Sprint King Usain Bolt scores two goals on his first start
Lightning struck twice Friday as Usain Bolt scored two goals for the Central Coast Mariners in a pre-season friendly.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is expecting her first child
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is pregnant with her first child, the UK's royal family has announced.
Hon. Astwood among Caribbean Health Ministers at Global Health & Climate Conference in Grenada
Caribbean Ministers of Health met at the Third Global Conference on Health and Climate in St. Georges, Grenada on October 16th and 17th to approve a plan on health system resilience in the face of climate change.
The event convened health authorities and experts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop an Action Plan for Small Island Developing States, who are on the front line of increasing health impacts of climate change.
Hon. Edwin Astwood, Minister responsible for Health, Sports and Human Services represents the Turks and Caicos during the event as a featured panelists in the discussion on building climate resilient health systems.
Former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, D.r Rufus Ewing, was also in attendance, representing the Pan American Health Organisation Health Systems and Services.
“We saw last year the devastating effects of hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey, and many other tropical storms that hit the Caribbean,” said Dr. Carissa Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organisation. “But we also face other challenges, such as floods; droughts; heatwaves; water and food security and safety; undernutrition; massive fisheries and marine biodiversity loss; vector borne diseases; and non-communicable diseases.”
“I don’t need to convince anyone in this room that the present situation is critical,” added Dr. Etienne. “Health is being impacted by climate change in many ways, and although small island developing states have made a small contribution to global emissions of Greenhouse Gases, our islands are at the forefront of climate change impacts.”
During the Conference, which was attended by 14 Caribbean Ministers of Health and Environment, four overarching issues will be discussed:
Supporting Caribbean health leadership to have their priorities and needs heard; strengthen national technical capacities to understand the impacts of climate change on health in small island developing states and to anticipate and prepare for those risks; developing the policies and implementing actions required to build climate-resilient health systems; and facilitating access to climate and health financing mechanisms.
The Conference is part of the WHO Initiative on Climate Change and Health in Small Island Developing States, which was launched in collaboration with the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Fijian Presidency of COP-23, at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties in November 2017.
“The reason we are here today is because island nations have requested it,” said Dr.
Joy St. John, Assistant Director General for Climate and Other Determinants of
Health at WHO. “More extreme weather events are taking lives and having devastating impact
on livelihoods and economies, and even threatening to submerge some of the islands.
We need to ensure that people from these islands have the best possible level of health so
that no one gets left behind.”
The WHO initiative aims to provide national health authorities in SIDS with the
political, technical, and financial support to better understand and address the
effects of climate change on health.
It takes the form of three innovative, geographically dispersed meetings. The first
was held in Fiji, for Pacific SIDS, and the second in Mauritius, for SIDS of the
African and South-East Asian WHO Regions. The Conference in Grenada constitutes the
third meeting, and together with the regional plans developed during the other two meetings, will
contribute to a WHO global action plan for climate and health in Small Island Developing States.
Many small islands are already seeing an increase in climate-change related events,
including high burdens of climate-sensitive diseases such as vector-, food-, and
water-borne diseases; more frequent and severe extreme weather events; and rising sea levels.
“What we are seeing with respect to climate change and health is that how we define
ourselves as a Caribbean people is at stake,” said Hon. Nickolas Steele, Minister of
Health and Social Security of Grenada. “Sun, sea and sand is something we have been
proud of but it is also going to be our downfall. We need to make sure that we are ready and
that we are prepared and smart,” he concluded.
While countries have agreed to take action to limit global warming under the 2015
Paris Agreement, it is vital that health care facilities are reinforced,
early-warning surveillance systems implemented; and policy developed to ensure that those that are
most vulnerable to climate change events are not left behind.
PAHO Director participates in inauguration ceremony of Princess Alice Smart Hospital, Grenada
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne,
yesterday participated in the inauguration of the latest smart health care facility to
open in the Region of the Caribbean.
The Princess Alice Hospital is the first hospital to have been refitted to smart
standards in the Eastern Caribbean and the latest in the Caribbean Region as
a whole.
