Mexico searches for victims of deadly Storm Earl
Emergency workers in Mexico are searching for survivors after landslides killed dozens in the wake of Tropical Storm Earl. The worst-affected state was Puebla in central Mexico, where at least 28 people were killed after torrential rains set off mudslides. Puebla Governor Rafael Moreno Valle said dogs had been brought in to search for those missing. Officials said some outlying areas had not yet been reached. At least 40 people have been confirmed dead after Tropical Storm Earl moved over Mexico on Saturday. Earl had earlier hit Belize and Guatemala in Central America.
Ethiopia protests: 'Nearly 100 killed' in Oromia and Amhara
Nearly 100 people were killed in the weekend's protests in Ethiopia as demonstrators clashed with security forces in different parts of the country, Amnesty International says. The rights group says the most deadly incident happened in Bahir Dar, where at least 30 people died on Sunday. The authorities have said seven died in Bahir Dar and that security forces were reacting to violence from protesters. There has been an unprecedented wave of protests in Ethiopia in recent months. People in the Oromo and Amhara regions have been complaining about political and economic marginalisation.
US election 2016: Donald Trump to lay out economic agenda
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump plans to jump start the US economy by suspending new regulations and cutting corporate taxes. The New York real estate mogul is set to lay out his economic agenda with a major policy speech on today. The campaign hopes to shift focus to economic issues, seen as one of the candidate's strengths, after a bruising week on the campaign trail. Trump’s plans also call for the revival of the Keystone oil pipeline project. The proposed pipeline would run for 1,179 miles (1,897 km) taking 800,000 barrels of oil a day from Alberta, Canada, to Steele City, Nebraska. The Obama administration scrapped plans for the pipeline amid concerns about its effect on the environment.
FUTURE LEADERS OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS URGED TO APPLY FOR A CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDY IN THE UK
Applications open 8th August 2016 – 08th November 2016
Talented professionals and public servants from the Turks and Caicos Islands are able to apply for a fully funded one year Masters 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.
TCI has been successful in having two persons awarded with this Scholarship in the past two years, Mrs Kenisha Bacchus, who currently works as a Legal Consul for the TCI Financial Services Commission(awarded in 2014) and Miss Myrlchina Lewis, who is currently in the UK finishing up her studies(awarded in 2015).
The Scholarship is awarded to outstanding individuals with leadership potential, and those that are willing to contribute positively to the development of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Awards are typically for a one year Masters Degree, in any area subject at any of the UK Leading Universities.
The Governor Peter Beckingham welcomed this year’s opportunity for Turks and Caicos Islanders to apply for scholarships, and said “I am delighted that during my three year term TCI has succeeded for the first time in winning Chevening scholarships. It is difficult to exaggerate the competitive nature of these awards, as I have seen for myself in other countries I have worked like India and the Philippines, where hundreds apply annually.
“It is to the great credit of TCI’s winners Kenisha and Myrlchina that they received these prestigious scholarships. I’m sure that they will use their experience for the benefit of the TCI organisations they have returned/will return to, and I hope that everyone in TCI will be proud of their achievements”.
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 -916-2308/9
Applications open 8th August 2016 – 08th November 2016
TCI & BAHAMAS PUBLIC FORECAST
THE BAHAMAS PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT
MONDAY 08TH AUGUST 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: MID TO UPPER LEVEL TROUGHING WILL SUPPORT INCREASED CLOUDINESS AND ENHANCED SHOWER ACTIVITY MAINLY ACROSS THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS.
FOR THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY, WARM AND HUMID WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH TONIGHT
ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 OVER OPEN WATERS, FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
FOR THE TURKS & CAICOS & SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW SHOWERS
ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 92F 33C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 79F 26C
SUNSET: 7:50PM
SUNRISE: 6:41AM TUE
MOONSET: 11:37PM
MOONRISE: 12:33PM TUE
HIGH TIDE: 12:31PM LOW TIDE: 6:44PM
HIGH TIDE 12:43AM TUE LOW TIDE: 7:03AM TUE
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR TOMORROW: PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS…SUNNY AND HOT ELSEWHERE WITH A STRAY SHOWER OR TWO.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: DISORGANIZED CLOUDINESS AND SHOWERS LOCATED A FEW HUNDRED MILES NORTHEAST OF THE BAHAMAS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH A MID-LEVEL TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE. THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A SURFACE CIRCULATION, AND DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SYSTEM HAS BECOME UNLIKELY AS THE TROUGH MOVES GENERALLY NORTHWARD OFF THE COAST OF THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES. THIS SYSTEM HAS A LOW CHANCE OF FORMATION THROUGH THE NEXT 5 DAYS.
