Grenada condemns inequitable distribution of COVID vaccines
Grenada Monday joined its other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries in urging the international community to end the inequitable distribution of vaccines to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, noting also that the island’s economy has also been severely impacted by the pandemic.
Addressing the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Foreign Affairs, International Business and CARICOM Affairs Minister, Oliver Joseph, said the social fallouts and the inequitable access to vaccines, particularly for small island developing states like Grenada, have contributed to undermining the island’s stability.
“COVID-19 has indeed wreaked immense havoc on economies across the world, but with a particular intensity and lasting effect on small economies such as ours. Prior to the first case of COVID-19 on the island in March 2020, the Grenadian economy was on an upward trajectory since 2013, growing at an average rate of 4.5 per cent per year.”
Source - CMC
HURRICANE SAM AND NEWLY FORMED TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWENTY WED 29 SEP 2021
NEWLY FORMED TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWENTY, ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY FORECAST OFFICE SECTION AT NOON, WEDNESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2021.
…TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS OVER THE FAR EASTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC…
AT 11 AM EDT, THE CENTER OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWENTY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 8.3° NORTH AND LONGITUDE 24.6° WEST,OR ABOUT 535 MILES SOUTH OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS.
THE DEPRESSION IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 14 MILES PER HOUR, AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, FOLLOWED BY A TURN TO THE NORTHWEST.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. STEADY STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST, AND THE DEPRESSION IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A TROPICAL STORM TONIGHT, AND A HURRICANE IN A COUPLE OF DAYS.
Haiti elections postponed indefinitely
Prime Minister Ariel Henry has dismissed members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) throwing into doubt the planned constitutional referendum and elections in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
The elections and referendum had already been postponed twice due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In an immediate reaction, André Michel, one of the leaders of the opposition parties, “Democratic and Popular Sector” (SDP), said the “dismissal of the current CEP is an important step in the implementation of the September 11, 2021 agreement.
“We will ensure that the next CEP is credible and legitimate,” he added.
Source - CEP
Regional tourism stakeholders urge greater collaboration as sector emerges from COVID-19 pandemic
Regional tourism stakeholders Monday called for greater collaboration as the Caribbean tourism industry emerges from the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. A statement issued by the Barbad0s-based Caribbean Tourism organisation (CTO) said that the stakeholders, including academia and development partners, participated in a virtual conference coinciding with World Tourism Day 2021 on Monday.
“As the Caribbean strives to emerge from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Caribbean tourism, it is critical that regional tourism stakeholders, related businesses, academia and development partners work together to further deliberate on current and pressing issues facing the growth of Caribbean tourism.
“Moreover, it is important that these deliberations result in innovative and creative solutions, committed actions and tangible results that would aid in the tourism sector recovery and resilience-building efforts.,” according to the joint communique issued after the conference.
It said the conference was intended to be a demonstration of “a major commitment to the sustainability and inclusive growth of tourism in the Caribbean, in recognition of the impact and value of the sector to the social and economic development of the region.
“Expanding upon this year’s World Tourism Day theme established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’, the conference titled “The Future of Caribbean Tourism- Redefining the 3 S’s”, sought to examine the challenges, opportunities and best practices for tourism resilience and recovery,” the communique added.
It said that the 3 S’s – Social Inclusion, Sustainability, and Smart Destinations and Businesses – have been identified as three key priorities, which are integral to the region’s recovery strategies and have been central to the conference deliberations.
“The collaborating agencies, having organized and participated in this gathering and envisioning the most desirable evolution of tourism across the regional landscape, reiterate our support for the advancement of Caribbean tourism, noting the sector’s role in contributing to the wider regional development agenda”.
