WILLIAMS PREFORMING IN THE 2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES
MOS COMMENTS ON DELANO WILLIAMS PREFORMING IN THE 2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES
On behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, the Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Sports, Hon Akierra M. D. Missick shares her thought on Delano Williams forming part of Team Great Britain for the 20016 Olympics, held in Rio Dijanero Brazil.
"It is with great pride and honor that we are able to support our “ Son of the Soil - Golden Boy” Delano Williams, as he participates in the 4 x 400m relay in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. This marks a pivotal moment within the TCI, one that will go down in history. It is a true representation of the tangible growth of, not only identifying local athletic talent, but dedicating the resources to developing their skills allowing them to achieve heights such as these. Delano was the recipient of a TCIG Scholarship for studies at UWI Mona Campus, Jamaica, which provided him an opportunity to not only obtain a Degree in Marketing from the prestigious University of the West Indies, but also provided him an opportunity to live in Jamaica and train with his Coach who is based there. "
The experiences Delano will gain, while participating in the 2016 Olympic Games, is invaluable. He continues to be a strong brand ambassador for the TCI and has shown young Turks and Caicos Islanders that with hard work and dedication, they can have the opportunity to perform on the highest sporting stage as well.
The Ministry of Sports will be sending two of delegates to Rio to cheer on Delano in person. The team will consist of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Sport Hon Akierra M D Missick, and Director of Sport (Acting) Ms Judith Robinson. The Ministry extends its profound thanks to the Haitian Athletic Association who were able to provide the Minister and Director accreditation to attend the 2016 Rio Games and to watch as history is made by Delano competing in the Olympics.
It is important for all Turks and Caicos’ Islanders to continue to support Delano in any way possible, keeping him in your prayers and routing for his success. The Minister of Sport urges all sporting bodies to host a watching party so that their athletes can witness this historic occasion of a Turks & Caicos Islander stepping on the greatest world sporting stage.
GOVERNOR EXTOLS STRIDES IN TCI’S TOURISM BRAND
GOVERNOR EXTOLS STRIDES IN TCI’S TOURISM BRAND – BUT NOTES NEED TO MATCH OUR COMPETITORS IN FOOD PRODUCTION AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
In a message to the forthcoming Invest TCI Enhancing National Competitiveness seminar on 1 September, the Governor, Peter Beckingham, praised the tourism sector in Turks and Caicos for its great strides recently, making the country one of the top tourism brands in the Caribbean. “I have had plenty of opportunities during my three years in TCI to meet the leaders and drivers of the economy here and overseas. At the moment these remain overwhelmingly in the tourism space, and everyone involved in that sector should take a bow for the enormous strides they have helped TCI to achieve” the Governor noted. “We are one of the top Caribbean brands, regarded as a high class resort destination offering quality beaches, sea, security and resorts. No-one needs me to remind them that it is essential that everyone in TCI works to keep that reputation. The risks include degradation of our environment, which on occasions does look fragile, an unacceptable increase in crime, and political instability.”
But the Governor also cautioned that TCI was lagging behind others, including for food production and financial services. “The competitiveness conference will also focus on developing new businesses. I’m sure there are opportunities” the Governor said. “We are far too dependent on food imports, and our financial services sector is a shadow of our Overseas Territory partners and rivals in Bermuda, BVI and Cayman Islands. I will have a particular interest in hearing what the financial services group recommend TCI look to develop. With the international focus on Overseas Territories and other countries with perceived tax benefits for investors, we are going to have to peddle very fast to catch our rivals, or over-take them.”
The Governor also welcomed the focus by Invest TCI on co-operation between business and the public sector. “I am pleased that the conference will also be looking at the contribution of the public sector to growing our economy” he continued. “Too often the public service is viewed as a drag on economic development rather than a provider, and again we need to work hard to gain and maintain the confidence of business and the public. To this end I am particularly pleased that, over the last few months, I have been able to introduce the start of more private sector buy-in to improve public service delivery and customer service. Changes won’t happen overnight, but the participation of wider businesses, for example, in negotiations with Fortis about our new energy legislation, and the advice of businessmen like Ken Adams of Do It Center, and Gilly Williams of the Wine Cellar to infrastructure and immigration departments respectively, is a welcome first step. I hope that it will continue.”