FORECASTER: K. WARD-FORBES/dg/cwr
DOC LAUNCH 2016 CULTURAL SUMMER CAMP
The Department of Culture, within the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture and Heritage successfully launched its 2016 Cultural Summer Camp on August 2, 2016. The Camp caters for youth aged 6 – 16 years and runs for a week. Campers have been learning various aspects of our Cultural History through art, song, dance and other activities. The Cultural Camp continues next week in North/Middle Caicos. Camp begins in South Caicos on August 15 – 19 and in Grand Turk on August 22 – 26.
This week in Providenciales has been an exciting experience for both the campers and facilitators alike, with the engagement of over 60 campers. We look forward to a great turn out on the remaining islands.
TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the 22nd meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 3 August 2016, at the Hon. N J S Francis Building on Grand Turk.
All Ministers were present except the Hon. George Lightborne, Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication
At this meeting Cabinet:
Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve amending the Hotel and Tourism (Taxation) (Designated Restaurant) Order 2016 which lays out the criteria for an establishment to be considered as a designated restaurant for the purposes of the collection of tourism related taxes. The amendments would commence on September 1, 2016.
Cabinet agreed to support in principle an application for a license to construct a rock breakwater seaward in the Juba Salina in Providenciales subject to conditions as set out by the Departments of Planning and Environment and Maritime Affairs.
Cabinet agreed to support in principle an application for a license to construct and operate a beach restaurant and deck business in Grace Bay Providenciales subject to the conditions as set out by the Crown Land Unit and the Departments of Planning and Environment and Maritime Affairs.
Cabinet agreed to support in principle an application for a long-term lease over two parcels of commercial land for the development of a car detailing service center in Grand Turk. Cabinet further approved the issuance of a notice for tender for a long-term lease over the identified parcels in accordance with the Crown Land Ordinance.
Cabinet agreed the Attorney General's Chambers should commence the drafting of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill which will bring the fund into effect.
Cabinet agreed the submission of the Statement of Net Excess Expenditure to the House of Assembly for consideration as part of the charge to Public Funds for the Financial Year 2015/16 and in accordance with the Public Financial Management Ordinance.
Cabinet agreed that the Attorney General's Chambers commence the drafting of amendments to Reg 3 (2) (d) (iii) of the Business Licensing (Amendment) No. 2 Reg 2015 and the repeal of the Immigration (Exemption) Order 2015 (30 of 2015).
Agreed that the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade to undertake a review of businesses operating in the reserved and restricted categories with the aim of formulating a policy to protect Turks and Caicos Islanders and Turks and Caicos Islanders interests in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the grant of concession orders for four businesses under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Policy operated by Invest Turks and Caicos.
Cabinet agreed in principle, subject to the standard legal, planning and environmental requirements, to a proposal by Grace Bay Resort for the development of a 48 cottage rental suites and 4 residential homes as an oceanfront development in Providenciales.
Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the advancement of the amendments to the Tobacco Ordinance to the House of Assembly which will exempt specialty shops, whose sole business is tobacco, to advertise and display tobacco products.
Advised His Excellency the Governor to agree for the Attorney General's Chambers to commence drafting the regulations to the Tobacco Ordinance.
Advised His Excellency the Governor to agree for the Attorney General's Chambers to commence the drafting of amendments to the Public and Environmental Health Ordinance to review the offences under sections 4, 5 and 7 to allow for a ticketing system and imposition of fines as penalties for non-compliance of upkeep of surroundings.
Advised His Excellency the Governor to conduct a consultation for a period of two weeks commencing Friday August 5 2016 among the political parties and those candidates who as of that date are widely known to be running independently, on recommended amendments to the voting ballot to change the current layout from a portrait to a landscape with candidates listed alphabetically and grouped by party affiliation, with the view of simplifying the voting process and presentation of candidates on the ballot for the voting populace.
Cabinet agreed to the commencement of a consultation of industry stakeholders for the construction of a national fibre ring along the circumference of the chain of islands to reinforce the data and communications connectivity of all the islands and to improve the broadband service experienced in the family islands.
Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the amendments to the Telecommunications (Fee) Structure Regulations for the adoption of a revised license fee structure for commencement September 1, 2016.
Agreed for the body of the late Charles Glinton Snr. to lay in repose from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday August 13, 2016 at the General Post Office in Grand Turk.
Agreed to naming of the government building which currently houses the General Post Office as the Charles Glinton Snr. Building in honour of the late officer's contribution to the work of the post office and the civil service.
Advised His Excellency the Governor to grant approval for the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture and Heritage to enter a bid for the hosting of the 2017 Caribbean Tourism Organization State of the Industry Conference in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Agreed for the Ministry of Finance to set up a working group for the transitional arrangement for the Carnival Cruise Center and Downtown Welcome Center whose ownership will transfer to the Government once Carnival has recovered their investment which it is expected to be in 2018.
Noted and gave support for the appointment of the Minister of Border Control and Employment Services as the Turks and Caicos Islands Special Representative to the CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors to represent the interests of the TCI in CARICOM led initiatives.
Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the appointment of a Steering Committee for the CCTV Policing and Security Project which will expand the installation and monitoring of closed circuit television cameras in the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk (initially) as a part of the National Security Council's crime prevention and detection program.The committee will comprise of members of the Police Force, the Computer Unit and other stakeholder government departments or agencies, and chaired by the Director of the Office of the Premier.
Advised His Excellency the Governor to appoint Ms. Tracy Smith of North Caicos to the National Health Insurance Board to meet the number of prescribed appointments in accordance with the National Health Insurance Board Ordinance.
Agreed to the approval of an additional five taxi licenses for Providenciales.
Cabinet denied a request for supplementary appropriation made by the judiciary for additional funding in the SIPT trials towards legal aide.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
‘NEW’ C&W COMMUNICATIONS POISED TO SUPPORT REGION TO ACHIEVE TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP
SAN JUAN, PR, August 3, 2016 – “Cable & Wireless Communications, (C&W), is now part of Liberty Global, the world’s largest international cable television company. Liberty brings global strength, innovation and experience, and combined with the deep historic roots, and long tradition of Cable and Wireless, along with the spirit of entrepreneurship of the former Columbus Group, creates a telecom leader that will continue to transform the region through sustained investment and development”; so said John Reid, acting CEO C&W Communications, at the recently held 32nd Annual CANTO 2016 Conference and Trade Exhibition in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
John Reid, CEO C&W Communications and Manuel Kohnstamm SVP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Liberty Global
Speaking to over 300 delegates at the Ministerial Roundtable at CANTO, Reid indicated that Liberty offers C&W even greater potential to become a technology leader in the region. The Company plans continued investment in its telecoms infrastructure to provide “faster, better and more extensive digital experiences across the Caribbean region,” said Reid. “In the last year alone, C&W re-invested 22% of our revenue on capital expenditures, in terrestrial and sub-sea fiber capacity, new products and applications, as well as next generation mobile networks across the region. Being part of the Liberty Global family provides an even greater opportunity to bring world-class innovation and content to the region to facilitate and foster economic and social growth, creativity and wellbeing across the Caribbean.”
Reid also stressed the need for a group effort to ensure that the Caribbean harness the positive power of the change to deliver positive transformations for all our constituents. “We have an incredible chance through our infrastructure to bring the Caribbean to the world, and the world to the Caribbean. All of the building blocks are being put in place; it is critical that we come together to solve the critical issues that face our industry by investing in our infrastructure, in our people, and in our technology to fundamentally enrich the lives of every Caribbean citizen. Now is not the time to build walls between us; now is the time to promote investment, competition and an enabling regulatory environment that works for our region’s future,” explained Reid.
To this end, C&W will continue to play its part to deepen its stakeholder relationships and work towards fulfilling its mission of ‘Connecting Communities and Transforming Lives.’ The Company finds its motivation in the inherent challenges of technology diversification – it is the source of its competitive drive to continuously learn and invest in the technology that enables the region’s digital revolution.
“The rate of development in our sector continues to accelerate, whether it’s new technology and new standards, the emergence of new apps, unique programming and exponential data growth, and as such our strategies and business models must also continue to develop. In every way the industry is moving forward – and Cable & Wireless Communications is at the forefront of that change. We are investing in the digital highways of the 21st century; whether helping to connect customers, entertain them in their homes, or enable their businesses, we will continue to bring incredible innovation and benefits to our region.”
John Reid, CEO C&W Communications and Manuel Kohnstamm SVP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Liberty Global
CANTO, recognized as the leading trade association of the ICT sector for shaping information and communications in the Caribbean, brings together industry professionals, communications ministers and other stakeholders who help to influence the innovation and development of ICT solutions for the benefit of the region.
US jobs growth beats forecasts in July
The US economy added a stronger-than-expected 255,000 jobs in July, fuelling speculation that interest rates could rise before the end of the year. The figure was below June's upwardly revised figure of 292,000 jobs, but was far higher than analysts' forecasts of between 175,000 and 180,000.
The US unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.9%. Dennis de Jong from UFX.com said July's figure reveals a "strong but not spectacular US economy".
He said the number "represents more of a return to the form of the first six months of the year". The US Fed recently signalled that it was on course to increase interest rates this year as "near-term risks" such slowing employment receded.
However, subsequent data revealed that the US economy grew at a slower pace than expected in the second quarter of the year.
Apple urged to rethink gun emoji change
Apple has been urged to rethink its plan to convert the handgun emoji symbol into a water pistol icon. The Emojipedia website argued that the symbol could still appear as a lifelike gun in messages sent to non-iOS users. Apple made the change in the wake of a series of shootings in the US.
However, Microsoft announced this week that its toy gun symbol would be redesigned as a more realistic-looking firearm. The emoji character system allows companies to use slightly different designs of the same basic objects, signs or expressions.