They said that this will be achieved through a number of initiatives including partnerships, advocacy, resilience, local empowerment, human capital development, diversification, technological innovation and knowledge and Information Sharing
“ We recognize the value of collaboration and inclusion and echo the sentiments of the UN Sustainable Development Goal #17 which states that a successful development agenda requires inclusive partnerships at the global, regional, national and local levels-built upon principles and values, and upon shared goals placing people and the planet at the centre,” the communique said, noting that the stakeholders had also indicated that they understand “that for regional tourism to be socially inclusive, we must continue to engage in relevant research, meaningful discussions, and actions that would continually strengthen the objective of ‘leaving no one behind’ and provide a fair chance to the next generation to benefit from sustainable Caribbean tourism development.”
They said they are aware of the region’s vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change, natural and anthropogenic hazards, and other global events, which have a significant impact on the region’s small open economies.
“Effective protocols for Disaster Risk Management… are pivotal pillars for the viability and long-term growth of tourism; and should incorporate climate adaptation strategies, business continuity planning, and standards and guidelines for effective health and safety management,” the stakeholders said, commending efforts to ensure that people in situations of vulnerability, including women, the youth, differently-abled persons, rural, indigenous and marginalized communities are meaningfully included in the tourism economy.
“We encourage the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in tourism policy, planning and development activities,” the communique said, adding “we reiterate the importance of education and training in contributing to a highly-skilled tourism work force and by extension the competitiveness of the regional tourism sector.
“We continue to support and advocate for academic, technical, vocational programs and capacity-building initiatives, to further enhance the skills and competencies of the region’s human resources” as well as endorsing the principles and ethos of the “Orange, Blue and Green Economies, which present untapped new opportunities to improve the inclusivity, profitability and sustainability of Caribbean tourism.
The conference was attended by officials from the University of the West Indies, the Inter-American-Development Bank (IDB), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Organisation of American States (OAS) among others.
source - CMC
WIPA not pressuring players to take COVID-19 vaccine; keeping eye on security concerns ahead of Pakistan tour
The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) will neither be insisting on nor discouraging members from taking the COVID-19 vaccine, even as Cricket West Indies (CWI) continues to get the region’s youth, women’s and men’s players vaccinated. President and CEO Wavell Hinds said each member should make their individual decision on the matter.
“Each human being is made up different. I don’t know if persons have comorbidities and other [things] that would affect them, so they would have to speak to the medical experts, their physicians and their personal general practitioners and see where it goes and if it is healthy and good for them to take, I’m sure that they will speak to their doctor,” he told Television Jamaica. “But I’m not a medical doctor so I don’t think it is my duty to tell somebody what they should do or shouldn’t do.”
Hinds also spoke about possible security concerns over the West Indies tour of Pakistan in December. New Zealand abandoned its tour to the south Asian country earlier this month, citing security concerns, and England withdrew last week from sending their men’s and women’s teams there for similar reasons. Hinds said WIPA is gathering information to help protect its members who have concerns.
“What we have done so far is to reach out to our counterparts in New Zealand and in England – the New Zealand Cricket Association and the Professional Cricket Association in England – and I reached out as well to some of my colleagues that sit on the FICA Board with me,” he said, adding a security report from Pakistan will also be needed. Last week, CWI chief executive officer Johnny Grave said that CWI is planning to fulfil its tour commitments with all countries, including Pakistan.
The West Indies are scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Pakistan.
Source - CMC
Victory! For the Teacher FC Team
The TCIFAA Football federation held 3 major games over the last couple days in the Providenciales primer league 2021-2022
Over the weekend on September 25th the Teachers FC took on SWAS Sharks FC at the TCIFA National Academy compound. A total of 150 spectators were in attendance for the game cheering the two teams on as they vied on the field for victory.
The first Goal of the game went to the Sharks FC club scored by Brian Gregg at just 6 minutes into the game.
The second goal of the game of was scored by Hayden Williams a member of the teachers FC team at the 25-minute mark, bringing the game to a draw. Which was broken by his teammate Emerson Monestine at the 42-minute mark. Brian Gregg of the Sharks FC scored a last minute shot the 45-minute mark right before halftime.
“Nicolas Lewin” scored at the 54-minute mark putting the Teacher FC in the lead. He was then followed by his teammate Emerson Monestine who scored at the 61-minute mark giving the Teachers FC a 2 point lead.
