TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
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LOCAL NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
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Retired cop “Big Link” sent home to St. Vincent Osbourne Paynter, 22-year veteran of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force was sent home to his native St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday, November 6, in unceremonious fashion. Before departing the country, Paynter complained that he was given the leper’s treatment by his superiors and the government, telling the media that he was handled line an outcast. Aside from an issued government permit to work in the country, the former longstanding cop had no other immigration status, and so, upon his departure from the force, such immigration position became null and void. Paynter, who spoke to the media while waiting to be ushered onto a plane bound for Jamaica, through which he was expected to reach to his home country, complained that he was led to the Providenciales International Airport from Grand Turk by immigration officials, who he said held his passport in a bid to ensure he boarded the plane. Paynter parted ways with the police force after being approved under the government-proposed Voluntary Severance Scheme. During his time in the service Paynter said he was an integral member of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force Marching Band. And, even after leaving the force, he was still asked to play as a memebr. “I worked in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and I served this country well. And know they are handling me like a prisoner. This morning I came by the airport, immigration took away my passport,
Names of two government officials charged with corruption revealed Oliver and Sonji Williams are the two Government officials were arrested by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police for alleged acts of corruption following intensive investigations by the Integrity Commission. They were arrested in Grand Turk, on Wednesday 7th November 2012 and subsequently charged with committing offences contrary to the Integrity Commission Ordinance and bailed to appear before Grand Turk Magistrates Court on Thursday November 22nd, 2012 at 9am.
Osbourne Paynter (left) and Governor Ric Todd exchanged pleasantries shortly after collecting his Long Service medal at the Down Town Ball Park on July. Paynter, who had returned then, also played in the band during the ceremony
gave the pilot my passport. When I came in Provo, they still held my passport and told me that I got to leave the country now,” he said. He said that even while he was being sent home, Government had owed him money, and although he was promised the funds, there was no indication that he would have gotten it before boarding the flight. The expoliceman warned that, based on his treatment here in the TCI, he would explore his recourse options as soon as he returned to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “They still owe me $1500, to take care of my ticket and other expenses and so on. Up until now I have not seen anybody, and that is so unfair because I serve this country well. They gave me my pension of $683, and I
supposed to get gratuity, they did not give me any gratuity, but now they are racing me out of the country, and that is not fair. And when I go to St. Vincent, I am going to take it up with my people (government) and the human rights, because they violated my rights,” Paynter lamented. The disgruntled ex-cop said he explored the possibility of attaining some sort of immigration document to enable his stay in the TCI just before demitting the force, but apparently that effort fell through. “I spoke to Mr. (Oswald) Skippings earlier on, and he did a letter for me to the governor for him to grant me PRC (Permanent Residency Status) or something based on my contribution in serving this country. And he (governor) never replied; he
(Skippings) wrote the letter from April 16. I played music in this country; I went to Canada, I went to New York in representing the police band. “I worked in Marine Branch all of my life, I worked in a number of operations in the capital (Grand Turk). I did a lot for this country. I came here when other people didn’t want to join the police force. I was working on a cargo boat; they took me off the cargo boat and told me to join the police force. And I am so disappointed in the British Administration,” Paynter said. Paynter was among 119 current and 10 retired officers from Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos, who received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Long Service to the institution, on July 20, this year, during a ceremony at the Down Town Ball Park. He was also a member of the police band who played at the event. “I love the Turks and Caicos Islands; the people treated my real good, but it is the British Administration and the head of the police force, especially the police commissioner, who is the main instigator behind this kind of treatment. They are treating me like a criminal,” Paynter said. Meantime, Immigration Officials have categorically denied that "Big Link" was deported from the Turks and Caicos Islands. But while Big Link expressed his disappointment about being treated like a criminal, a senior immigration official told SUNtv that Paynther was never served with any deportation papers and he has not been placed on any stop list. The Immigration official explained that Big Link has no legal status in the Turks and Caicos Islands, although he was given several opportunities to do so. The source told SUNtv that the former cop was given what was due to him in terms of pension, and he is free to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands at any time in the future
Woman appears in court charged with theft Sandie Willis who was charged for theft with regards to some eight thousand seven hundred twenty three dollars from Interhealth Canada, was brought before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner on Wednesday, November 7th. Samantha Glinton represented the crown and Glenda Clarke was the lawyer for Willis. The matter was set to be tried in January of 2013 in the Supreme Court upon the request of Willis. Willis was made to surrender all travel documents and was granted bail in the amount of ten thousand dollars with a surety.
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Open Letter to Governor Ric Todd from Turks and Caicos Goodwill Ambassador Tanya Streeter RE: Proposed Environmental Atrocities in The Turks & Caicos Islands Having spent a good deal of time in Turks and Caicos in 2002 and 2003 in my quest to set freediving World Records the Islands occupy a very special place in my heart. I was fortunate enough to break several records on those visits which still stand, and I have been pleased to use my name and success to promote the islands internationally as a beautiful, unspoiled, environmentally sensitive destination. This included a highly acclaimed BBC documentary about diving around the islands that continues to be broadcast globally. From what I now read and hear from others on the islands, this has changed dramatically. Providenciales is becoming overrun with development at the expense of the ecosystems, according to the highly respected National Geographic Traveller and Adventure Magazines. More alarmingly, I understand Government is now actually encouraging development in the country's National Parks and Nature Reserves on Providenciales and elsewhere. This is totally incomprehensible. The Turks & Caicos Islands' main attraction is its unspoiled environment — not glitzy hotels, mega-yacht facilities and artificial islands for luxury homes in the middle of National Parks - this runs completely contrary to the image I, and many other long-term repeat visitors, treasure of the islands. Most alarming to me is the proposal by Dolphin Cove to build and operate a “swim with the dolphins” facility on Providenciales. I have spent many years exposed to natural dolphin behaviour and serve as a spokesperson for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and The World Society For The Protection Of Animals (WSPA). Years ago, it was thought that keeping dolphins in captivity, training them to do tricks and
requiring them to interact with people was a constructive and harmless thing to do, even educational. We couldn't have been more wrong! It is now common knowledge that keeping wild dolphins in confinement and forcing them to perform for food is extremely cruel, inhumane and unhealthy, with little or no educational value at all. In brief, they are highly social creatures that ordinarily travel in groups (pods), often consisting of family units. Separation from the group can cause tremendous anxiety to the animals taken captive and those left behind. A dirty little secret is that many do not survive the capture and transportation process. One study showed a 53% mortality rate within the first 3 months of capture. Dolphins also are free ranging by nature, roaming miles upon miles of open sea and spending approximately 80% their lives at significant depths below the surface. Confinement in comparatively small, shallow tanks and artificial lagoons alters instinctive behaviour dramatically. Male dolphins often display aggression toward one another and it can be impossible for a weaker male to escape the attacks of a stronger one in a confined area. Illnesses and injuries are common in captivity and a very high level of veterinary care is required to keep the animals alive and free from diseases. Every one of these animals, even those born in captivity, suffer stress comparable to a human spending its life in solitary confinement, and they are quite literally and painfully dying to entertain you from the moment they arrive in captivity. Their only contribution to this horrendous fate is their permanent and misleading smile. "Swim with the dolphins" programs are especially insidious because the behaviour that makes the animals appear so cute and lovable (human interaction such as shaking hands with their
EDITORIAL CARTOON
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
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
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flippers, holding heads above water, chattering, kissing, towing, etc.) is completely unnatural to them and can only be developed through food deprivation techniques. In other words, they don't do these things out of affection they do them because it is the only way they get food. Understandably, operators of these programs don't publicize the fact that some animals nonetheless have become so distressed at being forced to act unnaturally that they have bitten tourists. This happens a lot more than many are aware of and the resulting negative publicity can be devastating. Modern and totally logical thinking is that “swim with the dolphins” facilities are a cruel practice and should be phased out, just as trained animal acts have been in many places. In the UK for example, captive dolphin facilities no longer exist at all, in part due to the agreed health and safety standards for the dolphins being too costly to maintain but mostly because public awareness of such cruelty is heightened. Although many still exist and new ones are still being built in some misinformed developing countries, tourists are quickly learning that they are inappropriate and should not be patronized. I believe that the Turks & Caicos Islands would be making a big mistake to continue with its plan to construct one. Hitherto, the islands have enjoyed a worldwide reputation for celebrating it's wild marine life, thanks in part to Jo Jo the wild Dolphin as well as the release into the wild of three captive dolphins from other Dolphinariums, so this proposal strikes me as supremely ironic and counter productive. For the past 10 years I have been a good will ambassador for your beautiful islands. If this wanton destruction of the environment continues, with the imprimatur of government, I will feel compelled to publicly withdraw my endorsement of the Turks & Caicos Islands and recommend that tourists visit more ecofriendly destinations that truly embrace being "Beautiful By Nature". Yours, TANYA STREETER BBC TV Presenter & World Record Freediver
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
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NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
LOCAL NEWS
TCIG announces new Auditor General Mr Anand Heeraman has been appointed as the first Auditor General and head of the newly formed Turks and Caicos Islands National Audit Office. The announcement was made by by His Excellency the Governor, on Thursday November 8th. For the past year and a half he has been a specialist financial consultant to the Attorney General in the AntiCorruption Bureau of Trinidad and Tobago. Mr Heeraman is a Fellow of
the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, England, and a Certified General Accountant, Canada, and has over 15 years of experience in the accountancy field. His appointment is for six years and it is intended that he will arrive in the TCI before the end of November to take up this challenging role. Governor Ric Todd said, “The importance of this high profile role was demonstrated by global interest in the post with a total of 15 applications
from as far away as New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East. I am delighted that we have secured the services of a much experienced and motivated individual to take forward this extremely important oversight role.” The National Audit Office Ordinance 2012 established a National Audit Office (NAO) to strengthen the control and supervision by the House of Assembly of the expenditure of public money by making further
provision for the empowerment and status of the holder of the office of Auditor General. The Ordinance also provided for an external auditor of the national audit office; to make provision for promoting economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of public money by government departments and other authorities and bodies; and for connected purposes. The NAO is a Statutory Body and replaces the Office of Chief Auditor.
Beaches Turks and Caicos Islands on track to welcome close to 100,00 guests in 2012 Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is on target to welcome 98,112 guests in 2012, which represents nearly a third of all visitor arrivals to the destination according to data released by TCI late this summer. The number represents a three percent increase in guest arrivals to Beaches Turks & Caicos year over last, a significant gain that is in sharp contrast to the seven percent decline in total visitor arrivals to Turks and Caicos as confirmed by the destination. “We have a phenomenal product and one of the best, most highly-trained staffs at Beaches Turks and
Caicos that together, consistently deliver value to our customers and the numbers demonstrate that,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, chairman and founder of Beaches Resorts. “We are proud of our success and what we’ve been able to accomplish together. This economy has made us fierce competitors, and we are always mindful of our responsibility to our employees and to the impact Beaches Turks & Caicos has on the health of tourism in TCI, our adopted home.” Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is TCI’s largest employer, recruiting an experienced
John Parker remanded to prison John Parker was brought before the courts on Wednesday and was referred to by Magistrate Clifton Warner as an experienced campaigner due to the fact that he has had numerous cases before the courts. Parker was arrested and charged for assault occasioning bodily harm. Police reports state that according to a bar owner in the Kew Town area on the thirty first of October 2012, Parker was within the vicinity of the bar and was warned to leave. It was said that Parker hit the bar owner with a rock causing him to seek medical attention at the Cheshire Hall Medical Center. This time around, Parker is saying that he was working in his defense by hitting the gentleman with the rock because he was being taken advantage of. Parker went on to say that the bar owner came up to him from behind and slammed him to the ground and stomped him in the face. He also said that he sought medical attention for his injuries which could still be seen in the courtroom. Parker was remanded until November 16th.
workforce but also providing unskilled workers with the most comprehensive job-training programs in the region. To plan for the future and maintain standards of high-quality, Sandals Resorts International, parent company of Beaches Turks & Caicos, has formed partnerships with local schools and provided internship opportunities to students from secondary schools such as the Clement Howell High School and Turks and Caicos Community College. In addition, the company recently launched Sandals Corporate University to provide employees with more extensive training.
NOTICE
BANKERS ASSOCIATION OF TURKS AND CAICOS A not-for-profit organisation registered under the Companies Ordinance
Please reply to: The President, PO Box 777, Providenciales • Tel. 941 4994 • Email anton.faessler@tcbc.tc
The Bankers Association wishes to advise the general public that due to the upcoming General Election scheduled for November 9, 2012, All Banks will be observing the following business hours during the week of November 5, 2012: Thursday, November 8: 2012 – 9:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. Friday, November 9, 2012: 9:000 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
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NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
InterHealth Canada denies owning the irritating incinerator InterHealth Canada says it does not own or operate the incinerator at the former Myrtle Rigby Clinic, as was stated in an article in the SUN last week. According to InterHealth Canada’s Chie Executive Office Roger Cheesman, the incinerator project is one owned and managed by a division of the Ministry of Health. Cheesman said that staff who operate the unit are not members of staff of InterHealth Canada but of the that same division of the Ministry of Health. He added that the hours of operation are not in any way dictated or specified by InterHealth Canada at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. “The incinerator is based entirely within the old Myrtle Rigby Health Complex site and not on Cheshire Hall Medical Centre land,” Cheesman stated. “Whilst InterHealth Canada creates the waste that is burned at the site, the contract it has with TCIG is that the clinical waste is stored at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre site in a secured compound. Under the contract it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health’s environmental health team to remove the bags and dispose of
them according to international standards.” He added: “It is worthy of note that most clinical waste is only lightly or not even contaminated as it includes dressings, theatre drapes etc., and any body tissues that may be sent for incineration comprise an extremely small component of waste. Much of the ‘smell’ may emanate from the plastics in the syringes that have been used and require incineration.” Last week, the SUN reported that noxious emissions from the incinerator forced the closure of the Providenciales campus of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College last Thursday evening, October 25, after students and lecturers developed respiratory problems. A student, who claimed that he was affected by the toxic smell, said that the emission was so strong that he and other students had to scurry from their classroom off the compound while cupping their noses with their hands in a bid to stave off the offensive smell. “The smell was so strong that it also burned our eyes and noses; the
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scent was unbearable to the point that class was cancelled for the day. Some students mentioned that they had constant vomiting after reaching home because the scent was still lingering in their system from earlier ingestion,” one student said. Principal for the Community College, Samuel Forbes told The SUN that he had written to the Ministry of Health for them to address the issue in the future, since it was clear that the use of the incinerator during school hours was having in debilitating effect on occupants of the learning facility. Forbes said he decided to write the health ministry after he was told by the hospital, after making contact with them regarding the issue that they had to carry out the incineration at that time because the facility had run out of space to store such wastes. “We have spoken to the persons who were responsible and who were doing it, and they said they could not do anything about it, so I have written to the Ministry of Health, and am now awaiting a response from that ministry, and I will do some follow up on it because it is a serious thing. I did not experience it, but my lecturers experienced it, and obviously it came
from the incinerator where burning what I would call bio waste – probably human parts and so forth. One of the lecturers had taken a video of it, so you could see the black smoke coming out the incinerator,” Forbes revealed.
CHEF DE CUISINE POSITION AVAILABLE
-Minimum 3 years experience in a similar position -Culinary Certification form an accredited Culinary Institute -Fully versed in inventory control, menu planning, scheduling & labor costs - Knowledge of international cuisines with emphasis on Mediterranean cooking styles -Highly skilled motivator with ability to train and teach kitchen brigade -Pastry skills essential, basic knowledge of bread-making necessary Must be willing to work split shifts 6 days per week including weekends & public holidays Remuneration will be based upon experience and qualifications. Contract begins March 12th, 2013. BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY. Please send resume’s to: magnoliaprovo@live.com
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
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NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
LOCAL NEWS
Members of the integrity Commission. From left Simon Baker, Chief Investigating Officer; Patrick Noonan, Business Coordinator of the Political Financial Activities Unit of the Commission; Eugene Otuonye, Executive Director for the Integrity Commission; Bishop Clarence Williams; retired commissioner of police Paul Harvey; Rev. Reuben Hall and Attorney Martin Green.
Governor not accountable to Integrity Commission Governors dispatched by the British Government to the Turks and Caicos Islands are not answerable to the Integrity Commission - the body set up by law to investigate and prosecute corruption in public life. It was the Integrity Commission, which revealed that its rein stopped stops at the Deputy Governor’s office. At the same time the Commission did not say what, if any measures can be taken internally to bring a governor to account in the wake of a corruption allegation. Speaking at the unveiling of the Public Service Code of Conduct on Tuesday in Providenciales, Bishop Clarence Williams, who is a member of that body, and who also chaired the news conference, noted: the Integrity Commission has no authority over the governor. But from the deputy governor and downwards, yes (it has authority).” On its completion of an investigation, depending against whom the allegation is leveled against, the Integrity Commission can file its report to the CEO of the Civil Service; the Deputy Governor; the speaker of the House of Assembly; or the Governor. Chief Executive Director for the Integrity Commission Eugene Otuonye said that the deputy governor and the Chief Executive of the Public Service are the ones that would receive reports relating to officers of the
service. He said that reports against parliamentarians would be made to the speaker of the House and the governor, while reports of allegation against the speaker and the deputy governor would be made to the governor. “If it (corruption allegation) involves a public officer, that report would go to the head of the Public Service and to the Deputy Governor. If it involves a member of the House of Assembly or a minister, it would go both to the speaker and the Governor. If it involves the Deputy Governor the report would go to the governor. “If it involves her the speaker of the House of Assembly, the report will go to the governor. At the end of the day the Commission will make a report of their findings. The Commission will give a copy of that report to the persons against whom those allegations have been made, so that nothing is done behind him or her. It is a procedure, and the Integrity Commission would ensure that the provisions in the code are complied with,” Otuonye said. In the meantime, Bishop Williams praised the provisions in the document, reiterating that they would ensure the curbing of wayward public sector behaviours. He hinted that the corruption level in the TCI needed leashing, and was happy now that the code was out to tackle such problem. “Whilst the codes of conduct are not new to persons in the western
world, we surely looked into our past in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and being a persons who was born and bred in the Turks and Caicos Island – Born in Providenciales and grew up in Grand Turk – I certainly know what has been going on, so I am thankful that we now have a document that is law. “The document will ensure that persons in public life in the Turks and Caicos see that honesty, integrity, good work and fair play are invoked in all facets of public life and, to see that the Turks and Caicos Islands would go forth with great fortitude that the jurisdiction would become one of the most honest, corruption-free
jurisdictions in the whole world. “And, that is what we will be promoting with this code, and that is what the Integrity Commission is all about – to promote good governance in the sense of public workers and officials and their functions and in their duty to the Turks and Caicos,” Bishop Williams said. He further noted that copies of the code would be sent to all persons working in the public service as well as to all three political parties. Sir David Simmons is the Chairman for the Commission. In the meantime, the government has appointed Simon Baker as Chief Investigating Officer for the Commission.