Finally the Governor noted that he would be leaving TCI in a little over a month’s time. “ I will, sadly, be leaving Turks and Caicos Islands this October” he concluded “after three very happy and, I believe, fruitful years. The Government has been successful in paring down its debt to a negligible amount from a colossal $260 million, Standards and Poor have given us successive Triple B Plus ratings, and our reputation for top end tourism, including notably in villa development, is at an all time high. The formation of Invest TCI is an important and necessary step in building on these achievements. I look forward to hearing of their conclusions from this Competitiveness seminar, continuing to contribute from overseas to TCI’s successes, and hearing about new investments in the coming months. I’m sure TCI has a great future.”
PDA Leader talks about Zika Virus
The Premier as minister of health and as head of Government needs to be more proactive and transparent in dealing with the Zika Virus cases before there is a national outbreak.
The fact that there is so much secrecy shrouding the whereabouts of the cases discovered of this potentially dangerous virus in the Turks and Caicos, not only deprives the public of the opportunity of knowing where to exercise the uttermost caution, but it puts pregnant and potentially pregnant women at an unnecessary higher risk.
The insensitive and unprofessional approach taken by the premier speaks to the lack of concern for the wellbeing of our people by him and his PNP administration. It is totally unfair and unacceptable and is an insult to our intelligence.
Moreover, It is simply not enough to distribute more mosquito nets and utilize more insecticides, but as I have been stating for the past twelve months, among the measures a PDA administration would take, include changing the current policy of pumping out or treating settled water in public areas only thereby avoiding private property, employing and training more Turks and Caicos Islanders in the Environmental Health department to effectively cover the entire country and putting in place a structured vector control program nationwide.
Oswald Skippings
Party Leader
BAHAMAS PUBLIC FORECAST
THIS IS THE BAHAMAS PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: A WEAK SURFACE HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE REMAINS ACROSS THE AREA WHILE AN UPPER LEVEL TROUGH NEAR THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS ALONG WITH SOME LOW LEVEL TROUGHING WILL SUPPORT INCREASED CLOUDINESS AND SHOWER ACTIVITY ACROSS THE ISLAND CHAIN
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACHGOERS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS MAINLY ALONG THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN SHORELINES.
AREA: NORTHWEST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDY, HOT AND HUMID WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST 10 KNOTS OR LESS OVER OPEN WATERS, FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES.
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS OVER THE OCEAN.
AREA: CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND A BIT BREEZY TOMORROW WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. A SMALL CRAFT CAUTION IS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
HIGH TEMPERATURE: 92 °F 33 °C
LOW TEMPERATURE: 77 °F 25 °C
SUNRISE: 6:42AM MOONSET: 12:14AM HIGH TIDE: 1:30AM 2:10PM
SUNSET: 7:49PM MOONRISE: 1:24PM LOW TIDE: 7:48AM 8:30PM
FORECASTER: SHEZELLE MATHER / A.T.
PDM Town Hall Meeting
The PDM is anticipating a vibrant discussion this upcoming Friday evening at the Conch Bar Community Center at a Town Hall Meeting being held at 7pm.
Party Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson said,"We continue to hear from the people across our country and with our campaign being focused on "people centered development" we are eagerly waiting to hear the concerns and views of the residents of Middle Caicos.
Party standard bearer Ralph Higgs and other PDM party officials will also be in attendance to hear your views which will help shape the mandate for the upcoming General Election.
Pokemon Go in Google Play Store
‘FLOWRIO2016EXTRA’ APP AMONG TOP DOWNLOADS IN THE REGION
Second Only to Pokemon Go in Google Play Store
MIAMI, Fla. (August 9, 2016) – The ‘FlowRio2016Extra’ App peaked at the #2 spot alongside the worldwide phenomenon Pokemon Go, as Olympic fans in the Caribbean downloaded the latest feature from Flow, the Official Broadcast Partner of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. ‘FlowRio2016Extra’ App, which is free to all users, is trending on both IOS and Android and is part of Flow’s commitment to transform the Olympic Games viewing experience across the Caribbean.
Customers are raving about the service; GregFF from Jamaica declared, “Flow has done something exceptional here. I have never been able to follow or experience the Olympic Games like this. Bravo @FLOWJamaica” - GregFF (Jamaica), Aug 06 2016 09:39 AM
Trinifido of Trinidad was elated and added, “Okay @FlowTT I have to rate you with this #FlowRioapp. It's awesome. #RioOlympics2016.” Fellow Trinidadian, Lizimberlis reported being “…happy I have @Flowtt...Olympic coverage of basketball, cycling and even equestrian.” Lizimberlis of Trinidad, Aug 06 2016 12:13 PM.