Kevern De Bellot of the Sharks FC scored at the 65-minute and the 74-minute mark closing the gap and bringing the two teams to a draw for the second time of the game.
Jeff Davilmar of the teachers FC placed the final goal of the game, scoring at the 80-minute mark winning the game for the Teachers FC at 5-4.
COVID-19 Community Testing
The Ministry of Health is providing the following schedule for COVID-19 community testing. This exercise will continue to be operated on a “first-come-first-served” basis. The public is reminded to maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet and to wear a face covering/mask and to bring any form of Identification and a pen.
Grand Turk: Every Tuesday between 2pm-4pm at the Gazebo (Pond Street)
South Caicos: Every Tuesday between 9am-12pm at the Primary Healthcare
Clinic
North & Middle Caicos: Every Monday between 9am-12pm at the Kew Clinic
Every Thursday between 9am-12pm at the Bottle Creek Clinic
Every Monday & Thursday between 9am-12pm at the
Middle Caicos Clinic
Providenciales: Every Tuesday and Thursday between 9am-12pm at the National Stadium, Venetian Road
The Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine will also be available at the locations above in Providenciales.
The public should be reminded of the COVID-19 Health Protocols:
1.Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2.Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
3.Maintain social distancing of 6 feet between persons
4.Wear face coverings in public settings (covering both your nose and mouth)
5.Avoid mass gatherings or crowds
6.Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or use disposable tissues
7.Comply with public health measures
8.Stay home where possible
9.If you have symptoms of Covid-19 which include; cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell-please stay home and contact the Health Hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911
10.Do not visit health care facilities if you have symptoms or signs of Covid-19, call the Health Hotlines for guidance unless your symptoms are severe
11.If you are under quarantine by the Public Health Team, please remain at home and comply with the guidance provided to you.
12.If you are contacted by the Public Health Team as a part of contact tracing activities, please provide all of the information requested to assist them in their investigations
13.Stay informed with the latest information from the Ministry of Health by visiting our website on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/
14.Consult with your healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and register online;
R. Kelly has been convicted on all counts in sex crimes trial
A federal jury has found singer R. Kelly guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking involving interactions with six women, among them the late singer Aaliyah, who died in a plane crash in 2001.
The verdict came in Monday afternoon after two days of deliberations following a six-week trial in Brooklyn federal court. Kelly's face was concealed by a mask as the verdict was read, making it difficult to see what reaction he may have had.
Kelly, 54, whose birth name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, had pleaded not guilty to all nine counts he faced and told a Brooklyn judge that he would not testify. Now, the singer could face up to 20 years in prison.
Kelly previously avoided prison in 2008 when he was acquitted on 14 counts in a highly publicized child pornography case. However, this time around, the jury believed Kelly was the ringleader of a criminal enterprise that bolstered his music, his image and his sexual gratification by recruiting women and girls for sex, holding them against their will and threatening them if they misbehaved.A federal jury has found singer R. Kelly guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking involving interactions with six women, among them the late singer Aaliyah, who died in a plane crash in 2001.
The verdict came in Monday afternoon after two days of deliberations following a six-week trial in Brooklyn federal court. Kelly's face was concealed by a mask as the verdict was read, making it difficult to see what reaction he may have had.
Kelly, 54, whose birth name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, had pleaded not guilty to all nine counts he faced and told a Brooklyn judge that he would not testify. Now, the singer could face up to 20 years in prison.
Kelly previously avoided prison in 2008 when he was acquitted on 14 counts in a highly publicized child pornography case. However, this time around, the jury believed Kelly was the ringleader of a criminal enterprise that bolstered his music, his image and his sexual gratification by recruiting women and girls for sex, holding them against their will and threatening them if they misbehaved.