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Election Observers vow to be impartial in report BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR
While conceding that there was no public record to suggest that recommendations by election observers in countries that voting irregularities were uncovered had contributed to any significant change, The team of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, British Islands & Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR) independent Election Observers currently in the country was hopeful that any shortcomings reported would be acted upon by the authorities. The Election Observer Mission headed by Gibraltar’s Minister for Enterprise, Training and Employment, Joe Bossano, which arrived in the TCI November 6, said it would file a report to Governor Ric Todd on its findings and recommendations before members depart on November 12. Bassano told members of the media during a news conference at the
Gibraltar’s Minister for Enterprise, Training and Employment, Joe Bossano (third from left), who heads the Mission of Election Observers here addresses the media while other members look on. From left Juliette Penn from BVI, British PM James Duddridge, ; Keith Lowenfield of Guyana Gasper Baptiste of St. Lucia, British MP Thomas Docherty and Lenworth Sterling of Jamaica.
Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) office
Police open Facebook debate on pawn shops BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR
The media arm of the Royal Turks and Islands Police Force has opened up a public discussion on the operation of pawn shops that have been recently mushrooming across Providenciales. Pawn shops, depends to whom you speak, have been viewed in the TCI as favourable and unfavourable. Some persons see it as a means for the acquisition of quick bucks when they ran into a jam by pawning valuable items in a bid to collect funds to offset certain demands, while others sees them as an outlet for criminals to dispose of stolen items. In recent time, items stolen from residence across Providenciales have surfaced at pawn shops, triggering police investigations into some of their operations. And, probably this is what sparked the police to open the debate on its Facebook page. The question posed by the police regarding pawn shop operations is the following: “What are your thoughts on the pawn shops on Provo, should there be strict rules governing the manner they operate? Do you have any issues with the Pawn Shops? Suggestions.” The topic received a great deal of feedback from the general public, which offered mixed views on how they felt of those shops in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Jeffrey Racette wrote: “I found several items that were stolen from me for sale in the shops.” Shamard Gardiner noted: “In relation to pawn store (sic)on the island of Providenciales.....that is where most stolen goods are turned in for small amounts of cash.” Donna Soto wrote: “Back when I worked law enforcement...Pawn Shops were a great way to catch your thieves. There must be rules in place. Make those pawning/selling goods show I/D (which is photocopied) and take thumb print. Goods should be held at least 30 days before being allowed to be sold. Forms need to be completed and supplied to the Police Dept. with detailed description of what is being pawned and/or sold. That's just the basics, it's actually a great tool for the Investigator.” Claudia Weber Carter wrote: “ I agree with Donna. It is all following a correct procedure. If you follow these procedures the thieves will think twice (before) taking the items to be pawn (sic) off.” Kellie Hayes wrote: “The understaffed / over worked / underpaid police have more pressing matters than sorting through mountains of paperwork that have been supplied by the pawn shops. I should hope that searching through paperwork to match a stolen Toshiba laptop or a gold chain with PShp form does not take preference over a car accident or worse. If they weren't here it would be one less thing the PO PO have to deal with. They need to go! Pawn shops have given thieves a place to take all our property. Yes, our computers, cameras, jewelry etc can and is sold on the street but the pawn shops are dealing mainly with stolen goods! We are giving thieves an easy paycheck. Barb Petri wrote: “Interestingly, someone broke into our cars last night and the only thing missing was my iPod. I guess I will run by the pawn Shop later...”
located in the Bight, Providenciales, said that the observers’ job was to ensure that they penned an accurate account of the election process, but it was up to the authorities to act on recommendations geared at enhancing the process. “The responsibility of this mission is, we should reflect what we believe to be true and accurate and it is then for you to decide what to make of it. But the important thing for me is not to look the other way when some things are going to be controversial. We are here to do a job, and we have to do it honestly and to the best of our ability. It is then a matter for others to decide what use they make of the report that we make,” Bossano said. He reiterated that the job of the observers was not to flinch in the face of untoward actions, but to record them and make the necessary endorsements. “Democracy can only work well if you always bear in mind who you are doing it for. Anything (abnormal) in the elections that you are having and in the new way of voting catch our attention, and that we feel needs to be mentioned in the report, it be mentioned. We are here to oversee the entire (voting) process – from beginning to end. We have not been
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here for the election campaign but we were made familiar with the Constitution and the changes made to the Constitution. “We have got a full picture, and therefore, what we are here to observe is the actual conducting of the election. We will be here when the votes are being counted, and we will still be here if there are recounts, unless it lasts longer than the arrangements that we’ve got for leaving, which is the 12th (of November). The report that we have to produce and that I have to sign on behalf of the Mission is a report that, in my view, should be as comprehensive and as useful to you as we can make it. I see it as something that we should do for your benefit and not to anybody else’s,” he said” The other members of the Mission are: British MPs Thomas Docherty and James Duddridge; Juliette Penn, Election Commissioner, BVI; Keith Lowenfield, Assistant Chief Election Monitor, Guyana; Rev. Lenworth Sterling, Senior Returning Officer, Jamaica; Gasper Baptiste, Deputy Chief Elections Officer, St Lucia; and Konrad Olszewski, Senior Independent Adviser to the Election Observer Mission.
COVE CONSTRUCTION LTD Cove Construction wishes to employ a Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic. A Minimum of five years experience with the appropriate qualification is a must. Must be very proficient, honest and a reliable worker. Quality person must be willing to work of island, Overtime, weekends and holidays. Clean police record is essential. Belonger only needs to apply. Wages starting at $10.00 per hour Please contact Mr. Keith Howell Chief of Maintenance 941-5548 Email: keith.cove@tciway.tc
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
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NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
LOCAL NEWS
TCIG Audit Report high lights failure of the Treasury to produce accurate and timely financial information The latest Audit Report from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government noted that there were a number of errors in the bank reconciliation for the years 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10. According to the report, due to the fact that reconciliations were not performed regularly during the year, issues with the accounting system were not detected or resolved. Complex issues arose as a result of unmanaged system issues. Many of the problems experienced with completing bank reconciliations could have been resolved if management addressed system issues in a timely manner. There were instances where transactions were handled incorrectly and could have only been changed by reviewing the configuration of the system. Bank reconciliations were reperformed by Treasury for 2007/08 and 2008/09. The following issues were noted:• Most of the errors were in relation to duplicated cheque numbers that could not be matched with the bank statement and improper handling of HR journals through the system. • During 2007/08, 2008/09, The Treasury processed large value
journals inorder to reconcile the main account. For example, during 2007/08 payments on the bank statement not posted to the accounting system totalled $5,222,760; $12,681,627:2008/09. Amounts of $4,746,316:2007/08 and $9,459,282:2008/09 noted as amounts posted on the accounting system that were not identified on the bank statement, are not un-presented and possibly duplicate entries on the system that needed adjusting. • There were instances where cheques disbursed through the accounting system appeared in the bank statement as a different amount. Adjustments were completed for these types of occurrences $80,297: 2007/08 ($45,582):2008/09 and ($11,511):2009/10 these reflect instances where the payment amounts were either more than or less than the cheques processed through the bank. • Due to reconciliations not being performed for the HR section, considerable time was spent to correct differences in records and unprocessed data which also contributed to the delay in reconciling the main bank account. • It is evident that journals are
Ports of Call Resort – Grace Bay Resumes only please. No direct calls excepted.
Seeking candidates that have the requirements listed:
GENERAL MANAGER
A proven track record in the Caribbean, 10 years resort / International experience with a minimum of 2-3 years of direct related experience as a General Manager. Additional experience in Commercial Plaza management and Event Planning are a pre-requisite’s for this position. A Hospitality Degree is preferable as well as a strong background in rooms division. Full responsibility for the operation and cost control of the resort. Energetic, positive leadership needed to continue the ongoing development of employees. Qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply.
HOUSEKEEPERS
Job Description: Responsible to clean guest rooms as assigned. 2-3 years in a hotel as a Housekeeper a must. Must have knowledge of proper cleaning techniques. Must be able to read and write English and understand verbal and written instructions. Willing to work weekends and holidays. Houseman Must have one year experience in an hotel / resort environment. Must be physically fit and assist the Housekeeping team with the daily housekeeping duties. Clean and maintain housekeeping equipment as required. Email resumes to: dcroft@portsofcallresort.com
automatically generated by the system. Most of the automatic journals could not be matched to actual invoices/payments an therefore had to be adjusted or cancelled. • Bank reconciliations were not performed for all accounts held with banks. The accounts were not presented in the timeframe required. Due to the lateness of the accounts our timelines had to change. This is still an on-going issue. There are no procedures or controls within the Treasury to analyse and reconcile advance accounts. From our audit, for 2010/2011 advances in relation to PersonalAdvances and Christmas Advances that have not been recovered or collected from individuals amount to $2,638,670, representing 43% of outstanding advances at year-end. These two areas have not been properly reconciled by the Treasury over the years. We noted that deductions from salaries are recorded as received however in certain cases there is no record of an advance being issued to the individual. The opening balances for advances cannot be relied on due to no reconciliation in prior years. No decision has been made to write off the potential bad debt. We hope, with proper procedures in place (including proper filing), the Treasury would be able to perform a reconciliation of all advances by individuals and all amounts owed from previous financial years could be written off7 once deemed as unrecoverable.
LAS COQUETAS BEAUTY SALON Is looking for
Nail Technician (Acrylic Cosmetologist) Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 431-0821
The report added: “As previously reported, we noted that there is little or no review of data input by members of staff at the Treasury. Additionally, there are no procedures to ensure that suspense accounts are cleared in a timely manner, and that all other account balances reviewed and reconciled regularly. This task is normally left to the end of the financial year, which makes the year-end accounting process difficult and significantly delays the production of financial data.” The Audit report recommended that a review be undertaken to resolve the structural and systemic issues within the Treasury. Procedures and controls should be in place to ensure that: • Accounts are submitted for audit according to set deadlines; • Bank reconciliations are prepared in a timely manner; • All data input is reviewed and authorised by a competent and experienced individual; • All balance sheet accounts (including advances, deposits and suspense accounts) are reconciled regularly and reviewed by a senior official. It was also recommended that the Ministry of Finance delivers a refresher course to all accounting officers, including all data input officers, covering for example, review of their department’s account balances regularly, applying due diligence procedures8, matching of purchase orders against invoices, eliminating duplicate payments, and posting errors, etc.
MANAGER
POSITION AVAILABLE: Connolly Motors Ltd is seeking a Manager with at least 20 years experience in all departments of Dealership Operations. Must be trained and knowledgeable in Automotive Parts, Car Sales, Staff Management and capable in operation a show room. Must possess communication and organizational skills. Must be 35 years and older. Willing to work weekends and holidays. Salary is based on experience. Apply to Connolly Motors Ltd 649-946-5300
ALIX PRINCE Is looking for one
Gardiner/Labourer Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 347-9039
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LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
Government teachers get emergency first response certifications Over 100 Teachers from three Government schools in Providenciales received their Emergency First Response (EFR) & Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certifications last week, all thanks to Beaches Turks & Caicos philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. The award recognized teachers and principals from the Foundation Sponsored Clement Howell High and Enid Capron Primary and also from neighboring Primary school, Ianthe Pratt who all celebrated in a lavish cocktail ceremony held at the resort’s East Caicos Grand Ball room. Early last month teachers of the three schools participated in a two-day training workshop facilitated by the resort’s Training and Development Department which came just in time for the new school year. The seminar taught the teachers how to act in an emergency, assess the scene and patient, lay rescuer CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator device. With the use of dolls and active participation from their fellow colleagues during role play exercises, emergency situations came to life at the workshop. “Our Clement Howell Teachers were recognized at a cocktail ceremony last week where they were each presented with a certificate of recognition and a card certifying them as CPR and ERF trained,” said Gerald Persaud, new principal of Clement Howell High School, “The School is home to over 900 students and accidents are inevitable, with the training teachers will be better able to first render some form of emergency first response or
CPR before he or she is taken to seek further medical attention.” Rachel Taylor Principal of Five Cays Based Enid Capron Primary also commented on the certification award, “The CPR Training will allow our teachers to be better equipped to handle the many minor accidents that may occur at our school,” she said, “Thanks to the Sandals Foundation, now Teachers are more confident and less intimidated to care for an injured student and the community by extension.” And concluded, “Congratulations are in place for Beaches Turks and Caicos for the role they continue to play in making a difference and promoting education as we partner with each other.” Principal of the Ianthe Pratt Primary School, Dara Thomas noted that her teachers were long interested in becoming certified emergency first responders. “We work with children and from time to time we experience injuries. We don’t have school nurses, so by having this certification we’ll be better able to assist our child before medical personnel arrive,” she continues, “We’re extremely thankful to the Sandals Foundation for granting us this exciting opportunity and beneficial certification.” The Sandals Foundation looks to spearhead more projects with the schools and invite them to reach out where ever possible to assist in educational prospects. The Sandals Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International with commitment to improving the education, community and environment in which Sandals and Beaches Resorts operates.
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Page 13
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
LOCAL NEWS
Doreen Quelch-Stubbs reappointed head of Human Rights Commission Attorney-at-law Doreen QuelchStubbs has been reappointed as the Chair of the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (HRC) for a further three years. In making the announcement on Wednesday, His Excellency Governor Roc Todd revealed that four new appointments have also been made to the Human Rights Commission: Pastor Dennis Swann, Patricia Saxton Director of the Turks and Caicos National Museum, Carl Simmons of Tropical Shipping, and Sophie Stanbrook of Karam & Missick. Together they provide collective expertise on health, law and human rights advocacy, human rights and corporate/commercial law, non-profit organisation management, community outreach, business and banking. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members of the Human Rights Commission for their sterling contributions these past three years,” said Governor Todd. “The UK’s 2012 Overseas Territories White Paper is clear that the UK Government expects the Territories to abide by the same basic standards of human rights as the UK, and that Territory Governments have a duty to ensure local law complies with relevant international conventions and court judgements and is non-discriminatory.” The TCI Constitution provides for
Attorney-at-law Doreen Quelch-Stubbs
the Human Rights Commission to promote the observance of human rights in the Turks and Caicos Islands; to receive and investigate complaints of breaches or infringements of rights or freedoms of the individual as set out in the Constitution or in international human rights treaties that have been extended to the Islands; provide advice on complaints; mediation; and, raise public awareness of human rights and issue guidance as required. “I welcome the new membership to the Commission and look forward to a productive working relationship with a renewed commitment to the children, the poor, the disabled, the trafficking, exploitation and abuse of women, and to put an end to the
TECHNICIAN
Wanted A qualified operator experienced in running reverse osmosis desalination plants and pump stations in the private sector. Must have proven and verifiable track record demonstrating competency in the role. This position is part time and requires variable hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays. Selected candidate must speak and write in English. Please submit applications in person to our administrative office located at Turtle Cove Landing, attention: Mrs. Desemona Belliard. All employment decisions will be made by our corporate offices located in the USA. Closing date for applications is November 21st 2012. Salary commensurate with experience.
HOLIDAY VILLAGE Is seeking
SECURITY GUARD
Weekly salary: $225 Working hours: 6 days per week Contact 946-5500
continued discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDs,” said Doreen Quelch Stubbs, Chair of the TCI Human rights commission. “We remain resolute in our commitment to upholding the principles of human rights, ensuring that people are treated fairly with respect and dignity, and will continue our campaign against poverty, against prejudice, ignorance, against injustice and discrimination.” One of the first tasks of the new Commission will be to work with the Governor, Government and Chambers, to take steps to further strengthen the HRC in line with, and in support of its duties, under the Constitution. The Human Rights Commission is one of the six Constitutional bodies in the Turks and Caicos. The 2011 Constitution establishes six institutions for protecting good governance in the Turks and Caicos Islands: an Auditor General and a National Audit Office; a Complaints Commissioner; a Director of Public Prosecutions; a Human Rights Commission; an Integrity
Commission; and a Supervisor of Elections. •The outgoing HRC members, who completed three year teams beginning in October 2009, are Courtney Misick, Ruben Hall, Daniel Malcolm, and Dottis Arthur who sadly passed away earlier this week. •There are a number of International treaties extended to the TCI and to which the Territory and Government must comply, the key treaties being: •European Convention on Human Rights; •The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; •The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights; •The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; •The Convention on the Rights of the Child; •The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; and, •The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Veranda is currently seeking qualified candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. Our ideal candidates must love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization.
TANDOORI CHEF
To be responsible for the preparation of all marinades and tandoori dishes, ensure quality of service, food and presentation and meet and exceed guest expectations. Job Requirements Indian Cuisine background in hotel and restaurant environment: • Knowledge of Indian Food suppliers and spices Knowledge of Northern and Southern Indian Cuisine: • Production of Samosa meats & vegetables • Dosa, Idly, Vada ect. • Chutneys; Raita, Mango, Mint, & Tamrind Minimum of 3 years experience in Tandoori Cuisine: • Kebabs; Seekh Kebabs. Chicken Malai Tikka & Kalmi Kebab • Variety of Indian breads; Naan, Kulcha, Roti & Paratha • Solid knowledge of Indian curry; Makahani gravy, Rogan Josh, Dal, Shahi Gravy
Restaurant Supervisor
Supervises the overall organization and direction of the outlet, under the direction of the Restaurant Manager, to ensure the highest level of customer service and satisfaction. This includes: the supervision and, on the job training of employees, manpower utilization and implementation, follow up on service standards. Fills in for the Restaurant Manager in his absence. Job Requirements: Previous experience as a Restaurant Supervisor in a hotel environment Good Oral and written communication skills Able to demonstrate hands on leadership to ensure exceptional guest service.
Laundry Attendant
Ensures all laundry requests are completed for each department as needed. Responsibilities include sorting linen, as well as washing, folding, pressing, Requires standing for long periods of time, walking and bending Must be able to lift, carry and push up to 50lbs Must be flexible, willing to work all shifts, on weekends and holidays Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted Only Belongers Need Apply to Human Resource Manager No later than November 15, 2012 Email: deleria.simms@verandatci.com Or hand deliver to our office at Veranda Resort and Residences Princess Dr. Lower Bight, Providenciales
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
THE WINTER SEASON IS SOON HERE, COME AND JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM!!! LAUNDRY DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Laundry Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically fit • Previous experience in commercial Laundry an assist SECURITY DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: • One year’s experience in a hotel environment an asset.
