The real Brexit: How Britain became an island – Livescience.com

Thousands of years before Brexit (Britains political divorce from the European Union), its physical separation from mainland Europe was well underway.

Around 18,000 years ago, during the Pleistocene Epoch, the majority of modern-day Britain was covered by an ice age, according to Wessex Archaeology, an educational charity based in the UK. This period of glaciation persisted for thousands of years until around 12,000 years ago after a warming climate brought the icy expanse to an end.

In its wake, the areas that today are the North Sea and the English Channel were filled with grassy marshland, wooded valleys and swamps, according to National Geographic. This area of land, known as Doggerland, connected Britain with mainland Europe and spanned over 18,000 square miles (46,620 square kilometers).

The beginning of the end for Britain's connection to Continental Europe began around 8,200 years ago when a massive tsunami struck Doggerland. Off of the coast of Norway, an enormous underwater landslide, known as the Storegga Slide, shifted more than 720 cubic miles (3,000 km) of material through the water, according to research published in the journal Nature Climate Change. This is 300 times the annual sediment output from all the worlds rivers.

Related: Earth has a new geologic age: The Chibanian

The Storegga Slide was likely triggered by seismic activity following a period of deglaciation across Norway, according to the journal Marine and Petroleum Geology. The rapid movement and displacement of water caused by the slide generated enough energy to create the tsunami. The enormous wave would have reached heights of up to 66 feet (20 meters), according to the journal Nature Climate Change. The tsunami swallowed up Doggerland. It crashed into the north-east of Britain and travelled 25 miles (40 km) inland, making it a newly formed island, according to the BBC.

Its largely accepted that the tsunami triggered by the Storegga Slide triggered is the predominant cause of the downfall of Doggerland and the separation of Britain from mainland Europe. However, a 2020 study published in the journal Antiquity suggests that it may have been climate change that severed the final link between the two.

By analyzing the seabed and its sediments, researchers at the University of Bradford have discovered that the tsunami might not have been completely responsible for sinking Doggerland.

Following the tsunamis flood, researchers proposed that several smaller islands form a "Dogger Archipelago," which remained for almost a thousand years.

Between 8,200 and 8,400 years ago, "the global average sea level rose (possibly in two phases) between 1 and 4 meters [approximately 3 and 13 feet]," the researchers wrote. This rise in sea level was linked to climate change, according to the Smithsonian. By around 7,000 years ago, the Dogger Archipelago would have presumably disappeared, according to the researchers.

Related: What is climate change, and how is it affecting Earth?

When the Storegga tsunami hit the North-west of Europe it not only drowned landmass, but also decimated ancient communities living on Doggerland.

Evidence of human remains has been collected from fishing and dredging along the North Sea bed, according to research published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. Radiocarbon dating of the remains revealed that the majority belong to Mesolithic humans (between 20,000 and 8,000 years ago) who lived on Doggerland. Archaeological evidence suggests that those that lived on Doggerland were hunter-gatherers, according to National Geographic.

At the time of the tsunami there would have been around 5,000 early humans scattered around Britain, who had travelled from continental Europe following the migration of mammoths and reindeer, according to the BBC.

"If you were standing on the shoreline on that day, 8,200 years ago, there is no doubt it would have been a bad day for you," Vincent Gaffney, professor of landscape archaeology at the University of Bradford, told the Guardian. "It was a catastrophe. Many people, possibly thousands of people, must have died."

The growing sea levels forced the Doggerlanders to flee the lower lands - now sitting under the English Channel - and escape to higher landmasses in modern-day England and the Netherlands, according to National Geographic.

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The real Brexit: How Britain became an island - Livescience.com

Japan, US confirm Senkaku Islands subject to bilateral security treaty: Foreign Ministry – United News of India

More News13 Nov 2021 | 11:31 AM

United Nations, Nov 13 (UNI/Xinhua) In a UN General Assembly vote, Chinese candidate Huang Huikang won re-election into the International Law Commission for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2023.

Paris, Nov 13 (UNI/Xinhua) Participants in the Paris International Conference for Libya, chaired by France, called for the holding of free, fair, inclusive and credible presidential and parliamentary elections on December 24 in Libya as scheduled.

Glasgow, Nov 13 (UNI/Xinhua) Alok Sharma, president of the ongoing United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow, Scotland, said that he expected the negotiations for a deal will continue into Saturday afternoon.

Beijing, Nov 13 (UNI/Sputnik) Hua Chunying, the spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, confirmed on Saturday that Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Joe Biden, will hold an online meeting on November 16.

Tokyo, Nov 13 (UNI/Sputnik) Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi has held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, with the parties having confirmed that the bilateral security treaty covers the disputed Senkaku Islands, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

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Japan, US confirm Senkaku Islands subject to bilateral security treaty: Foreign Ministry - United News of India

Island in Washington County will be added to coastal state park – Press Herald

The state has acquired a 50-acre island off the Down East coast that will be added to Roque Bluffs State Park in Washington County.

Pond Cove Island in Englishman Bay will be added to the 274-acre state park in the town of Roque Bluffs, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands announced this week.

Pond Cove Island is about one-third of a mile from the mainland and features two miles of winding shoreline and stone beaches suitable for landing kayaks or small boats that can be launched from the park.

Officials from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said the island will enhance park visitors experience at the park, which includes a half-mile-long sand beach, a freshwater pond, hiking trails and a picnic area.

At a time when we are seeing an ongoing and expanded interest in outdoor recreation by Maine residents and visitors, we are pleased to have this opportunity to create a new island water access experience for Maine State Park guests, Amanda Beal, department commissioner, said in a statement.

Funding from to the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the Land for Maines Future Water Access Fund and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act helped pay for the island.

As a sea kayaker, I know how important it is to have islands close to shore that are open to the public, Bureau of Public Lands Director Andy Cutko said. Pond Cove Island is an exceptionally scenic spot in an ideal sheltered location, and we look forward to developing campsites for overnight use.

The island will be open to the public for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, hunting, fishing and trapping.

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Island in Washington County will be added to coastal state park - Press Herald

High school football: Buchholz beats Fleming Island 35-7 to advance in Class 7A playoffs – Gainesville Sun

The Fleming Island Golden Eagles started Thursday night's football playoff game against the Buchholz Bobcats strong, as they forced apunt on theopening drive.

For a team that averagednearly 35 points per game coming into the contest at Citizens Field, the Bobcats don't do a lot of punting.

Fleming Island's moral victory of forcing a punt, however, would be nothing more as the Golden Eagles muffed the punt return and Buchholz senior Billy Galione fell onball at the Fleming Island 1-yard line.

The Bobcats found the scoreboard with a 1-yard touchdown rush from junior quarterback Creed Whittemore.

One small snowball evolved into an avalanche as things quickly went south for the Golden Eagles, who saw their season end whenthe Bobcats stampeded to a 35-7 win to advance to the Region 1-7A semifinal next week.

Top-seeded Buchholz (10-1) will hostthe winner of Friday's Fletcher (5-5) vs. University (6-2) game.

FHSAA Class 7A football state playoff preview

Ainslie Lee, Seth Stringer, Roy Fuoco and Larry Blustein preview the Class 7A football playoffs and predict the champions in each region.

Jon Santucci, Treasure Coast Newspapers

After Buchholz's opening score, Fleming Island was forced to punt it away from its own 41-yard line whenthe drive stalled after travelling just 21 yards on eight plays.

Buchholz junior Jacarree Kelly generated a nice return bytaking it down to the Fleming Island 38-yard line.

From there, Whittemore and the Bobcats needed just two plays to score, a 27-yard strike from Whittemore toKelly for a14-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Buchholz continued to pour it on, scoring on each of its subsequent possessions.

The Bobcats marched 86 yardson 10 plays, capped by a 37-yard scoring connection between Whittemore and senior receiver Quan Leeon 4th and 7.

Buchholz's next drive traveled 88 yards on seven plays before senior EJ Gadson punched it in from one yard out. The score was set up by a 53-yard pass play between Whittemore and senior receiver Adrian Sermons, who came down with a miraculous catch over freshman defensive back Kaylib Singleton.

The Bobcats would tack on one more score before the intermission on a 12-yard pass play from Whittemore to Kelly.

With a commanding 35-0 lead at half, Whittemore didn't take a snap in the second half. The junior finished the night 8-for-12 for 171 yards, three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown.

"Our offense played really well tonight," said Buchholz coach Mark Whittemore, the QB's father. "A lot of big plays. Our playmakers made great plays tonight. And that's important. To win a playoff game, your big-time players have to come out and produce. And all three of our receivers that are that caliber ... they showed that tonight."

The Bobcatsoutgained the Golden Eagles 251-67 yards at the break. But that didn't stop Buchholz defensive coordinator Chuck Bell from thinking his unit had given up too many yards.

Fleming Island picked up chunk yardage from the legs of freshman quarterback Cibastian Broughton, who led the effortwith 45 yards on 11 carries. Broughton's biggest run of the night came in the first half when he tore off for 37 yards.