“The Caribbean is particularly vulnerable to natural hazards, so we must be serious
about climate change and this hospital is an example of how PAHO is contributing
to that,” said Dr. Etienne.
“Countries must provide an overall standard of care so that their people are safe
and well, but they must also be able to scale-up this care when they experience
a disaster,” she added.
The inauguration ceremony, which was also attended by Honourable Nickolas Steele,
Minister of Health in Grenada; Simone Banister, from UK Aid’s Department for
International Development and Shalini Jagnarine, the structural engineer from PAHO
responsible for the development of the Project, preceded a ribbon-cutting ceremony
and a tour of the refitted hospital facilities.
“Climate change and health are serious policy issues for Grenada,” said Honorable
Nickolas Steele. “The Ministry is committed to a safer, healthier and greener
community throughout the Caribbean.”
The smart standard refit implemented at the Princess Alice Hospital now include
protective shutters and a specialized roof; as well as energy-saving light fittings
and solar panels.
During the inauguration, an emphasis was placed on the importance of “safe”, “green”
and “maintenance” in the development of a smart health care facility. “It
is important to invest in smart hospitals, but it is just important that these
facilities and this investment is maintained,” said Dr. Daniel St. Louie, House
Officer at the Princess Alice Hospital.
Smart Hospitals
The Smart Hospital Project is an initiative financed by the UK’s Department for
International Development (DFID) and implemented through PAHO. The Organization
works with Ministries of Health in countries across the Eastern Caribbean to
construct and/or retrofit health facilities with the aim of improving disaster
resilience while saving energy and water.
The primary functions of smart health care facilities include protecting the lives
of patients and health care workers; reducing damage to hospital equipment
and infrastructure; providing health services under emergency conditions; using
scarce resources more efficiently; and improving strategies to adjust to future
hazards and climate change.
Education in Emergencies Training in Antigua
The UNICEF Eastern Caribbean staged the Education in Emergencies
training from October 1st – October 4th 2018 in Antigua. The objective
of the training was to build technical knowledge around Education in
Emergencies Preparedness and Response.
During the 4-day training that consisted of six sessions in each day
from the hours 8:30 am to 6:00 pm the attendees were able to attend
presentations and discussions on Caribbean Safe Initiative, Regional
Content, advances and challenges. The Comprehensive School Safety
Framework, Essential Humanitarian Standards and commitment for children
and adolescents were some of the areas of discussion.
The training discussed an increase understanding of the Minimum
Standards in Child Protection and Key Interventions. Each countries’
participants shared information on the protocol for Child Protection as
it is managed in their respective territories.
The training viewed the Caribbean Safe program, Education in Emergencies
plans, action plans for future collaboration among participating actors
to ensure preparedness, response and monitoring and evaluation. It
further discussed increased knowledge to access funds in events of
emergencies, increase knowledge of Antigua and Barbuda Declaration and
understanding of Ministerial Forum of 2019 action of St. Vincent and
Grenadines.
Turks and Caicos Islands Government Social Worker, Vanessa Williams was
in attendance.
The importance of sending a representative to such a
timely and important training allow the TCI to be up to par with its
neighbors and modernizing the country’s social development structure
which is already experiencing a rebirth in child protection and
safeguarding through the assistance of UNICEF.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Social Development register
its continued gratitude to UNICEF for including the TCI in its ongoing
regional workshops which helps to enhance our service delivery and
strengthens of staff capacity.
Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen dead at 65
PAUL G. ALLEN, co-founder of Microsoft, died on Monday afternoon in
Seattle from complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a statement from
his family said. He was 65.
Two weeks ago, Allen had tweeted that the illness, with which he was
initially diagnosed in 2009, had returned. "I've begun treatment & my
doctors are optimistic that I will see a good result. Appreciate the
support I've received & count on it as I fight this challenge," he
wrote.
Allen was the owner of the Seattle Seahawks football team and the
Portland Trailblazers basketball team; he was also a part-owner of the
Seattle Sounders soccer team. In addition, he founded Seattle's Museum
of Pop Culture, and was the founder and chairman of Vulcan Inc., which
managed his various business and charity efforts.