Security Officers Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Ability to write reports • Attention to detail and ability to enforce procedure
Hourly rate for the above mentioned positions range from $5.00 to $9.00 HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Room Attendants/ Domestic Worker Housemen Public Area Attendants/ cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: • One year’s experience in a hotel environment an asset. • Physically fit
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $5.50 an hour. STEWARDING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience managing a cleaning team
Steward Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task
The rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $5.50 an hour.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Server Requirements include but are not limited to: • One year’s experience in a restaurant with seating for over 100 persons an asset. • No allergies to any foods • Physically fit Bar Porter Bartender Requirements include but are not limited to: • Excellent customer service skills • Knowledge of wines mixing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages
Dining Room Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $6.00 an hour. PHOTOSHOP DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience supervising Staff located in two retail outlets Photographer Requirements include but are not limited to: • 2 years’ experience in field • Ability to sell and make quotas
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is 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.
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $8.00 an hour. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Electrician Plumber Room Technicians A/C Technicians Cabinet Maker or Mason Stove Technician Carpenter Requirements include but are not limited to: • Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory and practical The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $10.00 an hour. Labour Painter Grease Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Ability to carry out labour intensive task
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $6.00 an hour. ROOMS DIVISION DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Butler Requirements include but are not limited to: • Member of the Association of English Butlers • Ability to go above and beyond for guest Receptionist/ Front Office Agent Concierge Agent Airport Representative Requirements include but are not limited to: • Background in customer service • Ability to go above and beyond for guest Bellman Minibar Stocker/Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Outgoing and friendly attitude
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $7.50 an hour. ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:
Kids Counselor/ Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: • An outgoing personality required • Certificate in early childhood education an asset • First Aid qualification an asset
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.15to $6.50 an hour. ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Fun pals/Players/ Dancers/ Clowns Requirements include but are not limited to: • An outgoing personality required • Ability to sing and dance
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.15 to $6.00 an hour. GROUNDS DEPARTMENTS REQUIRES: Supervisor Experience managing a grounds team
Groundsman/ lady Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically fit
• Ability to carry out labour intensive task
The rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $8.50 an hour. THE WATERSPORTS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Boat Captain Requirements include but not limited to: • Boat License • Experience with a crew over 7persons Scuba/Dive Instructor Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Certified in first aid • PADI Certified Beach and Pool Attendants Requirements include but are not limited to: • Keep the pool /beach area tidy and clean • First Aid qualification an asset
All persons in the Watersports Department must have the ability to swim and pass a swim endurance test Hourly rate for the above mentioned positions range from $5.00 to $9.00 KITCHEN DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Head Baker Pastry Chef/Cook Chef Cook Requirements include but are not limited to:
• Must have worked in a Resort kitchen or medium to large sized restaurant • Must have over three years’ experience • Professional qualification an asset
The range in the rates for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $10.00 an hour. SPA DEPARTMENT REQUIRES Spa Attendant Cosmetologist Spa Therapist Hair Braider Technician
The ideal candidate must satisfy the following criteria: • Certification in one or more of the following areas: Massage, Esthetics, Body treatments, Hair services, Tattoos and Nail services.
Remuneration: Bi-weekly base pay plus commission
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
and should reach not later than November 16th 2012. Otherwise, please call anytime for an appointment tel # 649-946-8000 ext 4138
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
Turks and Caicos Islands Immigration Officers get UK Training Members of the Immigration Team in Staffordshire, United Kingdom (UK) welcomed two senior immigration officers from the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on Monday, October 29, 2012. Tito Forbes and Wendy Seymour are in the UK to undergo an intensive four week training programme that will place them among the best trained Immigration Officers in the Caribbean. Prior to the start of training the officers observed UK Immigration Arrest Team operations in Stoke, Liverpool and Sussex before joining their UK counterparts in a one-week Personal Safety (Arrest) Training course in Gatwick. This will make them the first trained Arrest Team Immigration Officers in the TCI. During their visit, they will also participate in maritime skills training and visit an Immigration Detention Centre They will later join other UK Border Agency officers in a two-week 'Training for Trainers' arrest course in Dagenham, Essex. On their return to the TCI, Mr. Forbes and Ms Seymour will lead Immigration Task Force units in Providenciales and Grand Turk, being the first designated Officers with certified powers of arrest, in the
Islands. The opportunity to have worked in partnership with teams like Stoke will not only broaden and deepen their skills and experience but also better equip them to develop their teams here at home. At the start of their visit, Mr. Forbes and Ms Seymour were able to follow the process from arrest through to custody during Operation Mayapple. This is a UK Border Agency initiative targeting overstayers; primarily students who have been refused permission to remain in the UK but who have failed to embark. UK Immigration Inspector Ashley Robinson who with TCI Border Control and Enforcement Change Manager, Simon Excell, delivered initial operational skills training to over twenty officers in the TCI in early October said: "My personal thanks go to the Stoke Team for their assistance in part of a wider transformation programme, enhancing officer safety and border security of a British Overseas Protected Territory." At the conclusion both officers will be fully certificated 'Personal Safety Trainers', qualified to deliver arrest training to designated Immigration Officers in the TCI. That training is scheduled to commence in early January 2013.
Graceway IGA Supermarket / Kwatcha Holdings are seeking a suitable qualified applicant to fill the position of:
VAT CONSULTANT
. Main Duties and Responsibilities
• Train senior staff members about VAT and its impact on the business. • Devise ways of improving financial reporting systems for efficient production of VAT returns. • Liaise with IT team on system issues relating to VAT. • Review VAT legislation and liaise with Finance team and Government representatives as appropriate. • Identify VAT related business issues and design solutions to address such issues. • Provide VAT advice and support as required relating to the implementation of VAT. Required Qualification / Experience • ACA/ACCA/CPA qualified with a minimum of 15 years post qualification experience in a tax advisory position. • Extensive experience with Value Added Tax (VAT) related issues in a wide range of jurisdictions essential. • Experience with preparing VAT returns and developing accounting systems to efficiently complete VAT returns. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Salary rate will commensurate with qualifications and experience Deadline for submission of applicants is November 16th 2012 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com
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LOCAL NEWS
POLICE BLOTTER
In Grand Turk on Friday 2 November 2012, a 30 year old male was formally charged and cautioned by the police for using an Offensive weapon as to cause fear and Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. It was reported that on Wednesday 31 October 2012 at the Taste of the Islands Bar and Restaurant the 30 year old male used a cutlass and a rock to cause minor injuries to another male. ______________________________________________________ Also in Grand Turk on Sunday 4 November 2012, an 18 and a 20 year old male were arrested and charged. The 18year old was charged for Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm and fighting in a Public Place. While the 20year old was charged for Using Offensive Weapon as to cause Fear and Fighting in a Public Place. These charges were laid after the police investigation into a report that was received on Saturday 3 November 2012 at 4:15am. It was alleged that both males were at the Santa Maria Gaming Lounge when they get into an argument which resulted in a fight. One of the males was hit in the face with a chair. Both males were taken to court and were remanded into custody. ______________________________________________________ Also in Grand Turk on Sunday 4 2012, a 24year old female was arrested for the offences of Resisting Arrest, Using an Offensive Weapon as to Cause Fear, Assault on a Police Officer and Disturbing the Peace. She was also warned of intended prosecution for Violent and Abusive Language. These charges stemmed from the investigation into a report of a female pulling a knife on another woman and the subsequent arrest. ______________________________________________________ Meanwhile, Kazmaine Simmons of Grand Turk was fine $500.00 in the Magistrates Court on charges of Obstruction and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis. ______________________________________________________ Also, David Williams, of South Caicos, was found guilty in the Magistrate’s Court for Theft and Handling Stolen Goods. He was sentenced to six (6) weeks Imprisonment for each offence, which will run concurrently. ______________________________________________________ Jamarsh Delancey of North Caicos, was fined $1,400.00 in the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court for the offences of Using Motor Vehicle without Insurance and driving without due care and attention.
JOB VACANCY
Cost Control Clerk Margaritaville Grand Turk seeks to identify a
REQUIREMENT: - Degree in Accounts or related field and/or at least 5 years experience at the international level. - At least 2 years experience in Food and Beverage cost control. - Able to do circulating inventory, continuous inventory & full inventory, monthly and quarterly. - Conduct bar par inventory on all bars - Ensure controls are in place delivery -Work alongside chef to conduct periodic yield test and menu cost - Conduct daily property walk to detect inefficiencies, wastage - Computer knowledge in excel and other spreadsheet programs. - Ability to work under stress. - Communicate orally and in writing. - Ability to work with minimal supervision. - Ability to work flexible hours including public holidays, weekends and night shift. - Energetic and people oriented, reliable with problem solving skills. - HACCP certification an asset. Other positions are: Stilt Walker, Entertainment Coordinator, Bartenders, Servers, Bussers/ Runners & Kitchen Helpers. All applications need to be submitted to the HR department by November 20th, 2012. Belongers only need apply Margaritaville Grand Turk. Grand Turk Cruise Center White Sands Beach Grand Turk
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BELONGERSHIPS BELONGER STAUTUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance Take notice that I, Governor of The Turks and Caicos, in excercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 3 (2) of Immigration Ordinace, intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MRS. GLADYS LOUIS JEANHIGGS of Providenciales, a national of Haiti being satisfied by virtue of marriage to a belonger of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
BELONGER STAUTUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance Take notice that I, Governor of The Turks and Caicos, in excercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 3 (2) of Immigration Ordinace, intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MRS. YRACIDE GEDEON MORLEY of Providenciales, a national of Haiti, being satisfied by virtue of marriage to a belonger of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
BELONGER STAUTUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance Take notice that I, Governor of The Turks and Caicos, in excercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 3 (2) of Immigration Ordinace, intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MRS. CARMEN PATRICIA WELSH-HANCHELL of Providenciales, a national of Jamaica, being satisfied by virtue of marriage to a belonger of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
BELONGERSHIPS BELONGER STAUTUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance
Take notice that I, Governor of The Turks and Caicos, in excercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 3 (2) of Immigration Ordinace, intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MRS. MADELEINE JEANGORDON of Providenciales, a national of Haiti being satisfied by virtue of marriage to a belonger of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
BELONGER STAUTUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance Take notice that I, Governor of The Turks and Caicos, in excercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 3 (2) of Immigration Ordinace, intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MRS. ALLISON THERESA DREPAUL SAUL HIGGS of Providenciales, a national of Guyana, being satisfied by virtue of marriage to a belonger of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
BELONGER STAUTUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance Take notice that I, Governor of The Turks and Caicos, in excercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 3 (2) of Immigration Ordinace, intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MRS. CHRISTINE LAURE-SHEARER of Providenciales, being satisfied by virtue of marriage to a belonger of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
BELONGER STAUTUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance Take notice that I, Governor of The Turks and Caicos, in excercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 3 (2) of Immigration Ordinace, intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MRS. CYLIANE EMMANUELPALMER of Providenciales, a national of Haiti, being satisfied by virtue of marriage to a belonger of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
BELONGER STAUTUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance Take notice that I, Governor of The Turks and Caicos, in excercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 3 (2) of Immigration Ordinace, intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to CLAUDINE ULYSSE-BOYCE of Providenciales, a national of Haiti, being satisfied by virtue of marriage to a belonger of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
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NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
LOCAL NEWS
Tourism Awareness Month zeros in on a pristine TCI BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR
The celebration of Tourism Awareness Month in the Turks and Caicos Islands this November will be more of a coalescing campaign to underscore the important role that the public should play in maintaining the natural beauty of the country in order to sustain a healthy and vibrant hospitality sector. The month-long list of activities, which was officially launched on Monday, November 5, at the Board’s main office at Stubbs Diamond Plaza in Providenciales, will be celebrated under the theme – “Beautiful By Nature – Am I Helping?” And, this year, the Board will be collaboration with the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the
Environmental Health Department and the Department of Environmental and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), in order to achieve such feat. Among the event slated during the month are: • Public awareness week between November 12 and 16 – where members of the Tourist Board and the TCI Hotel and Tourism Association will be spreading the message using various forms of media; • Education Week being observed between November 19 and 23rd, which will see team members visiting Clement Howell High, Maranatha High and Champions for Christ on Providenciales to spread the message ; • the hosting of a Russian Service Restaurant by students of the Community College Hospitality Department on Tuesday November
PNP plans to establish a defence force If the Progressive National Party (PNP) is given the reins of power, among the national security measures to which that the public should look forward is the establishment of defense force. According to that party’s newlyreleased manifesto, the defense force, which is to be called the Turks and Caicos National Guard would be commissioned to assist existing crime fighters in further tackling especially illegal migration and also to assist in national emergencies. A similar regiment was being touted during the former Michael Misick Administration but was abandoned after a little while. However, it appears that with human and drug traffickers using go fast boats now to aid their illegal activities would give a Dr. Ewing-led PNP administration the gumption to revisit such border protection measures. “The National Guard will establish bases at strategic locations within Turks and Caicos and will be staffed by professionally trained officers and the best air, land and sea equipment that the Turks and Caicos can afford,” the document said. To further strengthening the security of the country’s borders, the PNP said that it would establish a unit which appears similar to that of the disbanded Special Police Immigration Customs Enforcement (SPICE). This unit, according to the party, would be made up of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Immigration and Border Control. According to the manifesto, the PNP said it would also take a multidisciplinary approach to attacking the root causes of crime in the country. “We will, through our expansions in the education sector and youth programmes, provide the necessary means to impart social values, skills,
training, employment and rehabilitate programs for those vulnerable to the social ills. We will work closely with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and conduct a needs assessment workshop to determine priority areas for funding and development such as training, increase staffing improving equipment availability, infrastructure improvement and the expansion of the fleet of vehicle require for community patrols and emergency response,” the document further stated. The party said in its manifesto that it would develop and strengthen the police information database as well as network infrastructure. It said also that it would the Scenes of Crime Unit by adding additional field forensic support staff and other trained individuals. “We will develop a medical examiners’ office and laboratory facility to support the investigation of murder homicide and other incidents. We will strengthen the Marine Police Branch with the purchasing and maintenance of more vessels and the recruitment of officers to the marine branch as we evolve into our own defense force. “We will seek to establish stronger relationship between the Bahamas Defense Force and the US Coast Guard. We will strengthen our aerial surveillance programme for better border control illegal migration and for crime detection,” the document further stated. The PNP launched its manifesto on Tuesday, October 29, both as its headquarters in Providenciales and on the capital island Grand Turk. Leader of the party Dr. Rufus Ewing, said that the PNP was the best alternative to the British Government at this time in the country’s history, since its plans encapsulated the needs of the various communities
20;. • the Inter-High School Speech Competition showcasing students from the 4th Form in both Public and Private Schools throughout the country on Thursday, November 22nd, 2012. Students will be judged on articulation, volume and fluency, relevance and accuracy of knowledge, presentation of information, tone and tactfulness, poise and confidence. Speeches will focus on methods of keeping communities clean through community involvement and the benefits that these communities will reap through this participation. Venus will be announced at a later date and; • The official opening of the Careers in Tourism Exhibition, profiling Turks and Caicos Islanders working in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry and also those who have worked in the industry for a number of years, on Friday November 23rd. Attention will turn to North Caicos and Middle Caicos on Wednesday, November 28th, where team members are slated to visit students at (North Caicos) Raymond Gardiner High, Adelside Oemler Primary and the Hubert James School. They will also visit the Mary Robinson Primary
School in Middle Caicos. The Marjorie Basden High, Iris Stubbs Primary and the Calvary Christian Schools in South Caicos are on the visiting list for Thursday, November 29. And, between December 3 and 7, the team has been scheduled to visit the Oseta Jolly Primary, Ianthe Pratt Primary, Enid Capron Primary, Richmond Hills Primary, Precious Treasures, BEST Institute, Holy Family Academy, Wesley Methodist, and Mills Institute on Providenciales. The month-long activities will culminate on Saturday, December 8th, with the 4th annual TCI Shine Island Wide Cleanup Campaign with DEMA, for the first ever under-water cleanup. Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs underscored the timely theme, stressing that since tourism is overly important to the TCI, it was necessary for each individual to play his part in ensuring that the country is pristine. “With tourism throughout the Caribbean region accounting for one in every four jobs directly or indirectly, and comparing that statistically to an even greater degree in the TCI, we must be cognizant of that we have a greater stake in protecting and preserving every facet of our industry. Sustainability has to be at the core of all that we do,” Higgs said. Tourism Awareness Month coincides with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) designating November as Caribbean Tourism Month. This year the CTO is celebrating under the theme – “One Sea, One Voice and One Caribbean.”
ACCOUNTANT – 3 month contract
Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will be an integral part of the Finance team ensuring all work is performed in line with Digicel policies and procedures. Main Duties and Responsibilities: • Assisting with month end process through preparation of journals and compilation of commercial analysis • Compiling and analyzing KPI’s on a daily basis • Preparation of detailed financial analysis of Income Statement • Assist with design and implementation of process improvements • Liaise with internal and external auditors • Preparation of Financial Statements in line with IFRS • Assist with implementation of VAT procedures • Review of General Ledger transactions • Cashflow and statutory reporting • Assisting Finance Manager in ad hoc duties
Academic Qualifications & Functional Skills • Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting • ACA/ACCA/CPA qualification with IFRS experience • VAT experience • Experience in a dynamic fast-paced multinational environment desirable • Excellent communication skills • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills • Working knowledge Microsoft Dynamics GP, would be desirable but not essential • Flexible and adaptable to an ever changing set of responsibilities, constrained by tight deadlines Salary Based on Experience Interested applicants should forward their resume to hrtci@digicelgroup.com
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THE WINTER SEASON IS SOON HERE, COME AND JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM!!! ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:
Assistant Director of Operations Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience managing an operations portfolio for a property over 400 rooms • Experience in the following areas F & B and Rooms Division
Senior Executive Assistant Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience in the areas of Housekeeping, Front Office, MOD and Night management. • Due to the physical layout of the property, applicants should be in good physical condition The rate for the positions listed above is negotiable.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Training Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • A first Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management or Training and Development or any other related discipline • Minimum two years’ work experience in a leadership position • Experience in Adult learning theories and instructional methodologies The salary for the position listed above ranges from $23,000.00 to $30,000.00 Administrator Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience managing a medical and other employee benefits • Knowledge of contracts The hourly rate for the position listed above ranges from $7.00 to $10.00 per hr. THE ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Director of Guest Services Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience in solving guest concerns to resolution including compensation • Knowledge of and a ability to interact with Rooms, Kitchen, Dining Room (this list is not exhaustive) • Five (5) years relevant experience Salary for the above mentioned position range from $20,000.00 to $35,000.00
DINING ROOM DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Food and Beverage Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • 10 years’ experience in F/B Management, • Knowledge of restaurant, bar/lounge, banquets, room service and kitchen operational experience. • Knowledge of OSHA standards. The salary for the position listed above is negotiable Banquet Manager Restaurant Manager Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: • Three years managing/ supervising a restaurant with seating over 100 persons an asset. • Excellent customer service skills • Knowledge of wines
Supervisor (Bar) Requirements include but are not limited to: • Knowledge of stock ordering and maintenance of par levels • Ability to mix a variety of drinks alcoholic and nonalcoholic. • Outgoing personality • Ability to work in the sun • Physically fit The rate for the positions listed above is $7.00 to $15.00 an hour.