The Golden Eagles' biggest play of the the gamecame on a 43-yard pass play from Broughton to senior receiver Caleb Jones.

Buchholz keptFleming Island's junior running back Sam Singleton, who was averaging more than 92 yards per game,to just nine net yards.

By game's end, the Buchholz defense had allowed Fleming Island 113 yards from scrimmage a number most defenses would be happy. But the Bobcats thoughtit was too much, says all there is to say about their expectations.

"Our defense really sets the tone for our team," Whittemore said. "That's kinda how we're built.Our bloodline is defense first. And so their play really ignites us."

Fleming Island (6-5) finally found its way to the scoreboard midway through the fourth quarter as itblocked a Buchholz punt from inside the10-yard line, allowing junior Jhace Edwards to execute a quick scoop and score.

"The big thing is that we just don't lose momentum. Really, it's actually advantage Buchholz from a rest standpoint," Whittemore said of his team having Friday, Saturday and Sunday to bask in Thursday night's win. "But as a high schooler, three days is like a lifetime. So we gotta make sure we stay on them and are aware of where they are and what they're doing. Just keep our thumb on them ... that's all."

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High school football: Buchholz beats Fleming Island 35-7 to advance in Class 7A playoffs - Gainesville Sun

Mining operation allegedly owes millions in taxes and royalties in Solomon Islands – The Guardian

A mining operation in Solomon Islands owes millions in unpaid taxes and royalties, according to a former senior government figure, with a report showing that the mining companies had not paid taxes or royalties on one-third of their exports over the last five years.

According to a summary of a royalty payments report into mining on West Rennell Island from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, seen by the Guardian, the Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) company and its subcontractor Bintan Mining Solomon Islands Ltd (BMSI) have paid royalties for only 67 of the 100 shipments of bauxite ore exported during their operation.

The reports executive summary noted that APID and BMSI had been exporting bauxite ore, which is used in the production of aluminium, from West Rennell since 2015. In that time, 100 shipments of bauxite have been exported overseas.

With regards to the royalty share payments, only sixty-seven (67) shipments have been paid to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI). The remaining 33 shipments were still outstanding and yet to be paid to the CBSI before it can be distributed to the rightful recipients, said the report summary.

Former director of mines, Nicholas Biliki, estimates the unpaid ore shipments leave roughly SBD80m (AU$13.4m) owing to landowners on Rennell Island, for royalties, community development assistance and landowner payments, as well as around SBD10m (AU$1.65m) owed in taxes and roughly SBD10m owed in payments to rehabilitate the island.

Biliki said the alleged failure to pay royalties on one-third of the shipments was a massive loss to Solomon Islands government and resources owners.

APID and its sub-contractor, BMC, [the parent company of BMSI] miserably failed to live up to their obligations. The company [APID] has lots of agreements with the landowners and lots of money has been owed to them. Also, the government has lost taxes from these 33 shipments, Biliki alleged.

As well as issues with missed payments, Biliki claimed that the companies had also failed to rehabilitate areas affected by mining.

I understand more than a half of the areas mined have never been fully rehabilitated, he said.

APID and BMSI have been embroiled in court cases for years that contest which company is responsible for paying royalties and rehabilitating the environment.

APIDs mining lease was cancelled in mid-October 2020 when Biliki was director of mines. APID has brought legal proceedings against the Solomon Islands government disputing this cancellation.

Though we cancelled the operation, the company has a legal obligation to clean up its mess before leaving, he said.

One of the Rennell landowners, Jimmy Festus, said some resources owners were still waiting for their dues.

Our waiting seemed to have no end The sad reality we are currently facing is that we have no place for gardening, he said.

Another landowner, Steward Baiabe, told the Guardian that he had seen records of their bauxite shipments at the ministry of mines.

I was in Honiara last month following up with the company for our shipments. Unfortunately, they have no offices in Honiara, so I went to the ministry of mines to enquire about the shipments. I was told by a mines officer that we have 33 shipments yet to be paid to the government and landowners.

Baiabe called on the government to get the company to pay what they are alleged to owe.

The government must be serious on addressing this issue.

In response to questions put to BMSI by the Guardian, a lawyer representing the company said: We are unable to comment due to pending proceedings before the high court of Solomon Islands. The most we can say is that the informations and allegations supplied may not be accurate and may contain misleading or misstated informations.

The lawyer did respond to requests by the Guardian to clarify which information or allegations he was referring to.

Chris Vehe, permanent secretary of the ministry of mines, energy and rural electrification, confirmed there were inconsistencies in the money received for this mining operation and the number of shipments that took place.

There are inconsistencies with reporting and a good number of shipments have not been kept track [of]. Mines officials were the ones responsible for record keeping and tracking of the shipments. Only the director of mines like Mr Biliki and the Central Bank of Solomon Islands would definitely know of the details of the shipments. But yes, my office is aware of these inconsistencies.

Vehe said the government would investigate the matter if they were to get hold of all the records of shipments, adding that the operation was a complicated one.

Its been messed up from its very beginning.

The governor of Solomon Islands central bank has previously said that while exempt from paying export taxes, Bintan Mining Company have made some payments to the government, contributing SBD$142m (US$17.8m) in foreign exchange in 2020 and $131m (US$16.4m) in 2019. The governor did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

Bauxite mining on Rennell Island has been controversial since it first began, with landowners and some officials estimating that since 2014 up to 50% of the bauxite-rich soil in West Rennell has been exported.

In February 2019, Rennell Island was the site of a huge oil spill when a bulk carrier, hired by BMSI, that had been attempting to load bauxite from a nearby mine on the island ran aground on a reef. It spilled 300 tonnes of oil into the pristine bay.

The oil spill turned the water black, contaminated fresh water sources, killed marine life, and children reported skin and eye infections in the wake of the disaster.

The owner of the vessel, King Trader, and its South Korean insurer, P&I Club, apologised for the spill in March 2019, describing the situation as totally unacceptable. In a statement the companies said although matters of liability are yet to be determined [we] have expressed deep remorse. The statement said they were acutely aware of environmental damage and were working as quickly as possible to bring the spill under control.

According to a report given to the Solomon Islands government in 2019 and leaked to the ABC, the oil spill caused the direct loss of more than 10,000 square metres of reef and more than 4,000 square metres of lagoon habitat, and economic losses of up to AU$50m. The report said the site could take up to 130 years to recover.

APID did not respond to questions put to them by the Guardian.

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Mining operation allegedly owes millions in taxes and royalties in Solomon Islands - The Guardian

Netherlands, Faroe Islands added to COVID-19 red list – Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines The Philippines has placed Faroe Islands and the Netherlands on its COVID-19 red list and, as such, travelers from these two areas, except for returning Filipinos, are prohibited from entering the country from Nov. 16 to 30.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. made the announcement yesterday based on the updated list provided by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).Roque said the IATF also updated its green list, which now includes American Samoa, Bhutan, Chad, China (mainland), Comoros, Cte dIvoire (Ivory Coast), Falkland The Department of Tourism (DOT) is still hoping to reduce, or even scrap, quarantine requirements for foreign tourists in order to revive the countrys tourism industry impaired by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview with Bloomberg yesterday, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the DOT continues to push for less stringent quarantine protocols even the removal of facility-based quarantine for foreigners from countries that have moderate to low risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The DOT has been pushing for green lanes, especially for reduced quarantine days, and if possible no quarantine days, for the fully vaccinated, Puyat said.

She noted that the government has mandated that there is no longer a quarantine period for fully vaccinated foreigners coming from green listed countries or those at low risk of COVID-19 spread.

Puyat also said that high COVID-19 vaccination rates in Metro Manila could be crucial in determining whether quarantine for foreign travelers, including overseas Filipinos, should stay or go.MANILA, Philippines The Philippines has placed Faroe Islands and the Netherlands on its COVID-19 red list and, as such, travelers from these two areas, except for returning Filipinos, are prohibited from entering the country from Nov. 16 to 30.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. made the announcement yesterday based on the updated list provided by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Roque said the IATF also updated its green list, which now includes American Samoa, Bhutan, Chad, China (mainland), Comoros, Cte dIvoire (Ivory Coast), Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Federated States of Micronesia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China), India, Indonesia, Japan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Montserrat, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Rwanda, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Saint Eustatius, South Africa, Sudan, Taiwan, Togo, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Fully vaccinated travelers from these green listed territories are not required to undergo facility-based quarantine upon arriving in the Philippines, provided they present negative RT-PCR test results.

Roque said all other countries, territories and jurisdictions not included in the green and red lists are under the yellow list.

Fully vaccinated individuals from yellow list countries need to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day from their arrival. They shall then be required to undergo home quarantine until their 10thday in the country.

