Maria Sharapova tested Positive for Meldonium
Maria Sharapova has been named in Russia's tennis team for August's Rio Olympics, despite currently serving a doping suspension.
The 29-year-old tested positive for meldonium at January's Australian Open.
But the country's tennis federation said Sharapova's participation at Rio "should be resolved" this week.
Russia's track and field athletes are banned from international competition over recent doping scandals, though other sports remain unaffected.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) provisionally suspended the five-time Grand Slam champion on 12 March.
The World Anti-Doping Association (Wada) then admitted in April that scientists were unsure how long meldonium stayed in the system, suggesting athletes who tested positive for the substance before 1 March could avoid bans.
However, Sharapova has already admitted she continued taking meldonium past 1 January, when the substance was added to Wada's banned list.
She is thought to have faced an anti-doping panel in London last week, with the Russian Tennis Federation saying at the time that Sharapova may never play again.
WINNING WAYS CONTINUE WITH NEW DIGICEL WICB PARTNERSHIP
Cricket in the West Indies looks set to continue its winning ways with the news that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has inked an exciting new agreement with Digicel.
With rising stars like Carlos Brathwaite, Hayley Matthews and Shimron Hetmyer having made a name for themselves on the global stage with their stunning world-beating performances at the World Championships, the next four years of partnership between Digicel and the WICB look brighter than ever.
As the biggest supporter of cricket across the region for the last 12 years, this time around Digicel will be helping to grow the already massive appeal of the game by sponsoring the women’s and U19s teams – in addition to the men’s senior team.
Another major part of Digicel’s new commitment to West Indies Cricket will be the coaching clinics that will be developed across the Caribbean to find and nurture the cricket stars of the future – as well as a strong mix of branding and advertising at home games, activations, promotional opportunities and more access to the teams. And, for the first time ever, the Digicel logo will also have a presence on all West Indies team’s jerseys at ICC events.
Digicel’s commitment will help the strategic growth of the WICB’s business and provide greater engagement for fans and benefits to Digicel customers. This includes the support of the long form of the game, and the future of Test Cricket, and this will play out with the broadcasting of the Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day Competition set to start later this year.
John Delves, Chief Commercial Officer at Digicel Group, comments; “Our aim with all of our community and sponsorship initiatives is to support our customers and the things that they love and identify with most – and one of those things is cricket. The game of cricket has a long and fascinating history in the Caribbean uniting the people of the islands and the islands themselves through a shared passion and a competitive thrill.”
He continues; “The stunning recent successes of the men, women’s and U19s teams have once again broadened the appeal of the game and excited new audiences. We are delighted to be involved now with all of the WICB teams and particularly pleased to be partnering on the coaching clinics which will help to nurture future champions from the Caribbean.”
Michael Muirhead, Chief Executive Officer at the WICB, says; “As part of the WICB’s plan to expand its commercial business, a key component of this strategy was the renewal of the relationship with our long term and valued team sponsor. The new partnership meets a number of our strategic commercial goals, and we are delighted to be continuing our long association with Digicel. Over the past 12 years, Digicel has demonstrated its love of the game of cricket and has helped to bring new excitement to our passionate fans. This new era sees an expanded level of support for all of our teams and a focus on growing the next wave of Caribbean cricket champions in all formats.”
“In addition, our commercial agency, Pitch International, has been key to this renewal of this new look partnership.”
Danny Delancy tournament for GT
The Annual Danny Delancy Softball Tournament will kick off on Friday in the Nation Capital in celebration Of our National Heroes weekend!
The tournament has been receiving some buzz from former players and lovers of the sport.
President Godfrey Been told Rtc Sports on Sunday night that it's a pleasure to bring the sport back into the capital for the weekend. He added that many supporters have been reaching out to him since his federation has been holding the slow pitch and fast pitch games in Provo and wanted a piece of the action in GT.
Been added that 2 games will be played each night commencing at 7pm. Keeping listening to Rtc Sports for more on the games.
Jags McCartney relays
The Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletic Association (TCAAA) and the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) have partnered to host the JAGS McCartney Invitational Relays in collaboration with the IAAF 21st World Athletics Day 2016.
We are pleased to invite all Schools/Clubs in the Turks and Caicos Islands to this event, scheduled to take place on Monday 30th May, 2016 on the Parade Grounds, in Grand Turk commencing at 10:00 A.M. with an Opening Ceremony says Rita Gardener.
This year’s celebration is anticipated to be even more significant as we celebrate 41 years of our first Chief Minister and only National Hero’s life and legacy.
Angela Brooks added that The One (1)– day Signature event of sports and culture will showcase our children’s talent from ages 7–9, 10-12, 13-15, under 17, under 20 and Open Relays.
The ladies told Rtc that All Schools, Clubs, Government Departments and NGO’s throughout the country are invited and expected to participate. Winners will be awarded Trophies, Medals and Prizes.
Microsoft, Facebook to Build Undersea Data Cable across Atlantic
Microsoft Corporation and Facebook Inc. have agreed to build an undersea cable across the Atlantic Ocean to meet the growing demand for high-speed online and "cloud" services.
