Volume 8 Issue 51

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

VOLUME 8 No. 51

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Butch Stewart says the property needs extensive renovations

BY HAYDEN BOYCE PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hotel magnate Gordon “Butch” Stewart says he will have to spend at least US$16million renovating the recently-acquired Veranda property, in Grace Bay to bring it in line with the standards of a Beaches Resort.

In an exclusive interview with The SUN, Stewart, who bought Veranda for around US$100million, said significant work needs to be done on this latest acquisition before it can be fully integrated into the Beaches property next door as the Key West Village.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Villages and Spa Resort is already comprised of The Caribbean Village, The Italian Village, and The French Village. Veranda will form the Key West Village making it the fourth village in what is the largest hotel complex in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“It will definitely take a whole lot of work to renovate and ‘Sandalise’ the Veranda. We must now ensure that it can meet the standards by which we operate, because there are so many essential things that it just doesn’t have right now,” said Stewart, who was recently on a short trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

HIGH COURT JUDGE ALLOWS ELECTION PETITION TO PROCEED PAGE 5

COASTAL RADAR STATION NOT WORKING PAGE 9

VERANDA CUTS 43 JOBS PAGE 8

AIRPORT EXPANSION CONTRACT SOON AWARDED - PG 7

Gordon “Butch” Stewart

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Stewart says the Veranda needs extensive renovations

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

He added: “Every single aspect of the Veranda has to be enhanced. A lot of people don’t quite understand what this entails in order for it to sit proudly among our other Villages.”

Stewart noted that the multi-million dollar renovations would include an upgrade and expansion of the kitchen and restaurant facilities, an overhaul of the sewage system, reconfiguring and updating the furniture and fittings and vastly improving the water supply system. He further pointed out that the “high-maintenance” building is made of wood with aluminum roof and the rooms and suites are all outfitted with electric water heaters.

Veranda will continue to honour existing bookings through December, but Stewart said he would close the property in early January with the hope of making the necessary changes.

During this time the qualified Veranda staff will be absorbed into Beaches and they will be trained according to its standards.

Veranda employees will enjoy the prospect of being able to receive the Group’s impeccable training and then ply their chosen profession in one of 22 resorts across the Caribbean In effect they will become part of what is acknowledged the world over as the leading resort chain in the region, with an instantly recognised world brand.

Veranda, which is an $80million, five star fully inclusive 168-key residence-style resort, is located adjacent to the renown Beaches family –specific hotel with only a

The Veranda

beach access separating the two properties.

Sitting on 11 acres and boasting 800 feet of beachfront, Veranda is made up of one, two, three and four-bedroom cottages and 40 studios. It is built in the Key West/Caribbean style.

When renovations are completed, the Veranda will play an invaluable role in bolstering Beaches’ presence in the TCI and spur additional airlift into what has become one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism provinces. This point is not lost on some of the major airlines with two publicly acknowledging so.

Earlier this week both American Airlines and JetBlue wrote encouragingly about the Veranda acquisition. Firstly, Scott

M Laurence, JetBlue’s Vice PresidentNetwork Planning declared: “A key success factor in our growth strategy is the incorporation of strong business partners who share our brand vision and commitment to customer experience. One of our most important relationships is with Sandals Resorts International.”

“Their brand, marketing structure and sales force was influential in our decision to begin flights to St Lucia in October 2009.

Our relationship with Sandals was also a key factor in our decision to enter Providenciales in February 2011. As JetBlue works to continue our Caribbean expansion we evaluate a number of factors. Of those, one of the most important is destination hotel inventory, especially rooms that drive excitement and stimulate demand like the newly acquired Veranda in Providenciales for the Sandals and Beaches properties,” he added.

American Airlines echoed similar sentiments with Vice President Arthur J Torno writing: “Being one of our best and largest hotel partners in the Caribbean, we will monitor and ensure that American Airlines lifts are adjusted to meet the additional demand for travel to the island that this acquisition will likely create. We have seen first-hand results to major Caribbean destinations where Sandals and Beaches have acquired underperforming resorts and immediately re-energised them through their marketing, sales and public relations efforts.

We highly encourage the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to support Beaches in this expansion as this will undoubtedly create a great opportunity for both Beaches and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Before the acquisition of the Veranda, Beaches was the largest hotel property in the country, containing the most rooms. This latest move now means that combined, the property will have 775 keys equating to over 1,000 rooms mainly suites.

Beaches Turks and Caicos employs around 1, 400 people and with the acquisition of Veranda, that figure would go up to about 1,800 employees. It has one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and the third-rated barrier reef for scuba diving in the world. The hotel also boasts the largest water park in the Caribbean and with 16 restaurants -- soon to be 21, has more restaurants than any resort in the Caribbean.

When Stewart first established operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands back in 1995, he took over a small hotel of just 150 rooms with limited facilities. At that time, American Airlines was offering one flight a day from Miami only.

In order to expand, Stewart chartered five airplanes from Continental Airlines to help create additional airlift, fitting them with first class seating, pointing to the significance of quality. These aircraft serviced key sites

namely Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia and Atlanta and had the effect of putting the Turks& Caicos on the map as a top Caribbean destination.

Consequently, Stewart pioneered nonstop flights from Boston, Kennedy, Newark, New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta, an accomplishment he is very proud of.

Commenting on those heady early days, he said: “It was very costly but like all good investments, the dividends paid are shared by every resort and citizen of Providenciales.”

Butch Stewart has unarguably played an instrumental role in the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a major tourism destination, and in so doing, helped to generate much needed foreign exchange inflows. He made it clear that it is imperative to the country’s financial well being that the hotel remains open all year round thus seeing to it that airlift is protected and that commercial activities stemming from the hotel do not come to a standstill during these slow autumn months.

Speaking on this matter Stewart said: “We will remain open all year round as long as we can afford to do so. The autumn months are always very trying but we must endeavour to remain open so that we play our part in assisting other hotels and help the country benefit from the industry. We have formed exclusive deals with some airlines to fly into the country at our own costs I might add.”

“While Beaches Turks& Caicos may be the leader based on investment capital, it is not our best profit-performing hotel. Why? Because the revenues generated from family resorts are cyclical particularly during the autumn period where both rates and occupancies fall off. Nevertheless we are highly regarded in the Caribbean for taking care of our own and reaching out to the communities where we operate. I am proud to say that in this regard we have done some wonderful things and look to do even more in the Turks& Caicos.”

Earlier this month, Stewart’s Sandals Resorts International bought a four and a half -star hotel that recently closed in the eastern Caribbean nation of Grenada.

For 12 years, the hotel boss has been trying to find an appropriate resort in Grenada and has always been in love with the LaSource resort. He now plans to make it the gem of gems of the eastern Caribbean.

So what makes Gordon ‘Butch’Stewart tick? What compels him to build even more splendid hotels throughout the Caribbean?

“My family, the people I work with, the adventure of it all, the Caribbean and its people,” he answered.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 15TH - DECEMBER 22ND, 2012

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

High Court Judge allows Cheshire Hall/Richmond Hill elections petition to go forward In a landmark ruling, Acting Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale on Thursday dismissed an application

by Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick to have an election petition filed by People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate Oral Selver struck out.

This ruling paves the way for a Supreme Court hearing on January 6th 2013 that will determine if there will be a by-election in the Cheshire Hall/Richmond Hill constituency.

In her ruling, Ramsay-Hale said the first issue for the Court when considering an election petition is whether there was an irregularity in the election process and then to determine whether, notwithstanding the irregularity, the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law as to elections and the irregularity did not affect the result.

“If the irregularity might have affected the result, then even if the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law, the election is invalid,” she said, adding that there is a clear obligation under the Constitution for a candidate seeking nomination to state correctly that he is qualified to be elected under Section 46 and not disqualified under Section 49.

“The Petition alleges a breach of this obligation and avers that it

Amanda Missick

Oral Selver

Ed Smith

invalidates his nomination and as such is an irregularity in the election process which might have affected the result.

In my view, on the authorities to which the Court has been referred, I cannot say the claim is bound to fail,” Judge Ramsay-Hale stated.

She added: “With respect to the second issue raised, which is the matter of the Petitioner’s failure in the Petition to state that he is a registered voter, I do not think it is fatal as Mr. Misick QC suggests in the circumstances where the Electors Register for 2012 is exhibited to the Petition and clearly shows that he is so registered. I concur in the view that no amendment could be allowed to add a new cause of action outside the time limited for the presentation of a

Petition, but I am satisfied that the Court has the power to grant leave to the Petitioner to make the amendments in the terms sought.”

Through her lawyer Ariel Misick, QC, Amanda Missick, the successful candidate for the Progressive National Party (PNP), applied to have the petition filed by Oral Selver struck out as disclosing no cause of action.

In the petition, Selver alleged that Edward Smith is a US Citizen who voluntarily acknowledged allegiance to the United States and was therefore not qualified to be a candidate. Selver contended that but for Smith's nomination, the 58 persons who voted for him might have given their votes to the other candidates including himself, and that because Amanda Missick won

only by a margin of 30, the election results may have been different.

In moving the strike out application, Ariel Misick, QC, submitted that the petition was misconceived in two respects. Firstly, it was submitted that the question of the validity of the nomination of Mr. Smith was different to the question of whether a member was validly elected.

Secondly, it was submitted that if Mr. Smith was disqualified from being elected, that did not mean that the votes given to him did not count. It was further submitted that whether the 58 votes for Mr. Smith was counted or thrown out, Amanda Missick would still have won.

• SEE FULL TEXT OF RULING ON PAGE 14

Turks and Caicos Islands Crime and Incident reports The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a threat made against a police officer, which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 8AM. The Police officer was visiting a home in the Kew Town area of Providenciales when the incident occurred. He was approached by a male person and while identifying himself as a Police Officer the male person reached into his car and pulled out a cutlass and made threats towards him.

Additional police officers responded and arrested the male. Further investigations are being conducted by Beat & Patrol officers. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 3:54PM. A 41 year old male resident of Long Bay, Providenciales reported that he secured his home at 8AM and upon his return at 3:45PM, discovered that his home had been broken into.

Missing are numerous electronic items. Further investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 7:31PM. A 42 year old male resident of Cheshire Hall, Providenciales reported that he secured his home at 9:20AM and upon his return at 7:30PM, discovered that his home had been

broken into and ransacked. Missing are numerous electronic items.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Thursday December 20th 2012 at 2:44AM. Two female residents of Kew Town, Providenciales, reported that they secured their home on Wednesday December 19, 2012 at 4:15PM and upon their return at 2:45AM, discovered that their home had been broken into. Missing are numerous electronic items.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 11:25AM. A female resident of Grand Turk reported that the home of her Uncle was broken into. The residence was secured on Friday December 14th, 2012 at 10AM and at 11:25AM found to have been broken into. Nothing appeared to be missing. Investigations are continuing. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are also investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 6:30PM. A male resident of Grand Turk reported that he secured his Uncle’s home at

6AM and upon his return at 6PM, he heard a noise inside the house. Upon going to the rear of the house, he saw someone running out of the house with a TV in his hands. Missing is a black 27 inch TV. *** Police are appealing to the public who may have any information about these incidents to call the Police on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA. *** On Wednesday December 19th, 2012 at 11:35AM, Vanessa Carter of Grand Turk DOB 20/05/1988, was found guilty for the offences of Common Assault, Disturbing the Peace, Using an Offensive Weapon so as to Cause Fear, Resisting Arrest, Assault on a Police Officer, Violent Language and Use of Abusive Language. Ms. Carter was sentenced to twelve (12) months’ probation with conditions. *** On Wednesday December 19th, 2012 at 11:40AM, Justin Francis of Grand Turk DOB 06/04/1991, pled guilty for the offence of Driving without due care and attention and was fined $700.00USD to be paid within twenty eight (28) days or four (4) weeks imprisonment. ***

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Cliff - what Cliff? Caribbean countries scrambling alone

By Sir Ronald Sanders It is not only the people of the United States that should be praying that their political leaders have enough sense not to push themselves off the socalled “fiscal cliff”, but the rest of the world as well.

“Fiscal cliff” is a shorthand term used to describe the serious challenge that the US government will face at the end of 2012. In the US Congress, Republicans want to cut government spending and avoid raising taxes particularly on the wealthy who, they say, are the investors and job creators, while Democrats are looking for a combination of government spending cuts and tax increases especially on the wealthy.

The consequences of not reaching a compromise by year-end are far-reaching including pushing the US into another period of recession. But it seems that the bitterness surrounding the Presidential election, in which Barack Obama was elected to a second term, continues to define the Republican attitude to negotiations, and if it doesn’t cause them all to go over the “fiscal cliff”, it will create so much uncertainty that investors – including those who are large purchasers of US bonds – would be reluctant to invest. Even families, faced with the uncertainty over new taxes or job losses, have begun to rein in their spending and this will have an effect on the economy, probably leading to no growth and higher unemployment.

One would have though the political leaders of the world’s largest economy and a super-power would have been capable of greater maturity than they have shown in negotiating sensible positions in the interest of their people. But, it appears that large size and big population are no more a summons to responsibility than are small size and small population. The quest for narrow political victory overrides wider national interest every time and everywhere.

But that is not the only problem that the US faces. There is yet another hurdle to jump. If it is not met satisfactorily, it will also have an impact on the global economy and, especially, on countries for whom trade, investment and remittances are important. This hurdle is the limit on US debt.

Congress set that limit at a staggering $16.4 trillion, but by the next three months, the US is likely to hit that limit with a bang, requiring Congressional approval to increase it. Another set of political bickering will then begin which may lead only to

stop-gap measures and not the comprehensive solution that is required.

For countries in the Caribbean, if the US problems are not solved, they can expect fewer tourists, less investment and much reduced remittances.

And while the US will have to wrangle itself out of its dreadful situation, the Eurozone area of the European Union (EU) countries has been facing one difficulty after another in relation to the level of debt among several of its member-countries. In the first quarter of 2012, combined EU economic activity was flat, and in the second quarter it actually contracted.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) - the premier joint economic think-tank of both the US and the EU warns in a report that Europe’s debt crisis is “a far bigger threat to the world's economy” than the US ‘fiscal cliff’ and “could drag Europe into a deep recession in the next two years and the US along with it”. The OECD says that unemployment is high with around 50 million jobless people in the entire OECD area. Worryingly, it also says unemployment is set to remain high, or even rise further, in many countries unless structural measures are used to boost near-term employment growth. But, so far, governments have mounted no programmes to deal with unemployment as aggressively and effectively as the situation warrants.

So, while the US “fiscal cliff” is proving to be as precipitous to the Caribbean as it is to the US, events in Europe offer no golden parachute.

Emerging markets do have some answers that appear to be eluding the US and many of the EU countries. According to the same OECD, “after softer-than-expected activity during 2012, growth has begun picking up in the emerging-market economies, with increasingly supportive monetary and fiscal policies offsetting the drag exerted by weak external demand. China is expected to grow at 8.5% in 2013 and 8.9% in 2014, while GDP is also expected to gather steam in the coming years in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa”.

The better situation in the emerging markets is good news. If they continue to grow and begin to promote consumption in their own economies through increased imports from the US and the EU, this will have the effect of boosting those economies, reducing their fiscal deficits and improving employment.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 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

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Journalist/Web Designer: Patrina Moore-Pierre Graphics Editor: Joleen Grant Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Distribution Manger: Kelano Howell Advertising and Marketing ManagerPatrina Moore-Pierre The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The news is not so good for small countries that have tied themselves almost exclusively to the US and EU for trade and investment, and which, while some of them have developed relations with China in particular, have neglected the opportunities that exist in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa. Even with regard to the Chinese, trade is largely one way in China’s favour and loans – mainly for construction that employs a majority of Chinese labour – makes very little immediate impact on the economies while increasing their debt levels.

Of the 15 independent countries of the Caribbean made up of the 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, and the Dominican Republic (DR), only six - the Bahamas, Belize, DR, Guyana, Haiti and Suriname recorded over 2 per cent growth in 2011. Of the other 9, four actually had negative growth, and growth in the remaining 5 was marginal.

Guyana and Suriname are the two sole countries that have enjoyed an average growth rate of 4 per cent over the last five years.

It may well be argued that many of the Caribbean countries have already fallen off their own fiscal cliff and are failing to rescue themselves through cooperation and integration in their regional and international arrangements that might be a more viable way of saving themselves, than limited national scrambling.

But then, maybe it’s a case of “cliff – what cliff?”

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN’S LETTERS POLICY

The Turks and Caicos SUN welcomes Letters to the Editor.

Letters containing libelous or defamatory charges, personal attacks or abusive language will not be considered for publication.

We would prefer letters of 500 words or less, and we will not print anonymous letters or letters tagged with initials.

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

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Veranda axes 43 jobs

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Government has requested a report from the Sandals Group and its latest acquired property – The Veranda Resort and Residences as to how locals would fair on their employment scale in the wake of the hotel sale.

Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing made the announcement at a news conference held at the Tourist Board’s Conference Room in the Bight on Friday, December 20. He reiterated that the transaction between the Sandals Group and owners of the Veranda Resort was a private matter which was facilitated by the former

Interim Administration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He said though, that Government would ensure that they hold up their end of the bargain.

“It is indeed public knowledge that the owner of the Veranda Resort, for some time now, was looking for a buyer and was in dialogue with the owners of Beaches for some time. The recent sale of Veranda to Sandals Group is a private transaction that was not facilitated by the current Government. However, there were discussions between Beaches and the Interim Administration on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding that would apply in the event that the purchase was made.

“My Government is currently continuing those discussions on the MOU, which would seek to acquire more and improve educational community employment and financial benefits for the government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Veranda Resort had the highest percentage of local staff in the hotel industry, and it is our intention to see that this increased number of local employees continues with the new owners,” Premier Ewing said.

Dr. Ewing continued: “The Ministry has requested a detailed report from Veranda and Beaches highlighting the before and after picture of the purchase. Veranda, to date, has reported that with a staff

complement of 187 workers, 156 applied to Beaches. A hundred and fifty were interviewed, and 145 were given job offers.”

Ewing said that the Labour Department was present on the hotel’s closing date and had ensured that employees got their appropriate redundancy payments. Premier Ewing said that he had given instructions to the employment services of the Labour Department to actively intervene and facilitate employment of all Turks and Caicos Islanders, who are qualified, willing and able to take up employment with Beaches Resorts, saying that he was confident that such instruction would be carried out.

Margaret Ramsay-Hale is Acting Chief Justice Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale has been sworn in as the acting Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from December 17th 2012 to January 11, 2013 by His Excellency Governor Ric Todd.

Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough is on vacation.

Ramsay-Hale, a former Chief Magistrate of the Cayman Islands, is currently the most senior judge on the Supreme Court after Goldsbrough.

A Jamaican, Ramsay-Hale holds a degree in economics from the London School of Economics in addition to her law degree from the University of the West Indies.

Prior to her arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands she was appointed a Judge of the Family Court in St James, Jamaica, eventually moving to the Criminal Courts as a Resident Magistrate for the parish.

She then moved to Cayman Islands to serve as a Magistrate of

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the Summary Court and she sat as an Acting Judge of the Grand Court for several months.

Ramsay-Hale is the daughter of the late legendary Jamaican attorney Ian

Ramsay, QC, who is widely regarded as one of the best lawyers in the history of the Caribbean and who was the first Jamaican lawyer to earn the distinction of Queen’s Counsel.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Coastal Radar station down

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The full operating capacity of the newly-commissioned Coastal Radar Station was made handicapped reportedly by a power outage on the weekend, and technicians reportedly said it would take up to six weeks to make full restoration.

Premier Dr. Ewing made the announcement while addressing a news conference on Thursday, December 20 in Providenciales.

Before the radar station went down, boats arrived detected and undetected, and pundits said the country should brace itself for further influx of the illegal immigrants. This scenario could force the already meagre and overworked staff at the Immigration Department to work even harder.

“The radar, which experienced a malfunction during a power outage over the weekend, is scheduled to be back on line within the next 24 hours.

Technicians are currently in the country addressing the problem with the radar system. However, we have been informed that even though the radar may be up and running, its efficiency in detection will be diminished because of a malfunction of a piece of equipment during the power outage.

“We know that we had some issues with back-up generator; I think that has been solved in collaboration with Fortis. We also have some problems with the device that determines the resolution of objects in the water. That has been damaged and need a replacement part. Even though you can (radar) still pick-up objects, the degree to which you can pick them up is being diminished. The radar is functioning but not optimally.

“And this will take a few weeks to be fully corrected. During this period, we have, however, stepped up

: Premier Rufus Ewing (left) addresses the news conference, while looking on are Hon. Washington Misick (centre) Minister for Finance and Tourism and Hon. George Lightbourne, Minister for Government Support Services

surveillance of our borders by the Marine Police Branch and sought assistance from the US Coast Guard and the Bahamas Defense Force,” Ewing said.

In the meantime, the premier said that progress has been made with the capture of scores of illegal migrants, who arrived by boat in recent days.

Over the past week there has been several illegal sloop landings undetected and detected. Several persons who arrived undetected were eventually captured and detained after Immigration and Police Task Force were deployed in round-up exercises.

I am pleased to inform that two flights containing 54 Haitian nationals left Turks and Caicos bound for Haiti yesterday (Wednesday, December 19).

Included in the 54 are also the 15 detainees that were being held in South

Caicos from an undetected landing on an unknown Cay off South Caicos. A third flight is scheduled to leave today (December 20). There were 17 Haitian national confirmed so far on this flight.

Once the flight is launched, there would only be five Haitian nationals left at the detention centre (on Providenciales),” Premier Ewing revealed.

Premier Ewing also revealed that the situation of cost of detention and repatriation of illegal Haitians has become a grave concern to his administration. To this end, he said that he had discussions as well as writing to His Excellency Governor Ric Todd, and copied the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, seeking funding to tackle this scourge.

The UK is responsible to national security of its Overseas Territories,

including the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Premier Ewing noted also that his Administration would be seeking to strengthen security at the detention centre in a bid to prevent break-outs by detainees. He said also that his government would be stepping up capture, detention and repatriation of illegal immigrants, regardless of the mode of entry or method by which their status became illegal.

“To this end we will adopt a zero tolerance policy for the facilitation of harbouring of illegal immigrants and maximum penalties for employers who continue to employ persons without work permit or failed to notify the relevant immigration department about the expiration of their employee’s work permit to facilitate their repatriation,” he said.

Revising VAT on the table for Government A second option to the alternative of Value Added Tax (VAT) by the Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewingled Government is revising that tax measure, so it would not have the level of negative impact that many have predicted.

Addressing the media on Thursday, December 20, at the Tourist Board’s conference room in the Bight, Dr. Ewing said that his administration was willing to revise VAT, but only if all else fails. He was not willing to give too many details as to what a revised VAT would look like.

“There are many ways in which you can revise VAT. I wouldn’t go into some of those details, but some of them have to do with the way you calculate the customs tariff duties or whether or not we do it on FOB. There are many ways you could calculate it which makes it having less negative impact on the population. We could even lower the rates.

“Those are options you could look at. But those are all the things we are remodeling to see whether or not VAT on revise one is still an option or whether or

not the alternative is the best option. That is the reason we have to bring all these options to the people,” Premier Ewing said.

Ewing pointed out further that while he could not speak for the opposition, he was aware that they had taken an anti-VAT stance, and so, he believed that should a bill to repeal the tax make it to parliament, he was confidence that it would be repealed.

Revealing his latest dialogue between his government and the FCO, Premier Ewing said: “What they are now saying is that, any alternative plan we have to VAT, we have to implement it by April 1st, and I told them that, that can’t happen. You can’t do a rush job on an alternative VAT plan and try to put it in place for April 1st. That is just as reckless as the previous administration did in trying to push VAT forward.”

Value Added Tax, which essentially is general consumption tax, will be implemented as of April 1, to give government a steady revenue stream. The tax was passed into law during the reign of the Interim Administration earlier this year. Under the new tax

regime, almost all goods and services could come under the tax axe. VAT detractors said that its implementation could have a debilitating effect on especially on the poor among us, claiming that it would sink them further into poverty.

Ewing had campaigned against the implementation of VAT during the course of the election, held on November 9, and now he is batting to not have it implemented. To this end, he has made representation to His Excellency Governor Ric Todd that his government would come up with an alternative revenue stream. The PNP Administration originally asked for one year to come up with the plan, but later shaved the timeframe to six months.

However, so far, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not budged, saying that they were not convinced that the local government could craft a credible alternative to their suit over the period that it put forward. They said also that they may be able to grant the wish only if the alternative could be implemented on April 1, 2013.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

36 benefit from Scotia’s Christmas Basket programme

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Thirty five individuals on Providenciales will have a brighter Christmas thanks to Scotiabank’s management and staff who rolled up their sleeves to prepare the packages and doled them out on Tuesday, December 18, under its Christmas Basket initiative.

Managing Director for Scotiabank, Cecil Arnold, told the media that at this time of the year Scotiabank wanted to play its part in bringing joy to the lives of others, and that it was the second year in a row that the institution was performing the benevolent gesture.

“Last year we started this Basket Initiative, and it was primarily North Caicos; we did a little bit here (Provo).

This year we want to repeat the same thing, and because we are focusing on Provo, we engaged the Salvation Army and the Social Services Department to provide us with names of needy families and individuals. The thought was that, whatever little we can do to help somebody have a better Christmas this year, we would do it.

Cecil Arnold, Managing Director for Scotiabank, presents a bag of groceries to one of the recipient of the Christmas Basket programme.

It’s the whole idea of giving back to the community,” he said.

Arnold said that more baskets were prepared this year over last year.

Last year 24 baskets of groceries were handed out, while this year the number has grown to 35.

When asked as to the cost of

getting the groceries together Arnold said: “It is more of finding the right items to put in the bags; not a cost issue.”

He said that the baskets were laden with non-perishable items such as canned foods, rice and grits. A chicken was also part of the package.

Some of the recipients were on hand to collect their Christmas goodies, while Arnold said that others would have theirs transported to them. Those who were on hand location at the Cherokee Road branch of the in financial institution to collect their gifts were also serenaded with corals by a member of staff.

Page 12

LOCAL NEWS ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE OFFICER Reporting to: Director TCI RC, task managers: Head of Office, GT Responsible for: Finance and basic administration Location: Grand Turk, TCI Contract length: 1 year Background to programme Running activities in Admin and Finance of the TCI RC Job purpose Ensure a fluent financial and administration management of GT sub branch in relation to the overall TCI RC (national level) Provide basic admin support to the GT office and its programs- First Aid, Thrift Store, Psychosocial Support, Restoring Family Links, and Fundraising.

Provide administrative as well as financial day to day running of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme.

Duties and responsibilities RUNNING ACTIVITIES TCI RC • Providing TCI RC national level with monthly accounts, variance analysis, forecasts and cash requests and department copies of variance analysis.

• Facilitating and verifying payments including ensuring correct authorisation • Review of key controls such as bank reconciliations, cash reconciliations • Ensuring that the legal requirements of the country are adhered to in respect to contracts, payments, staffing, leases • Ensure value for money obtained through efficient and effective use of funds • Perform ad hoc internal audits • Support in HR administration as required • Support in Logistics administration as required • Attend to all administration tasks in the Grand Turk office, also including reporting at meetings, make bookings, keep petty cash, respond to phone, maintaining office supplies etc.

• Liaise and coordinate closely with the TCI RC Provo office • Any other duties necessary to support the well-running of the office as considered necessary by the line manager.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRR) Finance • Maintain the day-to-day cash of the programme, cash count, cash reconciliation, cash book recording, petty cash, receipts • Do bookkeeping of Programme in close relation with Finance Desk in Headquarters • Execute payments in the context of the programme insuring that authorization as outlined in the Chart of Authority has been obtained • Ensure bank reconciliations at the end of each month • Follow-up on expenditure of programme in line with budgets Administration • Booking of local flights, accommodation etc. for programme • Support the DRRO in volunteer administration, procurement and logistic admin • Support the DRRO when necessary, in communications with stakeholders in the programme Duties applicable to all staff • Work towards the achievement of Red Cross objectives in the country • Adhere to the 7 principles throughout daily responsibilities and in all relations with stakeholders involved to reach the most vulnerable • Provide support and work in Disaster Response Accountability • Work within the larger strategic approaches of the British Red Cross • Maintain open en good relationships with all partners involved

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Grace Bay Beach, Regent Palms top at World Travel Awards

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The Turks and Caicos Islands scored big at the World Travel Awards in India last week when it walked away with the coveted World’s Leading Beach Destination, courtesy of the world famous Grace Bay Beach.

Grace Bay Beach turned back the likes of Bora Bora, Tahiti; Cancun, Mexico; Cape Town, South Africa; Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Goa, India; Maldives; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Mauritius - Trou Aux Biches; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Negril, Jamaica; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Saadiyat beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Seychelles - Praslin Anse Lazio; Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; and Sydney, Australia.

The award followed Grace Bay Beach being named the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination in the Caribbean leg of the awards ceremony, held on Providenciales in September.

That title was not the only accolade that the TCI walked away with; as one of the most prominent resorts here - The Regent Palms – captured the World's Leading Spa Resort.

The Regent Palms won the title from a field of 22 other resorts across the globe, including AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, Indonesia; Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, Mexico; Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, Turkey; Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives; InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai, UAE; and Layana Resort & Spa, Thailand.

Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs was elated at the achievements by the products. He said that the latest tourism attainment speaks to the rich brand that the country has been promoting over the years.

“Along with our tourism partners and stakeholders we are delighted to accept this award as World’s Leading Beach Destination. This is further testament to what we here in the Turks & Caicos have known all along and the world is beginning to find out,” Higgs said in a statement issued by the Tourist Board.

In the Meantime, Graham Cooke, World Travel Awards President and Founder, said it has been evident that the Turks and Caicos Islands brand was growing leaps and bounds, while maintaining its hideaway status that give the discreet guest the idyllic vacation.

“The Turks & Caicos continues to build its reputation as the definitive low-key luxury hideaway, offering stunning beaches away from the public glare,” Cooke said.

World Travel Awards, which will celebrate 20 years existence in 2013, was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

The annual programme is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the travel and tourism industry. In 2011, 791,358 individual votes were cast by travel professionals and consumers in 171 countries. Each year WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective successes within each key geographical region.

The Grand Tour of WTA gala ceremonies are regarded as milestone events in the industry calendar, attended by the industry’s key decision makers, chief figure heads and the leading trade and consumer media.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Young Enterprise dazzles patrons

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The Young Enterprise which moulds young minds with the skills to become future business leaders was launched on Saturday, December 15, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales with much fanfare.

Among the attendees at the event were His Excellency Governor Ric Todd and Deputy Premier Hon. Akierra Misick, who is also Minister of Education, Youth and Sports.

Eight companies comprising 92 students from high schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Edward Gartland Youth Centre on Provo are taking part in the programme.

Youth Director Angela Musgrove, told The SUN that in addition to honing their entrepreneurial skills, the participants in the programme will also develop their employability talent, as well as their personal development.

She explained that under the Young Enterprise Programme, participating groups have been responsible to set up their own business that would last for 12 months.

They are also responsible for, among other things, selling shares, running board meetings, developing a product, a business plan and an advertising scheme.

Musgrove was heartened by the

The Pyro group makes a presentation to Governor Ric Todd

number of persons in the business community who have been committed to the programme and have been working closely with the respective groups to ensure their success.

“We have quite a number of business persons from the community who have come on board as business advisors and the teachers within the schools who work with the teachers as link teachers, to give the students the support to run their businesses. The groups meet on a weekly basis to do their admin. And, they have their set times when they would have engaged

in sales in their various community.

“Scotiabank is our premier sponsor because they donated $30,000 for the set-up and running of the Young Enterprise Programme. And they also have a number of advisors from Scotiabank who work with the various groups.

The programme was put together by the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Department of Youth Affairs. She said also that a number of entities, including the Governor’s Office, were contacted to become partners.

“They (Governor’s Office) were very supportive in seeing the Young Enterprise Business set up. They assisted us in arranging for the Financial Services Commission and the Attorney General’s Chambers to get the right legal form for the Young Enterprise, because each of the businesses has to be set up as legal entities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“So in order to assist us in getting exempt from some of those fees, because we are a youth empowerment company, we had the support of the Governor’s Office, the Financial Services Commission and the Attorney General Chambers on that,” Musgrove said.

Wendy Hill, Treasurer and Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber was approached by the YK Enterprise in London to introduce the programme here, and since the entity was about business and entrepreneurship, it was only too happy to introduce it here.

“We then approached Angela Musgrove of the Youth Department, and we were all excited to get this launched. And based on what I have seen, we are very excited that the programme will do well here. It is well attended and students said that they have started to learn a little bit about business skills and how to do team work,” Hill said.

The Young Enterprise Programme will now be billed as an annual event.

In June after one of the businesses is declared the winner, there will be dissolution of all existing enterprises for the creation of new businesses and competition in September.

As of next year, the winning business will get the opportunity to participate in the International Youth Enterprise Business competition, slated for the UK. Nine groups are taking part in the competition. They are Unique Island National Treats and FrocCo Treat Bar from H.J. Robinson High Schools; Elite and Pros Cooperation and Bright Sparks Enterprise from the Raymond Gardiner High School; Island Heather Incorporated and Premium Quality from the Clement Howell High School; Zion Enterprise from Champions of Christ and Pyro from the Edward Gartland Youth Centre.

MANGO BAR & RESTAURANT SEEKS

2 CASHIERS - $5.00 PER HOUR 1 BARTENDER - $5.00 PER HOUR 2 CHEFS - $8.00 PER HOUR

Interested persons should contact 247-0187

ISLAND SUPPLIES SEEKS

1 CASHIER To work 5 days per week Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 242-0388

Domestic Worker

needed to work 5 days a week, cleaning, washing & taking care of other household responsibilities. Working hours 9 am to 5 pm @ $5.50 per hour. Saturday & Sunday off.

Please call 2417278 before 5pm.

Page 14

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012 LOCAL NEWS ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MARGARET RAMSAY-HALE’S RULING IN CHESHIRE HALL/RICHMOND HILL ELECTION PETITION CASE

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PETITION NO. CL 237/12 IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTIONS ORDINANCE 2012 AND IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 53 OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CONSTITUTION ORDER 2011 AND IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTION OF AMANDA MISSICK AS THE ELECTED MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTORAL DISTRICT NUMBER 7, CHESHIRE HALL AND RICHMOND HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES IN THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD ON THE 9TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2012 BETWEEN: ORAL ISAAC SELVER PETITIONER -AND1. EWARD EMANUEL SMITH 2. AMANDA A. MISSICK 3. SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS 4. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RESPONDENTS BEFORE RAMSAY-HALE J.

Mr. Allan Wood QC for the Petitioner instructed by Alvin Garland of Garland & Co. Mr. Ariel Misick and Mr. Jamal Misick for the 2nd Respondent The 1st Respondent appearing and not represented Heard on the 4th and 5th of December, 2012 The Court also considered the case of Omoth v Ghostkeeper to which it was referred by Counsel for the Petitioner outside of the hearing on the 7th December, the written comments on that decision by Counsel for the Second Respondent which were received on the 11th December the Petitioner’s response dated the 12th December and the Second Respondent’s further response received on the 17th of December, 2012.

RULING 1. This is the ruling on the Second Respondent’s application brought under the Court’s inherent jurisdiction to strike out the Election Petition presented by Mr. Oral Selver, a candidate for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Electoral District in the general election held on the 9th day of November, 2012 on the ground that it discloses no cause of action and is an abuse of process.

THE PETITION 2. The Petition is brought pursuant to s 59 of the Elections Ordinance 2012 on the ground that Ms. Missick was unduly returned as a member of the House of Assembly. The facts as outlined in the Petition are that on Election Day, 844 votes were cast: 58 votes for the First Respondent, 364 for the Petitioner and 394 for the Second Respondent who was declared the winner by a margin of 30 votes.

3. It is asserted by the Petitioner that at the time the First Respondent made the declaration that he was qualified for election under s 46 and not disqualified under s 49 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011, as required by section 50(1), the First Respondent was not qualified to be elected a member of the House by virtue of his allegiance to a foreign state as set out in s 49(1) (a).

The Petitioner contends that only a person who is duly qualified for election can be lawfully nominated and in the result, the First Respondent’s nomination was an irregularity in the election process.

4. The Petition alleges that as a result of the irregularity, 58 votes were cast for the First Respondent. Given there were only 30 votes between the Second Respondent and the Petitioner, had those 58 votes been otherwise given, the outcome of the

election might have been different.

THE SUBMISSIONS 5. Counsel both agree that that, as a matter of law, an election can only be avoided on the grounds identified by Ground CJ in Hanchell v Skippings, that there was either such a defect in the election machinery that the election was not substantially in accordance with the law, or the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law, but there was an irregularity which may have affected the results.

6. The gravamen of the submission made by Mr. Misick QC in his application to strike out the Petition is that the nomination of a person who is disqualified from election to the House of Assembly under s 49(1) (b) is not an irregularity in the election machinery and that once the candidate is duly nominated, votes cast for him must be counted.

Further, it is only where the disqualified candidate wins that the issue of his disqualification becomes a matter that can be raised in an election petition.

Where the candidate who is disqualified from sitting does not win, no petition can be brought against him as he is a candidate for whom votes could be given.

7. In Hobbs v Morey [1904] KB 74, on which he relied in support of his submission, the Court held that the candidate’s disqualification from election to the office of councillor for a ward in a borough did not void the votes cast for him, the disqualification not being apparent on the face of the nomination. His nomination was valid; the votes given for him counted and could not be treated as thrown away.

Kennedy J at p 78 of the judgment said, citing Lord Watson in Pritchard v Mayor of Bangor [1883]13 App Cas 241, “If no objection is made, or if objections are stated and repelled by the mayor, then the nomination becomes a valid nomination. I do not mean to suggest that it is final and conclusive upon questions of disqualification which may be taken to it, but I think it was intended to be conclusive to this effect, that the nomination paper so sustained as valid should form the basis of the election, and that the nominee should be treated as a person for whom votes could be given before the returning officer.’

8. Kennedy J continued, “The expression ‘valid nomination’, therefore, includes the case of a person who is disqualified in fact but whose disqualification is not apparent on the nomination paper, and whose nomination has been sustained by the mayor. That being so, the election must proceed….”

9. In essence, the validity of a candidate’s nomination is not dependent on him being qualified to hold elected office but rather on whether the process of nomination set out in s 27 of the Election Ordinance has been complied with. If it has, then the candidate is duly nominated notwithstanding the information contained in the nomination form is incorrect. If the candidate’s nomination, once published, is not challenged in the Supreme Court as provided for in the Ordinance, the nomination of the candidate must proceed.

10. He also submits that this court has no power on an election petition to consider the validity of a candidate’s nomination as the question on an election petition is whether the candidate was qualified to be elected and not whether he was qualified to be nominated. He contends there is no qualification for nomination on the law, just a process which is contained in s 27 of the Election Ordinance with which the First Respondent had, in any event, complied.

11. He asked the Court to consider that had the Legislature intended that a false declaration invalidate a nomination, it could have said so, as it does in s 29(1) of the Ordinance which provides that, if a candidate fails to deposit the sum of $500 with the Treasury, his nomination “shall not have effect.”

12.

The First Respondent offered himself for election and was duly nominated. Although he was not the successful party, the votes cast for him count and the election results fall to be considered as the expression of the freely exercised franchise by the people in the constituency to vote for their choice of

candidate in the election, ultimately casting 58 votes for the First Respondent, 364 votes for the Petitioner and 394 votes for the Second Respondent. Nothing the First Respondent did prevented voters from polling their votes in favour of their preferred candidates and in the circumstances the petition is bound to fail.

13. Mr. Wood QC in reply challenged the assertion that the Petition could not be brought against the First Respondent as he did not win the election. He referred the Court to the case of Lamb v McLeod [1932] 3WWR 596 where the Court held that there were two kinds of petition, the one where the petitioner seeks to oust the candidate who has been returned or has been declared duly elected and to have another candidate seated as the duly elected candidate and the other which does not attempt to assert the rights of another candidate and is not concerned in securing the seat for another person, but seeks that the seat be vacated on the ground of some act or omission which renders the election void. In Lamb’s case the matter complained of was the casting of votes in an election by 17 persons unqualified to vote where the margin of victory between the candidates was only 5. The Court held at page 3 that “it cannot be said that there was an electing of a member by the majority” as the intrusion by wrongdoers made “it impossible to determine for which candidate the majority of qualified votes were cast.”

14. The Canadian Court followed the decision in Wilson v Ingham (1895) 64 LJQB 775 where again the irregularity complained of had nothing to do with any act or otherwise of the successful candidate. In that case, by a mistake of the clerk of the returning officer, the ballot papers contained the name of a candidate who had withdrawn. The Court held that the election had to be declared void because his name was put on the ballot paper and voters were invited to vote for him when he was not a candidate with the result that thirty-four votes were given for him which, if otherwise given, might have affected the result.

15. In this matter, it is contended that the First Respondent’s false declaration is an irregularity in the election process and a breach of the Constitution by reason of which he was nominated to stand in the election. By virtue of that irregularity, the First Respondent inserted himself into the election as Mr. Wood QC put it and received 58 votes which, if otherwise given, might have affected the result.

16. With respect to the assertion that a candidate’s nomination cannot be challenged in an election petition, Mr. Wood QC submits that there is nothing in the language of s. 50(3) of the Constitution that precludes the question of a candidate’s qualification to be nominated being raised in an election petition brought under s 53 of the Constitution and s 59 of the Ordinance.

THE JURISDICTION TO STRIKE OUT 17. The Court has inherent jurisdiction to stay any action which must fail. If the pleadings do not disclose a cause of action, the Petition may be struck out as an abuse of the process of the Court. The power of the Court to strike out the petition and deprive a party of the opportunity to present his case is a draconian remedy to be exercised only where it is perfectly clear that the action cannot succeed DISCUSSION 18. Mr. Misick QC submits that the question of the validity of a candidate’s nomination cannot be raised in an election petition and further, that the First Respondent, not having been the successful candidate is not a proper party to these proceedings, but I can see no reason in principle to limit the breaches of the statutory obligations which may form the subject matter of an election petition, or any reason in law to limit the persons who may be made party to it. The weight of the authorities goes to show that an election petition may be brought on the ground of any breach in the electoral process which directly affects the outcome of the election.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 15

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MARGARET RAMSAYHALE’S RULING- Cont’d 19. A clear exposition of what is meant by undue election and undue return can be found in the persuasive authority of Payne v Adams [2009] NZHC 508, a decision of the New Zealand High Court cited with approval in the Cayman Islands case of Solomon and Others v Scotland and Seymour [2009] CILR 403, in which the learned Chief Justice undertook a careful review of the law with respect to election petitions. The learned Chief Justice quoted from the judgment of the Court in Payne at para 84 as follows “Having considered the statutory history, structure and purposes of the Electoral Act 1993, we conclude that a complaint about the process by which a political party has selected a candidate for electoral purposes [the complaint then before the court] may not be the subject of a petition complaining of ‘an unlawful election or unlawful return’ [terms the court held earlier (at para. 60) to have been synonymous with ‘undue election or undue return’] under s.229(1) [of the] Electoral Act. Election petitions under Part 8 are concerned with the validity of elections. They relate to the processes of the election or returns in each electorate and the existence of any element of unlawfulness which relates to those processes. On any such petition, the Court is concerned with corrupt or illegal practices as defined by the Act, issues directly affecting the outcome of the election such as the

eligibility of candidates and electors, the counting of votes, or the conduct of Returning Officers.”

20. And said at para 85: This more compendious meaning, carefully arrived at by the New Zealand court as applicable to a similar legislative intent and against the background of a shared legal history with that of our Elections Law, is one which I respectfully adopt. Its rationale is plain and sensible: it recognizes that the questions that are likely to arise as to the validity of elections are the very kind of questions likely to arise as to whether there has been an undue election or undue return. And, as history has shown, the question of the qualification of candidates for election is amongst those most likely to arise.”

21. The first issue for the Court when considering an election petition is whether there was an irregularity in the election process and then to determine whether, notwithstanding the irregularity, the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law as to elections and the irregularity did not affect the result. If the irregularity might have affected the result, then even if the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law, the election is vitiated: Morgan v Simpson [1975] QB 151; Omoth v Ghostkeeper 2005 ABQB 671.

22. Mr. Misick QC submits that the Petition does not disclose a reasonable cause of action as the First Respondent’s nomination was valid.

He relies on the case of Hobbs v Morey where the Court rejected the

PROVO GOLF CLUB

Turks & Caicos Water Company d.b.a. Provo Golf Club is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

HORTICULTURIST

Must be knowledgeable and experience in the areas of Plant Pathology, Plant Propagation, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Soil Science and Landscape Design Principles.

REQUIREMENTS • Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture.

• Should have at least 10 years or more experience working on a Golf Course.

• Requires knowledge of landscape construction and materials.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Must be self-motivated and willing to work long hours.

The salary for this position is $55,000.00 per annum commensurate with experience, training and education.

Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by December 24, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

argument that a disqualification which prevents a candidate from being elected is also a disqualification which prevents him being nominated and held, as I noted earlier, that the nomination “was conclusive to this effect, that the nomination paper so sustained as valid should form the basis of the election and that the nominee in the paper should be treated as a person for whom votes could be given:” p78.

23. But Hobbs does not speak to the issue raised by the Petitioner in this case to wit, is there an irregularity in the process where a candidate, who is required by law when seeking nomination to state whether he is disqualified from election, fails to do so in breach of that obligation. There is nothing in the report of Hobbs case to suggest that the candidate was required to make any statement as to his qualification for election. Certainly the Rules as to Nomination in Elections of Councillors to be found at Part 11 of the Third Schedule to the Municipal Corporations Act which was under consideration by the Court do not suggest that the candidate was required to declare that he was not disqualified from being elected and the cases may be distinguishable on this ground.

