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VOLUME 7 No. 49

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DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

Consultative Forum leads national objection to $11M per year TURKS AND CAICOS Islanders are outraged that they have to pay $11million a year to finance the operations of the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT), and that this information was kept secret from them by the Interim Government. The Consultative Forum, a group of selected consultants to Governor Ric Todd and the Interim Government, only discovered a few days ago that the Turks and Caicos Islands was paying for the SIPT since April of this year. This sparked a heated discussion among members of the Forum, with some strong criticism coming from chairperson Lillian Misick, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Courtney Misick, Dr. Linda Williams and Cynthia Astwood during a debate that was broadcast live on the Government-owned Radio Turks and Caicos on Tuesday December 13th. Since then, on radio talks shows, at various gatherings around the Turks and Caicos Islands and on social networks and blogs, there has been a chorus of dissent about the staggering amounts for SIPT, which Government officials have now admitted are putting a strain on the country’s financial resources. What shocked many persons is the fact that only a few weeks ago, Government officials announced that the deficit had sky-rocketed from $8million and was heading towards $30million, but they gave no indication whatsoever that the UK Government was no longer made to SIPT. The revelation only came when Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson posed a question about SIPT funding to Attorney General Huw Shepheard and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Delton Jones. In her contribution to the debate, Dr. Linda Williams said: “I am so disappointed. There has to be suspicion and I am really disappointed because openly it was said to us that the British Government was undertaking the payment of this exercise. If there was a reversal of that policy, why was it not said for the country to understand. The country now knows that we are carrying the burden. This is

GUNMEN SHOT TWO SECURITY GUARDS

Police personnel direct traffic at the entrance to Royal Bank of Canada along the Leeward Highway, while an ambulance from the Emergency Medical Services dashes from the scene. That was part of the atmosphere at that location on Friday, December 16, after gunmen surprised two security guards who were said to have gone to the bank to make cash drop off shortly before midday. The SUN learned that the two guards were seriously injured, and at press time their condition was unknown. It is understood that the gunmen made off with an undetermined sum of cash. Apparently due to the severity of the men’s injuries, messages courtesy of Black Berry Messaging (BBM) Service were sent out asking for blood.

not the way to go forward and forever there will be suspicions because you never know what is happening behind closed doors.” She added: “You are not dealing with a momma and papa shop where anything goes. This is a country and it is disappointing to operate in this manner. We are not a bunch of fools. The country is angry because a promise made was not kept.”

Former Chief Secretary Cynthia Astwood said she was “terribly embarrassed” by the SIPT funding situation. “If we were given copies of the budget, we would have studied it and questions would have been asked,” she said. “I am disappointed and totally embarrassed by this situation today.” Story Continues On Page 5

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD 2011

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Outrage over SIPT costs

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

...Cont’d from PG1

Chairperson of Forum Lillian Missick said: “We would have understood if you had said to us that come April we have to assume responsibility for the payment of SIPT and that when the monies are recovered it goes back to the Government fund. Good God, man! We are big people. We are educated and informed people and I am as disappointed as everyone else because I had a conversation with the Chief Financial Officer about two months ago and he said to me that we are in difficulty because we have to be funding the SIPT and I said no, but now I understand why he looked at me as if I was a fool.” In a separate statement issued Thursday, Missick said: “the UK should pay not with recovered Funds it allowed to be ostentatiously misappropriated from our treasury, but with funds from its own Treasury. And the members of the Forum and I shall be vigilant in entreating the UK Government to do just that.” Outspoken Forum Member Reverend Courtney Misick said: “The British Government is not telling the truth. Something is wrong. They are playing mind games. You folks in here (the Forum) who are sitting down and not paying attention should open your eyes and stop throwing your hands in the air and voting on foolishness, because what is happening is that they are telling us one thing and doing another. That’s why the budget can’t balance and will never balance because the people in Finance are not telling us the truth. In response to what he said were “many requests” received for clarification re SIPT costs, Governor Ric Todd said: "Each year the SIPT costs approximately $7m and Civil Recovery $4m. Both are expected to run for three years each. To date (until 30 Sep 11) the cumulative cost of both operations is $17.4m, already abated by a $10m payment by the UK Government. "The remaining costs for this, the second year, and next year will be initially met by TCIG, with the costs ultimately abated by the proceeds from the Civil Recovery programme. This has already made significant progress recovering $2.25m in cash and some 800 acres of land valued at $150m. The pace, success and sums recovered throughout 2012 is expected to accelerate greatly, recovering millions of dollars in misappropriated funds and assets for benefit of the people of the TCI,” Todd added. "The original Ministerial statement about both the SIPT and Civil Recovery programme was clear that the UK would make a contribution to the costs in year one. I am sorry if TCIG did not make this clear enough at that time. "We will investigate all means of reducing this burden to TCIG, including asking the UK for additional support, but, clearly, this is not guaranteed. However, and it is worth repeating: we expect that the costs of these investigations will be recovered many times over and will significantly boost the coffers of the TCI Government." Todd said the costs of the SIPT and Civil Recovery Programme will be recouped several times over from the proceeds of their work.

Security guards shot during bank robbery

Page 5

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

TWO SECURITY GUARDS were shot and seriously injured by marauding gunmen who surprised them as they visited Royal Bank of Canada located along Leeward Highway to make cash drop-off. The police confirmed that two persons were shot but declined to give their identities or details of the incident up to press time. They also suspected that the gunmen got away with cash, but sources said the fiends escaped with an undetermined sum of money that they took from the injured security guards. Apparently due to the severity of the men’s injuries, messages were circulated via Black Berry Messenger (BBM) appealing for blood. It has not been ascertained whether or not the gunmen trailed the guards to the location or if they in fact waited to ambush them there. Unconfirmed reports are that the three masked criminals were armed with high-powered weapons. Media houses arrived on the scene in time to see a throng of police personnel feverishly trying to

gather evidence from the crime scene, while medical personnel were observed busily administering first aid to the injured before whisking them away to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. A woman who said she was at the bank at the time of the incident, told reporters that she heard a loud explosion, while in the middle of a transaction. Shortly afterwards she said she heard a yell for everybody to hit the ground. She said she was unsure whether the shout came from one of the gunmen or from other persons in the bank. Seconds later she said she heard another round of explosions, and when everything appeared to have died down, two persons were seen suffering from gunshot wounds. She told reporters that she was too shaken to determine whether or not the injured were staff or customers, rather saying that she was happy to be out of the bank. The woman, who told journalists that she did not want to appear on camera, said at no time did she see the gunmen.

Police investigating murder and death of a three-year-old child in South Caicos

ON WEDNESDAY EVENING 14th December 2011 the Turks and Caicos Islands recorded its third Homicide for the year 2011. According to Media Liaison Officer Inspector Calvin Chase, the incident occurred in a wooded area off South Dock Road Providenciales where a male was found with fatal injuries. The said male was pronounced dead at the scene. The SUN can report that the name of the deceased is Lovely Fervilus. He was 25-years-old. Chase said the investigation is in its preliminary stages and is being headed by Officers from the Criminal Investigation Division in Providenciales. An autopsy will be performed within the coming days to ascertain the cause of death. The Police are asking for the public’s assistance . Anyone with information can contact the Police at one of the following telephone numbers 9464259,999, or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or through a web tip on www.crimestoppers Turks and Caicos on facebook. Chase also said that on Wednesday 14th December 2011 on the island of South Caicos, around 5:45 pm a three (3) year old girl was found lifeless in an uncovered pit which contained water. This incident took placed at a location known as The Flat. The body was later pronounced dead. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. An investigation is ongoing at this time. On Saturday night 10th December 2011 a couple were accosted along South Dock Road Providenciales by an armed subject. The couple was forced to

drive to an area off the South Dock road where two additional male subjects became involved. The driver of the vehicle was robbed of his personal belongings and had his vehicle stolen. The female was taken to the nearby bushes where she was sexually assaulted by one of the males before escaping. The investigation is being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division and the Sexual Offence / Domestic Violence unit. The Police are cautioning persons travelling in the area of the South Dock road to use extreme caution in slowing to pick up persons or parking in unlit, unpopulated areas. They are also advising that persons should keep their vehicle doors locked at all times and only open for persons known to them. • On Saturday night the 10th of December 2011 the Police in Providenciales responded to a report of a robbery at gunpoint on South Dock Road. A male subject was shot and robbed of a computer by a masked gunman. The victim was treated for his nonlife-threatening injury at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and released. The investigation is continuing • On Friday night, the 9th December 2011, during the execution of a routine stop search on a vehicle and its passengers information was gleaned which led to the execution of a search warrant at a premise in the Bight area. The subsequent search resulted in a significant quantity of suspected cannabis, cocaine and cash being seized. Two men and three women were arrested at the time and the

investigation is continuing. Charges are anticipated to be laid later this week. • Police in Providenciales responded to four reported crimes, namely three (3) Burglaries and one (1) Attempted Burglary. All investigations are still under investigation with no arrests being made to date. During this same time period a female was arrested on suspicion of sending death threats and extortion via email. This incident is still under investigation. A male has been charged for taking a Motor Vehicle without Authority. This is relation to an incident which occurred on Monday the 12th of December. A female has also been charged for Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with intent to supply, Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Cannabis with intent to supply. This is in relation to a stop search and subsequent residence search which occurred on the 10th of December. This female was released on Police bail with a surety. • On 15th December 2011, police said that During the past twenty four (24) hours Police in Providenciales responded to seven reported crimes, namely one(1) Murder, three(3)Theft, one(1)Burglary, one(1)Attempted Burglary and one(1)Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. All the reports are still under investigation. During this same time period a male was arrested on suspicion of Theft in connection with one of the Theft reports for the said period. A male has also been charged for Burglary. This is relation to an incident which occurred on Saturday 10th of December 2011.

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COMMENTARY

US/CARICOM TIT-FOR-TAT OVER CUBA BY RICKEY SINGH

By Rickey Singh

EDITORIAL CARTOON

THE administration of US President Barack Obama got it wrong in thinking it could deal a diplomatic 'black eye' to the host government and its allies for last week's Fourth Triennial Caricom/Cuba Summit in Port of Spain, and escape a stinging rebuke from the 15-member Community. And it all had to do with the presence in Port of Spain of an official delegation from Cuba, headed by President Raul Castro — the reason for the two-day summit — in the very Caricom nation that had hosted President Obama and all other leaders of the hemisphere for the Fifth Summit of the Americas in 2009. It was a pathetic display of misuse of power by the world's superpower, compounded by a clumsy explanation-via its embassy in Port of Spain — why a required and sought licence could not have been forthcoming in time from the US Treasury for the Caricom/Cuba Summit to take place, as originally scheduled for December 7-8, at the Hilton Trinidad. That unexpected development compelled the embarrassed host Government of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to hurriedly make arrangements for alternative hotel accommodation and conference venue, which was hardly a problem, given the very impressive options available in this Caricom partner state. And all because of a lingering historical bitterness on the part of successive governments of superpower USA to dislodge for half a century the revolutionary government in a comparatively small Caribbean nation some 90 miles off Florida. To think that in the final days of the second decade of the 21st century mighty "Uncle Sam" could resort to engaging in a political game to frustrate a scheduled triennial Caricom/Cuba summit from taking place at a planned venue, is disturbing for Caricom/US relations as it must be for their allies in the rest of the western hemisphere. The switch in alternative arrangements was hurriedly pursued when it became clear that the government-owned Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre — part of the US-based hotel chain of Hilton Worldwide — had been blocked from the holding of the event there in the context of America's anti-Cuba legislation which forbids doing business with that Caribbean nation. That draconian legislation, rooted in America's half century of a most punishing trade and economic

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

embargo against Cuba, is known as the HelmsBurton Act of 1996. It prevents American corporations from doing any business with Cuba without first obtaining a licence from the US Treasury. That's the official explanation. The devil is in the details and expose more than a slap in the face for the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago. According to varying responses from the US Embassy in Port of Spain and management of the Hilton Trinidad, prior request for US Treasury approval of a licence to host the summit at the hotel was made, but "apparently too late". Nevertheless, the explanation has revealed that the Hilton's application was dated November 23 but that the US Treasury claimed to have received it on November 28; and that given the "complexity" of Cuba's official involvement, the processing would "take time to resolve…" Well, give me a break, Uncle Sam! In this era of breathtaking communications technology, what unsurmountable hurdles really faced the relevant decision makers of the world's superpower in facilitating that application involving a very friendly host government and its whollyowned hotel and international conference centre that required no financial expenditure by Cuba? Even accepting the claim that it was "received" five days after it was forwarded, why could it not have been conclusively processed over almost a week while the Government in Port of Spain remained engaged with arrangements for its summit guests, among them President Raul Castro? Even customary, expedient claims about "bureaucratic inefficiencies" on the part of either the Hilton Trinidad or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs do not seem to wash in this case. Rather, it appears to be a well choreographed act with the effect of humiliating both host and its Community partners for whom the triennial summit has evolved as an institutionalised event in CubaCaricom relations. The summit, inaugurated in Havana with the previous event held in Havana in 2008, stands as an expression of official Cuban appreciation for the significant role played by Caricom — first by the quartet of Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago — in breaking US diplomatic isolation of the revolutionary Caribbean state. It was a bold, unprecedented pioneering initiative in the conduct of international relations.

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

Turks and Caicos Sun Suite # 5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946-8542/ (649) 241-1510 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Web Designer: Patrina Moore-Pierre Graphics Editor: Joleen Grant Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Distribution Manger: Kelano Howell Advertising and Marketing ManagerPatrina Moore-Pierre

The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd.

We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Of course, the host government has already dismissed any idea of a "too-late" application as alluded to by an officer of the US Embassy in Port of Spain and, for his part, President Castro took it all in characteristic stride, hardened by the traditional bullish behaviour of administrations in Washington towards the government in Havana they simply love to hate. However, with the conclusion of the two-day summit came a strong rebuke for the US from Caricom on behalf of the Community and its longstanding fraternal ally, Cuba in a statement declaring: "We the Heads of Government of Caricom and Cuba, gathered for the for this Fourth Summit, are affronted by the intrusion of the United States against the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago. This is a unilateral and unwarranted extra-territorial application of the United States Helms-Burton Law which is contrary to the United Nations Charter and to international law… It also flies in the face of the annual overwhelming rejection of this policy by the United Nations General Assembly. We (therefore), reject the intervention of the US authorities which prevented the hosting of the Caricom-Cuba Summit at the Hilton hotel…"

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN’S LETTERS POLICY The Turks and Caicos SUN welcomes Letters to the Editor.

Letters containing libelous or defamatory charges, personal attacks or abusive language will not be considered for publication. We would prefer letters of 500 words or less, and we will not print anonymous letters or letters tagged with initials.

All letters are subject to the final approval of the Publisher and Editor-inChief, who reserves the right to accept or reject submissions and to edit letters and headlines to meet our established standards for grammar, clarity and length.

Page 77 TURKS & -CAICOS SUN 23RD, 2011 DECEMBER 16TH DECEMBER

By Vivian Tyson

LOCAL LOCALNEWS NEWS

TURKS AND- DECEMBER CAICOS SUN23RD, 2011 DECEMBER 16TH

Governor believes 2012 elections still possible

The strengthening of the economy, creating a better business environment and paving the way for a clear path to citizenship are some of the work that will be high on the agenda of His Excellency Governor Ric Todd beginning January 1, 2012. Governor Todd made the disclosure while speaking to The SUN earlier this week. He reiterated that the goals are to ensure that the TCI returns to local rule as quickly as possible. “I think there are three things that I will have on my agenda for the coming year. The first thing is continue to work on the development of economy. I think that is absolutely critical to everything. And that means having the right fiscal policy; not only in terms of surplus, but also in terms of spending money on the right thing. “The second thing is we will be working very hard with businesses to both attract new businesses and to make existing businesses work as well as possible. And third will be working towards the achievement of all the milestones. “For example, we are going to have further consultations on citizenship and permanent residence, because we have to start making

doubt that they would be tough to achieve, but we believe that they are possible, and we also believe that the people of the TCI want to have a return to self government and they want to be able to take decisions on the issues that face them themselves to their elected assembly. And that that we want to spend less is very much my objective and the money on hospitals and British Government objective, too,” more on primary health the governor stressed. care; less on universities, He noted that his greatest more on schools; to have achievement so for is the progress fewer people in the public made working with TCIG to sector, but those there be achieving the pre-election milestones, better skilled and better saying that what has been achieved paid- all of those things so far, will only make the goals that the people agree on – gettable in 2012. require very difficult and Meanwhile, Governor Todd painful changes. boasted of his excellent working “For me, it is working relationship with the current members through and implementing of the Advisory Council, which was those changes which are selected by his predecessor, Gordon difficult for individuals. Wetherell. Pressed as to whether he That has been the hardest plans to have his own selection of part of my job here,” councilors, he hinted to the contrary. Governor Todd pointed out. “I have worked with them a lot; In the meantime, I have great respect for them, and I His Excellency Governor Ric Todd Governor Todd said he is also admired the way that they are preparations for elections, as my lockstep with DIFID Minister Allan prepared to give up their time in objective in 2012 as it has been in Duncan, who pointed out on his visit order to work for the sake of the TCI, 2011, is to work towards there being to the TCI recently, that achieving and I think they deserve the respect elections by the end of next year,” the milestones, especially fiscal ones, of everyone across these islands would be difficult, but stressed that if Governor Todd stressed. for the enormous contribution for In the meantime, Governor Todd the current course does not change, which they make,” Governor Todd said so far the greatest challenge they can be achieved. emphasized. “I and the TCIG know are in no faced by him is the decisions that he has to make in order to resolve the health care problem and the current InterIsland Aviation Services Group fiscal situation. “For me, the issue is not just the amount of money that the public POSITIONS AVAILABLE spends, it is also how you pay for it in taxation and, it is where you spend TwO PuBLIc ArEA SuPErVISOrS it. So, while everyone can agree Responsible for the flow of passengers through the operation bases. Management and lifting of passenger baggage and personal effects. Salary $7.00 p.h..