Roque also announced that the IATF approved the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the national COVID-19 vaccination certificates of Australia, Czech Republic, Georgia, India, Japan, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Turkey and Samoa to be accepted or recognized for purposes of arrival quarantine protocols, as well as for interzonal/intrazonal movement.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is still hoping to reduce, or even scrap, quarantine requirements for foreign tourists in order to revive the countrys tourism industry impaired by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview with Bloomberg yesterday, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the DOT continues to push for less stringent quarantine protocols even the removal of facility-based quarantine for foreigners from countries that have moderate to low risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The DOT has been pushing for green lanes, especially for reduced quarantine days, and if possible no quarantine days, for the fully vaccinated, Puyat said.

She noted that the government has mandated that there is no longer a quarantine period for fully vaccinated foreigners coming from green listed countries or those at low risk of COVID-19 spread.

Puyat also said that high COVID-19 vaccination rates in Metro Manila could be crucial in determining whether quarantine for foreign travelers, including overseas Filipinos, should stay or go.

In the NCR, we have already (fully) vaccinated 88 percent, and for first dose its 97 percent, she said, referring to the National Capital Region or Metro Manila.

She said Metro Manilas exceeding its target for herd immunity could be a big boost in reducing quarantine days and possibly no quarantine even for those from yellow (list) countries, or those with moderate COVID-19 transmission risk and would still have to undergo up to 10 days of quarantine.

?In another development Thursday night, the DFA advised Filipinos in Ethiopia to prepare for mandatory evacuation after it raised Alert Level 4 in the African nation due to continued and intensifying conflict.

The DFA raises an Alert Level 4 in a country when there is large-scale internal conflict or full-blown external attack, prompting government to begin mandatory evacuation procedures.

The DFA is advising all Filipinos not to travel to Ethiopia at this time due to ongoing conflict in Tigray and other neighboring regions, its official statement read.

Filipinos who are in the country where Alert Level 4 is in effect are advised to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places and immediately prepare for evacuation, it added. Janvic Mateo

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Netherlands, Faroe Islands added to COVID-19 red list - Philstar.com

Staten Island Museum celebrates its 140th Anniversary with 140 Objects online exhibition – SILive.com

STATEN ISLAND N.Y. -- This Friday, the Staten Island Museum is celebrating its 140th anniversary of its founding on November 12, 1881 by a group of young naturalists who came together with the idea to preserve the natural history of Staten Island.

To celebrate this day, the Museum has multiple initiatives, including a 140 Object virtual exhibition. The exhibition includes historical maps, periodical cicada specimen, sculptures, modern art, and historical artifacts chosen by the Staten Island Museums collections staff. It is also the first installment of the museums new online collections database.

Hylan Plaza, Peter Van Dyck (American, 1978) (Courtesy/ Staten Island Museum)Staten Island Museum

We are grateful to the founders for acting on their love for Staten Island and their instincts to preserve specimens. Now, 140 years later, the current museum staff and Board of Trustees are building upon that legacy and pursuing what it means to be a 21st century museum and New York Citys only remaining cultural institution with collections that span natural science, history, and art, said Janice Monger, Staten Island Museum President and CEO. We welcome the public to visit us in person for a stunning site-specific artist installation Jennifer Angus: Magicicada or peruse a new online exhibition 140 Objects to experience the collections from home.

Jennifer Angus, Magicicada at the Staten Island museum (Courtesy/ Staten Island Museum)

Staten Island Museum is home to one of the worlds largest collection of cicadas, the Magicicada exhibit. Magicicada refers to a genus of cicada that was designated in 1925 by Staten Island Museum co-founder and cicada expert William T. Davis. The exhibit is now featuring an installation from artist, Jennifer Angus. The installation is filled with patterns created with preserved insects. Angus installation is currently on view until May 2022.

Arch-Hommage VII, Helen Levin (Courtesy/ Staten Island Museum)Staten Island Museum

Another anniversary initiative the museum is holding is part of its longstanding art show tradition of the past 70 years. The open call is for an exhibition called Yes, And which is aimed to open in June of 2022. The theme suggests the abundance of experience on and perception of Staten Islands art and artists. Applications are being accepted through December 31, 2021.

-Morris Moving Company, Gift of the Morris Family, Collection (Courtesy/ Staten Island Museum)Staten Island Museum

Staten Island Museum is also partnering with the Richard B. Dickenson Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (SIAAHGS) and Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, for over the next two years they will be working on the Access, Collaboration, and Equity in Genealogy (ACEGen) initiative to digitize burial records dating back to the cemeterys founding in the 1930s. ACEGen will begin with a special focus on African American records, and the museums collection will be accessible to the public online with historical documents that are under-represented in the public record.

Staten Island Museum timeline from 1881-2007 (Courtesy/ Staten Island Museum)

Staten Island Museum timeline from 1881-2007 (Courtesy/ Staten Island Museum)

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Staten Island Museum celebrates its 140th Anniversary with 140 Objects online exhibition - SILive.com

BREAKING: Entire Area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Temporarily Closed at Universal’s Islands of Adventure – wdwnt.com

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade is closed this morning at Universals Islands of Adventure. The land and all three of its rides (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Flight of the Hippogriff) have yet to open today.

A sign at the entrance to Islands of Adventure informs guests that Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be open later today.

Some Team Members from Hogsmeade are out in the Lost Continent, advising guests of the closure and directing traffic.

Team Members out front are advising guests to visit Universal Studios Florida for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley. No official reason for the closure has been given, but some Team Members are reporting they are being sent home due to a power outage.

Guests were able to board the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station for a one-way trip to Universal Studios Florida. However, the train has now ceased operations from either station.

Power outages are not uncommon, but the early release of scheduled Team Members may indicate that this will not be resolved quickly.

This is a developing story, so stay tuned for further updates.

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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BREAKING: Entire Area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade Temporarily Closed at Universal's Islands of Adventure - wdwnt.com

Private islands for sale in Queensland going cheap, but lifestyle has its challenges – ABC News

Eager buyers trying to get a foot on the property ladder could snap up a tropical island for the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney, a real estate agent says.

Private islands are no longer just a privilege for billionaires like Richard Branson as buyers look beyond the mainland to get more bang for their buck.

"There is a greater interest," Richard Vanhoff, a real estate agent specialising in islands, said.

"With the pricing of southern states, they are paying big money for houses and they still don't get the waterfront.

"When you are buying an island, you get all the waterfront."

Around Australia, private Islands have been snapped up in the past 12 months for as little as $320,000.

Queenslander Craig Becky was searching for an investment property last year when he found an offer too good to pass up.

"I actually saw it on a morning TV show and it was touted as the cheapest island in Australia," he said.

"I thought, 'Oh it's in my price range.'

"I just never had in my mind I would buy an island one day, but when it came up, I thought, 'I just have to have it.'

"Life is short."

Mr Becky is now the proud owner of Worthington Island, off the coast of Gladstone, which he bought for "well under" the asking price of $385,000.

The 27-hectare island has an off-the grid beach shack and a private airstrip.

"It's not what everybody thinks of palm trees and white sand," Mr Becky said.

"it's more mangroves and crabbing and fishing. It's like a big bush block with a shack on it.

"It's really relaxing have a fish, have a nap, go for a walk around.

"It's beautiful, I love it."

But the lifestyle does not come without challenges Mr Becky doesn't get much in return for his rates, with no-one to pick up the weekly rubbish and access to the island is at the mercy of the tides.

But for this island owner, the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences.

"Everything is on island time," he said.

"The thing I love is that there are no neighbours."

The sale of islands is consistent with buying patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

"What we are seeing is that many people are wanting to buy regional properties because of the lifestyle," REIQ chief executive Antonia Mercorella said.

But she said it was difficult to gauge whetherthe obsession with space would remain when things got backto normal.

"Before you invest, I think you really need to think about the practicalities of it," Ms Mercorella said.

"In some cases the island can be quite remote and difficult and expensive to get to.

"It's not something you would buy for the purpose of flipping you would want to be buying it with the view to perhaps holding onto it for the longer term."

Judging by available listings, an island lifestyle can be achieved for any price.

Poole Island in the Whitsundays has a million dollar price tag, while Temple Island off the coast of Mackay is on the market for $1.7m.

Or, if you've got a spare $15m, perhaps Marble Island off the central Queensland coast is more to your liking.

Mr Vanhoff said the lengthy lockdowns in southern states over the past two years had made the freedom of island living hugely appealing.

"People are sitting back in those areas that are in restrictions thinking about life and thinking about their future," he said.

"I guess islands come to mind they go, 'Oh, wouldn't we like to do that, that would be great, we wouldn't have to put up with this.'

"I get the odd call when there is a big lotto being presented.

"They'll ring me and get all the information out of me and get all excitedbecause their clairvoyant told them they would win and then they don't win.

"But it's all good fun."

Ms Mercorella said while private islands were being marketed more regularly, their sale remained unusual.

"It's probably a fantasy that many of us have," she said.

"But I think for the majority of us, practicality and reality probably sets in and prevents us from making the choice."

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Private islands for sale in Queensland going cheap, but lifestyle has its challenges - ABC News

Young Grand Island man defies the odds with incredible comeback – WIVB.com – News 4

A young man from Grand Island is defying the odds.