24. The decision of the Court in R v Election Court ex parte Sheppard [1975] 1 WLR 1319 is instructive. In that case the Court held that a candidate’s nomination was defective where he had failed correctly to state his home address on the nomination paper in breach of the clear obligation

LOCAL NEWS to do so which was contained in rule 5 of the Local Election (Principal Areas) Rules 1973.

25. Here, there is a clear obligation under the Constitution for a candidate seeking nomination to state correctly that he is qualified to be elected under s 46 and not disqualified under s 49.

The Petition alleges a breach of this obligation and avers that it invalidates his nomination and as such is an irregularity in the election process which might have affected the result.

In my view, on the authorities to which the Court has been referred, I cannot say the claim is bound to fail.

26. With respect to the second issue raised, which is the matter of the Petitioner’s failure in the Petition to state that he is a registered voter, I do not think it is fatal as Mr. Misick QC suggests in the circumstances where the Electors Register for 2012 is exhibited to the Petition and clearly shows that he is so registered. I concur in the view that no amendment could be allowed to add a new cause of action outside the time limited for the presentation of a Petition, but I am satisfied that the Court has the power to grant leave to the Petitioner to make the amendments in the terms sought.

27. The Second Respondent’s application is dismissed and the Court awards the costs of the application to the Petitioner in any event, such costs to be taxed if not agreed.

DATED THIS 20TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2012 ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MARGARET RAMSAY-HALE JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT

TURKS AND CAICOS WATER COMPANY LTD TURKS AND CAICOS WATER COMPANY LIMITED is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS Job Description • Responsible for maintaining the general condition of the company’s properties with regards to all aspects of electrical, plumbing and mechanical.

• Complete daily tasks as outlined by Supervisor.

• Complete maintenance request work orders on a timely basis.

• Performs all weekly, monthly and other scheduled preventative maintenance programs.

• Actively pursue new tasks or jobs when assigned work is completed.

• Maintain Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Requirements • Should have eight years experience as a Maintenance Technician or experience working in a similar position.

• Must have strong skills in troubleshooting and repair of electrical, plumbing and general maintenance.

• Work with minimal supervision.

• On standby for 24 hours call out emergencies.

• Should have great oral and written communication skills.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

The salary for this position is $26,000.00 per annum commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by December 24, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

Page 16

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

CIBC/FCIBC donates $3,000 to Salvation Army Christmas for some among the less fortunate should be brighter this season after CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank donated $3,000 to the Salvation Army, the organization that prides itself on looking after the poor. The presentation was made at the bank’s corporate office in Grace Bay, Providenciales on Tuesday, December 18.

Audley Higgs, Head of International Banking at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, said that the institution was impressed with the work that the non-profit entity was doing in the community and wanted to assist in that regard.

“Christmas is really a time of giving and sharing, and we, at CIBC FirstCaribbean recognize this and we

Audley Higgs (left) Head of Marketing for CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, hands the symbolic cheque of $2,000 to Lieutenant Colonel Raphael Mason of the Salvation. Looking at right is Bianca O’Neil, Business Support Officer at CIBC/FCIB (

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

recognize the work that the Salvation Army is doing here in the Turks and Caicos. We are so proud of the work that you are doing in helping the citizens of this country and therefore, we want to be a part of it,” Higgs said.

Lieutenant Colonel Raphael Mason, who is in charge of the Salvation Army in the Turks and Caicos Islands, said that he was pleased that CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank has climbed on board that cause. He commended the bank for the positive action and assured the donors that the funds would go a far way in touching hearts and lives over the Christmas season and the coming year.

“We are so happy and grateful that an organization such as this (CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank) would want to join in and enable us to make it a good Christmas for so many others who would not normally have it. And I want to express heartfelt thanks to FirstCaribbean International and to assure them that this gift is going to be very well used,” Mason said.

Hubert James Primary teacher pens social studies book Recognizing that the Turks and Caicos Islands lacked proper grade four social studies concept on the TCI, Tamara Forbes, teacher at the Hubert James Primary School in North Caicos has taken the bull by the horn with the penning of ‘Myiah’s

Rainbow Dress’.

The book, which is now available in stores locally and on Amazon.com, according to Forbes, was inspired by students in her grade four class at the institution. While telling the story about Myiah’s dress, the journal also

HAB Group wishes to recruit a

PRE CONTRACT QUANTITY SURVEYOR/ESTIMATOR The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate considerable experience in the preparation of all precontract construction documentation including but not limited to; detailed take offs, bills of quantities, specification production, material scheduling. The candidate will also need to be experience in the co-ordination and control of various design consultants employed in the pre contract design process with relevant input to the design process.

The candidate will be required to demonstrate a familiarity with relevant industry standard compute software such as Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Design Review and Collaborative Project management software as well as standard Microsoft Office products. Applicants for this position will possess relevant industry recognized qualifications in addition to 12 years or more practical experience.

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by December 24, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191.

Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

encapsulates the uniqueness of each island, easily allowing its reader to understand and relate to what is around them.

According to her, the book does two things – talks about the islands and what each has to share and also promotes the Turks and Caicos on an international level. She said that while Myiah is not a real life character, the book is not fictional, but rather fact and historybased.

“The story takes place in the setting of the nation’s capital Grand Turk, but the National Dress of the TCI takes centre stage in the book,” Forbes explained. “In the book, it features all of the islands, because most people (expatriates) when they come to Provo, they think this is Turks and Caicos. They don’t get a chance to see the family islands.”

Forbes added: “What inspired me to write this book was that, I was in the middle of teaching my fourth graders last year, and I realized that we did not have a children’s book that sort of reinforces the social studies concept.

This came out as a result of some actionbased research project I was doing in my classroom. My kids helped me with the character; what kind of girl she would be; what would her age be. And they thought I was joking about making a book, but I was serious. So they were quite surprised when they got to see the final copy.”

Forbes revealed that the book speaks of the Turks and Caicos of old, including its past industries, such as cotton and salt, reiterating that the country must take the children back to where we came from, so that they might have a clear vision as of where to go.

“If we are looking for any form of self government like going towards independence, we have to start looking at the inside work about our culture,” she noted.

Forbes said that persons outside the country, who had purchased ‘Myiah’s

Tamara Forbes displays her new book – Myiah’s Rainbow Dress

Rainbow Dress’, were giving it good reviews.

“I got a review from a teacher in New York. She told me that she thinks that the book should be in every classroom in any country, no matter where. Because it also talks about heritage and culture, and that’s another concept that is pretty heartening in terms of children’s literature, especially in the global world; they like to read about other cultures.

Myiah’s Rainbow Dress was the second book that Forbes has penned, having written the unpublished ‘Red Rooster’, while a junior at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, some six years ago. She said that that book was part of a school project at the institution.

“That was something that inspired me to get into writing as well, as a teacher, because I think that teachers should not be limited to just teaching in the classroom. Their influence should extend beyond that,” she noted.

Forbes also said that she hoped to release two new books early in the New Year – ‘Dear Ms. Forbes’, which is a compilation of all the letters from her adoring students in the US and TCI and ‘One National Hero’, which is primarily a worded Math book featuring the country’s sole national hero JAGS McCartney.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

KIWANIS CLUB CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING:

On Sunday, December 9, the Kiwanis Club of Providenciales hosted its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Children’s treat at the Town Centre Mall, downtown that Island, and as usual, the event was packed with children. Prior to the arrival of Santa Claus, whose entry into a fire truck has been a perennial spectacle, patron were treated to a concert, featuring the likes of Clement Howell High School, the Enid Capron Primary, the Ianthe Pratt Primary, the Turks and Caicos Brass Band and the Turks and Caicos Islands Marching Band. Photo shows Santa doling out gifts to the children.

TCAH

TCAH is seeking suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening, only candidate who meet the minimum requirement will be considered:

FLIGHT DISPATCHER

Job Description • Authorizes, regulates and controls commercial airline flights according to government and company regulations to expedite and ensure safety of flight.

• Responsible for economics, passenger service and operational control of day to day flight operations.

• Analyzes and evaluates meteorological information to determine potential hazards to safety of flight and to select the most desirable and economic route of flight.

• Computes the amount of fuel required for the safe completion of flight according to type of aircraft, distance of flight, maintenance limitations, weather conditions and minimum fuel requirements prescribed by federal aviation regulations.

• Prepares flight plans containing information such as maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights, weather reports, field conditions, NOTAMS and many other informational components required for the safe completion of flight.

Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: • High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Diploma • Bachelor's Degree preferred but not required • Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate • Currently in possession of a valid Passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States • Five (5) years Dispatch experience • Five (5) years Aviation experience • Exceptional communication skills with complete fluency in written and spoken English • Regular attendance and punctuality • Organizational fit for the TCAH culture, that is, exhibit the TCAH values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Fun and Passion • Well groomed and able to maintain a professional appearance • Pass a ten (10) year background check, pre-employment drug test and criminal history records check • Legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite • Able to work in a team environment • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Strong attention to detail • Strong technical knowledge of aircraft performance, navigation, weather, and federal air regulations

Salary range for this position range between $40,000-$45,000 per annum, Commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should submit application via email tcah@tciway.tc suitable applicants will contacted by email.

ThankYou The Kiwanis Club of Providenciales Thank the following for theirDonations and Participation at the Kiwanis 2012 Christmas tree Lighting Ceremony Mike Schwenk GraceWay IGA Supermarket & Maintenance team Digicel Butterfield Gold Fortis TCI Ltd. The Tourist Board Mr. George Taylor (Santa) J.S Johnson Tony Garland (Discount Liquors & Wine Cellar) First Caribbean International Bank Caribbean Management TCI paint Turks & Caicos Fire Department The Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force Caicos Resort Inspector Hilton Duncan Mrs. Teri Davis (WIV Cable) Miller Simons O’Sullivan Mr. Lye Simons (Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Centre) Clement Howell High School Olseta Jolly Primary School Enid Capron Primary School Ianthe Pratt Primary School Mrs. Partronella Been (Sis. Peggy) TCI Brass Band TCI Marching Band Mr. Almando Rigby Mr. Carl Lewis And all Volunteers

Again thank you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Kiwanis Club of Providenciales

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Tourist Board partners with exciting Miss Turks & Caicos Universe Beauty Organization The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board announced today its partnership with the newly established Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization Ltd. (MTCUBO), to produce the upcoming 2013 Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Pageant, under the direction of Saint George Fashion House (SGFH).

The newly incorporated Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization has a board of highly educated, qualified and vibrant minds that are all dedicated to a new standard for the franchise. They have brought to the table a plan; one that incorporates a new logo for the organization, new rules and regulations for contestants, new judging criteria that mimics that of the Miss Universe franchise and strategic plans to produce a calendar of

events that is not only exciting to watch, but to be a part of.

The MTCUBO Board consists of: Kazz Forbes, President and Managing Director; Tremmaine Harvey, Vice President and Legal Advisor; Shaveena Been, Financial Controller and Recruitment and Training Officer; Takara Bain, Public Relations Officer and General Secretary; Romell Phillips, Production Coordinator; Weinika Ewing, Head of Sales and Marketing and Recruitment and Training Officer; Romaine Missick, Head of Image and Beauty; Samantha Williams - Glinton, Head of Entertainment and Cynclair Musgrove, Head of Personal Development.

In a brief statement, Kazz Forbes, President and Managing Director of MTCUBO said, “The Miss Turks and

Caicos Universe Beauty Organization will set unprecedented standards for the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Pageants and our events. We as an organization don’t want to just produce a beauty queen or an ambassador, but a legacy of women that will act as activist, role models and motivators for future generations of women from the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

With production plans underway, Kazz Forbes has already made an impact with the newly established Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization Board. The MTCUBO has launched a vibrant new website; www.MissTCI.org, numerous social media pages including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, with daily updates and well produced

recruitment advertisements with much more to come.

Mr. Ralph Higgs, Chairman of the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board said “Considering all that has already been done, and the plan that has been placed before us by MTCUBO; we at the Tourist Board think that this is the right direction for the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Franchise and are excited to partner with this group. We are looking forward to see what the MTCUBO and its board have in store for us in the near future and pledge our support 100% in making this an event that will be recognized internationally!” We also take the opportunity to laud past committees responsible for setting the foundation for previous Miss Turks & Caicos Pageants and their efforts in bringing us to where we are now.”

DONT BE A VICTIM OF CRIME 1. Stay alert: Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you.

2. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 19

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Digicel makes annual visit to Doris Robinson Primary School The student and teachers of Doris Robinson Primary School received a special visit from Digicel on Wednesday, December 12th. Having adopted the school since 2009, Digicel staff stopped by for their annual visit and spent a few hours in the company of the sweet and playful students.

The visit began with a special lunch and treats provided by the Digicel team and then a presentation of Christmas gifts to each of the 14 students & 3 staff members of the school. The highlight of the annual Christmas visit is always the time spent listening to the Children’s Christmas recitals, playing games such as musical chairs, and hearing the laughter of the children who adamantly looks forward to Digicel’s visit.

Principal of the school, Ms. Keisha Mills said, “Digicel’s sponsorship of Doris Robinson Primary goes a long way in assisting the students throughout the year by providing cooked lunch meals which ensures that the students are eating a balanced meal. We appreciate the work that Digicel does for us and especially at Christmas, the children are made to

Students and teachers of Doris Robinson Primary School with Digicel Staff

feel extra special. The entire community appreciates the gesture.”

Digicel’s Marketing Specialist, Trina Adams said, “every year we

ensure that we make the special visit to the Doris Robinson Primary School.

We want to ensure that they are not forgotten and we enjoy seeing a student

face light up when they are presented with their gifts. This year’s visit definitely bought smiles to the faces of students and Digicel staff alike.”

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

HOLIDAY Spend $50 at Graceway IGA or Graceway Gourmet and earn a chance to win a pair of tickets to anywhere Air Turks & Caicos flies.

THREE (3) paiRs will be given away.

Drawing to be held December 24 at 9am. Must be 18 years or older. Blackout dates may apply, space availability. passengers will be responsible for all taxes and fees.

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

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$250 Shopping Spree Beats速 Headphones Nexus 7 Tablets iPod Nanos

Everyone has a chance to win the Grand Prize US$1000 Facebook

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LIME terms and conditions apply. Visit lime.com or see press for more information.

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Olivia Culpo wins Miss Universe 2012 Boston University sophomore becomes first American to win the title in 15 years LAS VEGAS — An American university student is the new Miss Universe, defeating dozens of contestants from six continents to bring the crown back to the U.S. after a drought of more than a decade.

Twenty-year-old Olivia Culpo won the title Wednesday night at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip, replacing outgoing champion Leila Lopes of Angola.

The Boston University sophomore’s coronation ends a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. An American had not won the Miss Universe title since Brook Lee won in 1997.

Culpo, who beat out 88 competitors, wore a tight navy blue mini-dress with a sequined bodice as she walked on stage for the event’s opening number. Later in the night, she strutted in a purple and blue bikini, and donned a wintery red velvet gown with a plunging neckline.

No one was more surprised than Culpo’s family when told them she was entering the Miss Rhode Island

Olivia Culpo is the first American in more than a decade to win the Miss Universe crown

contest last year, her father Peter recalled.

“We didn’t know a thing about pageants,” he said.

She won that contest in a rented $20 dress with a hole in it and then began working out, dieting, and

studying current events on flashcards to compete for the Miss USA crown.

Culpo was good enough during preliminary Miss Universe contests to be chosen as one of 16 semifinalists who moved on to compete in the main show. Her bid lasted through swimsuit,

evening wear, and interview competitions that saw cuts after each round.

She won over the judges even after tripping slightly during the evening gown competition. Telecasters pointed it out but also noted her poised recovery Moments before she won, Culpo was asked whether she had she had ever done something she regretted.

“I’d like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you’ll learn from it.

That’s just life,” she said. “But something I’ve done I’ve regretted is probably picking on my siblings growing up, because you appreciate them so much more as you grow older.”

One of those siblings, 17-year-old Gus, was cheering from the front row with his sister’s glittering Miss Rhode Island sash wrapped around his shoulders.

Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, came in second, while Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third.

Rihanna buys $12million home Rihanna has splashed out $12 million on a new mansion.

The 'Diamond' singer bought the stunning 11,000 square foot home in Pacific Palisades and admitted she can't believe her luck at landing the palatial pad which boasts a large pool.

She tweeted: "I literally wake up every morning at 5:30ish and stare at my pool til the sun comes up! Just waiting! Is this my life."

The 24-year-old singer's new home also contains seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and 20 parking spaces, according to real estate website Trulia.

It is unlikely Rihanna will be inviting Chris Brown over as she recently confirmed her split from the singer, The volatile couple reconciled earlier this year even though Chris is still on probation for beating her up in 2009 but Rihanna took to her Instagram account on Tuesday (18.12.12) to post a message which appears to confirm reports the couple have called time on their relationship.

Rihanna, wrote: "Being single sucks. The only thing I get to do anymore is whatever the f**k I want to do." Given the fact she titled her latest album Diamonds, it’s not surprising that pop star Rihanna likes the finer things in life. The 24-yearold took living in the lap of luxury a step further this week when she plunked down millions for a 7-bedroom, 9-bath mansion in the L.A. celeb-

magnet enclave of Pacific Palisades.

According to Zillow , the home is newly constructed and includes everything the “Rude Boy” singer could want, including a sun deck overlooking the treetops, an outdoor firepit, infinity pool with spa, media room, and the latest in cutting edge technology: a smart-home system

that allows homeowners to control air conditioning and heat, fireplaces, security, and the sound system remotely. Perfect for Rihanna’s jet-setting lifestyle!

Rihanna spared no expense on the luxury property that has pretty much every amenity that any girl in the world could ask for.

Interior shots give an up-close and personal view of the mansion where the singer will crash when she's on the West Coast.

The home is decorated in neutral cream and white tones and is quintessential California living with several indoor-outdoor spaces, including what appears to be the singer's bedroom she tweeted about, with a perfect view of the pool.

Lounge chairs and cushioned seating line the perimeter, which is lit up in colourful hues at night.

Aerial shots of the magnificent mansion show the sprawling grounds which are surrounded by mature Oak and Sycamore trees.

The setting will offer plenty of privacy for the world-famous star.

The newly constructed home is around 11,000 sq ft and sits on approximately 33,541 sq ft of lot.

And with the added privacy and serenity that the greenery adds, Rihanna will be able to throw some of her legendary parties in peace.

It is elevated and poised against the mountain with more than enough space for Rihanna's family and friends to stay over.

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

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CARTOONS

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

The Bahamas credit rating downgraded READ MORE ON PAGE 34

Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush remoevd in no-confidence motion Cayman Islands lawmakers voted 113 Tuesday afternoon in favour of a “no confidence” motion against the ruling government, removing McKeeva Bush as Premier.

His former deputy, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, has been appointed Premier.

The decision was reached Wednesday morning by Governor Duncan Taylor, who rejected calls from both Mr. Bush and opposition party members to dissolve the Legislative Assembly (LA). Instead, Governor Taylor agreed to a new “minority” government with O’Connor-Connolly as premier and finance minister.

“I am satisfied that the Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly can form a stable, functioning government,” Mr. Taylor said in a statement.

The remaining four members of the United Democratic Party minority government would make up the other ministry positions, with Education Minister Rolston Anglin becoming deputy premier, Cline Glidden Jr. becoming minister for tourism and development, Mark Scotland staying on as health minister and Dwayne Seymour taking over former Minister Mike Adam’s community affairs and housing responsibilities.

The governor’s statement set out the basis for his decision, which means that Cayman will be governed by a minority representative group of just five of 15 LA members.

“Following the passing in the House of the Motion of lack of confidence in the government, I consulted the Honourable Premier, as required under Section 51(1) of the Constitution,” Mr. Taylor wrote in a statement. “The Premier responded in writing [Wednesday] morning suggesting that I dissolve the Legislative Assembly. After careful consideration and using my discretion as the Constitution entitles me to do, I have decided not to dissolve the Assembly but to revoke the appointment of the Premier. Formal notification of my decision has now been given to him. As a consequence, all Ministers have vacated their office, as required under Section 52(2) of the Constitution.

“Section 49(2) of the Constitution states: ‘Where a political party gains a majority of the seats of elected members of the Legislative Assembly, the Governor shall appoint as Premier the elected member of the Assembly recommended by a majority of the elected members who are members of that party.’ Following representations made to me by a majority of UDP

McKeeva Bush

Juliana O’Connor-Connolly

Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin

Members of the Legislative Assembly advising that they support the appointment of Juliana O’ConnorConnolly as Premier of the Cayman Islands, I have appointed her in this capacity.”

O’Connor-Connolly vowed that the five-member minority government would operate a transparent, open-door policy.

The group described the process that culminated in the five of them making up the new government, saying all eight UDP elected representatives had agreed on Friday to ask Mr. Bush to resign. However, only five had followed through on that decision, leaving them no choice but to support a motion of no confidence in Mr. Bush’s government and then form a new administration.

Ms O’Connor-Connolly said that the government had received assurances from independent and opposition members that there would be a quorum in parliament so that the minority government could deal with bills and motions before the House.

For the first time since the socalled 2001 government “coup d’etat”, lawmakers in the Cayman Islands have effectively removed the head of an administration. Ironically, it was the 2001 change in government that vaulted Mr. Bush to power as Leader of Government Business.

At the start of the no-confidence meeting, Premier Bush and three members of his government – Cabinet Minister Mike Adam, West Bay Member of the Legislative Assembly Capt. Eugene Ebanks and George Town MLA Ellio Solomon, moved to the opposition benches.

Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin started the meeting by stating he was bringing the no confidence motion “with a heavy heart”.

“I am deeply saddened that we have come to this point,” he said. “I cannot say how disappointed I am that

the premier has brought us to this point ... the reality that faced with all of this, the premier will still cling ... to the Office of Premier.”

“What has happened over the past week is certainly a breakdown that could have been avoided,” said Health Minister Mark Scotland during his debate on the no confidence motion.

No one else rose to speak on the motion before the House; a fact which Mr. McLaughlin said he was “disappointed in”.

“I have grave concerns at what I regard as the abdication of the responsibly on the part of the premier and those who are supporting him for ... not providing an explanation for why we have had to go through this painful process,” Mr. McLaughlin said.

Early on Tuesday, a written requisition asking for the special meeting was signed by 11 members of the House, according to Mr. McLaughlin.

Signing the document were all four members of the opposition People’s Progressive Movement party, the Legislative Assembly’s two independent members and five members of the ruling United Democratic Party government.

Members of the ruling government who signed the document included Education Minister Rolston Anglin, Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-

Connolly, Health Minister Scotland, Bodden Town MLA Dwyane Seymour and West Bay MLA Cline Glidden, Jr. A statement sent out to the media

by Mr. Anglin noted that the meeting was “for the expressed purpose of debating a Lack of Confidence in the Government Motion brought by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition [Mr. McLaughlin] and seconded by the Elected Member from North Side [Ezzard Miller].”

The remaining MLAs who did not sign the document requesting the meeting were Cabinet Minister Adam, Mr. Ebanks and Mr. Solomon.

A requisition containing at least seven signatures does require the house speaker to call a special meeting of the LA. A total of 10 “yes” votes – a twothirds majority – is needed to remove the sitting government.

Mr. Solomon said before the meeting that he would absolutely not vote to support the no confidence motion and would not rejoin the UDP after such a vote, if it was successful.

“This puts the government and more importantly the country in a very precarious position,” Mr. Solomon said, adding that no one was certain what government would look like after such a no confidence vote. “We’re essentially casting this vote, not even knowing what the government will be afterward.”

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Change of Government in Bermuda as Premier Paula Cox loses her seat Craig Cannonier has been sworn in as the new Premier of Bermuda by Governor George Fergusson, following a 19 to 17 victory for the One Bermuda Alliance (IBA) over the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) in Monday’s general election.

Former Premier Paula Cox officially resigned as leader of the PLP after losing her seat in the House of Assembly.

Premier Cannonier said that he would keep a promise to invite a member of the PLP to join the new government — but he declined to specify who, adding that he had not yet had a chance to speak with them.

Mr Cannonier also said he did not intend to reconvene the House of Assembly before the end of this year.

In a speech broken several times by emotional applause, Mr Cannonier thanked colleagues and friends, calling himself “humbled and excited, excited for my country and for our people”.

Promising change and togetherness, the new Premier said he was committed to “building a Bermuda that works for all people, for all Bermudians”.

“First we are going to get this country working again for the people,” he continued. “There is no more important task right now than to grow jobs to end the hardship felt by thousands of families.Second, we are going to bring people together, we're reach out to everyone, building cooperation and support, eliminating all forms of discrimination, extending the absentee ballot to students abroad, making this the last election they are denied a voice in the decisions of this country.”

After another burst of applause, Mr Cannonier added: “And to the many Bermudians living abroad, who left for a job or who fled intolerance, I want to send a simple message out: come back to us.

“Come back to building the better Bermuda we know we can build. Your country needs you. Your country needs all your skills and all your dreams right here at home.

Craig Cannonier

Paula Cox

“Let this be the start of Bermuda's renaissance — with trust, and communication and cooperation, with the people truly working together, moving forward, on and on, as one people, one Bermuda, Bermudians.”

Premier Paula Cox lost her Devonshire North West seat after 16 years and a political career that has seen her hold virtually every major Cabinet post.

Glen Smith of the One Bermuda Alliance polled 470 votes to Ms Cox’s 377.

Cox said after the announcement she’d lost her seat: “I think the voters spoke. It’s disappointing but the voters spoke. A good fight was waged by the Opposition and I think that they deserved their win.”

She said she had always viewed her constituency as a marginal, as factors including boundary changes meant it was no longer the PLP stronghold it was when she was first elected there in 1996.

“Part of leadership is you don’t necessarily get a safe seat. I paid the price of not being in a safe seat. It was hard fought and Glen Smith won the seat fairly and squarely,” she said.

When Ms Cox, who was also Finance Minister, was asked if she had lost touch with the people since becoming Premier, she replied: “Not at all. I think the issue is the economy and the fact that people are feeling that.

One thing about me is they don’t see

me as losing touch. I’m seen as perhaps one of the most common in terms of being accessible and reliable.

I think the boundary changes were a factor. It made it a marginal seat. We acknowledge that and move on.”

Asked what is next for her, she said: “To continue to work for the party. My role in working for the party is not about the position, you know. I actually care. I actually care. I don’t have a seat doesn’t mean that you won’t continue to have my undying attention. So for this moment feel disappointed, feel hurt but recognise also that a message was sent about the people hurting and we’re listening.”

Cox has been at the heart of PLP politics all her life.

Her father, Eugene Cox, was a leading Progressive Labour Party MP from the 1970s on, and for much of that time was Shadow Finance Minister when the PLP was in Opposition before taking that role in Government when the party took power in 1998.

Ms Cox first ran for the House of Assembly while still a student in 1985, but after being defeated, she returned to her studies and became a lawyer.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from McGill University, a postgraduate Diploma in International Law from the University of Manchester, England and is a member of the Bermuda Bar, having trained in the United Kingdom

as a solicitor.

Ms Cox is married to a businessman from Cameroon, Germain Nkeuleu, and they have a son. An aide to Opposition Leader Frederick Wade before his death, she was also a protégé of the late Dame Lois Browne Evans and Dame Jennifer Smith. Ms Cox won Mr Wade’s Devonshire North seat in the byelection after his death in 1996 and joined the Shadow Cabinet.

When the PLP took power in 1998, Ms Cox, still in her 30s, was given the critically important Labour and Home Affairs Ministry, where she crafted the legislation granting greater rights to hundreds of non-Bermudians but restricting work permit stays at the same time.

Ms Cox replaced her father as Finance Minister when he died in January 2004, becoming Deputy Premier as well in 2006 when Dr Ewart Brown defeated then-Premier Alex Scott for the leadership of the PLP. For much of her career she has enjoyed widespread popularity and built a reputation as a person who listened to all sides and developed a consensus on policies before enacting them. That reputation contrasted with Dr Brown, who was often seen as combative and confrontational. Ms Cox was also critical of the Premier in 2009 at the height of the Uighur crisis when she said she felt “politically neutered”, but she rallied the party to successfully defeat an Opposition no confidence motion and then remained in office, while leadership rivals Terry Lister and Dale Butler resigned from Cabinet.

She replaced Dr Brown as party leader in 2010 and remained as Finance Minister as well as Premier in order to steer Bermuda through its worst financial crisis in living memory. In an interview with this newspaper in May, Ms Cox, who was the third woman to lead Bermuda, shared the top ten tips she’s learned in life, which she dubbed the ‘Cox Rules’.

Among them were: “Do your job forget about keeping your job”.

Scrap metal trade to resume in Jamaica KINGSTON,Jamaica – The scrap metal trade which was suspended in Jamaica eighteen months ago is now scheduled to resume early in the New Year.

Industry Minister, Anthony Hylton who made the announcement on Wednesday said the trade will re-start in the third week of January under far more stringent measures aimed at curbing widespread theft which led to the ban last year.

Under the new regime, exporters, individuals and companies will now be required to post a J$7million (US$ 76-thousand) bond, a portion of which will be used to compensate victims of theft.

Scrap material will be on display at the sites for five days to facilitate public viewing before the loading of containers can commence.

According to Hylton there will be a distinction between industrial scrap generated by companies from their manufacturing operations and non-industrial scrap, which is purchased from

individuals.

“Anything remotely suspect will be detained for investigation by the police and customs for an additional 10 days, to allow for viewing by the public,” Hylton said, adding that a website will be set up for the public to view and lodge complaints of theft.

Restrictions have also been imposed on the exportation of copper, irrigation pipes, manhole covers, railway lines and sign posts.

With the resumption of the trade, the processing of scrap metal will also now be restricted to three existing sites, two of which are situated in the Corporate Area and the central parish of Clarendon. These processing sites will operate in the interim, while the government works to establish a single central processing site for the trade.

The Industry Minister also addressed concerns that the new measures would lengthen

the turnaround time for the scrap metal trade.

“My priority concern is that stolen metal does not contaminate the trade; that’s where the focus has been. These regulations have been (put) in place so it puts everyone on notice as to the time period involved, so you can make your plans accordingly” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister’s announcement was welcomed by telecommunications company LIME, which suffered great losses at the hands of scrap metal thieves.

“LIME has never been opposed to the resumption of scrap metal exports. What we want to see are the appropriate regulations in place to properly monitor the gathering and export of scrap metal,” said Vice-President of Service Support and Delivery at LIME Jamaica, Howard Mollison.

The company is said to have lost some J$300 million (US $3.2 million) to theft.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Digicel and Marriott break ground on hotel in Haiti PORT-AU-PRINCE - Digicel and Marriott International broke ground Wednesday on the $45 million 175room Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand hotel in the Turgeau area of Port-auPrince, with opening expected in early 2015, making it the first four-star branded hotel in Haiti.

At a ceremony to mark the occasion, Marriott International's President and Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorensen was joined by Digicel Chairman and Founder Denis O'Brien as well as the Minister of Tourism Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin.

Digicel Group is responsible for designing and building the hotel and chose Marriott International's signature Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand as its operating partner under a long-term management agreement. In addition to creating over 200 new hospitality jobs in Haiti, Marriott will invest in workforce training to benefit the country's tourism sector.

Kier is the main contractor chosen for the hotel project and Turgeau Developments SA is the operating company, in which Digicel is the investment partner.

The hotel sets a new standard of excellence for the growing number of business travelers coming to Haiti, combining a friendly, professional and safe environment and offering the exceptional service that Marriott International offers worldwide in all of its properties. The hotel is especially suitable for business meetings, conferences and events and will feature the most up-to-date facilities in the city. The ballroom will comfortably accommodate around 380 people for dining and around 500 theatre-style.

Digicel and Marriott International broke ground Wednesday on the $45 million 175-room Marriott Hotels & Resorts

The 175-room Marriott Hotel Port-au-Prince will include five suites, a casual restaurant with private dining area, fitness center, swimming pool and a great room lobby that inspires creativity, productivity and social interaction with its conveniently dispersed zones including a bar and lounge. The property will also have a gift shop and marketplace and will offer guests 24 hour room service, WiFi and secure parking.

Digicel Group and its Chairman, Denis O'Brien, are committed to attracting foreign direct investment to Haiti and to helping the country rebuild in the wake of the January 2010 earthquake. Mr. O'Brien is Founder and Patron of the Digicel Foundation which to date has constructed 100 schools in Haiti.

Further, as the Chairman of the Clinton Global Initiative's Haiti Action Network, Mr. O'Brien has been instrumental in driving the activity of 80 support organizations in Haiti to deliver on their commitments and in reconstructing the iconic Iron Market in Port-au-Prince.

Marriott International meanwhile aspires to have a signature hotel in every major capital city in the countries where it operates while being instrumental in stimulating business and attracting leisure visitors to Haiti.

Marriott took on this project with particular reference to its thousands of Haitian associates who work in its U.S. hotels and urged the company to do what it did best and open a hotel in Haiti. Marriott will also use the Portau-Prince location as a center for hotel

training for local staff, helping to ensure that international standards of excellence are met and maintained.

Commenting on the project, Digicel Chairman Denis O'Brien, said; "We're delighted to be helping to bring the world-leading Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand to Haiti. Not only will this be a solution to the lodging issues in the city, it will also create jobs, attract foreign visitors and communicate a positive outlook for the future of Haiti. Haiti is a great place to invest and do business and I encourage others to take a look at the opportunities here."

"We saw the need for a leading hotel brand in Haiti to accommodate the wave of travelers coming to do business in the country," said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Marriott International. "We believe we can make a difference in Haiti by creating jobs and developing the human talent that can help lift this country over time back to its rightful place as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. We are working with the Ministers of Tourism and Vocational Education on how we can support existing institutions to raise the quality of hospitality training."

Prime Minister of Haiti, Laurent Lamothe, commented; "The presence of the world-leading Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand in Haiti is another clear indicator that Haiti is serious about attracting foreign direct investment. I would like to commend both Marriott International and Digicel Group on their tireless commitment to Haiti and on making their vision a reality. This is a huge vote of confidence in the future of Haiti and I look forward to the Marriott Hotel Port-au-Prince opening its doors in 2015."

The Bahamas credit rating downgraded NASSAU, The Bahamas -- International credit ratings agency Moody’s on Thursday downgraded The Bahamas’ credit rating from A3 to Baa1, the third downgrade for the country in as many years.

In addition, Moody’s said the country’s economic outlook remains negative.

“We see limited prospects for the fiscal consolidation necessary to strengthen the government’s balance sheet and stabilize debt levels,” said the Moody’s rating action.

Moody’s cited three driving factors for the decrease: Limited growth prospects and weak recovery in tourism and construction; significant and rapid deterioration of the government’s balance sheet exacerbated by a low revenue base, and high and rising levels of debt and weakening of debt sustainability relative to other countries.

In an interview with The Nassau Guardian, assistant vice-president and analyst at Moody's, Edward Al-Hussainy, said further downgrades are possible if the government does not act immediately to curb the country’s rising debt levels.

Moody’s said the country’s tourism, offshore financial services, and construction sectors remain vulnerable due to an uncertain recovery in the United States.

The rating action also pointed to the country’s limited revenue generation potential.

“The Bahamas has a limited revenue base and the

government relies disproportionately on volatile trade-related tax revenue and property taxes. Onetime revenue inflows, the divestment of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company and stamp duties on several large tourism projects financed by foreign investment, masked a decline in recurrent revenue in 2011, and will not be credit supportive going forward,” said Moody’s.

“We do not expect reforms necessary to increase recurrent revenues, most importantly the introduction of a value-added tax and a modernization of the property tax system, to materialize before 2014/15.”

While the ratings agency placed the lion’s share of blame for the country’s current debt level on the last Ingraham administration, it also blamed the current administration for not acting quickly enough to curb spending.

“The downgrade incorporates a marked deterioration of the government’s financial balance sheet over the past five years,” Moody’s said.

“Expenditure growth has continued following the election of a new government in May 2012, and the state plays an increasingly dominant role in the economy through elevated levels of capital spending on public works projects, social safety net transfers, public sector employment, and increased budgetary support to public sector corporations.

“This fiscal stimulus program is yet to yield growth dividends and unemployment remains close

to 15 percent, depressing domestic demand.”

Moody’s said it expects the government to find it difficult to stabilize the debt and place it on a sustainable trajectory in the near-term.

“In addition, the crystallization of contingent liabilities from debt held by public sector corporations such as the loss-making Bahamas Electricity Corporation could adversely affect the rating. A further deterioration of the public sector balance sheet due to external shocks in the form of weather-driven events like hurricanes will also be credit negative.”

The Ministry of Finance responded to the rating downgrade on Thursday night, stating that the government would lay out “clear detailed action points” to address the situation during an upcoming mid-year budget process.

“The government of The Bahamas is committed to the stabilization and gradual reversal of these negative trends and to that end has developed a medium-term strategy, the aim of which is to reduce expenditure as a percentage of GDP, and increase revenue as a percentage of GDP,” said the ministry.

A downgrade from Moody's ultimately means a higher cost of borrowing, which could adversely affect the country’s economic growth.

Standard & Poor’s downgraded The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating from BBB+ to BBB late last year.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

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South Korea elects first female president READ MORE ON PAGE 36

Way forward on “fiscal cliff” uncertain after Republican plan fails The task of picking up the pieces of the "fiscal cliff" talks - and reassuring global financial markets that were shaky early on Friday - is likely to fall largely to President Barack Obama after Republicans abandoned their own proposed fix championed by House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner.

Boehner, the top Republican in Congress and Obama's chief negotiating partner, failed to muster enough support from his fellow Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, to pass his bill called "Plan B" on Thursday.

He had hoped to use it to pressure Obama in talks to avert the steep tax hikes and automatic government spending cuts slated to start taking effect in just 11 days.

Boehner late on Thursday abruptly pulled the legislation, which would

have raised taxes only on people earning $1 million or more a year.

House members, heading to their home states for the holidays, were instructed to be available on 48 hours notice if necessary.

With his power apparently weakened, Boehner scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. Friday.

Democrats were urging him to go back to the bargaining table with Obama.

"They went from Plan B to plan see-you-later," Obama adviser David Axelrod said on MSNBC on Friday morning.

Obama said he still plans to work with Congress and was hopeful for a bipartisan solution, his press secretary said in a statement late on Thursday.

The failure casts fresh uncertainty over talks to avoid across-the-board tax hikes and spending cuts that could push the U.S. economy into recession in

2013.

Global stock markets weakened on Friday and both the euro and gold slipped as the new setback rattled investors' nerves. Most major stock markets saw widespread selling as investors moved to traditional safehaven assets.

The crumbling of Boehner's plan highlights his struggle to lead some House Republicans who flatly reject any deal that would increase taxes on anyone.

Republican Representative Tim Huelskamp criticized Boehner's handling of the negotiations, saying the speaker had "caved" to Obama opening the door to tax hikes. Huelskamp, a dissident first-term congressman, said he was not willing to compromise on taxes even if they are coupled with cuts to government spending.

Conservatives "are so frustrated

that the leader in the House right now, the speaker, has been talking about tax increases. That's all he's been talking about," Huelskamp said on MSNBC on Friday morning.

"There's been very little outreach by this leadership team to conservatives. ... Do not ask for tax increases. We're not going to give them," Huelskamp said, added: "We can still get this done."

Obama and his fellow Democrats in Congress are insisting that the wealthiest Americans pay more in taxes in order to help reduce high federal budget deficits.

Democrats, who are the minority in the House but control the Senate, are now stepping up efforts to gather some Republican votes for a Democratic bill passed by the Senate months ago that would extend the expiring tax cuts to all but the wealthy.

Debate over US gun control is heating up ATLANTA — As President Barack Obama urges tighter federal gun laws, state legislators around the country have responded to the Connecticut school shooting with a flurry of their own ideas that are likely to produce fights over gun control in their upcoming sessions.

There is momentum in two strongly Democratic states to tighten already-strict gun laws, while some Republicans in four other states want to make it easier for teachers to have weapons in schools. One Republican governor, however, used his power this week to block the loosening of restrictions.

The question is whether public outrage after the slayings of 20 children and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., will produce

a meaningful difference in the rules for how Americans buy and use guns. Or will emotions and grassroots energy subside without action?

"I've been doing this for 17 years, and I've never seen something like this in terms of response," said Brian Malte, spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, based in Washington, D.C. "The whole dynamic depends on whether the American public and people in certain states have had enough. No matter if it's Congress or in the states, their voices will be heard. That's what will make the difference."

The Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism released a report Thursday showing that the school shooting in Connecticut has

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led to more discussion about gun policy on social media than previous rampages. The report says users advocating for gun control were more numerous than those defending current gun laws.

The National Rifle Association, a powerful organization that has successfully lobbied for expanded gun rights, has remained largely silent since the shootings, aside from a brief statement mourning the victims and promising that the group "is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again." A spokesman did not respond to a request for comment this week. NRA leaders planned to hold a news conference Friday.

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Page 36

WORLD NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

South Korea elects first female president Emerging from victory, Park Geun-hye who will become the next president of South Korea -- the first woman for the Asian nation -- pledged to "take care of our people one-by-one."

In a speech made at the headquarters of her Saenuri political party Thursday morning, she invoked a phrase coined by her father, Park Chung-hee, who also served as president in an era when he was encouraging people to pull South Korea out of poverty.

"I would like to re-create the miracle of 'let's live well' so people can worry less about their livelihood and young people can happily go to work," said Park.

Park, 60, will assume office in February, in a country grappling with income inequality, angst over education and employment prospects for its youth, and strained relations with North Korea. South Korea is also a strategic Western ally and the fourthlargest economy in Asia.

Park won 52% of the vote, compared with 48% for her rival, Moon Jae-in of the Democratic United Party, according to the country's National Election Commission.

Both the president-elect and Moon, the liberal candidate, had similarly moderate plans, addressing income inequality, reigning in the power of family-owned conglomerates and improving relations with North Korea.

"This wasn't the knockdown, drag out, left-against-right type of

Park Geun-hye

campaign," said David Kang, professor of international relations and business at the University of Southern California. "There's a surprising consensus about taking a more moderate stance."

"I think Park won by acting to the center. Her claims are that she's going to moderate many of the policies of the previous administration."

Park acknowledged Moon and his supporters Thursday.

"I believe there is common ground between myself and Moon Jae-in," she said. "We are both willing to work for the country and for the people of South Korea.

"Whether you were for or against me, I want to hear your opinions. I will

try to stop the separation and conflict that has been going on for the last half century through reconciliation and harmony."

Park of the Saenuri party, won the highest office in a conservative Asian nation with traditional gender values.

Just because a woman has won the presidency, it doesn't mean South Korea has achieved everything it needs in terms of gender equality, said Kang, who is also director of Korean Studies Institute at USC. "That a woman could be elected in South Korea is historic and important.

At the same time, what you basically have to do is be political royalty. So I think gender roles are changing in South Korea. It's a step forward, but

let's also remember how unique she is as a person."

Park is the daughter of former President Park Chung-hee, whose legacy left the Korean public divided.

Some claim he was a dictator who ignored human rights and cracked down on dissent, while others credit him with bringing economic development to South Korea. Her father was assassinated in 1979.

On Thursday, she paid her respects to her parents by visiting their graves at the National Cemetery in Seoul.

As in many other elections around the world, the economy reigned as the No. 1 issue for South Korean voters.

Park has made ambitious promises to address those anxieties.

"I will create a society in which no one is left behind and everyone can share the fruits of economic development," she said. "I believe that only this can bring unity, economic democratization and happiness for people.

She also mentioned North Korea describing its recent rocket launch as a "serious security situation."

Park received congratulatory messages from Korea's outgoing President Lee Myung-bak as well as one from U.S. President Barack Obama.

The United States and South Korea enjoy "stable relations," Kang said.

"Park is going to have to weigh U.S. as its main security ally and China as its main economic partner. That balancing act - keeping both with good relations - at some point, may become difficult," he said.

Israel says it will build WikiLeaks to release one million settlements in East Jerusalem neighborhoods new documents WikiLeaks is preparing to release more than a million documents next year, the controversial website's founder said Thursday.

Julian Assange did not provide details about their contents but said they "affect every country in the world."

He spoke from the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he has been holed up for more than six months.

Ecuador's government granted him asylum in August, but British authorities have said they will arrest him if he leaves the premises.

"I came here in summer," Assange said. "It is winter now."

Assange said he cannot leave as long as authorities continue to investigate him.

Assange disregards questions on free press, his reported ill health "This building ... has become my home, my office and my refuge," he said. "Thanks to the principled stance of the Ecuadorian government and the support of its people, I am safe in this embassy to speak from this embassy."

Assange fled to the Ecuadorian Embassy in June to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over allegations that he raped one woman and sexually molested another. Assange has said he fears Sweden will transfer him to the United States, where he could face the death penalty for the work of WikiLeaks if he were charged and convicted of a crime.

He has repeatedly said the allegations in Sweden are politically motivated and tied to the work of his website, which facilitates the publication of secret documents.

Assange has not been charged in the United States, though Assange and his supporters claim a U.S. grand jury has been empanelled to consider charges against him.

"My work will not be cowed," Assange said Thursday. "But while this immoral investigation continues, and while the Australian government will not defend the journalism and publishing of WikiLeaks, I must remain here."

JERUSALEM -- A day after the U.S. State Department strongly condemned Israel's plans to build a 1,500-unit settlement in East Jerusalem, Israel announced it would continue a plan to build settlements in other East Jerusalem neighborhoods.

On Wednesday, initial approval for a total of up to 3,000 homes in Jerusalem was granted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a group of foreign ambassadors from Asia-Pacific countries he met with on Wednesday, while overlooking Jerusalem's Old City: "The walls that you see behind me represent the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years. All Israeli governments have built in Jerusalem. We're not going to change that. That's a natural thing."

He went on to say: "Imagine that you had to limit construction in your own capital; it doesn't make sense."

The significance of building in East Jerusalem is that Palestinians have long hoped to make it their capital in a future Palestinian state that would include the West Bank and Gaza. In 1967, Israel captured and annexed East Jerusalem, an action never recognized internationally and long condemned by Palestinians as an obstacle to a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

On Tuesday, Israel announced that settlement building in Ramat Shlomo would continue, a plan originally announced in 2010. Back then, the announcement, which coincided with a visit by Vice President Joe Biden, angered and embarrassed the United

States.