As news of the impressive ranking broke, Michele English, Acting President of Flow stated, “This is a proud moment for us at Flow, considering this has come literally on the first day of the 2016 Olympic Games. To actually be in the trending category alone counts as a major accomplishment, to be second place to Pokemon Go which is also the #1 trending search for IOS is beyond impressive. Our goal is to continue to delight our customers with innovations such as the ‘FlowRio2016Extra’ App and we are thrilled that they are responding to the investments to serve them better.” According to English, “the downloads have so far exceeded our initial expectations, and as the Olympic Games progress and more of our Caribbean athletes spring into action, we anticipate even more activity, more searches and in effect more downloads.” Downloads are free to everyone, however, Flow customers have the added benefit of watching the live streams.
For English, the rating has taken on additional significance for the brand in light of the mammoth task the company has undertaken to prioritize and transform the customer experience. “As we place the customer at the heart of everything we do, we aim to complement, empower and enhance the consumers’ ever-evolving lifestyle,” English also said.
Olympic fans have been gravitating to the ‘FlowRio2016Extra’ App because of its ease, convenience and complete access to all things Olympics, wherever and whenever the consumer wants. The ‘FlowRio2016Extra’ App allows the user complete freedom to carry on with life as usual even while enjoying the Games and not be restricted to the confines of the living room sofa. The ‘FlowRio2016Extra’ App has amazing features including multiple camera angles, giving viewers a sense of actually being up front and center at all events across all 32 Olympic venues in Rio de Janeiro.
Download the Free app today! http://hyperurl.co/FlowRio2016Extra
THE RUN OF A LIFETIME
As the World celebrates the Olympics on going in Rio, the Turks & Caicos will be watching closely the track and field meets, as one of our own gets ready for the first time in history to grace the world as an Olympian.
Commenting on Delano Williams’ selection for the Great Britain Olympic team in Rio, the Governor, Peter Beckingham, said, “I'm sure everyone in the Turks and Caicos Islands, or with a connection to them, will be willing Delano Williams on in the Olympic Games in Rio this month. Delano, born in Grand Turk with a population of 5,000 people, will be running in the 4 x 400 metres relay for Team GB in front of some 100,000 bellowing spectators and a global TV audience.
“It is difficult to imagine, and harder still to describe, the atmosphere Delano will walk out to. I was lucky enough to be involved with the British participation in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, where I was UK Consul-General. Because of my work with the team Jill and I were privileged to attend some events in Sydney's main stadium. We saw the Australian runner, Cathy Freeman, storm through to win a Gold in the 400 metres. I'll never forget the atmosphere in the stadium that night.
“Delano will experience the same excitement, multiplied by millions, as he prepares for the run of his life. It is hard to think of anyone better able to handle the tension and the pressure. He is a well balanced man, modest but rightly ambitious, charming and great company. I can think of no better role model for the youth of Turks and Caicos Islands.
Let's all hope that Delano and his team mates rise to the Rio occasion this month.
It will be truly wonderful for Turks and Caicos if he returns with a medal, which will also be a reward for the trust shown in him by his family, and friends and colleagues like Rita Gardiner, the former head of TCI's Commonwealth Games group. But whatever the outcome everyone in Turks and Caicos should take pride in his participation in the world's greatest sporting event - an extraordinary achievement for someone from Grand Turk, which everybody there and in TCI should jointly celebrate.”
THE LANDS DIVISON STAGES ROADSHOWS
The Lands Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers will be hosting weekly Road Shows in six (6) islands from September 9, 2016 to October 7, 2016 under the theme “Empowering Our People, Building Our Nation.”