Microsoft and Facebook announced the move Thursday, saying the 6,600-kilometer "MAREA" cable, named for the Spanish word for "tide," will stretch from the U.S. East Coast state of Virginia to Bilbao, Spain. From Spain, the cable would link to hubs in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other parts of Europe.
The companies said construction of the cable will begin in August and finish by October 2017. The cable is expected to carry up to 160 terabits of bandwidth per second, about 16 million times the bandwidth of a U.S. home internet connection.
Their announcement comes nearly two years after Google announced a similar deal with five Asian companies to develop a trans-Pacific cable network connecting the U.S. with Japan.
Underwater data centers are seen as a possibility for storing and managing huge amounts of data while using marine energy resources to keep the data centers cool.
Diplomat Found Dead in El Salvador
Panama's honorary consul in El Salvador was found dead found Thursday with a gunshot wound to the head, officials in San Salvador said.
El Salvador's attorney general's office and National Civil Police said the body of Carlos Armando Lemus was found in a parked vehicle in Escalon Colony, within the capital.
Lemus, a Salvadoran citizen and businessman, had held his diplomatic post for 20 years.
Prosecutors said via Twitter that they had no leads. Investigators did not say whether they suspected homicide or suicide.
Local reports said the vehicle in which Lemus' body was found belonged to his bodyguard, and that the shot had been fired from a gun belonging to Lemus.
IMF to help Guyana in move to reduce VAT
The Guyana government is considering reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) in a move that could see the expansion of the tax base. But changes are not likely before the next budget.
At a media conference yesterday, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been approached for assistance, and a team from the institution’s Barbados-based Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre is expected to arrive soon to begin its work.
“They (CARTAC) are going to send a one or two-person mission to do a complete assessment of our VAT, where it is today, including options for changes in the system, so it is on the cards,” he said.
“I don’t see it happening before the next budget. It would be extremely difficult to just bring in a VAT reduction in the middle or half of the year, when our budget anyhow is not based on that.”
During the visit, the CARTAC team is expected to conduct an assessment and examine the quantitative work of the Tax Reform Committee.
Back in January, that committee had recommended that VAT be lowered by two percent to 14 percent, along with the introduction of an intermediate rate of seven percent.
The finance minister said the matter is being carefully examined and changes could affect water and electricity services on which VAT is not currently paid.
“In doing the reduction, we will have to expand the base on which the VAT is being applied to recoup lost revenues from the reductions,” Jordan told the media, pointing to Trinidad as an example where the base was broadened when the VAT was reduced.
“Now there are various options for reducing this VAT. What we will want to do is to have the widest possible consultation because some of the options will involve putting the VAT on some things that could cause trouble.”
Big South says 49th Regatta
The TCI’s oldest festival will be held this weekend in South Caicos, the Big South Regatta, promises to be three days of partying and fun, this according to PRO Alvin Parker.
Parker added that the home coming festival, which began as an annual event following the 1966 visit of Queen Elizabeth II to South Caicos is celebrating 49 years of celebration.
He told RTC News that there will be the usual pageant and sail boat races and the regular speed boat races, plus the diving contests and an old favourite the horse and donkey rides.
Parker added that the committee is inviting tourists, supporters and family to come to South Caicos and join in the celebrations.
James Smith Jr. arrested
Police this afternoon informed RTC News that the 23 years old of Providenciales, James Smith Jr. who was wanted for numerous serious offences and was believed to be armed and dangerous has been captured.
Responding to a tip, Smith was found and captured on Thursday 19th May 2016 at a home in Blue Hills during the execution of a Search warrant.
He was immediately arrested on a Bench Warrant for his appearance in the Supreme Court for another matter.
The 5 feet 9 inches young man will not receive bail because he breached his bail conditions.
Prisoners Receive Certificates in Anger Management
On Tuesday, 24 May, 2016, in a ceremony held at Her Majesty's Prison (HMP), nine (9) inmates received their Anger Management Graduation certification of completion.
The Anger Management program which began in 2007 has seen over 128 inmates graduating from the program to date. Each year, two cycles are conducted to train inmates in how to resolve conflicts and control their anger.
While formerly facilitated by Rev. John Malcolm, Senior Substance Abuse Counselor within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence, the program is now facilitated by Mr. Stanley Been, Substance Abuse Counsellor within the Mental Health Department, who commenced this year's cycle on 1 March 2016. In his address to the graduates, Mr. Been stated; "I encourage you all to lose sight of your past afflictions and focus on your future, using the negativity that you once bottled inside as fuel for something positive."
Further remarks were received from the Hon. George Lightbourne, Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication; Mr. Raymond Grant, Acting Superintendent of HM Prison; Dr. Alicia Malcolm, Director of the Department of Mental Health & Substance Dependence and Rev. John Malcolm.
The Department of Mental Health & Substance Dependence, has been allotted future calendar dates so as to assist the prison with these support services. The second cycle for 2016 is set to begin on 2 August 2016.
This program continues to represent the collaborative work to aid in the rehabilitation of prisoners within the Turks and Caicos Islands.