At the time, the U.S. had brokered indirect talks between Palestinians and Israel that it hoped would reinvigorate the peace process, but the settlement building announcement prompted the Palestinians to pull out of the talks. There have not been peace talks since.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland used the strongest words against Israeli settlements in recent years after Tuesday's announcement to move the settlement plan forward.

"We are deeply disappointed that Israel insists on continuing this pattern of provocative action. These repeated announcements and plans of new construction run counter to the cause of peace. Israel's leaders continually say that they support a path to a two-state solution, yet these actions only put that goal further at risk," she said Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Israeli Interior Ministry spokesman Efrat Orbach said of the Ramat Shlomo building plan: "It is a plan which was passed in the local council (during the visit of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in March 2010), and two and a half years ago, it was opened to appeals from the public by the regional council. The public's objections were heard this week. As a result of the objections, a number of units were dropped. Now the property developer needs to make the changes to the plan and set out what he is obligated to do according to the plan."

Still, 1,500 new units have been approved.

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WORLD NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Latin Americans rank as happiest people on planet MEXICO CITY — The world's happiest people aren't in Qatar, the richest country by most measures.

They aren't in Japan, the nation with the highest life expectancy. Canada, with its chart-topping percentage of college graduates, doesn't make the top 10.

A poll released Wednesday of nearly 150,000 people around the world says seven of the world's 10 countries with the most upbeat attitudes are in Latin America.

Many of the seven do poorly in traditional measures of well-being, like Guatemala, a country torn by decades of civil war followed by waves of gang-driven criminality that give it one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Guatemala sits just above Iraq on the United Nations' Human Development Index, a composite of life expectancy, education and per capita income. But it ranks seventh in positive emotions.

"In Guatemala, it's a culture of friendly people who are always smiling," said Luz Castillo, a 30-yearold surfing instructor. "Despite all the

problems that we're facing, we're surrounded by natural beauty that lets us get away from it all."

Gallup Inc. asked about 1,000 people in each of 148 countries last year if they were well-rested, had been treated with respect, smiled or laughed a lot, learned or did something interesting and felt feelings of enjoyment the previous day.

In Panama and Paraguay, 85 percent of those polled said yes to all five, putting those countries at the top of the list. They were followed closely

by El Salvador, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Guatemala, the Philippines, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

The people least likely to report positive emotions lived in Singapore, the wealthy and orderly city-state that ranks among the most developed in the world. Other wealthy countries also sat surprisingly low on the list. Germany and France tied with the poor African state of Somaliland for 47th place.

Prosperous nations can be deeply unhappy ones. And poverty-stricken ones are often awash in positivity, or at least a close approximation of it.

It's a paradox with serious implications for a relatively new and controversial field called happiness economics that seeks to improve government performance by adding people's perceptions of their satisfaction to traditional metrics such as life expectancy, per capita income and graduation rates.

The United States was No. 33 in positive outlook. Latin America's biggest economies, Mexico and Brazil, sat more than 20 places further down the list.

Jon Clifton, a partner at Gallup, acknowledged the poll partly measured cultures' overall tendency to express emotions, positive or negative.

But he said skeptics shouldn't undervalue the expression of positive emotion as an important phenomenon in and of itself.

Some Latin Americans said the poll hit something fundamental about their countries: a habit of focusing on posivites such as friends, family and religion despite daily lives that can be

grindingly difficult.

Carlos Martinez sat around a table with 11 fellow construction workers in a Panama City restaurant sharing a breakfast of corn empanadas, fried chicken and coffee before heading to work on one of the hundreds of new buildings that have sprouted during a yearslong economic boom driven in large part by the success of the Panama Canal. The boom has sent unemployment plunging, but also increased traffic and crime.

Martinez pronounced himself unhappy with rising crime but "happy about my family."

"Overall, I'm happy because this is a country with many natural resources, a country that plays an important role in the world," he said. "We're Caribbean people, we're people who like to celebrate, to eat well and live as well as we can. There are a lot of possibilities here, you just have to sacrifice a little more."

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

Instagram photos removed from twitter READ MORE ON NEXT PAGE 39

The Future of Mobile Networks: Beyond 4G Carriers worldwide will begin their first small-cell deployments next year, with the aim of creating dense layers of 3G and 4G capacity. The goal of these shrunken cells is to put massive amounts of bandwidth precisely where people are using it: in malls, arenas, public plazas, urban parks, and busy business districts.

The first wave of small cells, mounted on outdoor street poles and ceilings, could just be the beginning. A consortium of technology companies and universities brought together by the European Commission is investigating a concept called the super-dense network, which could put multiple tiny cells in every room.

We’re not just talking networks on the small scale, but on the human scale.

The consortium has the rather ungainly name of Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for the Twenty-twenty Information Society.

Fortunately, it’s using the moniker Metis for short. With the help of a €16 million (U.S. $21.2 million) grant for the European Union, Metis is tasked

with identifying the network technologies beyond the LTEAdvanced standards being developed today.

These so-called 5G technologies could take the form of new radio air interfaces, new cellular architectures such as heterogeneous networks and wide-area mobile mesh, and even the virtualization of the network itself, says Jan Färjh, head of standardization and industry for Ericsson the network vendor spearheading Metis. Färjh uses the word “could” because no one in the consortium knows what form the network of 2020 and beyond will take.

These new technologies are on the bleeding edge and it is Metis’s goal to determine which are technically and commercially feasible.

“We have to be prepared for the world 10 years after LTE and LTEAdvanced,” Färjh says. While vendors and the standards bodies have some good ideas about what the capabilities of our networks should be in 2020, Färjh said, it’s not obvious what those networks should look like.

To that end, Metis is opening up multiple fields of investigation, digging into research projects in the labs of such academic institutions as Aalborg University in Denmark and Poznan University of Technology in Poland. Though the big vendors and carriers like Alcatel-Lucent Nokia, and Telefónica are all there, Metis is also reaching beyond the traditional wireless industry to include companies such as BMW. One of the big areas Metis will explore, Färjh says, is vehicle-to-vehicle networking: One day, rather than being mere end-points in the network, cars will be nodes within it.

Another field that Färjh says Metis will delve into is the possibility of moving baseband processing to the cloud. Today’s radio access network (RAN) is designed so that every base station processor can handle its cell’s peak load, but most cells are at peak capacity for only a small portion of the day. That’s a lot of processing power sitting idle throughout the network.

Vendors such as Intel have proposed

moving those base stations into the cloud, creating a set of shared processing resources.

“What if we had a flexible architecture in which you can move around processing power to wherever its needed in the network,” Färjh says.

“We could take the virtualization model and apply it to the mobile network.”

In addition to car-to-car connectivity, Metis will also look into making devices nodes in ad hoc networks, Färjh says. Instead of communicating directly with a tower, our phones and gadgets could relay their data among one another in a giant mesh, eventually offloading data into the mobile network proper through the most efficient connection, or combination of connections. These are concepts being explored by startup Open Garden and the Commotion open-source mesh-networking initiative.

Whether all or any of these technologies make it into Metis’s final set of recommendations 30 months from now is hard to predict, Färjh says.

The technologies themselves might be viable on their own, but their practical implementation is another story. For instance, backhaul is a real obstacle to super-dense networking and CloudRAN, both of which would need to be plugged into huge transport pipes. We can’t just plan future networks. We have to plan the networks that will support those networks.

Kodak sells digital imaging patents for $525M ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Eastman Kodak is selling its digital imaging patents for about $525 million, money the struggling photo pioneer says will help it emerge from bankruptcy protection in the first half of next year.

Apple Inc., Google Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Research In Motion Ltd., Microsoft Corp., China's Huawei Technologies, Facebook Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. are among the 12 companies paying to license the 1,100 patents, according to court filings. Patents have become very valuable to digital device makers, who want to protect themselves from intellectual property lawsuits. But Kodak, which has been trying to make the sale happen for more than a year, wound up receiving substantially less money than had been expected.

Rochester, N.Y.-based Eastman Kodak Co. said Wednesday that the patent sale will help it repay a substantial amount of a loan it received under the bankruptcy process. It also satisfies a key condition of a new, cheaper $830 million loan package, which required that the patents be sold for at least $500 million.

Founded in 1880, Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January after a long struggle to stay relevant. First came competition from Japanese companies, then the shift from film to digital photography over the past decade. Kodak failed to keep up. The once-mighty company, whose workforce peaked at 145,300 in 1988, said at the end of September that it expected to wind up with 13,100 employees after another round of job cuts.

Since filing for bankruptcy protection, Kodak has sold off several businesses, such as its online

Kodak digital cameras on display at a Best Buy.

photo service, and said it would shut down other divisions, including the manufacturing of digital cameras. The company intends to focus on commercial and packaging printing. It sees home photo printers, high-speed commercial inkjet presses, software and packaging as the core of its business as it emerges from bankruptcy.

Kodak began mining its patent portfolio for license revenue in 2008. In January 2010, it sued Apple and RIM, saying that smartphone makers infringed its patent for technology that lets a camera preview low-resolution versions of a moving image

while recording still images at higher resolutions.

But by July 2011, it was trying to sell its 1,100 digital imaging patents. Analysts initially thought the portfolio could fetch between $2 billion and $3 billion. But Kodak struggled to find a buyer.

The 12 licensees for Kodak's imaging patents were organized by Intellectual Ventures and RPX Corp. Kodak spokesman Christopher Veronda said each licensee will pay a portion of the total cost and then have access to all the patents. The deal also includes an agreement to settle patent-related litigation.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

UBS to pay $1.5B to settle interest rate case GENEVA — Swiss banking giant UBS AG said Wednesday it has admitted to fraud and agreed to pay some $1.5 billion to U.S., British and Swiss authorities in a probe into the rigging of global benchmark interest rates.

The settlement caps a tough year for Switzerland's biggest bank, which is one of several leading banks that has been under investigation over allegations of manipulating the benchmark LIBOR interest rate, short for London interbank offered rate. It is used to set the interest rates on trillions of dollars in contracts around the world, including mortgages and credit cards.

The rate is a self-policing system and relies on information that global banks submit to a British banking authority. American and British regulators have already fined Britain's Barclays $453 million for submitting false information between 2005 and 2009 to keep the interest rate low.

UBS said some of its employees tried to rig the LIBOR rate in several currencies, but that its Japan unit, where much of the manipulation took place, entered a plea to one count of wire fraud in a the proposed agreement with the U.S. Justice Department.

The statement from the UBS board of directors said some of its personnel had "engaged in efforts to manipulate submissions for certain benchmark

rates to benefit trading positions."

The bank also said that some of its employees had "colluded with employees at other banks and cash brokers to influence certain benchmark rates to benefit their trading positions" or had given "inappropriate directions to UBS submitters that were in part motivated by a desire to avoid unfair and negative market and media perceptions during the financial crisis."

Sergio Ermotti, who was appointed CEO of UBS AG in November 2012 in the wake of a major trading scandal, said in the statement that the misconduct does not reflect the bank's values or standards.

Facebook CEO Zuckerberg donating $500M in stock

SAN FRANCISCO — Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he is donating nearly $500 million in stock to a Silicon Valley charity with the aim of funding health and education issues.

Zuckerberg donated 18 million Facebook shares, valued at $498.8 million based on their Tuesday closing price. The beneficiary is the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, a nonprofit that works with donors to allocate their gifts.

This is Zuckerberg's largest donation to date. He pledged $100 million in Facebook stock to Newark, N.J., public schools in 2010, before his company went public earlier this year. Later in 2010, he joined Giving Pledge, an effort led by Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. CEO Warren Buffett to get the country's richest people to donate most of their wealth. His wife, Priscilla Chan, joined with him.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, Zuckerberg, 28, said he's "proud of the work" done by the foundation that his Newark donation launched, called Startup: Education, which has helped open charter schools, high schools and others.

With the latest contribution, he added, "we will look for areas in education and health to focus on next." He did not give further details on what plans there may be for funds.

"Mark's generous gift will change lives and inspire others in Silicon Valley and around the globe to give back and make the world a better place," said Emmett D. Carson, CEO of the foundation

"We deeply regret this inappropriate and unethical behavior.

No amount of profit is more important than the reputation of the firm, and we are committed to doing business with integrity," he said.

With more than 2.2 trillion Swiss francs ($2.4 trillion) in invested assets, Zurich-based UBS is one of the world's largest managers of private wealth assets. At last count, the bank had 63,745 employees in 57 countries and said it aims for a headcount of 54,000 in 2015.

Along with Credit Suisse, the second-largest Swiss bank, UBS is on the list of the 29 "global systemically

important banks" that the Basel, Switzerland-based Bank for International Settlements, the central bank for central banks, considers too big to fail.

In 2008, UBS was forced to seek a bailout from the Swiss government when it was hard hit by the financial crisis and its fixed-income unit had more than $50 billion in losses. U.S. authorities fined UBS $780 million in 2009 for helping U.S. citizens avoid paying taxes. The U.S. government has since been pushing Switzerland to loosen its rules on banking secrecy and has been trying to shed its image as a tax haven, signing deals with the United States, Germany and Britain to provide greater assistance to foreign tax authorities seeking information on their citizens' accounts.

In April, Ermotti called Switzerland's tax disputes with the United States and some European nations "an economic war" putting thousands of jobs at risk.

In September 2011 the bank announced more than $2 billion in losses and blamed a 32-year-old rogue trader, Kweku Adoboli, at its London office for Britain's biggest-ever fraud at a bank.

Britain's financial regulator fined UBS, saying its internal controls were inadequate to prevent Adoboli, a relatively inexperienced trader, from making vast and risky bets. Adoboli has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

Four banks found guilty of fraud MILAN — An Italian judge found four international banks guilty of fraud in a case involving the sale of derivatives to the city of Milan and ordered the confiscation of 88 million euros, about $117 million.

Judge Oscar Magi on Wednesday convicted Deutsche Bank, UBS, JPMorgan and Depfa Bank, as well as nine current and former bankers. In Italy, institutions may be held responsible as well individuals. The individuals received suspended

sentences of six months to eight months. The banks have denied wrongdoing.

Prosecutors alleged that the city of Milan lost 105 million euros as part of the sale of bonds totaling 1.69 billion euros between 2005 and 2007.

Prosecutor Alfredo Robledo said the verdict recognized the importance of “the fundamental principal of transparency on the part of banks in contracts with public administrations.”

Instagram photos removed from twitter Instagram photos have vanished from Twitter as the photo-sharing app turned off all support for the microblogging site.

Facebook ended all support today for Twitter cards, meaning Twitter users won't be able to view Instagram photos from within their Twitter feeds.

Users are instead greeted by white space where the image formerly appeared.

Twitter noted the move in a blog update this afternoon: "Instagram has disabled photo integration with Twitter. As a result, photos are no longer appearing in Tweets or user photo galleries. While tweeting links to Instagram photos is still possible, you can no longer view the photos on Twitter, as was previously the case."

A Facebook representative pointed out that Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom said last week at the Le Web conference that one of the main reasons his service cut off the Twitter card integration was that Instagram wants its users to view their photos on its own Web site and not on Twitter.

The move comes as Twitter has been restricting access to third-party tweeting software and limiting access that third-party companies such as Instagram get to Twitter users' lists of followers. Last week, Instagram stopped using Twitter's cards feature to let Twitter users see photos shared with Instagram.

Rolled out in June, Twitter cards allow partner Web sites to present their content in a "more engaging way."

Twitter users can expand tweets of participating companies to see content previews, images, videos, and other information. Among the many card offerings is one for photos, which puts an image in the center of a tweet.

However, Twitter appears poised to take on Instagram directly by offering sets of photo filters through its mobile apps, according to areport in The New York Times. The Times reported that "in the coming months, Twitter plans to update its mobile applications to introduce filters for photos that will allow people to share altered images on Twitter and bypass Instagram."

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LOCAL NEWS

TCI Women take charge of Beach Soccer tourney TCI Women dominated the Women’s Beach Soccer Festival held last weekend. TCI Women ended at the top of the table with 9 points, having only been beaten by the local counterparts, TCI Under 16.

Josh Williams of the TCI is one of Northwood School club hockey team players Josh Williams started Josh and his family out playing for the would like to take this Provo Hockey League, opportunity to thank the but left to go to school PHL for their support and play ice hockey and for offering Josh the in Atlanta in 2007. chance to be introduced Here he to the wonderful game of represented GA in hockey. state tournaments and The Northwood played for The Atlanta School club hockey team Thrashers travel team. posted a 3-1 victory over Then he moved to Saranac Lake in a nonMontreal to play at a league matchup Friday at school there in 2010. the Civic Center.

Unfortunately, soon The Red Storm, who after arriving and marched all the way to playing in Montreal WKH VWDWH ÂżQDO IRXU D \HDU he broke his femur in ago and were hit hard by 2010 and had to have graduation, took a 1-0 Josh Williams surgery to realign the leg in 2011, meaning that lead on an early goal, but the Huskies answered he missed a whole year of hockey. with the next three to improve to 9-6-3. Saranac This didn't deter Josh from playing and he's Lake dropped to 1-2-1 with the loss. now experiencing success playing in Lake Placid Northwood scored two huge second-period NY for Northwood High School. goals and added an empty-netter to claim the win.

Josh's passion and determination to play After Ethan Sawyer scored 3:06 into the game to hockey is unwavering and he aims to get a give the Red Storm the early edge, the Huskies scholarship to play hockey at the college level. evened the score on a shorthanded tally from Ian In pursuit of his dreams, he'll be trying out for the Nathan, and jumped ahead when Josh Williams Philadelphia Flyers Junior A team over Christmas. netted what proved to be the game-winner on a We'd like to wish Josh luck and can't wait to hear breakaway with just one tick left on the secondthe good news that he's made the team. period clock.

JamTurk tame Jaguars

Man of the Match Leon Clair

A superb bowling performance by Leon Clair n enabled Jam Turk to comprehensively beat the Guyana Jaguars as the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association T20 Competition continued on Saturday December 15th at the Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales.

Jaguars elected to bat after winning the toss and dismissed for a modest 100 runs from 15.5 overs. Top scorers were: Walter Henry with 27 runs, 5x4 and Sean Khan with 22 runs and 4x4.

Bowling for Jam Turk, Leon Clair snatched 5 wickets for 19 runs from 3.5 overs. Jeffrey Bascoe took 2 wickets for 13 runs from 3 overs.

When JamTurk batted they reached the target losing 2 wickets in 15.5 overs, Jeffrey Bascoe top scored with an unbeaten 34 runs and 6x4 and Douglas Brown added 27 runs not out.

Bowling for Jaguars, Winick Caleb and Walter Henry took 1 wicket each from 4 overs

BCQS Bears Too Strong For The Vix Warriors 7KH ÂżQDO ZHHNHQG RI WKH MXQLRU UXJE\ year once again saw tremendous numbers converge on Meridian Field, with children from WR \HDUV ROG HQMR\LQJ WKHPVHOYHV XQGHU the watchful eye of TCI Rugby Football Union volunteer coaches. In the under 19 clash, The Vix Warriors and BCQS Bears sides ripped into proceedings with Christmas break bragging rights on their minds.

The BCQS Bears will be enjoying their Christmas Day turkey just a little more as it turns out, as they took full advantage of their edge in experience over The Vix Warriors who were missing a couple of key personnel. After an opening period which saw some almighty contact and big commitment from both teams, the Warriors found themselves defending at a ruck just out from their own line and weren’t quick enough to stop Andrew Seymour burrowing over from close UDQJH IRU WKH ¿UVW WU\ RI WKH PDWFK 6H\PRXU ZDV LQ again shortly after, this time the result of some real ¿QHVVH IURP KLV WHDP PDWHV DV VOLFN SDVVLQJ DQG VNLOIXO RIÀRDGLQJ FUHDWHG WKH VSDFH IRU WKH QDWLRQDO under-19 scrumhalf to get outside the defence.

The Vix Warriors were showing no signs of giving up and battled valiantly with the ball in hand an in defence. However they just could not generate the go forward against the strong BCQS Bears defence to get out of their own half. Instead it was Joshua Swann, one of the most improved performers of the current season, who came up with an unstoppable surge, running hard and straight at the narrowest of gaps in the green wall and blasting through it to give the Bears a 15 – 0 half time lead.

BCQS Bears captain Franco Mompremier had been at the heart of most of his team’s efforts in the ¿UVW KDOI DQG KH ZDV LQ WKH WKLFN RI WKH DFWLRQ DJDLQ VRRQ DIWHU WKH EUHDN VQXI¿QJ RXW D SURPLVLQJ Warriors attack with an excellent turnover.

Mompremier then broke the line before producing D TXDOLW\ RIĂ€RDG ZLWK WKUHH RSSRQHQWV KDQJLQJ RII him to lay on a superb counter attacking try for Scott Glinton.

Glinton had the taste for the try line now and Mompremier was again the creator, providing irresistible go forward to get in behind the defence of The Vix Warriors. The Bears moved the ball

quickly from the ensuing ruck and Glinton was on KDQG WR ÂżQLVK LW RII 7KH :DUULRUVÂś WLUHG GHIHQFH was battling hard but the weight of possession told and a dummy from Lincoln Outten saw him stride through untouched to underline a well-deserved YLFWRU\ DQG PDNH WKH ÂżQDO VFRUH Âą WR WKH %&46 Bears. They were more than worthy winners and put on an excellent team performance.

The Vix Warriors were unlucky not to score and showed no shortage of courage, featuring hard working players all over the park. Frankie Forbes and Edwardson Jean made several good runs and tackles between them and Michael Williams was FORVH WR WKH EHVW SOD\HU RQ WKH ¿HOG The TCIRFU would like to thank all the participants and volunteer coaches for their efforts in 2012 and they look forward to resuming early in 2013. There will be a Rugby Holiday Camp on Monday 17th, Wednesday 19th and Friday 21st of December at Meridian Field. Under 11s (boys and girls) are from 10am – 12pm and over 11s (boys and girls) are from 1pm – 3pm. Interested parties FDQ FRQWDFW 7&,5)8 5XJE\ 'HYHORSPHQW 2I¿FHU Jamie Tait at rdo@rugby.tc

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

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ESPN suspends Rob Parker READ ON PAGE 44

Peyton Manning tops fan voting Peyton Manning, who has come back from multiple neck surgeries to lead the Denver Broncos to the AFC West title, received the most Pro Bowl votes from fans on NFL.com, the league announced.

Manning, who has 31 touchdown passes and has thrown for 4,016 yards this season, topped the fan balloting with 993,045 votes cast on NFL.com.

Fan balloting was closed Dec. 17.

The fan voting is one-third of the equation in determining the Pro Bowl teams and is combined with voting by the league's players and coaches, who will cast their votes Thursday and Friday.

The Pro Bowl teams will be announced Dec. 26.

Manning was followed in the fans' voting by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (908,099);

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (829,591); Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson

(828,225); and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (777,827).

Rounding out the top 10 were

NHL cancels all games through Jan. 14 NEW YORK -- The NHL could be one step away from canceling another hockey season because of a labor fight with the players.

In the latest round of cancellations, the NHL on Thursday wiped out all games through Jan. 14. More than 50 percent of the schedule has been lost, and the rest is now in great danger, too. ''I don't want to characterize what today's cancellations mean or don't mean,'' NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press in an email. ''I will stand on the announcement that was made.''

So far, 625 regular-season games have been called off, including nearly 100 in the announcement made Thursday - the 96th day of the NHL's lockout. The New Year's Day Winter Classic and the All-Star game also have been lost.

The NHL had previously canceled games through Dec. 30.

Daly said in a radio interview Wednesday that mid-January is likely the latest the sides could go to make a deal to save the season. When pressed, however, he said he expects the season will be played.

No drop-dead date has been announced by the NHL, which is the only North American professional sports league to cancel a season because of to a labor dispute. The 2004-05 season was lost to a lockout.

Daly said the sides hadn't been in contact with each other Thursday, and no new talks are planned.

The groups have remained apart since two days of meetings with a federal mediator last week produced no progress. There haven't been

negotiations since Dec. 6 in New York, when talks broke down after a few days of bargaining.

Since the sides split last week, there has been limited contact - phone calls and a brief email exchange.

The NHL believes negotiations should resume only when there is something new to say. ''I don't think either party is refusing a meeting,'' Daly said Wednesday. ''But unless there is an indication one side or the other is prepared to move or has a new idea to move the process forward - and so far neither side has indicated - I am not sure what we would do at the meeting. ''What is the agenda? Who is directing the conversation? We don't have anything new to say right now.''

Union executive director Donald Fehr said Wednesday he was glad to hear Daly's belief that there would be a season, and added he hopes Daly is right. ''Hopefully, we'll get back together and negotiate out the remaining issues as soon as possible,'' Fehr said. ''(We aren't talking) because the owners have not indicated a desire to resume. ''We've indicated any number of times that we're willing to resume when they are (and) we're willing to resume without preconditions.

So we're waiting to hear back from them.''

Last week, the NHL announced it filed a class action suit in the U.S. District Court in New York, seeking to establish that its lockout is legal.

In a filing posted Thursday, the court said the union had three weeks after receiving the suit to file an answer.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (683,943); Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (676,607); Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (646,273); New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (578,753); and Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (564,751).

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who is tied with the San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith for the league lead in sacks with 19½, received the most fan votes for a defensive player with 542,688.

The NFL is the only one of the four major American professional sports leagues to determine its All-Star teams by combining fans', players' and coaches' votes.

The Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on Jan. 27, 2013.

US and Canada rise in year-end FIFA rankings...as does Haiti Say what you will about FIFA rankings — and we're sure you will have plenty to say — but they do give us a way to measure national teams when head-to-head competition isn't available.

If the just-released year-end 2012 rankings are any indication, the Jurgen Klinsmann revolution is starting to pay dividends, as the US rose six spots, as compared with last year, to finish at No. 28.

The US, who in 2012 posted its joint best-ever record (9W, 2L, 3D), were powered by friendly wins against heavyweights Italy and Mexico. On the other hand, the Yanks' struggles during the third round of World Cup qualifying hurt, leaving them in their third-lowest final ranking in the past decade.

Canada, who failed to advance to the Hexagonal again, climbed eight spots to No. 64, their highest ranking since 2009 and third-highest final ranking in the last decade.

Several other CONCACAF nations, most notably Mexico, Cuba, and Haiti, shot up in the rankings.

El Tri jumped back into the top 20 for the first time since 2009, finishing up six spots at No. 15.

Cuba, thanks to their title run in last week's Caribbean Cup, leapt 41 spots (compared to the November ranking) to finish at No. 100, and Haiti rose 18 points to No. 39 — third-highest position among CONCACAF sides — on the back of their third-place finish in the same tournament.

Obviously, though, the Haitians are not better than CONCACAF middleweights like Panama (No. 51), Jamaica (No. 56), Honduras (No. 58), and Costa Rica (No. 66) — all of whom qualified for the Hexagonal with the US and Mexico.

So, like we said, say what you will about the FIFA rankings.

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

English players warned over BPL English cricket remains "very nervous" about the participation of players in the Bangladesh Premier League and has warned those taking part of the risks.

The head of the players' union does not believe any significant improvements have been made since last year's controversial debut edition.

Alex Hales, Luke Wright and Ravi Bopara are the highest-profile English players to have been bought by franchises although a host of other county cricketers have been snapped up. Michael Lumb and James Taylor, who both play for Nottinghamshire alongside Hales, withdrew from the auction. All the players who earned deals on Thursday are understood to have been granted No-Objection Certificates by their counties but not without concerns.

"We remain very nervous about the competition," Angus Porter, the chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, told ESPNcricinfo. "I don't see any evidence that the competition is going to be better off or better organised than it was last year. I'm not sure anyone involved in the game is very comfortable with this event.

"We haven't yet seen any final contracts, we are uncomfortable with the proposed payment schedule for players. We brought all the issues we can to the attention of players but at the end of the day it is their decision whether they go. From a financial and organisational point of view, we still think the tournament has a lot to prove."

Following the first edition of the

BPL last year players suffered from delayed payments and the PCA had to get heavily involved to ensure money was delivered. Although those issues have now been resolved some of the coaches and backroom staff from the 2012 tournament are still without fees.

A new payment structure is in place for this year's tournament with players receiving 25% before the tournament, another quarter before it finishes then the remaining 50% within six months but Porter does not believe this system is any more secure.

"The proposed payment schedule for this year is actually worse than last year," he said. "The players will get to the end of the tournament with only 25% of the fee in their pocket if it goes to plan and of that a chuck is having to go to an agent proposed by the BPL.

They won't have an awful lot of money even if the schedules are met until a considerable time after the tournament.

That is far from satisfactory, given the events of last year."

The other significant area of concern was the policing of corruption.

Porter has spoken to a number of the players involved in the auction to outline the risks and the PCA's concerns, but he also understands why some continue to pursue an opportunity.

"A number of players I've spoken to have said they want to go for the experience and boost their talents," he said. "They are aware of the risk they are taking. I am concerned though that the tournament is sending a signal to organisers of tournaments that you can mess with players and not deliver an event that has the governance you want to have."

ESPN suspends Serena Williams expected to play at Brisbane Rob Parker

BRISBANE, Australia -- Brisbane International organizers say Serena Williams still plans to compete in the Dec. 30-Jan. 5 event despite minor surgery on her big toes that forced her to withdraw from a Dec. 29 exhibition in Thailand.

Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson said Thursday he had been assured by Williams' agent that the WTA player of the year will ''be fit and ready'' for the event at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Williams has been affected by chronic foot problems since treading on glass and badly cutting both feet in 2010.

The five-time Australian Open winner played at last year's Brisbane International but pulled out because of an ankle injury at the quarterfinals. Later in the year, she won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the women's singles title in the London Olympics.

ESPN has suspended commentator Rob Parker for 30 days for comments he made about Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III during a Dec. 13 episode of "First Take."The suspension comes one day after Parker issued an apology on his Twitter account. On the show, he was discussing Griffin's answer to a question about Griffin's role as an AfricanAmerican quarterback, and Parker questioned Griffin's "blackness," citing that the player has a white fiancée and is rumored to be Republican.

Among his comments, Parker, who is black, said: "Is he a brother or a cornball brother?"

In his apology, Parker said he reached out to Griffin's agent with the hope of apologizing to Griffin directly.

"I blew it and I'm sincerely sorry," Parker posted on Twitter.

"I completely understand how the issue of race in sports is a sensitive one and needs to be handled with great care."

ESPN issued a statement Thursday announcing the suspension.

"Our review of the preparation for the show and the re-air has established that mistakes both in judgment and communication were made," said Marcia Keegan, vice president of production for ESPN who oversees "First Take."

"As a direct result, clearly inappropriate content was aired and then re-aired without editing. Both were errors on our part. To address this, we have enhanced the editorial oversight of the show and have taken appropriate disciplinary measures with the personnel responsible for these failures.

"We will continue to discuss important issues in sports on 'First Take,' including race. Debate is an integral part of sports and we will continue to engage in it on 'First Take.' However, we believe what we have learned here and the steps we have taken will help us do all that better."

Watson will be next US Ryder Cup captain The P.G.A. of America on Thursday named Tom Watson the captain of the United States Ryder Cup team for the 2014 event at Gleneagles in Scotland.

Watson, 63, was the American captain in 1993, the last time the United States won the Cup on foreign soil. The United States has lost seven of the past nine Ryder Cups, including a devastating loss at Medinah this fall, when the Europeans came back from 10-6 deficit on the final day to win.

Watson, who will be 65 when the 2014 event is played, would be the oldest Ryder Cup captain since the competition began in 1927. He is also the first repeat captain for the United States team since Jack Nicklaus in 1987.

(Nicklaus, incidentally, designed the course at Gleneagles that will be used for the 2014 Cup.) On Tuesday at a media roundtable, Ted Bishop, the P.G.A. president, had hinted that the P.G.A. was going to “doing something a little bit different” with the captaincy because “we’re tired of losing.”

The phrase “tired of losing” was repeated several times during Thursday’s news conference at the Empire State Building. There is no doubt Watson was chosen for his expertise in links golf and his success playing in Scotland, which is hosting the Ryder Cup for only the second time. Among his eight major titles, five came at the British Open, and four of those were on courses in Scotland. At the news conference, Bishop noted “how revered this gentleman is in

Scotland.”

Bishop said the process of selecting Watson began more than a year ago. The idea came to him after reading Jim Huber’s book “Four Days in July,” which is about Watson’s improbable run at the 2009 British Open at age 59. When Bishop called Watson to gauge his interest, Watson said, “Boy, I’ve been waiting for this call for a long time.”

“I always wanted to be captain again,” Watson said.

In recent years, the P.G.A. had chosen former major winners and Ryder Cup veterans in their mid40s who were still active on the PGA Tour, including Davis Love III, Corey Pavin and Paul Azinger. Watson currently plays only three events on the regular tour: the Masters, the British Open and the Greenbriar Classic. But he said he would consider adding one of two more PGA tournaments to his playing schedule.

Watson said little in Thursday’s news conference to reveal his philosophy as captain.

Noting his proximity to Broadway, he described himself as a stage manager.

“I prepare the stage for the actors,” Watson said.

But he did say he was evaluating the selection criteria and wondered whether four captain’s picks for the U.S. team was too many.

Beginning with the 2008 Ryder Cup, the American captain has had four discretionary picks for the 12-man roster, while the European team has two. In the aftermath of the Americans’ loss at Medinah, Love was second-guessed over his captain’s picks.

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Happy Holidays & a Properous New Year from your Digicel TCI Family!

www.digiceltci.com | Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and caicos Islands | Tel:649 946 8542 | Fax: 649 941 3281

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High Court Judge allows Cheshire Hall/Richmond Hill elections petition to go forward In a landmark ruling, Acting Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale on Thursday dismissed an application

by Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick to have an election petition filed by People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate Oral Selver struck out.

This ruling paves the way for a Supreme Court hearing on January 6th 2013 that will determine if there will be a by-election in the Cheshire Hall/Richmond Hill constituency.

In her ruling, Ramsay-Hale said the first issue for the Court when considering an election petition is whether there was an irregularity in the election process and then to determine whether, notwithstanding the irregularity, the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law as to elections and the irregularity did not affect the result.

“If the irregularity might have affected the result, then even if the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law, the election is invalid,” she said, adding that there is a clear obligation under the Constitution for a candidate seeking nomination to state correctly that he is qualified to be elected under Section 46 and not disqualified under Section 49.

“The Petition alleges a breach of this obligation and avers that it

Amanda Missick

Oral Selver

Ed Smith

invalidates his nomination and as such is an irregularity in the election process which might have affected the result.

In my view, on the authorities to which the Court has been referred, I cannot say the claim is bound to fail,” Judge Ramsay-Hale stated.

She added: “With respect to the second issue raised, which is the matter of the Petitioner’s failure in the Petition to state that he is a registered voter, I do not think it is fatal as Mr. Misick QC suggests in the circumstances where the Electors Register for 2012 is exhibited to the Petition and clearly shows that he is so registered. I concur in the view that no amendment could be allowed to add a new cause of action outside the time limited for the presentation of a

Petition, but I am satisfied that the Court has the power to grant leave to the Petitioner to make the amendments in the terms sought.”

Through her lawyer Ariel Misick, QC, Amanda Missick, the successful candidate for the Progressive National Party (PNP), applied to have the petition filed by Oral Selver struck out as disclosing no cause of action.

In the petition, Selver alleged that Edward Smith is a US Citizen who voluntarily acknowledged allegiance to the United States and was therefore not qualified to be a candidate. Selver contended that but for Smith's nomination, the 58 persons who voted for him might have given their votes to the other candidates including himself, and that because Amanda Missick won

only by a margin of 30, the election results may have been different.

In moving the strike out application, Ariel Misick, QC, submitted that the petition was misconceived in two respects. Firstly, it was submitted that the question of the validity of the nomination of Mr. Smith was different to the question of whether a member was validly elected.

Secondly, it was submitted that if Mr. Smith was disqualified from being elected, that did not mean that the votes given to him did not count. It was further submitted that whether the 58 votes for Mr. Smith was counted or thrown out, Amanda Missick would still have won.

• SEE FULL TEXT OF RULING ON PAGE 14

Turks and Caicos Islands Crime and Incident reports The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a threat made against a police officer, which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 8AM. The Police officer was visiting a home in the Kew Town area of Providenciales when the incident occurred. He was approached by a male person and while identifying himself as a Police Officer the male person reached into his car and pulled out a cutlass and made threats towards him.

Additional police officers responded and arrested the male. Further investigations are being conducted by Beat & Patrol officers. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 3:54PM. A 41 year old male resident of Long Bay, Providenciales reported that he secured his home at 8AM and upon his return at 3:45PM, discovered that his home had been broken into.

Missing are numerous electronic items. Further investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 7:31PM. A 42 year old male resident of Cheshire Hall, Providenciales reported that he secured his home at 9:20AM and upon his return at 7:30PM, discovered that his home had been

broken into and ransacked. Missing are numerous electronic items.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Thursday December 20th 2012 at 2:44AM. Two female residents of Kew Town, Providenciales, reported that they secured their home on Wednesday December 19, 2012 at 4:15PM and upon their return at 2:45AM, discovered that their home had been broken into. Missing are numerous electronic items.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 11:25AM. A female resident of Grand Turk reported that the home of her Uncle was broken into. The residence was secured on Friday December 14th, 2012 at 10AM and at 11:25AM found to have been broken into. Nothing appeared to be missing. Investigations are continuing. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are also investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 6:30PM. A male resident of Grand Turk reported that he secured his Uncle’s home at

6AM and upon his return at 6PM, he heard a noise inside the house. Upon going to the rear of the house, he saw someone running out of the house with a TV in his hands. Missing is a black 27 inch TV. *** Police are appealing to the public who may have any information about these incidents to call the Police on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA. *** On Wednesday December 19th, 2012 at 11:35AM, Vanessa Carter of Grand Turk DOB 20/05/1988, was found guilty for the offences of Common Assault, Disturbing the Peace, Using an Offensive Weapon so as to Cause Fear, Resisting Arrest, Assault on a Police Officer, Violent Language and Use of Abusive Language. Ms. Carter was sentenced to twelve (12) months’ probation with conditions. *** On Wednesday December 19th, 2012 at 11:40AM, Justin Francis of Grand Turk DOB 06/04/1991, pled guilty for the offence of Driving without due care and attention and was fined $700.00USD to be paid within twenty eight (28) days or four (4) weeks imprisonment. ***

Page 6

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Cliff - what Cliff? Caribbean countries scrambling alone

By Sir Ronald Sanders It is not only the people of the United States that should be praying that their political leaders have enough sense not to push themselves off the socalled “fiscal cliff”, but the rest of the world as well.

“Fiscal cliff” is a shorthand term used to describe the serious challenge that the US government will face at the end of 2012. In the US Congress, Republicans want to cut government spending and avoid raising taxes particularly on the wealthy who, they say, are the investors and job creators, while Democrats are looking for a combination of government spending cuts and tax increases especially on the wealthy.

The consequences of not reaching a compromise by year-end are far-reaching including pushing the US into another period of recession. But it seems that the bitterness surrounding the Presidential election, in which Barack Obama was elected to a second term, continues to define the Republican attitude to negotiations, and if it doesn’t cause them all to go over the “fiscal cliff”, it will create so much uncertainty that investors – including those who are large purchasers of US bonds – would be reluctant to invest. Even families, faced with the uncertainty over new taxes or job losses, have begun to rein in their spending and this will have an effect on the economy, probably leading to no growth and higher unemployment.

One would have though the political leaders of the world’s largest economy and a super-power would have been capable of greater maturity than they have shown in negotiating sensible positions in the interest of their people. But, it appears that large size and big population are no more a summons to responsibility than are small size and small population. The quest for narrow political victory overrides wider national interest every time and everywhere.

But that is not the only problem that the US faces. There is yet another hurdle to jump. If it is not met satisfactorily, it will also have an impact on the global economy and, especially, on countries for whom trade, investment and remittances are important. This hurdle is the limit on US debt.

Congress set that limit at a staggering $16.4 trillion, but by the next three months, the US is likely to hit that limit with a bang, requiring Congressional approval to increase it. Another set of political bickering will then begin which may lead only to

stop-gap measures and not the comprehensive solution that is required.

For countries in the Caribbean, if the US problems are not solved, they can expect fewer tourists, less investment and much reduced remittances.

And while the US will have to wrangle itself out of its dreadful situation, the Eurozone area of the European Union (EU) countries has been facing one difficulty after another in relation to the level of debt among several of its member-countries. In the first quarter of 2012, combined EU economic activity was flat, and in the second quarter it actually contracted.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) - the premier joint economic think-tank of both the US and the EU warns in a report that Europe’s debt crisis is “a far bigger threat to the world's economy” than the US ‘fiscal cliff’ and “could drag Europe into a deep recession in the next two years and the US along with it”. The OECD says that unemployment is high with around 50 million jobless people in the entire OECD area. Worryingly, it also says unemployment is set to remain high, or even rise further, in many countries unless structural measures are used to boost near-term employment growth. But, so far, governments have mounted no programmes to deal with unemployment as aggressively and effectively as the situation warrants.

So, while the US “fiscal cliff” is proving to be as precipitous to the Caribbean as it is to the US, events in Europe offer no golden parachute.

Emerging markets do have some answers that appear to be eluding the US and many of the EU countries. According to the same OECD, “after softer-than-expected activity during 2012, growth has begun picking up in the emerging-market economies, with increasingly supportive monetary and fiscal policies offsetting the drag exerted by weak external demand. China is expected to grow at 8.5% in 2013 and 8.9% in 2014, while GDP is also expected to gather steam in the coming years in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa”.

The better situation in the emerging markets is good news. If they continue to grow and begin to promote consumption in their own economies through increased imports from the US and the EU, this will have the effect of boosting those economies, reducing their fiscal deficits and improving employment.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 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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The news is not so good for small countries that have tied themselves almost exclusively to the US and EU for trade and investment, and which, while some of them have developed relations with China in particular, have neglected the opportunities that exist in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa. Even with regard to the Chinese, trade is largely one way in China’s favour and loans – mainly for construction that employs a majority of Chinese labour – makes very little immediate impact on the economies while increasing their debt levels.

Of the 15 independent countries of the Caribbean made up of the 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, and the Dominican Republic (DR), only six - the Bahamas, Belize, DR, Guyana, Haiti and Suriname recorded over 2 per cent growth in 2011. Of the other 9, four actually had negative growth, and growth in the remaining 5 was marginal.

Guyana and Suriname are the two sole countries that have enjoyed an average growth rate of 4 per cent over the last five years.

It may well be argued that many of the Caribbean countries have already fallen off their own fiscal cliff and are failing to rescue themselves through cooperation and integration in their regional and international arrangements that might be a more viable way of saving themselves, than limited national scrambling.

But then, maybe it’s a case of “cliff – what cliff?”

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN’S LETTERS POLICY

The Turks and Caicos SUN welcomes Letters to the Editor.

Letters containing libelous or defamatory charges, personal attacks or abusive language will not be considered for publication.

We would prefer letters of 500 words or less, and we will not print anonymous letters or letters tagged with initials.

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

Page 8

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Veranda axes 43 jobs

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Government has requested a report from the Sandals Group and its latest acquired property – The Veranda Resort and Residences as to how locals would fair on their employment scale in the wake of the hotel sale.

Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing made the announcement at a news conference held at the Tourist Board’s Conference Room in the Bight on Friday, December 20. He reiterated that the transaction between the Sandals Group and owners of the Veranda Resort was a private matter which was facilitated by the former

Interim Administration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He said though, that Government would ensure that they hold up their end of the bargain.

“It is indeed public knowledge that the owner of the Veranda Resort, for some time now, was looking for a buyer and was in dialogue with the owners of Beaches for some time. The recent sale of Veranda to Sandals Group is a private transaction that was not facilitated by the current Government. However, there were discussions between Beaches and the Interim Administration on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding that would apply in the event that the purchase was made.

“My Government is currently continuing those discussions on the MOU, which would seek to acquire more and improve educational community employment and financial benefits for the government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Veranda Resort had the highest percentage of local staff in the hotel industry, and it is our intention to see that this increased number of local employees continues with the new owners,” Premier Ewing said.

Dr. Ewing continued: “The Ministry has requested a detailed report from Veranda and Beaches highlighting the before and after picture of the purchase. Veranda, to date, has reported that with a staff

complement of 187 workers, 156 applied to Beaches. A hundred and fifty were interviewed, and 145 were given job offers.”

Ewing said that the Labour Department was present on the hotel’s closing date and had ensured that employees got their appropriate redundancy payments. Premier Ewing said that he had given instructions to the employment services of the Labour Department to actively intervene and facilitate employment of all Turks and Caicos Islanders, who are qualified, willing and able to take up employment with Beaches Resorts, saying that he was confident that such instruction would be carried out.

Margaret Ramsay-Hale is Acting Chief Justice Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale has been sworn in as the acting Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from December 17th 2012 to January 11, 2013 by His Excellency Governor Ric Todd.

Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough is on vacation.

Ramsay-Hale, a former Chief Magistrate of the Cayman Islands, is currently the most senior judge on the Supreme Court after Goldsbrough.

A Jamaican, Ramsay-Hale holds a degree in economics from the London School of Economics in addition to her law degree from the University of the West Indies.

Prior to her arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands she was appointed a Judge of the Family Court in St James, Jamaica, eventually moving to the Criminal Courts as a Resident Magistrate for the parish.

She then moved to Cayman Islands to serve as a Magistrate of

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the Summary Court and she sat as an Acting Judge of the Grand Court for several months.

Ramsay-Hale is the daughter of the late legendary Jamaican attorney Ian

Ramsay, QC, who is widely regarded as one of the best lawyers in the history of the Caribbean and who was the first Jamaican lawyer to earn the distinction of Queen’s Counsel.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 9

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Coastal Radar station down

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The full operating capacity of the newly-commissioned Coastal Radar Station was made handicapped reportedly by a power outage on the weekend, and technicians reportedly said it would take up to six weeks to make full restoration.