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is 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.
THE SECURITY DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Security Manger Requirements include but are not limited to: • Direct and supervise all Security Personnel on a daily basis. • Complete security incident reports as needed, ensuring all incidents are handled in a professional. • Ensure all incidents are accurately documented and filed. • Manage departmental budget. The rate for the position listed above is $7.00 to $15.00 an hour. ISLAND ROUTES REQUIRES: Senior Tour Desk Specialist Requirements include but are not limited to: • Ability to meet sales targets • Experience managing more than one retail outlet Remuneration: Bi-weekly base pay plus commission HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES Housekeeping Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: • Supervises and may participate in housekeeping services including cleaning, mopping, scrubbing, sanitizing the floors and other surfaces
The rate for the position listed above is $7.00 to $15.00 an hour. THE WATERSPORTS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Dive shop Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience managing a Dive shop operation • PADI certification • First Aid Certification The salary for the position listed above ranges from $23,000.00 to $30,000.00
THE SALES AND WEDDINGS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Weddings Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience managing multiple wedding retail outlets • Proven sales track record in Weddings exceeding sales targets • Ability to up and cross sell • Over 3 years managing a wedding portfolio The salary for the position listed above ranges from $23,000.00 to $35,000.00 WEDDINGS COORDINATOR Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience in coordination of weddings and other functions • Ability to up-sell and reach sales targets • Ability to meet deadlines and an eye for detail • Knowledge of Martha Stewart and her branding Hourly rate for the above mentioned position range from $6.00 to $8.50 THE SALES DEPARTMENT 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 $9.00 per hr.
THE ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: 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 position listed above ranges from
$20,000.00 to $35,000.00
Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: • 5 years’ experience working with characters and costumes • 3 years’ experience in coordinating kids’ activities • Physically fit The rate for the positions listed above ranges from $6.00 to $8.00 an hour.
THE WEDDINGS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Weddings Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience managing multiple wedding retail outlets • Proven sales track record in Weddings exceeding sales targets • Ability to up and cross sell • Over 3 years managing a wedding portfolio The salary for the position listed above ranges from $20,000.00 to $35,000.00 THE GIFT SHOP DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Gift Shop Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience managing multiple retail outlets • Proven sales track record with exceeding sales targets • Ability to up and cross sell The salary for the positions listed above ranges from $20,000.00 to $35,000.00
THE PROJECT DEPARTMENT REQUIRES: Project Administrator (Regional) Requirements include but are not limited to: • Prepare budgets, programs and monitor expenditure • Working experience over 20 years. Hotel Industry over 5 years • Review all design drawings, and prepare design drawings where necessary • Inspect and set out all FF&E for pools, restaurants, hotel rooms and Public areas • Co-ordinate all shipments, and quantify and orders FF&E items • Strong Knowledge of BMS, RO plants, Fire, Chill Water System and irrigation system • Co-ordinate ALL Local building approvals eq Health, Planning, Environmental, Fire • Co-Ordinate all warehouse inventory for installation • Train Project Co-ordinators and Local tradesmen • Travel to Nassau, Exuma, Fowl Cay and Jamaica to review all room upgrades • Software knowledge: ACAD, Microsoft Projects, MSWord, MSExcel, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat • Work and communicate with all GM’S, HM’S , CE’s and HOD’s The salary for the position listed above is negotiable
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
and should reach not later than November 16th 2012. Otherwise, please call anytime for an appointment tel # 649-946-8000 ext 4138
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Businesses lined up behind “I Believe” BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR
A number of Turks and Caicos Islands business enterprises are backing the “I Believe” initiative, which is geared towards assisting schools in need of vital equipment such as desks, chairs, proper bathroom amenities and playing areas. The “I Believe” programme, which is the brainchild of Double Helix Production, headed by you entrepreneurs Heath Francis and his wife and business partner Tammy Francis of the Miss Earth fame, is being backed by some of TCI’s most prominent businesses, including telecoms companies LIME, Digicel and IslandCom; the TCI Digicel Cinema, Marco Travel Escape Salon and Spa. Francis told The SUN that one of the main beneficiaries from the “I Believe” initiative will be the Clement Howell High School, which is
woefully in need of repairs and basic but essential furniture, such as desks and chairs for students. According to Francis, LIME is offering six months of internet service; Digicel is pledging a Blackberry handset; IslandCom is offering an iSwagg; Marco Travel will be giving a gift voucher; TCI Digicel Cinema is donating a year’s movie pass for two; Escape Salon is offering a full day spa package for two; while Double Helix is giving away a flat screen TV, as well as a gift card. The first place prize is a round trip ticket to New York and $1,000 spending money. The other prizes are being ironed out, Francis said. Schools and other institutions are urged to be part of the project by way of buying and, or selling tickets for the worthy cause. And, according to Francis, there are incentives for some of the schools that have committed to participate in the drive. He noted that the school that sells the most books will get $5,000 in school supplies; the
Heath Francis
second is to get $3,000 in supplies, while the third place will get $1,000 also in supplies. There are also goodies for students who participate in ticket sales. The student that sells the most books will walk away with $1,000 cash. Drawing date is December 22. The day of the prize drawing,
according to Francis, will take the shape of a children’s fun day, featuring cartoon characters, fun, games and giveaways. He said that funds raised at the door would be matched by his organization and, the total donated to the public library in Providenciales. “The library seems to be having issues with their computers. And another issue that the library is having is a lack of proper signage with nice vibrant colours, so that people know that there is actually a library, from the outside. “We can put things in place and try to uplift it a bit. There are a number of schools that have issues (with their premises). We will find ways to reach out to companies and assist those schools are who part of the (I Believe) venture, with supplies and so on, and fix these issues – bathrooms, classroom chairs and tables, chalk boards – that is what ‘I Believe’ is all about,” Francis said. Francis pointed out that the venue for the fun day and drawing was still being negotiated.
TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION
Administration/ Help desk Manager
Interhealth Canada Construction & Services are currently recruiting for an experienced Helpdesk Manager / Facilities Management Administrator / supporting the General Manager as an Executive Assistant.
Main responsibilities • Quality Management –Monitoring of KPI compliance data, managing corporate Policies & Procedures, Risk Assessments & SSOW, H&S manual, control of management documents, generating contractual management report in accordance with the project agreement. • Contract Management – RFP, Contract issue & monitor, Permit to Work, Legislative documentation • Financial Management – Purchasing, invoicing, month-end cost centre analysis; knowledge of contract variations is essential. • Estate Management – generating PPMs, monitoring of reactive and scheduled WOs, quoted works, subcontractor liaison & service schedule. • Reception, FM HelpDesk, Telephony & Security services – Day to day operations, recruitment, training & development, performance management. • All other related duties as assigned for the role of Administration Manager & Executive Assistant - managing tasks such as Payroll, staff Personal files, conferences & associated catering, travel, corporate communications, FM department support, stationary, printing, filing etc. Skills Attention to details & high level of accuracy Excellent skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, word, outlook) at a highly proficient level; knowledge of software such as TrackIt& Visual Dolphin will be advantageous Thorough knowledge of Access database for recording information and designing bespoke reports Excellent interpersonal & communication skills Organised with time management skills& ability to prioritise
Education and Experience: College Degree with minimum 8 years’ experience, preferably some of working within Hospital Estates managing FM helpdesk services. PPP / PFI contract management experience Membership to Institute of Facilities Management Additional Certification in Human Resource/ Business Administration/ Accounts/ Quality will be preferred Knowledge of executive offices practices and procedures Salary is based on qualifications and experience Please forward CV‘s with email and telephone contact to llawrence@interhealthcanada.tc the closing date for application is Friday 2nd November 2012
Public Statement
Re: Canada Trust Ltd.
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI – 7th November 2012 - The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (TCIFSC) considers it necessary to issue this public statement in order to protect the public interest, and the interests of any of the customers and creditors of Canada Trust Ltd, and further to make the general public aware that Canada Trust Ltd is no longer a licensee of the TCIFSC.
The details are: 1. Canada Trust was issued a license to act as a Professional Trustee pursuant to the Trustee (Licensing) Ordinance on 18th July 1996. 2. Canada Trust Ltd. failed to establish and maintain a restricted deposit in liquid assets of at least $250,000.00 in a bank approved by the Financial Services Commission pursuant to Regulation 4A of the Trustees Licensing (Amendment) Regulation 2009. 3. Canada Trust was issued a ‘Notice of Intention of Revocation of its License’, pursuant to Section 34 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance, on 25th April 2012 for its failure to establish and maintain the deposit referred to in point 2 above. The notice allowed Canada Trust Ltd. until the 31st July 2012 to give reasons why the license should not be revoked. 4. The TCIFSC revoked Canada Trusts Ltd.’s license to act as a Professional Trustee on 1st August 2012.
Canada Trusts Ltd. does not hold any license to operate as a Professional Trustee or any other financial service license issued by the TCIFSC. The TCIFSC further advises that appropriate due diligence should be conducted before engaging in any business arrangement with Canada Trust Ltd and/or any of its successors and/or any of its Principals. This Public Statement was issued pursuant to Section 39 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance J. Kevin Higgins Managing Director
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN TURKS & CAICOS SUN
(d) State two ways by which your sense of taste and smell can protect you. ________________________________________________________
SCIENCE PAPER 02 SECTION A This section consists of five (5) structured questions. You are required to Answer ALL questions from this section in the spaces provided. 1. Use the words in the list provided to complete the given sentences *pollutant *friction *vertebrate * epidermis *transparent * wind vane * bacteria * non-conductor *water *magnet
5. Use the diagrams below to help you answer the questions which follow:
(a) The outer layer of the skin is called the_____________________ (b) Any substance that contaminates or harms the environment is called_________________ (c) When the skin is cut the body may be invaded by ___________________ (d) The earth’s surface is covered by more than 70% of _________________ (e) A ______________________ shows the direction of the wind. (f) Two objects rubbing against each other produce ____________________ (g) A ___________________________ pulls iron and steel objects to it. (h) Plastic is a _______________________ of electricity. (i) Light rays can pass through__________________ objects. (j) An animal with a spine (backbone) is a ________________________.
A. Complete the following table of names and functions.
2. A Indicate whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F) by drawing a circle around your answer. (a) Heredity influences our looks (b) A flesh eater is called a carnivore (c) Saliva does not play a role in digestion (d) Anger is a good sign of self control (e) Peer pressure always influences others to do wrong
T T T T T
F F F F F
B. Match the word or phrase in Column A with the correct word or phrase in Column B by writing the number on the lines in Column A. COLUMN A A form of energy________ h Digestive juice in the stomach _______ Tubes that carry blood_____________ Sheet of muscle that works in breathing _______ Natural solid found in the earth’s crust______
COLUMN B Diaphragm Rock v Heat Gastric juice Blood Vessels
B (i) Name one food item that will help you develop strong bones and teeth. (ii) State two things you should do if one of your friends breaks a bone while playing. SECTION B 6. The picture below is showing the leaves of a plant.
3. Fill in the spaces from the word list below to complete the given paragraph. *ovaries *eggs *sperm *reproduce * offspring *nubertv *fertilization *sexual * testes * sex organs Young children are unable to ________________________because their ______________ are not fully developed. In order to produce _____________ the female ________________ must produce __________________ and the male_____________________ must produce . When the egg and Sperm are brought together, ________________________takes place. This Process of reproduction in humans is called _________________________ reproduction. The stage of life when the sex organs begins to develop is known as ___________________. 4. The tongue is an elongated muscular organ located in the mouth. Answer the questions which follow. (a) List two functions of the tongue 1____________________ 2 ______________________________ (b) What four tastes do taste buds recognize? 1____________________ 2 ______________________________ 3____________________ 4 ______________________________ (c) Why are you unable to taste food very well when you are having a cold? ___________________________________________
(a) What is the main fuction of the leaf of a plant? _________________________________________________ (b) Name the three main things that plants need to make their food. 1____________________ 2 ______________________________ 3_________________ (c) How is water carried from the root of the plant to theleaves? _____________________________________________________ (d) List two functions of the roots of plants. ____________________________________________ (e) the shoot system in a flowering plant is made up of a stem, leaves, buds, and flowers. State one function of the stem of a plant _________________________ (f) Explain why flowers of plants have bright colours.
GSAT Past Papers will continue next week
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HURR URR RY! Y CLOSING SOON Act now to get the most out of your advertising dollar.
WHO WILL DISCOVER YOU TODA DAAY? Y?
13*/5 t 0/-*/& t .0#*-& t 5$*:1 $0.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get complete reach. It’s not too late to get your businesss in the T Turks urks & Caicos Islands Yellow Pages, but you must act fast! If your business is not listed you could be missing out on thousands of customers. Only a short time remains, so call now and get your business discovered today! TO ADVERTISE, CALL:
(649) 946-4166 or contact us at: info@peakconsulting.tc
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Take joy in what you give. And what you get back. Win a shopping spree for 2 in Miami†!
This holiday season, using your Scotiabank Gold MasterCard® credit card not only gives you 1% cash back, you also get a chance to win a fabulous prize with every purchase! The more you use your card, the more chances you have to win: A shopping spree for 2 in Miami including round-trip airfare & 4 days / 3 nights hotel accommodation • PLUS US$1,500 spending money
Use any Scotiabank credit card or Visa debit card for chances to win†. Contest ends January 31, 2013.
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Find out how to get more chances to win at
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†Conditions apply. Subject to change without notice. Visit turksandcaicos.scotiabank.com/rewards for full Terms & Conditions. *Trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence. ® MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. American Airlines reserves the right to change AAdvantage ® program rules, regulations, travel awards and special offers at any time without notice, and to end the AAdvantage ® program with six months notice. Any such changes may affect your ability to use the awards or mileage credits that you have accumulated. Unless specified, AAdvantage ® miles earned through this promotion/offer do not count toward elite-status qualification or Million MilerSM status. American Airlines is not responsible for products or services offered by other participating companies. For complete details about the AAdvantage ® program, visit www.aa.com/aadvantage. Scotiabank issues the Scotiabank / AAdvantage ® card. ® AmericanAirlines, AAdvantage and Million Miler are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc.
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Rihanna a rock star on Victoria's Secret catwalk NEW YORKRihanna rocked lingerie at Wednesday night's Victoria's Secret fashion show in New York, providing the highlight of the live-music soundtrack and holding her own on the catwalk with some of the world's top models. And those models even had props, including Adriana Lima's ringmaster wand, Doutzen Kroes' body cage and several pairs of the oversized wings that the retailer has made its signature. It would be a close contest who got the biggest wings: Toni Garrn's giant poppy pair or Miranda Kerr's swanstyle feathered pouf. Only Lily Aldridge could boast star-spangled wings that shot out silver sparkles. Alessandra Ambrosio's orchidpetal wings might have lacked a little grandeur, but she made up for it with a $2.5 million jeweled "floral fantasy bra." Still, wearing a sheer pink mini that gave glimpses of her bra, Rihanna sang "Fresh Out the Runway" at the end of the corset-and-garter parade and she was the one to grab the audience's biggest applause. The fashion show has become a pre-holiday season tradition for the retailer. CBS will turn it into a one-
Singer Rihanna, center, celebrates during the finale of the 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
hour special, which also had performances from Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars, to be shown on Dec. 4. Lima said she loved opening the show in the ringmaster costume. "The atmosphere of the Victoria's Secret fashion show is electric," she said. "It's so much fun to be able to interact with the audience! What other show will
Jennifer Lopez: I Didn't Get Maid Fired Over Autograph Request! Maid of dishonor! Jennifer Lopez is speaking out against tabloid reports that claim she got a hotel cleaning lady fired for requesting an autograph, saying the story is untrue and "hurtful." The maid in question, Pray Dodaj, told German newspaper Bild that she was recently dismissed from her job at the Melia Dusseldorf after she approached the singer's room to ask for a signature. "I am an incredibly big fan so I took all my courage and rang the bell to get an autograph," Dodaj alleged, adding that she was turned away by two of the star's assistants. "A day later the cleaning company that employed me at the hotel called and said that Ms. Lopez had complained," she continued. "I was fired right there on the phone. Because of an autograph." Not so, says the former American Idol judge, 43, who played a hotel housekeeper in the 2002 romantic comedy Maid in Manhattan. "C'mon, thought you knew me better than this," Lopez tweeted to her fans early Wednesday morning. "Would never get anyone fired over an autograph."
you see Rihanna, Justin Beiber and Bruno Mars on the runway with angels?" This year's event had a slight twist. It started with an announcer noting that Victoria's Secret and CBS had each made a donation to relief efforts for Superstorm Sandy, and a thank you to the National Guard members who are
based out of the Lexington Avenue Armory that has for years been home to the show. Mostly, though, models are encouraged to smile, ham it up and show off the extra time at the gym that most admit to in the weeks beforehand. "It's highly televised, and you take that into consideration," said model Joan Smalls ahead of the show. "This is kind of not the same as other runways. You have to prepare your body: No. 1 is the wings are heavy, and No. 2 is you have to be comfortable with your body because the camera will pick up on it if you're not comfortable and confident." There's an emphasis on glitz, skin and dramatic production here, not wearable undergarment trends for typical Victoria's Secret shoppers. It was divided into six sections: Circus, complete with acrobats, contortionists and a sword eater; Dangerous Liaisons; Pink Is Us; Silver Screen Angels; Angels in Bloom; and Calendar Girls, which allowed Bruno Mars to serenade a model for each month of the year. For his first song, "Beauty and the Beat," Bieber, wearing low-slung white pants and a white leather studded vest, sat alone with his guitarist in the mellowest part of the show. For "As Long As You Love Me," however, he brought in backup dancers and interacted with the models while moving around a giant makeshift pinball machine. "It's like a dream come true," said Bieber on the pink carpet before the show. "I would rather be here than anywhere in the world."
