Growth in Greek Economy
The Greek economy grew by 0.8% in the second quarter of the year, confounding expectations of a steep contraction.
The official figures, based on a flash estimate, also revised a reading of 0.2% negative growth in the first quarter to a flat reading, showing no change in economic activity. The reading did not break down which sectors had been most active.
The figures from the country's Elstat agency come as the Greek parliament prepares to vote on new bailout plans. The Greek government has defended the controversial new programme as tough, but essential if the country is to avoid financial collapse.
The credit crisis sparked six years of recession in Greece, from which it emerged in 2014 before shrinking again. Until these latest figures were released, the economy had been forecast to shrink again this year by between 2.1% and 2.3%.
Nikos Magginas at National Bank said it was now possible that the contraction would be less than 2%.
He said there were a number of sectors likely to have helped boost activity: "Some economic activity indicators in the second quarter, including consumption, industrial production and tourism, had shown particular resilience."
NORTH/MIDDLE CAICOS CAUSEWAY 2ND PHASE AND TRAFFIC DIVERSION COMMENCES
Persons traveling between North and Middle Caicos via the causeway will begin seeing improvements due to a major make over which began on 1 June 2015.
The Public Works Department of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning (MIHP) is advising the general public that the reconstruction of the North and Middle Caicos Causeway Phase 2 is underway and to be mindful of temporary traffic changes.
"The government continues to build modern infrastructure which promotes economic growth and job creation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. These repairs will make transportation between North and Middle Caicos easier and quicker which can increase the access to more business opportunities," said Susan Malcolm, Permanent Secretary MIHP.
"A temporary diversion route was constructed adjacent to the causeway to facilitate the installation of concrete box culverts by the contractor, JACA TCI Ltd. The construction of box culverts is important to the refurbishment of the causeway as they will increase the water flow area through the causeway, an improvement both from the engineering and environmental aspects."
Drivers are being advised to take extra care on this section of the causeway, especially during the night, although temporary lights have been installed in the area.
The works are on schedule with a completion date of early December 2015. The outcome will be a noticeable improvement, as the reconstruction will include a bituminous paved surface. In order to limit damage from future hurricanes, mangrove plants which reduce the effect of a tidal surge and damage on shore, are being installed along the length of the causeway.
Cyber-Flashing - Very Distressing
Police are investigating a "new" crime of cyber-flashing after a commuter received an indecent image on her phone as she travelled to work.
The victim received two pictures of an unknown man's penis on her phone via Apple's Airdrop sharing function.
Lorraine Crighton-Smith, 34, said she felt "violated" and reported it to the British Transport Police (BTP).
Supt Gill Murray said this particular crime was new to her force and urged people to report any other incidents.
Ms Crighton-Smith, who was travelling on a train in south London, told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme: "I had Airdrop switched on because I had been using it previously to send photos to another iPhone user - and a picture appeared on the screen of a man's penis, which I was quite shocked by.
"So, I declined the image, instinctively, and another image appeared, at which [point] I realised someone nearby must be sending them, and that concerned me. I felt violated, it was a very unpleasant thing to have forced upon my screen.`
"I was also worried about who else might have been a recipient, it might have been a child, someone more vulnerable than me.
"My name on Airdrop says Lorraine so they knew they were sending it to a woman. The images were of a sexual nature and it was distressing."
Arrest Made For A Deadly Fire In Mexico In 2009
Forty-nine children died and more than 70 were seriously injured when flames spread through the ABC nursery, which did not have an emergency exit.
Relatives of the victims have long demanded justice saying the nursery did not comply with safety regulations. But a lawyer for the relatives said the warrants targeted the wrong people.
Prosecutors asked a judge to issue the arrest warrants for the director of the nursery and some of its management and teachers.
Gabriel Alvarado, a lawyer for the relatives' group Hands United for Our Children called the move "erroneous" arguing it did not target the officials responsible for the tragedy.
PDM LEADER PARTICIPATES IN ANGUILLA’S POST ELECTION SEMINAR
Following her participation in the first ever Election Observer Mission to Anguilla earlier this year, Hon Cartwright Robinson was invited by CPA UK to be a part of a Post - Election Seminar.
PDM Leader, Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson has just completed participation as a Presenter in Anguilla’s first ever Post Election Seminar held from August 10 – 12, 2015. Hon Robinson served on four member Team organized by the CPA BIMR in the UK. Also included in this Team were Dr Matthew Offord, MP from the House of Commons; Hon Duncan McNeil MSP, Senior MP from the Scottish Parliament and Duncan Sagar, Clerk of Select Committees in the House of Lords. Local notable presenters included Anguilla’s Chief Minister Hon Victor Banks; Anguilla’s Deputy Governor Hon Stanley Reid; Speaker Hon Leroy Rogers; retired Justice Don Mitchell CBE QC and former Anguillan Speaker David Carty.
Hon Robinson presented during seven of the eleven Sessions which included Parliamentary Practise and Procedure in TCI, the role of Political Parties and Parliaments, Holding the Executive into Account, Standards, Privileges, Ethics and Interests in the TCI’s experience, The Role of the Public Accounts Committee and two sessions with the newly formed Anguillan Youth Parliament.