Premier Dr. Ewing made the announcement while addressing a news conference on Thursday, December 20 in Providenciales.

Before the radar station went down, boats arrived detected and undetected, and pundits said the country should brace itself for further influx of the illegal immigrants. This scenario could force the already meagre and overworked staff at the Immigration Department to work even harder.

“The radar, which experienced a malfunction during a power outage over the weekend, is scheduled to be back on line within the next 24 hours.

Technicians are currently in the country addressing the problem with the radar system. However, we have been informed that even though the radar may be up and running, its efficiency in detection will be diminished because of a malfunction of a piece of equipment during the power outage.

“We know that we had some issues with back-up generator; I think that has been solved in collaboration with Fortis. We also have some problems with the device that determines the resolution of objects in the water. That has been damaged and need a replacement part. Even though you can (radar) still pick-up objects, the degree to which you can pick them up is being diminished. The radar is functioning but not optimally.

“And this will take a few weeks to be fully corrected. During this period, we have, however, stepped up

: Premier Rufus Ewing (left) addresses the news conference, while looking on are Hon. Washington Misick (centre) Minister for Finance and Tourism and Hon. George Lightbourne, Minister for Government Support Services

surveillance of our borders by the Marine Police Branch and sought assistance from the US Coast Guard and the Bahamas Defense Force,” Ewing said.

In the meantime, the premier said that progress has been made with the capture of scores of illegal migrants, who arrived by boat in recent days.

Over the past week there has been several illegal sloop landings undetected and detected. Several persons who arrived undetected were eventually captured and detained after Immigration and Police Task Force were deployed in round-up exercises.

I am pleased to inform that two flights containing 54 Haitian nationals left Turks and Caicos bound for Haiti yesterday (Wednesday, December 19).

Included in the 54 are also the 15 detainees that were being held in South

Caicos from an undetected landing on an unknown Cay off South Caicos. A third flight is scheduled to leave today (December 20). There were 17 Haitian national confirmed so far on this flight.

Once the flight is launched, there would only be five Haitian nationals left at the detention centre (on Providenciales),” Premier Ewing revealed.

Premier Ewing also revealed that the situation of cost of detention and repatriation of illegal Haitians has become a grave concern to his administration. To this end, he said that he had discussions as well as writing to His Excellency Governor Ric Todd, and copied the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, seeking funding to tackle this scourge.

The UK is responsible to national security of its Overseas Territories,

including the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Premier Ewing noted also that his Administration would be seeking to strengthen security at the detention centre in a bid to prevent break-outs by detainees. He said also that his government would be stepping up capture, detention and repatriation of illegal immigrants, regardless of the mode of entry or method by which their status became illegal.

“To this end we will adopt a zero tolerance policy for the facilitation of harbouring of illegal immigrants and maximum penalties for employers who continue to employ persons without work permit or failed to notify the relevant immigration department about the expiration of their employee’s work permit to facilitate their repatriation,” he said.

Revising VAT on the table for Government A second option to the alternative of Value Added Tax (VAT) by the Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewingled Government is revising that tax measure, so it would not have the level of negative impact that many have predicted.

Addressing the media on Thursday, December 20, at the Tourist Board’s conference room in the Bight, Dr. Ewing said that his administration was willing to revise VAT, but only if all else fails. He was not willing to give too many details as to what a revised VAT would look like.

“There are many ways in which you can revise VAT. I wouldn’t go into some of those details, but some of them have to do with the way you calculate the customs tariff duties or whether or not we do it on FOB. There are many ways you could calculate it which makes it having less negative impact on the population. We could even lower the rates.

“Those are options you could look at. But those are all the things we are remodeling to see whether or not VAT on revise one is still an option or whether or

not the alternative is the best option. That is the reason we have to bring all these options to the people,” Premier Ewing said.

Ewing pointed out further that while he could not speak for the opposition, he was aware that they had taken an anti-VAT stance, and so, he believed that should a bill to repeal the tax make it to parliament, he was confidence that it would be repealed.

Revealing his latest dialogue between his government and the FCO, Premier Ewing said: “What they are now saying is that, any alternative plan we have to VAT, we have to implement it by April 1st, and I told them that, that can’t happen. You can’t do a rush job on an alternative VAT plan and try to put it in place for April 1st. That is just as reckless as the previous administration did in trying to push VAT forward.”

Value Added Tax, which essentially is general consumption tax, will be implemented as of April 1, to give government a steady revenue stream. The tax was passed into law during the reign of the Interim Administration earlier this year. Under the new tax

regime, almost all goods and services could come under the tax axe. VAT detractors said that its implementation could have a debilitating effect on especially on the poor among us, claiming that it would sink them further into poverty.

Ewing had campaigned against the implementation of VAT during the course of the election, held on November 9, and now he is batting to not have it implemented. To this end, he has made representation to His Excellency Governor Ric Todd that his government would come up with an alternative revenue stream. The PNP Administration originally asked for one year to come up with the plan, but later shaved the timeframe to six months.

However, so far, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not budged, saying that they were not convinced that the local government could craft a credible alternative to their suit over the period that it put forward. They said also that they may be able to grant the wish only if the alternative could be implemented on April 1, 2013.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

36 benefit from Scotia’s Christmas Basket programme

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Thirty five individuals on Providenciales will have a brighter Christmas thanks to Scotiabank’s management and staff who rolled up their sleeves to prepare the packages and doled them out on Tuesday, December 18, under its Christmas Basket initiative.

Managing Director for Scotiabank, Cecil Arnold, told the media that at this time of the year Scotiabank wanted to play its part in bringing joy to the lives of others, and that it was the second year in a row that the institution was performing the benevolent gesture.

“Last year we started this Basket Initiative, and it was primarily North Caicos; we did a little bit here (Provo).

This year we want to repeat the same thing, and because we are focusing on Provo, we engaged the Salvation Army and the Social Services Department to provide us with names of needy families and individuals. The thought was that, whatever little we can do to help somebody have a better Christmas this year, we would do it.

Cecil Arnold, Managing Director for Scotiabank, presents a bag of groceries to one of the recipient of the Christmas Basket programme.

It’s the whole idea of giving back to the community,” he said.

Arnold said that more baskets were prepared this year over last year.

Last year 24 baskets of groceries were handed out, while this year the number has grown to 35.

When asked as to the cost of

getting the groceries together Arnold said: “It is more of finding the right items to put in the bags; not a cost issue.”

He said that the baskets were laden with non-perishable items such as canned foods, rice and grits. A chicken was also part of the package.

Some of the recipients were on hand to collect their Christmas goodies, while Arnold said that others would have theirs transported to them. Those who were on hand location at the Cherokee Road branch of the in financial institution to collect their gifts were also serenaded with corals by a member of staff.

Page 12

LOCAL NEWS ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE OFFICER Reporting to: Director TCI RC, task managers: Head of Office, GT Responsible for: Finance and basic administration Location: Grand Turk, TCI Contract length: 1 year Background to programme Running activities in Admin and Finance of the TCI RC Job purpose Ensure a fluent financial and administration management of GT sub branch in relation to the overall TCI RC (national level) Provide basic admin support to the GT office and its programs- First Aid, Thrift Store, Psychosocial Support, Restoring Family Links, and Fundraising.

Provide administrative as well as financial day to day running of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme.

Duties and responsibilities RUNNING ACTIVITIES TCI RC • Providing TCI RC national level with monthly accounts, variance analysis, forecasts and cash requests and department copies of variance analysis.

• Facilitating and verifying payments including ensuring correct authorisation • Review of key controls such as bank reconciliations, cash reconciliations • Ensuring that the legal requirements of the country are adhered to in respect to contracts, payments, staffing, leases • Ensure value for money obtained through efficient and effective use of funds • Perform ad hoc internal audits • Support in HR administration as required • Support in Logistics administration as required • Attend to all administration tasks in the Grand Turk office, also including reporting at meetings, make bookings, keep petty cash, respond to phone, maintaining office supplies etc.

• Liaise and coordinate closely with the TCI RC Provo office • Any other duties necessary to support the well-running of the office as considered necessary by the line manager.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRR) Finance • Maintain the day-to-day cash of the programme, cash count, cash reconciliation, cash book recording, petty cash, receipts • Do bookkeeping of Programme in close relation with Finance Desk in Headquarters • Execute payments in the context of the programme insuring that authorization as outlined in the Chart of Authority has been obtained • Ensure bank reconciliations at the end of each month • Follow-up on expenditure of programme in line with budgets Administration • Booking of local flights, accommodation etc. for programme • Support the DRRO in volunteer administration, procurement and logistic admin • Support the DRRO when necessary, in communications with stakeholders in the programme Duties applicable to all staff • Work towards the achievement of Red Cross objectives in the country • Adhere to the 7 principles throughout daily responsibilities and in all relations with stakeholders involved to reach the most vulnerable • Provide support and work in Disaster Response Accountability • Work within the larger strategic approaches of the British Red Cross • Maintain open en good relationships with all partners involved

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Grace Bay Beach, Regent Palms top at World Travel Awards

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The Turks and Caicos Islands scored big at the World Travel Awards in India last week when it walked away with the coveted World’s Leading Beach Destination, courtesy of the world famous Grace Bay Beach.

Grace Bay Beach turned back the likes of Bora Bora, Tahiti; Cancun, Mexico; Cape Town, South Africa; Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Goa, India; Maldives; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Mauritius - Trou Aux Biches; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Negril, Jamaica; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Saadiyat beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Seychelles - Praslin Anse Lazio; Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; and Sydney, Australia.

The award followed Grace Bay Beach being named the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination in the Caribbean leg of the awards ceremony, held on Providenciales in September.

That title was not the only accolade that the TCI walked away with; as one of the most prominent resorts here - The Regent Palms – captured the World's Leading Spa Resort.

The Regent Palms won the title from a field of 22 other resorts across the globe, including AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, Indonesia; Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, Mexico; Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, Turkey; Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives; InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai, UAE; and Layana Resort & Spa, Thailand.

Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs was elated at the achievements by the products. He said that the latest tourism attainment speaks to the rich brand that the country has been promoting over the years.

“Along with our tourism partners and stakeholders we are delighted to accept this award as World’s Leading Beach Destination. This is further testament to what we here in the Turks & Caicos have known all along and the world is beginning to find out,” Higgs said in a statement issued by the Tourist Board.

In the Meantime, Graham Cooke, World Travel Awards President and Founder, said it has been evident that the Turks and Caicos Islands brand was growing leaps and bounds, while maintaining its hideaway status that give the discreet guest the idyllic vacation.

“The Turks & Caicos continues to build its reputation as the definitive low-key luxury hideaway, offering stunning beaches away from the public glare,” Cooke said.

World Travel Awards, which will celebrate 20 years existence in 2013, was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

The annual programme is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the travel and tourism industry. In 2011, 791,358 individual votes were cast by travel professionals and consumers in 171 countries. Each year WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective successes within each key geographical region.

The Grand Tour of WTA gala ceremonies are regarded as milestone events in the industry calendar, attended by the industry’s key decision makers, chief figure heads and the leading trade and consumer media.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Young Enterprise dazzles patrons

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The Young Enterprise which moulds young minds with the skills to become future business leaders was launched on Saturday, December 15, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales with much fanfare.

Among the attendees at the event were His Excellency Governor Ric Todd and Deputy Premier Hon. Akierra Misick, who is also Minister of Education, Youth and Sports.

Eight companies comprising 92 students from high schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Edward Gartland Youth Centre on Provo are taking part in the programme.

Youth Director Angela Musgrove, told The SUN that in addition to honing their entrepreneurial skills, the participants in the programme will also develop their employability talent, as well as their personal development.

She explained that under the Young Enterprise Programme, participating groups have been responsible to set up their own business that would last for 12 months.

They are also responsible for, among other things, selling shares, running board meetings, developing a product, a business plan and an advertising scheme.

Musgrove was heartened by the

The Pyro group makes a presentation to Governor Ric Todd

number of persons in the business community who have been committed to the programme and have been working closely with the respective groups to ensure their success.

“We have quite a number of business persons from the community who have come on board as business advisors and the teachers within the schools who work with the teachers as link teachers, to give the students the support to run their businesses. The groups meet on a weekly basis to do their admin. And, they have their set times when they would have engaged

in sales in their various community.

“Scotiabank is our premier sponsor because they donated $30,000 for the set-up and running of the Young Enterprise Programme. And they also have a number of advisors from Scotiabank who work with the various groups.

The programme was put together by the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Department of Youth Affairs. She said also that a number of entities, including the Governor’s Office, were contacted to become partners.

“They (Governor’s Office) were very supportive in seeing the Young Enterprise Business set up. They assisted us in arranging for the Financial Services Commission and the Attorney General’s Chambers to get the right legal form for the Young Enterprise, because each of the businesses has to be set up as legal entities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“So in order to assist us in getting exempt from some of those fees, because we are a youth empowerment company, we had the support of the Governor’s Office, the Financial Services Commission and the Attorney General Chambers on that,” Musgrove said.

Wendy Hill, Treasurer and Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber was approached by the YK Enterprise in London to introduce the programme here, and since the entity was about business and entrepreneurship, it was only too happy to introduce it here.

“We then approached Angela Musgrove of the Youth Department, and we were all excited to get this launched. And based on what I have seen, we are very excited that the programme will do well here. It is well attended and students said that they have started to learn a little bit about business skills and how to do team work,” Hill said.

The Young Enterprise Programme will now be billed as an annual event.

In June after one of the businesses is declared the winner, there will be dissolution of all existing enterprises for the creation of new businesses and competition in September.

As of next year, the winning business will get the opportunity to participate in the International Youth Enterprise Business competition, slated for the UK. Nine groups are taking part in the competition. They are Unique Island National Treats and FrocCo Treat Bar from H.J. Robinson High Schools; Elite and Pros Cooperation and Bright Sparks Enterprise from the Raymond Gardiner High School; Island Heather Incorporated and Premium Quality from the Clement Howell High School; Zion Enterprise from Champions of Christ and Pyro from the Edward Gartland Youth Centre.

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Page 14

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012 LOCAL NEWS ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MARGARET RAMSAY-HALE’S RULING IN CHESHIRE HALL/RICHMOND HILL ELECTION PETITION CASE

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PETITION NO. CL 237/12 IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTIONS ORDINANCE 2012 AND IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 53 OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CONSTITUTION ORDER 2011 AND IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTION OF AMANDA MISSICK AS THE ELECTED MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTORAL DISTRICT NUMBER 7, CHESHIRE HALL AND RICHMOND HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES IN THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD ON THE 9TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2012 BETWEEN: ORAL ISAAC SELVER PETITIONER -AND1. EWARD EMANUEL SMITH 2. AMANDA A. MISSICK 3. SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS 4. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RESPONDENTS BEFORE RAMSAY-HALE J.

Mr. Allan Wood QC for the Petitioner instructed by Alvin Garland of Garland & Co. Mr. Ariel Misick and Mr. Jamal Misick for the 2nd Respondent The 1st Respondent appearing and not represented Heard on the 4th and 5th of December, 2012 The Court also considered the case of Omoth v Ghostkeeper to which it was referred by Counsel for the Petitioner outside of the hearing on the 7th December, the written comments on that decision by Counsel for the Second Respondent which were received on the 11th December the Petitioner’s response dated the 12th December and the Second Respondent’s further response received on the 17th of December, 2012.

RULING 1. This is the ruling on the Second Respondent’s application brought under the Court’s inherent jurisdiction to strike out the Election Petition presented by Mr. Oral Selver, a candidate for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Electoral District in the general election held on the 9th day of November, 2012 on the ground that it discloses no cause of action and is an abuse of process.

THE PETITION 2. The Petition is brought pursuant to s 59 of the Elections Ordinance 2012 on the ground that Ms. Missick was unduly returned as a member of the House of Assembly. The facts as outlined in the Petition are that on Election Day, 844 votes were cast: 58 votes for the First Respondent, 364 for the Petitioner and 394 for the Second Respondent who was declared the winner by a margin of 30 votes.

3. It is asserted by the Petitioner that at the time the First Respondent made the declaration that he was qualified for election under s 46 and not disqualified under s 49 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011, as required by section 50(1), the First Respondent was not qualified to be elected a member of the House by virtue of his allegiance to a foreign state as set out in s 49(1) (a).

The Petitioner contends that only a person who is duly qualified for election can be lawfully nominated and in the result, the First Respondent’s nomination was an irregularity in the election process.

4. The Petition alleges that as a result of the irregularity, 58 votes were cast for the First Respondent. Given there were only 30 votes between the Second Respondent and the Petitioner, had those 58 votes been otherwise given, the outcome of the

election might have been different.

THE SUBMISSIONS 5. Counsel both agree that that, as a matter of law, an election can only be avoided on the grounds identified by Ground CJ in Hanchell v Skippings, that there was either such a defect in the election machinery that the election was not substantially in accordance with the law, or the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law, but there was an irregularity which may have affected the results.

6. The gravamen of the submission made by Mr. Misick QC in his application to strike out the Petition is that the nomination of a person who is disqualified from election to the House of Assembly under s 49(1) (b) is not an irregularity in the election machinery and that once the candidate is duly nominated, votes cast for him must be counted.

Further, it is only where the disqualified candidate wins that the issue of his disqualification becomes a matter that can be raised in an election petition.

Where the candidate who is disqualified from sitting does not win, no petition can be brought against him as he is a candidate for whom votes could be given.

7. In Hobbs v Morey [1904] KB 74, on which he relied in support of his submission, the Court held that the candidate’s disqualification from election to the office of councillor for a ward in a borough did not void the votes cast for him, the disqualification not being apparent on the face of the nomination. His nomination was valid; the votes given for him counted and could not be treated as thrown away.

Kennedy J at p 78 of the judgment said, citing Lord Watson in Pritchard v Mayor of Bangor [1883]13 App Cas 241, “If no objection is made, or if objections are stated and repelled by the mayor, then the nomination becomes a valid nomination. I do not mean to suggest that it is final and conclusive upon questions of disqualification which may be taken to it, but I think it was intended to be conclusive to this effect, that the nomination paper so sustained as valid should form the basis of the election, and that the nominee should be treated as a person for whom votes could be given before the returning officer.’

8. Kennedy J continued, “The expression ‘valid nomination’, therefore, includes the case of a person who is disqualified in fact but whose disqualification is not apparent on the nomination paper, and whose nomination has been sustained by the mayor. That being so, the election must proceed….”

9. In essence, the validity of a candidate’s nomination is not dependent on him being qualified to hold elected office but rather on whether the process of nomination set out in s 27 of the Election Ordinance has been complied with. If it has, then the candidate is duly nominated notwithstanding the information contained in the nomination form is incorrect. If the candidate’s nomination, once published, is not challenged in the Supreme Court as provided for in the Ordinance, the nomination of the candidate must proceed.

10. He also submits that this court has no power on an election petition to consider the validity of a candidate’s nomination as the question on an election petition is whether the candidate was qualified to be elected and not whether he was qualified to be nominated. He contends there is no qualification for nomination on the law, just a process which is contained in s 27 of the Election Ordinance with which the First Respondent had, in any event, complied.

11. He asked the Court to consider that had the Legislature intended that a false declaration invalidate a nomination, it could have said so, as it does in s 29(1) of the Ordinance which provides that, if a candidate fails to deposit the sum of $500 with the Treasury, his nomination “shall not have effect.”

12.

The First Respondent offered himself for election and was duly nominated. Although he was not the successful party, the votes cast for him count and the election results fall to be considered as the expression of the freely exercised franchise by the people in the constituency to vote for their choice of

candidate in the election, ultimately casting 58 votes for the First Respondent, 364 votes for the Petitioner and 394 votes for the Second Respondent. Nothing the First Respondent did prevented voters from polling their votes in favour of their preferred candidates and in the circumstances the petition is bound to fail.

13. Mr. Wood QC in reply challenged the assertion that the Petition could not be brought against the First Respondent as he did not win the election. He referred the Court to the case of Lamb v McLeod [1932] 3WWR 596 where the Court held that there were two kinds of petition, the one where the petitioner seeks to oust the candidate who has been returned or has been declared duly elected and to have another candidate seated as the duly elected candidate and the other which does not attempt to assert the rights of another candidate and is not concerned in securing the seat for another person, but seeks that the seat be vacated on the ground of some act or omission which renders the election void. In Lamb’s case the matter complained of was the casting of votes in an election by 17 persons unqualified to vote where the margin of victory between the candidates was only 5. The Court held at page 3 that “it cannot be said that there was an electing of a member by the majority” as the intrusion by wrongdoers made “it impossible to determine for which candidate the majority of qualified votes were cast.”

14. The Canadian Court followed the decision in Wilson v Ingham (1895) 64 LJQB 775 where again the irregularity complained of had nothing to do with any act or otherwise of the successful candidate. In that case, by a mistake of the clerk of the returning officer, the ballot papers contained the name of a candidate who had withdrawn. The Court held that the election had to be declared void because his name was put on the ballot paper and voters were invited to vote for him when he was not a candidate with the result that thirty-four votes were given for him which, if otherwise given, might have affected the result.

15. In this matter, it is contended that the First Respondent’s false declaration is an irregularity in the election process and a breach of the Constitution by reason of which he was nominated to stand in the election. By virtue of that irregularity, the First Respondent inserted himself into the election as Mr. Wood QC put it and received 58 votes which, if otherwise given, might have affected the result.

16. With respect to the assertion that a candidate’s nomination cannot be challenged in an election petition, Mr. Wood QC submits that there is nothing in the language of s. 50(3) of the Constitution that precludes the question of a candidate’s qualification to be nominated being raised in an election petition brought under s 53 of the Constitution and s 59 of the Ordinance.

THE JURISDICTION TO STRIKE OUT 17. The Court has inherent jurisdiction to stay any action which must fail. If the pleadings do not disclose a cause of action, the Petition may be struck out as an abuse of the process of the Court. The power of the Court to strike out the petition and deprive a party of the opportunity to present his case is a draconian remedy to be exercised only where it is perfectly clear that the action cannot succeed DISCUSSION 18. Mr. Misick QC submits that the question of the validity of a candidate’s nomination cannot be raised in an election petition and further, that the First Respondent, not having been the successful candidate is not a proper party to these proceedings, but I can see no reason in principle to limit the breaches of the statutory obligations which may form the subject matter of an election petition, or any reason in law to limit the persons who may be made party to it. The weight of the authorities goes to show that an election petition may be brought on the ground of any breach in the electoral process which directly affects the outcome of the election.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 15

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MARGARET RAMSAYHALE’S RULING- Cont’d 19. A clear exposition of what is meant by undue election and undue return can be found in the persuasive authority of Payne v Adams [2009] NZHC 508, a decision of the New Zealand High Court cited with approval in the Cayman Islands case of Solomon and Others v Scotland and Seymour [2009] CILR 403, in which the learned Chief Justice undertook a careful review of the law with respect to election petitions. The learned Chief Justice quoted from the judgment of the Court in Payne at para 84 as follows “Having considered the statutory history, structure and purposes of the Electoral Act 1993, we conclude that a complaint about the process by which a political party has selected a candidate for electoral purposes [the complaint then before the court] may not be the subject of a petition complaining of ‘an unlawful election or unlawful return’ [terms the court held earlier (at para. 60) to have been synonymous with ‘undue election or undue return’] under s.229(1) [of the] Electoral Act. Election petitions under Part 8 are concerned with the validity of elections. They relate to the processes of the election or returns in each electorate and the existence of any element of unlawfulness which relates to those processes. On any such petition, the Court is concerned with corrupt or illegal practices as defined by the Act, issues directly affecting the outcome of the election such as the

eligibility of candidates and electors, the counting of votes, or the conduct of Returning Officers.”

20. And said at para 85: This more compendious meaning, carefully arrived at by the New Zealand court as applicable to a similar legislative intent and against the background of a shared legal history with that of our Elections Law, is one which I respectfully adopt. Its rationale is plain and sensible: it recognizes that the questions that are likely to arise as to the validity of elections are the very kind of questions likely to arise as to whether there has been an undue election or undue return. And, as history has shown, the question of the qualification of candidates for election is amongst those most likely to arise.”

21. The first issue for the Court when considering an election petition is whether there was an irregularity in the election process and then to determine whether, notwithstanding the irregularity, the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law as to elections and the irregularity did not affect the result. If the irregularity might have affected the result, then even if the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law, the election is vitiated: Morgan v Simpson [1975] QB 151; Omoth v Ghostkeeper 2005 ABQB 671.

22. Mr. Misick QC submits that the Petition does not disclose a reasonable cause of action as the First Respondent’s nomination was valid.

He relies on the case of Hobbs v Morey where the Court rejected the

PROVO GOLF CLUB

Turks & Caicos Water Company d.b.a. Provo Golf Club is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

HORTICULTURIST

Must be knowledgeable and experience in the areas of Plant Pathology, Plant Propagation, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Soil Science and Landscape Design Principles.

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Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by December 24, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

argument that a disqualification which prevents a candidate from being elected is also a disqualification which prevents him being nominated and held, as I noted earlier, that the nomination “was conclusive to this effect, that the nomination paper so sustained as valid should form the basis of the election and that the nominee in the paper should be treated as a person for whom votes could be given:” p78.

23. But Hobbs does not speak to the issue raised by the Petitioner in this case to wit, is there an irregularity in the process where a candidate, who is required by law when seeking nomination to state whether he is disqualified from election, fails to do so in breach of that obligation. There is nothing in the report of Hobbs case to suggest that the candidate was required to make any statement as to his qualification for election. Certainly the Rules as to Nomination in Elections of Councillors to be found at Part 11 of the Third Schedule to the Municipal Corporations Act which was under consideration by the Court do not suggest that the candidate was required to declare that he was not disqualified from being elected and the cases may be distinguishable on this ground.

24. The decision of the Court in R v Election Court ex parte Sheppard [1975] 1 WLR 1319 is instructive. In that case the Court held that a candidate’s nomination was defective where he had failed correctly to state his home address on the nomination paper in breach of the clear obligation

LOCAL NEWS to do so which was contained in rule 5 of the Local Election (Principal Areas) Rules 1973.

25. Here, there is a clear obligation under the Constitution for a candidate seeking nomination to state correctly that he is qualified to be elected under s 46 and not disqualified under s 49.

The Petition alleges a breach of this obligation and avers that it invalidates his nomination and as such is an irregularity in the election process which might have affected the result.

In my view, on the authorities to which the Court has been referred, I cannot say the claim is bound to fail.

26. With respect to the second issue raised, which is the matter of the Petitioner’s failure in the Petition to state that he is a registered voter, I do not think it is fatal as Mr. Misick QC suggests in the circumstances where the Electors Register for 2012 is exhibited to the Petition and clearly shows that he is so registered. I concur in the view that no amendment could be allowed to add a new cause of action outside the time limited for the presentation of a Petition, but I am satisfied that the Court has the power to grant leave to the Petitioner to make the amendments in the terms sought.

27. The Second Respondent’s application is dismissed and the Court awards the costs of the application to the Petitioner in any event, such costs to be taxed if not agreed.

DATED THIS 20TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2012 ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MARGARET RAMSAY-HALE JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT

TURKS AND CAICOS WATER COMPANY LTD TURKS AND CAICOS WATER COMPANY LIMITED is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS Job Description • Responsible for maintaining the general condition of the company’s properties with regards to all aspects of electrical, plumbing and mechanical.

• Complete daily tasks as outlined by Supervisor.

• Complete maintenance request work orders on a timely basis.

• Performs all weekly, monthly and other scheduled preventative maintenance programs.

• Actively pursue new tasks or jobs when assigned work is completed.

• Maintain Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Requirements • Should have eight years experience as a Maintenance Technician or experience working in a similar position.

• Must have strong skills in troubleshooting and repair of electrical, plumbing and general maintenance.

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The salary for this position is $26,000.00 per annum commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by December 24, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

Page 16

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

CIBC/FCIBC donates $3,000 to Salvation Army Christmas for some among the less fortunate should be brighter this season after CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank donated $3,000 to the Salvation Army, the organization that prides itself on looking after the poor. The presentation was made at the bank’s corporate office in Grace Bay, Providenciales on Tuesday, December 18.

Audley Higgs, Head of International Banking at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, said that the institution was impressed with the work that the non-profit entity was doing in the community and wanted to assist in that regard.

“Christmas is really a time of giving and sharing, and we, at CIBC FirstCaribbean recognize this and we

Audley Higgs (left) Head of Marketing for CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, hands the symbolic cheque of $2,000 to Lieutenant Colonel Raphael Mason of the Salvation. Looking at right is Bianca O’Neil, Business Support Officer at CIBC/FCIB (

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

recognize the work that the Salvation Army is doing here in the Turks and Caicos. We are so proud of the work that you are doing in helping the citizens of this country and therefore, we want to be a part of it,” Higgs said.

Lieutenant Colonel Raphael Mason, who is in charge of the Salvation Army in the Turks and Caicos Islands, said that he was pleased that CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank has climbed on board that cause. He commended the bank for the positive action and assured the donors that the funds would go a far way in touching hearts and lives over the Christmas season and the coming year.

“We are so happy and grateful that an organization such as this (CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank) would want to join in and enable us to make it a good Christmas for so many others who would not normally have it. And I want to express heartfelt thanks to FirstCaribbean International and to assure them that this gift is going to be very well used,” Mason said.

Hubert James Primary teacher pens social studies book Recognizing that the Turks and Caicos Islands lacked proper grade four social studies concept on the TCI, Tamara Forbes, teacher at the Hubert James Primary School in North Caicos has taken the bull by the horn with the penning of ‘Myiah’s

Rainbow Dress’.

The book, which is now available in stores locally and on Amazon.com, according to Forbes, was inspired by students in her grade four class at the institution. While telling the story about Myiah’s dress, the journal also

HAB Group wishes to recruit a

PRE CONTRACT QUANTITY SURVEYOR/ESTIMATOR The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate considerable experience in the preparation of all precontract construction documentation including but not limited to; detailed take offs, bills of quantities, specification production, material scheduling. The candidate will also need to be experience in the co-ordination and control of various design consultants employed in the pre contract design process with relevant input to the design process.

The candidate will be required to demonstrate a familiarity with relevant industry standard compute software such as Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Design Review and Collaborative Project management software as well as standard Microsoft Office products. Applicants for this position will possess relevant industry recognized qualifications in addition to 12 years or more practical experience.

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by December 24, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191.

Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

encapsulates the uniqueness of each island, easily allowing its reader to understand and relate to what is around them.

According to her, the book does two things – talks about the islands and what each has to share and also promotes the Turks and Caicos on an international level. She said that while Myiah is not a real life character, the book is not fictional, but rather fact and historybased.

“The story takes place in the setting of the nation’s capital Grand Turk, but the National Dress of the TCI takes centre stage in the book,” Forbes explained. “In the book, it features all of the islands, because most people (expatriates) when they come to Provo, they think this is Turks and Caicos. They don’t get a chance to see the family islands.”

Forbes added: “What inspired me to write this book was that, I was in the middle of teaching my fourth graders last year, and I realized that we did not have a children’s book that sort of reinforces the social studies concept.

This came out as a result of some actionbased research project I was doing in my classroom. My kids helped me with the character; what kind of girl she would be; what would her age be. And they thought I was joking about making a book, but I was serious. So they were quite surprised when they got to see the final copy.”

Forbes revealed that the book speaks of the Turks and Caicos of old, including its past industries, such as cotton and salt, reiterating that the country must take the children back to where we came from, so that they might have a clear vision as of where to go.

“If we are looking for any form of self government like going towards independence, we have to start looking at the inside work about our culture,” she noted.

Forbes said that persons outside the country, who had purchased ‘Myiah’s

Tamara Forbes displays her new book – Myiah’s Rainbow Dress

Rainbow Dress’, were giving it good reviews.

“I got a review from a teacher in New York. She told me that she thinks that the book should be in every classroom in any country, no matter where. Because it also talks about heritage and culture, and that’s another concept that is pretty heartening in terms of children’s literature, especially in the global world; they like to read about other cultures.

Myiah’s Rainbow Dress was the second book that Forbes has penned, having written the unpublished ‘Red Rooster’, while a junior at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, some six years ago. She said that that book was part of a school project at the institution.

“That was something that inspired me to get into writing as well, as a teacher, because I think that teachers should not be limited to just teaching in the classroom. Their influence should extend beyond that,” she noted.

Forbes also said that she hoped to release two new books early in the New Year – ‘Dear Ms. Forbes’, which is a compilation of all the letters from her adoring students in the US and TCI and ‘One National Hero’, which is primarily a worded Math book featuring the country’s sole national hero JAGS McCartney.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

KIWANIS CLUB CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING:

On Sunday, December 9, the Kiwanis Club of Providenciales hosted its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Children’s treat at the Town Centre Mall, downtown that Island, and as usual, the event was packed with children. Prior to the arrival of Santa Claus, whose entry into a fire truck has been a perennial spectacle, patron were treated to a concert, featuring the likes of Clement Howell High School, the Enid Capron Primary, the Ianthe Pratt Primary, the Turks and Caicos Brass Band and the Turks and Caicos Islands Marching Band. Photo shows Santa doling out gifts to the children.

TCAH

TCAH is seeking suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening, only candidate who meet the minimum requirement will be considered:

FLIGHT DISPATCHER

Job Description • Authorizes, regulates and controls commercial airline flights according to government and company regulations to expedite and ensure safety of flight.

• Responsible for economics, passenger service and operational control of day to day flight operations.

• Analyzes and evaluates meteorological information to determine potential hazards to safety of flight and to select the most desirable and economic route of flight.

• Computes the amount of fuel required for the safe completion of flight according to type of aircraft, distance of flight, maintenance limitations, weather conditions and minimum fuel requirements prescribed by federal aviation regulations.

• Prepares flight plans containing information such as maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights, weather reports, field conditions, NOTAMS and many other informational components required for the safe completion of flight.

Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: • High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Diploma • Bachelor's Degree preferred but not required • Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate • Currently in possession of a valid Passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States • Five (5) years Dispatch experience • Five (5) years Aviation experience • Exceptional communication skills with complete fluency in written and spoken English • Regular attendance and punctuality • Organizational fit for the TCAH culture, that is, exhibit the TCAH values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Fun and Passion • Well groomed and able to maintain a professional appearance • Pass a ten (10) year background check, pre-employment drug test and criminal history records check • Legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite • Able to work in a team environment • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Strong attention to detail • Strong technical knowledge of aircraft performance, navigation, weather, and federal air regulations

Salary range for this position range between $40,000-$45,000 per annum, Commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should submit application via email tcah@tciway.tc suitable applicants will contacted by email.

ThankYou The Kiwanis Club of Providenciales Thank the following for theirDonations and Participation at the Kiwanis 2012 Christmas tree Lighting Ceremony Mike Schwenk GraceWay IGA Supermarket & Maintenance team Digicel Butterfield Gold Fortis TCI Ltd. The Tourist Board Mr. George Taylor (Santa) J.S Johnson Tony Garland (Discount Liquors & Wine Cellar) First Caribbean International Bank Caribbean Management TCI paint Turks & Caicos Fire Department The Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force Caicos Resort Inspector Hilton Duncan Mrs. Teri Davis (WIV Cable) Miller Simons O’Sullivan Mr. Lye Simons (Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Centre) Clement Howell High School Olseta Jolly Primary School Enid Capron Primary School Ianthe Pratt Primary School Mrs. Partronella Been (Sis. Peggy) TCI Brass Band TCI Marching Band Mr. Almando Rigby Mr. Carl Lewis And all Volunteers

Again thank you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Kiwanis Club of Providenciales

Page 18

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Tourist Board partners with exciting Miss Turks & Caicos Universe Beauty Organization The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board announced today its partnership with the newly established Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization Ltd. (MTCUBO), to produce the upcoming 2013 Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Pageant, under the direction of Saint George Fashion House (SGFH).

The newly incorporated Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization has a board of highly educated, qualified and vibrant minds that are all dedicated to a new standard for the franchise. They have brought to the table a plan; one that incorporates a new logo for the organization, new rules and regulations for contestants, new judging criteria that mimics that of the Miss Universe franchise and strategic plans to produce a calendar of

events that is not only exciting to watch, but to be a part of.

The MTCUBO Board consists of: Kazz Forbes, President and Managing Director; Tremmaine Harvey, Vice President and Legal Advisor; Shaveena Been, Financial Controller and Recruitment and Training Officer; Takara Bain, Public Relations Officer and General Secretary; Romell Phillips, Production Coordinator; Weinika Ewing, Head of Sales and Marketing and Recruitment and Training Officer; Romaine Missick, Head of Image and Beauty; Samantha Williams - Glinton, Head of Entertainment and Cynclair Musgrove, Head of Personal Development.

In a brief statement, Kazz Forbes, President and Managing Director of MTCUBO said, “The Miss Turks and

Caicos Universe Beauty Organization will set unprecedented standards for the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Pageants and our events. We as an organization don’t want to just produce a beauty queen or an ambassador, but a legacy of women that will act as activist, role models and motivators for future generations of women from the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

With production plans underway, Kazz Forbes has already made an impact with the newly established Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization Board. The MTCUBO has launched a vibrant new website; www.MissTCI.org, numerous social media pages including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, with daily updates and well produced

recruitment advertisements with much more to come.

Mr. Ralph Higgs, Chairman of the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board said “Considering all that has already been done, and the plan that has been placed before us by MTCUBO; we at the Tourist Board think that this is the right direction for the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Franchise and are excited to partner with this group. We are looking forward to see what the MTCUBO and its board have in store for us in the near future and pledge our support 100% in making this an event that will be recognized internationally!” We also take the opportunity to laud past committees responsible for setting the foundation for previous Miss Turks & Caicos Pageants and their efforts in bringing us to where we are now.”

DONT BE A VICTIM OF CRIME 1. Stay alert: Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you.

2. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 19

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Digicel makes annual visit to Doris Robinson Primary School The student and teachers of Doris Robinson Primary School received a special visit from Digicel on Wednesday, December 12th. Having adopted the school since 2009, Digicel staff stopped by for their annual visit and spent a few hours in the company of the sweet and playful students.

The visit began with a special lunch and treats provided by the Digicel team and then a presentation of Christmas gifts to each of the 14 students & 3 staff members of the school. The highlight of the annual Christmas visit is always the time spent listening to the Children’s Christmas recitals, playing games such as musical chairs, and hearing the laughter of the children who adamantly looks forward to Digicel’s visit.

Principal of the school, Ms. Keisha Mills said, “Digicel’s sponsorship of Doris Robinson Primary goes a long way in assisting the students throughout the year by providing cooked lunch meals which ensures that the students are eating a balanced meal. We appreciate the work that Digicel does for us and especially at Christmas, the children are made to

Students and teachers of Doris Robinson Primary School with Digicel Staff

feel extra special. The entire community appreciates the gesture.”

Digicel’s Marketing Specialist, Trina Adams said, “every year we

ensure that we make the special visit to the Doris Robinson Primary School.

We want to ensure that they are not forgotten and we enjoy seeing a student

face light up when they are presented with their gifts. This year’s visit definitely bought smiles to the faces of students and Digicel staff alike.”

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

VOLUME 8 No. 51

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Butch Stewart says the property needs extensive renovations

BY HAYDEN BOYCE PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hotel magnate Gordon “Butch” Stewart says he will have to spend at least US$16million renovating the recently-acquired Veranda property, in Grace Bay to bring it in line with the standards of a Beaches Resort.

In an exclusive interview with The SUN, Stewart, who bought Veranda for around US$100million, said significant work needs to be done on this latest acquisition before it can be fully integrated into the Beaches property next door as the Key West Village.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Villages and Spa Resort is already comprised of The Caribbean Village, The Italian Village, and The French Village. Veranda will form the Key West Village making it the fourth village in what is the largest hotel complex in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“It will definitely take a whole lot of work to renovate and ‘Sandalise’ the Veranda. We must now ensure that it can meet the standards by which we operate, because there are so many essential things that it just doesn’t have right now,” said Stewart, who was recently on a short trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

HIGH COURT JUDGE ALLOWS ELECTION PETITION TO PROCEED PAGE 5

COASTAL RADAR STATION NOT WORKING PAGE 9

VERANDA CUTS 43 JOBS PAGE 8

AIRPORT EXPANSION CONTRACT SOON AWARDED - PG 7

Gordon “Butch” Stewart

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

HOLIDAY Spend $50 at Graceway IGA or Graceway Gourmet and earn a chance to win a pair of tickets to anywhere Air Turks & Caicos flies.

THREE (3) paiRs will be given away.

Drawing to be held December 24 at 9am. Must be 18 years or older. Blackout dates may apply, space availability. passengers will be responsible for all taxes and fees.

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Olivia Culpo wins Miss Universe 2012 Boston University sophomore becomes first American to win the title in 15 years LAS VEGAS — An American university student is the new Miss Universe, defeating dozens of contestants from six continents to bring the crown back to the U.S. after a drought of more than a decade.

Twenty-year-old Olivia Culpo won the title Wednesday night at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip, replacing outgoing champion Leila Lopes of Angola.

The Boston University sophomore’s coronation ends a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. An American had not won the Miss Universe title since Brook Lee won in 1997.

Culpo, who beat out 88 competitors, wore a tight navy blue mini-dress with a sequined bodice as she walked on stage for the event’s opening number. Later in the night, she strutted in a purple and blue bikini, and donned a wintery red velvet gown with a plunging neckline.

No one was more surprised than Culpo’s family when told them she was entering the Miss Rhode Island

Olivia Culpo is the first American in more than a decade to win the Miss Universe crown

contest last year, her father Peter recalled.

“We didn’t know a thing about pageants,” he said.

She won that contest in a rented $20 dress with a hole in it and then began working out, dieting, and

studying current events on flashcards to compete for the Miss USA crown.

Culpo was good enough during preliminary Miss Universe contests to be chosen as one of 16 semifinalists who moved on to compete in the main show. Her bid lasted through swimsuit,

evening wear, and interview competitions that saw cuts after each round.

She won over the judges even after tripping slightly during the evening gown competition. Telecasters pointed it out but also noted her poised recovery Moments before she won, Culpo was asked whether she had she had ever done something she regretted.

“I’d like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you’ll learn from it.

That’s just life,” she said. “But something I’ve done I’ve regretted is probably picking on my siblings growing up, because you appreciate them so much more as you grow older.”

One of those siblings, 17-year-old Gus, was cheering from the front row with his sister’s glittering Miss Rhode Island sash wrapped around his shoulders.

Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, came in second, while Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third.

Rihanna buys $12million home Rihanna has splashed out $12 million on a new mansion.

The 'Diamond' singer bought the stunning 11,000 square foot home in Pacific Palisades and admitted she can't believe her luck at landing the palatial pad which boasts a large pool.

She tweeted: "I literally wake up every morning at 5:30ish and stare at my pool til the sun comes up! Just waiting! Is this my life."

The 24-year-old singer's new home also contains seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and 20 parking spaces, according to real estate website Trulia.

It is unlikely Rihanna will be inviting Chris Brown over as she recently confirmed her split from the singer, The volatile couple reconciled earlier this year even though Chris is still on probation for beating her up in 2009 but Rihanna took to her Instagram account on Tuesday (18.12.12) to post a message which appears to confirm reports the couple have called time on their relationship.

Rihanna, wrote: "Being single sucks. The only thing I get to do anymore is whatever the f**k I want to do." Given the fact she titled her latest album Diamonds, it’s not surprising that pop star Rihanna likes the finer things in life. The 24-yearold took living in the lap of luxury a step further this week when she plunked down millions for a 7-bedroom, 9-bath mansion in the L.A. celeb-

magnet enclave of Pacific Palisades.

According to Zillow , the home is newly constructed and includes everything the “Rude Boy” singer could want, including a sun deck overlooking the treetops, an outdoor firepit, infinity pool with spa, media room, and the latest in cutting edge technology: a smart-home system

that allows homeowners to control air conditioning and heat, fireplaces, security, and the sound system remotely. Perfect for Rihanna’s jet-setting lifestyle!

Rihanna spared no expense on the luxury property that has pretty much every amenity that any girl in the world could ask for.

Interior shots give an up-close and personal view of the mansion where the singer will crash when she's on the West Coast.

The home is decorated in neutral cream and white tones and is quintessential California living with several indoor-outdoor spaces, including what appears to be the singer's bedroom she tweeted about, with a perfect view of the pool.

Lounge chairs and cushioned seating line the perimeter, which is lit up in colourful hues at night.

Aerial shots of the magnificent mansion show the sprawling grounds which are surrounded by mature Oak and Sycamore trees.

The setting will offer plenty of privacy for the world-famous star.

The newly constructed home is around 11,000 sq ft and sits on approximately 33,541 sq ft of lot.

And with the added privacy and serenity that the greenery adds, Rihanna will be able to throw some of her legendary parties in peace.

It is elevated and poised against the mountain with more than enough space for Rihanna's family and friends to stay over.

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LOCAL NEWS

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Stewart says the Veranda needs extensive renovations

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

He added: “Every single aspect of the Veranda has to be enhanced. A lot of people don’t quite understand what this entails in order for it to sit proudly among our other Villages.”

Stewart noted that the multi-million dollar renovations would include an upgrade and expansion of the kitchen and restaurant facilities, an overhaul of the sewage system, reconfiguring and updating the furniture and fittings and vastly improving the water supply system. He further pointed out that the “high-maintenance” building is made of wood with aluminum roof and the rooms and suites are all outfitted with electric water heaters.

Veranda will continue to honour existing bookings through December, but Stewart said he would close the property in early January with the hope of making the necessary changes.

During this time the qualified Veranda staff will be absorbed into Beaches and they will be trained according to its standards.

Veranda employees will enjoy the prospect of being able to receive the Group’s impeccable training and then ply their chosen profession in one of 22 resorts across the Caribbean In effect they will become part of what is acknowledged the world over as the leading resort chain in the region, with an instantly recognised world brand.