A year and a half ago, it was unknown if Ben Richard would ever walk again.

And now, hes not only walking, but hes an inspiration for other Western New Yorkers battling spinal cord injuries.

These days, 19-year-old Ben Richard is walking, and even dancing with a lively spirit.

Hes independent.

He gets by with the help of his family, friends, therapists at ECMC and his 9 iron, which he uses as a cane.

Its actually really nice. Its got the rubber grip so it doesnt move anywhere, explained Ben.

We first introduced you to Ben last year.

His WWII Veteran grandfather graduated high school with him, wheeling him across the stage.

Separated by decades and vast life experiences, it was a day that almost never happened.

On May 9, 2020, a car crash changed his life.

The first probably week and a half to two weeks, I dont really remember much. I remember a little bit of the ICU, said Ben.

Ben was a passenger in a car that skidded on ice, ejecting him.

Most serious of his injuries, Ben fractured his scull, broke his shoulder and dislocated his back at the L3,L4 vertebrae, pinching his spinal cord and paralyzing him below the knee.

He explains the sensation as pain that shoots through the roof.

Feelings very strange below the knee. I pretty much have all the pain that comes with stubbing a toe but its like so much worse, said Ben.

But it doesnt stop him and it never has.

Today, Ben is paving his own path.

In his early days of recovery, Ben was told by doctors, they werent sure if hed ever walk.

To shove it in their faces, I got contraction when I tried to point my toes down in my calf. Im hopeful, said Ben.

Bens physical therapist Julie Buono is helping Ben gain strength.

His progress is huge. When he started, he was in a wheelchair, he wasnt standing. He cold transfer from the wheelchair to a mat and we had to do a lot of stretching, explained Buono.

He comes to outpatient physical therapy at ECMC twice a week, and he works hard.

Were trying to work on his balance so he can get rid of the cane eventually, said Buono.

Ben is thankful to be here.

He was 18 at the time of his injury, which is the youngest you can be to participate in this program.

He says its the best therapy for his type of injury.

I got really really lucky to I mean lucky is a funny word but like I was blessed enough to come here, said Ben.

While Ben works to recover, hes also here for the camaraderie.

Hes everyones biggest cheerleader in the gym and its cool to see. Hes the first one willing to talk to someone, to encourage them, to tell his story if he needs to. So, he really is a positive influence on anyone he meets, said Occupational Therapist, Rachael Ponichtera.

Despite only being 19, Ben is now a peer counselor for people with similar injuries.

Through all of this, hes gained something really important: perspective.

You take a lot of things for granted before and now its just like especially being in like groups of seeing everyone on the MRU and seeing people down here, its like Im glad I have my arm. It could be gone. It couldve flew off. You know? Or, Im just glad Im this far. I see some people come in and Im like you know, I was there, explained Ben.

Two weeks ago, Ben participated in the USA Wheelchair Football League and he made an incredible play, catching a pass.

Ben says no matter where life takes him, hell always find success.

A story of motivation for people, no matter how high the odds are stacked against you.

Read more:

Young Grand Island man defies the odds with incredible comeback - WIVB.com - News 4

2022 Budget Address – Government of the Virgin Islands

2022 BUDGET ADDRESS

DELIVERED BY

PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE

HONOURABLE ANDREW. A. FAHIE

UNDER THE THEME:

Strategically positioning New Industries with Sustainability and Innovation: Continuing to improve the standard of living with focus on Education, Small Business, Healthcare and Technology

Thursday, 11th November, 2021

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

It is important that I begin this Budget Address from the words of Abba, our Father as found in Luke 12:8, And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God.

I thank God for His continued strength as we turn this Budget Address over in to His hands.

I say Good Day and GODs Blessings to all Honourable Members of this Honourable House and all the people of these beautiful Virgin Islands wherever they may be, as we continue to move forward in this New Regular, living and working with COVID-19.

Together we continue to confront all the challenges and embracing opportunities that this unpredictable pandemic has thrown, and continues to throw our way.

I am pleased and proud, as a Virgin Islander, to stand today to present this fourth National Budget in under three years, and to do so with sufficient time in hand for all the necessary processes to be completed so that everything will be in place for the start of the new financial year in January 2022. Simply put; since taking office, all our Budgets have passed on time as mandated by the Constitution.

Introduction

Mr Speaker, it is important for us as a young country to bear in mind the symbolism of what it is for a people to develop, present, approve and implement their own Budget; especially when they are able to generate the funds and to balance their Budget for themselves year after year after year. It is something to be proud of, to be inspired by and to be encouraged.

For this empowerment, we thank our foreparents. Let us join in paying tribute to our foreparents who started and maintained the course, on the journey to ensuring that the Virgin Islands people are empowered to pursue their aspirations of being fully in control of their destiny.

It was the late Theodolph Faulkner of Anegada and other great Virgin Islands leaders who made the bold and unequivocal declaration on 24 November, 1949: [And I Quote]

We are imbued with a desire to decide our local affairs our own selves. We have outgrown that undesirable stage where one official, or an official clique, makes decisions for us.

We are seeking the privilege of deciding how our monies are spent and what shall be our Presidential laws and policies. [End of Quote]

That was the impetus for the return of legislative function to the shores of the Virgin Islands, paving the way for Virgin Islands people to enjoy full participation in the democratic election of their representatives and for the making of laws to govern themselves legislation such as the Appropriations Act.

As we continue to honour the struggles and strides of those who led before us, we recall the Late and Great former Chief Minister Dr. the Honourable Willard Wheatley, the first Virgin Islander to officially hold the post of Minister of Finance, on 1 June, 1977.

Dr. Wheatleys exceptional public management saw the Government of the Virgin Islands independently closing a budget deficit in 1978 and ending the year with a budget surplus of $1.3 million. Through this, in one of the most significant milestones in the political and economic journey of our nation-building, the Virgin Islands graduated out of Grant-In-Aid, and have maintain this course through the decades.

Virgin Islanders liberated themselves from external financial dependence on the United Kingdom. And as I said, we graduated from Grant-In-Aid, and have maintain this course through the decades for all Chief Ministers, for all Premiers.

And at this time, I would like to take a moment. Because it is two years now today since Honourable RT ONeal died. And I would like us to stand and take a moment of silence, Mr Speaker, in honour of his memory.

Thank You. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Virgin Islanders liberated themselves from external financial dependence on the United Kingdom; clearly demonstrating the ability of our people to manage our own economic affairs from each Chief Minister to each Premier, hold each other accountable, and uphold their dignity. Virgin Islanders are not defined by anyone or any circumstance. We are innovative, capable and resilient. We just have to continue to believe in ourselves and stay laser-focused on our true Virgin Islands Vision.

The year 2021 has been another unprecedented year for the Virgin Islands. While your Government wished we could focus exclusively on delivering our Manifesto pledges - remedying decades old problems with our aging infrastructure and furthering the development of the Virgin Islands for the benefit of our people - this unfortunately could not entirely be the case.

For the second consecutive year, like most - if not all - other countries, we remained in battle with the worst pandemic to hit the world in over 100 years. The COVID-19 pandemic, in recent months, is presenting new threats in the forms of aggressive variant strains, as it continues to supress economic activity generally in every part of the world, and more specifically in the areas of tourism and travel, upon which our economy is heavily reliant. This is subduing revenues for the public and private sectors, and creating hardship for many of our people whose jobs and income streams are adversely affected, not just locally, but globally.

In 2021 we saw a major spike in COVID-19 cases on our shores and grief that was unprecedented in our era in the loss of 37 additional lives. We ask God to continue to comfort families and loved ones, as we also remember our loved ones who passed due to different causes. Many of them were friends. Many of them were family. Thankfully, according to recent data, the number of positive cases now stands at 15, all of which were detected by our effective travel screening protocols. We wish those persons a full and speedy recovery.

In January 2021, the United Kingdom Government declared it an appropriate time to institute a Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Governance in the Virgin Islands, under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1880.

The Inquiry, which is still in progress, placed significant demands on the resources of our Public Service as documents dating back more than a decade had to be sourced, officers had to prepare affidavits and statements, and senior public officials including Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, heads of departments and others had to attend the COI to give evidence.

The Inquiry took up significant time and attention, but Mr Speaker, your Government fully and faithfully participated in the proceedings, with the hope that a transparent COI would lead to a just and beneficial outcome for the people of the Virgin Islands.

These challenges have come as we continue to recover from the 2017 August Floods and two devastating Category 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria, that created a paradigm shift for our economy. We continue our recovery efforts with our limited resources.

But, as I will explain later in this Budget Address, your Government and its agencies and departments, still managed to accomplished a lot of work for the development of the Virgin Islands, amid the challenges and distractions.