Jennifer Hudson: I'm Done Losing Weight! Jennifer Hudson lost more than 80 pounds after she teamed up with Weight Watchers in 2010 -- and that's more than enough for the "Spotlight" singer. Gracing the December cover of Redbook, the Chicago native says she's finally at peace with her body. "I'm at the weight I want to be," Hudson says proudly. "But I hear all the time, 'Don't lose any more weight, you need to stop.' People are under the impression that I'm still losing but I'm not." Hudson -- who has a son with her fiance, Harvard Law graduate and WWE wrestler David Otunga -- admits that she sometimes forgets that she's no longer a size 16. "I'm getting used to my new self more than anything else," the Academy Award winner explains. "I got used to being plus-sized and knowing how to be that, whereas this is like, 'Okay, who am I?' I keep thinking that I probably need an extra-large or a large and the stylist is like, 'No, you need a medium or a small.'" Before she discovered Weight Watchers, the former American Idol contestant had trouble finding trendy clothes that flattered her figure. That period of her life inspired Hudson to design a clothing line for QVC. "I know what I like, and that's what it's all about. It's like, who's your fashion icon? Me. And no one but you knows what you feel most comfortable in," she tells Redbook. "I look at each piece and think, 'Could I wear that as big Jennifer or could I wear that now?'" she continues. "I want to consider every girl."
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FUN and Games
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• Puerto Rico wants to become the 51st state of the US READ MORE ON PAGE 34
Bahamas telephone company investing $2million to upgrade its 4G network The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is investing a further $2 million in its 4G network to relieve “bottlenecks” at 15 cell tower sites caused by a 400 per cent increase in mobile data usage, its chief executive yesterday also targeting a ‘doubling’ of its Internet market share, according to a report in the Nassau Tribune. Disclosing that the transition to the 4G network had unleashed “a huge pent up demand for data”, Geoff Houston said customer complaints about cellular service quality and dropped/missed calls stemmed from the fact that traffic volumes exploded as BTC was in the midst of switching out its outdated existing network. According to the Tribune article, Data volumes on BTC’s network, he said, had seen a “factor increase” of 40 times’ since it began switching out its 2G network, rising from 3,500 Megabytes (MB) per day to 145,000 MB daily. Noting that cellular voice traffic had also increased by 30 per cent, Mr Houston said BTC “didn’t miss a heartbeat” in deciding additional investment was necessary to solve the problems. He added that they had been exacerbated by a 30 per cent increase in roaming traffic over the past 12 months, with tourists and visitors to the Bahamas increasingly using their cell phones for mobile data. Elsewhere, Mr Houston said BTC was targeting the business/commercial market for short-term growth opportunities, plus looking to expand its broadband Internet market share and increase the Family Islands’ contribution as a percentage of its total revenue. He told Tribune Business that BTC, which currently held a 20-25 per cent Internet market share, should have “50 per cent plus” for a company of its size. And the BTC chief executive said he wants to grow the Family Islands’ share of total revenue from around the existing 15-20 per cent to one-third. Describing November as “a big month” for BTC with regard to “the final deployment” of its 4G network, Mr Houston said: “That’s been a large part of our journey, and most likely by the time we get there we will have changed out every single aspect of BTC’s mobile network - the voice platform, the billing, the texting - and put in an entirely new supporting platform. “In amongst all that, is a huge amount of latent demand for data.
We’ve experienced capacity increases in some locations by 400 per cent.” These 15 cell site locations that “suffered most from demand” included Paradise Island, which serves part of Bay Street, DW Davis, Mall at Marathon and Poinciana Drive “That [demand] continues to increase as customers get smart phones,” Mr Houston added, estimating that sales of this product had increased from 3 per cent of total handsets at the time of the April 2011 privatisation to more than 50 per cent now. “That’s been part of our challenge,” he told Tribune Business. “As we changed the network out, people used their phones more for voice and data. This month we will be investing $2 million to cope with capacity at those 15 locations. There has also been a 30 per cent increase in voice traffic.” Asked what he would say to Bahamian consumers and businesses about the cellular network problems experienced this year, Mr Houston replied: “We’re on it. “We understand these issues, where the areas are. We have a plan in place, and are executing it this month. We didn’t miss a heartbeat; we realised we needed $2 million to fix all these bottlenecks.” Mr Houston said BTC and CWC/LIME were not alone in experiencing such difficulties, noting that the likes of AT&T and Verizon were having problems keeping up with consumer demand that was rapidly changing business models and driving the communications market away from voice to mobile date. The BTC chief executive added that the company “had a big job to do” in educating its cellular customers, noting that many were buying handsets in the US that were not compatible with, and did not configure and operate very well on, his company’s network. Some 3,000 different handset models and brands, some of which he had never heard of, were using BTC’s network. And Mr Houston said the lack of compatibility of some models meant consumers could not use the company’s data packages. BTC has more than 300,000 cellular subscribers, of whom 30,000plus or 10 per cent use mobile data. “We must always remember we have got a huge roaming market,” Mr Houston told Tribune Business. “There are more such users on this network at any one time than the biggest network in Brazil.
“The vast majority of those customers, as a percentage, are higher than Bahamian customers in terms of using smart phones. That’s unforeseen demand we’re having to cope with as well. Our data usage from roaming has probably increased 30 per cent in the last 12 months.” Mr Houston said it was noticeable that “bottlenecks” had occurred at cellular sites in the Cable Beach and Paradise Island areas. Looking ahead to short-term growth opportunities, Mr Houston identified broadband Internet and the Family Islands as two that BTC was pursuing. “We are going to be very aggressive pursuing broadband product,” he told Tribune Business. “Prior to CWC arriving, the business had lost a significant amount of market share, and we’ve got to win that back. “A company like ourselves should be in the 50 per cent-plus share range, and we’re currently sitting in the 2025 per cent range, so we’ve got huge work to do. “We also feel there’s significant
latent demand in the Family Islands. I’d like to feel in future one-third of our revenues will come out of the Family Islands, and today it’s probably a little less than that - 15-20 per cent of revenues.” Another “big one” was the Bahamian business/commercial market. “We have got a huge job to do to establish credibility with the customer base, and believe there are significant growth opportunities,” Mr Houston added. BTC would target this in the next year, having established “a whole new sales organisation” within the company to target that market segment, and changed the network serving it. “If you look at the products and services out there servicing that market, it’s a fairly narrow product set, so we believe the potential’s enormous, as companies look for connectivity, and connectivity to international head offices. We don’t feel like there’s enough of that here in the Bahamas.”
Bilateral trade between Cuba and Brazil worth more than US$550 million HAVANA, Cuba – The appetite for Cuban products in Brazil is experiencing significant growth as overUS$91 million dollars worth of exports were sent from Cuba to Brazil in the first three quarters of 2012, marking a 25 percent growth over the same period of 2011. According to Cuban state media service the ACN news agency, Brazilian ambassador to Cuba José Felicio said in an interview that, today, bilateral trade surpasses the US$550 million dollar mark. He also announced that there are several Brazilian companies negotiating with the Cuban government the building of factories to produce in Cuba their products, which include bus bodies, glass, agriculture machinery and tools and drugs, among others. At the opening of the Brazilian pavilion in the XXX Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV), Rodrigo Malmierca, Cuban Minister of Foreign Investment and Trade assured the present Brazilian entrepreneurs and officials that Cuba can help their country in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. He said the two countries can set a commercial alliance thanks to the fact that their economies complement each other, and they could exploit their potentials for mutual benefits. In the framework of FIHAV, both governments penned a memorandum of understanding for the treatment of solid waste. Over 62 countries are represented in FIHAV 2012, which runs for the rest of the week and concludes on Saturday (November 10) in the EXPOCUBA fairgrounds, 25 kilometres away from Havana city.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
Caribbean politicians, nationals hail Barack Obama's re-election Caribbean politicians and nationals in the United States Tuesday welcomed the re-election of President Barack Obama, describing it also as “unbelievable and unprecedented”. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) governments are yet to fully comment on Obama’s victory, but Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar said “he earned his re-election, he remained grounded in the politics of hope and delivery to the people. Congrats President Obama,” Obama lives on,” she said in a text message to the Trinidad Express newspaper. Obama, the first Black man to occupy the White House, successfully fought off a challenge from his Republican challenger Mitt Romney, who had told American voters that the Obama policies over the past four years had made them worse off. Jamaican Una Clarke, the former New York City Councilwoman told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that she hoped Obama’s victory would result in a change in attitude by Republicans who regained controlled of the US Congress. “I think all the Republican chatter
will now be silenced, and he’ll get more cooperation in Congress,” said Clarke, the first ever Caribbean-born woman to hold elective office in New York City. “The President’s coalition, including minorities and immigrants, held together. The Republicans will have to re-evaluate everything, including anti-Black sentiments. I was holding on to every word the president had to say in his victory speech,” she added. Dr. Janice Emanuel-Bunn, a Guyanese-born professor at the University of Phoenix, Arizona, and president of Brooklyn, New Yorkbased Action, Performance, Commitment (APC) Community Services, said she was very ecstatic about Obama’s triumph against all odds. “It was unbelievable and unprecedented. The fact that President Obama was able to put together a coalition that defeated the ‘super pacs’ and all the money they shelled out is a testament to people power. “His ground mobilization was superb. We need to support this president because he will go down in history as our finest,” she added.
Roy Hastick, the Grenadian-born founder and president of the Brooklynbased Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), said Obama’s re-election means “a great deal for the Caribbean American community here, the Diaspora and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in general. “While we celebrate a victory that was hard-fought for major domestic and some international accomplishments, we, the Diaspora, must push the president and the Cabinet and other US officials to focus more on the Caribbean Community,” he said. Hastick said as a strong supporter of the president, he was overjoyed when he received a “Thank You” email from Obama at 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday. “I was so impressed. My entire family and I shed tears for this piece of history. He thanked me for my support for him over the years. The Thank You note, which was also sent to Obama ardent supporters, said in part: “I want you to know that this wasn't fate, and it wasn't an accident. You made this happen. You organized yourselves block by block. You took ownership of this
St Lucia deputy PM: "No vacancy at this time for the post of Prime Minister" CASTRIES, St. Lucia - Deputy Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre has brushed aside suggestions that he is being overlooked to take over the leadership of the St. Lucia government, saying “there is no vacancy at this time for the post of Prime Minister “. Pierre, who is also the deputy leader of the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP), told television viewers that he has had a good working relationship with Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony over the past 16 years and remains steadfastly loyal to the head of the party that was returned to power following the general election in November last year. “He (Anthony) is the Prime Minister of St. Lucia and I give him my full support and there is no question of my loyalty to him and the philosophy of the party. “There is no vacancy at this time for the post of Prime Minister but I am of the view that if a vacancy for that position ever arises, then I consider myself a suitable candidate. I am willing and able. But at this time, no such opening exist,” he said, reiterating that he is “probably the most suitable candidate”. There have been persistent reports that the ruling party was grooming a cadre of young politicians for the leadership of the organization, but Pierre dismissed the notion of a handpicked successor in preparation for the 2016 election. “There is a clear understanding that you do not contest a general election for
St. Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre
the post of prime minister, you contest your seat, and then you become prime minister. “Secondly I don’t think people should be groomed for the post of prime minister. I think you have to earn your worthiness as prime minister,” he added. Pierre made it clear that he does not subscribe to the philosophy of cherrypicking future leaders who have not earned their place, adding that while the holder of the office remains Dr. Anthony, he is ready for the challenge of replacing him should the need arise.
campaign five and 10 dollars at a time. And when it wasn't easy, you pressed forward”. Obama promised to spend the rest of his presidency honouring the support given to him and finishing the work that he started when he first won in 2008. Maxwell Haywood, a United Nations development officer, who heads the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Diaspora Committee of New York, said he was “pleased with the outcome of the elections, especially from the perspective of the two candidates. “The campaign was fought very hard. The acceptance and concession speeches of the two candidates were very high. “I feel in a very high mood this morning, because the two presidential candidates reinforced the desperate need for political unity across party lines. To me, that is the biggest success of this election, in addition to President Obama winning,” he added. Obama, 51, won re-election by overcoming four years of economic discontent with a mix of political populism and electoral math.
e Bahamas calls for international law enforcement support for Caribbean countries ROME, Italy – The Bahamas has called on the international law enforcement community to help the Caribbean deal with the illegal drugs trade , warning that despite regional efforts to curb the shipment of illegal drugs the trade has left behind a culture of dishonesty, disrespect, and urban violence in the country. National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage, addressing the International Police (INTERPOL) General assembly here, said that The Bahamas, for example, has not been able to escape being a transit country for cocaine and marijuana destined for North America. He said as a result, many Bahamians, who were accustomed to the benefits which they derived from the drug trade and a false economy “must now face the harsh reality that they must legitimately work. “Many of them, predominantly our young men, are ill prepared and as a result have turned to other forms of crimes. These crimes include human smuggling, illegal gambling, robberies, a myriad of other property crimes, and fraudulent activities. “ Nottage told the international gathering that the transport, sale, and use of illegal drugs continue to fuel crime in many countries and that a consequence of the drug trade is the possession, trafficking, and use of illegal firearms to commit serious crimes. He said while the United States and Mexican authorities have sought to deal harshly with the situation, those engaged in the illegal trade are now turning their attention to softer targets and will demonstrate an aggressive exploitation intent. “Suffice it to say, we feel that the Caribbean region will attract the attention of these organizations. We therefore, support the view that proactive and urgent attention must be directed to our region – the Caribbean. Nottage said that The Bahamas, in the last decade, has experienced a new gun culture where more illegal weapons were ending up in the hands of criminals..
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Puerto Rico wants to become the 51st state of the US Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state. The measure will require approval from the US Congress, but President Barack Obama has said he will respect the vote. The island is currently a US territory, which uses the dollar and whose citizens travel on US passports. But it does not return senators to the US Congress and is represented in Washington by a non-voting delegate. Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years. With almost all the votes counted, almost
54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US. And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood. If Congress grants its approval, Puerto Ricans would have the right to vote in all US elections, but would also have to pay federal taxes, something at present they are excused from. The island came under US control in 1898 when Spain lost the island at the end of the Spanish-American war. Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were allowed to serve in the military.
There are now almost a million more Puerto Ricans in the US than on the island. Supreme Court judge Sonia Sotomayor, singer Jennifer Lopez and the former jazz musician Tito Puente are all of Puerto Rican descent, though all three were born in New York. Ties between the island and the mainland are strong and many on the island considered it inevitable that a full union be requested. A young voter in the capital San Juan, Jerome Lefebre, said: "Puerto Rico has to be a state. There is no other option. "We're doing okay, but we could do better. We would receive more
benefits, a lot more financial help." But that opinion was rejected by Ramon Lopez de Azua: "Puerto Rico's problem is not its political status. "I think that the United States is the best country in the world, but I am Puerto Rican first." The island has been hit hard by the current recession - it has debts of $68bn (£42bn) and unemployment is more than 13%. President Barack Obama, who visited the island last year, has said he will respect the will of Puerto Ricans if there is a clear majority. Any change would require approval by the US Congress.
CARICOM committed Regional rum producers may look to to supporting countries WTO to solve dispute hit by Hurricane Sandy with United States BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Caribbean rum producing countries may have to approach the World Trade Organization (WTO) in its ongoing dispute with the United State over the provision of subsidies to rum producers in Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). “We find that extremely difficult to compete (with) and it is a challenge at this point in time and we are appealing, not just the Barbados rum industry, but the CARIFORUM (Caribbean Forum) rum industry in general, to our governments to take this issue very seriously,” said Chairman of the Barbados Rum Committee, Dr. Frank Ward. He said the discussions with Washington should be with a “view to resolving what we feel is an iniquitous and pernicious use of subsidies for multinational spirit companies and their rum production”. The West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association Inc. (WIRSPA) says while it has no dispute with rum producers in the United States it is nonetheless warning that subsidies given to USbased producers could damage Caribbean economies. Earlier this year, the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association Inc. (WIRSPA) said while it has no dispute with rum producers in the United States it is nonetheless warning that subsidies given to US-based producers could damage Caribbean economies. WIRSPA said that it has been brought to its attention of a possible trade dispute at WTO between CARIFORUM countries and The United States over the compatibility of subsidies given to multinational spirits companies producing rum in the USVI and Puerto Rico under the US cover-over programme. But WIRSPA, which describes itself as “the regional trade association for rum producers in the CARIFORUM group” said that the dispute is between the governments of these independent Caribbean countries and the United States and not between rum producers. Ward told reporters that the subsidies for rum industries in the US territories were severely impacting Barbados’ own industry’s ability to thrive and survive. He warned that if the situation is not dealt with immediately it could result in the demise of the rum industry not just in Barbados, but throughout the Caribbean. On the issue of approaching the WTO, Ward said there was still the option of resolving the matter through dialogue with Washington. “We have had so far three legal opinions of the legality at the WTO of these subsidies which are being given by US territories and all of them stated that there is a case to be made against the subsidies, and one of the opinions came from the advisory centre on WTO law which is a body set up to advise individual countries on issues related to WTO laws. “So we have a clear case there. We now need the political will to take it forward and time is not on the side of the industry,” Ward said.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque Wednesday said that the regional grouping remains committed to providing support “where necessary” to Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba following the passage of Hurricane Sandy late last month. The hurricane has been blamed for nearly 100 deaths in the Caribbean as well as millions of dollars in damage to the infrastructure of several countries. In messages to the respective governments, LaRocque extended his sympathies and noted “with distress the tragic loss of life and extensive damage wrought to key sectors such as agriculture and tourism”. “The Community acknowledges that the effects of Hurricane Sandy long term with serious implications … as tourism and agriculture are at the centre of economic activities in the affected areas of St. Mary, Trelawny, St. James, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, St. Catherine and St. Andrew,” LaRocque said in a message to Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. He said that “this latest bout of devastation is also particularly disheartening” because it would definitely affect Jamaica’s efforts to address the economic challenges brought about by the global and financial meltdown. But LaRocque expressed confidence that the courage and resilience of the Jamaican people would fortify them as they continue to rebuild.