Veranda, which is an $80million, five star fully inclusive 168-key residence-style resort, is located adjacent to the renown Beaches family –specific hotel with only a

The Veranda

beach access separating the two properties.

Sitting on 11 acres and boasting 800 feet of beachfront, Veranda is made up of one, two, three and four-bedroom cottages and 40 studios. It is built in the Key West/Caribbean style.

When renovations are completed, the Veranda will play an invaluable role in bolstering Beaches’ presence in the TCI and spur additional airlift into what has become one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism provinces. This point is not lost on some of the major airlines with two publicly acknowledging so.

Earlier this week both American Airlines and JetBlue wrote encouragingly about the Veranda acquisition. Firstly, Scott

M Laurence, JetBlue’s Vice PresidentNetwork Planning declared: “A key success factor in our growth strategy is the incorporation of strong business partners who share our brand vision and commitment to customer experience. One of our most important relationships is with Sandals Resorts International.”

“Their brand, marketing structure and sales force was influential in our decision to begin flights to St Lucia in October 2009.

Our relationship with Sandals was also a key factor in our decision to enter Providenciales in February 2011. As JetBlue works to continue our Caribbean expansion we evaluate a number of factors. Of those, one of the most important is destination hotel inventory, especially rooms that drive excitement and stimulate demand like the newly acquired Veranda in Providenciales for the Sandals and Beaches properties,” he added.

American Airlines echoed similar sentiments with Vice President Arthur J Torno writing: “Being one of our best and largest hotel partners in the Caribbean, we will monitor and ensure that American Airlines lifts are adjusted to meet the additional demand for travel to the island that this acquisition will likely create. We have seen first-hand results to major Caribbean destinations where Sandals and Beaches have acquired underperforming resorts and immediately re-energised them through their marketing, sales and public relations efforts.

We highly encourage the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to support Beaches in this expansion as this will undoubtedly create a great opportunity for both Beaches and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Before the acquisition of the Veranda, Beaches was the largest hotel property in the country, containing the most rooms. This latest move now means that combined, the property will have 775 keys equating to over 1,000 rooms mainly suites.

Beaches Turks and Caicos employs around 1, 400 people and with the acquisition of Veranda, that figure would go up to about 1,800 employees. It has one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and the third-rated barrier reef for scuba diving in the world. The hotel also boasts the largest water park in the Caribbean and with 16 restaurants -- soon to be 21, has more restaurants than any resort in the Caribbean.

When Stewart first established operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands back in 1995, he took over a small hotel of just 150 rooms with limited facilities. At that time, American Airlines was offering one flight a day from Miami only.

In order to expand, Stewart chartered five airplanes from Continental Airlines to help create additional airlift, fitting them with first class seating, pointing to the significance of quality. These aircraft serviced key sites

namely Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia and Atlanta and had the effect of putting the Turks& Caicos on the map as a top Caribbean destination.

Consequently, Stewart pioneered nonstop flights from Boston, Kennedy, Newark, New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta, an accomplishment he is very proud of.

Commenting on those heady early days, he said: “It was very costly but like all good investments, the dividends paid are shared by every resort and citizen of Providenciales.”

Butch Stewart has unarguably played an instrumental role in the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a major tourism destination, and in so doing, helped to generate much needed foreign exchange inflows. He made it clear that it is imperative to the country’s financial well being that the hotel remains open all year round thus seeing to it that airlift is protected and that commercial activities stemming from the hotel do not come to a standstill during these slow autumn months.

Speaking on this matter Stewart said: “We will remain open all year round as long as we can afford to do so. The autumn months are always very trying but we must endeavour to remain open so that we play our part in assisting other hotels and help the country benefit from the industry. We have formed exclusive deals with some airlines to fly into the country at our own costs I might add.”

“While Beaches Turks& Caicos may be the leader based on investment capital, it is not our best profit-performing hotel. Why? Because the revenues generated from family resorts are cyclical particularly during the autumn period where both rates and occupancies fall off. Nevertheless we are highly regarded in the Caribbean for taking care of our own and reaching out to the communities where we operate. I am proud to say that in this regard we have done some wonderful things and look to do even more in the Turks& Caicos.”

Earlier this month, Stewart’s Sandals Resorts International bought a four and a half -star hotel that recently closed in the eastern Caribbean nation of Grenada.

For 12 years, the hotel boss has been trying to find an appropriate resort in Grenada and has always been in love with the LaSource resort. He now plans to make it the gem of gems of the eastern Caribbean.

So what makes Gordon ‘Butch’Stewart tick? What compels him to build even more splendid hotels throughout the Caribbean?

“My family, the people I work with, the adventure of it all, the Caribbean and its people,” he answered.

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HIGHLIGHTS

The Bahamas credit rating downgraded READ MORE ON PAGE 34

Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush remoevd in no-confidence motion Cayman Islands lawmakers voted 113 Tuesday afternoon in favour of a “no confidence” motion against the ruling government, removing McKeeva Bush as Premier.

His former deputy, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, has been appointed Premier.

The decision was reached Wednesday morning by Governor Duncan Taylor, who rejected calls from both Mr. Bush and opposition party members to dissolve the Legislative Assembly (LA). Instead, Governor Taylor agreed to a new “minority” government with O’Connor-Connolly as premier and finance minister.

“I am satisfied that the Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly can form a stable, functioning government,” Mr. Taylor said in a statement.

The remaining four members of the United Democratic Party minority government would make up the other ministry positions, with Education Minister Rolston Anglin becoming deputy premier, Cline Glidden Jr. becoming minister for tourism and development, Mark Scotland staying on as health minister and Dwayne Seymour taking over former Minister Mike Adam’s community affairs and housing responsibilities.

The governor’s statement set out the basis for his decision, which means that Cayman will be governed by a minority representative group of just five of 15 LA members.

“Following the passing in the House of the Motion of lack of confidence in the government, I consulted the Honourable Premier, as required under Section 51(1) of the Constitution,” Mr. Taylor wrote in a statement. “The Premier responded in writing [Wednesday] morning suggesting that I dissolve the Legislative Assembly. After careful consideration and using my discretion as the Constitution entitles me to do, I have decided not to dissolve the Assembly but to revoke the appointment of the Premier. Formal notification of my decision has now been given to him. As a consequence, all Ministers have vacated their office, as required under Section 52(2) of the Constitution.

“Section 49(2) of the Constitution states: ‘Where a political party gains a majority of the seats of elected members of the Legislative Assembly, the Governor shall appoint as Premier the elected member of the Assembly recommended by a majority of the elected members who are members of that party.’ Following representations made to me by a majority of UDP

McKeeva Bush

Juliana O’Connor-Connolly

Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin

Members of the Legislative Assembly advising that they support the appointment of Juliana O’ConnorConnolly as Premier of the Cayman Islands, I have appointed her in this capacity.”

O’Connor-Connolly vowed that the five-member minority government would operate a transparent, open-door policy.

The group described the process that culminated in the five of them making up the new government, saying all eight UDP elected representatives had agreed on Friday to ask Mr. Bush to resign. However, only five had followed through on that decision, leaving them no choice but to support a motion of no confidence in Mr. Bush’s government and then form a new administration.

Ms O’Connor-Connolly said that the government had received assurances from independent and opposition members that there would be a quorum in parliament so that the minority government could deal with bills and motions before the House.

For the first time since the socalled 2001 government “coup d’etat”, lawmakers in the Cayman Islands have effectively removed the head of an administration. Ironically, it was the 2001 change in government that vaulted Mr. Bush to power as Leader of Government Business.

At the start of the no-confidence meeting, Premier Bush and three members of his government – Cabinet Minister Mike Adam, West Bay Member of the Legislative Assembly Capt. Eugene Ebanks and George Town MLA Ellio Solomon, moved to the opposition benches.

Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin started the meeting by stating he was bringing the no confidence motion “with a heavy heart”.

“I am deeply saddened that we have come to this point,” he said. “I cannot say how disappointed I am that

the premier has brought us to this point ... the reality that faced with all of this, the premier will still cling ... to the Office of Premier.”

“What has happened over the past week is certainly a breakdown that could have been avoided,” said Health Minister Mark Scotland during his debate on the no confidence motion.

No one else rose to speak on the motion before the House; a fact which Mr. McLaughlin said he was “disappointed in”.

“I have grave concerns at what I regard as the abdication of the responsibly on the part of the premier and those who are supporting him for ... not providing an explanation for why we have had to go through this painful process,” Mr. McLaughlin said.

Early on Tuesday, a written requisition asking for the special meeting was signed by 11 members of the House, according to Mr. McLaughlin.

Signing the document were all four members of the opposition People’s Progressive Movement party, the Legislative Assembly’s two independent members and five members of the ruling United Democratic Party government.

Members of the ruling government who signed the document included Education Minister Rolston Anglin, Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-

Connolly, Health Minister Scotland, Bodden Town MLA Dwyane Seymour and West Bay MLA Cline Glidden, Jr. A statement sent out to the media

by Mr. Anglin noted that the meeting was “for the expressed purpose of debating a Lack of Confidence in the Government Motion brought by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition [Mr. McLaughlin] and seconded by the Elected Member from North Side [Ezzard Miller].”

The remaining MLAs who did not sign the document requesting the meeting were Cabinet Minister Adam, Mr. Ebanks and Mr. Solomon.

A requisition containing at least seven signatures does require the house speaker to call a special meeting of the LA. A total of 10 “yes” votes – a twothirds majority – is needed to remove the sitting government.

Mr. Solomon said before the meeting that he would absolutely not vote to support the no confidence motion and would not rejoin the UDP after such a vote, if it was successful.

“This puts the government and more importantly the country in a very precarious position,” Mr. Solomon said, adding that no one was certain what government would look like after such a no confidence vote. “We’re essentially casting this vote, not even knowing what the government will be afterward.”

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Change of Government in Bermuda as Premier Paula Cox loses her seat Craig Cannonier has been sworn in as the new Premier of Bermuda by Governor George Fergusson, following a 19 to 17 victory for the One Bermuda Alliance (IBA) over the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) in Monday’s general election.

Former Premier Paula Cox officially resigned as leader of the PLP after losing her seat in the House of Assembly.

Premier Cannonier said that he would keep a promise to invite a member of the PLP to join the new government — but he declined to specify who, adding that he had not yet had a chance to speak with them.

Mr Cannonier also said he did not intend to reconvene the House of Assembly before the end of this year.

In a speech broken several times by emotional applause, Mr Cannonier thanked colleagues and friends, calling himself “humbled and excited, excited for my country and for our people”.

Promising change and togetherness, the new Premier said he was committed to “building a Bermuda that works for all people, for all Bermudians”.

“First we are going to get this country working again for the people,” he continued. “There is no more important task right now than to grow jobs to end the hardship felt by thousands of families.Second, we are going to bring people together, we're reach out to everyone, building cooperation and support, eliminating all forms of discrimination, extending the absentee ballot to students abroad, making this the last election they are denied a voice in the decisions of this country.”

After another burst of applause, Mr Cannonier added: “And to the many Bermudians living abroad, who left for a job or who fled intolerance, I want to send a simple message out: come back to us.

“Come back to building the better Bermuda we know we can build. Your country needs you. Your country needs all your skills and all your dreams right here at home.

Craig Cannonier

Paula Cox

“Let this be the start of Bermuda's renaissance — with trust, and communication and cooperation, with the people truly working together, moving forward, on and on, as one people, one Bermuda, Bermudians.”

Premier Paula Cox lost her Devonshire North West seat after 16 years and a political career that has seen her hold virtually every major Cabinet post.

Glen Smith of the One Bermuda Alliance polled 470 votes to Ms Cox’s 377.

Cox said after the announcement she’d lost her seat: “I think the voters spoke. It’s disappointing but the voters spoke. A good fight was waged by the Opposition and I think that they deserved their win.”

She said she had always viewed her constituency as a marginal, as factors including boundary changes meant it was no longer the PLP stronghold it was when she was first elected there in 1996.

“Part of leadership is you don’t necessarily get a safe seat. I paid the price of not being in a safe seat. It was hard fought and Glen Smith won the seat fairly and squarely,” she said.

When Ms Cox, who was also Finance Minister, was asked if she had lost touch with the people since becoming Premier, she replied: “Not at all. I think the issue is the economy and the fact that people are feeling that.

One thing about me is they don’t see

me as losing touch. I’m seen as perhaps one of the most common in terms of being accessible and reliable.

I think the boundary changes were a factor. It made it a marginal seat. We acknowledge that and move on.”

Asked what is next for her, she said: “To continue to work for the party. My role in working for the party is not about the position, you know. I actually care. I actually care. I don’t have a seat doesn’t mean that you won’t continue to have my undying attention. So for this moment feel disappointed, feel hurt but recognise also that a message was sent about the people hurting and we’re listening.”

Cox has been at the heart of PLP politics all her life.

Her father, Eugene Cox, was a leading Progressive Labour Party MP from the 1970s on, and for much of that time was Shadow Finance Minister when the PLP was in Opposition before taking that role in Government when the party took power in 1998.

Ms Cox first ran for the House of Assembly while still a student in 1985, but after being defeated, she returned to her studies and became a lawyer.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from McGill University, a postgraduate Diploma in International Law from the University of Manchester, England and is a member of the Bermuda Bar, having trained in the United Kingdom

as a solicitor.

Ms Cox is married to a businessman from Cameroon, Germain Nkeuleu, and they have a son. An aide to Opposition Leader Frederick Wade before his death, she was also a protégé of the late Dame Lois Browne Evans and Dame Jennifer Smith. Ms Cox won Mr Wade’s Devonshire North seat in the byelection after his death in 1996 and joined the Shadow Cabinet.

When the PLP took power in 1998, Ms Cox, still in her 30s, was given the critically important Labour and Home Affairs Ministry, where she crafted the legislation granting greater rights to hundreds of non-Bermudians but restricting work permit stays at the same time.

Ms Cox replaced her father as Finance Minister when he died in January 2004, becoming Deputy Premier as well in 2006 when Dr Ewart Brown defeated then-Premier Alex Scott for the leadership of the PLP. For much of her career she has enjoyed widespread popularity and built a reputation as a person who listened to all sides and developed a consensus on policies before enacting them. That reputation contrasted with Dr Brown, who was often seen as combative and confrontational. Ms Cox was also critical of the Premier in 2009 at the height of the Uighur crisis when she said she felt “politically neutered”, but she rallied the party to successfully defeat an Opposition no confidence motion and then remained in office, while leadership rivals Terry Lister and Dale Butler resigned from Cabinet.

She replaced Dr Brown as party leader in 2010 and remained as Finance Minister as well as Premier in order to steer Bermuda through its worst financial crisis in living memory. In an interview with this newspaper in May, Ms Cox, who was the third woman to lead Bermuda, shared the top ten tips she’s learned in life, which she dubbed the ‘Cox Rules’.

Among them were: “Do your job forget about keeping your job”.

Scrap metal trade to resume in Jamaica KINGSTON,Jamaica – The scrap metal trade which was suspended in Jamaica eighteen months ago is now scheduled to resume early in the New Year.

Industry Minister, Anthony Hylton who made the announcement on Wednesday said the trade will re-start in the third week of January under far more stringent measures aimed at curbing widespread theft which led to the ban last year.

Under the new regime, exporters, individuals and companies will now be required to post a J$7million (US$ 76-thousand) bond, a portion of which will be used to compensate victims of theft.

Scrap material will be on display at the sites for five days to facilitate public viewing before the loading of containers can commence.

According to Hylton there will be a distinction between industrial scrap generated by companies from their manufacturing operations and non-industrial scrap, which is purchased from

individuals.

“Anything remotely suspect will be detained for investigation by the police and customs for an additional 10 days, to allow for viewing by the public,” Hylton said, adding that a website will be set up for the public to view and lodge complaints of theft.

Restrictions have also been imposed on the exportation of copper, irrigation pipes, manhole covers, railway lines and sign posts.

With the resumption of the trade, the processing of scrap metal will also now be restricted to three existing sites, two of which are situated in the Corporate Area and the central parish of Clarendon. These processing sites will operate in the interim, while the government works to establish a single central processing site for the trade.

The Industry Minister also addressed concerns that the new measures would lengthen

the turnaround time for the scrap metal trade.

“My priority concern is that stolen metal does not contaminate the trade; that’s where the focus has been. These regulations have been (put) in place so it puts everyone on notice as to the time period involved, so you can make your plans accordingly” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister’s announcement was welcomed by telecommunications company LIME, which suffered great losses at the hands of scrap metal thieves.

“LIME has never been opposed to the resumption of scrap metal exports. What we want to see are the appropriate regulations in place to properly monitor the gathering and export of scrap metal,” said Vice-President of Service Support and Delivery at LIME Jamaica, Howard Mollison.

The company is said to have lost some J$300 million (US $3.2 million) to theft.

Page 34

CARIBBEAN NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Digicel and Marriott break ground on hotel in Haiti PORT-AU-PRINCE - Digicel and Marriott International broke ground Wednesday on the $45 million 175room Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand hotel in the Turgeau area of Port-auPrince, with opening expected in early 2015, making it the first four-star branded hotel in Haiti.

At a ceremony to mark the occasion, Marriott International's President and Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorensen was joined by Digicel Chairman and Founder Denis O'Brien as well as the Minister of Tourism Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin.

Digicel Group is responsible for designing and building the hotel and chose Marriott International's signature Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand as its operating partner under a long-term management agreement. In addition to creating over 200 new hospitality jobs in Haiti, Marriott will invest in workforce training to benefit the country's tourism sector.

Kier is the main contractor chosen for the hotel project and Turgeau Developments SA is the operating company, in which Digicel is the investment partner.

The hotel sets a new standard of excellence for the growing number of business travelers coming to Haiti, combining a friendly, professional and safe environment and offering the exceptional service that Marriott International offers worldwide in all of its properties. The hotel is especially suitable for business meetings, conferences and events and will feature the most up-to-date facilities in the city. The ballroom will comfortably accommodate around 380 people for dining and around 500 theatre-style.

Digicel and Marriott International broke ground Wednesday on the $45 million 175-room Marriott Hotels & Resorts

The 175-room Marriott Hotel Port-au-Prince will include five suites, a casual restaurant with private dining area, fitness center, swimming pool and a great room lobby that inspires creativity, productivity and social interaction with its conveniently dispersed zones including a bar and lounge. The property will also have a gift shop and marketplace and will offer guests 24 hour room service, WiFi and secure parking.

Digicel Group and its Chairman, Denis O'Brien, are committed to attracting foreign direct investment to Haiti and to helping the country rebuild in the wake of the January 2010 earthquake. Mr. O'Brien is Founder and Patron of the Digicel Foundation which to date has constructed 100 schools in Haiti.

Further, as the Chairman of the Clinton Global Initiative's Haiti Action Network, Mr. O'Brien has been instrumental in driving the activity of 80 support organizations in Haiti to deliver on their commitments and in reconstructing the iconic Iron Market in Port-au-Prince.

Marriott International meanwhile aspires to have a signature hotel in every major capital city in the countries where it operates while being instrumental in stimulating business and attracting leisure visitors to Haiti.

Marriott took on this project with particular reference to its thousands of Haitian associates who work in its U.S. hotels and urged the company to do what it did best and open a hotel in Haiti. Marriott will also use the Portau-Prince location as a center for hotel

training for local staff, helping to ensure that international standards of excellence are met and maintained.

Commenting on the project, Digicel Chairman Denis O'Brien, said; "We're delighted to be helping to bring the world-leading Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand to Haiti. Not only will this be a solution to the lodging issues in the city, it will also create jobs, attract foreign visitors and communicate a positive outlook for the future of Haiti. Haiti is a great place to invest and do business and I encourage others to take a look at the opportunities here."

"We saw the need for a leading hotel brand in Haiti to accommodate the wave of travelers coming to do business in the country," said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Marriott International. "We believe we can make a difference in Haiti by creating jobs and developing the human talent that can help lift this country over time back to its rightful place as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. We are working with the Ministers of Tourism and Vocational Education on how we can support existing institutions to raise the quality of hospitality training."

Prime Minister of Haiti, Laurent Lamothe, commented; "The presence of the world-leading Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand in Haiti is another clear indicator that Haiti is serious about attracting foreign direct investment. I would like to commend both Marriott International and Digicel Group on their tireless commitment to Haiti and on making their vision a reality. This is a huge vote of confidence in the future of Haiti and I look forward to the Marriott Hotel Port-au-Prince opening its doors in 2015."

The Bahamas credit rating downgraded NASSAU, The Bahamas -- International credit ratings agency Moody’s on Thursday downgraded The Bahamas’ credit rating from A3 to Baa1, the third downgrade for the country in as many years.

In addition, Moody’s said the country’s economic outlook remains negative.

“We see limited prospects for the fiscal consolidation necessary to strengthen the government’s balance sheet and stabilize debt levels,” said the Moody’s rating action.

Moody’s cited three driving factors for the decrease: Limited growth prospects and weak recovery in tourism and construction; significant and rapid deterioration of the government’s balance sheet exacerbated by a low revenue base, and high and rising levels of debt and weakening of debt sustainability relative to other countries.

In an interview with The Nassau Guardian, assistant vice-president and analyst at Moody's, Edward Al-Hussainy, said further downgrades are possible if the government does not act immediately to curb the country’s rising debt levels.

Moody’s said the country’s tourism, offshore financial services, and construction sectors remain vulnerable due to an uncertain recovery in the United States.

The rating action also pointed to the country’s limited revenue generation potential.

“The Bahamas has a limited revenue base and the

government relies disproportionately on volatile trade-related tax revenue and property taxes. Onetime revenue inflows, the divestment of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company and stamp duties on several large tourism projects financed by foreign investment, masked a decline in recurrent revenue in 2011, and will not be credit supportive going forward,” said Moody’s.

“We do not expect reforms necessary to increase recurrent revenues, most importantly the introduction of a value-added tax and a modernization of the property tax system, to materialize before 2014/15.”

While the ratings agency placed the lion’s share of blame for the country’s current debt level on the last Ingraham administration, it also blamed the current administration for not acting quickly enough to curb spending.

“The downgrade incorporates a marked deterioration of the government’s financial balance sheet over the past five years,” Moody’s said.

“Expenditure growth has continued following the election of a new government in May 2012, and the state plays an increasingly dominant role in the economy through elevated levels of capital spending on public works projects, social safety net transfers, public sector employment, and increased budgetary support to public sector corporations.

“This fiscal stimulus program is yet to yield growth dividends and unemployment remains close

to 15 percent, depressing domestic demand.”

Moody’s said it expects the government to find it difficult to stabilize the debt and place it on a sustainable trajectory in the near-term.

“In addition, the crystallization of contingent liabilities from debt held by public sector corporations such as the loss-making Bahamas Electricity Corporation could adversely affect the rating. A further deterioration of the public sector balance sheet due to external shocks in the form of weather-driven events like hurricanes will also be credit negative.”

The Ministry of Finance responded to the rating downgrade on Thursday night, stating that the government would lay out “clear detailed action points” to address the situation during an upcoming mid-year budget process.

“The government of The Bahamas is committed to the stabilization and gradual reversal of these negative trends and to that end has developed a medium-term strategy, the aim of which is to reduce expenditure as a percentage of GDP, and increase revenue as a percentage of GDP,” said the ministry.

A downgrade from Moody's ultimately means a higher cost of borrowing, which could adversely affect the country’s economic growth.

Standard & Poor’s downgraded The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating from BBB+ to BBB late last year.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

Page 35

South Korea elects first female president READ MORE ON PAGE 36

Way forward on “fiscal cliff” uncertain after Republican plan fails The task of picking up the pieces of the "fiscal cliff" talks - and reassuring global financial markets that were shaky early on Friday - is likely to fall largely to President Barack Obama after Republicans abandoned their own proposed fix championed by House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner.

Boehner, the top Republican in Congress and Obama's chief negotiating partner, failed to muster enough support from his fellow Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, to pass his bill called "Plan B" on Thursday.

He had hoped to use it to pressure Obama in talks to avert the steep tax hikes and automatic government spending cuts slated to start taking effect in just 11 days.

Boehner late on Thursday abruptly pulled the legislation, which would

have raised taxes only on people earning $1 million or more a year.

House members, heading to their home states for the holidays, were instructed to be available on 48 hours notice if necessary.

With his power apparently weakened, Boehner scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. Friday.

Democrats were urging him to go back to the bargaining table with Obama.

"They went from Plan B to plan see-you-later," Obama adviser David Axelrod said on MSNBC on Friday morning.

Obama said he still plans to work with Congress and was hopeful for a bipartisan solution, his press secretary said in a statement late on Thursday.

The failure casts fresh uncertainty over talks to avoid across-the-board tax hikes and spending cuts that could push the U.S. economy into recession in

2013.

Global stock markets weakened on Friday and both the euro and gold slipped as the new setback rattled investors' nerves. Most major stock markets saw widespread selling as investors moved to traditional safehaven assets.

The crumbling of Boehner's plan highlights his struggle to lead some House Republicans who flatly reject any deal that would increase taxes on anyone.

Republican Representative Tim Huelskamp criticized Boehner's handling of the negotiations, saying the speaker had "caved" to Obama opening the door to tax hikes. Huelskamp, a dissident first-term congressman, said he was not willing to compromise on taxes even if they are coupled with cuts to government spending.

Conservatives "are so frustrated

that the leader in the House right now, the speaker, has been talking about tax increases. That's all he's been talking about," Huelskamp said on MSNBC on Friday morning.

"There's been very little outreach by this leadership team to conservatives. ... Do not ask for tax increases. We're not going to give them," Huelskamp said, added: "We can still get this done."

Obama and his fellow Democrats in Congress are insisting that the wealthiest Americans pay more in taxes in order to help reduce high federal budget deficits.

Democrats, who are the minority in the House but control the Senate, are now stepping up efforts to gather some Republican votes for a Democratic bill passed by the Senate months ago that would extend the expiring tax cuts to all but the wealthy.

Debate over US gun control is heating up ATLANTA — As President Barack Obama urges tighter federal gun laws, state legislators around the country have responded to the Connecticut school shooting with a flurry of their own ideas that are likely to produce fights over gun control in their upcoming sessions.

There is momentum in two strongly Democratic states to tighten already-strict gun laws, while some Republicans in four other states want to make it easier for teachers to have weapons in schools. One Republican governor, however, used his power this week to block the loosening of restrictions.

The question is whether public outrage after the slayings of 20 children and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., will produce

a meaningful difference in the rules for how Americans buy and use guns. Or will emotions and grassroots energy subside without action?

"I've been doing this for 17 years, and I've never seen something like this in terms of response," said Brian Malte, spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, based in Washington, D.C. "The whole dynamic depends on whether the American public and people in certain states have had enough. No matter if it's Congress or in the states, their voices will be heard. That's what will make the difference."

The Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism released a report Thursday showing that the school shooting in Connecticut has

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led to more discussion about gun policy on social media than previous rampages. The report says users advocating for gun control were more numerous than those defending current gun laws.

The National Rifle Association, a powerful organization that has successfully lobbied for expanded gun rights, has remained largely silent since the shootings, aside from a brief statement mourning the victims and promising that the group "is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again." A spokesman did not respond to a request for comment this week. NRA leaders planned to hold a news conference Friday.

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Page 36

WORLD NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

South Korea elects first female president Emerging from victory, Park Geun-hye who will become the next president of South Korea -- the first woman for the Asian nation -- pledged to "take care of our people one-by-one."

In a speech made at the headquarters of her Saenuri political party Thursday morning, she invoked a phrase coined by her father, Park Chung-hee, who also served as president in an era when he was encouraging people to pull South Korea out of poverty.

"I would like to re-create the miracle of 'let's live well' so people can worry less about their livelihood and young people can happily go to work," said Park.

Park, 60, will assume office in February, in a country grappling with income inequality, angst over education and employment prospects for its youth, and strained relations with North Korea. South Korea is also a strategic Western ally and the fourthlargest economy in Asia.

Park won 52% of the vote, compared with 48% for her rival, Moon Jae-in of the Democratic United Party, according to the country's National Election Commission.

Both the president-elect and Moon, the liberal candidate, had similarly moderate plans, addressing income inequality, reigning in the power of family-owned conglomerates and improving relations with North Korea.

"This wasn't the knockdown, drag out, left-against-right type of

Park Geun-hye

campaign," said David Kang, professor of international relations and business at the University of Southern California. "There's a surprising consensus about taking a more moderate stance."

"I think Park won by acting to the center. Her claims are that she's going to moderate many of the policies of the previous administration."

Park acknowledged Moon and his supporters Thursday.

"I believe there is common ground between myself and Moon Jae-in," she said. "We are both willing to work for the country and for the people of South Korea.

"Whether you were for or against me, I want to hear your opinions. I will

try to stop the separation and conflict that has been going on for the last half century through reconciliation and harmony."

Park of the Saenuri party, won the highest office in a conservative Asian nation with traditional gender values.

Just because a woman has won the presidency, it doesn't mean South Korea has achieved everything it needs in terms of gender equality, said Kang, who is also director of Korean Studies Institute at USC. "That a woman could be elected in South Korea is historic and important.

At the same time, what you basically have to do is be political royalty. So I think gender roles are changing in South Korea. It's a step forward, but

let's also remember how unique she is as a person."

Park is the daughter of former President Park Chung-hee, whose legacy left the Korean public divided.

Some claim he was a dictator who ignored human rights and cracked down on dissent, while others credit him with bringing economic development to South Korea. Her father was assassinated in 1979.

On Thursday, she paid her respects to her parents by visiting their graves at the National Cemetery in Seoul.

As in many other elections around the world, the economy reigned as the No. 1 issue for South Korean voters.

Park has made ambitious promises to address those anxieties.

"I will create a society in which no one is left behind and everyone can share the fruits of economic development," she said. "I believe that only this can bring unity, economic democratization and happiness for people.

She also mentioned North Korea describing its recent rocket launch as a "serious security situation."

Park received congratulatory messages from Korea's outgoing President Lee Myung-bak as well as one from U.S. President Barack Obama.

The United States and South Korea enjoy "stable relations," Kang said.

"Park is going to have to weigh U.S. as its main security ally and China as its main economic partner. That balancing act - keeping both with good relations - at some point, may become difficult," he said.

Israel says it will build WikiLeaks to release one million settlements in East Jerusalem neighborhoods new documents WikiLeaks is preparing to release more than a million documents next year, the controversial website's founder said Thursday.

Julian Assange did not provide details about their contents but said they "affect every country in the world."

He spoke from the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he has been holed up for more than six months.

Ecuador's government granted him asylum in August, but British authorities have said they will arrest him if he leaves the premises.

"I came here in summer," Assange said. "It is winter now."

Assange said he cannot leave as long as authorities continue to investigate him.

Assange disregards questions on free press, his reported ill health "This building ... has become my home, my office and my refuge," he said. "Thanks to the principled stance of the Ecuadorian government and the support of its people, I am safe in this embassy to speak from this embassy."

Assange fled to the Ecuadorian Embassy in June to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over allegations that he raped one woman and sexually molested another. Assange has said he fears Sweden will transfer him to the United States, where he could face the death penalty for the work of WikiLeaks if he were charged and convicted of a crime.

He has repeatedly said the allegations in Sweden are politically motivated and tied to the work of his website, which facilitates the publication of secret documents.

Assange has not been charged in the United States, though Assange and his supporters claim a U.S. grand jury has been empanelled to consider charges against him.

"My work will not be cowed," Assange said Thursday. "But while this immoral investigation continues, and while the Australian government will not defend the journalism and publishing of WikiLeaks, I must remain here."

JERUSALEM -- A day after the U.S. State Department strongly condemned Israel's plans to build a 1,500-unit settlement in East Jerusalem, Israel announced it would continue a plan to build settlements in other East Jerusalem neighborhoods.

On Wednesday, initial approval for a total of up to 3,000 homes in Jerusalem was granted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a group of foreign ambassadors from Asia-Pacific countries he met with on Wednesday, while overlooking Jerusalem's Old City: "The walls that you see behind me represent the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years. All Israeli governments have built in Jerusalem. We're not going to change that. That's a natural thing."

He went on to say: "Imagine that you had to limit construction in your own capital; it doesn't make sense."

The significance of building in East Jerusalem is that Palestinians have long hoped to make it their capital in a future Palestinian state that would include the West Bank and Gaza. In 1967, Israel captured and annexed East Jerusalem, an action never recognized internationally and long condemned by Palestinians as an obstacle to a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

On Tuesday, Israel announced that settlement building in Ramat Shlomo would continue, a plan originally announced in 2010. Back then, the announcement, which coincided with a visit by Vice President Joe Biden, angered and embarrassed the United

States.

At the time, the U.S. had brokered indirect talks between Palestinians and Israel that it hoped would reinvigorate the peace process, but the settlement building announcement prompted the Palestinians to pull out of the talks. There have not been peace talks since.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland used the strongest words against Israeli settlements in recent years after Tuesday's announcement to move the settlement plan forward.

"We are deeply disappointed that Israel insists on continuing this pattern of provocative action. These repeated announcements and plans of new construction run counter to the cause of peace. Israel's leaders continually say that they support a path to a two-state solution, yet these actions only put that goal further at risk," she said Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Israeli Interior Ministry spokesman Efrat Orbach said of the Ramat Shlomo building plan: "It is a plan which was passed in the local council (during the visit of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in March 2010), and two and a half years ago, it was opened to appeals from the public by the regional council. The public's objections were heard this week. As a result of the objections, a number of units were dropped. Now the property developer needs to make the changes to the plan and set out what he is obligated to do according to the plan."

Still, 1,500 new units have been approved.

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WORLD NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Latin Americans rank as happiest people on planet MEXICO CITY — The world's happiest people aren't in Qatar, the richest country by most measures.

They aren't in Japan, the nation with the highest life expectancy. Canada, with its chart-topping percentage of college graduates, doesn't make the top 10.

A poll released Wednesday of nearly 150,000 people around the world says seven of the world's 10 countries with the most upbeat attitudes are in Latin America.

Many of the seven do poorly in traditional measures of well-being, like Guatemala, a country torn by decades of civil war followed by waves of gang-driven criminality that give it one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Guatemala sits just above Iraq on the United Nations' Human Development Index, a composite of life expectancy, education and per capita income. But it ranks seventh in positive emotions.

"In Guatemala, it's a culture of friendly people who are always smiling," said Luz Castillo, a 30-yearold surfing instructor. "Despite all the

problems that we're facing, we're surrounded by natural beauty that lets us get away from it all."

Gallup Inc. asked about 1,000 people in each of 148 countries last year if they were well-rested, had been treated with respect, smiled or laughed a lot, learned or did something interesting and felt feelings of enjoyment the previous day.

In Panama and Paraguay, 85 percent of those polled said yes to all five, putting those countries at the top of the list. They were followed closely

by El Salvador, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Guatemala, the Philippines, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

The people least likely to report positive emotions lived in Singapore, the wealthy and orderly city-state that ranks among the most developed in the world. Other wealthy countries also sat surprisingly low on the list. Germany and France tied with the poor African state of Somaliland for 47th place.

Prosperous nations can be deeply unhappy ones. And poverty-stricken ones are often awash in positivity, or at least a close approximation of it.

It's a paradox with serious implications for a relatively new and controversial field called happiness economics that seeks to improve government performance by adding people's perceptions of their satisfaction to traditional metrics such as life expectancy, per capita income and graduation rates.

The United States was No. 33 in positive outlook. Latin America's biggest economies, Mexico and Brazil, sat more than 20 places further down the list.

Jon Clifton, a partner at Gallup, acknowledged the poll partly measured cultures' overall tendency to express emotions, positive or negative.

But he said skeptics shouldn't undervalue the expression of positive emotion as an important phenomenon in and of itself.

Some Latin Americans said the poll hit something fundamental about their countries: a habit of focusing on posivites such as friends, family and religion despite daily lives that can be

grindingly difficult.

Carlos Martinez sat around a table with 11 fellow construction workers in a Panama City restaurant sharing a breakfast of corn empanadas, fried chicken and coffee before heading to work on one of the hundreds of new buildings that have sprouted during a yearslong economic boom driven in large part by the success of the Panama Canal. The boom has sent unemployment plunging, but also increased traffic and crime.

Martinez pronounced himself unhappy with rising crime but "happy about my family."

"Overall, I'm happy because this is a country with many natural resources, a country that plays an important role in the world," he said. "We're Caribbean people, we're people who like to celebrate, to eat well and live as well as we can. There are a lot of possibilities here, you just have to sacrifice a little more."

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

Instagram photos removed from twitter READ MORE ON NEXT PAGE 39

The Future of Mobile Networks: Beyond 4G Carriers worldwide will begin their first small-cell deployments next year, with the aim of creating dense layers of 3G and 4G capacity. The goal of these shrunken cells is to put massive amounts of bandwidth precisely where people are using it: in malls, arenas, public plazas, urban parks, and busy business districts.

The first wave of small cells, mounted on outdoor street poles and ceilings, could just be the beginning. A consortium of technology companies and universities brought together by the European Commission is investigating a concept called the super-dense network, which could put multiple tiny cells in every room.

We’re not just talking networks on the small scale, but on the human scale.

The consortium has the rather ungainly name of Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for the Twenty-twenty Information Society.

Fortunately, it’s using the moniker Metis for short. With the help of a €16 million (U.S. $21.2 million) grant for the European Union, Metis is tasked

with identifying the network technologies beyond the LTEAdvanced standards being developed today.

These so-called 5G technologies could take the form of new radio air interfaces, new cellular architectures such as heterogeneous networks and wide-area mobile mesh, and even the virtualization of the network itself, says Jan Färjh, head of standardization and industry for Ericsson the network vendor spearheading Metis. Färjh uses the word “could” because no one in the consortium knows what form the network of 2020 and beyond will take.

These new technologies are on the bleeding edge and it is Metis’s goal to determine which are technically and commercially feasible.

“We have to be prepared for the world 10 years after LTE and LTEAdvanced,” Färjh says. While vendors and the standards bodies have some good ideas about what the capabilities of our networks should be in 2020, Färjh said, it’s not obvious what those networks should look like.

To that end, Metis is opening up multiple fields of investigation, digging into research projects in the labs of such academic institutions as Aalborg University in Denmark and Poznan University of Technology in Poland. Though the big vendors and carriers like Alcatel-Lucent Nokia, and Telefónica are all there, Metis is also reaching beyond the traditional wireless industry to include companies such as BMW. One of the big areas Metis will explore, Färjh says, is vehicle-to-vehicle networking: One day, rather than being mere end-points in the network, cars will be nodes within it.

Another field that Färjh says Metis will delve into is the possibility of moving baseband processing to the cloud. Today’s radio access network (RAN) is designed so that every base station processor can handle its cell’s peak load, but most cells are at peak capacity for only a small portion of the day. That’s a lot of processing power sitting idle throughout the network.

Vendors such as Intel have proposed

moving those base stations into the cloud, creating a set of shared processing resources.

“What if we had a flexible architecture in which you can move around processing power to wherever its needed in the network,” Färjh says.

“We could take the virtualization model and apply it to the mobile network.”

In addition to car-to-car connectivity, Metis will also look into making devices nodes in ad hoc networks, Färjh says. Instead of communicating directly with a tower, our phones and gadgets could relay their data among one another in a giant mesh, eventually offloading data into the mobile network proper through the most efficient connection, or combination of connections. These are concepts being explored by startup Open Garden and the Commotion open-source mesh-networking initiative.

Whether all or any of these technologies make it into Metis’s final set of recommendations 30 months from now is hard to predict, Färjh says.

The technologies themselves might be viable on their own, but their practical implementation is another story. For instance, backhaul is a real obstacle to super-dense networking and CloudRAN, both of which would need to be plugged into huge transport pipes. We can’t just plan future networks. We have to plan the networks that will support those networks.

Kodak sells digital imaging patents for $525M ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Eastman Kodak is selling its digital imaging patents for about $525 million, money the struggling photo pioneer says will help it emerge from bankruptcy protection in the first half of next year.

Apple Inc., Google Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Research In Motion Ltd., Microsoft Corp., China's Huawei Technologies, Facebook Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. are among the 12 companies paying to license the 1,100 patents, according to court filings. Patents have become very valuable to digital device makers, who want to protect themselves from intellectual property lawsuits. But Kodak, which has been trying to make the sale happen for more than a year, wound up receiving substantially less money than had been expected.

Rochester, N.Y.-based Eastman Kodak Co. said Wednesday that the patent sale will help it repay a substantial amount of a loan it received under the bankruptcy process. It also satisfies a key condition of a new, cheaper $830 million loan package, which required that the patents be sold for at least $500 million.

Founded in 1880, Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January after a long struggle to stay relevant. First came competition from Japanese companies, then the shift from film to digital photography over the past decade. Kodak failed to keep up. The once-mighty company, whose workforce peaked at 145,300 in 1988, said at the end of September that it expected to wind up with 13,100 employees after another round of job cuts.

Since filing for bankruptcy protection, Kodak has sold off several businesses, such as its online

Kodak digital cameras on display at a Best Buy.

photo service, and said it would shut down other divisions, including the manufacturing of digital cameras. The company intends to focus on commercial and packaging printing. It sees home photo printers, high-speed commercial inkjet presses, software and packaging as the core of its business as it emerges from bankruptcy.

Kodak began mining its patent portfolio for license revenue in 2008. In January 2010, it sued Apple and RIM, saying that smartphone makers infringed its patent for technology that lets a camera preview low-resolution versions of a moving image

while recording still images at higher resolutions.

But by July 2011, it was trying to sell its 1,100 digital imaging patents. Analysts initially thought the portfolio could fetch between $2 billion and $3 billion. But Kodak struggled to find a buyer.

The 12 licensees for Kodak's imaging patents were organized by Intellectual Ventures and RPX Corp. Kodak spokesman Christopher Veronda said each licensee will pay a portion of the total cost and then have access to all the patents. The deal also includes an agreement to settle patent-related litigation.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

UBS to pay $1.5B to settle interest rate case GENEVA — Swiss banking giant UBS AG said Wednesday it has admitted to fraud and agreed to pay some $1.5 billion to U.S., British and Swiss authorities in a probe into the rigging of global benchmark interest rates.

The settlement caps a tough year for Switzerland's biggest bank, which is one of several leading banks that has been under investigation over allegations of manipulating the benchmark LIBOR interest rate, short for London interbank offered rate. It is used to set the interest rates on trillions of dollars in contracts around the world, including mortgages and credit cards.

The rate is a self-policing system and relies on information that global banks submit to a British banking authority. American and British regulators have already fined Britain's Barclays $453 million for submitting false information between 2005 and 2009 to keep the interest rate low.

UBS said some of its employees tried to rig the LIBOR rate in several currencies, but that its Japan unit, where much of the manipulation took place, entered a plea to one count of wire fraud in a the proposed agreement with the U.S. Justice Department.

The statement from the UBS board of directors said some of its personnel had "engaged in efforts to manipulate submissions for certain benchmark

rates to benefit trading positions."

The bank also said that some of its employees had "colluded with employees at other banks and cash brokers to influence certain benchmark rates to benefit their trading positions" or had given "inappropriate directions to UBS submitters that were in part motivated by a desire to avoid unfair and negative market and media perceptions during the financial crisis."

Sergio Ermotti, who was appointed CEO of UBS AG in November 2012 in the wake of a major trading scandal, said in the statement that the misconduct does not reflect the bank's values or standards.

Facebook CEO Zuckerberg donating $500M in stock

SAN FRANCISCO — Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he is donating nearly $500 million in stock to a Silicon Valley charity with the aim of funding health and education issues.

Zuckerberg donated 18 million Facebook shares, valued at $498.8 million based on their Tuesday closing price. The beneficiary is the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, a nonprofit that works with donors to allocate their gifts.

This is Zuckerberg's largest donation to date. He pledged $100 million in Facebook stock to Newark, N.J., public schools in 2010, before his company went public earlier this year. Later in 2010, he joined Giving Pledge, an effort led by Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. CEO Warren Buffett to get the country's richest people to donate most of their wealth. His wife, Priscilla Chan, joined with him.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, Zuckerberg, 28, said he's "proud of the work" done by the foundation that his Newark donation launched, called Startup: Education, which has helped open charter schools, high schools and others.

With the latest contribution, he added, "we will look for areas in education and health to focus on next." He did not give further details on what plans there may be for funds.

"Mark's generous gift will change lives and inspire others in Silicon Valley and around the globe to give back and make the world a better place," said Emmett D. Carson, CEO of the foundation

"We deeply regret this inappropriate and unethical behavior.

No amount of profit is more important than the reputation of the firm, and we are committed to doing business with integrity," he said.

With more than 2.2 trillion Swiss francs ($2.4 trillion) in invested assets, Zurich-based UBS is one of the world's largest managers of private wealth assets. At last count, the bank had 63,745 employees in 57 countries and said it aims for a headcount of 54,000 in 2015.

Along with Credit Suisse, the second-largest Swiss bank, UBS is on the list of the 29 "global systemically

important banks" that the Basel, Switzerland-based Bank for International Settlements, the central bank for central banks, considers too big to fail.

In 2008, UBS was forced to seek a bailout from the Swiss government when it was hard hit by the financial crisis and its fixed-income unit had more than $50 billion in losses. U.S. authorities fined UBS $780 million in 2009 for helping U.S. citizens avoid paying taxes. The U.S. government has since been pushing Switzerland to loosen its rules on banking secrecy and has been trying to shed its image as a tax haven, signing deals with the United States, Germany and Britain to provide greater assistance to foreign tax authorities seeking information on their citizens' accounts.

In April, Ermotti called Switzerland's tax disputes with the United States and some European nations "an economic war" putting thousands of jobs at risk.

In September 2011 the bank announced more than $2 billion in losses and blamed a 32-year-old rogue trader, Kweku Adoboli, at its London office for Britain's biggest-ever fraud at a bank.

Britain's financial regulator fined UBS, saying its internal controls were inadequate to prevent Adoboli, a relatively inexperienced trader, from making vast and risky bets. Adoboli has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

Four banks found guilty of fraud MILAN — An Italian judge found four international banks guilty of fraud in a case involving the sale of derivatives to the city of Milan and ordered the confiscation of 88 million euros, about $117 million.