This is an appropriate time to commend our public officers across all ministries, agencies and departments. And I must commend all f our public officers for the hard work they have done through these last few years during the hurricanes, during COVID-19 and even during the COI. I want to say that they mean a lot to me as Premier, because even during the COVID-19 lockdown, I personally took the time to call each and every public officer in terms of Permanent Secretaries and Department Heads and Senior Officers, and even some other officers everyone, to see how they were doing and to see how they were coping with COVID-19. Because larger than the public service, we are one people and we do have a life, and we do have to make sure as leaders that we care.

So, I commend our public officers and all those who have powered through with commitment to keep our Virgin Islands moving forward during these difficult times. Our successes are the results of collective effort and dedication.

The Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Jeremiah Frett, the officers in the Ministry of Finance, and the Permanent Secretaries who provided the Ministry with the relevant programmes of works and project details, have done an exceptional job in preparing the 2022 National Budget, which I present now under the theme of,

Strategically positioning New Industries with Sustainability and Innovation: Continuing to improve the standard of living with focus on Education, Small Business, Healthcare and Technology.

Mr Speaker, what follows in this Budget Address is just a summary and a snapshot of some of the work that has been done and some of the targets that we are setting for the year ahead. More comprehensive details can be found in the Medium-Term Framework Plan 2022-2024 and the Draft Estimates of the 2022 Budget, which I encourage all our citizens to read once it is published.

Knowledge is power, and these documents will provide persons with the knowledge and information they need to more actively participate in the opportunities in our economy.

The Global Economy

Mr Speaker, context is important. Therefore, we must situate the Virgin Islands economy within the global landscape. That is the only way we can have a proper appreciation for what has happened in 2021 and what the projections will be for 2022.

The advent of COVID-19 vaccines early in 2021 brought optimism for the resurgence of economies after a stagnant 2020.

In June 2021, the World Bank, in its Global Economic Prospects Report, forecasted that the global economy was set to expand 5.6 percent in 2021 - the strongest post-recession pace in 80 years underpinned by steady but highly unequal vaccine access. The July 2021 global growth projection from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 2021 was for 6.0 percent over 2020.

Perspective is, however, important. This recovery was, however, projected to be unevenly concentrated in a few major economies, with most emerging market and developing economies lagging behind. While about 90 percent of advanced economies were expected to regain their pre-pandemic per capita income levels by 2022, only about one-third of emerging market and developing economies were expected to do so.

Further, the World Bank noted, in low-income countries, the effects of the pandemic are reversing earlier gains in poverty reduction and compounding food insecurity and other long-standing challenges.

According to the World Bank, by 2022, the global output would remain about 2 percent below pre-pandemic projections, and per capita income losses incurred in 2020 would not be fully undone in about two-thirds of emerging markets and developing economies.

Simply put, COVID has messed up the entire worlds economy.

The IMF, however, in its October 2021 World Economic Outlook Report has downgraded the 2021 growth projection by 0.1 percent.

The world will have to wait until June 2022 to hear what the World Bank has to say.

Mr. Speaker, no-one has a playbook for this unpredictable and unprecedented COVID-19.

I caution that persons should not get carried away by the overall figures, because while the projections are very encouraging for the wealthier economies, the situation is very much the opposite in the less developed economies.

Vaccine access, vaccine hesitancy, the emergence of new variants of the virus, and disruptions to major supply chains, are among the main contributors to the reduced projection. Pandemic-related disruptions to contact-intensive sectors have also caused the labour market recovery to significantly lag the output recovery in most countries.

The IMF is maintaining its projection for 4.9 percent global growth in 2022.

Mr Speaker by April 2020, international tourist arrivals globally had dropped by 98 percentage points from pre-pandemic levels, according to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The recovery has been very sluggish.

A joint report by the UNWTO and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in June 2021 estimates a total loss of more than $4 trillion to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the years 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19s direct impact on tourism and its ripple effect on other sectors. Some 53 percent of this loss will be experienced by developing countries.

The Virgin Islands is clearly not unique in our experience, Mr Speaker.

According to the UNWTO/UNCTAD report, experts do not expect a return to pre-COVID arrival levels until 2023 or later. The main barriers are travel restrictions, slow containment of the virus, low traveller confidence and a poor economic environment.

Additionally, the profile of travellers has changed. Retirees, who tend to spend more per trip, are more likely to stay at home. Younger travellers, who seem more willing to travel tend to stay longer but spend less than older travellers. This means that tourism-dependent developing countries must diversify their industries.

While we will strive to be optimistic, we have to also be realistic.

We must measure our expectations while global tourism recovers. We must take heed. We must adjust our thinking and our strategy.

We must pivot to our strengths, improve on our weaknesses, be cognisant of threats and position ourselves to take advantage of opportunities when they arise - and to even create our own opportunities through innovation.

We must push forward, adapt, evolve and we must continue to diversify our economy.

Financial Performance Review

But notwithstanding this glum projection from the global tourism community, I am pleased to say that the Virgin Islands tourism industry did show some encouraging signs for recovery, particularly in the recent months. And for this we must say to GOD be all the glory.

We have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to in 2022 as a preferred destination and jurisdiction.

Despite the unavoidable restrictions on travel such as reduced airline and ferry capacities which apply not only to the Virgin Islands, the demand for the Virgin Islands sun, sand, sea and overall experience has remained high.

Up to the end of October just below 38,000 persons entered the Virgin Islands via the air and sea ports, with the vast majority being visitors.

With a more aggressive advocacy for mass vaccinations, the reduction of the BVI Gateway fee and easing of the quarantine periods for fully vaccinated travellers, it is expected that the gradual increase in arrival numbers will continue through the rest of 2021 to reach a projected 46,000 overnighters and day-trippers.

Based on the cruise schedules published by the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA), it was projected that a total of around 66,000 cruise passengers would visit our shores by the end of 2021.

And in case you are wondering, I want to thank all of those who work at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, the BVI Ports Authority and especially all of us who went to Seatrade and were able to help this to happen with Gods help.

Critical to this progress was the Virgin Islands profile as a relatively safe destination for travel during the pandemic.

We were clear that our strategy for the reopening of the borders and businesses, was a managed one with vigilance to keep everyone safe.

Notwithstanding the protocols for operations, our people generally kept in line with what was required. Our visitors adapted and adjusted to our New Regular, so that activity could continue to expand.

Mr Speaker, there were those at this time who said that the BVI will never be back. There were those who were saying at this time that other places were eating our lunch. But Iam here to say today that because of the measures that we have put in place, we not only now have our lunch back; we have the entire store to get breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For 2021:

We are on our way back.

When the pandemic struck in March 2020, your Government took some decisive measures, which we said although they were tough -- were aimed at protecting the lives and livelihood of our people and the economy from catastrophic damage.

The level of economic activity that can be seen taking place is proof that we have been able to achieve this so far, and our economy remains stable and resilient after all it has been through in recent years.

The stimulation of the economy through various measures assisted in reducing some financial burden on our systems, while creating opportunity for business ideas, innovative operations, and boosting activities where possible.

For 2021:

The projected improvement in economic activity in 2021 came as no surprise following the stimulation of the economy from the roll-out of a $40 million grant from the BVI Social Security Board (BVISSB) in the third quarter of 2020.

Do keep in mind that $10 million from the BVISSB grant was placed into an unemployment relief fund and managed by BVISSB. Also, $7.5 million from the grant was paid to the National Health Insurance (NHI), where from the inception previous Governments had been delinquent in making payments.

Along with the economic stimulus package, your Government also injected resources into the economy by advancing the roll-out of a number of public sector capital projects.

The combination of these two measures the grant and the capital projects resulted in a vitamin boost for economic activity across many sectors leading to a 2.2 percent upward revision of the projection for the overall growth in 2021 over 2020, compared to the 7.5 percent contraction that was first forecasted.

Mr Speaker, your Government is fully aware of the need to continue exercising a reasonable level of caution. Because we continue to get back stronger and stronger daily, but we are not there yet. But thank GOD we are not where we were.

Hence, while this improvement is encouraging, we are cognisant that it is not enough to outweigh the effects of the pandemic on our GDP. We will get there, but it will take diligence, persistence and vigilance.

With respect to Financial Services, Mr Speaker, despite the continued declining annual trend in the market share of the industry in 2020, which was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rebound of the financial services industry in mid-2020, which continued into the first half of 2021, with incorporation figures that were similar to pre-pandemic levels. New incorporations grew by 68.5 percent and 24.1 percent by the end of the second quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Incorporations up to August, numbered 23,182, growing 65.5 percent when compared with the same period in 2020. Similar growth patterns were recorded in revenue from fees up to August 2021 with a growth of 3.7 percent compared to the similar period in 2020.

Revenue from Financial Services surpassed the initial 2021 estimate of $184.4 million and is projected to close at $196.4 million more than $7 million in excess of the 2020 figure of $189.75 million. This is of course due to the sterling efforts of our innovative and driven team at the Financial Services Commission and our other industry stakeholders.

While the projection is that new incorporations will remain steady or be slightly improved at best, we must be on guard that the overall declining trends witnessed over the last 10 years, in both incorporations and transactional activity can continue.