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Government’s deficit at $15million

LOCAL NEWS

AT THE END of September 2011 revenue and expenditure showed a deficit of $14.9million, which was $7.6million higher than the budgeted deficit of $7.3million, according to a report on the Turks and Caicos Islands second quarter performance. It was noted however, at the same point last year, the deficit was $35.3m. Government revenues at the end of September were $80.7m, up $20.2m (34%) on last year and $2.0m (3%) on budget. The most important income streams, accounting for 79.7% of revenues, were as follows: Import duty is the main revenue source for the year so far with receipts of $20.9 million, down $2.2m (9.5%) against the optimistic budget of $23.1m, while Customs Processing Fees were $5.4m in line with budget. Hugh McGarel-Groves, Chief Financial Officer, TCIG, said: “The detailed results from the second quarter of this financial year reveal that there are real reasons for cautious optimism about the Government’s financial position, despite some setbacks on unbudgeted historic liabilities, as we work towards the milestones of providing a stable economic environment and reaching a financial surplus next year. “Further, we can have improved confidence in our financial data due to our commitment to achieve reliable financial reporting. New measures have been put in place to track the monitoring of both revenue and expenditure programs through individual monthly meetings with Ministries and departments, supported by improvements to the reporting system to ensure more accurate and timely financial information being available.” According to the report, accommodation tax continues to

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

perform well above budget for the year so far with receipts of $17.7m, $4.4m (32.9%) up on last year and $3.5m (24.8%) up on budget. The revised forecasts for the remainder the financial anticipates an overall 25% increase above the previous year and 15% increase above budget, which is in line with advance bookings noted by hoteliers within the islands. Stamp duty on land transactions is performing well above not only last year (+$4.2m/+76.4%) and year to date budget (+$4.2m/+77.0%), but has also exceeded the entire year’s budget by $1.3m. The revised full year forecast for Stamp Duty is now $16.2m against a budget of $8.9m. This is another welcome indication of stronger economic activity in the Islands, the report said. Airport Authority Excess Revenue was $5.5m, $4.4m above last year, but $2.1m below budget. Work Permit and Residency Fees were $5.1m, which was $0.5m below budget and $0.5m below collection last year. This is attributed to the late implementation of revised work permit fees and will be remedied in the next quarter. Other Revenue streams such as Naturalization Fees, Temporary Work Permits, Crown Land Rents Received and Lottery Tax were above budget as well. Total expenditure stood at $95.6m, which was $9.5m (11.1%) above budget, mainly caused by unbudgeted historic liability payments. Staff costs remain the most significant aspect of TCIG expenditure, accounting for 37% of total expenditure to date and 44% of total revenues collected to date. Staff Costs of $35.2m were $2.0m (5.9%) above budget, which is largely attributed to the delayed implementation of the Public

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

Service Reform Program. Subventions to statutory bodies were above budget by $0.3m (7.5%) and Sundry Expenses were above budget by $1.3m (21.3%). Other unfavourable budget variances were Rental of Assets, Operating Expenses and Grants and Contributions. Against a year to date budget of $1.7m and full year budget of $3.3m, Historic Liabilities for the half year were $8.2m which is $6.5m above the year to date budget and has already exceeded the full year’s budget by $4.8m. Historic Liabilities by the end of the financial year are expected to exceed budget of $3.3m by $15.8m and end the financial year at $19.1m: Outstanding Rent of $5.2m accounts for 27% of the total full year forecast historic liabilities and primarily relates to outstanding rental payments due to the National Insurance Board (NIB) for the N.J.S. Francis and Hilly Ewing buildings from 2006. The government is currently in process of negotiating settlement arrangements with the NIB and forecasts to have these outstanding amounts paid before the end of the 2011/2012 financial year. Utilities & Infrastructure Expenses forecast for the full year of $6.4m include outstanding payments to Provo Power Company for the South Caicos Subsidy and electrical payments for government departments including schools, street lighting and other government owned properties that date as far back as 2007. There are also annual payment plan costs of $2.1m over the next 3 years relating to the balance of an outstanding claim from Herzog for $13m of construction and road work done between 30th April, 2007 and 6th May, 2009. Payments to Carnival Corporation in relation to the

Infrastructure Development Fund and outstanding payments to Provo Airport Company related to the transfer of ownership of the Providenciales airport are also included. Medical Expenses of $4.1m, full year forecast, account for 21% of the total forecast historical liabilities and principally relate to outstanding claims from the former Treatment Abroad Program through the then provider Southern Health Network. The government has recently settled an outstanding claim with Jackson Memorial Hospital for $1.2m and currently has a payment plan arrangement in place with South Miami Hospital; $0.2m has also been repaid to pharmaceutical and medical supply companies for outstanding debts in this regard. The report said the first quarter’s results showed good progress in starting to put TCIG’s public finances on track to achieve a fiscal surplus in the financial year ending March 2013. The second quarter was however met with many challenges particularly in the area of expenditures which were $9.5m (11%) above budget. “Challenges arose in the area of Staff Costs and Statutory Bodies costs among others, but most notably in the area of the National Health Insurance Board and Historic Liabilities. TCIG had to assume the responsibility of additional payments to Interhealth Canada Limited on behalf of the National Health Insurance Board and also had to settle a substantial unforeseen overseas medical claim in relation to the former Treatment Abroad program,” the document added. “Over expenditure in the area of historical liabilities and other areas has caused a serious deterioration of TCIG’s financial position and has threatened to undermine TCIG’s attempts to achieve a fiscal surplus by 2013. “

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands:

property is elevated at its roadside frontage and the land slopes slightly in an easterly direction. Any development on the land can enjoy the view of a pond located south-east of the property. Registered Proprietor: Carline Sylvestre

1. Parcel 60805/15/K19, Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, Providenciales. Comprising of a three bedroom townhouse in phase 2 of the Flamingo Park The unit consist of 10 main rooms; kitchen, living and dining room, 2 full baths and 1 part bath. The development as communal facilities including a pool, gazebo, pergola lounge area, paved parking, landscaping, 4 tennis courts and boundary fencing/walls. Registered Proprietors: Deanne Nicola Williams

6. Parcel 6113/147, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales comprising 0.51 acres of an undeveloped inland lot well elevated with limited ocean views of the southern shores of Providenciales. Registered Proprietor: Darnell Laverne Penn.

2. Parcel 50402/93, Kewtownship, North Caicos. Comprising of a single storey residential development, providing four bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, and kitchen and dining area. Registered Proprietor: Annie Victoria Williams 3. Parcel 60604/20, Norway and Five Cays, Providenciales. Comprising of a single storey residential development providing two bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, dining and living room. Registered Proprietor: Henry Nathaniel Rigby 4. Parcel 60611/53, Norway and Five Cays, Providenciales. Comprising of 0.25 acres of an undeveloped inland lot. The

7. Parcel 60400/311, Chalk Sound, Providenciales. Comprising of a high-end detached residential home. The property provides three main bedroom, three and a half bathrooms, four living/dining areas on the ground floor. There is a pool and deck area to the rear and a carport to the front of the property. Registered Proprietor: Patsy Lee Jennings The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 11 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 23rd day of December 2011 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids. Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Manager (649) 946-4750.

Governor fires Chief Auditor

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor

A LACK OF confidence by Governor Ric Todd in his ability to effectively carry out the roles and functions of the TCI Audit Department has resulted in the sacking of Chief Auditor Albert Edwards. Edwards, who served 19 years as the Director of Audit in St. Kitts and Nevis and a career of over 33 years in the civil service in several posts in that country, was given his marching orders on Monday, December 12, courtesy of a letter from Governor Todd. Governor Todd, in an interview with The SUN, revealed that Edwards’ booting was precipitated by TCIG surmising that his work demonstrated that he was not acting in the best interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and therefore believed that suitable auditing exercise could come about only if his contract comes to an abrupt end. “I did not have confidence in the Chief Auditor. We didn’t feel he was complying with his contractual obligations to act in TCIG’s best interest, and we conclude that he should end his contract. We didn’t seek any publicity for this matter; it is a confidential matter. We did not seek to make any comment on it in

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Former Chief Auditor Albert Edwards

public. Our actions are legal and fair and, in the interest of TCI taxpayers,” Governor Todd said. Among the many options that are on the table for the department, is to partially outsource some of its more technical work, which according to Governor Todd, is a preferred option by many governments around the world, including the United Kingdom. “I should just say here that many national governments, including the UK outsource part of their audit

Page 9

function. This isn’t privatization; it is not to downgrade the function of the internal audit, it is simply to bring in skills and to make sure that taxpayers’ money is spent properly. Governor Todd, who is a former finance director, pointed out that Government is also placing the effectiveness of the Audit Department under the microscope with a view to determine as to whether or not it is serving its intended purposes. “What we want to do is to make the audit functions on these islands as good as possible. At the moment the internal audit department in TCI was close some years ago and we need to reopen it. The present audit department employs 13 staff and it cost $600,000 a year – that’s quite a bit of tax payer’s money. “So, under the Public Sector Reform Programme, we are looking at audit, as all departments and say, ‘is this good value for money? Is the service effective? How can we make it better? Is the number of staff right? How can we improve training and skills of those inside? How do we setup an internal audit service? And would there be benefit in bringing in expertise from the private sector?’” he said. Chief Financial Officer Hugh McGarel-Groves, who also weighed

in on the matter told The SUN that the Interim Administration does not believe that the function of the Audit Department is effective, which pointed out is crucial to having critical financial control. He said the department is limited in its operation and therefore, its cope needs to be broadened. “The situation really with the Audit Department is that we don’t believe we have an effective overall audit function. We need one because we need to have proper internal financial control. The present audit department is not an internal audit; all it does is audit the annual accounts. “So, there were discussions with the Chief Auditor about trying to establish an internal audit function, so that we could have internal processes being examined,” McGarel-Groves said, noting that the department is quite expensive to maintain. On the matter of outsourcing McGarel-Groves said: “There is a possibility of outsourcing, but it is no different from any other department (that is currently under review under the Public Sector Reform Programme). If some of the work is better done externally, then that is always an option.”

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Page 10

Developer John Gill to pay $1.2million to settle SIPT criminal and civil issues

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

ATTORNEY GENERAL HUW Shepheard has defended his decision to allow developer John Gill to pay $1.2million to settle all criminal and civil matters that have been identified in the course of the SIPT inquiry following the allegations of unlawful conduct that surfaced during the Commission of Inquiry in 2008. On Friday December 9th, Shepheard announced he obtained the first Civil Recovery Order in the Turks and Caicos Islands under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 2007. The Order, he said, was made by the Chief Justice following a short hearing at which he was informed of the allegations and the settlement that has been reached between the Government and Mr Gill. After a comprehensive investigation by the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team into the role of John Gill and following a detailed review of the evidence against him I agreed to proceed in his case by way of a civil recovery action. In justifying his decision, Shepheard said: “I am satisfied that the public interest is served by this settlement and it is a settlement that is consistent with the interim administration’s policy that it wishes to treat in a fair and proportionate way with all self-confessed wrong doers. I will in appropriate cases consider that an acceptance of responsibility and an agreement to make financial recompense is a sufficient way to resolve these issues, whilst always

Attorney General Huw Shepheard (pictured) continues to defend his decision to allow developer John Gill to pay $1.2million to settle all criminal and civil matters with the SIPT

reserving the right to take criminal proceedings in the right case.” Since then, concerns have been raised country-wide about the perception that Gill may have been given preferential treatment. Shepheard issued another press statement saying he was asked to clarify the statement he made on Friday 9 December 2011 regarding the Civil Recovery Order obtained in relation to Mr John Gill. He said: “I am happy to do so as far as I lawfully can. It must be remembered that there are ongoing criminal proceedings against other individuals that could be prejudiced if I were to disclose the full details of how and why I reached the conclusion that it was appropriate not to

AND CONSTRUCTION LTD

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

prosecute Mr Gill. Not only would such a disclosure be likely to prejudice other proceedings, it would also be a criminal contempt of court. It follows that I will make no further comment in relation to Mr Gill beyond what I say in this statement.” He noted that the SIPT is principally concerned with investigating and prosecuting allegations of criminal conduct arising out of the Commission of Inquiry and it does so under the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands. One of the most significant statutes it has to consider in deciding whether to recommend prosecution in any individual case is the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 2007 (as amended). That Ordinance contains provisions that allow the AG, as the Civil Recovery Authority for the purposes of the Ordinance, to seek the recovery of property from a person who has not been convicted of a crime, even though that person could be charged and prosecuted. There are therefore two ways in which civil recovery can take place, either through a civil claim under the general law brought by Edwards Wildman on the AG’s behalf, or through a civil action under the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance brought by SIPT (again acting on the AG’s behalf) following a criminal investigation. In Mr Gill's case, the AG said SIPT recommended to the AG that it would be appropriate to pursue civil recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance rather than to prosecute Mr Gill. The AG accepted that recommendation.

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”The practice of accepting a civil recovery instead of pursuing a prosecution has a long history in English Law. It has been a feature of the tax recovery regime in England and Wales for several hundred years and has also been adopted in relation to various kinds of wrongdoing by the authorities in the United States of America. Its use is encouraged by several international organisations such as the OECD and the United Nations in their model laws on financial crimes,” the AG added. “ In this instance the AG was satisfied that it was in the public interest to enter into a settlement with Mr Gill, and that the settlement was consistent with the policy of treating selfconfessed wrongdoers in a fair and proportionate way.” In deciding whether to prosecute an individual or a company, the AG said he applies a two stage test, first, whether it is in the public interest to prosecute, and second, whether there is sufficient reliable evidence to be reasonably certain of obtaining a conviction. “It is in considering the public interest that the AG take account of whether an offender has accepted responsibility for his actions and is willing to make financial recompense. Only if the AG is satisfied that that acceptance and willingness to make financal resompense is a sufficient way to dispose of the case will he conclude that it is not in the public interest to prosecute. The AG reserves the right to take criminal proceedings whenever, in the AG’s judgement, it is right to do so,” Shepheard said.

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TCI to get 1 millionth tourist this month

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor

THE TURKS AND Caicos Islands is barreling towards its on millionth visitor, who is expected to arrive between December 26 and 31, this according to Acting Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs, who was addressing a news conference on Thursday (December 15), at the Tourist Board Office in Providenciales. The milestone visitor could arrive either by airplane or cruise ship at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre. According to Higgs, this milestone – the first in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism demonstrate the country’s appeal to the international travelling public. Leading up to the event, Higgs said a series of activities will be held. “This milestone proves that the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be a preferred destination for many travelers. The week of activities will give us the opportunity to celebrate this special occasion with our 1,000,000th and 1,000,001thvisitors, arriving on Grand Turk and Providenciales respectively,” he said. According to Higgs, collaborative

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promotional and marketing campaigns by the Tourist Board, the Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association, TCI Airports Authority and Grand Turk Cruise Centre, have contributed to the spike in visitor arrivals. According to him, the destination has seen a 17 percent jump in cruise and land based arrivals for the third quarter of 2011, when compared with the same period for 2010. He said third quarter

ONE LABOURER

TWO DOMESTIC/ PLANT WORKERS Salary $5.00 per hour 6 days per week

Ralph Higgs and Stacy Cox showing off their promotional T-shirts in anticipation for 1 millionth tourist arriving in the TCI

ONE DOMESTIC HELP Should be able to Lift heavy objects, clean, iron & wash. Salary $6.00 per hour Please contact 339-4100

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arrivals totaled 204,084, with 78,711 land based arrivals and 125,373 cruise arrivals; in 2010, the destination welcomed 174,302 visitors. In the meantime Stacy Cox from of the Windsong Resort and executive member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association said the week of activities will commence on December 26, with second annual staging of crowd-pulling cultural event

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LOCAL NEWS

– Maskanoo. “We are encouraging everyone attending Maskanoo to visit the Tourist Board’s booth to learn more about the ‘millionth visitor and counting.” celebrations. TCHTA would like to thank our hotel members who will be providing visitors with rum and fruit punch when they arrive at the Providenciales International Airport on December 27 until December 30. We would like to also thank Bambarra for providing rum cakes on these days as well, “Cox said. On December 31, the country’s capital will be the first to celebrate as representatives from the Grand Turk Cruise Centre welcome the 1,000,000th visitor. John Young of the Grand Turk Cruise Centre who said 2011 has been a very active year for the Grand Turk Cruise Centre. “There have been some remarkable developments as it relates to cruise tourism in TCI, including the recently passed legislation which allows same day marriages for cruise ship passengers. We all hope that this new initiative will see us continue the growth and see more cruise passengers returning to enjoy the islands for longer stays,” Young said.

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Derryck ‘Jabba’ Halls pleads for public bus service franchise

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DERRYICK ‘JABBA’ HALL wants to operate a public passenger service fleet but complains that his progress is being hampered by the Finance Department, which he said has not responded to his several requests. Hall said he has also sought audience with the governor to tell him of his plan for the public passenger bus service, but so far his efforts have been unsuccessful so far. Hall said he has the financial backing enough to purchase up to 10 buses immediately if afforded the opportunity of such franchise, and will be able to provide several jobs for locals. According to Hall a few years ago, Government constructed bus stops across Providenciales for the purpose to start a public bus service. But according to him, after almost six years, no public passenger service is available. “They have built bus stops for years now and there is no public bus system. You have the carriage but there is no

horse, its ridiculous. What I am fearful about right now is that my ideas are going to be somehow stolen from me and given to some expat conglomerate. Why not me, as a young Turks and Caicos Islander that is trying to do something that is positive?” Hall queried. Hall points to the fact that there is no legally structured public bus or taxi service, saying that the majority of the jitney drivers are illegal and operating unlicensed and uninsured vehicles. He said when these jitneys are involved in accidents, by virtue of them not insured nor licensed, the passengers, if injured, are left on their own because they were travelling in an illegal taxi. His bus system, according to Hall, would change that. “With my bus system, I can offer ten Turks and Caicos Islanders with jobs. We can assist passengers to get to work on time without being fearful of crashing and not being insured. Bus route system would be done on a 15 to

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

20 minute interval, because there is no point from point A to point B on this island that is going to take you more than half hour to get to at a reasonable rate of speed, which is under the speed limit of 40 miles per hour. “You have jitney drivers now; because of the current gas prices are charging passengers more than four dollars in their unlicensed and uninsured vehicles. They used to charge two dollars on these routes. “They are not even licensed to be on the road to transport people, yet they are demanding of citizens of this country that they must pay more money because they have to pay more money for their gas,” Hall said. Hall continued: “When you have someone like me, who is ready to provide a very good service at a set price regardless of the gas prices, but I am being denied that opportunity and I am very saddened by it. Yet there are people who are driving these old cars with sickening emissions and blatant

Derryck Hall

disrespect for the law. They are not even dressed properly. My buses would license to be on the road – that’s fees coming for the Government.” “I have written to Mr. Hugh MaGarel Groves about three times by email, and I was told that he would get back to me. I also wrote a letter and faxed it to his office. I got confirmation that they have received it. I also wrote to Governor to inform him about the nature of my intentions to start this bus service. I am still waiting a response.”