Judge Oscar Magi on Wednesday convicted Deutsche Bank, UBS, JPMorgan and Depfa Bank, as well as nine current and former bankers. In Italy, institutions may be held responsible as well individuals. The individuals received suspended

sentences of six months to eight months. The banks have denied wrongdoing.

Prosecutors alleged that the city of Milan lost 105 million euros as part of the sale of bonds totaling 1.69 billion euros between 2005 and 2007.

Prosecutor Alfredo Robledo said the verdict recognized the importance of “the fundamental principal of transparency on the part of banks in contracts with public administrations.”

Instagram photos removed from twitter Instagram photos have vanished from Twitter as the photo-sharing app turned off all support for the microblogging site.

Facebook ended all support today for Twitter cards, meaning Twitter users won't be able to view Instagram photos from within their Twitter feeds.

Users are instead greeted by white space where the image formerly appeared.

Twitter noted the move in a blog update this afternoon: "Instagram has disabled photo integration with Twitter. As a result, photos are no longer appearing in Tweets or user photo galleries. While tweeting links to Instagram photos is still possible, you can no longer view the photos on Twitter, as was previously the case."

A Facebook representative pointed out that Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom said last week at the Le Web conference that one of the main reasons his service cut off the Twitter card integration was that Instagram wants its users to view their photos on its own Web site and not on Twitter.

The move comes as Twitter has been restricting access to third-party tweeting software and limiting access that third-party companies such as Instagram get to Twitter users' lists of followers. Last week, Instagram stopped using Twitter's cards feature to let Twitter users see photos shared with Instagram.

Rolled out in June, Twitter cards allow partner Web sites to present their content in a "more engaging way."

Twitter users can expand tweets of participating companies to see content previews, images, videos, and other information. Among the many card offerings is one for photos, which puts an image in the center of a tweet.

However, Twitter appears poised to take on Instagram directly by offering sets of photo filters through its mobile apps, according to areport in The New York Times. The Times reported that "in the coming months, Twitter plans to update its mobile applications to introduce filters for photos that will allow people to share altered images on Twitter and bypass Instagram."

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LOCAL NEWS

TCI Women take charge of Beach Soccer tourney TCI Women dominated the Women’s Beach Soccer Festival held last weekend. TCI Women ended at the top of the table with 9 points, having only been beaten by the local counterparts, TCI Under 16.

Josh Williams of the TCI is one of Northwood School club hockey team players Josh Williams started Josh and his family out playing for the would like to take this Provo Hockey League, opportunity to thank the but left to go to school PHL for their support and play ice hockey and for offering Josh the in Atlanta in 2007. chance to be introduced Here he to the wonderful game of represented GA in hockey. state tournaments and The Northwood played for The Atlanta School club hockey team Thrashers travel team. posted a 3-1 victory over Then he moved to Saranac Lake in a nonMontreal to play at a league matchup Friday at school there in 2010. the Civic Center.

Unfortunately, soon The Red Storm, who after arriving and marched all the way to playing in Montreal WKH VWDWH ÂżQDO IRXU D \HDU he broke his femur in ago and were hit hard by 2010 and had to have graduation, took a 1-0 Josh Williams surgery to realign the leg in 2011, meaning that lead on an early goal, but the Huskies answered he missed a whole year of hockey. with the next three to improve to 9-6-3. Saranac This didn't deter Josh from playing and he's Lake dropped to 1-2-1 with the loss. now experiencing success playing in Lake Placid Northwood scored two huge second-period NY for Northwood High School. goals and added an empty-netter to claim the win.

Josh's passion and determination to play After Ethan Sawyer scored 3:06 into the game to hockey is unwavering and he aims to get a give the Red Storm the early edge, the Huskies scholarship to play hockey at the college level. evened the score on a shorthanded tally from Ian In pursuit of his dreams, he'll be trying out for the Nathan, and jumped ahead when Josh Williams Philadelphia Flyers Junior A team over Christmas. netted what proved to be the game-winner on a We'd like to wish Josh luck and can't wait to hear breakaway with just one tick left on the secondthe good news that he's made the team. period clock.

JamTurk tame Jaguars

Man of the Match Leon Clair

A superb bowling performance by Leon Clair n enabled Jam Turk to comprehensively beat the Guyana Jaguars as the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association T20 Competition continued on Saturday December 15th at the Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales.

Jaguars elected to bat after winning the toss and dismissed for a modest 100 runs from 15.5 overs. Top scorers were: Walter Henry with 27 runs, 5x4 and Sean Khan with 22 runs and 4x4.

Bowling for Jam Turk, Leon Clair snatched 5 wickets for 19 runs from 3.5 overs. Jeffrey Bascoe took 2 wickets for 13 runs from 3 overs.

When JamTurk batted they reached the target losing 2 wickets in 15.5 overs, Jeffrey Bascoe top scored with an unbeaten 34 runs and 6x4 and Douglas Brown added 27 runs not out.

Bowling for Jaguars, Winick Caleb and Walter Henry took 1 wicket each from 4 overs

BCQS Bears Too Strong For The Vix Warriors 7KH ÂżQDO ZHHNHQG RI WKH MXQLRU UXJE\ year once again saw tremendous numbers converge on Meridian Field, with children from WR \HDUV ROG HQMR\LQJ WKHPVHOYHV XQGHU the watchful eye of TCI Rugby Football Union volunteer coaches. In the under 19 clash, The Vix Warriors and BCQS Bears sides ripped into proceedings with Christmas break bragging rights on their minds.

The BCQS Bears will be enjoying their Christmas Day turkey just a little more as it turns out, as they took full advantage of their edge in experience over The Vix Warriors who were missing a couple of key personnel. After an opening period which saw some almighty contact and big commitment from both teams, the Warriors found themselves defending at a ruck just out from their own line and weren’t quick enough to stop Andrew Seymour burrowing over from close UDQJH IRU WKH ¿UVW WU\ RI WKH PDWFK 6H\PRXU ZDV LQ again shortly after, this time the result of some real ¿QHVVH IURP KLV WHDP PDWHV DV VOLFN SDVVLQJ DQG VNLOIXO RIÀRDGLQJ FUHDWHG WKH VSDFH IRU WKH QDWLRQDO under-19 scrumhalf to get outside the defence.

The Vix Warriors were showing no signs of giving up and battled valiantly with the ball in hand an in defence. However they just could not generate the go forward against the strong BCQS Bears defence to get out of their own half. Instead it was Joshua Swann, one of the most improved performers of the current season, who came up with an unstoppable surge, running hard and straight at the narrowest of gaps in the green wall and blasting through it to give the Bears a 15 – 0 half time lead.

BCQS Bears captain Franco Mompremier had been at the heart of most of his team’s efforts in the ¿UVW KDOI DQG KH ZDV LQ WKH WKLFN RI WKH DFWLRQ DJDLQ VRRQ DIWHU WKH EUHDN VQXI¿QJ RXW D SURPLVLQJ Warriors attack with an excellent turnover.

Mompremier then broke the line before producing D TXDOLW\ RIĂ€RDG ZLWK WKUHH RSSRQHQWV KDQJLQJ RII him to lay on a superb counter attacking try for Scott Glinton.

Glinton had the taste for the try line now and Mompremier was again the creator, providing irresistible go forward to get in behind the defence of The Vix Warriors. The Bears moved the ball

quickly from the ensuing ruck and Glinton was on KDQG WR ÂżQLVK LW RII 7KH :DUULRUVÂś WLUHG GHIHQFH was battling hard but the weight of possession told and a dummy from Lincoln Outten saw him stride through untouched to underline a well-deserved YLFWRU\ DQG PDNH WKH ÂżQDO VFRUH Âą WR WKH %&46 Bears. They were more than worthy winners and put on an excellent team performance.

The Vix Warriors were unlucky not to score and showed no shortage of courage, featuring hard working players all over the park. Frankie Forbes and Edwardson Jean made several good runs and tackles between them and Michael Williams was FORVH WR WKH EHVW SOD\HU RQ WKH ¿HOG The TCIRFU would like to thank all the participants and volunteer coaches for their efforts in 2012 and they look forward to resuming early in 2013. There will be a Rugby Holiday Camp on Monday 17th, Wednesday 19th and Friday 21st of December at Meridian Field. Under 11s (boys and girls) are from 10am – 12pm and over 11s (boys and girls) are from 1pm – 3pm. Interested parties FDQ FRQWDFW 7&,5)8 5XJE\ 'HYHORSPHQW 2I¿FHU Jamie Tait at rdo@rugby.tc

Page 42

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

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ESPN suspends Rob Parker READ ON PAGE 44

Peyton Manning tops fan voting Peyton Manning, who has come back from multiple neck surgeries to lead the Denver Broncos to the AFC West title, received the most Pro Bowl votes from fans on NFL.com, the league announced.

Manning, who has 31 touchdown passes and has thrown for 4,016 yards this season, topped the fan balloting with 993,045 votes cast on NFL.com.

Fan balloting was closed Dec. 17.

The fan voting is one-third of the equation in determining the Pro Bowl teams and is combined with voting by the league's players and coaches, who will cast their votes Thursday and Friday.

The Pro Bowl teams will be announced Dec. 26.

Manning was followed in the fans' voting by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (908,099);

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (829,591); Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson

(828,225); and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (777,827).

Rounding out the top 10 were

NHL cancels all games through Jan. 14 NEW YORK -- The NHL could be one step away from canceling another hockey season because of a labor fight with the players.

In the latest round of cancellations, the NHL on Thursday wiped out all games through Jan. 14. More than 50 percent of the schedule has been lost, and the rest is now in great danger, too. ''I don't want to characterize what today's cancellations mean or don't mean,'' NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press in an email. ''I will stand on the announcement that was made.''

So far, 625 regular-season games have been called off, including nearly 100 in the announcement made Thursday - the 96th day of the NHL's lockout. The New Year's Day Winter Classic and the All-Star game also have been lost.

The NHL had previously canceled games through Dec. 30.

Daly said in a radio interview Wednesday that mid-January is likely the latest the sides could go to make a deal to save the season. When pressed, however, he said he expects the season will be played.

No drop-dead date has been announced by the NHL, which is the only North American professional sports league to cancel a season because of to a labor dispute. The 2004-05 season was lost to a lockout.

Daly said the sides hadn't been in contact with each other Thursday, and no new talks are planned.

The groups have remained apart since two days of meetings with a federal mediator last week produced no progress. There haven't been

negotiations since Dec. 6 in New York, when talks broke down after a few days of bargaining.

Since the sides split last week, there has been limited contact - phone calls and a brief email exchange.

The NHL believes negotiations should resume only when there is something new to say. ''I don't think either party is refusing a meeting,'' Daly said Wednesday. ''But unless there is an indication one side or the other is prepared to move or has a new idea to move the process forward - and so far neither side has indicated - I am not sure what we would do at the meeting. ''What is the agenda? Who is directing the conversation? We don't have anything new to say right now.''

Union executive director Donald Fehr said Wednesday he was glad to hear Daly's belief that there would be a season, and added he hopes Daly is right. ''Hopefully, we'll get back together and negotiate out the remaining issues as soon as possible,'' Fehr said. ''(We aren't talking) because the owners have not indicated a desire to resume. ''We've indicated any number of times that we're willing to resume when they are (and) we're willing to resume without preconditions.

So we're waiting to hear back from them.''

Last week, the NHL announced it filed a class action suit in the U.S. District Court in New York, seeking to establish that its lockout is legal.

In a filing posted Thursday, the court said the union had three weeks after receiving the suit to file an answer.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (683,943); Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (676,607); Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (646,273); New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (578,753); and Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (564,751).

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who is tied with the San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith for the league lead in sacks with 19½, received the most fan votes for a defensive player with 542,688.

The NFL is the only one of the four major American professional sports leagues to determine its All-Star teams by combining fans', players' and coaches' votes.

The Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on Jan. 27, 2013.

US and Canada rise in year-end FIFA rankings...as does Haiti Say what you will about FIFA rankings — and we're sure you will have plenty to say — but they do give us a way to measure national teams when head-to-head competition isn't available.

If the just-released year-end 2012 rankings are any indication, the Jurgen Klinsmann revolution is starting to pay dividends, as the US rose six spots, as compared with last year, to finish at No. 28.

The US, who in 2012 posted its joint best-ever record (9W, 2L, 3D), were powered by friendly wins against heavyweights Italy and Mexico. On the other hand, the Yanks' struggles during the third round of World Cup qualifying hurt, leaving them in their third-lowest final ranking in the past decade.

Canada, who failed to advance to the Hexagonal again, climbed eight spots to No. 64, their highest ranking since 2009 and third-highest final ranking in the last decade.

Several other CONCACAF nations, most notably Mexico, Cuba, and Haiti, shot up in the rankings.

El Tri jumped back into the top 20 for the first time since 2009, finishing up six spots at No. 15.

Cuba, thanks to their title run in last week's Caribbean Cup, leapt 41 spots (compared to the November ranking) to finish at No. 100, and Haiti rose 18 points to No. 39 — third-highest position among CONCACAF sides — on the back of their third-place finish in the same tournament.

Obviously, though, the Haitians are not better than CONCACAF middleweights like Panama (No. 51), Jamaica (No. 56), Honduras (No. 58), and Costa Rica (No. 66) — all of whom qualified for the Hexagonal with the US and Mexico.

So, like we said, say what you will about the FIFA rankings.

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

English players warned over BPL English cricket remains "very nervous" about the participation of players in the Bangladesh Premier League and has warned those taking part of the risks.

The head of the players' union does not believe any significant improvements have been made since last year's controversial debut edition.

Alex Hales, Luke Wright and Ravi Bopara are the highest-profile English players to have been bought by franchises although a host of other county cricketers have been snapped up. Michael Lumb and James Taylor, who both play for Nottinghamshire alongside Hales, withdrew from the auction. All the players who earned deals on Thursday are understood to have been granted No-Objection Certificates by their counties but not without concerns.

"We remain very nervous about the competition," Angus Porter, the chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, told ESPNcricinfo. "I don't see any evidence that the competition is going to be better off or better organised than it was last year. I'm not sure anyone involved in the game is very comfortable with this event.

"We haven't yet seen any final contracts, we are uncomfortable with the proposed payment schedule for players. We brought all the issues we can to the attention of players but at the end of the day it is their decision whether they go. From a financial and organisational point of view, we still think the tournament has a lot to prove."

Following the first edition of the

BPL last year players suffered from delayed payments and the PCA had to get heavily involved to ensure money was delivered. Although those issues have now been resolved some of the coaches and backroom staff from the 2012 tournament are still without fees.

A new payment structure is in place for this year's tournament with players receiving 25% before the tournament, another quarter before it finishes then the remaining 50% within six months but Porter does not believe this system is any more secure.

"The proposed payment schedule for this year is actually worse than last year," he said. "The players will get to the end of the tournament with only 25% of the fee in their pocket if it goes to plan and of that a chuck is having to go to an agent proposed by the BPL.

They won't have an awful lot of money even if the schedules are met until a considerable time after the tournament.

That is far from satisfactory, given the events of last year."

The other significant area of concern was the policing of corruption.

Porter has spoken to a number of the players involved in the auction to outline the risks and the PCA's concerns, but he also understands why some continue to pursue an opportunity.

"A number of players I've spoken to have said they want to go for the experience and boost their talents," he said. "They are aware of the risk they are taking. I am concerned though that the tournament is sending a signal to organisers of tournaments that you can mess with players and not deliver an event that has the governance you want to have."

ESPN suspends Serena Williams expected to play at Brisbane Rob Parker

BRISBANE, Australia -- Brisbane International organizers say Serena Williams still plans to compete in the Dec. 30-Jan. 5 event despite minor surgery on her big toes that forced her to withdraw from a Dec. 29 exhibition in Thailand.

Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson said Thursday he had been assured by Williams' agent that the WTA player of the year will ''be fit and ready'' for the event at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Williams has been affected by chronic foot problems since treading on glass and badly cutting both feet in 2010.

The five-time Australian Open winner played at last year's Brisbane International but pulled out because of an ankle injury at the quarterfinals. Later in the year, she won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the women's singles title in the London Olympics.

ESPN has suspended commentator Rob Parker for 30 days for comments he made about Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III during a Dec. 13 episode of "First Take."The suspension comes one day after Parker issued an apology on his Twitter account. On the show, he was discussing Griffin's answer to a question about Griffin's role as an AfricanAmerican quarterback, and Parker questioned Griffin's "blackness," citing that the player has a white fiancée and is rumored to be Republican.

Among his comments, Parker, who is black, said: "Is he a brother or a cornball brother?"

In his apology, Parker said he reached out to Griffin's agent with the hope of apologizing to Griffin directly.

"I blew it and I'm sincerely sorry," Parker posted on Twitter.

"I completely understand how the issue of race in sports is a sensitive one and needs to be handled with great care."

ESPN issued a statement Thursday announcing the suspension.

"Our review of the preparation for the show and the re-air has established that mistakes both in judgment and communication were made," said Marcia Keegan, vice president of production for ESPN who oversees "First Take."

"As a direct result, clearly inappropriate content was aired and then re-aired without editing. Both were errors on our part. To address this, we have enhanced the editorial oversight of the show and have taken appropriate disciplinary measures with the personnel responsible for these failures.

"We will continue to discuss important issues in sports on 'First Take,' including race. Debate is an integral part of sports and we will continue to engage in it on 'First Take.' However, we believe what we have learned here and the steps we have taken will help us do all that better."

Watson will be next US Ryder Cup captain The P.G.A. of America on Thursday named Tom Watson the captain of the United States Ryder Cup team for the 2014 event at Gleneagles in Scotland.

Watson, 63, was the American captain in 1993, the last time the United States won the Cup on foreign soil. The United States has lost seven of the past nine Ryder Cups, including a devastating loss at Medinah this fall, when the Europeans came back from 10-6 deficit on the final day to win.

Watson, who will be 65 when the 2014 event is played, would be the oldest Ryder Cup captain since the competition began in 1927. He is also the first repeat captain for the United States team since Jack Nicklaus in 1987.

(Nicklaus, incidentally, designed the course at Gleneagles that will be used for the 2014 Cup.) On Tuesday at a media roundtable, Ted Bishop, the P.G.A. president, had hinted that the P.G.A. was going to “doing something a little bit different” with the captaincy because “we’re tired of losing.”

The phrase “tired of losing” was repeated several times during Thursday’s news conference at the Empire State Building. There is no doubt Watson was chosen for his expertise in links golf and his success playing in Scotland, which is hosting the Ryder Cup for only the second time. Among his eight major titles, five came at the British Open, and four of those were on courses in Scotland. At the news conference, Bishop noted “how revered this gentleman is in

Scotland.”

Bishop said the process of selecting Watson began more than a year ago. The idea came to him after reading Jim Huber’s book “Four Days in July,” which is about Watson’s improbable run at the 2009 British Open at age 59. When Bishop called Watson to gauge his interest, Watson said, “Boy, I’ve been waiting for this call for a long time.”

“I always wanted to be captain again,” Watson said.

In recent years, the P.G.A. had chosen former major winners and Ryder Cup veterans in their mid40s who were still active on the PGA Tour, including Davis Love III, Corey Pavin and Paul Azinger. Watson currently plays only three events on the regular tour: the Masters, the British Open and the Greenbriar Classic. But he said he would consider adding one of two more PGA tournaments to his playing schedule.

Watson said little in Thursday’s news conference to reveal his philosophy as captain.

Noting his proximity to Broadway, he described himself as a stage manager.

“I prepare the stage for the actors,” Watson said.

But he did say he was evaluating the selection criteria and wondered whether four captain’s picks for the U.S. team was too many.

Beginning with the 2008 Ryder Cup, the American captain has had four discretionary picks for the 12-man roster, while the European team has two. In the aftermath of the Americans’ loss at Medinah, Love was second-guessed over his captain’s picks.

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Happy Holidays & a Properous New Year from your Digicel TCI Family!

www.digiceltci.com | Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and caicos Islands | Tel:649 946 8542 | Fax: 649 941 3281

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High Court Judge allows Cheshire Hall/Richmond Hill elections petition to go forward In a landmark ruling, Acting Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale on Thursday dismissed an application

by Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick to have an election petition filed by People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate Oral Selver struck out.

This ruling paves the way for a Supreme Court hearing on January 6th 2013 that will determine if there will be a by-election in the Cheshire Hall/Richmond Hill constituency.

In her ruling, Ramsay-Hale said the first issue for the Court when considering an election petition is whether there was an irregularity in the election process and then to determine whether, notwithstanding the irregularity, the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law as to elections and the irregularity did not affect the result.

“If the irregularity might have affected the result, then even if the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law, the election is invalid,” she said, adding that there is a clear obligation under the Constitution for a candidate seeking nomination to state correctly that he is qualified to be elected under Section 46 and not disqualified under Section 49.

“The Petition alleges a breach of this obligation and avers that it

Amanda Missick

Oral Selver

Ed Smith

invalidates his nomination and as such is an irregularity in the election process which might have affected the result.

In my view, on the authorities to which the Court has been referred, I cannot say the claim is bound to fail,” Judge Ramsay-Hale stated.

She added: “With respect to the second issue raised, which is the matter of the Petitioner’s failure in the Petition to state that he is a registered voter, I do not think it is fatal as Mr. Misick QC suggests in the circumstances where the Electors Register for 2012 is exhibited to the Petition and clearly shows that he is so registered. I concur in the view that no amendment could be allowed to add a new cause of action outside the time limited for the presentation of a

Petition, but I am satisfied that the Court has the power to grant leave to the Petitioner to make the amendments in the terms sought.”

Through her lawyer Ariel Misick, QC, Amanda Missick, the successful candidate for the Progressive National Party (PNP), applied to have the petition filed by Oral Selver struck out as disclosing no cause of action.

In the petition, Selver alleged that Edward Smith is a US Citizen who voluntarily acknowledged allegiance to the United States and was therefore not qualified to be a candidate. Selver contended that but for Smith's nomination, the 58 persons who voted for him might have given their votes to the other candidates including himself, and that because Amanda Missick won

only by a margin of 30, the election results may have been different.

In moving the strike out application, Ariel Misick, QC, submitted that the petition was misconceived in two respects. Firstly, it was submitted that the question of the validity of the nomination of Mr. Smith was different to the question of whether a member was validly elected.

Secondly, it was submitted that if Mr. Smith was disqualified from being elected, that did not mean that the votes given to him did not count. It was further submitted that whether the 58 votes for Mr. Smith was counted or thrown out, Amanda Missick would still have won.

• SEE FULL TEXT OF RULING ON PAGE 14

Turks and Caicos Islands Crime and Incident reports The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a threat made against a police officer, which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 8AM. The Police officer was visiting a home in the Kew Town area of Providenciales when the incident occurred. He was approached by a male person and while identifying himself as a Police Officer the male person reached into his car and pulled out a cutlass and made threats towards him.

Additional police officers responded and arrested the male. Further investigations are being conducted by Beat & Patrol officers. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 3:54PM. A 41 year old male resident of Long Bay, Providenciales reported that he secured his home at 8AM and upon his return at 3:45PM, discovered that his home had been broken into.

Missing are numerous electronic items. Further investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 7:31PM. A 42 year old male resident of Cheshire Hall, Providenciales reported that he secured his home at 9:20AM and upon his return at 7:30PM, discovered that his home had been

broken into and ransacked. Missing are numerous electronic items.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Thursday December 20th 2012 at 2:44AM. Two female residents of Kew Town, Providenciales, reported that they secured their home on Wednesday December 19, 2012 at 4:15PM and upon their return at 2:45AM, discovered that their home had been broken into. Missing are numerous electronic items.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 11:25AM. A female resident of Grand Turk reported that the home of her Uncle was broken into. The residence was secured on Friday December 14th, 2012 at 10AM and at 11:25AM found to have been broken into. Nothing appeared to be missing. Investigations are continuing. *** The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are also investigating a Burglary which was reported on Wednesday December 19th 2012 at 6:30PM. A male resident of Grand Turk reported that he secured his Uncle’s home at

6AM and upon his return at 6PM, he heard a noise inside the house. Upon going to the rear of the house, he saw someone running out of the house with a TV in his hands. Missing is a black 27 inch TV. *** Police are appealing to the public who may have any information about these incidents to call the Police on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA. *** On Wednesday December 19th, 2012 at 11:35AM, Vanessa Carter of Grand Turk DOB 20/05/1988, was found guilty for the offences of Common Assault, Disturbing the Peace, Using an Offensive Weapon so as to Cause Fear, Resisting Arrest, Assault on a Police Officer, Violent Language and Use of Abusive Language. Ms. Carter was sentenced to twelve (12) months’ probation with conditions. *** On Wednesday December 19th, 2012 at 11:40AM, Justin Francis of Grand Turk DOB 06/04/1991, pled guilty for the offence of Driving without due care and attention and was fined $700.00USD to be paid within twenty eight (28) days or four (4) weeks imprisonment. ***

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Cliff - what Cliff? Caribbean countries scrambling alone

By Sir Ronald Sanders It is not only the people of the United States that should be praying that their political leaders have enough sense not to push themselves off the socalled “fiscal cliff”, but the rest of the world as well.

“Fiscal cliff” is a shorthand term used to describe the serious challenge that the US government will face at the end of 2012. In the US Congress, Republicans want to cut government spending and avoid raising taxes particularly on the wealthy who, they say, are the investors and job creators, while Democrats are looking for a combination of government spending cuts and tax increases especially on the wealthy.

The consequences of not reaching a compromise by year-end are far-reaching including pushing the US into another period of recession. But it seems that the bitterness surrounding the Presidential election, in which Barack Obama was elected to a second term, continues to define the Republican attitude to negotiations, and if it doesn’t cause them all to go over the “fiscal cliff”, it will create so much uncertainty that investors – including those who are large purchasers of US bonds – would be reluctant to invest. Even families, faced with the uncertainty over new taxes or job losses, have begun to rein in their spending and this will have an effect on the economy, probably leading to no growth and higher unemployment.

One would have though the political leaders of the world’s largest economy and a super-power would have been capable of greater maturity than they have shown in negotiating sensible positions in the interest of their people. But, it appears that large size and big population are no more a summons to responsibility than are small size and small population. The quest for narrow political victory overrides wider national interest every time and everywhere.

But that is not the only problem that the US faces. There is yet another hurdle to jump. If it is not met satisfactorily, it will also have an impact on the global economy and, especially, on countries for whom trade, investment and remittances are important. This hurdle is the limit on US debt.

Congress set that limit at a staggering $16.4 trillion, but by the next three months, the US is likely to hit that limit with a bang, requiring Congressional approval to increase it. Another set of political bickering will then begin which may lead only to

stop-gap measures and not the comprehensive solution that is required.

For countries in the Caribbean, if the US problems are not solved, they can expect fewer tourists, less investment and much reduced remittances.

And while the US will have to wrangle itself out of its dreadful situation, the Eurozone area of the European Union (EU) countries has been facing one difficulty after another in relation to the level of debt among several of its member-countries. In the first quarter of 2012, combined EU economic activity was flat, and in the second quarter it actually contracted.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) - the premier joint economic think-tank of both the US and the EU warns in a report that Europe’s debt crisis is “a far bigger threat to the world's economy” than the US ‘fiscal cliff’ and “could drag Europe into a deep recession in the next two years and the US along with it”. The OECD says that unemployment is high with around 50 million jobless people in the entire OECD area. Worryingly, it also says unemployment is set to remain high, or even rise further, in many countries unless structural measures are used to boost near-term employment growth. But, so far, governments have mounted no programmes to deal with unemployment as aggressively and effectively as the situation warrants.

So, while the US “fiscal cliff” is proving to be as precipitous to the Caribbean as it is to the US, events in Europe offer no golden parachute.

Emerging markets do have some answers that appear to be eluding the US and many of the EU countries. According to the same OECD, “after softer-than-expected activity during 2012, growth has begun picking up in the emerging-market economies, with increasingly supportive monetary and fiscal policies offsetting the drag exerted by weak external demand. China is expected to grow at 8.5% in 2013 and 8.9% in 2014, while GDP is also expected to gather steam in the coming years in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa”.

The better situation in the emerging markets is good news. If they continue to grow and begin to promote consumption in their own economies through increased imports from the US and the EU, this will have the effect of boosting those economies, reducing their fiscal deficits and improving employment.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 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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The news is not so good for small countries that have tied themselves almost exclusively to the US and EU for trade and investment, and which, while some of them have developed relations with China in particular, have neglected the opportunities that exist in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa. Even with regard to the Chinese, trade is largely one way in China’s favour and loans – mainly for construction that employs a majority of Chinese labour – makes very little immediate impact on the economies while increasing their debt levels.

Of the 15 independent countries of the Caribbean made up of the 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, and the Dominican Republic (DR), only six - the Bahamas, Belize, DR, Guyana, Haiti and Suriname recorded over 2 per cent growth in 2011. Of the other 9, four actually had negative growth, and growth in the remaining 5 was marginal.

Guyana and Suriname are the two sole countries that have enjoyed an average growth rate of 4 per cent over the last five years.

It may well be argued that many of the Caribbean countries have already fallen off their own fiscal cliff and are failing to rescue themselves through cooperation and integration in their regional and international arrangements that might be a more viable way of saving themselves, than limited national scrambling.

But then, maybe it’s a case of “cliff – what cliff?”

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN’S LETTERS POLICY

The Turks and Caicos SUN welcomes Letters to the Editor.

Letters containing libelous or defamatory charges, personal attacks or abusive language will not be considered for publication.

We would prefer letters of 500 words or less, and we will not print anonymous letters or letters tagged with initials.

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

Page 8

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Veranda axes 43 jobs

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Government has requested a report from the Sandals Group and its latest acquired property – The Veranda Resort and Residences as to how locals would fair on their employment scale in the wake of the hotel sale.

Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing made the announcement at a news conference held at the Tourist Board’s Conference Room in the Bight on Friday, December 20. He reiterated that the transaction between the Sandals Group and owners of the Veranda Resort was a private matter which was facilitated by the former

Interim Administration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He said though, that Government would ensure that they hold up their end of the bargain.

“It is indeed public knowledge that the owner of the Veranda Resort, for some time now, was looking for a buyer and was in dialogue with the owners of Beaches for some time. The recent sale of Veranda to Sandals Group is a private transaction that was not facilitated by the current Government. However, there were discussions between Beaches and the Interim Administration on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding that would apply in the event that the purchase was made.

“My Government is currently continuing those discussions on the MOU, which would seek to acquire more and improve educational community employment and financial benefits for the government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Veranda Resort had the highest percentage of local staff in the hotel industry, and it is our intention to see that this increased number of local employees continues with the new owners,” Premier Ewing said.

Dr. Ewing continued: “The Ministry has requested a detailed report from Veranda and Beaches highlighting the before and after picture of the purchase. Veranda, to date, has reported that with a staff

complement of 187 workers, 156 applied to Beaches. A hundred and fifty were interviewed, and 145 were given job offers.”

Ewing said that the Labour Department was present on the hotel’s closing date and had ensured that employees got their appropriate redundancy payments. Premier Ewing said that he had given instructions to the employment services of the Labour Department to actively intervene and facilitate employment of all Turks and Caicos Islanders, who are qualified, willing and able to take up employment with Beaches Resorts, saying that he was confident that such instruction would be carried out.

Margaret Ramsay-Hale is Acting Chief Justice Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale has been sworn in as the acting Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from December 17th 2012 to January 11, 2013 by His Excellency Governor Ric Todd.

Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough is on vacation.

Ramsay-Hale, a former Chief Magistrate of the Cayman Islands, is currently the most senior judge on the Supreme Court after Goldsbrough.

A Jamaican, Ramsay-Hale holds a degree in economics from the London School of Economics in addition to her law degree from the University of the West Indies.

Prior to her arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands she was appointed a Judge of the Family Court in St James, Jamaica, eventually moving to the Criminal Courts as a Resident Magistrate for the parish.

She then moved to Cayman Islands to serve as a Magistrate of

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the Summary Court and she sat as an Acting Judge of the Grand Court for several months.

Ramsay-Hale is the daughter of the late legendary Jamaican attorney Ian

Ramsay, QC, who is widely regarded as one of the best lawyers in the history of the Caribbean and who was the first Jamaican lawyer to earn the distinction of Queen’s Counsel.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 9

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Coastal Radar station down

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The full operating capacity of the newly-commissioned Coastal Radar Station was made handicapped reportedly by a power outage on the weekend, and technicians reportedly said it would take up to six weeks to make full restoration.

Premier Dr. Ewing made the announcement while addressing a news conference on Thursday, December 20 in Providenciales.

Before the radar station went down, boats arrived detected and undetected, and pundits said the country should brace itself for further influx of the illegal immigrants. This scenario could force the already meagre and overworked staff at the Immigration Department to work even harder.

“The radar, which experienced a malfunction during a power outage over the weekend, is scheduled to be back on line within the next 24 hours.

Technicians are currently in the country addressing the problem with the radar system. However, we have been informed that even though the radar may be up and running, its efficiency in detection will be diminished because of a malfunction of a piece of equipment during the power outage.

“We know that we had some issues with back-up generator; I think that has been solved in collaboration with Fortis. We also have some problems with the device that determines the resolution of objects in the water. That has been damaged and need a replacement part. Even though you can (radar) still pick-up objects, the degree to which you can pick them up is being diminished. The radar is functioning but not optimally.

“And this will take a few weeks to be fully corrected. During this period, we have, however, stepped up

: Premier Rufus Ewing (left) addresses the news conference, while looking on are Hon. Washington Misick (centre) Minister for Finance and Tourism and Hon. George Lightbourne, Minister for Government Support Services

surveillance of our borders by the Marine Police Branch and sought assistance from the US Coast Guard and the Bahamas Defense Force,” Ewing said.

In the meantime, the premier said that progress has been made with the capture of scores of illegal migrants, who arrived by boat in recent days.

Over the past week there has been several illegal sloop landings undetected and detected. Several persons who arrived undetected were eventually captured and detained after Immigration and Police Task Force were deployed in round-up exercises.

I am pleased to inform that two flights containing 54 Haitian nationals left Turks and Caicos bound for Haiti yesterday (Wednesday, December 19).

Included in the 54 are also the 15 detainees that were being held in South

Caicos from an undetected landing on an unknown Cay off South Caicos. A third flight is scheduled to leave today (December 20). There were 17 Haitian national confirmed so far on this flight.

Once the flight is launched, there would only be five Haitian nationals left at the detention centre (on Providenciales),” Premier Ewing revealed.

Premier Ewing also revealed that the situation of cost of detention and repatriation of illegal Haitians has become a grave concern to his administration. To this end, he said that he had discussions as well as writing to His Excellency Governor Ric Todd, and copied the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, seeking funding to tackle this scourge.

The UK is responsible to national security of its Overseas Territories,

including the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Premier Ewing noted also that his Administration would be seeking to strengthen security at the detention centre in a bid to prevent break-outs by detainees. He said also that his government would be stepping up capture, detention and repatriation of illegal immigrants, regardless of the mode of entry or method by which their status became illegal.

“To this end we will adopt a zero tolerance policy for the facilitation of harbouring of illegal immigrants and maximum penalties for employers who continue to employ persons without work permit or failed to notify the relevant immigration department about the expiration of their employee’s work permit to facilitate their repatriation,” he said.

Revising VAT on the table for Government A second option to the alternative of Value Added Tax (VAT) by the Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewingled Government is revising that tax measure, so it would not have the level of negative impact that many have predicted.

Addressing the media on Thursday, December 20, at the Tourist Board’s conference room in the Bight, Dr. Ewing said that his administration was willing to revise VAT, but only if all else fails. He was not willing to give too many details as to what a revised VAT would look like.

“There are many ways in which you can revise VAT. I wouldn’t go into some of those details, but some of them have to do with the way you calculate the customs tariff duties or whether or not we do it on FOB. There are many ways you could calculate it which makes it having less negative impact on the population. We could even lower the rates.

“Those are options you could look at. But those are all the things we are remodeling to see whether or not VAT on revise one is still an option or whether or

not the alternative is the best option. That is the reason we have to bring all these options to the people,” Premier Ewing said.

Ewing pointed out further that while he could not speak for the opposition, he was aware that they had taken an anti-VAT stance, and so, he believed that should a bill to repeal the tax make it to parliament, he was confidence that it would be repealed.

Revealing his latest dialogue between his government and the FCO, Premier Ewing said: “What they are now saying is that, any alternative plan we have to VAT, we have to implement it by April 1st, and I told them that, that can’t happen. You can’t do a rush job on an alternative VAT plan and try to put it in place for April 1st. That is just as reckless as the previous administration did in trying to push VAT forward.”

Value Added Tax, which essentially is general consumption tax, will be implemented as of April 1, to give government a steady revenue stream. The tax was passed into law during the reign of the Interim Administration earlier this year. Under the new tax

regime, almost all goods and services could come under the tax axe. VAT detractors said that its implementation could have a debilitating effect on especially on the poor among us, claiming that it would sink them further into poverty.

Ewing had campaigned against the implementation of VAT during the course of the election, held on November 9, and now he is batting to not have it implemented. To this end, he has made representation to His Excellency Governor Ric Todd that his government would come up with an alternative revenue stream. The PNP Administration originally asked for one year to come up with the plan, but later shaved the timeframe to six months.

However, so far, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not budged, saying that they were not convinced that the local government could craft a credible alternative to their suit over the period that it put forward. They said also that they may be able to grant the wish only if the alternative could be implemented on April 1, 2013.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

36 benefit from Scotia’s Christmas Basket programme

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Thirty five individuals on Providenciales will have a brighter Christmas thanks to Scotiabank’s management and staff who rolled up their sleeves to prepare the packages and doled them out on Tuesday, December 18, under its Christmas Basket initiative.

Managing Director for Scotiabank, Cecil Arnold, told the media that at this time of the year Scotiabank wanted to play its part in bringing joy to the lives of others, and that it was the second year in a row that the institution was performing the benevolent gesture.

“Last year we started this Basket Initiative, and it was primarily North Caicos; we did a little bit here (Provo).

This year we want to repeat the same thing, and because we are focusing on Provo, we engaged the Salvation Army and the Social Services Department to provide us with names of needy families and individuals. The thought was that, whatever little we can do to help somebody have a better Christmas this year, we would do it.

Cecil Arnold, Managing Director for Scotiabank, presents a bag of groceries to one of the recipient of the Christmas Basket programme.

It’s the whole idea of giving back to the community,” he said.

Arnold said that more baskets were prepared this year over last year.

Last year 24 baskets of groceries were handed out, while this year the number has grown to 35.

When asked as to the cost of

getting the groceries together Arnold said: “It is more of finding the right items to put in the bags; not a cost issue.”

He said that the baskets were laden with non-perishable items such as canned foods, rice and grits. A chicken was also part of the package.

Some of the recipients were on hand to collect their Christmas goodies, while Arnold said that others would have theirs transported to them. Those who were on hand location at the Cherokee Road branch of the in financial institution to collect their gifts were also serenaded with corals by a member of staff.

Page 12

LOCAL NEWS ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE OFFICER Reporting to: Director TCI RC, task managers: Head of Office, GT Responsible for: Finance and basic administration Location: Grand Turk, TCI Contract length: 1 year Background to programme Running activities in Admin and Finance of the TCI RC Job purpose Ensure a fluent financial and administration management of GT sub branch in relation to the overall TCI RC (national level) Provide basic admin support to the GT office and its programs- First Aid, Thrift Store, Psychosocial Support, Restoring Family Links, and Fundraising.

Provide administrative as well as financial day to day running of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme.

Duties and responsibilities RUNNING ACTIVITIES TCI RC • Providing TCI RC national level with monthly accounts, variance analysis, forecasts and cash requests and department copies of variance analysis.

• Facilitating and verifying payments including ensuring correct authorisation • Review of key controls such as bank reconciliations, cash reconciliations • Ensuring that the legal requirements of the country are adhered to in respect to contracts, payments, staffing, leases • Ensure value for money obtained through efficient and effective use of funds • Perform ad hoc internal audits • Support in HR administration as required • Support in Logistics administration as required • Attend to all administration tasks in the Grand Turk office, also including reporting at meetings, make bookings, keep petty cash, respond to phone, maintaining office supplies etc.

• Liaise and coordinate closely with the TCI RC Provo office • Any other duties necessary to support the well-running of the office as considered necessary by the line manager.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRR) Finance • Maintain the day-to-day cash of the programme, cash count, cash reconciliation, cash book recording, petty cash, receipts • Do bookkeeping of Programme in close relation with Finance Desk in Headquarters • Execute payments in the context of the programme insuring that authorization as outlined in the Chart of Authority has been obtained • Ensure bank reconciliations at the end of each month • Follow-up on expenditure of programme in line with budgets Administration • Booking of local flights, accommodation etc. for programme • Support the DRRO in volunteer administration, procurement and logistic admin • Support the DRRO when necessary, in communications with stakeholders in the programme Duties applicable to all staff • Work towards the achievement of Red Cross objectives in the country • Adhere to the 7 principles throughout daily responsibilities and in all relations with stakeholders involved to reach the most vulnerable • Provide support and work in Disaster Response Accountability • Work within the larger strategic approaches of the British Red Cross • Maintain open en good relationships with all partners involved

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Grace Bay Beach, Regent Palms top at World Travel Awards

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The Turks and Caicos Islands scored big at the World Travel Awards in India last week when it walked away with the coveted World’s Leading Beach Destination, courtesy of the world famous Grace Bay Beach.

Grace Bay Beach turned back the likes of Bora Bora, Tahiti; Cancun, Mexico; Cape Town, South Africa; Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Goa, India; Maldives; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Mauritius - Trou Aux Biches; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Negril, Jamaica; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Saadiyat beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Seychelles - Praslin Anse Lazio; Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; and Sydney, Australia.

The award followed Grace Bay Beach being named the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination in the Caribbean leg of the awards ceremony, held on Providenciales in September.

That title was not the only accolade that the TCI walked away with; as one of the most prominent resorts here - The Regent Palms – captured the World's Leading Spa Resort.

The Regent Palms won the title from a field of 22 other resorts across the globe, including AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, Indonesia; Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, Mexico; Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, Turkey; Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives; InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai, UAE; and Layana Resort & Spa, Thailand.

Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs was elated at the achievements by the products. He said that the latest tourism attainment speaks to the rich brand that the country has been promoting over the years.

“Along with our tourism partners and stakeholders we are delighted to accept this award as World’s Leading Beach Destination. This is further testament to what we here in the Turks & Caicos have known all along and the world is beginning to find out,” Higgs said in a statement issued by the Tourist Board.

In the Meantime, Graham Cooke, World Travel Awards President and Founder, said it has been evident that the Turks and Caicos Islands brand was growing leaps and bounds, while maintaining its hideaway status that give the discreet guest the idyllic vacation.

“The Turks & Caicos continues to build its reputation as the definitive low-key luxury hideaway, offering stunning beaches away from the public glare,” Cooke said.

World Travel Awards, which will celebrate 20 years existence in 2013, was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

The annual programme is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the travel and tourism industry. In 2011, 791,358 individual votes were cast by travel professionals and consumers in 171 countries. Each year WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective successes within each key geographical region.

The Grand Tour of WTA gala ceremonies are regarded as milestone events in the industry calendar, attended by the industry’s key decision makers, chief figure heads and the leading trade and consumer media.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Young Enterprise dazzles patrons

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The Young Enterprise which moulds young minds with the skills to become future business leaders was launched on Saturday, December 15, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales with much fanfare.

Among the attendees at the event were His Excellency Governor Ric Todd and Deputy Premier Hon. Akierra Misick, who is also Minister of Education, Youth and Sports.

Eight companies comprising 92 students from high schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Edward Gartland Youth Centre on Provo are taking part in the programme.

Youth Director Angela Musgrove, told The SUN that in addition to honing their entrepreneurial skills, the participants in the programme will also develop their employability talent, as well as their personal development.

She explained that under the Young Enterprise Programme, participating groups have been responsible to set up their own business that would last for 12 months.

They are also responsible for, among other things, selling shares, running board meetings, developing a product, a business plan and an advertising scheme.

Musgrove was heartened by the

The Pyro group makes a presentation to Governor Ric Todd

number of persons in the business community who have been committed to the programme and have been working closely with the respective groups to ensure their success.

“We have quite a number of business persons from the community who have come on board as business advisors and the teachers within the schools who work with the teachers as link teachers, to give the students the support to run their businesses. The groups meet on a weekly basis to do their admin. And, they have their set times when they would have engaged

in sales in their various community.

“Scotiabank is our premier sponsor because they donated $30,000 for the set-up and running of the Young Enterprise Programme. And they also have a number of advisors from Scotiabank who work with the various groups.

The programme was put together by the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Department of Youth Affairs. She said also that a number of entities, including the Governor’s Office, were contacted to become partners.

“They (Governor’s Office) were very supportive in seeing the Young Enterprise Business set up. They assisted us in arranging for the Financial Services Commission and the Attorney General’s Chambers to get the right legal form for the Young Enterprise, because each of the businesses has to be set up as legal entities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“So in order to assist us in getting exempt from some of those fees, because we are a youth empowerment company, we had the support of the Governor’s Office, the Financial Services Commission and the Attorney General Chambers on that,” Musgrove said.

Wendy Hill, Treasurer and Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber was approached by the YK Enterprise in London to introduce the programme here, and since the entity was about business and entrepreneurship, it was only too happy to introduce it here.

“We then approached Angela Musgrove of the Youth Department, and we were all excited to get this launched. And based on what I have seen, we are very excited that the programme will do well here. It is well attended and students said that they have started to learn a little bit about business skills and how to do team work,” Hill said.

The Young Enterprise Programme will now be billed as an annual event.

In June after one of the businesses is declared the winner, there will be dissolution of all existing enterprises for the creation of new businesses and competition in September.