In the construction sector, Town and Country Planning Department data shows that construction imports grew by a substantial 98.8 percent in the first half of 2021 - to $51.98 million, compared to the first half of 2020. Inflationary pressures do continue to be felt across goods following the demand and supply stresses affecting the general movement of prices impacted by the pandemic. And may I add, this is not just in the BVI, but this is happening throughout the entire world.

While the pandemic impacts linger, in 2021 some sectors continue to operate with certain constraints. On the other hand, other sectors such as mining and quarrying, construction, and transportation and storage are showing signs of increasing economic activity that is largely driven by ongoing public and private sector capital projects.

The revised budget estimates show total Government revenue in 2021 was $332.1 million; just $190,000 less than the initial projection.

Total Revised Recurrent Expenditure for fiscal year 2021 totalled $341.7 million; $11.3 million above the initial estimates. This included $17.88 million in Coronavirus Prevention Expense, which together with other expenditure, was essential in keeping our people safe while protecting the economy during the on-going pandemic.

It is anticipated that by the end of 2021 the Government of Virgin Islands will expend $4 million towards the long overdue increments for work year 2017 and the balance will be expended in 2022. Our public officers deserve their increments, and even during these challenging times, this Government is making provisions to ensure that it is paid and paid in this 2022 Budget. And even before the end of the year, some of the public officers will receive their increment. We are almost there. We are getting there.

Total Government Debt stands at $140.98 million as at 15 October, 2021, of which $94.3 million is foreign debt and $46.6 million is local debt.

The numbers once again show prudent, responsible fiscal management. The situation could easily have turned much worse had your Government not taken the tough and well calculated decisions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and to stimulate the economy in the areas targeted.

Mr Speaker, as the captain of the financial ship, I can honestly say that there were many sleepless nights to keep this country running. But with GODs help, we continued to run between the raindrops and dont get wet.

Record and Forecast

Here is the original post:

2022 Budget Address - Government of the Virgin Islands

Island Nursing Home Task Force meets with town officials – The Ellsworth American

DEER ISLE The Island Nursing Home is officially empty of residents that is. There are still a couple of employees working to handle paperwork and other issues.

That was some of the news from two members of the Island Nursing Home Task Force: Chairman Dr. Sam Harrington and Vice Chairwoman Rep. Genevieve McDonald (D-Stonington).

The nursing home, which closed due to a lack of staff, moved its last resident Oct. 22.

On Nov. 4, Harrington and McDonald updated members of the Deer Isle Select Board, who had questions.

So, what are they doing up there? Select Board member Joe Brown asked.

We dont know, McDonald quipped. There is a social worker whos keeping in touch with residents and another staffer, Lori Morey, is in the building handling medical records and other paperwork. I dont know how long that will go on.

Select Board members asked whether the homes executive director, Matthew Trombley, had left. He has.

INH has temporarily frozen its license, which expires in October 2022. McDonald said there is a process to extend the license.

Deer Isle Town Manager Jim Fisher said, Before they hire a new executive director, they need to decide if theyre going to reopen as a nursing home.

An executive directors license is essentially what runs the nursing home, McDonald said. It needs to be someone dedicated to the island.

Harrington said Heidi Gillen might serve as the interim executive director.

Shes been there a long time, Harrington said. Shes done every job. She was designated to be the successor for Matthew when the board realized Matthew wasnt going to be there forever.

One complaint that many community members have expressed is what they see as late notice about the nursing homes closure. The nursing home announced the October closure in late August.

To that end, McDonald and state Sen. Louie Luchini (D-Hancock County) are co-sponsoring a bill that will require more transparency around nursing homes closures.

I agree there should have been a lot more transparency, McDonald said. I wish they had reached out sooner. I wish that previous to it getting that dire, they had reached out to the community.

Transparency was nothing up there, said Select Board Chairman Ron Eaton. Ticks me off.

A shortage of housing on the island was one of the issues cited in the staffing shortage.

It would be ideal to have local staff, but if theres nowhere for them to live thats what we run into, McDonald said. So, one of the things we have to look at, we may have to look at foreign nursing.

INH has looked into hiring nurses from the Philippines.

I dont have any doubt that will be the way to do it, said Brown, whose family has run a plumbing and heating business on the island for over 70 years. Maybe downsizing the operation so you dont have to have as many staff to run it. If Im running my business, Im going to start out a little smaller.

Fisher said housing is very important, but the median age is 55 in Deer Isle.

Thats not an easy age to recruit someone to do a job like that, he said.

Its a difficult job, Brown added.

Harrington said its difficult for employees to work if they dont know if theyll be asked to work a double shift.

Thats an untenable situation to be in if you have family, he said.

Its a very fragile industry, the physician said. If youre short one staff member, you cant shrink your business, you have to move a patient.

Meanwhile, INH is looking for volunteers, about 160 in total, to adopt a resident, according to the nursing homes social media page.

Dede Ragot, INHs social services director, said the goal of the program is to recruit a group of volunteers who are interested in reaching out and maintaining contact with the Island Nursing Home residents who were recently displaced and transitioned to other facilities.

The aim of this program is to support former residents with their transition, maintain a connection with their island community, and to convey they are missed and have not been forgotten, Ragot said.

Being a volunteer would mean committing to contacting a resident each month, whether through sending a card, calling or visiting.

We will match volunteers and residents with similar interests through an about me profile or a specific resident can be requested, said Ragot. INH is hoping to find two to three volunteers (roughly 160 volunteers) for each of our former residents.

Groups wishing to contribute cards, letters, drawings, small gifts, stamps, etc. are also welcome and would be greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Ragot at 460-2941 or [emailprotected]

Meanwhile, the task force is hosting an online community meeting on Monday, Nov. 15, at 5:45 p.m.

McDonald said the purpose of the meeting is to provide an update and to solicit feedback from the community. The link to attend can be found on the calendar on the town of Deer Isles website.

Excerpt from:

Island Nursing Home Task Force meets with town officials - The Ellsworth American

Aucklanders can visit the Hauraki Gulf conservation islands again – Stuff.co.nz

Aucklanders who have been cooped up during lockdown over the last few months will be able to enjoy some of the incredible nature on their doorsteps once again from Friday.

Ferries will restart to the Hauraki Gulf conservation islands of Rangitoto and Tiritiri Matangi on Friday and Rotoroa Island on Saturday as restrictions are loosened under step 2 of alert level 3.

The islands have been off limits to recreational visitors for the last three months, with only essential travel allowed as Auckland continued to deal with the pandemic.

Fullers360 CEO, Mike Horne, says its great to once again welcome day-trippers onboard.

Fullers360

Rangitoto Island features must-do Auckland walks.

READ MORE:* Lonely Planet names Auckland the best city in the world to travel to in 2022* The best Auckland day hikes to do in the new alert level 3 * Te Huia train service on track for central Auckland stop on weekdays

The DOC protected islands are teeming with native wildlife for Aucklanders to spot on their next day trip. Were proud of the role we have in providing essential services for Aucklanders, and now being able to reopen island destinations for safe recreational travel, said Horne.

Andrew Poole, Chair at Rotoroa Island Trust, agreed: "With stunning coastal walks, sandy swimming beaches, fascinating island history and native wildlife, Rotoroa Island is a place to truly feel restored.

Sailings will be operating with reduced capacity to enable physical distancing onboard, and passengers must still follow all government guidelines for travelling on public transport including wearing a face covering onboard and inside ferry terminals, and scanning in using the Covid Tracer app.

Why go? Rangitoto Island features must-do Auckland walks.

Visitors can spend a few hours ambling around most of the volcanic island's base or take a trip up to the 260-metre-high crater summit to soak in the Hauraki Gulf's panorama.

Fullers360

Tiritiri Matangi is a 75-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

Why go? Tiritiri Matangi is a bird watcher's paradise.

The 220-hectare Department of Conservation-run island is being repopulated with native birds and vegetation including t, fantail, silvereye and grey warblers.

AUCKLAND ZOO

One of the residents on Rotorua Island.

Why go? Get up close and surrounded by nature.

Listen out for teke, takah, pteke, whitehead and saddleback calls. Keep an eye out for kiwi. First released in 2014, more than 25 kiwi now enjoy the predator-free haven.

More information at fullers.co.nz.

Read more from the original source:

Aucklanders can visit the Hauraki Gulf conservation islands again - Stuff.co.nz

Malta: The island welcoming digital nomads – BBC News

Visitors to Malta may also benefit from the tourism-boosting Free Independent Traveller (FIT) scheme, which allows participating hotels to give guests who stay three days or more up to 200 (100 from the government and a matching subsidy from the hotel) in incentives (which can include a room discount or on-site perks). Book quickly though, as the special deals may end when funds for the programme run out.

Travel with no trace

Malta has been making some of the largest strides in environmental sustainability in recent years, ranking 10th in Earth.org's Global Sustainability Index. In 2021, the country launched its action plan toward a circular economy one which ensures that producers remain responsible for where their products end up, encouraging reuse, recycling and overall reduction of resources.