SENIOR LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS

(DEPUTY SECRETARY)

Turks and Caicos Islands Government As part of its public sector reform programme, TCI Government is reducing the number of ministerial departments. New Permanent Secretaries are in the process of being appointed and applications are now invited for the Deputy Secretary posts that will help them lead the new ministries through significant change. These are important senior leadership roles transforming the effectiveness and efficiency of public services. Several positions are available and successful applicants will be appointed to the most appropriate ministries. Applicants will need to be TCI Belongers or demonstrate strong and permanent links with the islands. Previous government experience is not a pre-requisite and applications are invited from anyone with relevant leadership and management experience. Applications will be welcomed from current TCI civil

servants with relevant experience, skills and potential without regard to current seniority. Candidates need to be creative and strategic thinkers, with real leadership ability as well as a relevant level of financial understanding. Change-oriented and with a record of getting things done through people, they will be persuasive communicators, orally and on paper, able to manage complex stakeholder relationships. Above all they will be of unquestionable integrity, with the courage to insist on, and exemplify, the highest moral standards and behaviours. To download further details, including how to apply, please visit www.gov.tc or telephone Cyre Ferguson +1 649 232 2447 Applications received after midnight on Sunday 15th January 2012 may not be considered.

Five new Permanent Secretaries to be chosen first week of January 2012

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor

GOVERNMENT PLANS TO waste no time in the New Year to name the five new permanent secretaries and possibly the ministries that they will be heading, this according to Governor Ric Todd, during a telephone interview with The SUN. He said 33 applications were received, but the number has since been pared down to 12, pointing out that the candidates will be interviewed shortly and the five most suitable ones will be selected early in the year. “The process has already begun. We received 33 applications, we have written a short list. The shortlist of candidates are going to be taking some tests before Christmas, and then in the New Year – the first week in January- the 12 shortlisted candidates are going to be interviewed, and we are intending to make the selection in that first week in January. “And then the new permanent secretaries will take office as soon as possible and get to work on restructuring TCIG from its present nine ministries to five ministries. And the new permanent secretaries will also responsible for working to recruit the 13 deputy secretaries, who will be supporting them in their role of public services to the people of these islands.” Governor Todd said. Governor Todd stressed that the prospective permanent secretaries are from the Turks and Caicos Islands, which he said is in-keeping with a pledge

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

made recently that no applications would be received from persons who do not have Turks and Caicos Islander status. “You may recall that after public consultation we decide that only TCI citizens would be allowed to apply for these jobs. The permanent secretaries, indeed, will be TCI citizens with very strong connections to these islands,” Governor Todd emphasized. In the area of transparency, which is one of the tenets harped upon by Governor Todd during his inauguration, and of which sections of the public complained of not seeing much, the governor defended such position, pointing to areas that he has displayed such principle. “I would say that I have been completely open and transparent. People, in a sense, may or may not agree with the decisions we (TCIG) have taken; but I don’t think anyone can say that I am anything other than completely straight and transparent about what we are doing and why. I think I would say that transparency is not the same as everyone agreeing with me. “Just because I am completely open about what I am doing and why, does not mean that everyone would agree with it. And I think one example of how we try to be transparent is the way we conducted the reform of the health sector. We simply set out the problems honestly and openly. “That paper was written with the help of the Chief Medical Officer (Dr. Rufus Ewing), and we put to the people of the islands openly and honestly,

‘here is the problem; here is a range of options’. And then after consultations we made some choices,” Governor Todd said. He said while he understands that the decisions were difficult to make, no will be able to say that the process was not transparent,” Governor Todd said.

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Page 14

Deputy Police Commissioner denies rationing fuel for patrol vehicles

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF Police Brad Sullivan has denied that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has rationed petrol to a number of its units including patrol and community policing. The SUN has learnt that some members of the force are disgruntled for what they claimed is a directive given by the head of the force to allocate a weekly limited amounts of gas to patrol vehicles and when that is done, officers are asked to park the vehicles until the next round of petrol allocation comes into effect. However, in an email response to The SUN, Deputy Commissioner Sullivan said in recent weeks the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police has refashioned its operation to tailor to the needs of the public. He said one strategy is to make patrolling intelligence driven instead of embarking on aimless pursuits.

Deputy Commissioner Brad Sullivan

He said while high visibility levels will be maintained, greater attention would be placed on areas which often see flare-up in criminal activities. “Our patrol strategies are based on intelligence-led initiatives. We want

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

our officers to concentrate on the areas which are hot spots of criminal activity and not just to be patrolling without an objective. “We are attempting to get as many vehicles and officers on the road as possible in our bid for high visibility policing. We, at no time, have told persons to park vehicles and we have not asked our officers to limit their patrolling - just have an objective,” said Deputy Commissioner Sullivan. Sullivan said lack of financial resources also plays a critical role in the force’s decision to recalibrate its operation exercise, saying that the Marine Branch as well as its aviation operation have also been affected. “We have had to take a different tact in relation to our vessels and aircraft. We have reduced their patrolling routines based on financial considerations. They are still patrolling but we are asking them to also be more intelligence-led. “We are using this tactic as an opportunity to show some fiscal

restraint but to also rest the vessels and aircraft and undertake some needed maintenance. The vessels, aircraft and their crews are still available to respond to incidents at a moments notice.” Deputy Commissioner Sullivan said. The accusation of highhandedness by the top brass of the police force, from its subordinates is the latest in a string of charges leveled against current regime of the force. Some force members accused their superiors of being too autocratic it their decisions, also accusing them of victimization. However, both Commissioner of Police Colin Farquar and Deputy Commissioner Brad Sullivan have denied such tags, rather saying that some of the squealing officers disliked the idea of being challenged to emerge from their comfort zones, and against that background, are seeking to plunge the force into disrepute by sullying their names and their efforts to burnish the force to acceptable standard.

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Providenciales HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will cause to be sold by public auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks & Caicos Islands: 1. Parcel No.10304/63, Front Street, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. Comprising of commercial vacant land only. The property is located across from the Tourist Board and a short walk from the new Carnival Center now under construction. Registered Proprietors: Robert N. D’Arceuil

2. Parcel No.60811/10, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. The property comprises of approximately .51 Acre of Land over looking the Long Bay Highway and the Northern Shores of the Island. This property is further comprised of a twostorey building with 4-2 bedroom apartments. Registered Proprietor: McAllister Eugene Hanchell 3. Parcel No.60719/94, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales, Comprises a main two-storey house with a separate detached guesthouse. Both homes are positioned on a elongated peninsular canal lot with approximately 400 linear feet of water frontage. The property therefore, has direct water access to the South Shore via Turtle Lake. Registered Proprietor: Daniel S. Simmons 4. Parcel No.60804/120/k57 (Unit #3503), The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales. Comprises a fifth-floor condominium at the Alexander Resort Development on Grace Bay Beach. This is a two-bedroom unit in the Prima Donna Building in the Northeast section of the Resort and benefits from extensive beach, ocean and pool views of the Resort. Registered Proprietor: Daniel S. Simmons

5. Parcel No. 60715/28 & 29, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales. This development comprises of a Commercial property with 12 apartment units centrally located. This property also has room for future expansion. Registered Proprietor: South Bay Properties Ltd.

6. Parcel No.60703/44 & 11, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hills, Providenciales. This a Residential located off Cherokee Road with 5.23 acres of land with excellent views of both the Northern & Southern shores of the Island. The property supports two detached residential homes. Registered Proprietor: Blue Coral Ridge Development Ltd. The auction will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday 16th December 2011 at the offices of Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Conditions of sale may be obtained from Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, telephone (649) 946-5293, fax (649) 946-5289. Interested persons may bid by way of sealed tender delivered not later than 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2011 addressed to Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales clearly marked “ AUCTION BIDOCTOBER December 16TH 2011.” Should the bid meet the reserve price and constitute the highest offer, the property will be considered sold to the person making the bid. Note that a 10% deposit is required immediately from the successful bidder at the auction.

Note that Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd. accepts no responsibility in respect of the receipt or otherwise of sealed bids and prospective purchasers are encouraged to ensure safe delivery of sealed bids to Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd. in good time and further to attend at the auction to ensure that the bid is properly made.

Page 15

LIES! LIES AND DECEIT

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

BY NOW EVERY free thinking Turks and Caicos Islander has come to the conclusion that Slick “Ric” and his cohorts, ably aided and abetted by Allan Duncan have been grossly misleading the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as the world. They have told us so many lies, that to chronicle them all would take me into next year. Remember sometime ago I wrote a piece detailing that the Emperor had no clothes. These days it is even worst! They have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar with respect to the payment of money to SIPT. No amount of spin can get “Ric” out of this one! Lord Nigel Jones was one of the first advocates for getting the British Government to pay for the cost of the investigation as he rightly pointed out. It was their responsibility as they were the administering power and were culpable and negligent! It was only fair then, that they foot the bill for the investigations of the alleged wrongdoings that went on under their noses. It was after a lot of “humming and hauling” that they eventually agreed to take on the payment for SIPT’s operation and that of the civil recovery team. All of the expenses that were initially incurred and paid for by TCIG were supposed to be reimbursed to TCIG, and going forward, all bills were to be for the account of the UK Government. Come now, as the saying

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

goes “you can fool some of the people, some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time”! I know that my friend Mrs. Lillian Missick, Chairman of the Consultative Forum was totally irate to find out that having stuck her neck out for the Interim Regime, they were cutting the rug from under her feet. You might not agree with my friend a lot of times, and we too have our disagreements, but when you deliberately put egg on her face, you can be asking for that other side to surface. Even though she tried to smooth it over a bit for public consumption, her choice of words left no one in doubt as to how embarrassed she was for being taken for a ride by these deceivers. It became abundantly clear to her as to why the budget had to be passed in secret. But you can only hide information for a certain time “T”. As the saying goes, “moon runs all night, but day catches it”! Ric, my boy, the sun is shining on you now more than ever. When you have persons that have been squarely in your corner questioning your truthfulness, you are in big trouble and your time is surely being fast spent. My people, we, from the beginning had no control of what milestones were going to be required of us to meet prior to elections being had. We have no control as to the time frame of those milestones, but even more critically, when and if they are b being met. However, it is plain for all

of us to see that the one that is hardest to be met if ever, is the one concerning a balanced budget. These so-called experts, have been from their very first time that they arrived in our country manipulating and cooking the books. This is the greatest smoke and mirrors exercise that I have ever seen! These guys are hell bent on robbing us blind in broad daylight! There is definitely no reason to get the numbers so wrong, if it is one of your primary objective in taking over this country, is to provide, produce and put us on a path of financially sound management. But alas! These guys have not a clue in hell as to what should be done except to be nontransparent and produce straw men that can be shot down when exposed to the light of day. The other farce and lie that is being perpetrated on us is the one with regards to the money and land supposedly recovered and reclaimed by the Civil Recovery Unit. I have seen some things in my lifetime, but this simply must be the best. First of all, the $150M that the Governor speaks of is a figment of his fertile imagination! I have said before and it bears repeating here, because these guys continue to try to mislead us. Persons would have a commercial lease that is discounted by between 50 and 75%. Lack of access to the property, the original prospect of a deal having fallen through, are two of the main reasons why that person does not continue to pay the annual rents. These put the property into an arrears of rent situation and lead to the lease being cancelled. Once the lease is cancelled, the property returns to the TCIG Crown land inventory. These transactions are now being used by the Civil Recovery unit as being acts of recovery, as if someone did something illegal and there were actual repossessions! It is these types of operation that this unit is engaged in, and to make matters worse, they are using this to pad the numbers. But what is the most atrocious part is that they are billing us for 25% of

ROYAL ROBINSON CONTRIBUTER the valuation of the property. There is no money in the Treasury as a result of this farce, but we have to pay them 25%! No wonder why they have the Treasury on lock. We need not know we are paying for no gain whatsoever. There will be no realization of any money unless and until there is a new arrangement for sale. This would end up as a net loss to TCIG and would be one of the added reasons why the Budget would never be balanced! Let us for one moment be real. The current CFO has come up with a new and revised deficit projection after there was a hue and cry about the last one. But in light of everyday there being a set of new taxes, their numbers still are not adding up and never will! These guys should be sent to the back of the class. Then good old Allan comes in with this old tried and discounted notion that there are still bill in drawers. That is the lamest excuse that he could come up with for the incompetence of his people on the ground! We are not buying that nonsense anymore! The jig is up! Come clean and roll out. Your most ardent previous supporters are running for cover from your policies and pronouncements! • Royal Robinson was a former Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Health in the Progressive National Party (PNP) Administration.

INTERISLAND AVIATION SERVICES GROUP is seeking

CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENTS 3-5 years experience as a customer service agent. Qualified in but not limited to Customer Service Agents servicing Delta, US Airways and Air Canada.

Belongers need only apply. Interested applicants should apply to: HR@flyairtc.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040. No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Page 16

Haitians forced into sexual acts, says Jean Claude Cius

LOCAL NEWS

By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

MEMBERS OF THE Haitian community have declared that a recent findings by Head of the National AIDS Programme, Aldora Robinson, that some young people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, among them Haitians, are selling their bodies in exchange for money and favours is right, but said there is more to the story. According to Jean Claude Cius, one of the more prominent voices on Haitian Issues, a lot of his people are forced to enter into unsavory acts against their will since they are fearful of being victimized, which includes being locked up and later deported. According to him, many Haitian women working as domestic helpers are forced to have sex with their male employers, who oftentimes threaten them with deportation. “Many times when Haitian women go to work at somebody’s home, sometimes they force them to have sex wit them. But because they

Jean Claude Cius

do not want to be punished, they keep quiet. Because they know that if they go up front and make reports they might be deported; and also because they know that they would not be assisted by anybody they keep it under secret,” Cius said. He said also that some Haitian woman have fallen on hard times,

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

and in a bid to climb from their abysmal financial position, like some Dominicans and women of other nationalities living here, they sell their bodies. Cius said while he support’s Robinson assessment, he would have loved if she focused more on the abuse that the Haitian females face almost every day and asked for justice on their behalf. Cius also bats for Haitians living locally to be given a voice, since they represent a large bloc of the voting population and play a pivotal part in the country’s economic development. “They pay their taxes that government requires of them to do; they follow all of these procedures. The Haitian people are grateful to those who sympathize with them when they come here in the boat. But at the same time you have some people – Turks and Caicos Islanders among them - who mistreat Haitians. “I want the British to understand that Haitians were founding members of the United Nations; they also play key role in Caricom. With

the laws the British changing now, they should have compassion on the Haitians. For human rights’ sake in the Turks and Caicos, give the Haitians some justice,” Cius urged. Cius pointed out that there is still no justice for the more than 90 Haitians who died in a predawn boat mishap off South Dock, Providenciales in 2007, which it has been alleged that the boat carrying almost 170 Haitians sank while being towed to shore. Some of the Haitians, on their return to Haiti, told authorities that their boat was rammed by a TCI Coast Guard Boat and sank as a result. The local authorities denied that allegation. Cius also called for investigation into the detention centre death after inmates there were pepper-sprayed by security personnel. About nine of them died due to poor ventilation at the tiny holding facility. “I want everybody to know that though the Haitians keep silent on the matter it is not because they are stupid or because they are dumb; they are watching the time make their move,” Cius warned

INTERISLAND AVIATION SERVICES COMPANY

POSITIONS AVAILABLE AIRCRAFT MECHANICS

Experience working on piston and turbo-propeller aircraft. Responsible for inspecting, servicing, repairing and testing aircraft, engines and related systems as directed. Read, understand and work from aircraft maintenance manuals and specifications. Salary commensurate with experience.

TWO LABOURERS

Should be able to work shifts, physically capable to do hard manual labour and lift heavy equipment.

PILOTS

To be a commander of the EMB 120-ATC. Must have a valid Airline Transport Pilots license, First class medical and 3,000 hours flight time aero planes, 1,600 pilot command including 500 hours experience on multi crew turbine propeller airplanes and 100 hours on type (jet prop). Salary commensurate with experience Ramp Agents

• Over 5 years experience in Ramp Supervising. • Over 5 years experience in maneuvering heavy duty equipment e.g. (pushing and towing aircraft). • Experience in general handling of General Aviation. Narrow body and wide body aircraft. • British Airways, JAR OPS, Supervisor Aircraft loading qualified. •US Airways fleet service door opening trainer. • Awareness Certification of acceptance/refusal of hazardous material as per IATA regulations. • Comprehensive knowledge in the operation of all Ground Service Equipment (GSE). Salary commensurate with experience

TWO AIRLINE EXECUTIVES

• 10-15 years related experience in Commercial flight operations. • Must have a demonstrated knowledge of weight & balance, flight planning and ETOPS operations. • Knowledge of the practices and procedures of all airside and landside activities and functions as outlined in Ground Flight Operations Manual and Regulations. • Competency in PC Windows, Email, Databases and Microsoft Office tools is expected. • Ability to develop and train workforce, build relationships, utilize skills in the workforce that is most appropriate. • Ability to execute functional aspects relating to domestic travel transactions and maintain records and documentation. • Ability to operate all equipment relating to the job. • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, understanding manner, and listen attentively to others, understands material, and provides instruction to employees. Schedule the appropriate staff compliment to ensure the smooth and effective operation of shift. • Coordinate with authorities in all International/Domestic Stations, Security measures affecting aircrafts, passengers, luggage and goods. • Manage local and International carriers contracts. • Salary commensurate with experience

All positions require the following: • Excellent command of the English language – reading, writing and speaking. • Good communication skills and team player • Detail oriented & organized individual • Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends and Holidays. • Clean police record • Able to work under pressure Belongers need only apply. Interested person should apply to HR@flyairtc.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040. No phone call please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview.

PDM statement on tci public service

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

THE TURKS AND Caicos Islands are facing some of the greatest challenges and is going through unprecedented hardships due to us having found ourselves in the worst economic position in our history. Whilst we acknowledge the external shocks that have led us here, we can not ignore the corrupt actions and mismanagement of the former PNP Government. To this end, we accept that there will be hard decisions but we believe that many of the measures taken are not necessary and not carefully considered. The British have introduced some extremely painful policies that have affected us all, in particular, the Civil Service. As the newly elected Leader of the PDM, I have taken certain actions to assist in the transition so as to move us toward a more successful and less painful route to economic recovery. On Wednesday, 23rd November the PDM Leader met with the then Acting Governor, Mr Martin Stanley and offered alternatives to the downsizing or right sizing of the Civil Service. We were thankful to have met with him. On Wednesday, 30th November, 2011, the PDM Leader met with the Governor to again present his position on the matters affecting the Civil Service. It is our position that a number of civil servants whose positions may become redundant should not have to face unemployment because of this. The large number of foreigners on contract and local terms with the government should not have priority over Turks and Caicos Islanders. These

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

BY DEREK TAYLOR LEADER OF THE PDM PARTY

contracts either need to be cancelled or, when they expire, these positions where possible should be replaced by existing Turks and Caicos Islanders from the Civil Service. This includes all future vacancies in the Civil Service. We believe that in this process, there should be redeployment, training and where feasible, retirement. We are convinced that there are a number of Turks and Caicos Islanders at home and abroad that can provide superior advisory services than what we are presently employing. All efforts must be made to allow us the opportunity to use our expertise to assist in this transition.

