after hanging onto a team car.
Team Principal, Sir Dave Brailsford, said he was "confident" that Moscon had learned from the incident.
"Gianni is still a relatively young rider at the start of his career and we will continue to give him the help and support he needs to learn, develop and move forward from this," Brailsford added.
Dave Bautista Threatens To Quit Guardians Of The Galaxy
The ongoing feud between Disney and now-ex Guardians of the Galaxy director, James Gunn, has become the biggest talking point in Hollywood.
Disney parted ways with the director last month after alt-right activists unearthed a number of offensive Tweets dating back several years.
Stars from the film have openly slammed Disney’s decision, admitting the Tweets may have been in bad taste however were not a reflection on Gunn’s true character.
Now Dave Bautista, who plays Drax the Destroyer, appears to be willing to take his complaints one step further, by walking away from the third instalment of the franchise in protest.
Now Dave Bautista, who plays Drax the Destroyer, appears to be willing to take his complaints one step further, by walking away from the third instalment of the franchise in protest.
Speaking to Shortlist, Bautista echoed what appears to be the general consensus regarding the Tweets amongst the cast.
“Nobody’s defending his tweets, but this was a smear campaign on a good man,” he said.
“I spoke to Chris Pratt the day after it happened and he’s a bit religious so he wanted time to pray and figure it out. James is one of the kindest, most decent people I’ve met.”
Bautista added that Gunn had actually already turned in his script for the third movie which is due to begin shooting early next year.
A replacement director has not been announced as of yet.
“Where I’m at right now is that if [Marvel] don’t use that script, then I’m going to ask them to release me from my contract, cut me out or recast me.
“I’d be doing James a disservice if I didn’t.”
The actor didn’t hold back on Twitter either, saying that it would be “pretty nauseating to work for someone who’d empower a smear campaign by fascists”.