To encourage this, the Malta Ministry for Tourism launched its Green Mobility programme for hotels in 2019, which awards hotels for encouraging sustainable modes of transport like bicycling, electric vehicles and shuttle services for its employees and guests to get to and from the hotel and urban centres. Current award winners include the five-star AX The Palace, its four-star sister hotel AX Victoria, and The Waterfront Hotel, conveniently located in Sliema near the ferry to capital city Valletta.

Eating sustainably and serving local ingredients from local farmers and fishermen has been on the rise here as well. Le Bistro, located in the Radisson Blu Resort near the sandy beach of Golden Bay, works closely with local suppliers to serve Spanish- and Italian-influenced dishes.

For those looking to eat more plant-based fare, Malta resident James Cutajar, who runs the travel blog The Travel Deck, recommends The Grassy Hopper, Malta's first vegan restaurant, which recently rebranded under the name Foam and Fork. "They offer some amazing burgers, wraps and salads," he said.

Read the original here:

Malta: The island welcoming digital nomads - BBC News

An Indian island paradise escaped COVID-19. Then a Hindu nationalist official arrived – Yahoo News

A dozen activists of the Center of Indian Trade Unions stage a peaceful demonstration in Kochi, India, on June 15, 2021, expressing solidarity with the inhabitants of Lakshadweep against changes made by a new administrator. (R S Iyer / Associated Press)

For 44 years, Nijamuddin K. lived his life in peace on Kavaratti, a sandy atoll surrounded by turquoise water 200 miles west of Indias Malabar coast.

On a good day, when the winds cooperated and the fish were running, he could take his wooden boat with the creaky motor out to sea and catch up to 60 tuna. Steady demand for the prized fish on the Indian mainland made him the breadwinner for an extended family of 14.

The turbulence of modern India has long eluded Kavaratti and the 35 other flecks of idyllic tropical land scattered across the Arabian Sea and known as Lakshadweep. That serenity was upended in December, when a newly appointed administrator for the federal territory named Praful Khoda Patel visited the archipelago following the death of his predecessor.

Patel lifted restrictions on travel to the islands that had kept Lakshadweep remarkably free of COVID-19. The relaxation came just as Indias disastrous second wave was developing, resulting in a sudden and deadly outbreak in the island community.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, seen in 2019 with Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh state Yogi Adityanath. Under the Modi government, Muslims have been increasingly marginalized in a country where they make up 14% of the population. (Altaf Qadri / Associated Press )

But what sparked protests and turned this rarely noticed collection of reefs into national news was prompted when Patel, a loyalist of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, introduced sweeping plans to overhaul life in the Muslim enclave. It was as if the targeting of Muslims that has riven the mainland in recent years had suddenly made its way across the sea.

Without consulting anyone in Lakshadweep, Patel proposed giving the government unchecked powers to seize property and relocate residents in the name of developing the island chain into a tourist destination that could rival the nearby Maldives.

He then suggested a ban on beef and a lifting of prohibitions on alcohol, an affront to local religious sensibilities. Patel also wanted to bar anyone with more than two children from running for local elections, a move widely seen as a ploy to weaken the political standing of Muslims, who make up 95% of the population.

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Patel also wants to hand authorities the power to detain anyone without public disclosure for up to a year a rule more commonly used in parts of India with national security concerns, not a place like Lakshadweep where theres virtually no crime.

Its no secret they want to eradicate our community, said Nijamuddin. It makes me angry and sad. They could have learned about our lifestyle and culture instead of imposing all these rules.

Nijamuddins problems began on April 27 when workers employed by the federal government demolished his beach shed and disconnected his electricity supply without warning. The government has been clearing beachfront land in Kavaratti and other inhabited islands in Lakshadweep, declaring structures like sheds illegal.

Nijamuddin had dipped into his savings to construct the shed made of bamboo and coconut leaves to store his fishing nets and shelter his boat when it needed repair. The vessel still has a gash on its bow from Cyclone Tauktae earlier this year.

The following month, Nijamuddins 75-year-old father died of COVID-19. He had been struggling to breathe for weeks, but there was little doctors could do at a government hospital overwhelmed by patients and short on beds.

We used to feel safe here because there were no cases while there were millions in other parts of India, said Nijamuddin, who suspects everyone in his family has been infected, most asymptomatically.

Lakshadweeps residents are now under lockdown to contain a wave of COVID-19 thats infected more than 9,000 people and killed at least 46, making it one of the worst outbreaks in India on a per capita basis.

Unable to fish, Nijamuddin has had to borrow money from friends and relatives to make ends meet. Growing signs of a third wave in India mean Lakshadweep could be months from recovery.

I have a family of 14 people to feed and fishing is the only way of earning money, Nijamuddin said. Now that is also taken away and I dont know how I am going to survive.

The father of two was so frustrated that he joined the so-called Black Day protest on June 14 organized by local activists. Thousands of island residents wore black in solidarity and posted signs outside their homes that read Go back Patel.

More demonstrations have followed, including a hunger strike. The hashtag #SaveLakshadweep has been trending in India. Authorities have responded to the uproar by arresting nearly two dozen demonstrators.

Patel, who could not be reached for comment, has defended his plan by saying the BJP administration is trying to uplift the lives of coconut growers and fishermen of the island.

He said the stringent security laws are needed so that youth are not misguided.

Residents dont believe they will benefit from Lakshadweeps development of luxury hotels. They say they are being pushed aside because of their faith.

Under the Modi government, Muslims have been increasingly marginalized in a country where they make up 14% of the population. Theyve been targeted by police and violent mobs. And in a bid by Modis ruling party to make India more of a Hindu nation, many could be rendered stateless by a citizenship law that excludes Muslim migrants.

Human rights activists say Patel epitomizes Modis imprint on the worlds largest democracy by suppressing dissent and ignoring the interests of Lakshadweeps Muslim population to advance his partys ideology.

Lakshadweep is an indication of how the Hindu nationalist agenda of the Modi administration has seeped into what should be nonpartisan governance structures, said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director for Human Rights Watch. Political appointments have resulted in arbitrary actions to enforce the governing ideology without consultation or taking into account rights protections and constitutional freedoms.

The result, Ganguly said, was an avoidable crisis of the governments own making.

The biggest problem in Lakshadweep is there was no problem, she said. What were they trying to solve?

Patels proposals are awaiting approval by the Home Ministry and Modis Cabinet. Opposition lawmakers have criticized the plans, which have also attracted the attention of celebrities, including Aisha Sulthana, a popular filmmaker and native of Lakshadweep, who likened Patel to a bioweapon for relaxing COVID-19 travel restrictions and triggering an outbreak. Sulthana has since been charged by police with sedition for the remark.

Residents of Lakshadweep say Patels actions suggest hes trying to purge the islands of their inhabitants. In another unpopular move, the federal government has cited budget constraints after laying off hundreds of employees and contractors on the islands.

Raida C.K., a former office assistant at Lakshadweeps recreation department, was fired after she spent two weeks in jail for participating in a demonstration against Patels relaxed COVID-19 rules. Gone is her $150 monthly salary needed to take care of her mother and brother. The family has been feeding itself thanks to the generosity of neighbors.

Our freedom is being taken away, said Raida, 30. People on these islands are simple, straightforward people. We don't know how to deal with this attack on our culture and traditions.

Nijamuddin spends his days restless, stuck at home. His nets are dry and he doesn't know when he'll get back to sea. He has trouble sleeping most nights as he lies awake thinking about how to repay his debts and his family's future in Lakshadweep.

"If they take our lands," he said, "we have nowhere else to go."

Times staff writer Pierson reported from Singapore and special correspondent Torgalkar from Pune.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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An Indian island paradise escaped COVID-19. Then a Hindu nationalist official arrived - Yahoo News

COVID-19: Malta, Balearic and Caribbean islands added to UK travel green list from today – Sky News

Malta, the Balearic islands and parts of the Caribbean are among the countries being moved to the UK's travel green list from today.

Anyone arriving in the UK from green list destinations from 4am on Wednesday will no longer have to self-isolate for 10 days.

The full list of countries moving onto the green list is as follows:

Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Balearic islands (Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca), Barbados, Bermuda, BIOT, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Madeira, Malta, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.

All of the destinations being moved to the green list, with the exception of Malta, are also being put on the government's 'green watchlist'.

This means that they are "at risk of moving from green to amber", the Department of Transport said, noting that "passengers are urged to take extra care when thinking about travelling to green watchlist countries".

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said green watchlist countries could be moved to amber before the next official review in three weeks' time.

Jerusalem and Israel, which were already on the green list, are also being moved onto the watchlist, the department said.

Eritrea, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Mongolia, Tunisia and Uganda are being moved onto the red list from 4am on Wednesday.

Anyone returning from these countries will have to quarantine in a government-sanctioned hotel for 10 days.