The Private Sector needs to be approached immediately to identify positions that are presently being held by work permit holders and that may be available to be replaced by Turks and Caicos Islanders from the Civil Service. Any training necessary to qualify them may well be financed by the Fund set aside for this program. There are a number of civil servants who are close to retirement and who find it in their advantage to take the Package offered. These citizens should be given every opportunity to manage their retirement monies and to enter the business arena where possible. TC Invest should be approached and ordered to provide the training and support for small business management and to assist in the additional funding that may become necessary. The Encouragement of Development Policy only addresses the foreign investor at present. There is an immediate need to put in place a Policy to assist and encourage the local investors and businessmen of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The enforcement of our Business License Ordinance and our Immigration Ordinance is crucial to the employment and business opportunities of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The same attitude of decisiveness in dealing with the rightsizing exercise should also be taken when dealing with the Private Sector for the employment of former civil servants. We have had the opportunity to now review the Christmas Advance Loans forms and wish to suggest that in relation to the Christmas Advances, instead of payment in full at the end of January 2012 (one month later after receiving it), we propose that the repayment plan that exist before obtain

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

where payments begin at the end of February 2012 and phased over at least six to ten months (the latter was the practice). This is too onerous a repayment plan and does not offer any relief to homes that may need these funds currently. We ask the Interim Administration to review this repayment Policy. Finally I wish to inform all Civil Servants that as a former civil servant of over 17 years and as a Former President of the CSA of 2 years and a Vice President of the CSA of 7 years, it is not within me to not feel the pain of the civil servant. To this end, I dismiss all unfounded and untrue statements that I have no concern for the civil servants or that I will in anyway agree to anything that will adversely affect the Service and by extension our country. I will continue in my efforts to secure the best possible routes are taken for the good of the Public Service and these Islands. We as a Party support responsible industrial action which must be taken with the best interests of all the Service and we encourage above all open, honest dialogue as nothing beats this type of negotiation. We are certain that the Management Council like the right thinking, law abiding citizens of this country only want what is best for these Islands and we as a Party will do what we can to assure that we maintain a Service that is cost effective, efficient, properly resourced and rewarding to its staff. My Party and I in our New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Address will speak to the plans that we have for this country and we wish to encourage the Public Service and the people of these Islands. Trouble does not last always and there is hope at the end of the tunnel.

UNCLE DOEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BAR SEEKS 2 Barmaids

Salary $5.00 per hour All inquires call 244-8463 Airport Rd at Executive Tours

Page 18

LOCAL NEWS

LIME BRINGS CHRISTMAS CHEER TO OSETA JOLLY TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

On Thursday, December 8, telecoms company LIME visited its adopted school – the Oseta Jolly Primary located in Blue Hills, to carry out its Annual Christmas Treat exercise, where dozens of gifts were presented to the children. LIME also brought Santa Claus to assist with the doling out of the gifts. Students, in thanking LIME, also gave scintillating performances. The following are photo highlights of the event.

Teacher Diana Dean (left) and some of her students perform and Christmas dance

Rachel Harvey of LIME addresses the audience

A student dressed as an angel, leads a song

LIME Country Manager Drexwell Seymour (second right standing) joins staff members and Santa in presenting gifts to the Oseta Jolly Children

NAVA JEWELERS LTD dba EFFY JEWELERS

Students perform a song

Affiliated with world renowned jewelers EFFY Jewelers with stores throughout the Caribbean and the World is now accepting applications/resumes for SALES ASSOCIATES. Requirements: • A minimum of two 2 years jewelry sales experience or equivalent together with a proven track record of employment in a related field of business as well as a positive attitude and aptitude toward work in a customer service oriented business. Suitable candidates that do not possess the relevant required work experience but display a clear willingness to learn quickly on the job and/or benefit from the Company’s in house training initiatives may be likewise considered in exceptional circumstances

Children with their bags of goodies courtesy of LIME

• Exceptional communication and customer service skills • Trustworthy and dependable • Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays and irregular cruise ship schedule • Clean criminal record • Unblemished employment history All candidates must be fluent in English and only Turks and Caicos Islands citizens need apply. Applications/resumes should be forwarded by e-mail to: resume@effyjewelers.com or hand delivered to the Company’s Resident Manager at the Grand Turk Cruise Center

LIME representatives hand out gifts to the Oseta Jolly Primary School children

WFS and flight support join forces in the Turks and Caicos Islands

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

WORLDWIDE FLIGHT SERVICES (WFS), an international ground handling company, has extended its global presence by signing a strategic partnership agreement in the Turks and Caicos Islands with Flight Support Limited, an InterIsland Aviation Services Company. Flight Support provides ramp operations and all passenger services functions on behalf of Air Turks and Caicos, Air Canada, BahamasAir, British Airways, Delta, Jet Blue, United/Continental, US Airways, and WestJet. It serves over 375,000 passengers a year carried on some 13,000 flights. The new contract will see WFS North America provide management oversight of the ramp and passenger business of Flight Support. It will also provide technical assistance, training and administrative support. The two companies are currently discussing expanding the agreement to become a full Management Contract in the Turks

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Glenn A. Rutkowski

and Caicos Islands. Glenn A. Rutkowski, Sr. Vice President of Passenger Terminal Services, North America for WFS, said: “Having looked at the Flight Support operation, we have been extremely impressed with everything we have seen. The operation in

Page 19

Lyndon R. Gardiner

Providenciales is one of the best, if not the best, in the Caribbean and we are looking forward to developing this further through our new relationship. Both companies are totally committed to the success of our new partnership, which will utilize the individual strengths of our organizations. WFS is

an industry leader that brings a vast amount of international experience and operational knowledge and support to airlines in the Turks and Caicos Islands. By combining this with the local experience and professionalism of Flight Support, we are confident customers will quickly see new benefits from our association.” Lyndon R. Gardiner, Chairman of Flight Support, added: “We are committed to providing the very best in ground support services and are delighted about the benefits this partnership will bring to our valued customers. We are confident that this unique combination of our local knowledge and the international experience of WFS will ensure the continued delivery of excellent services to our clients and the expanding tourism market in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is truly a unique opportunity for both companies and a huge benefit to the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

AMBERGRIS CAY FACILITIES LTD. POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd is seeking to employ someone to work ON A MONTH TO MONTH BASIS to fill a post on Ambergris Cay. The available post is for a:

SECURITY OFFICER/FIRE FIGHTER

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Enforce procedural rules and regulations of Ambergris Cay. • Ensure the personal safety of guests, staff and property at Ambergris Cay. • Maintain security and safety for assigned areas and working knowledge of the locations of various departments, buildings, access routes and admitting requirements. • Operate and monitor security control panels, alarms and related security equipment to provide area and visitor surveillance. • Patrol assigned areas including parking and back of house areas, while checking for suspicious occurrences and enforcing relevant rules and regulations. • Respond to and investigate situations reported to the Chief Security Officer. • Call Chief Security Officer to investigate suspicious activities or security violations that require intervention. • Check employees entering and departing Ambergris Cay. • Report security and general maintenance problems to the Chief Security Officer. • Responsible for lost-and found. • Maintain shift logs and records of occurrences and complete necessary paperwork. • Operate and monitor security cameras. • To respond to both airport and domestic fires and emergencies • Conduct fire safety inspections of all property • Perform designated training activities in line with OTAR 140 standards • Act as first responders to the Ambergris Cay ‘Emergency Plan’ • Maintain all vehicles and equipment • Conduct all other tasks assigned by senior management KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS: • General knowledge of routine security rules and procedures.

• Ability to interact and communicate with people. • Ability to write clear, concise reports. • Ability to respond quickly in an emergency. • Ability to stand or walk for extended period of time. • Two (2) years of general experience in security. • High School Diploma or equivalent combination of experience and education. • Basic Aerodrome Firefighter certificate • A certified Firefighter • At least two (2) years experience as a Firefighter • Evidence of an unblemished disciplinary record • References from the CFO and DCFO of any previous Fire Service organization • A Civil Aviation Authority medical certificate • Current First Aid certificate • Junior Officer Qualification preferred, but not essential

REQUIREMENTS: 1. Excellent oral and written communication skills, and advanced computer skills required. 2. Must be physically fit. 3. Must be attentive to details. 4. Must be able to work under little or no supervision 5. Must possess a valid TCI driver’s license. 6. Must produce a clean Police Record 7. Must be reliable, hard working and enthusiastic 8. Must be able to work and live on Big Ambergris Cay with rotated weekends off. 9. Required to work and live on Big Ambergris Cay Salary: $23,000 - $25,000 per annum. Applications must be submitted to:

Closing Date for Applications is Friday November 19th, 2011. Applications must be in writing addressed to: Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd, Unit 51, Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, E-mail: heather.allen@ambergristci.com Tel: (649)-941-3777 ; Fax: (649)-941-3778

Page 20

Digicel brings Christmas gifts for Doris Robinson Primary LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Trina Adams hands one student his cooked lunch

DIGICEL STAFF WENT bearing gifts for the students of the Doris Robinson Primary school on the island of Middle Caicos on Thursday, December 8, 2011. The school which has an enrollment of 19 students has been sponsored by Digicel since 2009 and the annual Christmas gift giving has

become something the students look forward to each year. Principal of the school, Ms. Keisha Mills said, “Digicel’s sponsorship of Doris Robinson Primary goes a long way in assisting the students throughout the year by providing cooked lunch meals which ensures that the students are eating a

Government Vacancy

JOB TITLE: CLIENT CARE ASSISTANT

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Service for the post of Client Care Assistant within the Ministry of Health and Human Services. The incumbent in this position must be able to assist selected clients with activities for daily living such as baths, feeding and supportive care. The incumbent is also required to assist with the performance of following tasks: Urine testing, taking vital signs, recording fluid balance, collection of specimens and performs any other duties as may be required. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The position requires that the incumbent should have completed the approved course for Client Care Assistants. Good interpersonal skills and good work ethics are required. Experience in the field of work will be an asset. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to work independently and interdependently. He/She must also possess the ability to communicate in English effectively both written and verbally and exercise good judgment in the application of established policies and procedures.

SALARY: $14,580 - $16,848 PER ANNUM For more information on the Job Description, please contact the Office of the Public Service Management Telephone 649-946-2801 Extension: 10318, Facsimile: 649-946-1582, E-mail: recruitment@gov.tc . All resumes should be addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Public Service Management, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Resumes must include applicants current contact information and be accompanied by two letters of reference and a police certificate. Serving Officers should apply through their Heads of Department. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 23rd December 2011 ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

Head of Marketing, Ava-Dayne Fulford and Trina Adams pose for a photo with the students

balanced meal. We appreciate the work that Digicel does for us and especially at Christmas, the children are made to feel extra special. The entire community appreciates the gesture.” Head of Marketing, Ava-Dayne Fulford says “Digicel believes in education and our sponsorship of

Doris Robinson is one of the initiatives we feel proud of. The Digicel staff looks forward to the trip to Middle Caicos during Christmas as much as the kids do. We will continue to support the community through this venture.”

Government Vacancy

JOB TITLE: HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Service for the post of High School Principal within the Ministry of Education. The incumbent in this position must be able to manage and supervise a co-educational institution and implement and monitor a curriculum which offers academic, technical and prevocational studies. Support academic and ancillary staff in the accomplishment of organisational and personal goals. The successful applicant is a highly enthusiastic and energetic individual who is willing to take initiative to ensure maximum student and staff performance. He/she must demonstrate strong leadership ability and tactfulness in dealing with colleagues, parents and the public. The successful applicant will realize opportunities for making a valuable contribution to the growth and development of the young people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He/she will also benefit from opportunities for personal and professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE In addition to a first degree, applicants must have post graduate level training in secondary school management and administration. Applicants must have a minimum of five (5) years experience working as a high school administrator and no fewer than three (3) years experience teaching subjects or a subject at the CXC General Proficiency level. The successful candidate must demonstrate good interpersonal relationships and the ability to work as a team. Intermediate or Advance computer skills would be an asset. A valid driver’s license is a necessity. He/She must also possess the ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally and exercise good judgment in the application of established policies and procedures. SALARY $29,268.00 - $33,750.00 PER ANNUM For persons recruited outside the Turks and Islands, a two (2) year extendable contract is offered. Other benefits offered in addition to basic salary include Transportation allowance, Telephone allowance, Housing allowance and end-ofcontract gratuity of 15% of salary; return passage for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen (16) years, as well as duty free concession on the shipment of personal effects imported within six (6) months of appointment. For more information on the Job Description, please contact the Office of the Public Service Management Telephone 649-946-2801 Extension: 10318, Facsimile: 649946-1582, E-mail: recruitment@gov.tc . All resumes should be addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Public Service Management, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Resumes must include applicants current contact information and be accompanied by two letters of reference and a police certificate. Serving Officers should apply through their Heads of Department. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30th December 2011 ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

LIFESTYLE

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD 2011 DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

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DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD 2011

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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On Saturday, December 10, British West Indies Collegiate, located along Venetian Road in Providenciales, officially opened its newly-built science lab in an event which was attended by Governor Ric Todd along with a wide-cross section of the TCI society, including movers and shakers. The lab was declared open by Governor Todd. 1. Principal for British West Indies Collegiate, Sylvie Wigglesworth explains the background of the science lab undertaking 2. Head of the TCI Education Foundation, which manages the British West Indies Collegiate, Peter Savory brings greetings 3. The newly formed British West Indies Collegiate Choir performs a Christmas rendition for the audience 4. Even the very young were impressed by the lab 5. A section of the audience in attendance at the event 6. PNP Leader Clayton Greene and wife Heather (right) observes their daughter, Tayla applying chemical to a tube during the demonstration of her project. Looking on at right is Taylaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s science teacher, Lettice Malcolm 7. Governor Ric Todd pays close observation as a science student carry-out a demonstration 8. Pastor Bradley Handfield invokes Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessing on the facility 9. These students get the attention of Governor Ric Todd, who closely observes their science work

10. This student carries out a test while her captive audience watches 11. Flanked by two science students, Governor Ric Todd declares the science lab open 12. The young as well as the not so young were fascinated by what they saw in the lab 13. A group watches as this little boy obliges to test an electromagnetic device in the lab 14. A student plays the acoustic guitar 15. Rachel Taylor, Principal for the Enid Capron Primary School watches as a pair of students, including her daughter, demonstrate a science project 16. This couple observes a female student at work in the lab 17. Attendees were fascinated with the newly opened science lab 18. This student had her captive audience in awe as she shows the result of a chemical mixture 19. Governor Ric Todd is a model of concentration as he observes a student demonstrating the mixture of chemical in the lab

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD 2011

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

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Out with old, in with new in Golden Globe TV race

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

Golden Globe organizers shook up the television industry on Thursday, snubbing old favorites and nominating a slew of new shows and stars for its highest honors. Seven of the 10 best TV drama and comedy series nominations went to newcomers, including Showtime psychological thriller "Homeland", HBO fantasy "Game of Thrones", the Fox comedy "New Girl" and FX's "American Horror Story." But the onslaught of new nominees meant that perennial favorites, like "The Office" and "Dexter" and their stars, were shut out of the Golden Globes in favor of fresh faces like Mireille Enos ("The Killing") and Laura Dern ("Enlightened"). "A lot of newbies swept in and took some of the positions that we thought would be filled with previous nominees," said Matt Whitfield, entertainment editor at Yahoo! TV. Major broadcast networks were the biggest losers of the shake-up on a day that saw cable TV's HBO again assert its awards show dominance with a leading 18 nominations, including four for 1930s miniseries drama "Mildred Pierce"

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

starring Kate Winslet. Showtime was next with eight nods. ABC managed just four -- mostly for comedy "Modern Family" -- while Fox and NBC garnered three apiece. CBS, the most-watched U.S. network, got just two Golden Globe nominations, for best drama actress Julianna Margulies in lawyer series "The Good Wife" and best comedy actor contender Johnny Galecki in "The Big Bang Theory." With AMC critical darling "Mad Men" off the air in 2011 because of a contract dispute, the drama categories were thrown wide open. Haunted house thriller "American Horror Story," Kelsey Grammer's new political corruption series "Boss" and last year's Golden Globe winner "Boardwalk Empire" will compete against "Homeland" and "Game of Thrones" for the top prize Grammer, the former "Frasier" star in a new guise as a ruthless mayor in the Starz series, also got a best actor nod. "It is rewarding, not only to receive personal recognition... but to see that those who worked so hard and tirelessly to make 'Boss' a reality were also recognized," Grammer said in a statement.

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The Golden Globes will be awarded at a gala dinner in Beverly Hills on Jan 15. Emmy-winning mockumentary "Modern Family" will defend its Golden Globe comedy series trophy against musical show "Glee", HBO's new series "Enlightened", Hollywood satire "Episodes" and "New Girl", whose ditzy star Zooey Deschanel also got a best comedy actress mention. "What the Golden Globes do very well is to salute new emerging TV talent. The prominence of 'New Girl' is typical of the Globes championing something sexy, hip and new even though it is not critically acclaimed," said awards watcher Tom O'Neil of websites Goldderby and TheEnvelope. Bryan Cranston was nominated for his role as a teacher turned drug dealer in "Breaking Bad" but the AMC series again failed to make the cut with members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hands out the Golden Globes. "To have this show, that possibly delivered its best season ever, missing from the mix is truly baffling," said Whitfield.

Christiane Amanpour axed from ABC

Veteran foreign correspondent hands Bob Schieffer at CBS and Christiane Amanpour is to be David Gregory at NBC, better. replaced as the host of political show The Sunday morning show This Week by the former presenter was much stronger in the ratings George Stephanopoulos. when hosted by Stephanopoulos Amanpour, 53, is returning to from 2002 to 2010. ABC moved CNN, where she began her career, as him to New York and Good an international correspondent. Morning America, which has Stephanopoulos, 50, will go back done well in the ratings by to presenting ABC's Sunday morning teaming him with Robin Roberts. slot as well as carrying in his current Amanpour said she was looking job for Good Morning America on forward to getting back out to do the same network. more international reporting and However Amanpour is not speaking to a worldwide audience entirely cutting ties with ABC. She on CNN, where she worked for Christiane Amanpour enters an unusual job-sharing role more than two decades. where she will become ABC's global Jim Walton, president of affairs anchor, contributing to prime-time shows CNN Worldwide said: 'Christiane Amanpour has on world news, while also being host of a daily been synonymous with international reporting and show on CNN International. with CNN for many years. Amanpour said: 'This role is groundbreaking, 'We could not be happier that through this bold and very different. I am thrilled and honored.' unique arrangement with ABC News her Critics wondered from the start whether the experience and global perspective are returning to Iranian-born Amanpour, a seasoned foreign a nightly news broadcast for our international correspondent for CNN, was a good fit for a panel audience.' show dominated by American politics. She Amanpour will be making occasional replaced Stephanopolous as host in August 2010. appearances on CNN's U.S. channel, This Week hasn't budged from third place spokeswoman Christa Robinson said. behind NBC's Meet The Press and a resurgent Meet the Press has averaged 2.92 million Face The Nation on CBS, with the ABC show viewers every Sunday this season - down 5 per down 1 per cent in ratings from last year. cent from last year. Face the Nation, at 2.86 Amanpour's reporting connections in the million viewers, is up 6 per cent, ratings company Middle East served ABC News particularly well Nielsen said. This Week has averaged 2.26 during the Arab spring, and she scored an million viewers. exclusive interview with then-Egyptian President CBS announced at the weekend that Face the Hosni Mubarak in February. Nation would expand to one hour next spring But the dawning of an American election year from its current half-hour format. Both Meet the seemed to serve her competitors, old Washington Press and This Week air for one hour.