“It was great to share the experiences that I have gained over the past 17 years in Party and Parliamentary involvement particularly those gained as a result of the many national consultations and bodies that I have been involved in. The reviews from the attendees were encouraging and I was happy to be of assistance to new parliamentarians from Anguilla and the BVI. There were a few highlights for me and that of course were the sessions involving the youth parliamentarians and then to present together with the Chief Minister of Anguilla and hear from such a senior regional politician on the positives of party politics and the coalition of ideas. Hearing from a brilliant mind such as Justice Don Mitchell CBE QC will be for me an unforgettable experience.”
Mitsubishi Electric continued their Dominance
The Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association Summer T20 Cricket League Tournament sponsored by HAB Group, continued on Saturday; 8th August 2015 at The Downtown Ball Park, Providenciales.
Police won the toss and batted then reached 169 runs for the loss of 5 wickets from 20 overs. Garvin Bruno lead the way with 61 runs, 7x4 2x6 and Kareem Jack supported with 43 runs which contained 7x4 and Desbourne young added 35 runs 3x6 2x4.
Bowling for Mitsubishi Electric Marlon Graham snatched 3 wickets for 19 runs from 4 overs Ajay Vyas and Craig James had one wicket apiece.
In reply Mitsubishi Electric recovered from a disastrous start to reach the prescribed target in 19 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Marlon Graham top score with an unbeaten with 83 runs 12x4 2x6 and Vikram John supported with a cyclonic 60 runs which was lace with 9x4 and 2x6.
Bowling for the lawmen Jerry Grant, Lyndon Tyson and Vaurice Jervis took one wicket each
Meanwhile the league will continue on Saturday 15 August, 2015 Police will tackle Mitsubishi Electric and on Sunday 16 August, 2015 Kischo will try to Reign Quality Super kings at the Downtown Ball Park.
OPENING OF LONG BAY HIGH SCHOOL
The General Public and parents of students entering Form 1 on Providenciales who are earmarked to attend the Long Bay High School are advised of the following:
Due to construction and some administrative delays we regret to inform the public, parents, teachers and the incoming first batch of new students, that the Long Bay High School will not open its doors to the first batch of new students on September 7th as planned.
However the Ministry, since the beginning of the project ensured that in the event of a delay the education of the new entrants would not be negatively impacted.
All Form 1 students will be housed at the Clement Howell High School (CHHS) until the completion of the building. The students are expected to report with their Long Bay Uniforms.
All teachers who were recruited for the Long Bay High School will be assigned their classes and will assume teaching responsibilities at the CHHS.
Once completed, the Form 1 students along with their teachers will transfer to the Long Bay High School as planned.
All parents are asked to collect letters from the Department of Education outlining start dates and other necessary information from Thursday 13th of August.
The Ministry of Education would like to assure all parents, that the delay in the opening of the Long Bay School will not deter the education and development of their child/children.
Construction and other plans are continuing to ensure that we begin operations before the end of the new school term.
This is the first Government High School to be built on the islands in twenty (20) years and so we will ensure that it is done to the standard that will make all of us proud.
All public schools will reopen on Monday, 7th September 2015.
Black Funeral To Be Held Next Week In Liverpool
The entertainer's funeral will take place on Thursday 20 August at St Mary's Church in the suburb of Woolton. The Right Reverend Thomas Williams, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool and former Parish Priest of St Anthony's, Scotland Road, will officiate.
Black, who emerged from the city's music scene to find fame in the 1960s before becoming a TV host, died after having a stroke at the age of 72.
After the funeral, her body will be laid to rest at a private ceremony in Allerton Cemetery, where her parents are buried. Her late husband and manager, Bobby Willis, was cremated in 1999.
The late entertainer's representative said further details would be released "once all the preparations have been finalised". A statement said: "Once again the family have asked for their privacy to be continually respected at this difficult time."
The Blind Date and Surprise Surprise host died of a stroke after falling over at her Spanish home earlier this month.
UK Roads Charges Vehicles
Motorists will be able to recharge their cars as they drive if a scheme being proposed by Highways England comes to fruition.
The government agency has announced plans to test wireless power-transfer tech that it hopes to build under the country's motorways and major A roads. It has already completed a feasibility study and is now asking companies to tender bids to host off-road trials.
But one expert questioned whether such a scheme would be cost effective.Electric cables buried under the road are used to generate electromagnetic fields, which are picked up by a coil inside the device and converted into electricity.
Last year, Milton Keynes also began use of a more limited scheme, which involves buses being wirelessly recharged via plates installed into road. In this case, however, the vehicles have to stop for several minutes at a time to receive the power boost.
US Military Helicopter Crashes in Japan
A US military helicopter has crashed off the coast of the southern island of Okinawa, Japanese officials say.
The Kyodo state news agency said 17 crew members were rescued, and seven people were injured.
Japan's defence ministry said the crash happened near Camp Schwab, the US Army base on the east coast of the island.
Kyodo said police confirmed that the helicopter crashed as it tried to land on a ship at sea. The exact cause is not yet known.
Reports in Japan said the helicopter was a UH-60 Black Hawk, which has been deployed by the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan.Okinawa is home to several US bases and around 27,000 personnel. The deployment is part of the US-Japan post-war defence alliance.
A new US military base is planned for Okinawa, but it has been met with opposition by officials on the island.