Zika Virus Now In Bahamas
MINISTRY OF HEALTH - Security Message: Zika Virus Reported in the Bahamas
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government wishes to advise travellers that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has added the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to its advisories regarding the Zika Virus.
The status of Zika in the Turks and Caicos Islands remains the same with five confirmed cases, two of which are suspected to be due to country transmission. The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services continues to ramp up its efforts in minimizing the spread of Zika and will continue to provide updates to the public on the status of the virus in Turks and Caicos on an ongoing basis.
The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services continues to advise residents especially those who are pregnant on travel to Zika confirmed destinations especially the frequently visited islands of the neighboring Caribbean countries, parts of Miami and now the Bahamas. Should travel be necessary residents are advised to take extra precaution to minimize exposure to mosquitoes and mosquito bites.
Residents returning from these Zika affected destinations are being asked to visit their health care provider should they experience any symptoms suggestive of Zika virus infections which can include fever, rash, joint pains, red eyes, headaches and muscle pains, however most infected persons will not experience symptoms.
The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services can be contacted for additional information.
UK top for online drug sales in Europe
UK-based drug dealers earn more money online than any of their European rivals, research suggests. In January, British dealers made $2.2m (£1.7m) in web sales, with a 16% share of the global online drugs market. However, US dealers had a 36% share of the online market and took home $5m (£3.8m). Commissioned by the Netherlands government, research company Rand Europe trawled the eight largest drug marketplaces on the dark web. These online shopping sites can be accessed only using a specialised web browser, and do not show up in mainstream search engine results. Rand Europe found the number of drug deals taking place on the dark web had tripled since 2013, when police in the US closed Silk Road - one of the first online drugs marketplaces.
US election: Anger over Donald Trump gun rights remarks
Republican Donald Trump has sparked anger by appearing to suggest his supporters could stop his rival Hillary Clinton by exercising their gun rights. He said that Mrs Clinton would put liberal justices on the Supreme Court if she wins the presidency in November, threatening gun ownership rights. Speaking at a rally in North Carolina, Mr Trump hinted that gun rights advocates could stop her taking power. That sparked an online backlash, many accusing him of inciting violence. He replied that he was only urging gun rights supporters to vote in large numbers. But House Speaker Paul Ryan, the highest-ranked elected Republican, called it an inappropriate joke. The remarks that sparked the firestorm were made at a rally in Wilmington, yesterday afternoon. The Republican presidential nominee said of his Democratic opponent: "Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish the Second Amendment. By the way, and if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. "But the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know."
Wendy's sales hit by cheaper US grocery prices
Burger chain Wendy's has reported lower-than-expected sales as more consumers decided to eat at home. Sales at stores open for at least 15 months rose by 0.4%. Analysts had expected 1.9% growth.
Lower food prices helped Wendy's cut costs, but cheaper groceries were also encouraging more people to cook. Profits for the second quarter fell $13.7m to $26.5m (£20.3m) compared with the same period last year.
Total sales at Wendy's restaurants fell 22% to $382.7m. Todd Penegor, the chain's chief executive, said: "The most notable driver behind the sales slowdown appears to be the continued gap between cost of eating at home and cost of dining out, which is now at its widest point since the recession."
The slide in sales at Wendy's reflects broader problems in the fast food industry, which is increasingly regarded by consumers as unhealthy. McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks have all posted lower sales in recent quarters.
'Fast casual' competition
New competitors in the fast food market and consumers' growing desire for healthier options have also caused problems for many in the industry. When people do eat out they are increasing turning to "fast casual" chains that offer a more upmarket experience.
Stephen Dutton, consumer foodservice analyst at Euromonitor, said: "Consumers have a little more disposable income and they are willing to trade up for more premium option, which has driven a demand for new players like Shake Shack and Chipotle."
Newer operators such as Shake Shack and bakery chain Panera are offering what many customers regard as a better choice, despite their higher prices. Shake Shack reports earning after markets close on Wednesday.
Fast food restaurants are also feeling pressure from increases in the minimum wage which have been introduced in several US cities. A growing number of chains are trying out new menu items and discounts in a bid to attract customers.
Google explores troll prevention in VR
Google is exploring ways to prevent players harassing each other in virtual reality. The company's Daydream Labs has been experimenting with ways to deter people from making others feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
One demo for the HTC Vive encouraged respect among poker players by representing them with avatars of dogs. The experiments have been designed to discourage behaviour that may distress others.
In one, players standing to approach their opponent are encouraged to sit down by the screen turning black and white. They are also guided back to their seat by a coloured personal space bubble, and the fact their opponent could no longer see their avatar.
Johnny Depp 'abuse' hearing put back two days
A court hearing over Amber Heard's allegations that Johnny Depp physically abused her has been put back. A Los Angeles judge ruled the hearing would begin on 17 August, two days later than planned, after concluding it might take up to five days.
Heard filed to divorce Depp on 23 May. A few days later, the actress obtained a temporary restraining order after accusing him of hitting her repeatedly. If she prevails, the restraining order could be extended for up to five years.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carl H Moor ruled on Tuesday that Heard should sit for a deposition on Friday and Depp give sworn testimony on Saturday. The judge ruled that Depp - who has denied the abuse allegations through his lawyer - would not be allowed to attend Heard's deposition.
Depp, 53, met Heard, 30, while they were co-starring in 2011 film The Rum Diary and the couple were married in February 2015. Depp was ordered not to contact Heard, and stay 100 yards away from her, after she accused him of striking her and throwing a mobile phone during a fight in May this year.
Rihanna and Anne Hathaway 'join Ocean's Eight cast'
Rihanna and Anne Hathaway have signed up for the upcoming all-female Ocean's Eight movie, according to reports. They will be joined by Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling and rapper Awkwafina, The Hollywood Reporter said. Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett are also said to be appearing in the heist movie, which begins filming in October.
The movie is a spin-off from George Clooney and Brad Pitt's hit Ocean's franchise. The all-female version will be helmed and co-written by Gary Ross, who previously directed The Hunger Games and Pleasantville.
It will be produced by Steven Soderbergh, who directed Clooney's Ocean's Eleven. The new film, dubbed Oceans Ocho, follows on the heels of the recent all-female remake of Ghostbusters, which failed to meet up to box office expectations.
Released in 2001, Ocean's Eleven told the story of career thief Danny Ocean and his 10 accomplices who plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos at the same time. A remake of the 1960 Rat Pack movie starring Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, it was followed up with two sequels.
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