Recent Emmy winners Melissa McCarthy ("Mike & Molly"), "Modern Family" stars Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen, and "Big Bang Theory"s Jim Parsons were also left out, as was Steve Carell in his farewell season at "The Office." But "Homeland" -- a tense, post 9/11 terrorist drama -- brought nods for its two stars, Claire Danes and Briton Damian Lewis, along with landing in the category for TV drama. "I think the subject matter is something that is certainly on peoples' minds everywhere and it is just a good story with good characters," said cocreator Howard Gordon. Mike White, the creator and director of "Enlightened," said the comedy series and best actress nods for Laura Dern would give his show "a whole new lease on life." British television, always popular at the Golden Globes, had a particularly good showing on Thursday, with nominations for 11 actors and actresses. Upstair-downstairs period drama "Downton Abbey" earned four nominations, and BBC America coproduction "The Hour" had three

BUJU HAPPY ABOUT MIAMI JAIL MOVE

FLORIDA – Through his attorney, incarcerated reggae star Buju Banton has expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Jamaican Consulate and some of his wellwishers that resulted in his relocation. United States Magistrate James Moody sanctioned his being moved from a prison in Texas to a penal facility in Miami, Florida. Banton is listed as inmate number 86700-004 and is being housed at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Miami, Florida; a low-security facility which houses male inmates. After his sentencing to ten years on drug-related and conspiracy charges earlier this year, Banton was taken to a hub in Oklahoma, where he spent a few weeks before being whisked to a facility in Texas. He was taken back to Oklahoma and then finally to the facility in Miami. His attorney David Oscar Markus told the Observer today that Banton, who is registered as Mark Anthony Myrie, was in better spirits since he was taken to South Florida by prison authorities. “Buju has been moved to Miami. We are very thankful and appreciative. He is at FCI-Miami and I have been able to see him. He is in good spirits and is strong. “He and I want to especially thank the Jamaican consulate and Judge Moody for assisting us with this transfer,” Markus said. There were open expressions of fear for his safety while he was housed at the correctional institution in the city of Groesbeck, Texas. That institution is a converted facility which is used to house mainly short-term Mexicans who were in line to be deported; it is reportedly filled with Mexican gangs. “It was a very dangerous environment,” a source close to the artiste said.

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FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

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DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

FUN & GAMES

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DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

Come and join our winning team!!!

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean and its authorized Recruitment Agencies are inviting applications from suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview. DINING ROOM DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Banquet Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • Three years managing the setup of Banquets, conferences and weddings • Excellent customer service skills The salary for the position listed above ranges from $30,000.00 to $40,000.00 THE KITCHEN DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Head Baker Requirements include but are not limited to: • Over 5 years’ experience in as a Baker • Ability to work all shifts especially the 11:00 pm to 7:00 am shift • ability to train staff and develop new recipes The salary for the position listed above ranges from $20,000.00 to $30,000.00 ROOMS DIVISION DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Rooms Division Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience in Managing the following Departments, Housekeeping, Laundry, Front Office and Concierge • Ten (10) years management experience in a property over 500 rooms. The salary for the position listed above ranges from $30,000.00 to $55,000.00 FRONT DESK DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Reservationist/ Supervisor Front Office Requirements include but are not limited to: • Assist with the supervision of the front desk • Assist with the supervision of all staff within the department • Must have 2 years’ experience in a related position The rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to $9.00 an hour. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Administrator Requirements include but are not limited to: • Knowledgeable of various skills e.g. carpentry, plumbing • Knowledge of inventory orders and par levels • Computer literate The rate for the positions listed above is $7.00 to $8.50 an hour. THE SALES AND WEDDINGS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Translator Ambassador Requirements include but are not limited to: • Fluent in more than four languages including Italian • Knowledge of the front office, rooms, concierge • Ability to solve guest concerns

The salary for the position listed above ranges from $25,000.00 to $35,000.00 THE SOON COME BACK REQUIRES:

Soon Come Back Liaison Requirements include but are not limited to: • Knowledge of rooms and categories

• Ability to up sell • Ability to meet sales target • Manage the loyalty portfolio The hourly rate for the position listed above ranges from $7.00 to $8.50 per hr. THE ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Assistant Kids Kamp Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • Certification as a Nanny or other child care qualification • Experience developing and implementing children’s programs Activities and Recreations Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • 5 years’ experience working with characters and costumes • 3 years’ experience in coordinating kids’ activities • Physically fit • Ability to manage a multi-cultural team The salary for the positions listed above ranges from $20,000.00 to $35,000.00 Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: • 2 years’ experience working with characters and costumes • 2 years’ experience in coordinating kids’ activities • Physically fit

Tennis Pro Requirements include but are not limited to: • 5 years’ experience as a pro • Ability to teach skills to guest of all age groups • Willingness to promote and sell tennis classes • Additional skills which allow flexibility to utilized in other areas in Entertainment The rate for the positions listed above ranges from $6.00 to $9.00 an hour.

APPLICATIONS GIVING FULL DETAILS OF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE SHOULD BE SENT TO:

mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road and

The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

and should reach not later than January 1st 2012 Otherwise, please call for additional information tel # 649-946-8000 ext 4138

Haiti prison guards await verdict in massacre case

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

LES CAYES, Haiti — Lawyers for 13 police officers accused of killing inmates during a prison riot in southern Haiti contended Wednesday that the prisoners themselves fatally shot at each other. With the trial nearing an end, the defense team of more than 20 attorneys said in closing arguments that officers who entered the prison in Les Cayes after Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake did so only to bring order to an already bloody scene. Lawyer Pierre Thomas St. Fort said the defendants are civil servants trying to do their job under difficult circumstances. He asked the officers to stand one by one before the court. "Look at these men, these civil servants," he said. "They were acting on orders to enter the prison, and they did their job."

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

An additional 21 officers are being tried in absentia because they fled. All are accused of killing at least 10 prisoners, although United Nations police believe more bodies may have been removed. Dozens of other inmates were wounded during the uprising, which began when some of the 400plus prisoners tried to escape because they feared aftershocks in the overcrowded prison. Lead prosecutor Jean-Marie Salomon said that holding the police responsible would be a boost for human rights in Haiti. "This trial is historic," Salomon said. "This is the first time in Les Cayes we've held our own police officers accountable for their abuses. What is decided will be an example for those who come after us of how we respect our citizens."

Judge Ezekiel Vaval said he planned to leave for New York this weekend to write the verdict, which he expects to release in January. He said he is leaving Haiti for his own safety following threatening phone calls that he and his family received when the trial began in late October. "You know, in Haiti, anyone can pay a little money and have me killed," Vaval said in an interview with The Associated Press last week. "But I believe in God. I know that I must finish this trial and make a decision, and it is up to God what happens to me." The defendants face up to life in prison if convicted. The trial has drawn hundreds of people to the courtroom every day, including Kesnel Cange, a 51-year-old carpenter. "I put this trial on my schedule

Anguilla chief minister leads protest against governor

The Valley, Anguilla – Dozens of residents led by Chief Minister Hubert Hughes took to the streets yesterday demanding that Britain immediately recall its governor to the island. They have accused Governor William Alistair Harrison, appointed in 2009, of interfering with the judiciary, the Parliament, ministerial portfolios and transferring key permanent secretaries against the wishes of the government. The protest came on the heels of the chief minister’s warning in a national address that this British Overseas Territory was under threat because the governor and his deputy were not consulting him on pertinent matters. One of these included their decision to replace a veteran civil servant attached to his ministry with someone with no

experience in finance. The governor upheld that decision after the chief minister asked the UK Overseas Territories Minister Henry Bellingham for it to be reviewed. A petition presented yesterday to the governor stated, “We are the persons who will be ultimately affected and we believe this transfer should be revoked unconditionally.” The chief minister vowed that “civil disobedience” would continue “until the British government gets the message.” “We are talking about democracy. These are concerns of the people to a country who always preach democracy and fair play and they must listen. As small as we are we will make them listen,” he said following the protest.

CAFETERIA COOK

Requirements: • Experience with, and are comfortable preparing a variety of different Cuisines in a fine dining environment • Understand the importance of consistency • Knowledge of food preparation techniques and health/safety • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties Include: • Prepare all food items according to recipe cards and correct handling Procedures for Regent employees. • Maintain highest quality and appearance of all foods sent from kitchen and make sure plates are clean and appetizing. • Maintain orderly and clean refrigerators and work areas. • Rotate all foods and correctly fill out production charts.

Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms, and bring along a recent C.V., or by emailing to marjorie.dorsett@regenthotels.com, no later than December 24, 2011

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every day," he said. "It's our entertainment here. It's like watching a TV show — everyone has their favorite character. The people who love the prosecution cheer when they speak. When the defense says something, their fans cheer." In a separate civil trial, a group of lawyers is seeking reparations for five families whose relatives died in the riot. Although the trial is the first of its kind in Les Cayes, the prison riot was not the first that ended in bloodshed. During a 2004 riot in the Port-AuPrince penitentiary, police allegedly opened fire and killed at least 10 inmates. Although the U.N. produced a report, the Haitian government at the time objected to it being published and it was not released. No police officers ever stood trial.

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Opinion polls favour ruling JLP and its leader over main opposition party

CARIBBEAN NEWS

KINGSTON, Jamaica– Two opinion polls published on Thursday have given the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) the lead to win the December 29 general elections. The polls have also shown that newly appointed Prime Minister Andrew Holness, 39, appears to be the favourite among the electorate to lead Jamaica instead of 66-year-old Portia Simpson Miller, the country’s first woman prime minister and leader of the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP). A poll conducted for the Observer newspaper by Don Anderson and his Market Research Services team, shows that the majority of Jamaicans believe that Prime Minister Holness is a better leader than Simpson Miller to represent the country locally and overseas. The poll was conducted between December 5 and 11 with 1,000 registered voters in all parishes in the island interviewed. It has a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent. When asked which of the two leaders would be better able to represent the country overseas, 44.2 per cent said Holness compared with 38.9 per cent for Simpson Miller. But when asked which of the two leaders would be better able to represent

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Prime Minister Andrew Holness

the country locally, a smaller majority of 42.9 per cent said Holness against 41.3 per cent who chose Simpson Miller. “Empirical data has shown that perception of the respective leaders has been an important issue in party support in previous elections, especially in the 90s and early to mid 2000s when PJ Patterson and Edward Seaga were the respective leaders of the PNP and the JLP,” Anderson said. He noted that the recent elevation to the higher office of prime minister of the “generally highly regarded Holness has boosted his favourability rating amongst

Portia Simpson Miller

Jamaicans to the point where he is now better perceived than the PNP leader. In another poll commissioned by the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, almost 50 per cent of Jamaicans believe they are worse off today than they were in 2007 when the JLP was elected to form the government. But the paper said that this has not stopped a large plurality of Jamaicans from seeing the JLP as the better party to manage the affairs of state at this time. The Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson has found that 41 per cent of

St Vincent Prime Minister instructs police to deport foreigners engaged in the gold trade

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, – Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says he has instructed the police to arrest and deport foreigners engaged in buying gold that has been linked to criminal activities. Gonsalves said that those persons were also breaking the island’s immigration and trade laws. He said that two Venezuelans were recently denied entry into the country on these grounds. “In the earlier period, some Venezuelans, Trinidadians and other people were going about town with impunity but that has come under careful watch of the police, who have instructions to deal with them,” Gonsalves said on radio. “First of all, to come in to engage in such activities, you need a trader’s licence. And you can’t come in saying that you are coming in as a visitor and get involved in work activities, because you would have lied to the immigration officials.” Gonsalves said that there are several offences for which people engaging in such activities can be arrested and charged and it is not just a simple issue of people trading in gold “This is a matter where there is an encouragement of people to snatch the gold,” he said. According to recent media reports, several persons have had their gold jewellery snatched in Kingstown. Prominent trade unionist Joseph “Burns” Bonadie recently fought off an assailant who had bitten him in an attempt to snatch his gold chain. Gonsalves said that both citizens and foreigners

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

Dr Ralph Gonsalves

alike were trying to recruit people, including 15year-olds, to snatch jewellery. “These multiple things have to be dealth with not in any sequential manner but at the same time. Fighting the criminals is an on-going matter and anybody who thinks that you have a magic bullet, they are completely mistaken,” said Gonsalves during a general discussion of crime and violence here. He further stated that with enhanced freedom of movement in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), there was a movement of criminals from Trinidad and Tobago, “where you have a lot of them.

Jamaicans believe the JLP would do the better job of governing the country at this time as compared with 36 six per cent who believe the PNP would do a better job, while 23 per cent are undecided. The majority of the voters – 55 per cent – also believe that Holness deserves to be returned as prime minister, while 30 per cent say someone else should get the job. Holness also continues to lead Simpson Miller as the person voters believe would do a better job as prime minister in today’s Jamaica. Forty-four per cent of the respondents told the Gleaner-Johnson team they believe Holness would be the better head of government while 35 per cent said Simpson Miller. The nine percentage point gap between the two is almost unchanged from when the pollster asked a similar question in October. The latest Gleaner-Johnson poll was conducted on December 10 and 11 in all 63 constituencies. It has a sampling error of plus or minus three per cent and a sample size of 1,008. The Gleaner said that the pollster will test the pulse of the nation on one more occasion before the December 29 general election.

CARICOM rebukes French President statement on tax havens

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) has rebuked French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s characterisation of three regional countries as “tax havens.” In a statement, COTED said CARICOM, like Europe, are seeking to re-ignite growth, create jobs and ensure financial stability”. “We are therefore deeply concerned by the recent statements made by the President of France at the end of the G20 Summit last month which identified Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago as “Tax Havens,”

US MILITARY PLANE ASSISTED THE TIVOLI OPERATION IN 2010

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

the statement said. According to the COTED statement, “in particular, CARICOM states consider the remarks made at the G-20 Summit press conference by the President to the effect that the eleven countries identified by the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes are regarded as “Tax Havens” to be at variance with the spirit conveyed in the Official Declaration by the G-20.” It said that Sarkozy’s remarks fail to recognise the efforts being made by the CARICOM states identified to bring their legal and regulatory framework into compliance with the global

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his role as Minister of Defence, explained that the government accepted an offer from the United States government for General Surveillance and Imagery Assistance and Communications to support local security operations in May 2010. Addressing journalists at a press conference at Jamaica House, Mr. Holness said that the Ministry of National Security would have had no knowledge of the agreement for assistance as the channels would have been directly to the agency involved, which was the Jamaica Defence Force, through diplomatic channels at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The assistance provided was in line with the general agreements that we have with our partners. There was an offer for assistance, we accepted the offer, it went through the normal channels, and being as we accepted an offer and we needed the facility, it went directly for approval through the Civil Aviation Authority.” Mr. Holness said that the surveillance operations did not involve foreign forces on Jamaican soil. He also asked journalists to bear in mind the sensitivities that can accompany some national security operations. “Some of the operations are not always in the domain of general knowledge...you have to bear in mind the sensitivities of the operations,” the Prime Minister said. The Chief of Defence Staff also said that Jamaica participated in regional efforts to fight drug trafficking, and that requests to foreign partners for surveillance assistance was normal. The press conference was called following discussions in the local and overseas media about a USA aircraft performing surveillance over sections of the Corporate Area on May 24, 2010.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

standard. It said the “indiscriminate characterization” as a result of these remarks has brought the good reputation of these States into question. “To be absolutely clear, the Global Forum has not, in fact, published a list of eleven (11) “Tax Havens”, and it has certainly not identified any of these jurisdictions as a “Tax Haven.” “Given our member states’ ongoing collaboration and cooperation with the Global Forum in order to ensure that their legal and regulatory framework meets the global standard, such characterization of CARICOM States is subjective and completely without basis.

“We therefore categorically reject the President’s assertions with respect to CARICOM states,” COTED said, adding that CARICOM acknowledges the outcome of the Peer Reviews and have been taking action both in respect of its national legal and regulatory framework, as well as in respect of the Intra-CARICOM Double Taxation Agreement (ICDTA), which has been in existence amongst our countries since 1994. “In this regard, we are amending the ICDTA to bring the Exchange of Information provisions in compliance with the global standard. “The Global Forum is intended to be a collaborative and cooperative process rather than the adversarial relationship with the OECD that had prevailed in the past. CARICOM states acknowledge and recognize and will continue to support the Global Forum process,” the COTED statement added.