The schedule of the Road Show is provided below:
|
Island |
Location |
Place |
Date |
|
South Caicos |
Cockburn Harbour |
Regatta Village |
Friday- September 9, 2016 |
|
Providenciales |
Downtown Providenciales |
Outside the Lands Division Building, Butterfield Square |
Friday- September 16, 2016 |
|
North Caicos |
Bottle Creek |
By the Silver Palms (Near the new Police Station) |
Friday- September 23, 2016 |
|
Middle Caicos |
Conch Bar |
Community Centre |
|
|
Salt Cay |
Balfour Town |
Salt Shed |
Friday- September 29, 2016 |
|
Grand Turk |
Cockburn Town |
The Gazebo |
Friday- October 7, 2016 |
The aim of the Road Shows is to sensitize and offer guidance to members of the public who have the desire to obtain information about land and the procedures to be followed in relation to a series of land related transactions including:
•Services and products of the Lands Division
•Acquiring Crown Land by lease or sale
•Recent land policy changes
•Laws affecting property owners or person with interests in property
•Government duties and fees payable on land transactions
•Buying or transferring of property
•Valuation of properties by Government Valuation Officers
The Lands Divisions will also showcase its achievements and indicate some of its future plans
Tatum Clerveaux, Commissioner of Lands indicated that: "the Lands Division was formally established in 2012 as a result of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government Public Sector Reform Programme. Its main objective is to ensure that the land resource of the Turks and Caicos Islands, which is the country’s most important and critical asset, is used in an efficient and responsible way in order to achieve the sustainable development of the Islands. The Lands Division, which falls under the aegis of the Attorney General’s Chambers, is comprised of four main departments; namely, the Crown Land Unit, Survey and Mapping Department, Valuation Department and the Land Registry. By merging the various land functions under a single umbrella, it is envisioned that the delivery of the services of the various departments will be more efficient."
The Commissioner further stated that: "the vision of the Lands Division is to be a modern land management agency that puts customers and quality at the heart of the services offered. Its overarching mission is to facilitate improvement in the quality of life of all Turks and Caicos Islanders through professional, transparent and efficient administration, equitable access, secure tenure and sustainable management of our land resources."
With this is mind the Lands Division wishes to enlighten its customers by embarking on a public education campaign to sensitize Turks and Caicos Islanders about the products and services of the Lands Division in order to provide equitable access to information and guidance to all.
All are encouraged to come out and participate in the Lands Division’s Road Shows
The Simpsons to air first hour-long episode
Long-running US sitcom The Simpsons is to broadcast its first hour-long episode next year. Although there has been a Simpsons movie, this will be the first time a regular episode has run to an hour.
Executive producer Al Jean joked in a statement: "I just pray it won't be the last thing people see before a Trump inauguration." Taraji P Henson, who plays Cookie on Fox's Empire, and actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key will guest star. Henson will voice the role of Praline, the former wife of a music mogul who has conned Mr Burns into bankruptcy.
Hillary vote
Key will play Jazzy James, who joins Praline, Homer and Bart to help Mr Burns get his revenge. The episode, which will go out in January in the US, will be titled The Great Phatsby, a play on The Great Gatsby.
The Simpsons begins its 28th season on 25 September. Earlier this month, Marge and Homer Simpson were seen agreeing to vote for Hillary Clinton in the forthcoming US election in a video clip.
Republican candidate Donald Trump is seen with a copy of a book called Great Speeches by A Hitler in the video. When Homer signals that he might vote for Trump, Marge says: "If that's your vote, I question whether I can ever be with you again." Homer replies: "And that's how I became a Democrat."
EU waives budget deficit fines for Spain and Portugal
The European Union has formally agreed to waive fines for Spain and Portugal over their excessive budget deficits.
Under EU rules, member states are not supposed to run annual deficits greater than 3% of their total economic output. Last year, Spain's deficit was 5.1% of its gross domestic product (GDP) and Portugal's stood at 4.4%.
But citing "exceptional circumstances", the EU Council has given each country more time to conform to the rules and bring their deficits down. Against a background of uncertainty caused by the UK's Brexit vote and rising anti-EU sentiment in the rest of Europe, the Council confirmed a plan suggested in July by the European Commission.
Losing credibility?
Both countries have now been set new deadlines. Spain has been given until 2018 to reduce its deficit below 3% and Portugal has until the end of 2016 to bring its deficit down to 2.5%.
The Council said that Madrid and Lisbon must submit a report to Brussels by 15 October showing how they will achieve their revised targets. Last year, France was given a similar waiver of a potential fine when it missed its own target.
BBC reporter Naomi Grimley in Brussels says European leaders are reluctant to impose fines, fearing it could simply stoke anti-EU opinion in Spain and Portugal. However, critics are likely to argue that the EU loses credibility if it agrees rules and then fails to enforce them. Although all EU countries are required to run budget deficits below 3% of GDP, only the 19 countries that use the euro as a currency can be fined.