In his message to Haiti’s President Michel Martelly, the CARICOM Secretary General said the regional community is “acutely aware that in the past two years, Haiti had suffered more than its share of natural disasters”, and that Sandy’s passage would impact the progress already made after the earthquake of January 2010. “The Caribbean Community stands ready to provide support to the People and Government of Haiti as the process of recovery continues despite this latest setback, strong in the assurance that Haiti will move forward, pressing onward to its highest development aspirations as families, communities and as a nation,” he said. LaRocque told Cuban President Raul Castro that “tragedies of this enormity only serve to accentuate the importance of our continued regional efforts to collaborate in critical areas of disaster mitigation and preparedness”. He gave his commitment to providing support where necessary to Cuba, noting that the road towards reconstruction and redevelopment would require united efforts. LaRocque also sent a message to the United States where Hurricane Sandy caused billions of dollars in damages and the deaths of more than 100 people. He said that despite the challenges, he was confident that the resilience and “can-do” attitude of the American people, and members of the Caribbean Diaspora, would make it possible for a quick and full recovery.
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HIGHLIGHTS
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How Obama won READ MORE ON PAGE 37
Barak Obama re-elected president of the United States of America President Obama won a second and he promised his thrilled supporters "that for the United States of America the best is yet to come." Obama appeared before thousands of cheering Democrats to the beat of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed and Delivered" after securing a strong electoral lead, although he just eked out victories in key states. He congratulated his opponent Mitt Romney and said, "In the weeks ahead I am looking forward to sitting down with Gov. Romney to discuss how we can move this country forward." In a victory speech studded with the soaring rhetoric that first drew voters to him in 2008, Obama reminded the electorate what was still on his agenda -- immigration reform, climate change and job creation. "Tonight, you voted for action not politics as usual." he told supporters in Chicago. "You elected us to focus on your job, not ours." Obama told Romney supporters that "I have listened to you… you have made me a better president." He added, "I return to the White House more determined, more inspired than ever." The election is a validation, if not an overwhelming mandate, in support of the president's policies of the last four years, which included a major overhaul of the healthcare system and a drawdown of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama built a coalition of young people, minorities, and college educated women and won by turning
successful in guiding our nation," Romney said before running mate Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and their families joined Romney on the podium. Obama's lease on the White House was renewed with a crucial victory in Ohio. Celebrations erupted in Obama's home town of Chicago, in New York's Time Square and outside the White House, while Romney's Boston headquarters went mournfully quiet. "We're all in this together. That's how we campaigned, and that's who we are. Thank you," Obama tweeted even before formally announcing his victory. Nevertheless, it was a squeaker. In Florida and Virginia, states that were key to both candidates, Obama and Romney were separated by a single percentage point. Ohio also was close, with the candidates also separated by U.S .PResident Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, share the victory with Vice President Joe Biden a point late into the vote count. And the and wife Jill. popular vote was nearly split evenly out supporters with a carefully growing up to be two strong, smart, down the middle nationally. calibrated ground operation to get out beautiful young women…I'm so With counting still going on and the vote in crucial states like Ohio, proud of you. But I will say for now, before Florida had been called, Obama Iowa and Wisconsin. one dog is probably enough," he said led with a significant electoral lead, He thanked those who voted riffing on his promise of a puppy four 303 votes 203. "whether you voted for very first years ago. After a campaign for the White time, or waited in line for a very long Prior to the president's speech, House and both houses of Congress time -- by the way we have to fix Mitt Romney conceded gracefully in that cost more than $6 billion, the that," he joked. Boston. make up of all three branches remains He thanked Vice President Joe "I so wish that I had been able to very much the same as it was before Biden, whom he called "America's fufill your hopes....but the nation best happy warrior" and first lady chose another leader," Romney told the election. Obama remains in the Michele Obama. heart broken supporters at his Boston White House, Democrats retain control "Sasha and Malia," he said headquarters. of the Senate and Republicans addressing his two daughters. "You're "I pray the president will be continue to control the House.
Gunman in Giffords shooting sentenced to 7 life terms TUCSON — Jared L. Loughner was sentenced to multiple terms of life in prison Thursday at a court hearing punctuated by raw emotion as former Representative Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Mark E. Kelly confronted the man who shot her in the head at close range during a rampage here last year that left six people dead and 12 others wounded. As a packed courtroom fell silent, Mr. Kelly, with Ms. Giffords at his side, told Mr. Loughner, 24, that he had failed in his effort to create a world as dark as the one he inhabited. “You may have put a bullet through her head, but you haven’t put a dent on her spirit and her commitment to make the world a better place,” said Mr. Kelly about Ms. Giffords, who was gravely wounded and whose arm was in a sling on Thursday.
Ms. Giffords, who resigned from Congress in January 2012, and who has difficulty speaking as a result of her injury, “struggles to walk, her right arm is paralyzed, she’s partially blind,” Mr. Kelly said. Ms. Giffords did not speak at the hearing, at which victims described the impact of Mr. Loughner’s January 2011 shooting spree, but looked directly at Mr. Loughner as her husband read from a statement. “After today, after this moment, Gabby and I are done thinking about you,” Mr. Kelly concluded. With that, he and Ms. Giffords walked away. Mr. Loughner was sentenced to seven consectutive terms of life in prison, nearly three months to the day after pleading guilty to 19 criminal counts in federal court, including murder and the attempted assassination of Ms. Giffords, the target of the attack.
Jared Lee Loughner
Gabrielle Giffords (R) and her husband Mark Kelly
Mr. Loughner waived his right to address the court, and when asked by Larry A. Burns, the federal court judge overseeing the case to confirm that decision verbally, he responded, “That’s true," as he slurred his words — a hallmark of his speech patterns
during recent court appearances. One after another Thursday morning, Mr. Loughner’s victims took to the dais, at times addressing Judge Burns, but usually speaking to Mr. Loughner, whom they turned to their right to look at.
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China starts leadership transfer Chinese President Hu Jintao has opened a Communist Party congress that begins a once-in-adecade power transfer with a stark warning on corruption. Addressing more than 2,000 delegates, Mr Hu said that a failure to tackle the issue "could prove fatal to the party". China faced unprecedented opportunities and challenges, he said, and the nation should "aim higher and work harder". His speech kicks off a week-long meeting that will see a new set of leaders unveiled. Security is very tight across Beijing, with many dissidents detained or under house arrest, rights groups say. Mr Hu told delegates at the Great Hall of the People that China had to adapt to a changing domestic and global environment. "We must aim higher and work harder and continue to pursue development in a scientific way, promote social harmony and improve the people's lives," he said. China's development should be made more balanced and sustainable, he said, and the "serious challenge" of corruption should be addressed. "If we fail to handle this issue well, it could
Democrats retain Senate, Republicans still control House Democrats have strengthened their control over the 100-seat US Senate, with gains in closely watched races in Massachusetts and Indiana. After a hard-fought election, they now hold a 55-45 majority in the Senate. But Republicans will keep hold of the 435-seat House of Representatives with a solid majority. The division in control of the two houses of Congress has led to partisan battles and legislative gridlock since the last mid-term elections in 2010. The Democrats repulsed the expected challenge from the Republicans, gaining two seats and losing just one of the seats targeted by their opponents. Thirty-three of the 100 Senate seats were up for election. With most results now in for the House of Representatives, there will be little if any change in the chamber. Republicans will continue to hold a strong majority and are on target to finish close to the 242 seats they held. David Kendall, a senior fellow at Third Way, a centrist think tank in Washington, said: "The upshot is that the voters are saying to President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner: 'Go back to the bargaining table; finish the deal.'" Mr Kendall was referring to the intensive negotiations the two men held in 2011. The talks ultimately collapsed but were aimed at bringing around $4tn in deficit reductions over the next 10 years. That problem still confronts the reelected president and the new Senate and House when they take office in January.
prove fatal to the party, and even cause the collapse of the party and the fall of the state," he said. Anyone who broke the law would be brought to justice, "whoever they are and whatever power or official positions they have", he said. The corruption warning echoed one delivered 10 years ago during the previous leadership transition, when the party was told it risked "heading for self-destruction" if it did not tackle the issue. The months leading up to this congress have seen China's political leadership rocked by a scandal involving Bo Xilai, the former Chongqing party leader once seen as a candidate for top office. His wife has been jailed for murdering a British businessman and he is expected to face trial on corruption-related charges. Across China, meanwhile, recent cases of official corruption have stoked public anger and there have been a series of high-profile mass protests focusing on land grabs and environmental issues. On the internet, thousands of people have called for better measures to fight corruption, leaving comments on websites launched for the congress by official media outlets Xinhua news agency, People's
Daily and China Central Television (CCTV). Economic growth has also slowed in recent months and the wealth gap is an issue of great concern, as is China's ageing population. Mr Hu said a new model for economic growth was needed to respond to domestic and global changes. "On the basis of making China's development much more balanced, coordinated and sustainable, we should double its 2010 GDP and per capita income for both urban and rural residents (by 2020)," he said. Amid rumbling regional tensions over territorial rows in the East China and South China Sea, Mr Hu said the nation should "resolutely safeguard" maritime rights and become a maritime power. "Active and prudent efforts" should be made to reform the political structure, he said, without giving details. The congress - for which no formal schedule has been revealed - will last a week and will be keenly observed for any indications of the leadership's future plans. During the congress a new central committee is selected. It then chooses the country's highest decision-making body, the Standing Committee of the Politburo.
United says Sandy cut October revenue by $90Mby $90M United Airlines said Superstorm Sandy cut its October revenue by about $90 million as it was forced to cancel almost 5,300 flights. That's nearly an entire day's worth of United's schedule lost. It runs about 5,500 flights a day throughout the world, including those operated by its regional partners. United's scrapped flights accounted for about a quarter of total the industry's Sandy-related cancellations. United, the world's largest airline, said late Wednesday that the storm that came aground in the New York area 10 days ago shaved about $35 million off its
profit in October. Delays and cancellations in the New York region tend to ripple throughout the world because it's a major international connection point and is one of the busiest airspaces in the country. United's traffic in October fell 3.3 percent. But the hurricane-winter storm hybrid boosted its per-passenger revenue by about 1 percent. That's because some stranded travelers were stuffed onto other flights, allowing the airline to improve efficiency. Delta said last week that Sandy cut its October revenue by $45
million and profit by $20 million. Both airlines are likely to report the impact of Sandy for the month of November. They are expected to release November figures early next month. Added to that, the winter storm that blanketed the New York area on Wednesday, little more than a week after Sandy, will also hurt profit and revenue. United Airlines suspended operations at New York's three main airports Wednesday afternoon.United parent United Continental Holdings Inc. is based in Chicago. Its shares finished at $20.53 on Wednesday.
Argentina freezes $19billion of Chevron money A judge has ordered $19bn (ÂŁ11.9bn) of assets held by oil company Chevron to be frozen in Argentina over an environmental damages claim in Ecuador, lawyers in the case say. The Ecuadorean plaintiffs accuse Chevron of polluting land in the Amazon region for almost three decades. Last year, an Ecuadorean court ordered Chevron to pay $19bn in damages. Since Chevron has few assets in Ecuador, the plaintiffs are trying to get the ruling enforced abroad. A lawyer for the Ecuadorean plaintiffs, Enrique Bruchou, said the Argentine judge had agreed to their request to freeze Chevron's assets in Argentina after they could not get the company to pay up in Ecuador. The Ecuadorean court judgement originally
ordered Chevron to pay $8.6bn in environmental damages, but that was more than doubled because the oil company did not apologise publicly. The Ecuadorean plaintiffs say that Texaco, which merged with Chevron in 2001, dumped toxic materials in the Ecuadorean Amazon between 1964 and 1992. Chevron says Texaco spent $40m cleaning up the area during the 1990s, and signed an agreement with Ecuador in 1998 absolving it of any further responsibility. Chevron has in the past said the original ruling against the company was a product of "bribery and fraud". The company has also dismissed the plaintiffs' moves to get the ruling enforced abroad, saying that "if the plaintiffs' lawyers believed they had a legitimate judgement, they would seek to enforce it in the United States".
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WORLD NEWS fairly split among the electorate, with the lower-income group representing 41% of the total vote. THE RELIGIOUS VOTE Mr Romney gained 62% of the Protestant vote. Catholics and other Christians were split among the two major candidates. Those of no religion as well as Jewish voters gave Mr Obama a vote of confidence at 70%. Mr Romney, who would have become the first Mormon president if he had won, also gained the large majority of Mormon voters: 78%. Those who went to religious services at least once a week were more likely to vote for Mr Romney (59%). However, 55% of those who said they attended such services "a few times a month" voted for Mr Obama.
Still the U.S. President- Barack Obama
How Obama won Barack Obama won re-election with a similar coalition that carried him to the presidency in 2008: women, young voters, African Americans and Latinos. But the popular vote was not as strongly in Mr Obama's favour this time, owing to declines in some key but shrinking parts of the electorate. The female vote Men and women split between the candidates: overall, 55% of women voted for Mr Obama, 44% for Mr Romney. For men, 52% voted for Mr Romney and 45% for Mr Obama. In 2008, Mr Obama gained a higher percentage of the male vote (49%) and a similar percentage of the female vote (56%). However, there was a division between married and unmarried women: 53% of married women voted for the Republican candidate, while Mr Obama won unmarried women two-toone: 67% to 31%. Overall, women make up more of
the electorate - 53% - slightly more than their share of the US population. THE ETHNIC VOTE Mr Obama overwhelmingly won the black vote with 93%, a sliver lower than four years ago. Latinos also voted strongly for the Democrat - 71% in total and probably made electoral differences in Colorado and Nevada. Latinos or Hispanics made up 10% of total voters in the US, up one percentage point from 2008. Mr Obama lost some of the white voters that propelled him to a strong win in 2008, with 39% voting for a second Obama term in comparison to 43% in 2008. The white electorate, while still a majority, dropped to 72% of the country as a whole, down from 74% four years ago, and 77% eight years ago. THE YOUTH VOTE Young voters were a key part of
Mr Obama's victory for a second time. Sixty per cent of voters aged 18 to 29 years voted for Mr Obama, slightly down from his percentage four years ago of 66%. But the percentage of voters in this age range increased slightly, to 19% of the electorate. Voters aged 30 to 44 were fairly split, with a slight inclination to Mr Obama, 52% to 45%. The largest percentage of the electorate in terms of age, 45 to 64, went to Mr Romney with 51%. LOWER-INCOME AMERICANS Lower-income voters went decisively for Mr Obama. Of those making under $50,000 (ÂŁ31,000), 60% voted for Mr Obama. The president did not do badly with middle-income and richer voters either, gaining 46% and 44%, respectively in each category. The three income categories are
Winter storm hits Northeast, slowing recovery from Sandy NEW YORK - An unseasonably early-winter storm brought snow, rain and dangerous winds to the U.S. Northeast, plunging many residents of the most populous region of the country back into darkness just as they were recovering from Superstorm Sandy. The storm iced roads and hit transit systems, setting the stage for a difficult Thursday morning commute and bringing fresh misery to those whose lives had been disrupted by the massive storm that smashed ashore on October 29 with historic flooding. Sandy's death toll in the United States and Canada reached 121 after New York authorities on Wednesday reported another death linked to the storm, in the hard-hit coastal
neighborhood of Rockaway that bore the brunt of a storm surge. More than 60,000 homes and businesses in a band stretching from the Carolinas to New York lost power, joining the more than 640,000 customers that remained in the dark after one of the biggest and costliest storms ever to hit the United States. Freezing temperatures were a fresh worry for residents left without power. New York distributed space heaters and blankets to residents without heat or power and opened shelters to those in need of a warm place to sleep. The low-pressure weather system coming from the south brought wind gusts up to 60 miles
THE ECONOMY Throughout the campaign, both candidates said it was all about the economy, and voters' decisions largely came down to who they thought was best on the issue. Fifty-nine per cent of those polled said the economy was their foremost concern. Among those, a slight majority (51%) went for Mr Romney. So how does this match with an Obama win? Fifty-four per cent of voters who named unemployment as their top economic concern voted for Mr Obama. The president also received many more votes from those concerned about healthcare and foreign policy, while deficit-minded voters strongly chose Mr Romney. ROMNEY'S EMPATHY GAP What matters most in Americans' minds when they vote? About three in 10 wanted a "vision for the future" and another three in 10 wanted a president who shared their values. Those who wanted a vision for the future voted more for Mr Romney (54% to 45% for Mr Obama). However, another two in 10 voters wanted a president who "cares about people like me". They overwhelmingly voted for Mr Obama - 81% in total - a sign that Mr Romney suffered an empathy gap among some voters.
per hour and dropped what was expect to be 3 inches to 5 inches of snow on New York City, with up to twice that much hitting northern suburbs, the National Weather Service said. New York and New Jersey evacuated the most vulnerable coastal areas ahead of the storm, which was forecast to bring a high tide about 2 feet above normal by early Thursday. New York City officials urged residents whose homes have been flooded by Sandy to relocate to the homes of friends or family members or to go to city shelters. But some in the region were unwilling or unable to leave their homes. All of the region's major airports experienced canceled flights and delays on Wednesday due to the storm, and gasoline remained in short supply, though four companies told the United States they intended to take advantage of a rare waiver allowing them to use foreign-flagged ships to transport oil products to the storm-hit region.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Walmart moves Black Friday to 8 p.m. Thanksgiving night READ MORE ON PAGE 40
Samsung’s Galaxy S3 beats Apple’s iPhone in sales South Korean electronics firm Samsung's Galaxy S3 has outsold Apple's iPhone 4S for the first time, becoming the world's best-selling smartphone, says research firm Strategy Analytics. Samsung sold 18 million models, compared with Apple's 16.2 million sales, in the third quarter of 2012. The Galaxy S3 "has proven wildly popular with consumers and operators," said Strategy Analytics' Neil Mawston. However, Apple's new iPhone 5 is widely expected to reclaim the top sales spot. Strong Galaxy smartphone sales helped Samsung report record profits in the three months to September. Net profit was 6.5tn won ($5.9bn; £3.7bn), up 91% from a year earlier. But analysts say that one reason Samsung's phone was able to wrest the top sales spot from Apple's iPhone 4
Samsung's Galaxy S3 (L) has outsold Apple's iPhone 4S for the first time,
was because many customers were waiting for the iPhone 5, which was launched during the third quarter.
