Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, September 29, 2023 – Islanders in the Turks and Caicos only have hours left to register for the Government’s free housing programs that could net them publicly funded renovations or even new housing.

Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID, called on residents to send in their applications before the September 29th deadline so TCIG could provide them with the help they need.

“Get your applications down and put them in as soon as possible,” he implored during a video message posted over the weekend.

The video, shared on Facebook, announced that there were only seven days to the application deadline.

The two programs offered in this first Housing Department initiative are: the ‘Home Improvement for Existing Homeowners Program’ and the ‘Community Renewal and Infilling Program.’

Applicants to the Home Improvement for Existing Homeowners Program must be islanders and, if successful, will receive monetary help up to $50,000 to refurbish housing.

Successful applicants to the Community Renewal and Infilling Program will receive either upgrades to their housing or new homes, depending on damage sustained to their current residences.  The most vulnerable will be considered first in this program, it will not be first-come first-served, according to guidelines spelled out by the Department of Housing.

TCIG has committed to helping as many residents as they can with the allotted cash, Robinson had told Magnetic Media.

“It will be an ongoing program subject to funding availability—- Now clearly, it’s not unlimited funding, so we’ll prioritize those in greater need first.  Of course we will continue because we can always reopen the application process so that it isn’t a one-off time.”

Applications for the housing programs may be sent to https://www.gov.tc/housing/

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#UnitedKingdom, September 29, 2023 – Regulating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an extremely high priority in the United Kingdom, this year the country devoted the majority of its speech at the 78th UN General Assembly to the issue.

“It’s going to change everything we do education, business, healthcare, defense, it is going to change the way we live and it is going to change governments, and relations between nations, fundamentally,” Oliver Dowden, UK Deputy Prime Minister said.

The General Assembly gathers country leaders from around the world at its New York City headquarters and gives them a chance to debate topical issues that affect the global population.  The majority of the UK’s 19 minutes was spent warning the leaders about the need to create laws governing AI now.

Describing it as the biggest change the world has ever known, the Minister called on countries to follow up and deal swiftly with the emerging technology, as the incorporation of AI in every facet of living is developing, practically overnight.

“At this frontier, we must accept the fact that we simply don’t know the bounds and possibilities— in AI time, years are days— In fact, every single problem discussed at this year’s General Assembly could be improved or even solved by AI.”

Despite this potential for good, he maintains that it also has the potential for great evil, necessitating regulation.  The UK is holding an AI Summit in November to tackle the issue.

“We cannot afford to become trapped in debates about whether AI is a tool for good or ill.  It will be a tool for both. We must prepare for both and ensure against the latter.”

Migration and climate change were mentioned in passing as well. Both are issues which affect British overseas territory, the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Dowden also spoke on food shortages caused by the Russia invasion of Ukraine.

“Those hit by food shortages, particularly in developing countries, are Putin’s victims too,” he stressed.

The 78th UN General Assembly ended on September 22nd

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

September 29, 2023 – COVID-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, but the disease is still present and can still affect the population including children.

Cough fever and difficulty breathing are only some of the symptoms that young children and babies might experience when infected with the viral illness, according to a report from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Other symptoms include muscle or body aches; sore throat; loss of taste or smell; diarrhea; headache; fatigue; nausea or vomiting; congestion or runny nose.

Children may not be eloquent enough to properly convey their illness so parents are advised to pay close attention to their complaints and visible symptoms.

Though COVID-19 can be a mild disease for most, there are some cases that warrant immediate emergency medical attention the hospital says. These include:

• Difficulty breathing or catching his or her breath
• Inability to keep down any liquids
• confusion or inability to awaken
• Bluish lips

Both COVID and the flu tend to spike during the winter flu season so parents are advised to take precautions against them including mask wearing in high risk areas and frequent hand washing.