As of next year, the winning business will get the opportunity to participate in the International Youth Enterprise Business competition, slated for the UK. Nine groups are taking part in the competition. They are Unique Island National Treats and FrocCo Treat Bar from H.J. Robinson High Schools; Elite and Pros Cooperation and Bright Sparks Enterprise from the Raymond Gardiner High School; Island Heather Incorporated and Premium Quality from the Clement Howell High School; Zion Enterprise from Champions of Christ and Pyro from the Edward Gartland Youth Centre.

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Page 14

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012 LOCAL NEWS ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MARGARET RAMSAY-HALE’S RULING IN CHESHIRE HALL/RICHMOND HILL ELECTION PETITION CASE

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PETITION NO. CL 237/12 IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTIONS ORDINANCE 2012 AND IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 53 OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CONSTITUTION ORDER 2011 AND IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTION OF AMANDA MISSICK AS THE ELECTED MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTORAL DISTRICT NUMBER 7, CHESHIRE HALL AND RICHMOND HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES IN THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD ON THE 9TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2012 BETWEEN: ORAL ISAAC SELVER PETITIONER -AND1. EWARD EMANUEL SMITH 2. AMANDA A. MISSICK 3. SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS 4. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RESPONDENTS BEFORE RAMSAY-HALE J.

Mr. Allan Wood QC for the Petitioner instructed by Alvin Garland of Garland & Co. Mr. Ariel Misick and Mr. Jamal Misick for the 2nd Respondent The 1st Respondent appearing and not represented Heard on the 4th and 5th of December, 2012 The Court also considered the case of Omoth v Ghostkeeper to which it was referred by Counsel for the Petitioner outside of the hearing on the 7th December, the written comments on that decision by Counsel for the Second Respondent which were received on the 11th December the Petitioner’s response dated the 12th December and the Second Respondent’s further response received on the 17th of December, 2012.

RULING 1. This is the ruling on the Second Respondent’s application brought under the Court’s inherent jurisdiction to strike out the Election Petition presented by Mr. Oral Selver, a candidate for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Electoral District in the general election held on the 9th day of November, 2012 on the ground that it discloses no cause of action and is an abuse of process.

THE PETITION 2. The Petition is brought pursuant to s 59 of the Elections Ordinance 2012 on the ground that Ms. Missick was unduly returned as a member of the House of Assembly. The facts as outlined in the Petition are that on Election Day, 844 votes were cast: 58 votes for the First Respondent, 364 for the Petitioner and 394 for the Second Respondent who was declared the winner by a margin of 30 votes.

3. It is asserted by the Petitioner that at the time the First Respondent made the declaration that he was qualified for election under s 46 and not disqualified under s 49 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011, as required by section 50(1), the First Respondent was not qualified to be elected a member of the House by virtue of his allegiance to a foreign state as set out in s 49(1) (a).

The Petitioner contends that only a person who is duly qualified for election can be lawfully nominated and in the result, the First Respondent’s nomination was an irregularity in the election process.

4. The Petition alleges that as a result of the irregularity, 58 votes were cast for the First Respondent. Given there were only 30 votes between the Second Respondent and the Petitioner, had those 58 votes been otherwise given, the outcome of the

election might have been different.

THE SUBMISSIONS 5. Counsel both agree that that, as a matter of law, an election can only be avoided on the grounds identified by Ground CJ in Hanchell v Skippings, that there was either such a defect in the election machinery that the election was not substantially in accordance with the law, or the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law, but there was an irregularity which may have affected the results.

6. The gravamen of the submission made by Mr. Misick QC in his application to strike out the Petition is that the nomination of a person who is disqualified from election to the House of Assembly under s 49(1) (b) is not an irregularity in the election machinery and that once the candidate is duly nominated, votes cast for him must be counted.

Further, it is only where the disqualified candidate wins that the issue of his disqualification becomes a matter that can be raised in an election petition.

Where the candidate who is disqualified from sitting does not win, no petition can be brought against him as he is a candidate for whom votes could be given.

7. In Hobbs v Morey [1904] KB 74, on which he relied in support of his submission, the Court held that the candidate’s disqualification from election to the office of councillor for a ward in a borough did not void the votes cast for him, the disqualification not being apparent on the face of the nomination. His nomination was valid; the votes given for him counted and could not be treated as thrown away.

Kennedy J at p 78 of the judgment said, citing Lord Watson in Pritchard v Mayor of Bangor [1883]13 App Cas 241, “If no objection is made, or if objections are stated and repelled by the mayor, then the nomination becomes a valid nomination. I do not mean to suggest that it is final and conclusive upon questions of disqualification which may be taken to it, but I think it was intended to be conclusive to this effect, that the nomination paper so sustained as valid should form the basis of the election, and that the nominee should be treated as a person for whom votes could be given before the returning officer.’

8. Kennedy J continued, “The expression ‘valid nomination’, therefore, includes the case of a person who is disqualified in fact but whose disqualification is not apparent on the nomination paper, and whose nomination has been sustained by the mayor. That being so, the election must proceed….”

9. In essence, the validity of a candidate’s nomination is not dependent on him being qualified to hold elected office but rather on whether the process of nomination set out in s 27 of the Election Ordinance has been complied with. If it has, then the candidate is duly nominated notwithstanding the information contained in the nomination form is incorrect. If the candidate’s nomination, once published, is not challenged in the Supreme Court as provided for in the Ordinance, the nomination of the candidate must proceed.

10. He also submits that this court has no power on an election petition to consider the validity of a candidate’s nomination as the question on an election petition is whether the candidate was qualified to be elected and not whether he was qualified to be nominated. He contends there is no qualification for nomination on the law, just a process which is contained in s 27 of the Election Ordinance with which the First Respondent had, in any event, complied.

11. He asked the Court to consider that had the Legislature intended that a false declaration invalidate a nomination, it could have said so, as it does in s 29(1) of the Ordinance which provides that, if a candidate fails to deposit the sum of $500 with the Treasury, his nomination “shall not have effect.”

12.

The First Respondent offered himself for election and was duly nominated. Although he was not the successful party, the votes cast for him count and the election results fall to be considered as the expression of the freely exercised franchise by the people in the constituency to vote for their choice of

candidate in the election, ultimately casting 58 votes for the First Respondent, 364 votes for the Petitioner and 394 votes for the Second Respondent. Nothing the First Respondent did prevented voters from polling their votes in favour of their preferred candidates and in the circumstances the petition is bound to fail.

13. Mr. Wood QC in reply challenged the assertion that the Petition could not be brought against the First Respondent as he did not win the election. He referred the Court to the case of Lamb v McLeod [1932] 3WWR 596 where the Court held that there were two kinds of petition, the one where the petitioner seeks to oust the candidate who has been returned or has been declared duly elected and to have another candidate seated as the duly elected candidate and the other which does not attempt to assert the rights of another candidate and is not concerned in securing the seat for another person, but seeks that the seat be vacated on the ground of some act or omission which renders the election void. In Lamb’s case the matter complained of was the casting of votes in an election by 17 persons unqualified to vote where the margin of victory between the candidates was only 5. The Court held at page 3 that “it cannot be said that there was an electing of a member by the majority” as the intrusion by wrongdoers made “it impossible to determine for which candidate the majority of qualified votes were cast.”

14. The Canadian Court followed the decision in Wilson v Ingham (1895) 64 LJQB 775 where again the irregularity complained of had nothing to do with any act or otherwise of the successful candidate. In that case, by a mistake of the clerk of the returning officer, the ballot papers contained the name of a candidate who had withdrawn. The Court held that the election had to be declared void because his name was put on the ballot paper and voters were invited to vote for him when he was not a candidate with the result that thirty-four votes were given for him which, if otherwise given, might have affected the result.

15. In this matter, it is contended that the First Respondent’s false declaration is an irregularity in the election process and a breach of the Constitution by reason of which he was nominated to stand in the election. By virtue of that irregularity, the First Respondent inserted himself into the election as Mr. Wood QC put it and received 58 votes which, if otherwise given, might have affected the result.

16. With respect to the assertion that a candidate’s nomination cannot be challenged in an election petition, Mr. Wood QC submits that there is nothing in the language of s. 50(3) of the Constitution that precludes the question of a candidate’s qualification to be nominated being raised in an election petition brought under s 53 of the Constitution and s 59 of the Ordinance.

THE JURISDICTION TO STRIKE OUT 17. The Court has inherent jurisdiction to stay any action which must fail. If the pleadings do not disclose a cause of action, the Petition may be struck out as an abuse of the process of the Court. The power of the Court to strike out the petition and deprive a party of the opportunity to present his case is a draconian remedy to be exercised only where it is perfectly clear that the action cannot succeed DISCUSSION 18. Mr. Misick QC submits that the question of the validity of a candidate’s nomination cannot be raised in an election petition and further, that the First Respondent, not having been the successful candidate is not a proper party to these proceedings, but I can see no reason in principle to limit the breaches of the statutory obligations which may form the subject matter of an election petition, or any reason in law to limit the persons who may be made party to it. The weight of the authorities goes to show that an election petition may be brought on the ground of any breach in the electoral process which directly affects the outcome of the election.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 15

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MARGARET RAMSAYHALE’S RULING- Cont’d 19. A clear exposition of what is meant by undue election and undue return can be found in the persuasive authority of Payne v Adams [2009] NZHC 508, a decision of the New Zealand High Court cited with approval in the Cayman Islands case of Solomon and Others v Scotland and Seymour [2009] CILR 403, in which the learned Chief Justice undertook a careful review of the law with respect to election petitions. The learned Chief Justice quoted from the judgment of the Court in Payne at para 84 as follows “Having considered the statutory history, structure and purposes of the Electoral Act 1993, we conclude that a complaint about the process by which a political party has selected a candidate for electoral purposes [the complaint then before the court] may not be the subject of a petition complaining of ‘an unlawful election or unlawful return’ [terms the court held earlier (at para. 60) to have been synonymous with ‘undue election or undue return’] under s.229(1) [of the] Electoral Act. Election petitions under Part 8 are concerned with the validity of elections. They relate to the processes of the election or returns in each electorate and the existence of any element of unlawfulness which relates to those processes. On any such petition, the Court is concerned with corrupt or illegal practices as defined by the Act, issues directly affecting the outcome of the election such as the

eligibility of candidates and electors, the counting of votes, or the conduct of Returning Officers.”

20. And said at para 85: This more compendious meaning, carefully arrived at by the New Zealand court as applicable to a similar legislative intent and against the background of a shared legal history with that of our Elections Law, is one which I respectfully adopt. Its rationale is plain and sensible: it recognizes that the questions that are likely to arise as to the validity of elections are the very kind of questions likely to arise as to whether there has been an undue election or undue return. And, as history has shown, the question of the qualification of candidates for election is amongst those most likely to arise.”

21. The first issue for the Court when considering an election petition is whether there was an irregularity in the election process and then to determine whether, notwithstanding the irregularity, the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law as to elections and the irregularity did not affect the result. If the irregularity might have affected the result, then even if the election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law, the election is vitiated: Morgan v Simpson [1975] QB 151; Omoth v Ghostkeeper 2005 ABQB 671.

22. Mr. Misick QC submits that the Petition does not disclose a reasonable cause of action as the First Respondent’s nomination was valid.

He relies on the case of Hobbs v Morey where the Court rejected the

PROVO GOLF CLUB

Turks & Caicos Water Company d.b.a. Provo Golf Club is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

HORTICULTURIST

Must be knowledgeable and experience in the areas of Plant Pathology, Plant Propagation, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Soil Science and Landscape Design Principles.

REQUIREMENTS • Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture.

• Should have at least 10 years or more experience working on a Golf Course.

• Requires knowledge of landscape construction and materials.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Must be self-motivated and willing to work long hours.

The salary for this position is $55,000.00 per annum commensurate with experience, training and education.

Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by December 24, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

argument that a disqualification which prevents a candidate from being elected is also a disqualification which prevents him being nominated and held, as I noted earlier, that the nomination “was conclusive to this effect, that the nomination paper so sustained as valid should form the basis of the election and that the nominee in the paper should be treated as a person for whom votes could be given:” p78.

23. But Hobbs does not speak to the issue raised by the Petitioner in this case to wit, is there an irregularity in the process where a candidate, who is required by law when seeking nomination to state whether he is disqualified from election, fails to do so in breach of that obligation. There is nothing in the report of Hobbs case to suggest that the candidate was required to make any statement as to his qualification for election. Certainly the Rules as to Nomination in Elections of Councillors to be found at Part 11 of the Third Schedule to the Municipal Corporations Act which was under consideration by the Court do not suggest that the candidate was required to declare that he was not disqualified from being elected and the cases may be distinguishable on this ground.

24. The decision of the Court in R v Election Court ex parte Sheppard [1975] 1 WLR 1319 is instructive. In that case the Court held that a candidate’s nomination was defective where he had failed correctly to state his home address on the nomination paper in breach of the clear obligation

LOCAL NEWS to do so which was contained in rule 5 of the Local Election (Principal Areas) Rules 1973.

25. Here, there is a clear obligation under the Constitution for a candidate seeking nomination to state correctly that he is qualified to be elected under s 46 and not disqualified under s 49.

The Petition alleges a breach of this obligation and avers that it invalidates his nomination and as such is an irregularity in the election process which might have affected the result.

In my view, on the authorities to which the Court has been referred, I cannot say the claim is bound to fail.

26. With respect to the second issue raised, which is the matter of the Petitioner’s failure in the Petition to state that he is a registered voter, I do not think it is fatal as Mr. Misick QC suggests in the circumstances where the Electors Register for 2012 is exhibited to the Petition and clearly shows that he is so registered. I concur in the view that no amendment could be allowed to add a new cause of action outside the time limited for the presentation of a Petition, but I am satisfied that the Court has the power to grant leave to the Petitioner to make the amendments in the terms sought.

27. The Second Respondent’s application is dismissed and the Court awards the costs of the application to the Petitioner in any event, such costs to be taxed if not agreed.

DATED THIS 20TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2012 ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MARGARET RAMSAY-HALE JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT

TURKS AND CAICOS WATER COMPANY LTD TURKS AND CAICOS WATER COMPANY LIMITED is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS Job Description • Responsible for maintaining the general condition of the company’s properties with regards to all aspects of electrical, plumbing and mechanical.

• Complete daily tasks as outlined by Supervisor.

• Complete maintenance request work orders on a timely basis.

• Performs all weekly, monthly and other scheduled preventative maintenance programs.

• Actively pursue new tasks or jobs when assigned work is completed.

• Maintain Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Requirements • Should have eight years experience as a Maintenance Technician or experience working in a similar position.

• Must have strong skills in troubleshooting and repair of electrical, plumbing and general maintenance.

• Work with minimal supervision.

• On standby for 24 hours call out emergencies.

• Should have great oral and written communication skills.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

The salary for this position is $26,000.00 per annum commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by December 24, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

Page 16

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

CIBC/FCIBC donates $3,000 to Salvation Army Christmas for some among the less fortunate should be brighter this season after CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank donated $3,000 to the Salvation Army, the organization that prides itself on looking after the poor. The presentation was made at the bank’s corporate office in Grace Bay, Providenciales on Tuesday, December 18.

Audley Higgs, Head of International Banking at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, said that the institution was impressed with the work that the non-profit entity was doing in the community and wanted to assist in that regard.

“Christmas is really a time of giving and sharing, and we, at CIBC FirstCaribbean recognize this and we

Audley Higgs (left) Head of Marketing for CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, hands the symbolic cheque of $2,000 to Lieutenant Colonel Raphael Mason of the Salvation. Looking at right is Bianca O’Neil, Business Support Officer at CIBC/FCIB (

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

recognize the work that the Salvation Army is doing here in the Turks and Caicos. We are so proud of the work that you are doing in helping the citizens of this country and therefore, we want to be a part of it,” Higgs said.

Lieutenant Colonel Raphael Mason, who is in charge of the Salvation Army in the Turks and Caicos Islands, said that he was pleased that CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank has climbed on board that cause. He commended the bank for the positive action and assured the donors that the funds would go a far way in touching hearts and lives over the Christmas season and the coming year.

“We are so happy and grateful that an organization such as this (CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank) would want to join in and enable us to make it a good Christmas for so many others who would not normally have it. And I want to express heartfelt thanks to FirstCaribbean International and to assure them that this gift is going to be very well used,” Mason said.

Hubert James Primary teacher pens social studies book Recognizing that the Turks and Caicos Islands lacked proper grade four social studies concept on the TCI, Tamara Forbes, teacher at the Hubert James Primary School in North Caicos has taken the bull by the horn with the penning of ‘Myiah’s

Rainbow Dress’.

The book, which is now available in stores locally and on Amazon.com, according to Forbes, was inspired by students in her grade four class at the institution. While telling the story about Myiah’s dress, the journal also

HAB Group wishes to recruit a

PRE CONTRACT QUANTITY SURVEYOR/ESTIMATOR The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate considerable experience in the preparation of all precontract construction documentation including but not limited to; detailed take offs, bills of quantities, specification production, material scheduling. The candidate will also need to be experience in the co-ordination and control of various design consultants employed in the pre contract design process with relevant input to the design process.

The candidate will be required to demonstrate a familiarity with relevant industry standard compute software such as Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Design Review and Collaborative Project management software as well as standard Microsoft Office products. Applicants for this position will possess relevant industry recognized qualifications in addition to 12 years or more practical experience.

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by December 24, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191.

Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

encapsulates the uniqueness of each island, easily allowing its reader to understand and relate to what is around them.

According to her, the book does two things – talks about the islands and what each has to share and also promotes the Turks and Caicos on an international level. She said that while Myiah is not a real life character, the book is not fictional, but rather fact and historybased.

“The story takes place in the setting of the nation’s capital Grand Turk, but the National Dress of the TCI takes centre stage in the book,” Forbes explained. “In the book, it features all of the islands, because most people (expatriates) when they come to Provo, they think this is Turks and Caicos. They don’t get a chance to see the family islands.”

Forbes added: “What inspired me to write this book was that, I was in the middle of teaching my fourth graders last year, and I realized that we did not have a children’s book that sort of reinforces the social studies concept.

This came out as a result of some actionbased research project I was doing in my classroom. My kids helped me with the character; what kind of girl she would be; what would her age be. And they thought I was joking about making a book, but I was serious. So they were quite surprised when they got to see the final copy.”

Forbes revealed that the book speaks of the Turks and Caicos of old, including its past industries, such as cotton and salt, reiterating that the country must take the children back to where we came from, so that they might have a clear vision as of where to go.

“If we are looking for any form of self government like going towards independence, we have to start looking at the inside work about our culture,” she noted.

Forbes said that persons outside the country, who had purchased ‘Myiah’s

Tamara Forbes displays her new book – Myiah’s Rainbow Dress

Rainbow Dress’, were giving it good reviews.

“I got a review from a teacher in New York. She told me that she thinks that the book should be in every classroom in any country, no matter where. Because it also talks about heritage and culture, and that’s another concept that is pretty heartening in terms of children’s literature, especially in the global world; they like to read about other cultures.

Myiah’s Rainbow Dress was the second book that Forbes has penned, having written the unpublished ‘Red Rooster’, while a junior at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, some six years ago. She said that that book was part of a school project at the institution.

“That was something that inspired me to get into writing as well, as a teacher, because I think that teachers should not be limited to just teaching in the classroom. Their influence should extend beyond that,” she noted.

Forbes also said that she hoped to release two new books early in the New Year – ‘Dear Ms. Forbes’, which is a compilation of all the letters from her adoring students in the US and TCI and ‘One National Hero’, which is primarily a worded Math book featuring the country’s sole national hero JAGS McCartney.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

KIWANIS CLUB CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING:

On Sunday, December 9, the Kiwanis Club of Providenciales hosted its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Children’s treat at the Town Centre Mall, downtown that Island, and as usual, the event was packed with children. Prior to the arrival of Santa Claus, whose entry into a fire truck has been a perennial spectacle, patron were treated to a concert, featuring the likes of Clement Howell High School, the Enid Capron Primary, the Ianthe Pratt Primary, the Turks and Caicos Brass Band and the Turks and Caicos Islands Marching Band. Photo shows Santa doling out gifts to the children.

TCAH

TCAH is seeking suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening, only candidate who meet the minimum requirement will be considered:

FLIGHT DISPATCHER

Job Description • Authorizes, regulates and controls commercial airline flights according to government and company regulations to expedite and ensure safety of flight.

• Responsible for economics, passenger service and operational control of day to day flight operations.

• Analyzes and evaluates meteorological information to determine potential hazards to safety of flight and to select the most desirable and economic route of flight.

• Computes the amount of fuel required for the safe completion of flight according to type of aircraft, distance of flight, maintenance limitations, weather conditions and minimum fuel requirements prescribed by federal aviation regulations.

• Prepares flight plans containing information such as maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights, weather reports, field conditions, NOTAMS and many other informational components required for the safe completion of flight.

Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: • High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Diploma • Bachelor's Degree preferred but not required • Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate • Currently in possession of a valid Passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States • Five (5) years Dispatch experience • Five (5) years Aviation experience • Exceptional communication skills with complete fluency in written and spoken English • Regular attendance and punctuality • Organizational fit for the TCAH culture, that is, exhibit the TCAH values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Fun and Passion • Well groomed and able to maintain a professional appearance • Pass a ten (10) year background check, pre-employment drug test and criminal history records check • Legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite • Able to work in a team environment • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Strong attention to detail • Strong technical knowledge of aircraft performance, navigation, weather, and federal air regulations

Salary range for this position range between $40,000-$45,000 per annum, Commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should submit application via email tcah@tciway.tc suitable applicants will contacted by email.

ThankYou The Kiwanis Club of Providenciales Thank the following for theirDonations and Participation at the Kiwanis 2012 Christmas tree Lighting Ceremony Mike Schwenk GraceWay IGA Supermarket & Maintenance team Digicel Butterfield Gold Fortis TCI Ltd. The Tourist Board Mr. George Taylor (Santa) J.S Johnson Tony Garland (Discount Liquors & Wine Cellar) First Caribbean International Bank Caribbean Management TCI paint Turks & Caicos Fire Department The Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force Caicos Resort Inspector Hilton Duncan Mrs. Teri Davis (WIV Cable) Miller Simons O’Sullivan Mr. Lye Simons (Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Centre) Clement Howell High School Olseta Jolly Primary School Enid Capron Primary School Ianthe Pratt Primary School Mrs. Partronella Been (Sis. Peggy) TCI Brass Band TCI Marching Band Mr. Almando Rigby Mr. Carl Lewis And all Volunteers

Again thank you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Kiwanis Club of Providenciales

Page 18

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Tourist Board partners with exciting Miss Turks & Caicos Universe Beauty Organization The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board announced today its partnership with the newly established Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization Ltd. (MTCUBO), to produce the upcoming 2013 Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Pageant, under the direction of Saint George Fashion House (SGFH).

The newly incorporated Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization has a board of highly educated, qualified and vibrant minds that are all dedicated to a new standard for the franchise. They have brought to the table a plan; one that incorporates a new logo for the organization, new rules and regulations for contestants, new judging criteria that mimics that of the Miss Universe franchise and strategic plans to produce a calendar of

events that is not only exciting to watch, but to be a part of.

The MTCUBO Board consists of: Kazz Forbes, President and Managing Director; Tremmaine Harvey, Vice President and Legal Advisor; Shaveena Been, Financial Controller and Recruitment and Training Officer; Takara Bain, Public Relations Officer and General Secretary; Romell Phillips, Production Coordinator; Weinika Ewing, Head of Sales and Marketing and Recruitment and Training Officer; Romaine Missick, Head of Image and Beauty; Samantha Williams - Glinton, Head of Entertainment and Cynclair Musgrove, Head of Personal Development.

In a brief statement, Kazz Forbes, President and Managing Director of MTCUBO said, “The Miss Turks and

Caicos Universe Beauty Organization will set unprecedented standards for the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Pageants and our events. We as an organization don’t want to just produce a beauty queen or an ambassador, but a legacy of women that will act as activist, role models and motivators for future generations of women from the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

With production plans underway, Kazz Forbes has already made an impact with the newly established Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization Board. The MTCUBO has launched a vibrant new website; www.MissTCI.org, numerous social media pages including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, with daily updates and well produced

recruitment advertisements with much more to come.

Mr. Ralph Higgs, Chairman of the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board said “Considering all that has already been done, and the plan that has been placed before us by MTCUBO; we at the Tourist Board think that this is the right direction for the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Franchise and are excited to partner with this group. We are looking forward to see what the MTCUBO and its board have in store for us in the near future and pledge our support 100% in making this an event that will be recognized internationally!” We also take the opportunity to laud past committees responsible for setting the foundation for previous Miss Turks & Caicos Pageants and their efforts in bringing us to where we are now.”

DONT BE A VICTIM OF CRIME 1. Stay alert: Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you.

2. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Digicel makes annual visit to Doris Robinson Primary School The student and teachers of Doris Robinson Primary School received a special visit from Digicel on Wednesday, December 12th. Having adopted the school since 2009, Digicel staff stopped by for their annual visit and spent a few hours in the company of the sweet and playful students.

The visit began with a special lunch and treats provided by the Digicel team and then a presentation of Christmas gifts to each of the 14 students & 3 staff members of the school. The highlight of the annual Christmas visit is always the time spent listening to the Children’s Christmas recitals, playing games such as musical chairs, and hearing the laughter of the children who adamantly looks forward to Digicel’s visit.

Principal of the school, Ms. Keisha Mills said, “Digicel’s sponsorship of Doris Robinson Primary goes a long way in assisting the students throughout the year by providing cooked lunch meals which ensures that the students are eating a balanced meal. We appreciate the work that Digicel does for us and especially at Christmas, the children are made to

Students and teachers of Doris Robinson Primary School with Digicel Staff

feel extra special. The entire community appreciates the gesture.”

Digicel’s Marketing Specialist, Trina Adams said, “every year we

ensure that we make the special visit to the Doris Robinson Primary School.

We want to ensure that they are not forgotten and we enjoy seeing a student

face light up when they are presented with their gifts. This year’s visit definitely bought smiles to the faces of students and Digicel staff alike.”

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

VOLUME 8 No. 51

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FOR VERANDA Website: www.suntci.com

Email: sun@suntci.com

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Butch Stewart says the property needs extensive renovations

BY HAYDEN BOYCE PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hotel magnate Gordon “Butch” Stewart says he will have to spend at least US$16million renovating the recently-acquired Veranda property, in Grace Bay to bring it in line with the standards of a Beaches Resort.

In an exclusive interview with The SUN, Stewart, who bought Veranda for around US$100million, said significant work needs to be done on this latest acquisition before it can be fully integrated into the Beaches property next door as the Key West Village.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Villages and Spa Resort is already comprised of The Caribbean Village, The Italian Village, and The French Village. Veranda will form the Key West Village making it the fourth village in what is the largest hotel complex in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“It will definitely take a whole lot of work to renovate and ‘Sandalise’ the Veranda. We must now ensure that it can meet the standards by which we operate, because there are so many essential things that it just doesn’t have right now,” said Stewart, who was recently on a short trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

HIGH COURT JUDGE ALLOWS ELECTION PETITION TO PROCEED PAGE 5

COASTAL RADAR STATION NOT WORKING PAGE 9

VERANDA CUTS 43 JOBS PAGE 8

AIRPORT EXPANSION CONTRACT SOON AWARDED - PG 7

Gordon “Butch” Stewart

Page 20

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

HOLIDAY Spend $50 at Graceway IGA or Graceway Gourmet and earn a chance to win a pair of tickets to anywhere Air Turks & Caicos flies.

THREE (3) paiRs will be given away.

Drawing to be held December 24 at 9am. Must be 18 years or older. Blackout dates may apply, space availability. passengers will be responsible for all taxes and fees.

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Olivia Culpo wins Miss Universe 2012 Boston University sophomore becomes first American to win the title in 15 years LAS VEGAS — An American university student is the new Miss Universe, defeating dozens of contestants from six continents to bring the crown back to the U.S. after a drought of more than a decade.

Twenty-year-old Olivia Culpo won the title Wednesday night at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip, replacing outgoing champion Leila Lopes of Angola.

The Boston University sophomore’s coronation ends a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. An American had not won the Miss Universe title since Brook Lee won in 1997.

Culpo, who beat out 88 competitors, wore a tight navy blue mini-dress with a sequined bodice as she walked on stage for the event’s opening number. Later in the night, she strutted in a purple and blue bikini, and donned a wintery red velvet gown with a plunging neckline.

No one was more surprised than Culpo’s family when told them she was entering the Miss Rhode Island

Olivia Culpo is the first American in more than a decade to win the Miss Universe crown

contest last year, her father Peter recalled.

“We didn’t know a thing about pageants,” he said.

She won that contest in a rented $20 dress with a hole in it and then began working out, dieting, and

studying current events on flashcards to compete for the Miss USA crown.

Culpo was good enough during preliminary Miss Universe contests to be chosen as one of 16 semifinalists who moved on to compete in the main show. Her bid lasted through swimsuit,

evening wear, and interview competitions that saw cuts after each round.

She won over the judges even after tripping slightly during the evening gown competition. Telecasters pointed it out but also noted her poised recovery Moments before she won, Culpo was asked whether she had she had ever done something she regretted.

“I’d like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you’ll learn from it.

That’s just life,” she said. “But something I’ve done I’ve regretted is probably picking on my siblings growing up, because you appreciate them so much more as you grow older.”

One of those siblings, 17-year-old Gus, was cheering from the front row with his sister’s glittering Miss Rhode Island sash wrapped around his shoulders.

Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, came in second, while Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third.

Rihanna buys $12million home Rihanna has splashed out $12 million on a new mansion.

The 'Diamond' singer bought the stunning 11,000 square foot home in Pacific Palisades and admitted she can't believe her luck at landing the palatial pad which boasts a large pool.

She tweeted: "I literally wake up every morning at 5:30ish and stare at my pool til the sun comes up! Just waiting! Is this my life."

The 24-year-old singer's new home also contains seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and 20 parking spaces, according to real estate website Trulia.

It is unlikely Rihanna will be inviting Chris Brown over as she recently confirmed her split from the singer, The volatile couple reconciled earlier this year even though Chris is still on probation for beating her up in 2009 but Rihanna took to her Instagram account on Tuesday (18.12.12) to post a message which appears to confirm reports the couple have called time on their relationship.

Rihanna, wrote: "Being single sucks. The only thing I get to do anymore is whatever the f**k I want to do." Given the fact she titled her latest album Diamonds, it’s not surprising that pop star Rihanna likes the finer things in life. The 24-yearold took living in the lap of luxury a step further this week when she plunked down millions for a 7-bedroom, 9-bath mansion in the L.A. celeb-

magnet enclave of Pacific Palisades.

According to Zillow , the home is newly constructed and includes everything the “Rude Boy” singer could want, including a sun deck overlooking the treetops, an outdoor firepit, infinity pool with spa, media room, and the latest in cutting edge technology: a smart-home system

that allows homeowners to control air conditioning and heat, fireplaces, security, and the sound system remotely. Perfect for Rihanna’s jet-setting lifestyle!

Rihanna spared no expense on the luxury property that has pretty much every amenity that any girl in the world could ask for.

Interior shots give an up-close and personal view of the mansion where the singer will crash when she's on the West Coast.

The home is decorated in neutral cream and white tones and is quintessential California living with several indoor-outdoor spaces, including what appears to be the singer's bedroom she tweeted about, with a perfect view of the pool.

Lounge chairs and cushioned seating line the perimeter, which is lit up in colourful hues at night.

Aerial shots of the magnificent mansion show the sprawling grounds which are surrounded by mature Oak and Sycamore trees.

The setting will offer plenty of privacy for the world-famous star.

The newly constructed home is around 11,000 sq ft and sits on approximately 33,541 sq ft of lot.

And with the added privacy and serenity that the greenery adds, Rihanna will be able to throw some of her legendary parties in peace.

It is elevated and poised against the mountain with more than enough space for Rihanna's family and friends to stay over.

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Stewart says the Veranda needs extensive renovations

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

He added: “Every single aspect of the Veranda has to be enhanced. A lot of people don’t quite understand what this entails in order for it to sit proudly among our other Villages.”

Stewart noted that the multi-million dollar renovations would include an upgrade and expansion of the kitchen and restaurant facilities, an overhaul of the sewage system, reconfiguring and updating the furniture and fittings and vastly improving the water supply system. He further pointed out that the “high-maintenance” building is made of wood with aluminum roof and the rooms and suites are all outfitted with electric water heaters.

Veranda will continue to honour existing bookings through December, but Stewart said he would close the property in early January with the hope of making the necessary changes.

During this time the qualified Veranda staff will be absorbed into Beaches and they will be trained according to its standards.

Veranda employees will enjoy the prospect of being able to receive the Group’s impeccable training and then ply their chosen profession in one of 22 resorts across the Caribbean In effect they will become part of what is acknowledged the world over as the leading resort chain in the region, with an instantly recognised world brand.

Veranda, which is an $80million, five star fully inclusive 168-key residence-style resort, is located adjacent to the renown Beaches family –specific hotel with only a

The Veranda

beach access separating the two properties.

Sitting on 11 acres and boasting 800 feet of beachfront, Veranda is made up of one, two, three and four-bedroom cottages and 40 studios. It is built in the Key West/Caribbean style.

When renovations are completed, the Veranda will play an invaluable role in bolstering Beaches’ presence in the TCI and spur additional airlift into what has become one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism provinces. This point is not lost on some of the major airlines with two publicly acknowledging so.

Earlier this week both American Airlines and JetBlue wrote encouragingly about the Veranda acquisition. Firstly, Scott

M Laurence, JetBlue’s Vice PresidentNetwork Planning declared: “A key success factor in our growth strategy is the incorporation of strong business partners who share our brand vision and commitment to customer experience. One of our most important relationships is with Sandals Resorts International.”

“Their brand, marketing structure and sales force was influential in our decision to begin flights to St Lucia in October 2009.

Our relationship with Sandals was also a key factor in our decision to enter Providenciales in February 2011. As JetBlue works to continue our Caribbean expansion we evaluate a number of factors. Of those, one of the most important is destination hotel inventory, especially rooms that drive excitement and stimulate demand like the newly acquired Veranda in Providenciales for the Sandals and Beaches properties,” he added.

American Airlines echoed similar sentiments with Vice President Arthur J Torno writing: “Being one of our best and largest hotel partners in the Caribbean, we will monitor and ensure that American Airlines lifts are adjusted to meet the additional demand for travel to the island that this acquisition will likely create. We have seen first-hand results to major Caribbean destinations where Sandals and Beaches have acquired underperforming resorts and immediately re-energised them through their marketing, sales and public relations efforts.

We highly encourage the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to support Beaches in this expansion as this will undoubtedly create a great opportunity for both Beaches and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Before the acquisition of the Veranda, Beaches was the largest hotel property in the country, containing the most rooms. This latest move now means that combined, the property will have 775 keys equating to over 1,000 rooms mainly suites.

Beaches Turks and Caicos employs around 1, 400 people and with the acquisition of Veranda, that figure would go up to about 1,800 employees. It has one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and the third-rated barrier reef for scuba diving in the world. The hotel also boasts the largest water park in the Caribbean and with 16 restaurants -- soon to be 21, has more restaurants than any resort in the Caribbean.

When Stewart first established operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands back in 1995, he took over a small hotel of just 150 rooms with limited facilities. At that time, American Airlines was offering one flight a day from Miami only.

In order to expand, Stewart chartered five airplanes from Continental Airlines to help create additional airlift, fitting them with first class seating, pointing to the significance of quality. These aircraft serviced key sites

namely Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia and Atlanta and had the effect of putting the Turks& Caicos on the map as a top Caribbean destination.

Consequently, Stewart pioneered nonstop flights from Boston, Kennedy, Newark, New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta, an accomplishment he is very proud of.

Commenting on those heady early days, he said: “It was very costly but like all good investments, the dividends paid are shared by every resort and citizen of Providenciales.”

Butch Stewart has unarguably played an instrumental role in the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a major tourism destination, and in so doing, helped to generate much needed foreign exchange inflows. He made it clear that it is imperative to the country’s financial well being that the hotel remains open all year round thus seeing to it that airlift is protected and that commercial activities stemming from the hotel do not come to a standstill during these slow autumn months.

Speaking on this matter Stewart said: “We will remain open all year round as long as we can afford to do so. The autumn months are always very trying but we must endeavour to remain open so that we play our part in assisting other hotels and help the country benefit from the industry. We have formed exclusive deals with some airlines to fly into the country at our own costs I might add.”

“While Beaches Turks& Caicos may be the leader based on investment capital, it is not our best profit-performing hotel. Why? Because the revenues generated from family resorts are cyclical particularly during the autumn period where both rates and occupancies fall off. Nevertheless we are highly regarded in the Caribbean for taking care of our own and reaching out to the communities where we operate. I am proud to say that in this regard we have done some wonderful things and look to do even more in the Turks& Caicos.”

Earlier this month, Stewart’s Sandals Resorts International bought a four and a half -star hotel that recently closed in the eastern Caribbean nation of Grenada.

For 12 years, the hotel boss has been trying to find an appropriate resort in Grenada and has always been in love with the LaSource resort. He now plans to make it the gem of gems of the eastern Caribbean.

So what makes Gordon ‘Butch’Stewart tick? What compels him to build even more splendid hotels throughout the Caribbean?

“My family, the people I work with, the adventure of it all, the Caribbean and its people,” he answered.

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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CARTOONS

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

The Bahamas credit rating downgraded READ MORE ON PAGE 34

Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush remoevd in no-confidence motion Cayman Islands lawmakers voted 113 Tuesday afternoon in favour of a “no confidence” motion against the ruling government, removing McKeeva Bush as Premier.

His former deputy, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, has been appointed Premier.

The decision was reached Wednesday morning by Governor Duncan Taylor, who rejected calls from both Mr. Bush and opposition party members to dissolve the Legislative Assembly (LA). Instead, Governor Taylor agreed to a new “minority” government with O’Connor-Connolly as premier and finance minister.

“I am satisfied that the Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly can form a stable, functioning government,” Mr. Taylor said in a statement.

The remaining four members of the United Democratic Party minority government would make up the other ministry positions, with Education Minister Rolston Anglin becoming deputy premier, Cline Glidden Jr. becoming minister for tourism and development, Mark Scotland staying on as health minister and Dwayne Seymour taking over former Minister Mike Adam’s community affairs and housing responsibilities.

The governor’s statement set out the basis for his decision, which means that Cayman will be governed by a minority representative group of just five of 15 LA members.

“Following the passing in the House of the Motion of lack of confidence in the government, I consulted the Honourable Premier, as required under Section 51(1) of the Constitution,” Mr. Taylor wrote in a statement. “The Premier responded in writing [Wednesday] morning suggesting that I dissolve the Legislative Assembly. After careful consideration and using my discretion as the Constitution entitles me to do, I have decided not to dissolve the Assembly but to revoke the appointment of the Premier. Formal notification of my decision has now been given to him. As a consequence, all Ministers have vacated their office, as required under Section 52(2) of the Constitution.

“Section 49(2) of the Constitution states: ‘Where a political party gains a majority of the seats of elected members of the Legislative Assembly, the Governor shall appoint as Premier the elected member of the Assembly recommended by a majority of the elected members who are members of that party.’ Following representations made to me by a majority of UDP

McKeeva Bush

Juliana O’Connor-Connolly

Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin

Members of the Legislative Assembly advising that they support the appointment of Juliana O’ConnorConnolly as Premier of the Cayman Islands, I have appointed her in this capacity.”

O’Connor-Connolly vowed that the five-member minority government would operate a transparent, open-door policy.

The group described the process that culminated in the five of them making up the new government, saying all eight UDP elected representatives had agreed on Friday to ask Mr. Bush to resign. However, only five had followed through on that decision, leaving them no choice but to support a motion of no confidence in Mr. Bush’s government and then form a new administration.

Ms O’Connor-Connolly said that the government had received assurances from independent and opposition members that there would be a quorum in parliament so that the minority government could deal with bills and motions before the House.

For the first time since the socalled 2001 government “coup d’etat”, lawmakers in the Cayman Islands have effectively removed the head of an administration. Ironically, it was the 2001 change in government that vaulted Mr. Bush to power as Leader of Government Business.

At the start of the no-confidence meeting, Premier Bush and three members of his government – Cabinet Minister Mike Adam, West Bay Member of the Legislative Assembly Capt. Eugene Ebanks and George Town MLA Ellio Solomon, moved to the opposition benches.

Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin started the meeting by stating he was bringing the no confidence motion “with a heavy heart”.

“I am deeply saddened that we have come to this point,” he said. “I cannot say how disappointed I am that

the premier has brought us to this point ... the reality that faced with all of this, the premier will still cling ... to the Office of Premier.”

“What has happened over the past week is certainly a breakdown that could have been avoided,” said Health Minister Mark Scotland during his debate on the no confidence motion.

No one else rose to speak on the motion before the House; a fact which Mr. McLaughlin said he was “disappointed in”.

“I have grave concerns at what I regard as the abdication of the responsibly on the part of the premier and those who are supporting him for ... not providing an explanation for why we have had to go through this painful process,” Mr. McLaughlin said.

Early on Tuesday, a written requisition asking for the special meeting was signed by 11 members of the House, according to Mr. McLaughlin.

Signing the document were all four members of the opposition People’s Progressive Movement party, the Legislative Assembly’s two independent members and five members of the ruling United Democratic Party government.

Members of the ruling government who signed the document included Education Minister Rolston Anglin, Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-

Connolly, Health Minister Scotland, Bodden Town MLA Dwyane Seymour and West Bay MLA Cline Glidden, Jr. A statement sent out to the media

by Mr. Anglin noted that the meeting was “for the expressed purpose of debating a Lack of Confidence in the Government Motion brought by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition [Mr. McLaughlin] and seconded by the Elected Member from North Side [Ezzard Miller].”

The remaining MLAs who did not sign the document requesting the meeting were Cabinet Minister Adam, Mr. Ebanks and Mr. Solomon.

A requisition containing at least seven signatures does require the house speaker to call a special meeting of the LA. A total of 10 “yes” votes – a twothirds majority – is needed to remove the sitting government.

Mr. Solomon said before the meeting that he would absolutely not vote to support the no confidence motion and would not rejoin the UDP after such a vote, if it was successful.

“This puts the government and more importantly the country in a very precarious position,” Mr. Solomon said, adding that no one was certain what government would look like after such a no confidence vote. “We’re essentially casting this vote, not even knowing what the government will be afterward.”

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Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Change of Government in Bermuda as Premier Paula Cox loses her seat Craig Cannonier has been sworn in as the new Premier of Bermuda by Governor George Fergusson, following a 19 to 17 victory for the One Bermuda Alliance (IBA) over the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) in Monday’s general election.

Former Premier Paula Cox officially resigned as leader of the PLP after losing her seat in the House of Assembly.

Premier Cannonier said that he would keep a promise to invite a member of the PLP to join the new government — but he declined to specify who, adding that he had not yet had a chance to speak with them.

Mr Cannonier also said he did not intend to reconvene the House of Assembly before the end of this year.

In a speech broken several times by emotional applause, Mr Cannonier thanked colleagues and friends, calling himself “humbled and excited, excited for my country and for our people”.

Promising change and togetherness, the new Premier said he was committed to “building a Bermuda that works for all people, for all Bermudians”.

“First we are going to get this country working again for the people,” he continued. “There is no more important task right now than to grow jobs to end the hardship felt by thousands of families.Second, we are going to bring people together, we're reach out to everyone, building cooperation and support, eliminating all forms of discrimination, extending the absentee ballot to students abroad, making this the last election they are denied a voice in the decisions of this country.”

After another burst of applause, Mr Cannonier added: “And to the many Bermudians living abroad, who left for a job or who fled intolerance, I want to send a simple message out: come back to us.

“Come back to building the better Bermuda we know we can build. Your country needs you. Your country needs all your skills and all your dreams right here at home.

Craig Cannonier

Paula Cox

“Let this be the start of Bermuda's renaissance — with trust, and communication and cooperation, with the people truly working together, moving forward, on and on, as one people, one Bermuda, Bermudians.”

Premier Paula Cox lost her Devonshire North West seat after 16 years and a political career that has seen her hold virtually every major Cabinet post.

Glen Smith of the One Bermuda Alliance polled 470 votes to Ms Cox’s 377.

Cox said after the announcement she’d lost her seat: “I think the voters spoke. It’s disappointing but the voters spoke. A good fight was waged by the Opposition and I think that they deserved their win.”

She said she had always viewed her constituency as a marginal, as factors including boundary changes meant it was no longer the PLP stronghold it was when she was first elected there in 1996.

“Part of leadership is you don’t necessarily get a safe seat. I paid the price of not being in a safe seat. It was hard fought and Glen Smith won the seat fairly and squarely,” she said.

When Ms Cox, who was also Finance Minister, was asked if she had lost touch with the people since becoming Premier, she replied: “Not at all. I think the issue is the economy and the fact that people are feeling that.

One thing about me is they don’t see

me as losing touch. I’m seen as perhaps one of the most common in terms of being accessible and reliable.

I think the boundary changes were a factor. It made it a marginal seat. We acknowledge that and move on.”

Asked what is next for her, she said: “To continue to work for the party. My role in working for the party is not about the position, you know. I actually care. I actually care. I don’t have a seat doesn’t mean that you won’t continue to have my undying attention. So for this moment feel disappointed, feel hurt but recognise also that a message was sent about the people hurting and we’re listening.”

Cox has been at the heart of PLP politics all her life.

Her father, Eugene Cox, was a leading Progressive Labour Party MP from the 1970s on, and for much of that time was Shadow Finance Minister when the PLP was in Opposition before taking that role in Government when the party took power in 1998.

Ms Cox first ran for the House of Assembly while still a student in 1985, but after being defeated, she returned to her studies and became a lawyer.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from McGill University, a postgraduate Diploma in International Law from the University of Manchester, England and is a member of the Bermuda Bar, having trained in the United Kingdom

as a solicitor.