Allen and BILL GATES founded Microsoft in 1975. Allen's net worth, which
included some 100 million share of Microsoft, was estimated at over $20
billion dollars. He gave over two billion dollars over his lifetime to
charitable causes such as environmental conservation, the arts and
education.
In a statement, Microsoft Microsoft CEO SATYA NADELLA said, in part,
"Paul Allen's contributions to our company, our industry and to our
community are indispensable. As a co-founder of Microsoft, in his own
quiet and persistent way, he created magical products, experiences and
institutions, and in doing so, he changed the world."
Allen never married and had no children.
Tropical Storm Nadine expected to weaken
THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCIES
(DDME) ADVISES:
…NADINE FORECAST TO BEGIN WEAKENING SOON…
AT 5:00AM EDT, THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM NADINE
WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 14.1°NORTH AND LONGITUDE 33.3° WEST OR
ABOUT 595 MILES WEST OF THE SOUTHERNMOST CABO VERDE ISLANDS.
NADINE IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST NEAR 8 MPH AND
THIS GENERAL MOTION IS ANTICIPATED TO CONTINUE DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO. A
TURN TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST OR WEST IS FORECAST TO OCCUR ON FRIDAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS REMAIN NEAR 65 MILES PER
HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. GRADUAL WEAKENING IS EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT
COUPLE OF DAYS, AND NADINE IS FORECAST TO DEGENERATE INTO A TROUGH OF LOW
PRESSURE OVER THE WEEKEND.
THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCIES
(DDME) WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR AND PROVIDE INFORMATION OF ANY CHANGES.
Local author releases empowering guide to finding Mr. Right
PROVIDENCIALES – Former Sales and Marketing executive, Jena Janse releases her first book, “Ring Ready: A Practical Playbook on how to Find, Keep and Marry Mr. Right.”
“Ring Ready” is written by a woman, for women sick of the status quo and scared of the statistics. It reminds readers to get everything they want without compromising everything that they are. This is a lesson on self-worth, self-love and God’s love.
Millennials aren’t marrying at the rate of previous generations. Regardless of Hollywood divorce rates and online trends, commitment is still an ultimate desire for millions of singles. The book features a foreword by three-time bestselling & award-winning author Enitan O. Bereola II.
“Whether you choose to be single or married, the journey to becoming a wife prepares you for the journey to becoming the best you.” –Enitan Bereola II
“Ring Ready” is now available exclusively on Amazon.com.
If you would like more information about this topic and for tour dates, please visit jenajanse.com
About the Author
Born in The Bahamas, raised in the Turks & Caicos and educated in the US, Europe and Asia - Jena Janse is a woman of the world. Although a colorful upbringing gained her international experience, she considers the Turks & Caicos her only home. The former Sales & Marketing manager turned entrepreneur enjoys serving a diverse community as a life strategist, consultant, writer and speaker. However, her favorite role so far is being a wife. She loves traveling, reading, sailing and tasting wine. Jena has a passion for people and lives by the mantra: if I had one wish, I would give people the ability to see themselves through God’s eyes - only then would they realize how magnificent they really are.
Each handpicked page prepares you to be the best version of yourself for yourself, your peers, your partner and your purpose. If you desire to marry, don’t dare close this book before saying, “I do.” If you’re undecided, you’ve gotten this far, so open up past the cover to the possibilities.
The only condition is this: don’t plan your wedding before you plan your marriage - otherwise prepare to plan for your divorce.
American Music Awards 2018: Winners List
It was a record-breaking night for Taylor Swift at the American Music Awards, held
live Tuesday night from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Taylor opened the show with a performance of “I Did Something Bad,” and went on to
win three awards, bringing her lifetime total to 23 -- breaking Whitney Houston’s
record for most AMA wins by a female artist.