CARICOM outraged as US law prevents summit at Hilton hotel due to Cuba’s presence

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders ended their one-day summit with Cuba expressing outrage at the decision of the United States not to grant a licence that would have allowed the summit to have been held at the Hilton Trinidad hotel. In a "special statement" issued at the end of their deliberations on Thursday night, the regional leaders together with Cuba — represented by its president Raul Castro — said they were "affronted by the intrusion of the United States against the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago. This is a unilateral and unwarranted extra-territorial application of the United States Helms Burton law which is contrary to the United Nations Charter and to international law. It also flies in the face of the annual overwhelming rejection of this policy by the United Nations General Assembly," the statement said. The Helms Burton law is a United States federal law which strengthens and continues the decades-old United States trade and economic embargo against Cuba. The act extended the territorial application of the initial embargo to apply to foreign companies trading with Cuba and penalised foreign companies allegedly 'trafficking' in property formerly owned by US citizens but expropriated by Cuba after the Cuban revolution. The act also covers property formerly owned by Cubans who have since become US citizens. The Hilton Trinidad hotel had first been named as the venue, but that became impossible after the hotel's general manager Ali Khan read a statement from Hilton Worldwide, indicating that it is subject to US law, which restricts certain activities as a result of the trade embargo with Cuba. "The US/Cuban assets control regulations administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the US Department of the Treasury generally prohibits US-based companies from providing any services that benefit the Cuban Government unless specifically licensed. Violations are subject to significant civil and criminal penalties. "While we have worked with the appropriate governmental agencies in the US and Trinidad and Tobago to secure a licence, we have been informed that one will not be granted," the statement read. But the acting public affairs officer Alexander McLaren at the US Embassy told the local media that, to his understanding, the licence is pending and the only reason the Hilton did not get it is because they applied late. He said the application was dated November 23 and the Office of Foreign Assets Control — a department of the US Treasury — received the application on

November 28, and as a result hosting the Cubans at the hotel "will likely take time to resolve". Trinidad and Tobago's Foreign Affairs Minister Suruj Rambachan said: "The US, I suppose, are within their rights to carry out what they have done in terms of the Helms-Burton law, having their tentacles stretching out here in Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Caribbean." Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she would not get involved in United States foreign policy. "They seem to have some kind of regulation. On our enquiries, I am advised that they have some kind of regulation which prevents any US-owned asset or partly-owned asset from accommodating Cubans. It is clearly a foreign policy of the US and I will not comment on their foreign policy. They are a sovereign nation and they are entitled to govern as they see fit," Persad-Bissessar said. But in their statement, Caricom and the Cuban leaders said they rejected "the intervention of the US authorities which prevented the hosting of the CaricomCuba summit at the Hilton hotel. "This was one more demonstration of the injustice of the United States embargo and its harmful impact on the daily life of the Cuban people. "On this occasion extra-territorial action could have impacted on the success of the summit, but thanks to the commitment and solidarity of the member states of the Caribbean Community we can celebrate an outcome which reflects the strong fraternal bonds between Caricom and Cuba," the statement said. Caricom Chairman Dr Denzil Douglas, who is also the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the statement would be sent to the US State Department. He said the Helms-Burton law attempts to "stifle the sovereignty and the rights of sovereign nations to associate and do business and also to a large extent it speaks to the continued the commercial, economic and financial embargo that has been instituted against Cuba which the world basically has been saying has to come to an end". Dr Douglas said that he does not expect a "backlash" from Washington as a result of the position adopted by the leaders. "The United States is a grown up country, the United States knows there are certain policy actions that she takes from time to time that will not be accepted. "That does not necessarily have to attract animosity and negative reaction. We believe it is the right of the members of this organisation to express their views as to how they have seen the interpretation of what has happened here in Trinidad in what we call the 'Hilton fiasco'," he said.

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More than half say Obama should lose

WASHINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Entering 2012, President Barack Obama's re-election prospects are essentially a 50-50 proposition, with a majority saying the president deserves to be voted out of office despite concerns about the Republican alternatives, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll. Obama's overall poll numbers suggest he's in jeopardy of losing, even as the public's outlook on the economy appears to be improving, the AP-GfK poll found. For the first time since spring, more said the economy got better in the past month than said it got worse. The president's approval rating on unemployment shifted upward â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from 40 percent in October to 45 percent in the latest poll â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as the jobless rate fell to 8.6 percent last month, its lowest level since March 2009. But Obama's approval rating on his handling of the economy overall remains stagnant: 39 percent approve and 60 percent disapprove. Heading into his re-election campaign, the president faces a conflicted public that does not support his steering of the economy, the most dominant issue for Americans, or his reforms to health care, one of his signature accomplishments. Yet they are grappling with whether to replace him with Republican contenders Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich. The Associated Press-GfK Poll was conducted December 8-12 2011 by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Corporate

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

US President Barack Obama

Communications. It involved landline and cellphone interviews with 1,000 adults nationwide and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. The poll found an even divide on whether Americans expect Obama to be re-elected next year. For the first time, the poll found that a majority of adults, 52 percent, said Obama should be voted out of office while 43 percent said he deserves another term. The numbers mark a reversal since last May, when 53 percent said Obama should be reelected while 43 percent said he didn't deserve four more years. Obama's overall job approval stands at a new low: 44 percent approve while 54 percent disapprove. The

Russia seizes Iran-bound radioactive material Russia's customs service said Friday it had seized radioactive sodium-22, an isotope that is used in medical equipment but has no weapons use, from the luggage of a passenger planning to fly from Moscow to Tehran. The service said in a statement that the material could be obtained only "as a result of a nuclear reactor's operations" but did not say when it had been discovered at Moscow's Sheremetyevo international airport. The material triggered an alarm in the airport's radiation control system and a luggage search led to the discovery of 18 pieces of the radioactive metal packed in individual steel casings, it said. The passenger boarded the plane for Tehran and left Russia, the customs service said. It added that the passenger was Iranian national. Russian law enforcement agencies opened criminal investigation into the incident. Sodium-22 can be used for calibrating nuclear detectors and in medical equipment, nuclear experts said. "There is no weapons aspect to this (material)," said Research director Lars-Erik De Geer of the Swedish Defense Research Institute. Tension is rising between Western powers and Iran after a United Nations nuclear watchdog report last month that said Tehran appeared to have worked on designing a nuclear weapon, and that secret research to that end may be continuing. Russia, which built Iran's first nuclear power station, has said it might help Tehran construct more atomic plants. There was no immediate comment from the International Atomic Energy Agency on the incident and whether Russian authorities had reported it to the Vienna-based U.N. body.

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

president's standing among independents is worse: 38 percent approve while 59 percent disapprove. Among Democrats, the president holds steady with an approval rating of 78 percent while only 12 percent of Republicans approve of the job he's doing. Despite the soft level of support, many are uncertain whether a Republican president would be a better choice. Asked whom they would support next November, 47 percent of adults favored Obama compared with 46 percent for Romney, a former Massachusetts governor. Against Gingrich, the president holds a solid advantage, receiving 51 percent compared with 42 percent for the former House speaker. The potential matchups paint a better picture for the president among independents. Obama receives 45 percent of non-aligned adults compared with 41 percent for Romney. Against Gingrich, Obama holds a wide lead among independents, with 54 percent supporting the president and 31 percent backing the former Georgia congressman. Another piece of good news for Obama: people generally like him personally. Obama's personal favorability rating held steady at 53 percent, with 46 percent viewing him unfavorably. About three-quarters called him likable. The economy remains a source of pessimism, though the poll suggests the

first positive movement in public opinion on the economy in months. One in five said the economy improved in the last month, double the share saying so in October. Still most expect it to stay the same or get worse. Despite the high rate of joblessness, the poll found some optimism on the economy. Although 80 percent described the economy as "poor," respondents describing it "very poor" fell from 43 percent in October to 34 percent in the latest poll, the lowest since May. Twenty percent said the economy got better in the past month while 37 percent said they expected the economy to improve next year. Yet plenty of warning signs remain for Obama. Only 26 percent said the United States is headed in the right direction while 70 percent said the country was moving in the wrong direction. The president won a substantial number of women voters in 2008 yet there does not appear to be a significant tilt toward Obama among women now. The poll found 44 percent of women say Obama deserves a second term, down from 51 percent in October, while 43 percent of men say the president should be re-elected. About two-thirds of white voters without college degrees say Obama should be a one-term president, while 33 percent of those voters say he should get another four years. Among white voters with a college degree, 57 percent said Obama should be voted out of office.

RUSSIA SEIZES IRAN-BOUND RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

Russia's customs service said Friday it had seized radioactive sodium-22, an isotope that is used in medical equipment but has no weapons use, from the luggage of a passenger planning to fly from Moscow to Tehran. The service said in a statement that the material could be obtained only "as a result of a nuclear reactor's operations" but did not say when it had been discovered at Moscow's Sheremetyevo international airport. The material triggered an alarm in the airport's radiation control system and a luggage search led to the discovery of 18 pieces of the radioactive metal packed in individual steel casings, it said. The passenger boarded the plane for Tehran and left Russia, the customs service said. It added that the passenger was Iranian national. Russian law enforcement agencies opened criminal investigation into the incident.

Sodium-22 can be used for calibrating nuclear detectors and in medical equipment, nuclear experts said. "There is no weapons aspect to this (material)," said Research director Lars-Erik De Geer of the Swedish Defense Research Institute. Tension is rising between Western powers and Iran after a United Nations nuclear watchdog report last month that said Tehran appeared to have worked on designing a nuclear weapon, and that secret research to that end may be continuing. Russia, which built Iran's first nuclear power station, has said it might help Tehran construct more atomic plants. There was no immediate comment from the International Atomic Energy Agency on the incident and whether Russian authorities had reported it to the Vienna-based U.N. body.

US military marks end to nearly nine bloody years in Iraq

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

BAGHDAD - U.S. forces formally ended their nine-year war in Iraq on Thursday with a low key flag ceremony in Baghdad, while to the north flickering violence highlighted ethnic and sectarian strains threatening the country in years ahead. "After a lot of blood spilled by Iraqis and Americans, the mission of an Iraq that could govern and secure itself has become real," Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said at the ceremony at Baghdad's still heavily-fortified airport. Almost 4,500 U.S. soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis lost their lives in the war that began with a "Shock and Awe" campaign of missiles pounding Baghdad and descended into sectarian strife and a surge in U.S. troop numbers. U.S. soldiers lowered the flag of American forces in Iraq and slipped it into a camouflage-colored sleeve in a brief outdoor ceremony, symbolically ending the most unpopular U.S. military venture since the Vietnam War of the 1960s and 70s. The remaining 4,000 American troops will leave by the end of the year. Toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is dead, executed in 2006 and the worst sectarian violence has, at least for now, passed. But Iraq still struggles with insurgents, a fragile power-sharing government and an oil-reliant economy plagued by power shortages and corruption. "Iraq will be tested in the days

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The U.S. Forces Iraq colors are lowered before being encased during a ceremony in Baghdad on Thursday as the U.S. officially ended involvement in the war.

ahead, by terrorism, by those who would seek to divide, by economic and social issues," Panetta told the rows of assembled U.S. soldiers and embassy officials at the ceremony. "Challenges remain, but the United State s will be there to stand by the Iraqi people." In Falluja, the former heartland of an al Qaeda insurgency and scene of some of the worst fighting in the war, several thousand Iraqis celebrated the withdrawal on Wednesday, some burning U.S. flags and waving pictures of dead relatives. Around 2,500 mainly Shi'ite

Muslim residents of the northern territory of Diyala protested on Thursday in front of the provincial council building for a second day against a move to declare autonomy from the mainly Sunni Salahuddin province. Police used batons and water cannon to disperse demonstrators who tried to storm the council headquarters, witnesses said. Some protesters climbed to the roof of the building and raised green and black Shi'ite flags. Some parts of Diyala are disputed territories between the minority Kurds in the north and Arab Shi'ite-led

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WORLD NEWS government in Baghdad. The longstanding dispute over land, oil and power is considered a potential flashpoint for future conflict in Iraq after American troops depart. Iraq's neighbors will watch how Baghdad tackles its sectarian and ethnic division without the U.S. military. Events there could be influenced by conflict in neighbouring Syria that has taken on a sectarian hue in recent weeks. U.S. President Barack Obama, who made an election promise to bring troops home, told Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri alMaliki that Washington will remain a loyal partner after the last troops roll across the Kuwaiti border. Iraq's Shi'ite leadership presents the withdrawal as a new start for the country's sovereignty, but many Iraqis question which direction the nation will take without U.S. troops. "I am happy they are leaving. This is my country and they should leave," said Samer Saad, a soccer coach. "But I am worried because we need to be safe. We are worried because all the militias will start to come back." Some like Saad fear more sectarian strife or an al Qaeda return to the cities. A squabble between Kurds in their northern semi-autonomous enclave and the Iraqi Arab central government over disputed territories and oil is another flashpoint. Violence has ebbed since the bloodier days of sectarian slaughter when suicide bombers and hit squads claimed hundreds of victims a day at times as the country descended into titfor-tat killings between the Sunni and Shi'ite communities. In 2006 alone, 17,800 Iraqi military and civilians were killed in violence.

Libya to allow UK police to probe Lockerbie

The Libyan government will allow British police to go to Libya to investigate the 1988 Lockerbie bombing and the unsolved 1984 killing of a policewoman in London, a British minister said on Thursday. Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt, who held talks with Libyan ministers in Tripoli last week, said the Libyan government had given permission for British police to carry out fresh investigations into the two shadowy episodes that occurred under the rule of late strongman Muammar Gaddafi. "I have absolute confidence that the police from Dumfries and Galloway (in Scotland) and the Metropolitan Police (in London) will be going back to Libya to get their investigations going again and they will be given a positive opportunity to do so by the Libyan authorities," Burt told Reuters in a telephone interview. Burt, the Foreign Office minister responsible for North Africa and the Middle East, said no date had been set yet for a police visit, noting that Libyan authorities had a lot of other issues to deal with in a turbulent postGaddafi transition. But he said that in his talks with Libyan Interior Minister Fawzi Abd al All and Foreign Minister Ashour bin Hayal, both had recognized the importance of the socalled "legacy" issues. They include the bombing of a U.S. airliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, the killing of policewoman Yvonne Fletcher outside the Libyan embassy in London and Libyan aid for Irish Republican Army guerrillas during 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland. Fletcher, 25, died after being hit by a shot fired from the embassy during a demonstration against Gaddafi. After an 11-day siege, 30 Libyans in the embassy were deported and no one was ever charged with her killing. Libyan Abdel Basset al-Megrahi was convicted in 2001 of playing a "significant part in planning and perpetrating" the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie that killed 270 people, including 189

Americans. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum jail term of 27 years but was returned to Libya in August 2009 after being freed from a Scottish jail on the grounds he was suffering from terminal prostate cancer. He remains alive today.

The decision angered many victims' relatives and strained traditionally strong ties between Britain and the United States, with some U.S. politicians asking whether it had been designed to help oil giant BP secure contracts in Libya.

RUSSIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PUTIN OFFERS PROTESTERS SMALL CHANGE

Vladimir Putin offered to ease slightly his tight political control of Russian politics in token concessions to protesters he suggested had been paid to turn out in the biggest demonstrations since he took power 12 years ago. In a 4-1/2 hour call-in question-and-answer show that was broadcast live across Russia and intended to rebuild support as he prepares to reclaim the presidency, the long-serving prime minister sought to portray himself as a reasonable, even-handed national leader who can unite his people. Breaking his silence on rallies by tens of thousands of people on December 10 Putin mixed words of praise with suggestions that some of the demonstrators complaining of electoral fraud and demanding a new election were paid to show up. "I saw on people on the TV screens ... mostly young people, active and with positions that they expressed clearly," Putin said. "This makes me happy, and if that is the result of the Putin regime, that's good -- there's nothing bad about it." "They will at least make some money," he said, without saying who he thought might have been the paymaster. Putin has in the past, to the derision of

opponents, suggested the United States had stirred protests and foreign states had funded them. Putin, broaching the possibility of changes in a tightly controlled political system, suggested legislation might be altered to allow small opposition parties to be registered. One of Putin's main acts after taking power in 1999 was to remove elected governors in Russia's regions and appoint his own representatives, restoring strong Kremlin control. This he said headed off a danger of the world's biggest country breaking up. Putin hinted at reintroducing direct elections, but only after the president had approved candidates proposed by parties -- an idea scarcely likely to win support from critics. "We can move in this direction," he said. Putin gave no indication he would respond to the protesters' main demands such as sacking the central election commission chief and rerunning the election which returned Putin's United Russia party with a reduced majority. He appears to be intent instead on riding out the protests and hoping they fade, although another day of protest is planned by the opposition on December 24.

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Syrian army defectors kill 27 troops in one of deadliest clashes, Canada tells citizens to go WORLD NEWS

BEIRUT — Army defectors killed 27 government forces Thursday in apparently coordinated attacks that were among the deadliest by rebel troops since the uprising began nine months ago. The escalating unrest prompted Canada to advise thousands of its citizens in Syria to leave. The fighting began around daybreak in the southern province of Daraa, where the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s authoritarian regime began in March. Syria has seen a sharp escalation in armed clashes recently, raising concerns the country of 22 million is headed toward civil war. The U.N. raised its death toll for the Syrian uprising substantially this week, saying more 5,000 people have been killed since the revolt began. “The attacks by army defectors are becoming more coordinated and more deadly. Unfortunately, this will likely lead to a new cycle of escalation by the regime,” said Mohamad Bazzi, a Syria expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. Sanctions by Western powers, Turkey and the Arab League have added to the growing pressure on Assad from within Syria. U.S. State Department official Frederic Hof told Congress on Wednesday that Assad’s repression may allow him to hang on to power, but only for a short time. Still, the regime could exploit the escalation of armed attacks by military defectors to escalate the crackdown with full force on pockets of defectors concentrated in Daraa and the northwestern province of Idlib that borders Turkey. Defectors from the Free Syrian Army, whose leaders are based in exile in neighboring Turkey, fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a bus carrying policemen into the town of Busra al-Harir on

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Thursday, killing 12 officers, an activist based nearby said. That set off clashes with an accompanying force of soldiers. The defectors killed 13 of them, said the activist, who would only agree to be identified by his first name, Omar, for fear of retribution. The fighters then killed two more soldiers in an attack on a checkpoint, he said. Busra al-Harir is home to about 300 army defectors who have been clashing with regime forces daily for nearly a week, he said. “The army was shelling the town with tanks shortly before the attack by insurgents,” Omar said. Syrian troops are usually accompanied by policemen in buses, who round up people after the army enters an area. Citing witnesses on the ground, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported clashes in Daraa province. Syria has sealed off the country to foreign journalists, making it impossible to confirm the accounts. Another activist group, the Local Coordination Committees, said three defectors were killed in Daraa Thursday. It did not mention government troops deaths. Bazzi of the Council on Foreign Relations said the regime’s crackdown has been depending more on the powerful intelligence agencies, whose members mostly belong to Assad’s minority Alawite sect. Syria is predominantly Sunni Muslim. “As these attacks by the defectors intensify, the army could become torn and splintered,” said Bazzi. “The regime has tried very hard to keep the security forces (such as secret police) instead of the army as the first line of repression against the protesters.”