Source - ABC
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT MONDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2021
GENERAL SITUATION: THE REMNANTS OF A FRONTAL TROUGH ACROSS THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS WILL CONTINUE TO ENHANCE CONVECTIVE ACTIVITY OVER THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AS IT CONTINUES TO WEAKEN AND DISSIPATE.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS SHOULD REMAIN VIGILANT DUE TO THE RISK OF POSSIBLE WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY.
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND HUMID WITH A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY ACROSS THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS, BECOMING VARIABLY CLOUDY AND WARM WITH A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: NORTHEASTERLY AT 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES
SEAS: 3 TO 5 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS AND 1 TO 3 FEET IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
DAYTIME HIGH TEMP: 90°F 32°C OVERNIGHT LOW TEMP: 72°F 22°C SUN
SUNSET: 6:59 PM SUNRISE: 7:01 AM TUE
MOON
MOONSET: 12:46 PM MOONRISE: 11:29 PM
TIDES
HIGH TIDE: 12:52 PM LOW TIDE: 7:23 PM
HIGH TIDE: 1:10 AM TUE LOW TIDE: 7:14 AM TUE
OUTLOOK FOR TOMORROW: MULTI LAYERED TROUGHING MAINLY OVER THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO TRIGGER CONVECTIVE ACTIVITY OVER THE ISLANDS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: PLEASE SEE THE LATEST NEWS ITEM ON HURRICANE SAM, LOCATED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES EAST OF THE LESSER ANTILLES. ELSEWHERE:
1) A SURFACE TROUGH ASSOCIATED WITH THE REMNANTS OF PETER, LOCATED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES EAST SOUTHEAST OF BERMUDA HAS A MEDIUM, OR 50 PERCENT CHANCE OF TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION THROUGH THE NEXT FIVE (5) DAYS, AS THE SYSTEM MIGRATES NORTHEASTWARDS.
2) A TROPICAL WAVE IS MOVING OFFSHORE THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA AND
INTO THE FAR EASTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC. THIS SYSTEM HAS A HIGH, OR 80 PERCENT CHANCE OF TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION THROUGH THE NEXT FIVE (5) DAYS.
3) DISORGANIZED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH A BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE LOCATED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS HAS A HIGH, OR 80 PERCENT CHANCE OF TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION THROUGH THE NEXT FIVE (5) DAYS, AS THE SYSTEM MOVES WESTWARDS ACROSS THE TROPICAL ATLANTIC.
New Bahamas government says tourism is everyone’s business
The newly appointed Tourism Minister, Chester Cooper, Monday said he is “committed to creating jobs and opportunities for all Bahamians” as the country joined the global community in observing the 41st annual World Tourism Day.
In a message marking the occasion, Cooper, who was sworn in last week as a minister following the general election, said like many Caribbean destinations, tourism is the heartbeat of The Bahamas and “as we say, it is everyone’s business.
“Our beaches are breath-taking, and the water is so clear you can see it from space, but that is not what defines us. Rather, it is every individual person who shapes the Bahamas experience and stands to benefit from tourism’s success. I am committed to creating jobs and opportunities for all Bahamians and to help our great nation heal,” Cooper said.
He said after a year and a half of facing an unprecedented global pandemic, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation remains steadfast in its efforts to provide opportunities and resources to Bahamians across every island and cay to reap the benefits of tourism and is committed to achieving a bright future for The Bahamas and the Caribbean region.
“As international travel restrictions begin to ease, spurred by an increase in vaccine accessibility, The Bahamas is well positioned for continued recovery,” Cooper said, adding that a rise in scheduled airlift combined with the return of the cruise industry is contributing to a positive increase in visitor numbers, leading to nearly 500,000 visitors over the first six months of the year.
“While we have faced an uphill battle during these unprecedented times, we must stay focused and optimistic as the world begins to re-open.
Cooper, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said he was joining with leaders throughout the Caribbean to elevate the importance of social inclusion, sustainability and smart destinations and businesses.
“Our beautiful country, and our beloved Caribbean region, will prosper again and continue to progress, as in the words of the motto of The Bahamas: Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” he added.
World Tourism Day is being observed under the theme “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.