European Central Bank and Bank of England hold interest rates LONDON -- Europe's leading central banks kept interest rates unchanged Thursday despite a worsening near-term outlook for the region's economy. The European Central Bank held its main interest rate at 0.75%, while the Bank of England kept rates at 0.5% and said it would not be adding to its £375 billion program of quantitative easing. On Wednesday, the European Commission slashed its forecast for eurozone growth in 2013 to 0.1% from 1.0%. ECB President Mario Draghi said overall activity in the region would remain weak in the near-term and inflation was well contained. Growth in Germany -- Europe's biggest economy -- will fall to 0.8% in 2012 from 3% last year and maintain that subdued rate of expansion next year, according to the commission's forecasts. "Germany has so far been largely insulated from some of the difficulties elsewhere in the euro area. But the latest data suggest that these developments are now starting to affect the German economy," Draghi said Wednesday. The ECB has steadied investors' nerves about the eurozone crisis with its plan to buy the bonds of heavily-indebted governments such as Italy and Spain, provided they apply for a formal bailout program. The bank's Outright Monetary Transactions program, as the bond purchase scheme is known, has driven down yields on Italian and Spanish bonds, without it yet being activated, encouraging Madrid to hold off making a request for assistance. Some economists believe both the ECB and the Bank of England will have little choice but to pump more money into the European economy early next year. "We still expect real GDP to disappoint and for this to drive the [Bank of England] to deliver £50 billion of quantitative easing in February," said Philip Rush, UK economist at Nomura. TheBritish economy emerged from recession with stronger than expected growth in the third quarter, helped by one-off factors such as the London Olympic Games, but recent data have painted a less optimistic picture and the external environment is deteriorating.
The Apple iPhone 5 has already got off to a solid start and "we expect the new iPhone 5 to out-ship
Samsung's Galaxy S3 in the coming fourth quarter", said Neil Mawston. "Apple should soon reclaim the title of the world's most popular smartphone model," he added. Samsung and its rival Apple have been locked in a series of ongoing legal battles over patent infringement claims in various countries. In October, sales bans in the US on Samsung's Galaxy Nexus phone and its Galaxy 10.1 tablet computer were lifted, in a blow to Apple. Meanwhile, earlier this year, a US court awarded Apple $1.05bn (£652m) in damages, after ruling several of its software and design technologies had been infringed by Samsung. Samsung has challenged that verdict and called for a retrial. Analysts say that given the tremendous growth potential of the sector, the two firms' legal battle is likely to continue.
McDonald’s sales drop for first time since 2003 McDonald's Corp. says a key sales figure fell in October, marking the first monthly drop in nearly a decade for the world's biggest hamburger chain. The company, based in Oak Brook, says global revenue at restaurants open at least 13 months fell 1.8 percent for the month. The last time it dropped was in 2003. The figure is a key metric because it strips out the impact of newly opened and closed locations. The figures are a snapshot of money spent on food at both company-owned and franchised restaurants. They do not reflect corporate revenue. The fast-food chain says the figure fell 2.2 percent in both the U.S. and Europe. In the region encompassing Asia, the Middle East and Africa, it dropped 2.4 percent. After years of outperforming its rivals, McDonald's has seen sales slow recently amid intensifying competition and a persistently weak economy. To rev up sales, the company has been working to emphasize value in markets around the world. In the U.S., for example, McDonald's is stepping up advertising for its Dollar Menu after its attempt to market an "Extra Value Menu" for slightly higher prices fell flat. But the company said Thursday that the efforts were offset by "modest consumer demand" and competition. In particular, McDonald's is facing stiffer competition from longtime rivals Burger King and Wendy's, which are both in the midst of reviving their brands with new ad campaigns and improved menus. Taco Bell, owned by Yum Brands Inc., is also enjoying growth with the help of new offerings such as it Doritos Locos Tacos and higher-end Cantina Bell bowls and burritos. Additionally, people are increasingly flocking to restaurants such as Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. and Panera Bread Co., which offer better quality food for a little more money. Still, McDonald's said it would remain focused on underscoring its value message in the U.S. The same was true for Europe, where McDonald's gets 40 percent of its business. Amid the region's ongoing economic uncertainty, McDonald's said it would offer new meal combinations at various price ranges and continue remodeling restaurants. In the Asia, the company said it plans to differentiate itself with menu offerings tailored to local tastes. McDonald's shares were down 61 cents at $86.23 in premarket trading. CEO Don Thompson had warned last month that sales were trending negative for the month.
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BUSINESS & TEchNology
Walmart moves Black Friday to 8 p.m. anksgiving night Walmart will kick off its holiday sales rush at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, its earliest start ever, and will guarantee that those who line up can buy a trio of gadgets as it places a big bet that shoppers are ready to spend this holiday season. The holiday season is critical for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the world's largest retailer, and its Walmart U.S. division. More than a quarter of its annual sales come during the holiday season. "We bought deep, very deep, and we bought deep on items that matter to our customers," said Walmart U.S. Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Duncan Mac Naughton. Retailers are coming up with fresh ways to entice shoppers this year, as holiday spending is only expected to rise 4.1 percent, according to the National Retail Federation, down from 5.6 percent growth in 2011. Walmart kicked off layaway a month earlier than last year, in midSeptember. Layaway allows shoppers to keep a product on hold at the store and pay for it over time. Chains such as Walmart and Target have already published toy catalogs. While the holiday shopping season traditionally kicks off on the day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, the push to sell Christmas presents and other items has been moving earlier and earlier in recent years. Retailers say that shoppers want earlier deals. "'We got customer feedback that says ‘I like to shop earlier so I
Shoppers wait with their Black Friday deals for the registers to open at 5 a.m. at the Walmart store in Niles in 2008.
can go to bed earlier,'" Mac Naughton said. Thanksgiving will be observed on Nov. 22 this year. At 8 p.m. local time on Thanksgiving, Walmart's offers will include deals on video games starting at $10 and home appliances such as a Crock Pot slow cooker and a Mr. Coffee maker for $9.44 each. Walmart also said it would guarantee that three items will be available that night to people standing in line in its stores between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving, though the items are not among the hottest new gadgets of the year. Those shoppers are guaranteed
access to an Apple iPad 2 16GB with Wi-Fi, a March 2011 version, priced at $399 with a $75 Walmart Gift Card; a 32-inch Emerson 720p LCD TV at $148, $80 below the usual price; and an LG Blu-ray player for $38 that Walmart does not typically sell but said goes for $68 to $79 elsewhere. After a round of specials focused on electronics at 10 p.m. Walmart will take a break from special deals, giving shoppers a chance to get some rest or perhaps visit other stores. Walmart now keeps its stores open overnight between Thanksgiving and Black Friday after an employee was trampled to death when a Long Island store opened on Black Friday in 2008.
Last year, key competitors including Target Corp began their special offers at 12 a.m. on Friday. Other items to be offered during the night include brands such as Vizio, Samsung, Nikon, Nook and Beats by Dr. Dre. Last year, Target, Best Buy, Macy's and Kohl's were closed on Thanksgiving and kicked off Black Friday sales at the stroke of midnight, their earliest starts ever. Best Buy Co Inc, Macy's and Kohl's all plan to open at midnight again, while Target has not given its plans yet. Sears Holdings Corp's Sears and Kmart stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day. Last year, Sears kept its discount chain Kmart open on Thanksgiving but the Sears chain was closed. This year, Sears stores will open at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and stay open overnight until 10 p.m. on Black Friday. Kmart has been open on Thanksgiving for the last 21 years. In 2011, Walmart began with deals on toys, home items and clothing at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving, followed by electronics deals at midnight and other offers at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. Most Walmart stores will be open on Thanksgiving, unless they are required to close by local or state law. Walmart has faced protests in various U.S. cities lately and some workers have planned to walk off the job on Black Friday. Such actions are being sponsored by groups including a contingent of workers called OUR Walmart that receives union support.
Higher feed costs to increase meat prices in 2013 A surge in the cost of feed grain after the worst U.S. drought in more than half a century has stripped many livestock farmers of profit and set off a chain of events that threatens to drive up world meat prices in 2013. The global economic downturn has made it difficult for farmers to pass on rising costs to cashstrapped consumers, and they have sought to scale back production plans in the face of mounting losses. In the pork industry, this has meant slaughtering breeding sows, which in the short-term can actually increase meat supplies, with the eventual decline in production not felt until 2013. "If you take a breeding pig out of the system now it takes around nine months before there is any impact on the level of slaughtering because of the lifespan of a pig," said Stephen Howarth, analyst for Britain's AHDB-BPEX. Retail prices for pork and beef in the United States have remained stable so far, but analysts said retailers would eventually be forced to pass on rising costs to consumers when supplies get tighter. "Because there is no immediate drop-off in production, you don't tend to get much of a price
reaction in the short term. It can feed through into a bigger price reaction further down the line," he added. Jim Robb, director of the Livestock Information Centre in Denver, Colorado, said as prices rise shoppers could switch from more expensive to cheaper meats. "For 2013, we may see a little bit more substitution by consumers away from beef and towards chicken and pork because we'll see record high price levels across most categories, especially for beef," he said. LMIC forecast 2013 U.S. beef production at 24.8 billion pounds, the lowest since 2005, and 23.6 billion for 2014, its lowest since 1993. Livestock economist Chris Hurt of the University of Purdue said the U.S. hog industry should begin to see a reduction in pork supply about May or June next year. Many cattle-fattening stations - known as feedlots - in the United States have been operating at losses for several months. Hurt said he expected the numbers of cattle leaving feedlots should taper off noticeably in January or February next year. The price of corn, the most widely used feed
grain, rose to a record high of $8.43-3/4 a bushel in August. Prices have since fallen back slightly but remain stubbornly high at about $7.40 a bushel, with the cost of the commodity roughly doubling in the last three years, due partly to surging demand from the U.S. biofuels industry. A hog will eat the equivalent of about 14 bushels of corn to produce about 70 kg of meat. Tim Koch, meat analyst at German agricultural markets consultancy AMI said a reduction in Germany's pig herd and high animal feed costs would make 2013 a "painful time for farmers and consumers alike". ADHB-BPEX analyst Howarth said European Union pigmeat production should decline by at least 2 percent in 2013, while the pig industry in key exporter Canada was also contracting. "The big unknown is China, which accounts for about half the global market for pigmeat. Any drop off in production will mean an increase in demand for imports, but there are conflicting stories coming out of China," he said. "I think at the very least it won't expand as quickly as demand is increasing in China."
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LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Girls Sailrock U14 league in high gear
The U15 Girls Sailrock league champions could well be the Titans who remain at the top of the standings with only two weeks of games remaining. Another impressive run of results saw them stretch their lead over their nearest rivals, the Striking Cheetahs. A narrow 1-0 victory over the Green Dragons courtesy of Rhian Davies’ lone goal was followed up by a more comfortable 2-0 win against the Purple Panthers, the goals coming from Evnisha Saintverlu and Shinaydine
Pluviose. In their final match they had to come from behind to force a 1-1 draw with the Yellow Dragons after Yarielca De La Cruz had given them the lead. Some strong defending from Briandie Brooks had kept the Jaguars in the lead until the final two minutes when Pluviose scored from long range. The Jaguars managed to move off the bottom of the league wityh a 2-2 draw with the Panthers and a 2-0 win against the Red Devils. De la Cruz scored twice in both games
Grasshoppers, Retrievers win in Sailrock Boys U14
The U14 Boys Sailrock looks set to go down the wire although the Grasshoppers are currently in the driving seat, three points ahead of the Eagles courtesy of two back to back wins at the weekend. The Grasshoppers brushed aside the Eagles 4-1 before demolishing the Golden Retrievers 6-1. Their goals came from Wilkins Sylvain (3,2), Marvin Joseph (1,1) Mackenson Cadet (1,1) and Jeff Beljour. Ericson Homme scored for the Eagles and Watson Alphonse for the Golden Retrievers. In the other games the Tigers managed a hard fought win over the Retrievers with goals from Rodrigo Vasquez and Tariq Germeil whilst Idlin Beloni gave the Retrievers some hope of salvaging a point with a well taken goal. The Tigers then went on to beat the Eagles with goals from Vasquez, Kenley George, Ras Diamond and Germeil. Jackson Pierre put in another impressive display for the Eagles coming up with two goals but it was not enough on the day. As usual there were many strong individual performances but the pick of the bunch were Rodrigo Vasquez for the Tigers and Jackson Pierre for the Eagles.
to round of an impressive individual performance and her sister Yarileny as well as Jachelle Gardiner found the back of the net for the Panthers. In the remaining games the Striking Cheetahs managed to keep close to the Titans with wins against the Red Devils (3-2) and the Purple Panthers (1-0) before losing to the Green Dragons (1-0) who scored through Lashauna Thompson. Jenny Fluerenvil scored all four goals on the day for the Cheetahs to put her on top of the goalscorers list alongside
Yarielca De La Cruz on seven goals apiece. In the final game of the day the Red Devils tied 2-2 with the Green Dragons. Makayla ellis scored both goals for the Dragons whilst Guerline Hall was on the score sheet for the Devils, adding to the two goals she scored earlier in the day against the Cheetahs. MVP for the day was shared between Guerline Hall and Darinique Coackley of the Red Devils for their hard work and commitment.
Net Rockers, AFC Strikers in exciting goalless draw
The WFL produced another game of high intensity last Sunday as defending champions Net Rockers held on for a 0-0 draw against the young AFC Strikers team. The last time the two teams met Net Rockers were comfortable 8-0 winners but things have changed in recent months and Strikers will consider themselves unlucky not to have taken all three points as they had more than their fair share of possession and came close to scoring on many occasions. Strikers showed their intent right from the start as Kadine Delphin raced onto a pass from Yarielca De La Cruz in the first minute of the game only for her shot to run across the face of the goal. The young team continued to keep Net Rockers pinned in their own half but despite controlling possession they could not find a way through. In fact it was Net Rockers who almost snatched the lead in the final minute of the half when Carmela Giordano fired over the bar from close range. After a stern talking to at half time, the Strikers players emerged more determined to see their passing and moving style pay dividends. For most of the second half the Net Rockers found themselves under pressure from their young opponents and had to rely on breakaways to make any attempt on goal. Jenny Fluerenvil and Kadine Delphin used their pace and skill to make several strong runs, Guerline Hall and Yarileny De la Cruz both came close to scoring but it was Yarielca De la Cruz who was the star of the show.
The twelve year old played like a seasoned professional as she controlled the midfield. On several occasions she glided through the opposition's defence creating chances for both herself and her team mates. Her two most memorable moments came with long range shots from thirty yards that appeared to be sailing into Net Rockers goal only to have them rebound of the crossbar. In addition to all their pressure Strikers will feel unlucky that they did not perhaps get a penalty as on two occasions Net Rockers players appeared to handle the ball in the penalty area, however the referee was not convinced. Credit must go to the Net Rockers defence and goal keeper Berthalee belle for ensuring that her team managed to hang on for the draw and after two games without conceding a goal it appears that their defence will be hard to break down this season. Technical Director Matthew Green was very pleased with how the young Strikers team acquitted themselves. "The girls have improved tremendously in recent months, the fact that they dominated the game against the reigning champions is testament to their improved technical ability and tactical understanding. They were not intimidated by the more direct style and physicality of their opponents and proceeded to play attractive football. It is only a matter of time before they get their first win. They are still very young but they have the potential to become a very accomplished
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LOCAL SPORTS LOCAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
TCI’s Sonia Bien-Aime chairs historic all female CFU Committee
It’s the dawning of a new day for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) as new vistas are being shaped for women’s football in the Caribbean. Gordon Derrick, President of the CFU in his efforts to take the game to another level announced the introduction of an all-woman Women’s Football Committee consisting of eleven members drawn from eleven countries affiliated to the CFU. According to Derrick, “it takes revolutionary thinkers who are bold enough to appoint a Women’s Committee such as this, the first of its kind to consist of all females. I am just elated that we have been able to find capable women in the region who can be given a fair opportunity to make a contribution to the development of football among girls and women.” This Committee is the first of its kind in the history of football where Women Football at a regional or international level is being guided by all women and both the CFU President and the Committee Chairperson, Ms. Sonia BienAime agree that there is lots of work to be done to promote and develop women’s football in the region; but they are convinced that with support from all stakeholders, progress will be evident in the not too distant future. Of Bien-Aime’s appointment, TCIFA President Christopher Bryan says, “Everybody at the Football Association congratulates Sonia for her appointment to such an important position within Caribbean football. She has been deservedly recognized for her ability and hard work and reflects on how well the organization of football
in the Turks and Caicos is viewed generally across the region. We are extremely proud of her.” There is representation from across the four languages (i.e. English, Dutch, French and Spanish) of the CFU and from the varied women’s football development levels within the region, thereby strengthening the richness of the Committee and making it truly reflective of the CFU. In accepting the appointment, Bien-Aime who is also a CFU Executive Committee Member underscored the historic nature of the appointment and the composition of the Committee. She said, “I have accepted this position with great enthusiasm. It will be my privilege to serve as Chairman on this Committee with a great panel of women that endeavours to make an incredible impact on Women’s Football in the region.” In addition to Bien-Aime, the other members are Diana Claxton-Carty (Anguilla), Sharleen Hengeveld (Aruba), Gwendolyn Salmon (Antigua & Barbuda), Elaine Walker-Brown (Jamaica), Monique Andre (Haiti), Ana Rabell (Puerto Rico), Jinelle James (Trinidad & Tobago), Chantal Bird (USVI), Bernadine Andrew (Grenada), and Shequita Parson (Bermuda) while the CFU Secretariat will serve as the Secretary of the Committee. All committee members will be appointed for a period of 4 years and are all actively involved in football at the local and National level, possess sufficient level of footballing knowledge, Laws of the Game, and are experts at women’s football development. The goal of the Committee will be to advise the Executive Committee of the Union by undertaking
financial planning and oversight responsibilities by monitoring, reviewing and providing advisory functions in the areas of budget and finances. The Committee will exchange views on the CFU women’s competitions and the CFU Women’s Calendar, including coordination with CONCACAF and FIFA competitions. Responsibilities also includes assisting in the process of selecting the host association(s) for the final round of the CFU Women’s U17 Championship, CFU Women’s U19 Championship and any other women’s competitions that the CFU may create and conduct a cost benefit analysis and report to the CFU ExCo on the establishment of CFU Senior Women’s Competitions. The committee will also assist with the programme content for women’s football conferences and courses, monitor the CFU Women’s tournaments that serve as qualification tournaments for CONCACAF and FIFA tournaments as well as assisting in defining the draw principles and monitor the preparation and conducting of CONCACAF and FIFA national teams competitions and help in drawing up and implementing girls’ and women’s football development strategies and programmes. The Committee has the jurisdiction to make recommendations with respect to the development of referees within the Caribbean region, and source an annual budget which will be presented to the CFU Executive Committee for approval. For more information on the TCIFA, kindly contact Sonia Bien-Aime, Secretary General on (649) 941-5532 or email tcifa@tciway.tc.