Here's a full list of the 2018 winners at the American Music Awards
Artist of the Year
Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Artist Pop/Rock
Post Malone
Favorite Female Artist Pop/Rock
Taylor Swift
Favorite Duo or Group Pop/Rock
Migos
Favorite Album Pop/Rock
Taylor Swift - Reputation
Favorite Song Pop/Rock
Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug “Havana”
Favorite Male Artist Country
Kane Brown
Favorite Female Artist Country
Carrie Underwood
Favorite Duo or Group Country
Florida Georgia Line
Favorite Album - Country
Kane Brown - Kane Brown
Favorite Song - Country
Kane Brown “Heaven”
Favorite Artist - Rap/Hip-Hop
Cardi B
Favorite Album - Rap/Hip-Hop
Post Malone - Beerbongs & Bentlys
Favorite Song Rap/Hip-Hop
Cardi B - “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)”
Favorite Male Artist - Soul/R&B
Khalid
Favorite Female Artist - Soul/R&B
Rihanna
Favorite Album - Soul/R&B
XXXTENTACION - 17
Favorite Song - Soul/R&B
Bruno Mars & Cardi B - “Finesse”
Tour of the Year
Taylor Swift
Favorite Music Video
Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug - “Havana”
Favorite Artist - Alternative Rock
Panic! At The Disco
Favorite Artist - Adult Contemporary
Shawn Mendes
Favorite Artist - Latin
Daddy Yankee
Favorite Artist - Contemporary Inspirational
Lauren Daigle
Favorite Artist - Electronic Dance Music
Marshmello
Favorite Soundtrack
Black Panther: The Album, Music From And Inspired By
Favorite Social Artist of the Year Presented By Xfinity
BTS
New Artist of the Year Presented By Capital One ® Savor® Card
Camila Cabello
Collaboration of the Year
Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug - “Havana”
CDB invests $20million in education and youth development in Saint Lucia
October 10, 2018, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is investing 20 million USD in education and youth development in Saint Lucia. On October 3, the Bank launched the Saint Lucia Education Quality Improvement Project (EQuIP) and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), at the Bay Gardens Hotel.
EQuIP aims to strengthen the island’s education system, through the expansion and rehabilitation of four selected institutions, and overall improvements in educational leadership and instructional effectiveness, including training for teachers, principals and education officers.
“These two projects are designed to holistically address a number of the risk factors for sub-optimal educational outcomes, crime and violence, as well as deviant and anti-social behaviour that are affecting youth in a number of schools and communities across Saint Lucia. Specifically, EQuIP is expected to improve quality, equity, efficiency and effectiveness of the education system, making it responsive to the needs of diverse learners,” said Dr. Idamay Denny, Portfolio Manager, CDB.
EQuIP will place emphasis on enhancing the support provided for children with special educational needs, by assessing the institutional and infrastructural improvements needed to provide quality education and equitable access to this vulnerable group.
“The fundamental reality is such that, when we provide a platform for every child to flourish within their own right, we as a nation succeed. This is the commitment of the Department of Education, and by extension, the Government of Saint Lucia,” said Dr. Gale T. C. Rigobert, Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations & Sustainable Development, Saint Lucia.
The other intervention, YEP, aims to support at-risk youth and their families, by expanding access to social services and developing new, targeted programmes.
“YEP will be implemented using an integrated, gender-responsive, social crime prevention approach that addresses some of the major challenges facing youth and families who are most disadvantaged and marginalised. This approach is critical to sustaining project benefits through the provision of multiple opportunities that facilitate social capital building and human capital formation,” said Dr. Denny.
The Project will focus on mitigating risk factors that can lead to criminal behavior, enhance employability, and support community safety and security. It will include the implementation of community-based programmes that will provide leadership development and training for participants.
The Hon. Lenard Montoute, acting Prime Minister and Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government, noted that the Government of Saint Lucia is fully supporting both projects.
“Let us now focus our attention on the necessary steps for a successful outcome. I want to underscore the fact that it is time to act. We have real opportunity to empower and enrich the lives of our youth in a very significant way. Let us not waste it,” said Minister Montoute.
CDB provided funding of USD16.2 million (mn) for EQuIP, and USD3.7 mn for YEP. Both projects meet the Bank’s strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development; as well as its corporate priority of improving the quality of and access to education and training and citizen security.