Parents sue after teen dies during wisdom tooth surgery

The parents of a Maryland teen Coletti and Isaacs did not who died earlier this year during immediately respond to ABC News' wisdom tooth surgery have sued request for comment. the oral surgeon and the anesthetist An investigation by the state's for medical malpractice. chief medical examiner ruled the Jenny Olenick, a 17-year-old cause of Olenick's death to be hypoxia junior at Marriotts Ridge High -- oxygen deprivation while she was School in Woodstock, Md., died in anesthetized. April from complications during Another teen, 14-year-old Ben the outpatient procedure performed Ellis of Gilmer County, Ga., was on 5 million Americans each year. found dead in his bed Dec. 8 after "It's so hard," Cathy Garger, undergoing wisdom tooth surgery the Olenick's mother, told day before, ABC News affiliate ABCNews.com. "She was the only WSBTV reported. The Gilmer County one we had." Sheriff's Office and the Georgia The civil suit, filed in Howard Bureau of Investigation are still Jenny Olenick Country Circuit Court, claims the investigating the cause of death. oral surgeon, Dr. Domenick Coletti, and the Like any surgery, wisdom tooth extraction carries anesthiologist, Dr. Krista Michelle Isaacs, were risks. The most common complication -- permanent negligent and failed to resuscitate Olenick after her nerve damage causing numbness of the tongue, lips heart rate and blood oxygen level dropped. or cheeks -- affects more than 11,000 people Garger and Olenick's father, John, declined to annually, according to a 2007 report in the American comment on the pending case, but a spokeswoman Journal of Public Health. But the surgery has also for the family said they hope to highlight the been linked to jaw and tooth fractures, brain tissue surgery's risks and the need for better emergency infections, life-threatening bleeding and hypoxia. training among dentists and oral surgeons. With all the risks, some dentists question whether "Something should have been done at the first the extraction surgeries are even necessary. sign of the emergency happening," said Nicole The American Association of Oral and Cunha, a family friend and executive director of the Maxillofacial Surgeons strongly recommends that Raven Maria Blanco Foundation -- a non-profit young adults have their wisdom teeth removed to group dedicated to protecting pediatric dental "prevent future problems and to ensure optimal patients. "If they hadn't waited so long, Jenny would healing." But the science supporting prophylactic still be here." extraction is thin.

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

FORMER FRENCH PRESIDENT GETS SUSPENDED JAIL TERM

Jacques Chirac

PARIS—A French court on Thursday sentenced former President Jacques Chirac to a two-year suspended jail term after his conviction on graft charges, the first time a former head of state has been convicted by a court in the post-World War II era. Mr. Chirac, who had denied the accusations ahead of the criminal trial, won't appeal the ruling, his lawyer Georges Kiejman said. Mr. Chirac, 79 years old, who ruled France for two terms between 1995 and 2007, didn't attend the trial after judges granted him a dispensation on the grounds that he is suffering from severe memory loss. He could have faced a sentence of as long as 10 years. The charges brought against Mr. Chirac related to his stint as Paris mayor between 1977 and 1995, when he allegedly added dozens of people to the city council's payroll who weren't actually working for the city. The court only considered 28 alleged fake jobs; others were left out of the trial for lack of evidence or because too much time had passed since the alleged hiring. The court found that in 19 out of 28 cases studied, the jobs were "entirely or partially fictitious." "Mr. Chirac failed in the obligation of being forthright that applies to people in public office," said Judge Dominique Pauthe in his verdict. Mr. Kiejman said Mr. Chirac didn't benefit personally from what happened. The trial started after the former president left power; he was granted immunity while in office. "I hope the conviction won't change anything of the deep affection French people still feel for Jacques Chirac," Mr. Kiejman said. Mr. Chirac's Vietnamese-born foster daughter, Anh Dao, who was in the courtroom when the conviction was announced, said the ruling shows that French justice is harsh and independent. "With great pain, we have to accept a decision, which is too strict," she told reporters. Mr. Chirac is the first former president to be convicted since Philippe Pétain was sentenced to death in 1945 for supporting Nazi Germany during World War II. Pétain's sentence was changed to life imprisonment and he died in jail in 1951. President Nicolas Sarkozy's office said it had no comment on the decision, saying it wasn't the president's role to comment.

IMF says global economic outlook is gloomy

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

IMF head Christine Lagarde has said the world economic outlook is "gloomy" and no country is immune from rising risks. She said all nations, starting with Europe, needed to head off a crisis with risks of a global depression. "There is no economy in the world immune from the crisis that we not only see unfolding but escalating," she said. "It is going to be hopefully resolved by all countries, all regions actually taking action." Meanwhile, ratings agency Standard and Poor's downgraded 10 Spanish banks by applying new ratings criteria. And France's official statistics agency, INSEE,

Morgan Stanley to cut 1,600 jobs Morgan Stanley, the only large Wall Street bank to avoid major job cuts this year, said on Thursday that it would fire 1,600 employees in the first quarter to cut costs as trading and banking revenue show few signs of recovering. Morgan Stanley declined to say how much it would save from these cuts, but if the cost savings are similar to those seen by Goldman Sachs Group Inc, the bank may save about $2 billion in compensation expenses. Goldman reduced its payroll by 1,300 last quarter, saving $1.6 billion in compensation costs. Still the cuts, which amount to 2.6 percent of the bank's workforce, may be too small and Morgan Stanley will have to do more to show it is serious about earning a better return for shareholders, analysts said. "Business is slow, but none of these cuts seem like radical changes in the business model to me," said Chris Kotowski, a bank analyst at Oppenheimer & Co. Large banks across the world have outlined plans to cut more than 125,000 jobs this year, according to a Reuters tally. Goldman, JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N), Bank of America Corp (BAC.N), Citigroup Inc (C.N) and other U.S. banks are among those that have announced staff reductions ranging from 0.4 percent to 10 percent of their workforces. These cuts come as banks see their profitability sink amid the weak global economy and European debt crisis. Clients are holding back on trading and dealmaking activity until markets become less volatile. At the same time, the value of securities banks hold for investments, clients or market-making purposes has declined, further hitting the bottom line. At Morgan Stanley, which employs 62,648 people globally, the job cuts will come across all staff levels and geographic areas, including investment banking, trading and back-office functions, spokesman Mark Lake said. Analysts expect the bank to trim more jobs toward the middle of next year, as the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney franchise is further integrated

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said that it expects the Europe's second-largest economy to fall into recession in the final three months of this year and the first quarter of 2012. France, Spain and Italy have been facing rising borrowing costs. Many investors fear one will be the next eurozone member to need a bailout. Speaking at the US State Department in Washington, she said global economic leaders now needed to take a rounded approach towards addressing monetary weaknesses, such as those underscored by the current eurozone debt crisis. "It is going to require efforts, it is going to require adjustment, and clearly it is going to have to start from the core of the crisis at the moment, which is obviously the European countries and in

particular the countries of the eurozone." Ms Lagarde mentioned economic bright spots in Asia and Latin America, which she said had taken, with IMF help, steps during crises in the 1980s and 1990s to address weaknesses in their banking systems and their financial frameworks. "All those challenges that they faced in the days of the Asian crisis, of the Latin American crisis, have now served them well," Ms Lagarde said. On Thursday, a closely-watched survey suggested the downturn in the 17 economies that share the euro had eased slightly in December. The composite survey of thousands of firms by Markit showed a continued contraction - but at a slower rate than in November.

American Airlines owns $30 million London town house

The London townhouse

LONDON - Buried deep in American Airlines' Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is a striking asset -- a town house in one of London's most expensive residential streets that property experts say could be worth up to $30 million. The five-bedroom house in London's high-end Kensington district is a throwback to the airline's expansion two decades ago and stands a 10 minute walk from the former home of Princess Diana, with gentry and diplomats as neighbors. UK regulatory filings show the house has been used as a residence for senior executives, including the current chairman and chief executive Thomas Horton, since the airline bought it in the early 1990s. Listed as "London Residence LON6526," the five-floor house is one of eight owned properties declared by parent company AMR Corp when it asked for protection from creditors on November 30, sagging under $30 billion of liabilities. The plush residence in

Cottesmore Gardens -- recently named Britain's 10th most expensive address by property firm Zoopla -- could become a thorn in the airline's side as it fights its way through bankruptcy. Corporate restructuring usually involves sacrifices by staff, retirees and creditors. Robert Mann, an airline consultant with RW Mann & Co, who is a former fleet planning executive at AMR, said the ownership of the house is far from the biggest problem the airline is facing but added it would raise eyebrows and should probably be sold. "As part of an overall debtclearing exercise, yes it probably should be sold and leased back if they really want to stay there. If you can realize 17 million bucks, you ought to do it." Confirming ownership of the house, American Airlines said it is used by the senior official in charge of its international business "and for corporate functions from time to time." Contacted last week, it initially

declined to say whether it planned to keep the house, but in response to further Reuters queries said its ownership of the property was being reviewed. "AMR can confirm that it's a property it purchased in the 1990s when property values were lower," the airline said. "However, as we work through our Chapter 11 reorganization, we are focused on achieving a competitive cost and debt structure and will, of course, review our use and ownership of this and all our real estate as part of that process." A union representing 30,000 workers at American Airlines and American Eagle expressed outrage over the property. In its request for Chapter 11 protection, AMR said it had already shed billions of dollars in cumulative annual costs over the past 8 years to cope with the "relentless pressures of ever intensifying competition and rising fuel prices." The airline said it had pursued "every effort short of Chapter 11 to reform its cost structure."

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Hunger up in US cities, more to come: mayors

Business & Technology

A survey of 29 cities shows hunger has risen in most of them in the last year and is largely expected to increase in 2012 as the United States faces a sluggish economy, the U.S. Conference of Mayors said on Thursday. Homelessness also rose an average of 6 percent for the surveyed cities, with the increase in homeless families far outpacing the number for individuals. Mayors said the figures showed the depth of problems facing poor and low-income families as the United States slowly recovers from a deep economic downturn and joblessness that was at 8.6 percent last month. They urged that food and housing programs be defended as the government moved closer to $1.2 trillion in mandatory cuts aimed at reducing a ballooning federal deficit.

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The survey "should be a wakeup call for cities involved and the country," Kansas City Mayor Sly James said in a conference call with reporters. "Here in the richest country of the world we have people who cannot find a place to live and we are failing to address it such that the numbers are increasing, not decreasing." Eighty-six percent of the cities reported requests for emergency food aid had increased in the last year, the survey by the mayors' group said. Kansas City showed the sharpest increase, at 40 percent. It was followed by Boston and Salt Lake City, both at 35 percent. Unemployment led the list of causes of hunger, followed by poverty, low wages and high housing costs. No survey city expected requests for emergency food aid to drop over

the next year, and 93 percent expected a rise. HOMELESSNESS UP Forty-two percent of the survey cities reported an increase in homelessness and 19 percent said the number stayed the same. The number of homeless families was up an average of 16 percent, but the number of unaccompanied homeless people was up less than 1 percent. Charleston, South Carolina, had by far the biggest increase in homelessness, at 150 percent. Los Angeles was second at 39 percent. Officials in 64 percent of the cities expected the number of homeless families to increase, and 55 percent of them expected the number of homeless individuals to rise. The report of rising numbers of hungry and homeless American came after the Census Bureau reported last

Driverless car: Google awarded US patent for technology

A US patent for self-driving cars has been awarded to Google. The intellectual rights relate to a method to switch a vehicle from a human-controlled mode into the state where it takes charge of the wheel. It explains how the car would know when to take control, where it is located and which direction to drive in. The search firm suggests the technology could be used to offer tours of tourist locations or to send faulty models to repair shops. The application for Transitioning a Mixedmode Vehicle to Autonomous Mode was applied for in May, but had been hidden from public view until this week. The document describes using two sets of sensors. The first identifies a "landing strip" when the vehicle stops. This then triggers the second set which receives data informing the machine where it is positioned and where it should go. "The landing strip allows a human driving the vehicle to know acceptable parking places for the vehicle," the patent filing says. "Additionally, the landing strip may indicate to the vehicle that it is parked in a region where it may transition into autonomous mode." Google says the landing strip could simply be a mark on the ground, a sign on a wall, or lines or arrows showing where the vehicle should be parked.

To detect which landing strip it has been parked at, the document says the car could activate a GPS (global positioning system) receiver to find its rough location and then use its sensors to detect trees, foliage or other known landmarks to determine its exact position. Alternatively the filing says the car could read a QR code -the popular two-dimensional square barcode - which would have details about the landing strip's location. Telling the car precisely where it has been parked could be crucial to ensuring it knows where to go. The patent explains that GPS receivers are sometimes only accurate to about 30ft (9.1m). However, if the vehicle can monitor its path and knows where it started from, it can simply be told to drive set distances from that point, adjusting its direction at the appropriate places. The patent describes how data provided at the landing strip could also tell the vehicle to look up an internet address which would let it know if it needed to drive itself to a repair shop, or simply move to another parking bay to ensure a hire company had its cars spread evenly across its various pick-up spots. It says the landing strip could also provide information about how long the vehicle should pause before driving off.

RIM third quarter profit falls 27 percent

Research In Motion (RIM) the makers of Blackberry, posted a 27 percent drop in quarterly profit on Thursday and said it would likely ship between 11 million and 12 million BlackBerry smartphones in the weeks around Christmas, the first decline in years for that historically strong period. RIM turned in an adjusted profit of $667 million, or $1.27 a share, in its

third quarter, which ended on November 26. That does not include a massive writedown on unsold PlayBooks or a charge associated with October's global service outage. It had revenue of $5.2 billion. Analysts had on average expected RIM to earn $1.19 a share on sales of $5.265 billion after the struggling Canadian company warned on profit,

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

revenue and shipments on December 2. In the third quarter a year earlier, RIM made $911.1 million, or $1.74 a share, on sales of $5.495 billion. Including the $485 million pre-tax writedown on discounted PlayBook inventory and a $54 million charge related to the outage, RIM made a profit of $265 million, or 51 cents a share.

month that about 48 percent of Americans, or 146 million, were living in poverty or considered low income. Based on a new supplemental measure designed to provide a fuller portrait of poverty, the Census Bureau said about 97.3 million Americans fell into the low-income category. Another 49.1 million are considered poor. In another indicator of hunger, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported this month that 15 percent of the U.S. population, or almost 43.6 million people, took part in its main food program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, in September. The figure is up almost 8 percent from the year before, and up 77 percent in five years. The U.S. Conference of Mayors groups mayors from 1,139 cities with populations of 30,000 or more.

Iran hijacked US drone, claims Iranian engineer

Iran guided the CIA's "lost" stealth drone to an intact landing inside hostile territory by exploiting a navigational weakness long-known to the US military, according to an Iranian engineer now working on the captured drone's systems inside Iran. Iranian electronic warfare specialists were able to cut off communications links of the American batwing RQ-170 Sentinel, says the engineer, who works for one of many Iranian military and civilian teams currently trying to unravel the drone’s stealth and intelligence secrets, and who could not be named for his safety. Using knowledge gleaned from previous downed American drones and a technique proudly claimed by Iranian commanders in September, the Iranian specialists then reconfigured the drone's GPS coordinates to make it land in Iran at what the drone thought was its actual home base in Afghanistan. "The GPS navigation is the weakest point," the Iranian engineer told the Monitor, giving the most detailed description yet published of Iran's "electronic ambush" of the highly classified US drone. "By putting noise [jamming] on the communications, you force the bird into autopilot. This is where the bird loses its brain." The “spoofing” technique that the Iranians used – which took into account precise landing altitudes, as well as latitudinal and longitudinal data – made the drone “land on its own where we wanted it to, without having to crack the remote-control signals and communications” from the US control center, says the engineer. The revelations about Iran's apparent electronic prowess come as the US, Israel, and some European nations appear to be engaged in an ever-widening covert war with Iran, which has seen assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists, explosions at Iran's missile and industrial facilities, and the Stuxnet computer virus that set back Iran’s nuclear program. Now this engineer’s account of how Iran took over one of America’s most sophisticated drones suggests Tehran has found a way to hit back. The techniques were developed from reverse-engineering several less sophisticated American drones captured or shot down in recent years, the engineer says, and by taking advantage of weak, easily manipulated GPS signals, which calculate location and speed from multiple satellites.

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DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

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DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

AFC Hurricanes enters Christmas break with slight edge The WFL entered into the break for the festive season and two teams are level on points. AFC Hurricanes have ten points, the same as Net Rockers but sit above last year's champions as a result of having scored more goals. These teams tied two weeks ago (1-1) but they both got back to winning ways last weekend. Net Rockers defeated Revolution FC 4-0 with goals from Jancilia Cox, Niquita Rosemaine, Kayla Gardiner and Carmela Giordano. In the earlier match AFC Hurricanes had to wait until late in the game before overcoming a resilient AFC Strikers. AFC Strikers have yet to win a game this season, but the team consisting of players from the TCIFA Under 14 Girls Center of Excellence have been improving week by week. The first half was evenly matched with both teams defences on top. Yarileke De La Cruz came

close to opening the scoring but her shot narrowly missed the target. AFC Hurricanes struggled to find their rhythm and although they had more of the possession, failed to trouble the Striker's stand-in goalkeeper Waldine Pierre. In the second half the more experienced Hurricanes players began to exert more pressure on their young opponents who continued to frustrate their sister team. Willandra Elliott, Shinaydine Pluviose and Melissa Jean Guy were impressive in the center of defence and it was only after a clearance that ricocheted off a defender that the Hurricanes were able to break the deadlock through Christina Hinds on the 65th minute. Strikers had several chances to draw level as Yarieleke De La Cruz hit a fierce shot from thirty yards that was well saved by Amelie Speer. Minutes later Yarileny De La Cruz broke through the

Hurricanes defence and saw her shot roll agonizingly wide of the goal. However, Sarah Cenary guaranteed the win for the Hurricanes as she was on hand to finish a well taken goal in the 80th minute. Coach Gerry Gregg was relieved that his team managed to see out the win. "The girls (Hurricanes) were pushed all the way today, thankfully we managed to get the goals we needed but we will need to play better in the new year if we are to challenge Net Rockers." Technical Director Matthew Green was delighted with the performance of the young Strikers team. "I am sure a lot of people thought the league would be too tough for the young girls but they have improved tremendously in such a short space of time. They are becoming more confident with every game and they are quickly adapting to playing at a higher level. This will stand them in good stead when they compete internationally in years to come. They can all feel proud of what they have achieved and I predict that by next season they will be in a position to challenge for the title." The WFL starts again on 15th January.