Provo T20 Cricket Association 2012-2013 match fixtures DATE 13/10/2012 14/10/2012 21/10/2012 27/10/2012 28/10/2012 10/11/2012 11/11/2012 17/11/2012 18/11/2012 24/11/2012 25/11/2012 01/12/2012 02/12/2012 08/12/2012 09/12/2012 15/12/2012 15/12/2012 16/12/2012 05/01/2013 06/01/2013 11/01/2013 12/01/2013
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UMPIRES D. Myrie/S. Khan O.Newton/L. Clarke O.Newton/L. Clarke A.Kuthalingam/D.Myrie S. Khan/L.Clarke O.Newton/L.Clarke C.Chase/B. Bagwandas D.Myrie/S.Khan A.Kuthalingam/O.Newton B. Bagwandas/D. Myrie C. Chase/L.Clarke HIGH SCHOOL D.Myrie/L.Clarke B. Bagwandas/O.Newton D. Myrie/A.Kuthalingam B. Bagwandas/D.Myrie D.Myrie/L.Clarke L.Clarke/O.Newton BREAK B. Bagwandas/C.Chase L.Clarke/S.Khan D.Myrie /O.Newton O. Newton/B.Bagwandas
SEMI-FINALS
19/01/2013 20/01/2013
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1st Place Team 2nd Place Team
27/01/2013
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 10TH - NOVEMBER 17TH, 2012
HIGHLIGHTS
Caribbean Premier League coming READ STORY BELOW
West Indies captain predicts progress in Tests As far as progress is concerned in Test cricket, West Indies haven't taken many strides for much of the past decade, though there have been signs of a revival this year. They have lost to Australia at home and England abroad but they have given more than just a glimpse of a fighting ability. The improvement translated to a comfortable series win over New Zealand in August, their first at home since beating England in 2009. They are eyeing a second straight Test series win when they come up against bottomranked Bangladesh. Captain Darren Sammy said ahead of West Indies' first training session in
Dhaka on Wednesday, that just like the team pushed itself to win the World Twenty20, it will be doing the same on this tour. "It is more of a belief factor. We have played some good series over the years where we were competing against high-ranked teams, now we believe we can be even more competitive and get results over higher-ranked teams," Sammy said in Mirpur. "We have a team goal which we want to achieve but this is going to be a step-by-step process. "It's important to come here and win matches and it's a challenge we put on ourselves. Just like we forced ourselves to try and win the T20 World
Cup, we achieved that and we are now looking forward to the next series which is against Bangladesh. We believe we can achieve our goals." Between their last series in Bangladesh, where they won the Test series 1-0 and the ODIs 2-1, West Indies have lost three Test series but there have been plenty of positives, chiefly the strength in the leadership. Sammy however believes nothing much has changed in the last 12 months. "My role as a captain has not changed. Every player is aware of what their roles are in the team. Last year I have excelled in the role the team expects me to play, and I don't see any difference this
year. "We just got to bring all our players together and go down and perform on the cricket field. That's where the performance counts." Sammy believes that the success since last October has also made the team stronger, though the return of Chris Gayle has also helped matters. "We have definitely improved as a team. A number of players have come on board and we are a little bit more consistent. "We beat New Zealand in both Tests and performances came from different players. We come here with one mission: to win all three series in Bangladesh."
Best, Smith take action Caribbean Premier against Toronto organisers League coming The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is looking at the possibility of having a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 tournament in the near future. The announcement was made by new WICB CEO Michael Muirhead yesterday as he fielded questions during his introduction to the local media at a press conference at Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain yesterday. Muirhead said the WICB wanted to play a lot more cricket and that the establishment of a CPL T20 would help in that regard. He said: "We (WICB) are in negotiations to try and establish a Premier League in the Caribbean and that would obviously bring the opportunity to play much more cricket, albeit at the T20 level in this first stage, and we are at a stage now where we are speaking to one such promoter and would like to hope that it will bear fruit in the near future. "We are trying to increase the amount of day-night cricket we are playing and one way to do that is through the Caribbean Premier League," he explained. He also noted that a new Caribbean Premier League T20 could mean the end of the territorial T20 (Caribbean T20). "There is a possibility that it could mean the end of the territorial T20. The reason being that the competition and maybe how the contract is written, you could not have competing entities there because many of those teams could actually form part of the franchises that will participate in the CPL," said Muirhead. Pressed further about a timeline for the establishment of the CPL, Muirhead said he could not give an answer about when it would come on stream. In terms of the negotiations with a possible sponsor of the tournament, he said: "We are fairly advanced. The WICB is negotiating the rights to host a Caribbean Premier League. We are quite advanced in that regard." The new CEO also believes the CPL will increase the exposure of local cricketers. He said the CPL will feature a number of teams and persons who did not have an opportunity to play in the regional tournament before, could get a chance in one of the franchise teams. WICB corporate communications manager Imran Khan noted that the squads for franchises extend to 20 or more players as opposed to the 15 players for the territorial teams in the Caribbean T20. "It (the CPL) could allow for more opportunities," Khan added.
West Indians Tino Best and Devon Smith are among 16 players who have started legal proceedings against the organisers of the Cricket All Star T20 match in Toronto in May claiming they have yet to be paid. Ontario-based Kat Rose Custom Designs Inc (Kat Rose), which organised the Cricket Canada-approved event, has been served notices at the Toronto Small Claims Court regarding unpaid match fees and expenses totalling approximately $113,000. Apart from Best and Smith, some of the other affected players include Sanath Jayasariya, Saqlain Mushtaq, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Mark Boucher, Brendan Taylor and Bangladesh allrounder Nasir Hossain. "We are incredibly disappointed and distressed by the lack of professionalism of the Kat Rose organisation," said Tim May, the chief executive officer of Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA).
"The players fulfilled their contractual obligations and are now each left out-ofpocket to the tune of several thousand dollars of their own money. The match, which saw the Asia/Canada XI defeat the International XI squad by three wickets, was said to be entertaining despite the absence of several players with star power. Smith was eventually named man of the match. "How can anyone in good conscience conduct business this way" questioned May. "It is unacceptable that the players have yet to be compensated and reimbursed for their time and costs." Kat Rose, which contracted individually with all of the players, claimed the absence of some of the cricketers from Pakistan, because of last minute visa issues, meant the event was financially unsuccessful.
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
HIGHLIGHTS
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• Top-ranked Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray • New York Jets coach Rex Ryan laughs off 'overrated' label
Jim Buss confident in Mike Brown After watching the Los Angeles Lakers drop to 1-4 on the season with a 95-86 loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, Lakers executive vice president Jim Buss was not a happy man. Something is not yet right with his star-studded team, and as a competitive guy, Buss is looking for ways to fix it sooner rather than later. "You don't start 0-3 for the first time since we've owned the franchise without being on top of it," Buss told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "No matter what, you have to be aware. That doesn't mean change is coming. That just means you have to be aware." But while fans and pundits have placed the blame for the Lakers' early struggles on coach Mike Brown, Buss said he's still very confident in his coach. "I have no problems with Mike Brown at all," Buss said. "He just works too hard and he's too knowledgeable for this to be happening. "So either the system is flawed or something's going on. Or, like the Triangle, it's very hard to pick up and understand. I'm not a basketball mind like he is or the players are, and the players are fine with it, so I just have to
Jim Buss
Mike Brown
be patient." Buss said he has been gauging player reaction to the Lakers' new Princeton offense, Brown and how they're dealing with the slow start by reading their public comments and talking to them directly. On Tuesday afternoon, he went down from his office to the court during practice to take their temperature, and he said he found things to be rather calm. "Kobe [Bryant] and I have a relationship where he can just look at me
and say, 'Everything's cool,'" Buss said. "So yesterday during practice, I gave Kobe a quick glance, and everything was cool." Bryant has continued to preach patience as the Lakers have struggled. Last week he said, "Everybody shut up. Let us work," when asked about fan reaction to the Lakers' slow adjustment to the Princeton offense. But in Wednesday's loss to the Jazz, even Bryant's patience appeared to be wearing thin.
High Court strikes down Azharuddin's life ban The Andhra Pradesh High Court has declared illegal the life ban imposed by the BCCI on former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin. A division bench of the high court set aside the order of the City Civil Court, which had upheld the ban after Azharuddin had challenged it. The BCCI had banned Azharuddin on December 5, 2000 for his involvement in match-fixing. Since then, Azharuddin, 49, has had no involvement in cricket-related matters and became a politician in 2009. He is currently a member of parliament from Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh. He said he was happy the issue was over and done with, and he would not be taking any further legal action: "It was a long drawn out legal case and it was painful. We fought in the court for 11 years. Finally the verdict has come and I am happy that the ban has been lifted by the court. "I am not going to take any legal action against any authority and I don't want to blame anybody for this also. Whatever had to happen has happened. I don't have any complaint." The BCCI, for now, has adopted a wait-and-watch approach. "It would be premature to comment till our legal team goes through the court order," BCCI chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty said. Azharuddin played 99 Tests and scored 6125 runs at an average of 45. He also played 334 ODIs, scoring 9378 runs at 36.92 during a 15-year career.
He got into it with referee Ed Malloy after being called for a charge in the second quarter; he punched the ball inbounds rather than passed it when there was less than a second left in the third quarter; and he was caught on camera staring down Brown when he was sitting on the bench during a timeout in the waning moments of the fourth. When asked about his frustration level after the game, Bryant deadpanned it was, "Just a little bit." And what were the reasons that caused that frustration? "None that I care to share," Bryant said. In Buss' own words, "this team was built to win now." So just how patient can he be? "You have to give it time to understand [what's going on]," Buss said. "I don't know if there's an actual game total that would make me impatient. I know if we're 1-15, I don't think that would be very good. I'm sure that would be a panic button. But at this time, I'm fine with what's going on. It's a learning process for the players. As long as everybody is on the same page, I think we're fine."
Bolt, Rudisha, Merritt named IAAF 'Male Athlete of the Year' finalists; Farah left off list The International Association of Athletics Federation announced the finalists for the "Male Athlete of the Year" award on Nov. 6, and the list has many Britons shaking their heads in wonder. Jamaican Usain Bolt, American Aries Merritt and Kenyan David Rudisha each made the final list. British runner Mo Farah, however, was not among the three finalists. Perhaps it's because he's missing something that all the other finalists have. Bolt landed on the list after successfully defending his three Olympic gold medals in London. Individually, Bolt won his second consecutive titles in the 100- and 200-meter sprints, while he added a second consecutive Olympic gold as a member of the men's 4x100meter relay. The men's relay set a world record of 36.84 in the event. Bolt is currently the world record holder in both the 100- and 200-meter sprints, as well. Merritt won gold in the 110-meter hurdles when he defeated reigning world champion Jason Richardson. Merritt earned the Olympic win by 12-hundredths of a second in a time of 12.92. Less than a month later, the 27-year-old American went on to smash the 110 hurdles world record in a Diamond League meet in Brussels. There, Merritt ran to a time of 12.80 to break the previous world record of 12.87, which
was held by Cuban Dayron Robles. Rudisha won gold in the 800-meter race with a showing that London Olympic organizer Sebastian Coe called "the standout performance of the Games." In winning gold, Rudisha also broke the world record -- which belonged to Coe during the 1970s and 1980s -- when he crossed the line in a time of 1:40.91. When he did so, Rudisha became the first man to ever run the 800 faster than 1:41.00. By comparison, Farah left the 2012 Olympic Games with two gold medals. He earned the first in the 10,000-meter and the second in the 5,000meter. His 10,000-meter gold medal was the first ever for Great Britain. Sure, Farah completed a great and impressive feat in winning the distance double, but there's one thing the 29-year-old British runner is missing: a world record. There is no denying that he put out impressive performances in London, but Farah didn't do anything that had never been done before. Bolt, Merritt and Rudisha are. When the long list of 10 candidates was published on Oct. 9, Farah was among the 10 listed, as were Jamaican Yohan Blake, American Ashton Eaton and Grenadian Kirani James. The IAAF "Male Athlete of the Year" award will be announced and handed out on Nov. 24, 2012 in Barcelona.
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
WORLD SPORTS
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray LONDON -- In what is shaping up to be the new top rivalry in tennis, Novak Djokovic held off Andy Murray on Wednesday at the ATP finals. The top-ranked Serb got the big break when he needed it late in the third set and beat Murray 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 at the O2 Arena. "Another great match. Another great performance from both of us," said Djokovic, who has known Murray since they were 11 years old. "I didn't expect anything less, other than a tough match that went down the wire and was decided in the last point." Djokovic is 4-3 against Murray in 2012, with his biggest win coming in a five-setter in the Australian Open semifinals. But Murray had won two of the previous three, including in the semifinals of the Olympics and in the U.S. Open final -- another five-setter. Overall, Djokovic leads the thirdranked Murray 10-7 in head-to-head meetings. "I think both of us probably see each other's games pretty well. Especially this year, because we've played so much," Murray said. "But the one thing I would say is, this year I think both of us probably have seen
The two top players grasp hands after Andy Murray beat the world’s No. 1-ranked tennis player, Roger Federer
things in each other's games probably improve, and that's why there's a lot of long rallies, and the matches are incredibly tight." Djokovic lost the top spot to Roger Federer in July but will return to No. 1 next week. The ATP says Federer will drop points from his 2011 title wins at the
Swiss Indoors and Paris Masters. He lost in the Swiss Indoors final Sunday to Juan Martin del Potro, and then pulled out of next week's Paris tournament. The ATP says Federer will not be able to earn enough points to finish the year ahead of Djokovic. The Serb will become the first
player to finish No. 1 in consecutive years since Federer did it four straight times from 2004-07. Murray has had a breakthrough season. He became the first British man since 1938 to reach the Wimbledon final, and soon after won the Olympic gold medal by beating Roger Federer on the same grass at the All England Club. The Scot's biggest win, however, came in September when he became the first British man since Fred Perry in 1936 to win a major tennis title with the victory over Djokovic at the U.S. Open. Djokovic's big year came in 2011, when he won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. But now they're both major champions, and holding their own against Federer and Rafael Nadal, the two players who have had a monopoly of tennis rivalries for nearly a decade. Now may be the time for them to step aside and let Djokovic and Murray reign supreme. "Hopefully this rivalry will evolve," Djokovic said, "and we can have many more great matches on the tour."
CONCACAF draw: New York Jets coach Rex Ryan laughs off 'overrated' label United States start on the road The USA face a tough start to life in the final round of the CONCACAF 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament as they were drawn away in three of their first four fixtures. The six countries involved in the 'hexagonal round' were unable to agree on the schedule of games, so CONCACAF completed a draw for the fixtures that saw Jurgen Klinsmann's USA side open their campaign in Honduras on February 6, before hosting Costa Rica on March 22, then travelling to Mexico on March 26. They then visit Jamaica on June 7. "In a draw like that nothing is going to turn out perfectly. Usually, a team would like to have the first game at home, but if you don't have the first game at home you make the best out of it," Klinsmann said. "If you get the results on the road, there will be far more confidence in your home games and you can finish it off. It's fine with me. We've just got to be really sharp and focused and get the job done on the road in difficult environments. "I think it's an exciting group and it will go all the way down to the last game to decide who is going to the World Cup." Three CONCACAF teams will advance directly to the final tournament in Brazil, but the
fourth-placed country will play off against a side from the Oceania region, most likely New Zealand. FRIDAY, JUNE 7 Jamaica v. U.S. Panama v. Mexico Costa Rica v. Honduras Tuesday, June 11 Mexico v. Costa Rica Honduras v. Jamaica U.S. v. Honduras Tuesday, June 18** Jamaica v. Mexico U.S. v. Honduras Costa Rica v. Panama Friday, September 6 Mexico v. Honduras Panama v. Jamaica Costa Rica v. U.S. Tuesday, September 10 Jamaica v. Costa Rica Honduras v. Panama U.S. v. Mexico Friday, October 11 Mexico v. Panama Honduras v. Costa Rica U.S. v. Jamaica Tuesday, October 15 Jamaica v. Honduras Panama v. U.S. Costa Rica v. Mexico ** The fixture involving Mexico on June 18 will be moved to June 4 to allow Mexico, the CONCACAF representative, to participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets coach Rex Ryan laughed off a leaguewide player survey that named him the most overrated coach in the NFL, saying he was just happy to finish ahead of nemesis Bill Belichick. "My first thought was, I looked at it and I saw who was second," Ryan said Wednesday, alluding to the New England Patriots' coach. "I was like, 'Hey, I finally beat Belichick in something.' I knew it would take time, but I finally got him." The Sporting News conducted an anonymous midseason poll of 103 players from 27 teams. Ryan finished first by a landslide, collecting 35 votes. Belichick was second with 16 votes. Ryan created a personal rivalry with Belichick, declaring soon after he was hired by the Jets in 2009 that he didn't take the job to kiss Belichick's Super Bowl rings. Since then, the Jets have finished second to the Patriots every season in the AFC East. Turning serious, Ryan said he didn't mind the "overrated" label. "I wasn't offended by it," he said. Revealing some of his trademark bravado, Ryan claimed he'd finish near the top of any survey in which players voted for the coach they'd most want to play for.
In fact, he has placed highly in that category in past polls. "Poll the same players about who they'd want to play for, and I'll probably end up where I always do -- right at the top with (Mike) Tomlin," he said, referring to the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach. "(It would be) either me or Mike Tomlin, one of two. We're the guys they want to play for. "I don't think that would change. I don't care. As long as they want to come here and play, if I'm overrated, that's fine." However, the Sporting News released its poll results of coaches that players would least like to play for Wednesday, and Ryan (16 votes) finished third, behind the Buccaneers' Greg Schiano (20) and Belichick (19). The Sporting News also conduced a survery on coaches that players most want to play for, and Ryan finished tied for sixth with the Ravens' John Harbaugh in that poll, which was also released Wednesday. Tomlin finished atop that poll while Belichick finished second. Ryan led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game in his first two seasons, but his star has fallen during the past year. The Jets are 3-5 this season, and they've lost eight of their last 11 games, dating to last season.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
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LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 9TH - NOVEMBER 16TH, 2012
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LOCAL NEWS
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