Although Malta and the Spanish Islands are being moved to the green list, local rules mean that Britons hoping to holiday there face restrictions on arrival.

Only fully-vaccinated people from the UK will be allowed into Malta, while those travelling to the Balearics will have to prove vaccination status or a negative COVID test result before entering.

The next travel review will take place before the planned final easing of coronavirus restrictions in England on 19 July.

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COVID-19: Malta, Balearic and Caribbean islands added to UK travel green list from today - Sky News

Lumber theft alleged | Island Scanner – Whidbey News-Times

The following reports were selected from reports made to the Island County Sheriffs Office:

Wednesday, June 2

At 8:20 a.m., a woman reported that she stole a sign from Deception Pass Bridge 30 years ago and wants to turn herself in.

At 9:05 a.m., a West Green Valley Road resident reported that she found arrows in her fence. She said they may have come from a nearby homeless camp.

At 10:10 a.m., a caller reported that an employee was bitten by a customers dog on Craw Road.

At 12:03 p.m., a caller reported that people were beating each other up in a grocery store on South Main Street.

At 7:36 p.m., a Wallace Court resident reported that someone pried open and broke into a locked mailbox.

At 8:40 p.m., a Blacktail Lane resident reported that the ships in Holmes Harbor were noisy.

Thursday, June 3

At 3:17 a.m., a driver reported that a man was walking in the middle of Highway 20 near Welcher Road.

At 9:39 a.m., a caller reported that a homeless person was taking a bath in a restroom on South Main Street.

At 9:58 a.m., a Sage Lane resident reported that a generator was stolen.

At 2:27 p.m., a woman on Snowflake Road reported that she caught her husband cheating.

Friday, June 4

At 10:39 a.m., a caller reported that someone stole lumber from a house under construction on Hinman Drive.

At 11:07 a.m., a caller reported that three young adults were armed and threw stuff around a store on Midway Boulevard.

At 12:08 p.m., a resident reported finding kittens in the basement of a vacant house on Highway 20.

At 2:40 p.m., a resident reported that a house on Sunset Drive was burglarized. Tools, a guitar and other items were stolen.

At 8:38 p.m., a caller on Barr Beach Road reported that a seal was stuck in netting in the bay.

At 11:05 p.m., a resident reported that a farm on West Crescent Harbor Road may be keeping too many animals.

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Lumber theft alleged | Island Scanner - Whidbey News-Times

NYPD will work all summer with Staten Island youth to beautify the community — and have some fun, too – SILive.com

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- This summer, the NYPD Patrol Borough of Staten Island (PBSI) is determined to continue its commitment to cleaner and safer neighborhoods on Staten Island with a series of events across the borough as part of their Summer of Growth program.

The events, geared toward Staten Island youth, will consist of a combination of park and neighborhood clean-ups as well as recreation including sports, a movie day, a nature walk, and more.

Summer of Growth will begin with a grand opening in Mahoney Park on July 1 from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. PBSI Youth Coordination Officer Derek Brown, who is part of the team that Chief Frank Vega assembled to organize the program, described the event to the Advance/SILive.com as being an all out kind of block party atmosphere.

We want to get some momentum with the youth of the community have some fun, play some sports, listen to some music, dance, give some information on what were going to be doing all summer, Brown said.

Brown explained that the planning team wanted to ensure that Summer of Growth is balanced with both community service and fun.

We wanted the youth that get involved, if theyre going to come out and work with us and theyre going to put their best foot forward to help us bring some pride back to the community of Staten Island, we want them to have some fun. We want them to see the fruits of their labor, said Brown.

Each week, there will be a clean-up event in a specific neighborhood or park on Tuesday and then the group will return on Thursday to the same location for some fun events.

The Summer of Growth events will take place in all four precincts and various neighborhoods across the borough. Youth participants can attend as many events as they choose, and no registration is required.

We wanted to do something that was broad and covered the whole island. We wanted every portion of our community to be involved, Brown explained.

Brown also told the Advance/SILive.com that the events will provide an opportunity for the department to foster a better relationship with the youth in the community in an informal setting.

As were walking through a park or were doing some outreach, it provides a nice, more comfortable atmosphere for them to express themselves to us, having conversations that they want to have with the police department, he said.

Throughout the program, each precinct will have a piece of traveling art that will be brought to events in their corresponding precinct. Volunteers will sign and contribute something inspirational and personal to the art piece. Brown explained that he and the planning team felt it was important to have something tangible for the precincts and the volunteers that honors the work they will have done.

With such an ambitious undertaking going on, theres no way that we would want this to go without being memorialized, Brown said.

As part of the departments mission to drive awareness issues such as the boroughs opioid crisis, the boards will have a purple background in recognition of National Overdose Awareness Day, which is Aug. 31.

At the end of the summer, the boards will be presented to the precinct commanders and then hung in the lobbies of the precincts for police officers and community members to look at with a sense of pride.

The program will conclude with a celebration of what the community and precincts have accomplished together.

When asked what he specifically wants Staten Islanders to know about the program, Brown replied: We can only grow together. We cant just grow in pieces. So its something that we have to do as a community, as a whole.

Brown emphasized that all of the events are open and dont require applications or sign-ups. He encourages everyone to stop by even if its just for one event because it still makes a difference.

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NYPD will work all summer with Staten Island youth to beautify the community -- and have some fun, too - SILive.com

On Island Time With Fashion Label Tier – WWD

Founded in 2014 by Nigeria Ealey (creative director), Esae Jean-Simon (finance director), and Victor James (art director), Brooklyn-based fashion label Tier is this month launching its fourth project, Tier Island.

Its basically our own spin on what Tier would look like if we had our own place, own ecosystem, our own resources everything. It was that navigation from the weve all been home, having to quarantine, stay away from friends and family or travels, so this is that escape were bringing you to this whole new experience thats happy, sunny, lively, adventurous, Ealey explained. Its this hyper-realistic feel.

Since its inception, the self-funded label has pushed art to the forefront of its designs (each cofounder has an art-based background; the brands motto is Art Never Dies) with original artwork. For Tier Island, they redeveloped their signature script logo into an island shape. Each letter of the island represents four perspectives of the mystical, remote location, correlating to four seasonal ready-to-wear and accessory drops.

We broke everything into seasons based on the letters. T is spring, I summer, E fall and R is winter. Each of them tells a different [story of the island], said Ealey.

For spring, which will release on the brands website on July 16, they designed summer fashions with artwork representing their islands experiences (travel, amusement attractions, jet-skiing, building sandcastles, etc.) across mens and womens. Fall will touch on outdoor adventures and more. The collection, as a whole, pushes beyond the brands casual, unisex streetwear signatures into more fashion-forward pieces (novelty knits, a tailored utility dress or body-hugging numbers) alongside the debut of swimwear. The line ranges from $144 to $456 across the 31 styles.

Following the spring online release, the brand is planning to host an immersive island-themed pop-up at the end of July.

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On Island Time With Fashion Label Tier - WWD

More Rules In Place To Prevent Repeat Of Lake Minnetonkas Big Island Stomach Bug Outbreak – CBS Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) The stage is set on Lake Minnetonka for a hot and sunny celebration this holiday weekend.

Big Island in particular is known for boats lining up side by side for a makeshift pool party.

But when we have all these people in a very small area, you know, its kind of like sharing a giant bath tub, said Trisha Robinson, supervisor of the Waterborne Diseases Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health.

When you share the water so closely, you also share each others germs. That was the case two years ago when about 200 people got sick with a mystery illness after partying at Big Island.

I had symptoms that are very similar to food poisoning, said Austin Hilgenberg in July of 2019.

Those who got sick experienced cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. Some suspected E. coli was the cause. Others blamed it on people using the lake as a personal bathroom. Investigators couldnt officially determine a cause, but they have their theories.

(credit: CBS)

It really looked more likely to be a viral illness, so something more like norovirus was much more likely, Robinson said. But again, we didnt have laboratory testing that was conclusive to tell us that.

State health leaders and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) dont want a repeat of 2019. The first step was moving the buoys on Big Island 600 feet from shore.

That way it will probably reduce the density a little, but also allow maybe some movement in there, LMCD executive director Vickie Schleuning said.

Theres also new rules for toilets on boats to ensure human waste isnt getting in water. An ordinance was written making it illegal to have a macerator or grinder pump, as well as leaving a Y valve unlocked.

Beyond those rules, officials are hoping people make smart choices. That includes not drinking the lake water and making sure water doesnt splash into the cup or can of whatever someone is drinking. And if youre feeling sick, sit this weekend out.

Sometimes when people are vomiting or diarrhea, they may think its from something they ate or drank too much of, but sometimes theyre just sick. And it doesnt take much to contaminate an area and affect other people, Schleuning said.

The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office Water Patrol will also be on the lookout for people drinking and boating. There have been at least 16 BUIs on Lake Minnetonka already this year.

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More Rules In Place To Prevent Repeat Of Lake Minnetonkas Big Island Stomach Bug Outbreak - CBS Minnesota