Air Turks and Caicos capture Super 7’s league

The TCIFA Super 7's Football League came to an exciting and dramatic end this week as the final round of games was played at the TCIFA Acacemy Field. Air Turks and Caicos lifted the inaugural championship which due to its popularity looks set to expand to include even more teams in 2012. There was a lot at stake for all of the six teams that competed on the last night. In the opening game HAB Harriers secured fifth spot overall with a 5-3 win against SWA Sharks. The Harriers made an impressive start as they raced into a 3-0 lead with goals from Sanjay Campbell (2) and Jon Flanagan. However, rather than fall apart the Sharks bounced back to even things up as Paul Collis (2) and Basil McGregor evened the tie before the half time

whistle. The second half was evenly The final itself was a very closely matched until Flanagan grabbed his fought affair and the deadlock was second goal and Jornel Magroire only broken in the last minute of the secured victory for HAB. game. Air Turks and Caicos were In the second game of the expected to win the game handsomely evening AFC National secured third especially as AFC Academy had place overall with a comfortable several key players missing but Ian 5-1 win against Pedagogue FC. Hurdle inspired his team who almost Luis Turbyfield opened the scoring pulled off a shock victory. The Flamingo boys had a lot of converting Bobby Kwatt's well placed cross. Kwatt then doubled possession but the Academy team's the lead from the penalty spot defence made it very difficult for before adding his second goal of the their opponents to make any clear game shortly before half time. cut chances. As the game went on, Matt Green added a fourth goal AFC Academy handled the pressure and Anell Super drove home for well and always looked dangerous a fifth as he latched on to Steve on the counter attack. In fact it was Wilson's expertly placed through the younger team which almost took ball. Pedagogue FC tried to get the lead when Fred Dorvil's header back in the game and never gave up came back off the bar and appeared and were rewarded for their efforts to cross over the line. when Haroon Swaby rifled a shot Ian Hurdle almost scored the into the roof of the net. goal of the season when his thirty

yard volley was deflected wide for a corner. However, it was Air Turks and Caicos who managed to claim the win as Events Jean scored a close range effort following a last minute corner kick. Air Turks and Caicos were naturally relieved after the final whistle after being pushed so close; however after playing the season undefeated no one can begrudge them their well earned title. Presentations were given out to the following players and teams. 7th Place Provo Golf Club 6th Place SWA Sharks 5th Place Medals (B final Winners) HAB Harriers 4th Place Pedagogue FC 3rd Place AFC National Runners Up AFC Academy Winners Air Turks and Caicos League Top Goal scorer Bobby Kwatt (14 goals) League MVP Bobby Kwatt

Marjorie Basden in Provo High School Basketball Champs Marjorie Basden of South Caicos is the 2011 champion of the Provo High School Basketball Champions after overcoming Maranatha 87-79 in the final of the competition played at the Gustarvus Lightbourne on December 8. Kivarno Handfield led the Marjorie Basden charge with 35 points, while grabbing 11 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 blocks and 2 assists. He was supported by Devin Jules, who shot 14 points, made 4 assists, carried out 3 steals, grabbed 2 rebounds and 1 block. Georualle Penn and Corrin Lightbourne chipped in with 8 points apiece.

For the losers, Dudreco Forbes, just like his Marjorie Basden counterpart, shot 35 points. He also grabbed a whopping 18 rebounds, made off with 7 steals, and 6 assists. He team mate Kenly Walters registered 17 points, 10 steals, 11 assists and 6 rebounds, while Dwayne Hamilton shot 11 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Handfield of Marjorie Basden was adjudged the Most Valuable Player for the tournament, but it was Maranatha who walked away with the majority of the prizes. They were awarded the Most Rebounds – 45 – by Dwayne Hamilton; Most Steals – 25-

registered by Kenly Walters; Most Assists – 23- by Dudreco Forbes; Most Blocks – 9- also by Forbes. On their way to winning the championship, Marjorie Basden got by Maranatha 82-67; and won over HJ Robinson by default after HJ Robinson forfeited that game. Maranatha defeated Wesley Methodist91 to 32; defeated British West Indies Collegiate 75 to 37; and got by TCIPS Comprehensive 70 to 41, in addition to losing to the eventual champions in the preliminaries.

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LOCAL SPORTS

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Sonia Bien-Aime TCIFA Gen Sec gets CFU Finance Task Force appointment The Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association’s General Secretary, Sonia Bien-Aime, has been appointed to the CFU Finance Task Force. This Task Force is charged with the preparation of advice which will allow for continuity of the Union in addition to a more optimum means of functioning. The working group will be responsible for a number of considerations to include: review of the CFU’s financial status, recommendations regarding the financial structures of the organization, interim measures for the administration and operation of

the CFU, amongst a list of other recommendations which shall be presented at the CFU Presidents’ Meeting on December 20th and 21st in Zurich, Switzerland. Responding to the appointment Bien-Amie said: “I am indeed humbled and privileged by my appointment to sit on the committee for the CFU Finance Task Force. This is the first time that the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association has been entrusted with the responsibly to do such, and as the only

female on the panel, it will be our collective efforts as a working group to contribute to the necessary reform and modernization of the Union going forward,” she said. “During this critical phase in CFU’s history, it is my endeavor to take full advantage of this moment in the best interest of the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Caribbean and regional football, thus ensuring that integrity and best practice is observed and adhered to at all times,” she added. Other members appointed to the CFU Finance Task Force include: Jeffrey Webb, Cayman Islands FA President; Anton Sealey, Bahamas FA President; Louis Giskus, Suriname VB President; Joseph Cheney, Grenada FA President; Lyndon Cooper, St. Lucia FA President and Eric Labrador, Puerto Rico FedFut President.

TCI Programme ends on high note

The TCIFA Providenciales youth programmes finished off its year with an awards presentation last Saturday (10th December) and according to Head Coach Matthew Green, 2011 was a very productive year for the association as it saw its youth programmes increase dramatically in size and scope. According to Green, more than 500 children competed in the school leagues in eight age group categories and the TCIFA's youth leagues (sponsored by Sailrock) saw almost two hundred children competing at U11 Boys, U13 Boys and U14 Girls levels. He aid in addition to these programmes, the association also Leidson Gerome collects his MVP award from started Centers of Excellence for its coach Oliver Smith most gifted and enthusiastic players for U13 Boys and U14 Girls. its players are exposed to more He said the TCIFA has no competitive games. Several foreign intention of resting on its laurels in teams have been invited to come to 2012 and several new programmes the Turks and Caicos Islands in the are being planned. summer of 2012. "As well as running or regular He said also that The TCIFA plans academies we intend to expand our to hold international tournaments for Centers of Excellence to include the U14 Boys and U15 Girls. He younger age groups. We will also said a U18 Boys’ team from Florida be creating more youth leagues and is also due to travel here in July. start Beach Soccer competitions for Center of Excellence Boy's our younger players,” Green said. Coach, Oliver Smith was pleased He pointed also that expanding with the plans for his group next the programmes for the association year. "It is important that our young will require more assistance, saying players are given a chance to test that the TCIFA will need more themselves against foreign teams. volunteers to work within their The association is aware of this programmes. and they are keen to arrange these "One of my main targets for 2012 events for our players. These games is to find parents who want to become should encourage our players to more active in our programmes. We work even harder". During the will offer free training for anyone awards ceremony, Green thanked who is interested in becoming a all the players for their hard work youth coach or referee. In addition throughout the year and made sure we will be supplying all our current the players recognized the efforts of coaches with coaching manuals their coaches. "Without our coaches, which will help improve the quality none of our programmes and leagues of our sessions so that our players could exist so it is important that can develop further. Our coaches they receive the recognition their will also be invited to complete hard work and dedication deserves". Intermediate and Advanced coaching Green added "2011 has been a great licenses throughout the year," Green year for the development of youth said. football, next year should be even In addition to expanding their better". Programmes will begin programmes, Green said the TCIFA again on Saturday 14th January is also committed to ensuring that 2012. If anyone is interested in

Ras Diamond collects his Player of the Year award from coach Oliver Smith

Pendieno Brooks

registering their child or becoming involved in the TCIFA programmes they should contact the TCIFA at 941 5532 or 231 1860. In the Coed U17 age group Paris Lightbourne was name player of the year; Jayden Fuller, Local Coles, Callum Park and Robert Brooks were named MVP, while Jake Whent, Joshua Saunders, AJ Gardiner and Carson Greatrex were singled out for Excellent Achievement. In the U9 Coed, Katherina Whitehead was named player of the year. Orin Cmapbell, Jamie Gray and Javed Shearer were named MVP, while Theo Weldon, Shaun Gardiner and Dale Taylor were presented with Excellent Achievement awards; In the Boys U11 category, Michael Smikle was named Player of the Year. Charlie McKnight, Junior Paul and Timothy Gill were named MVP’s, while Shadown St. Jour, Peddieno Brooks and Fridlin Gedion

received Excellence Achievement awards. In the Under 13 Boys, Ras Diamond was voted Player of the year. Leidson Gerome, Mackenson Cadet and Gabriel Diotte were named MVP’s, while Idlin Belony Raymondo Carrasco and Jackson Pierre receive Awards of Excellence. In the Under 12 Girls category, Guerline Hall was voted Player of the Year, while Makayla Ellis, Yarileke De La Cruz, Trincy Reid and Monae Gooden were voted joint MVP’s, while Ariyah Wildist, Cydnee Campbell, Jackelle Gardiner and Lashauna Thompson received Achievement of Excellence awards. In the Under 14 Girls, Shinaydine Pluviose was voted player of the year, while Yarileny De La Cruz, Jenny Fleurenvil and Waldine Pierre were voted MVP’s while Sandardia Forbes, Jenka Seide and Cindy Canario received Awards of Excellence.

Bolt and Blake may clash before the Olympics

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

KINGSTON – The trainer of Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake has raised the possibility that the two Jamaican sprinters could race each other earlier than expected next year, providing an early preview of the blue-riband events at the London Olympics. The pair are due to line up against each other at the Jamaican Olympic trials in June and at London in August, but Glen Mills said they could square off before then, if their managers agreed and the money was right. “That depends on the races that the managers have gotten confirmation for,” Mills told Reuters. “Track and field is not just a sport, it’s also a business . . . so it all depends on what meets are able to afford both runners to run in the same event.” Mills trains both Bolt and Blake, who are not only teammates in the Jamaican relay but also friends and

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Yohan Blak

Usain Bolt

rivals. Bolt, 25, won the sprint double at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and holds the world record for both the 100 and

POLLARD SEES 119 AS STEP FORWARD

Chennai, India -- West Indies power-hitter Kieron Pollard says the superb breakthrough century he made on Sunday was a huge stepping stone in his international career. The powerful six-footer made 119 off 110 balls with 10 massive sixes, his first ton for the Windies in his 51st One-Day International. During the innings Pollard reached 1,000 career runs but his prowess was not enough as the West Indies fell short 34 runs short of India’s target of 268 in the fifth and final match of the ODI Series. India won 4-1. “This innings has done a lot for me. It is certainly a breakthrough and I hope to get better for the West Indies. I hope be more consistent with the bat. Thank God I got my maiden hundred. I wanted the team to win, but didn’t happen today. I just have to go back and reflect on what went wrong,” Pollard said. “I was looking for a different approach. I had a couple of starts in the earlier matches. Thank God that one of the best fielders in India (Kohli) dropped me on 99 tonight. I have to be positive. I have to look for singles, but when the ball is in your arc, go for it. Hopefully, I will learn from this and do well for West Indies cricket and for myself.” Throughout the series the West Indies created opportunities to win but were not able to finish off the Indians. Pollard said in future they need to be more clinical. “The first couple of games were really close. Hopefully, we will take a couple of months off international cricket and reflect and come back strong for Australia,” he said. “We had a chance in the first couple of games. It’s just the mental aspect or killer instinct. Past West Indian sides had it, then the Aussies had it and now India is doing really well. Hopefully, we will be better equipped mentally to handle close finishes in future.”

200 metres, but the younger Blake has quickly emerged as his biggest threat. Blake won the 100 at this year’s world championships in South Korea

when Bolt was disqualified for a false start. Bolt made amends by winning the 200 in the absence of Blake, who went on to set the second fastest time in history for the 200 at a meet in Belgium. Blake’s agent Cubie Seegobin told Reuters the 21-year-old would be happy to race Bolt over either distance in the lead-up to the Olympics. “It doesn’t matter, if we’re in the 200 and whoever lines up in the 200 and we are comfortable with our negotiations and conditions, whoever lines up lines up, it doesn’t matter to us,” Seegobin said. “And the same thing in the 100, whoever lines up 100, that’s as long as we comfortable with our conditions, it doesn’t matter to us.”

World’s toughest rowing race to end in the Caribbean

LA GOMERA, Canary Islands -- Last Tuesday, teams from around the world started the world's toughest rowing race -- the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. The race began in Spain's San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands, and teams will follow the 'Columbus Route' westbound across the mid-Atlantic to Port St. Charles in Barbados. They face very tough conditions and are likely to row 3,000 miles. On average crews will take at least 50 days to complete the challenge and will be rowing over Christmas and New Year. They are expected to arrive in the Caribbean from midJanuary onwards, although not all teams will succeed in finishing the crossing. Seventeen boats are participating, with teams from all over the globe. There are two solo rowers, and then fifteen two, four or six person crews. Sleeping in tiny cabins and rowing two hours on, two hours off, they were seen off by family and friends in an emotional farewell ceremony. Row2Recovery is a team of six ex-servicemen, four of whom have serious war injuries, including Neil Heritage, a double amputee. They aim to raise GBP1M for 'Help the Heroes'. RowforFreedom is the first all female crew of five to row across the Atlantic and are aiming to break the world record for the fastest ever female

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trans-Atlantic row. They are raising money for ECPAT UK and the A21 Campaign, both charities campaigning to end human trafficking. Team Tiger is a husband and wife team, raising money for St Mungo's and the Huntingdon's Disease Association: "As incurable rowers, we've done our fair share of going to interesting places and rowing in them, and an ocean is the ultimate next step. So this is less of a race for us and more of an ocean safari." Atlantic Dash, Jamie Windsor and John Haskell, two firefighters from Wales, are raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity in a fire truck themed boat. Soneravnorge, a Norwegian duo, Emil Eide Eriksen and Trond Bratland Erichsen, are raising money for the national organisation for heart and lung disease, Landsforeningen for Hjerte-og Lungesyke. Team Amigo is a Canadian pair. Ole Elmer is 63 years old and this is his second Atlantic Row with the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. This year, he is rowing with his son, Michael. Andrew Brown is a solo rower raising money for Help a London Child: "I've sailed across the Atlantic before and the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is the perfect opportunity for me to challenge myself further."

UK military to provide security for 2012 Olympics TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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Up to 13,500 military personnel will help to provide security at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Ministry of Defence has announced. Security would be police-led but the military would make a "significant contribution", the MoD said. Some 5,000 troops will support the police, up to 7,500 will provide venue security and 1,000 will provide logistical support. Last week, ministers revised the Games security budget from ÂŁ282m to ÂŁ553m. In addition to the 13,500 figure, there will be a 1,000-strong unarmed contingency force ready for deployment in the event of an "Olympics-related civil emergency". The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said it now estimated 23,700 security staff would be required at Olympic and Paralympic venues next

summer, more than double the original estimate of 10,000. In a written ministerial statement, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said that the MoD would be increasing the specialist support work during the Games that it routinely provides for the civilian authorities - such as bomb disposal, building search teams and specialist sniffer dogs. allocated to that role, some 3,500 would provide venue security. This figure would rise to 7,500 on peak days during the Olympic Games, he said. The MoD said the servicemen and women would be on hand across the UK to protect 150 venues and training sites. And as part of the military's Olympic security role, the Royal Navy's HMS Ocean and HMS Bulwark will also be based at Greenwich, in London, and Weymouth Bay, in Dorset,

DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

respectively. Mr Hammond told the BBC that the Games were "the biggest security challenge this country has faced for decades". But he added that military deployment during Olympic Games was routine since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. "This defence contribution is on a similar scale to that deployed at other recent Olympic Games and will contribute to ensuring a safe, secure and enjoyable 2012 Olympics," he said. "Defence will continue to be able to support current and contingent operations during the Games and my priority will remain the troops we have deployed on operations, including in Afghanistan, before, during and after the Olympics." Mr Hammond also said the military would split its role into two areas. "First of all we will be providing

Orlando Magic says Dwight Howard saga could go to end of the season

ORLANDO, Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Magic but I'm not going to let that affect general manager Otis Smith said me . . . It's been a roller coaster, Wednesday the team's goal remains but I'm enjoying it. I'm going on to keep Dwight Howard in a Magic a good ride." uniform as long as they possibly And it could be a long one. can and that the trade talks "could Though there are reports that go to the end of the season." Smith the Nets have been trying to would not say whether trade talks engineer a multiple-team trade to for the center are off, but did say get Howard, Smith indicated there was no deal in place. nothing is imminent. "We're at the same place we've "I think we're going to always been," Smith said. "We continue to talk to every team don't have a deal until we have a out there, but that doesn't mean deal. Right now we still have him anything is going to happen," he in a Magic uniform, and that's said. where we expect him to be until Coach Stan Van Gundy said that changes." the Magic's practice sessions Howard, who is entering the have been relatively free of Dwight Howard last year of his contract, confirmed distractions. They open a twoover the weekend that he had requested a trade to New Jersey, Dallas or the Los game preseason at Miami Sunday night and will open Angeles Lakers. However, the 26-year-old center has the regular season on Dec. 25 at Oklahoma City. "I was kind of expecting this," guard J.J. Redick since publicly softened his stance, saying he would be said. "I knew that there would be this cloud of amenable to remaining in Orlando. uncertainty around Dwight because I saw what The Magic have said they will not risk losing Howard without compensation, which means they happened last year with Carmelo (Anthony), I saw must either sign him or trade him before the March what happened the year before that with LeBron deadline. However, Smith said they could keep (James), and Dwight is obviously in their league of superstardom. So there's going to be a lot of attention Howard beyond that. "As I've said, our objective is to keep him in a until something happens." With the hammer of free agency, Howard appears Magic uniform as long as we possibly can," Smith said. "With that said, we could go to the end of the season." to be in control of what happens. But for now, at least, Howard tried to deflect all trade questions it seems the Magic can control when anything Wednesday. happens. "Nobody will understand what I'm going through, "Dwight and I have talked about this. He has a what we as players have to go through, night in and great heart and he genuinely wants to please people, night out, unless you're a player," he said. "I could write whether that's fans, teammates, our management, our a book of all the stuff I've heard from teammates. Other coaches. He wants to be well-liked," Redick said. guys around the league hear it. A lot of people have "Anytime you run into a situation like this, people take called me to make sure I stayed off my Twitter, my things personally. If he was to get traded, I think people Facebook, so I don't have to go through (the public would take that as a knock on Orlando. reaction). "Dwight recognizes and knows that this city has "But it's a process, and I think I'm doing a great job been great for him and he's been great for this city. My of not letting it affect who I am. At one point it was, hope is that he will continue to be great for this city."

the routine military aid to the civil power - helping and supporting the police, with things like special forces, bomb disposal capability, military search capability. "And then we'll be supplying up to 7,500 men and women to support the guarding of the venues themselves. "They'll be working with civilians in mixed teams, searching and checking people going into the stadiums, making sure - airline style - that nothing that shouldn't get in there gets in." The defence secretary also said the military would be using its full range of capabilities and equipment to "keep London safe during the Olympics". He added: "Military hardware will be used, we'll be deploying helicopters, we'll be deploying Typhoon fighters to defend London's airspace, we'll be deploying ground-to-air missile systems."

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