Ms Cox is married to a businessman from Cameroon, Germain Nkeuleu, and they have a son. An aide to Opposition Leader Frederick Wade before his death, she was also a protégé of the late Dame Lois Browne Evans and Dame Jennifer Smith. Ms Cox won Mr Wade’s Devonshire North seat in the byelection after his death in 1996 and joined the Shadow Cabinet.

When the PLP took power in 1998, Ms Cox, still in her 30s, was given the critically important Labour and Home Affairs Ministry, where she crafted the legislation granting greater rights to hundreds of non-Bermudians but restricting work permit stays at the same time.

Ms Cox replaced her father as Finance Minister when he died in January 2004, becoming Deputy Premier as well in 2006 when Dr Ewart Brown defeated then-Premier Alex Scott for the leadership of the PLP. For much of her career she has enjoyed widespread popularity and built a reputation as a person who listened to all sides and developed a consensus on policies before enacting them. That reputation contrasted with Dr Brown, who was often seen as combative and confrontational. Ms Cox was also critical of the Premier in 2009 at the height of the Uighur crisis when she said she felt “politically neutered”, but she rallied the party to successfully defeat an Opposition no confidence motion and then remained in office, while leadership rivals Terry Lister and Dale Butler resigned from Cabinet.

She replaced Dr Brown as party leader in 2010 and remained as Finance Minister as well as Premier in order to steer Bermuda through its worst financial crisis in living memory. In an interview with this newspaper in May, Ms Cox, who was the third woman to lead Bermuda, shared the top ten tips she’s learned in life, which she dubbed the ‘Cox Rules’.

Among them were: “Do your job forget about keeping your job”.

Scrap metal trade to resume in Jamaica KINGSTON,Jamaica – The scrap metal trade which was suspended in Jamaica eighteen months ago is now scheduled to resume early in the New Year.

Industry Minister, Anthony Hylton who made the announcement on Wednesday said the trade will re-start in the third week of January under far more stringent measures aimed at curbing widespread theft which led to the ban last year.

Under the new regime, exporters, individuals and companies will now be required to post a J$7million (US$ 76-thousand) bond, a portion of which will be used to compensate victims of theft.

Scrap material will be on display at the sites for five days to facilitate public viewing before the loading of containers can commence.

According to Hylton there will be a distinction between industrial scrap generated by companies from their manufacturing operations and non-industrial scrap, which is purchased from

individuals.

“Anything remotely suspect will be detained for investigation by the police and customs for an additional 10 days, to allow for viewing by the public,” Hylton said, adding that a website will be set up for the public to view and lodge complaints of theft.

Restrictions have also been imposed on the exportation of copper, irrigation pipes, manhole covers, railway lines and sign posts.

With the resumption of the trade, the processing of scrap metal will also now be restricted to three existing sites, two of which are situated in the Corporate Area and the central parish of Clarendon. These processing sites will operate in the interim, while the government works to establish a single central processing site for the trade.

The Industry Minister also addressed concerns that the new measures would lengthen

the turnaround time for the scrap metal trade.

“My priority concern is that stolen metal does not contaminate the trade; that’s where the focus has been. These regulations have been (put) in place so it puts everyone on notice as to the time period involved, so you can make your plans accordingly” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister’s announcement was welcomed by telecommunications company LIME, which suffered great losses at the hands of scrap metal thieves.

“LIME has never been opposed to the resumption of scrap metal exports. What we want to see are the appropriate regulations in place to properly monitor the gathering and export of scrap metal,” said Vice-President of Service Support and Delivery at LIME Jamaica, Howard Mollison.

The company is said to have lost some J$300 million (US $3.2 million) to theft.

Page 34

CARIBBEAN NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

Digicel and Marriott break ground on hotel in Haiti PORT-AU-PRINCE - Digicel and Marriott International broke ground Wednesday on the $45 million 175room Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand hotel in the Turgeau area of Port-auPrince, with opening expected in early 2015, making it the first four-star branded hotel in Haiti.

At a ceremony to mark the occasion, Marriott International's President and Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorensen was joined by Digicel Chairman and Founder Denis O'Brien as well as the Minister of Tourism Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin.

Digicel Group is responsible for designing and building the hotel and chose Marriott International's signature Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand as its operating partner under a long-term management agreement. In addition to creating over 200 new hospitality jobs in Haiti, Marriott will invest in workforce training to benefit the country's tourism sector.

Kier is the main contractor chosen for the hotel project and Turgeau Developments SA is the operating company, in which Digicel is the investment partner.

The hotel sets a new standard of excellence for the growing number of business travelers coming to Haiti, combining a friendly, professional and safe environment and offering the exceptional service that Marriott International offers worldwide in all of its properties. The hotel is especially suitable for business meetings, conferences and events and will feature the most up-to-date facilities in the city. The ballroom will comfortably accommodate around 380 people for dining and around 500 theatre-style.

Digicel and Marriott International broke ground Wednesday on the $45 million 175-room Marriott Hotels & Resorts

The 175-room Marriott Hotel Port-au-Prince will include five suites, a casual restaurant with private dining area, fitness center, swimming pool and a great room lobby that inspires creativity, productivity and social interaction with its conveniently dispersed zones including a bar and lounge. The property will also have a gift shop and marketplace and will offer guests 24 hour room service, WiFi and secure parking.

Digicel Group and its Chairman, Denis O'Brien, are committed to attracting foreign direct investment to Haiti and to helping the country rebuild in the wake of the January 2010 earthquake. Mr. O'Brien is Founder and Patron of the Digicel Foundation which to date has constructed 100 schools in Haiti.

Further, as the Chairman of the Clinton Global Initiative's Haiti Action Network, Mr. O'Brien has been instrumental in driving the activity of 80 support organizations in Haiti to deliver on their commitments and in reconstructing the iconic Iron Market in Port-au-Prince.

Marriott International meanwhile aspires to have a signature hotel in every major capital city in the countries where it operates while being instrumental in stimulating business and attracting leisure visitors to Haiti.

Marriott took on this project with particular reference to its thousands of Haitian associates who work in its U.S. hotels and urged the company to do what it did best and open a hotel in Haiti. Marriott will also use the Portau-Prince location as a center for hotel

training for local staff, helping to ensure that international standards of excellence are met and maintained.

Commenting on the project, Digicel Chairman Denis O'Brien, said; "We're delighted to be helping to bring the world-leading Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand to Haiti. Not only will this be a solution to the lodging issues in the city, it will also create jobs, attract foreign visitors and communicate a positive outlook for the future of Haiti. Haiti is a great place to invest and do business and I encourage others to take a look at the opportunities here."

"We saw the need for a leading hotel brand in Haiti to accommodate the wave of travelers coming to do business in the country," said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Marriott International. "We believe we can make a difference in Haiti by creating jobs and developing the human talent that can help lift this country over time back to its rightful place as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. We are working with the Ministers of Tourism and Vocational Education on how we can support existing institutions to raise the quality of hospitality training."

Prime Minister of Haiti, Laurent Lamothe, commented; "The presence of the world-leading Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand in Haiti is another clear indicator that Haiti is serious about attracting foreign direct investment. I would like to commend both Marriott International and Digicel Group on their tireless commitment to Haiti and on making their vision a reality. This is a huge vote of confidence in the future of Haiti and I look forward to the Marriott Hotel Port-au-Prince opening its doors in 2015."

The Bahamas credit rating downgraded NASSAU, The Bahamas -- International credit ratings agency Moody’s on Thursday downgraded The Bahamas’ credit rating from A3 to Baa1, the third downgrade for the country in as many years.

In addition, Moody’s said the country’s economic outlook remains negative.

“We see limited prospects for the fiscal consolidation necessary to strengthen the government’s balance sheet and stabilize debt levels,” said the Moody’s rating action.

Moody’s cited three driving factors for the decrease: Limited growth prospects and weak recovery in tourism and construction; significant and rapid deterioration of the government’s balance sheet exacerbated by a low revenue base, and high and rising levels of debt and weakening of debt sustainability relative to other countries.

In an interview with The Nassau Guardian, assistant vice-president and analyst at Moody's, Edward Al-Hussainy, said further downgrades are possible if the government does not act immediately to curb the country’s rising debt levels.

Moody’s said the country’s tourism, offshore financial services, and construction sectors remain vulnerable due to an uncertain recovery in the United States.

The rating action also pointed to the country’s limited revenue generation potential.

“The Bahamas has a limited revenue base and the

government relies disproportionately on volatile trade-related tax revenue and property taxes. Onetime revenue inflows, the divestment of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company and stamp duties on several large tourism projects financed by foreign investment, masked a decline in recurrent revenue in 2011, and will not be credit supportive going forward,” said Moody’s.

“We do not expect reforms necessary to increase recurrent revenues, most importantly the introduction of a value-added tax and a modernization of the property tax system, to materialize before 2014/15.”

While the ratings agency placed the lion’s share of blame for the country’s current debt level on the last Ingraham administration, it also blamed the current administration for not acting quickly enough to curb spending.

“The downgrade incorporates a marked deterioration of the government’s financial balance sheet over the past five years,” Moody’s said.

“Expenditure growth has continued following the election of a new government in May 2012, and the state plays an increasingly dominant role in the economy through elevated levels of capital spending on public works projects, social safety net transfers, public sector employment, and increased budgetary support to public sector corporations.

“This fiscal stimulus program is yet to yield growth dividends and unemployment remains close

to 15 percent, depressing domestic demand.”

Moody’s said it expects the government to find it difficult to stabilize the debt and place it on a sustainable trajectory in the near-term.

“In addition, the crystallization of contingent liabilities from debt held by public sector corporations such as the loss-making Bahamas Electricity Corporation could adversely affect the rating. A further deterioration of the public sector balance sheet due to external shocks in the form of weather-driven events like hurricanes will also be credit negative.”

The Ministry of Finance responded to the rating downgrade on Thursday night, stating that the government would lay out “clear detailed action points” to address the situation during an upcoming mid-year budget process.

“The government of The Bahamas is committed to the stabilization and gradual reversal of these negative trends and to that end has developed a medium-term strategy, the aim of which is to reduce expenditure as a percentage of GDP, and increase revenue as a percentage of GDP,” said the ministry.

A downgrade from Moody's ultimately means a higher cost of borrowing, which could adversely affect the country’s economic growth.

Standard & Poor’s downgraded The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating from BBB+ to BBB late last year.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

Page 35

South Korea elects first female president READ MORE ON PAGE 36

Way forward on “fiscal cliff” uncertain after Republican plan fails The task of picking up the pieces of the "fiscal cliff" talks - and reassuring global financial markets that were shaky early on Friday - is likely to fall largely to President Barack Obama after Republicans abandoned their own proposed fix championed by House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner.

Boehner, the top Republican in Congress and Obama's chief negotiating partner, failed to muster enough support from his fellow Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, to pass his bill called "Plan B" on Thursday.

He had hoped to use it to pressure Obama in talks to avert the steep tax hikes and automatic government spending cuts slated to start taking effect in just 11 days.

Boehner late on Thursday abruptly pulled the legislation, which would

have raised taxes only on people earning $1 million or more a year.

House members, heading to their home states for the holidays, were instructed to be available on 48 hours notice if necessary.

With his power apparently weakened, Boehner scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. Friday.

Democrats were urging him to go back to the bargaining table with Obama.

"They went from Plan B to plan see-you-later," Obama adviser David Axelrod said on MSNBC on Friday morning.

Obama said he still plans to work with Congress and was hopeful for a bipartisan solution, his press secretary said in a statement late on Thursday.

The failure casts fresh uncertainty over talks to avoid across-the-board tax hikes and spending cuts that could push the U.S. economy into recession in

2013.

Global stock markets weakened on Friday and both the euro and gold slipped as the new setback rattled investors' nerves. Most major stock markets saw widespread selling as investors moved to traditional safehaven assets.

The crumbling of Boehner's plan highlights his struggle to lead some House Republicans who flatly reject any deal that would increase taxes on anyone.

Republican Representative Tim Huelskamp criticized Boehner's handling of the negotiations, saying the speaker had "caved" to Obama opening the door to tax hikes. Huelskamp, a dissident first-term congressman, said he was not willing to compromise on taxes even if they are coupled with cuts to government spending.

Conservatives "are so frustrated

that the leader in the House right now, the speaker, has been talking about tax increases. That's all he's been talking about," Huelskamp said on MSNBC on Friday morning.

"There's been very little outreach by this leadership team to conservatives. ... Do not ask for tax increases. We're not going to give them," Huelskamp said, added: "We can still get this done."

Obama and his fellow Democrats in Congress are insisting that the wealthiest Americans pay more in taxes in order to help reduce high federal budget deficits.

Democrats, who are the minority in the House but control the Senate, are now stepping up efforts to gather some Republican votes for a Democratic bill passed by the Senate months ago that would extend the expiring tax cuts to all but the wealthy.

Debate over US gun control is heating up ATLANTA — As President Barack Obama urges tighter federal gun laws, state legislators around the country have responded to the Connecticut school shooting with a flurry of their own ideas that are likely to produce fights over gun control in their upcoming sessions.

There is momentum in two strongly Democratic states to tighten already-strict gun laws, while some Republicans in four other states want to make it easier for teachers to have weapons in schools. One Republican governor, however, used his power this week to block the loosening of restrictions.

The question is whether public outrage after the slayings of 20 children and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., will produce

a meaningful difference in the rules for how Americans buy and use guns. Or will emotions and grassroots energy subside without action?

"I've been doing this for 17 years, and I've never seen something like this in terms of response," said Brian Malte, spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, based in Washington, D.C. "The whole dynamic depends on whether the American public and people in certain states have had enough. No matter if it's Congress or in the states, their voices will be heard. That's what will make the difference."

The Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism released a report Thursday showing that the school shooting in Connecticut has

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led to more discussion about gun policy on social media than previous rampages. The report says users advocating for gun control were more numerous than those defending current gun laws.

The National Rifle Association, a powerful organization that has successfully lobbied for expanded gun rights, has remained largely silent since the shootings, aside from a brief statement mourning the victims and promising that the group "is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again." A spokesman did not respond to a request for comment this week. NRA leaders planned to hold a news conference Friday.

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Page 36

WORLD NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

South Korea elects first female president Emerging from victory, Park Geun-hye who will become the next president of South Korea -- the first woman for the Asian nation -- pledged to "take care of our people one-by-one."

In a speech made at the headquarters of her Saenuri political party Thursday morning, she invoked a phrase coined by her father, Park Chung-hee, who also served as president in an era when he was encouraging people to pull South Korea out of poverty.

"I would like to re-create the miracle of 'let's live well' so people can worry less about their livelihood and young people can happily go to work," said Park.

Park, 60, will assume office in February, in a country grappling with income inequality, angst over education and employment prospects for its youth, and strained relations with North Korea. South Korea is also a strategic Western ally and the fourthlargest economy in Asia.

Park won 52% of the vote, compared with 48% for her rival, Moon Jae-in of the Democratic United Party, according to the country's National Election Commission.

Both the president-elect and Moon, the liberal candidate, had similarly moderate plans, addressing income inequality, reigning in the power of family-owned conglomerates and improving relations with North Korea.

"This wasn't the knockdown, drag out, left-against-right type of

Park Geun-hye

campaign," said David Kang, professor of international relations and business at the University of Southern California. "There's a surprising consensus about taking a more moderate stance."

"I think Park won by acting to the center. Her claims are that she's going to moderate many of the policies of the previous administration."

Park acknowledged Moon and his supporters Thursday.

"I believe there is common ground between myself and Moon Jae-in," she said. "We are both willing to work for the country and for the people of South Korea.

"Whether you were for or against me, I want to hear your opinions. I will

try to stop the separation and conflict that has been going on for the last half century through reconciliation and harmony."

Park of the Saenuri party, won the highest office in a conservative Asian nation with traditional gender values.

Just because a woman has won the presidency, it doesn't mean South Korea has achieved everything it needs in terms of gender equality, said Kang, who is also director of Korean Studies Institute at USC. "That a woman could be elected in South Korea is historic and important.

At the same time, what you basically have to do is be political royalty. So I think gender roles are changing in South Korea. It's a step forward, but

let's also remember how unique she is as a person."

Park is the daughter of former President Park Chung-hee, whose legacy left the Korean public divided.

Some claim he was a dictator who ignored human rights and cracked down on dissent, while others credit him with bringing economic development to South Korea. Her father was assassinated in 1979.

On Thursday, she paid her respects to her parents by visiting their graves at the National Cemetery in Seoul.

As in many other elections around the world, the economy reigned as the No. 1 issue for South Korean voters.

Park has made ambitious promises to address those anxieties.

"I will create a society in which no one is left behind and everyone can share the fruits of economic development," she said. "I believe that only this can bring unity, economic democratization and happiness for people.

She also mentioned North Korea describing its recent rocket launch as a "serious security situation."

Park received congratulatory messages from Korea's outgoing President Lee Myung-bak as well as one from U.S. President Barack Obama.

The United States and South Korea enjoy "stable relations," Kang said.

"Park is going to have to weigh U.S. as its main security ally and China as its main economic partner. That balancing act - keeping both with good relations - at some point, may become difficult," he said.

Israel says it will build WikiLeaks to release one million settlements in East Jerusalem neighborhoods new documents WikiLeaks is preparing to release more than a million documents next year, the controversial website's founder said Thursday.

Julian Assange did not provide details about their contents but said they "affect every country in the world."

He spoke from the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he has been holed up for more than six months.

Ecuador's government granted him asylum in August, but British authorities have said they will arrest him if he leaves the premises.

"I came here in summer," Assange said. "It is winter now."

Assange said he cannot leave as long as authorities continue to investigate him.

Assange disregards questions on free press, his reported ill health "This building ... has become my home, my office and my refuge," he said. "Thanks to the principled stance of the Ecuadorian government and the support of its people, I am safe in this embassy to speak from this embassy."

Assange fled to the Ecuadorian Embassy in June to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over allegations that he raped one woman and sexually molested another. Assange has said he fears Sweden will transfer him to the United States, where he could face the death penalty for the work of WikiLeaks if he were charged and convicted of a crime.

He has repeatedly said the allegations in Sweden are politically motivated and tied to the work of his website, which facilitates the publication of secret documents.

Assange has not been charged in the United States, though Assange and his supporters claim a U.S. grand jury has been empanelled to consider charges against him.

"My work will not be cowed," Assange said Thursday. "But while this immoral investigation continues, and while the Australian government will not defend the journalism and publishing of WikiLeaks, I must remain here."

JERUSALEM -- A day after the U.S. State Department strongly condemned Israel's plans to build a 1,500-unit settlement in East Jerusalem, Israel announced it would continue a plan to build settlements in other East Jerusalem neighborhoods.

On Wednesday, initial approval for a total of up to 3,000 homes in Jerusalem was granted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a group of foreign ambassadors from Asia-Pacific countries he met with on Wednesday, while overlooking Jerusalem's Old City: "The walls that you see behind me represent the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years. All Israeli governments have built in Jerusalem. We're not going to change that. That's a natural thing."

He went on to say: "Imagine that you had to limit construction in your own capital; it doesn't make sense."

The significance of building in East Jerusalem is that Palestinians have long hoped to make it their capital in a future Palestinian state that would include the West Bank and Gaza. In 1967, Israel captured and annexed East Jerusalem, an action never recognized internationally and long condemned by Palestinians as an obstacle to a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

On Tuesday, Israel announced that settlement building in Ramat Shlomo would continue, a plan originally announced in 2010. Back then, the announcement, which coincided with a visit by Vice President Joe Biden, angered and embarrassed the United

States.

At the time, the U.S. had brokered indirect talks between Palestinians and Israel that it hoped would reinvigorate the peace process, but the settlement building announcement prompted the Palestinians to pull out of the talks. There have not been peace talks since.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland used the strongest words against Israeli settlements in recent years after Tuesday's announcement to move the settlement plan forward.

"We are deeply disappointed that Israel insists on continuing this pattern of provocative action. These repeated announcements and plans of new construction run counter to the cause of peace. Israel's leaders continually say that they support a path to a two-state solution, yet these actions only put that goal further at risk," she said Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Israeli Interior Ministry spokesman Efrat Orbach said of the Ramat Shlomo building plan: "It is a plan which was passed in the local council (during the visit of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in March 2010), and two and a half years ago, it was opened to appeals from the public by the regional council. The public's objections were heard this week. As a result of the objections, a number of units were dropped. Now the property developer needs to make the changes to the plan and set out what he is obligated to do according to the plan."

Still, 1,500 new units have been approved.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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WORLD NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

Latin Americans rank as happiest people on planet MEXICO CITY — The world's happiest people aren't in Qatar, the richest country by most measures.

They aren't in Japan, the nation with the highest life expectancy. Canada, with its chart-topping percentage of college graduates, doesn't make the top 10.

A poll released Wednesday of nearly 150,000 people around the world says seven of the world's 10 countries with the most upbeat attitudes are in Latin America.

Many of the seven do poorly in traditional measures of well-being, like Guatemala, a country torn by decades of civil war followed by waves of gang-driven criminality that give it one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Guatemala sits just above Iraq on the United Nations' Human Development Index, a composite of life expectancy, education and per capita income. But it ranks seventh in positive emotions.

"In Guatemala, it's a culture of friendly people who are always smiling," said Luz Castillo, a 30-yearold surfing instructor. "Despite all the

problems that we're facing, we're surrounded by natural beauty that lets us get away from it all."

Gallup Inc. asked about 1,000 people in each of 148 countries last year if they were well-rested, had been treated with respect, smiled or laughed a lot, learned or did something interesting and felt feelings of enjoyment the previous day.

In Panama and Paraguay, 85 percent of those polled said yes to all five, putting those countries at the top of the list. They were followed closely

by El Salvador, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Guatemala, the Philippines, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

The people least likely to report positive emotions lived in Singapore, the wealthy and orderly city-state that ranks among the most developed in the world. Other wealthy countries also sat surprisingly low on the list. Germany and France tied with the poor African state of Somaliland for 47th place.

Prosperous nations can be deeply unhappy ones. And poverty-stricken ones are often awash in positivity, or at least a close approximation of it.

It's a paradox with serious implications for a relatively new and controversial field called happiness economics that seeks to improve government performance by adding people's perceptions of their satisfaction to traditional metrics such as life expectancy, per capita income and graduation rates.

The United States was No. 33 in positive outlook. Latin America's biggest economies, Mexico and Brazil, sat more than 20 places further down the list.

Jon Clifton, a partner at Gallup, acknowledged the poll partly measured cultures' overall tendency to express emotions, positive or negative.

But he said skeptics shouldn't undervalue the expression of positive emotion as an important phenomenon in and of itself.

Some Latin Americans said the poll hit something fundamental about their countries: a habit of focusing on posivites such as friends, family and religion despite daily lives that can be

grindingly difficult.

Carlos Martinez sat around a table with 11 fellow construction workers in a Panama City restaurant sharing a breakfast of corn empanadas, fried chicken and coffee before heading to work on one of the hundreds of new buildings that have sprouted during a yearslong economic boom driven in large part by the success of the Panama Canal. The boom has sent unemployment plunging, but also increased traffic and crime.

Martinez pronounced himself unhappy with rising crime but "happy about my family."

"Overall, I'm happy because this is a country with many natural resources, a country that plays an important role in the world," he said. "We're Caribbean people, we're people who like to celebrate, to eat well and live as well as we can. There are a lot of possibilities here, you just have to sacrifice a little more."

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

Instagram photos removed from twitter READ MORE ON NEXT PAGE 39

The Future of Mobile Networks: Beyond 4G Carriers worldwide will begin their first small-cell deployments next year, with the aim of creating dense layers of 3G and 4G capacity. The goal of these shrunken cells is to put massive amounts of bandwidth precisely where people are using it: in malls, arenas, public plazas, urban parks, and busy business districts.

The first wave of small cells, mounted on outdoor street poles and ceilings, could just be the beginning. A consortium of technology companies and universities brought together by the European Commission is investigating a concept called the super-dense network, which could put multiple tiny cells in every room.

We’re not just talking networks on the small scale, but on the human scale.

The consortium has the rather ungainly name of Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for the Twenty-twenty Information Society.

Fortunately, it’s using the moniker Metis for short. With the help of a €16 million (U.S. $21.2 million) grant for the European Union, Metis is tasked

with identifying the network technologies beyond the LTEAdvanced standards being developed today.

These so-called 5G technologies could take the form of new radio air interfaces, new cellular architectures such as heterogeneous networks and wide-area mobile mesh, and even the virtualization of the network itself, says Jan Färjh, head of standardization and industry for Ericsson the network vendor spearheading Metis. Färjh uses the word “could” because no one in the consortium knows what form the network of 2020 and beyond will take.

These new technologies are on the bleeding edge and it is Metis’s goal to determine which are technically and commercially feasible.

“We have to be prepared for the world 10 years after LTE and LTEAdvanced,” Färjh says. While vendors and the standards bodies have some good ideas about what the capabilities of our networks should be in 2020, Färjh said, it’s not obvious what those networks should look like.

To that end, Metis is opening up multiple fields of investigation, digging into research projects in the labs of such academic institutions as Aalborg University in Denmark and Poznan University of Technology in Poland. Though the big vendors and carriers like Alcatel-Lucent Nokia, and Telefónica are all there, Metis is also reaching beyond the traditional wireless industry to include companies such as BMW. One of the big areas Metis will explore, Färjh says, is vehicle-to-vehicle networking: One day, rather than being mere end-points in the network, cars will be nodes within it.

Another field that Färjh says Metis will delve into is the possibility of moving baseband processing to the cloud. Today’s radio access network (RAN) is designed so that every base station processor can handle its cell’s peak load, but most cells are at peak capacity for only a small portion of the day. That’s a lot of processing power sitting idle throughout the network.

Vendors such as Intel have proposed

moving those base stations into the cloud, creating a set of shared processing resources.

“What if we had a flexible architecture in which you can move around processing power to wherever its needed in the network,” Färjh says.

“We could take the virtualization model and apply it to the mobile network.”

In addition to car-to-car connectivity, Metis will also look into making devices nodes in ad hoc networks, Färjh says. Instead of communicating directly with a tower, our phones and gadgets could relay their data among one another in a giant mesh, eventually offloading data into the mobile network proper through the most efficient connection, or combination of connections. These are concepts being explored by startup Open Garden and the Commotion open-source mesh-networking initiative.

Whether all or any of these technologies make it into Metis’s final set of recommendations 30 months from now is hard to predict, Färjh says.

The technologies themselves might be viable on their own, but their practical implementation is another story. For instance, backhaul is a real obstacle to super-dense networking and CloudRAN, both of which would need to be plugged into huge transport pipes. We can’t just plan future networks. We have to plan the networks that will support those networks.

Kodak sells digital imaging patents for $525M ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Eastman Kodak is selling its digital imaging patents for about $525 million, money the struggling photo pioneer says will help it emerge from bankruptcy protection in the first half of next year.

Apple Inc., Google Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Research In Motion Ltd., Microsoft Corp., China's Huawei Technologies, Facebook Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. are among the 12 companies paying to license the 1,100 patents, according to court filings. Patents have become very valuable to digital device makers, who want to protect themselves from intellectual property lawsuits. But Kodak, which has been trying to make the sale happen for more than a year, wound up receiving substantially less money than had been expected.

Rochester, N.Y.-based Eastman Kodak Co. said Wednesday that the patent sale will help it repay a substantial amount of a loan it received under the bankruptcy process. It also satisfies a key condition of a new, cheaper $830 million loan package, which required that the patents be sold for at least $500 million.

Founded in 1880, Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January after a long struggle to stay relevant. First came competition from Japanese companies, then the shift from film to digital photography over the past decade. Kodak failed to keep up. The once-mighty company, whose workforce peaked at 145,300 in 1988, said at the end of September that it expected to wind up with 13,100 employees after another round of job cuts.

Since filing for bankruptcy protection, Kodak has sold off several businesses, such as its online

Kodak digital cameras on display at a Best Buy.

photo service, and said it would shut down other divisions, including the manufacturing of digital cameras. The company intends to focus on commercial and packaging printing. It sees home photo printers, high-speed commercial inkjet presses, software and packaging as the core of its business as it emerges from bankruptcy.

Kodak began mining its patent portfolio for license revenue in 2008. In January 2010, it sued Apple and RIM, saying that smartphone makers infringed its patent for technology that lets a camera preview low-resolution versions of a moving image

while recording still images at higher resolutions.

But by July 2011, it was trying to sell its 1,100 digital imaging patents. Analysts initially thought the portfolio could fetch between $2 billion and $3 billion. But Kodak struggled to find a buyer.

The 12 licensees for Kodak's imaging patents were organized by Intellectual Ventures and RPX Corp. Kodak spokesman Christopher Veronda said each licensee will pay a portion of the total cost and then have access to all the patents. The deal also includes an agreement to settle patent-related litigation.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

UBS to pay $1.5B to settle interest rate case GENEVA — Swiss banking giant UBS AG said Wednesday it has admitted to fraud and agreed to pay some $1.5 billion to U.S., British and Swiss authorities in a probe into the rigging of global benchmark interest rates.

The settlement caps a tough year for Switzerland's biggest bank, which is one of several leading banks that has been under investigation over allegations of manipulating the benchmark LIBOR interest rate, short for London interbank offered rate. It is used to set the interest rates on trillions of dollars in contracts around the world, including mortgages and credit cards.

The rate is a self-policing system and relies on information that global banks submit to a British banking authority. American and British regulators have already fined Britain's Barclays $453 million for submitting false information between 2005 and 2009 to keep the interest rate low.

UBS said some of its employees tried to rig the LIBOR rate in several currencies, but that its Japan unit, where much of the manipulation took place, entered a plea to one count of wire fraud in a the proposed agreement with the U.S. Justice Department.

The statement from the UBS board of directors said some of its personnel had "engaged in efforts to manipulate submissions for certain benchmark

rates to benefit trading positions."

The bank also said that some of its employees had "colluded with employees at other banks and cash brokers to influence certain benchmark rates to benefit their trading positions" or had given "inappropriate directions to UBS submitters that were in part motivated by a desire to avoid unfair and negative market and media perceptions during the financial crisis."

Sergio Ermotti, who was appointed CEO of UBS AG in November 2012 in the wake of a major trading scandal, said in the statement that the misconduct does not reflect the bank's values or standards.

Facebook CEO Zuckerberg donating $500M in stock

SAN FRANCISCO — Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he is donating nearly $500 million in stock to a Silicon Valley charity with the aim of funding health and education issues.

Zuckerberg donated 18 million Facebook shares, valued at $498.8 million based on their Tuesday closing price. The beneficiary is the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, a nonprofit that works with donors to allocate their gifts.

This is Zuckerberg's largest donation to date. He pledged $100 million in Facebook stock to Newark, N.J., public schools in 2010, before his company went public earlier this year. Later in 2010, he joined Giving Pledge, an effort led by Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. CEO Warren Buffett to get the country's richest people to donate most of their wealth. His wife, Priscilla Chan, joined with him.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, Zuckerberg, 28, said he's "proud of the work" done by the foundation that his Newark donation launched, called Startup: Education, which has helped open charter schools, high schools and others.

With the latest contribution, he added, "we will look for areas in education and health to focus on next." He did not give further details on what plans there may be for funds.

"Mark's generous gift will change lives and inspire others in Silicon Valley and around the globe to give back and make the world a better place," said Emmett D. Carson, CEO of the foundation

"We deeply regret this inappropriate and unethical behavior.

No amount of profit is more important than the reputation of the firm, and we are committed to doing business with integrity," he said.

With more than 2.2 trillion Swiss francs ($2.4 trillion) in invested assets, Zurich-based UBS is one of the world's largest managers of private wealth assets. At last count, the bank had 63,745 employees in 57 countries and said it aims for a headcount of 54,000 in 2015.

Along with Credit Suisse, the second-largest Swiss bank, UBS is on the list of the 29 "global systemically

important banks" that the Basel, Switzerland-based Bank for International Settlements, the central bank for central banks, considers too big to fail.

In 2008, UBS was forced to seek a bailout from the Swiss government when it was hard hit by the financial crisis and its fixed-income unit had more than $50 billion in losses. U.S. authorities fined UBS $780 million in 2009 for helping U.S. citizens avoid paying taxes. The U.S. government has since been pushing Switzerland to loosen its rules on banking secrecy and has been trying to shed its image as a tax haven, signing deals with the United States, Germany and Britain to provide greater assistance to foreign tax authorities seeking information on their citizens' accounts.

In April, Ermotti called Switzerland's tax disputes with the United States and some European nations "an economic war" putting thousands of jobs at risk.

In September 2011 the bank announced more than $2 billion in losses and blamed a 32-year-old rogue trader, Kweku Adoboli, at its London office for Britain's biggest-ever fraud at a bank.

Britain's financial regulator fined UBS, saying its internal controls were inadequate to prevent Adoboli, a relatively inexperienced trader, from making vast and risky bets. Adoboli has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

Four banks found guilty of fraud MILAN — An Italian judge found four international banks guilty of fraud in a case involving the sale of derivatives to the city of Milan and ordered the confiscation of 88 million euros, about $117 million.

Judge Oscar Magi on Wednesday convicted Deutsche Bank, UBS, JPMorgan and Depfa Bank, as well as nine current and former bankers. In Italy, institutions may be held responsible as well individuals. The individuals received suspended

sentences of six months to eight months. The banks have denied wrongdoing.

Prosecutors alleged that the city of Milan lost 105 million euros as part of the sale of bonds totaling 1.69 billion euros between 2005 and 2007.

Prosecutor Alfredo Robledo said the verdict recognized the importance of “the fundamental principal of transparency on the part of banks in contracts with public administrations.”

Instagram photos removed from twitter Instagram photos have vanished from Twitter as the photo-sharing app turned off all support for the microblogging site.

Facebook ended all support today for Twitter cards, meaning Twitter users won't be able to view Instagram photos from within their Twitter feeds.

Users are instead greeted by white space where the image formerly appeared.

Twitter noted the move in a blog update this afternoon: "Instagram has disabled photo integration with Twitter. As a result, photos are no longer appearing in Tweets or user photo galleries. While tweeting links to Instagram photos is still possible, you can no longer view the photos on Twitter, as was previously the case."

A Facebook representative pointed out that Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom said last week at the Le Web conference that one of the main reasons his service cut off the Twitter card integration was that Instagram wants its users to view their photos on its own Web site and not on Twitter.

The move comes as Twitter has been restricting access to third-party tweeting software and limiting access that third-party companies such as Instagram get to Twitter users' lists of followers. Last week, Instagram stopped using Twitter's cards feature to let Twitter users see photos shared with Instagram.

Rolled out in June, Twitter cards allow partner Web sites to present their content in a "more engaging way."

Twitter users can expand tweets of participating companies to see content previews, images, videos, and other information. Among the many card offerings is one for photos, which puts an image in the center of a tweet.

However, Twitter appears poised to take on Instagram directly by offering sets of photo filters through its mobile apps, according to areport in The New York Times. The Times reported that "in the coming months, Twitter plans to update its mobile applications to introduce filters for photos that will allow people to share altered images on Twitter and bypass Instagram."

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 41

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

TCI Women take charge of Beach Soccer tourney TCI Women dominated the Women’s Beach Soccer Festival held last weekend. TCI Women ended at the top of the table with 9 points, having only been beaten by the local counterparts, TCI Under 16.

Josh Williams of the TCI is one of Northwood School club hockey team players Josh Williams started Josh and his family out playing for the would like to take this Provo Hockey League, opportunity to thank the but left to go to school PHL for their support and play ice hockey and for offering Josh the in Atlanta in 2007. chance to be introduced Here he to the wonderful game of represented GA in hockey. state tournaments and The Northwood played for The Atlanta School club hockey team Thrashers travel team. posted a 3-1 victory over Then he moved to Saranac Lake in a nonMontreal to play at a league matchup Friday at school there in 2010. the Civic Center.

Unfortunately, soon The Red Storm, who after arriving and marched all the way to playing in Montreal WKH VWDWH ÂżQDO IRXU D \HDU he broke his femur in ago and were hit hard by 2010 and had to have graduation, took a 1-0 Josh Williams surgery to realign the leg in 2011, meaning that lead on an early goal, but the Huskies answered he missed a whole year of hockey. with the next three to improve to 9-6-3. Saranac This didn't deter Josh from playing and he's Lake dropped to 1-2-1 with the loss. now experiencing success playing in Lake Placid Northwood scored two huge second-period NY for Northwood High School. goals and added an empty-netter to claim the win.

Josh's passion and determination to play After Ethan Sawyer scored 3:06 into the game to hockey is unwavering and he aims to get a give the Red Storm the early edge, the Huskies scholarship to play hockey at the college level. evened the score on a shorthanded tally from Ian In pursuit of his dreams, he'll be trying out for the Nathan, and jumped ahead when Josh Williams Philadelphia Flyers Junior A team over Christmas. netted what proved to be the game-winner on a We'd like to wish Josh luck and can't wait to hear breakaway with just one tick left on the secondthe good news that he's made the team. period clock.

JamTurk tame Jaguars

Man of the Match Leon Clair

A superb bowling performance by Leon Clair n enabled Jam Turk to comprehensively beat the Guyana Jaguars as the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association T20 Competition continued on Saturday December 15th at the Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales.

Jaguars elected to bat after winning the toss and dismissed for a modest 100 runs from 15.5 overs. Top scorers were: Walter Henry with 27 runs, 5x4 and Sean Khan with 22 runs and 4x4.

Bowling for Jam Turk, Leon Clair snatched 5 wickets for 19 runs from 3.5 overs. Jeffrey Bascoe took 2 wickets for 13 runs from 3 overs.

When JamTurk batted they reached the target losing 2 wickets in 15.5 overs, Jeffrey Bascoe top scored with an unbeaten 34 runs and 6x4 and Douglas Brown added 27 runs not out.

Bowling for Jaguars, Winick Caleb and Walter Henry took 1 wicket each from 4 overs

BCQS Bears Too Strong For The Vix Warriors 7KH ÂżQDO ZHHNHQG RI WKH MXQLRU UXJE\ year once again saw tremendous numbers converge on Meridian Field, with children from WR \HDUV ROG HQMR\LQJ WKHPVHOYHV XQGHU the watchful eye of TCI Rugby Football Union volunteer coaches. In the under 19 clash, The Vix Warriors and BCQS Bears sides ripped into proceedings with Christmas break bragging rights on their minds.

The BCQS Bears will be enjoying their Christmas Day turkey just a little more as it turns out, as they took full advantage of their edge in experience over The Vix Warriors who were missing a couple of key personnel. After an opening period which saw some almighty contact and big commitment from both teams, the Warriors found themselves defending at a ruck just out from their own line and weren’t quick enough to stop Andrew Seymour burrowing over from close UDQJH IRU WKH ¿UVW WU\ RI WKH PDWFK 6H\PRXU ZDV LQ again shortly after, this time the result of some real ¿QHVVH IURP KLV WHDP PDWHV DV VOLFN SDVVLQJ DQG VNLOIXO RIÀRDGLQJ FUHDWHG WKH VSDFH IRU WKH QDWLRQDO under-19 scrumhalf to get outside the defence.

The Vix Warriors were showing no signs of giving up and battled valiantly with the ball in hand an in defence. However they just could not generate the go forward against the strong BCQS Bears defence to get out of their own half. Instead it was Joshua Swann, one of the most improved performers of the current season, who came up with an unstoppable surge, running hard and straight at the narrowest of gaps in the green wall and blasting through it to give the Bears a 15 – 0 half time lead.

BCQS Bears captain Franco Mompremier had been at the heart of most of his team’s efforts in the ¿UVW KDOI DQG KH ZDV LQ WKH WKLFN RI WKH DFWLRQ DJDLQ VRRQ DIWHU WKH EUHDN VQXI¿QJ RXW D SURPLVLQJ Warriors attack with an excellent turnover.

Mompremier then broke the line before producing D TXDOLW\ RIĂ€RDG ZLWK WKUHH RSSRQHQWV KDQJLQJ RII him to lay on a superb counter attacking try for Scott Glinton.

Glinton had the taste for the try line now and Mompremier was again the creator, providing irresistible go forward to get in behind the defence of The Vix Warriors. The Bears moved the ball

quickly from the ensuing ruck and Glinton was on KDQG WR ÂżQLVK LW RII 7KH :DUULRUVÂś WLUHG GHIHQFH was battling hard but the weight of possession told and a dummy from Lincoln Outten saw him stride through untouched to underline a well-deserved YLFWRU\ DQG PDNH WKH ÂżQDO VFRUH Âą WR WKH %&46 Bears. They were more than worthy winners and put on an excellent team performance.

The Vix Warriors were unlucky not to score and showed no shortage of courage, featuring hard working players all over the park. Frankie Forbes and Edwardson Jean made several good runs and tackles between them and Michael Williams was FORVH WR WKH EHVW SOD\HU RQ WKH ¿HOG The TCIRFU would like to thank all the participants and volunteer coaches for their efforts in 2012 and they look forward to resuming early in 2013. There will be a Rugby Holiday Camp on Monday 17th, Wednesday 19th and Friday 21st of December at Meridian Field. Under 11s (boys and girls) are from 10am – 12pm and over 11s (boys and girls) are from 1pm – 3pm. Interested parties FDQ FRQWDFW 7&,5)8 5XJE\ 'HYHORSPHQW 2I¿FHU Jamie Tait at rdo@rugby.tc

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

Page 43

ESPN suspends Rob Parker READ ON PAGE 44

Peyton Manning tops fan voting Peyton Manning, who has come back from multiple neck surgeries to lead the Denver Broncos to the AFC West title, received the most Pro Bowl votes from fans on NFL.com, the league announced.

Manning, who has 31 touchdown passes and has thrown for 4,016 yards this season, topped the fan balloting with 993,045 votes cast on NFL.com.

Fan balloting was closed Dec. 17.

The fan voting is one-third of the equation in determining the Pro Bowl teams and is combined with voting by the league's players and coaches, who will cast their votes Thursday and Friday.

The Pro Bowl teams will be announced Dec. 26.

Manning was followed in the fans' voting by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (908,099);

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (829,591); Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson

(828,225); and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (777,827).

Rounding out the top 10 were

NHL cancels all games through Jan. 14 NEW YORK -- The NHL could be one step away from canceling another hockey season because of a labor fight with the players.

In the latest round of cancellations, the NHL on Thursday wiped out all games through Jan. 14. More than 50 percent of the schedule has been lost, and the rest is now in great danger, too. ''I don't want to characterize what today's cancellations mean or don't mean,'' NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press in an email. ''I will stand on the announcement that was made.''

So far, 625 regular-season games have been called off, including nearly 100 in the announcement made Thursday - the 96th day of the NHL's lockout. The New Year's Day Winter Classic and the All-Star game also have been lost.

The NHL had previously canceled games through Dec. 30.

Daly said in a radio interview Wednesday that mid-January is likely the latest the sides could go to make a deal to save the season. When pressed, however, he said he expects the season will be played.

No drop-dead date has been announced by the NHL, which is the only North American professional sports league to cancel a season because of to a labor dispute. The 2004-05 season was lost to a lockout.

Daly said the sides hadn't been in contact with each other Thursday, and no new talks are planned.

The groups have remained apart since two days of meetings with a federal mediator last week produced no progress. There haven't been

negotiations since Dec. 6 in New York, when talks broke down after a few days of bargaining.

Since the sides split last week, there has been limited contact - phone calls and a brief email exchange.

The NHL believes negotiations should resume only when there is something new to say. ''I don't think either party is refusing a meeting,'' Daly said Wednesday. ''But unless there is an indication one side or the other is prepared to move or has a new idea to move the process forward - and so far neither side has indicated - I am not sure what we would do at the meeting. ''What is the agenda? Who is directing the conversation? We don't have anything new to say right now.''

Union executive director Donald Fehr said Wednesday he was glad to hear Daly's belief that there would be a season, and added he hopes Daly is right. ''Hopefully, we'll get back together and negotiate out the remaining issues as soon as possible,'' Fehr said. ''(We aren't talking) because the owners have not indicated a desire to resume. ''We've indicated any number of times that we're willing to resume when they are (and) we're willing to resume without preconditions.

So we're waiting to hear back from them.''

Last week, the NHL announced it filed a class action suit in the U.S. District Court in New York, seeking to establish that its lockout is legal.

In a filing posted Thursday, the court said the union had three weeks after receiving the suit to file an answer.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (683,943); Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (676,607); Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (646,273); New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (578,753); and Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (564,751).

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who is tied with the San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith for the league lead in sacks with 19½, received the most fan votes for a defensive player with 542,688.

The NFL is the only one of the four major American professional sports leagues to determine its All-Star teams by combining fans', players' and coaches' votes.

The Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on Jan. 27, 2013.

US and Canada rise in year-end FIFA rankings...as does Haiti Say what you will about FIFA rankings — and we're sure you will have plenty to say — but they do give us a way to measure national teams when head-to-head competition isn't available.

If the just-released year-end 2012 rankings are any indication, the Jurgen Klinsmann revolution is starting to pay dividends, as the US rose six spots, as compared with last year, to finish at No. 28.

The US, who in 2012 posted its joint best-ever record (9W, 2L, 3D), were powered by friendly wins against heavyweights Italy and Mexico. On the other hand, the Yanks' struggles during the third round of World Cup qualifying hurt, leaving them in their third-lowest final ranking in the past decade.

Canada, who failed to advance to the Hexagonal again, climbed eight spots to No. 64, their highest ranking since 2009 and third-highest final ranking in the last decade.

Several other CONCACAF nations, most notably Mexico, Cuba, and Haiti, shot up in the rankings.

El Tri jumped back into the top 20 for the first time since 2009, finishing up six spots at No. 15.

Cuba, thanks to their title run in last week's Caribbean Cup, leapt 41 spots (compared to the November ranking) to finish at No. 100, and Haiti rose 18 points to No. 39 — third-highest position among CONCACAF sides — on the back of their third-place finish in the same tournament.

Obviously, though, the Haitians are not better than CONCACAF middleweights like Panama (No. 51), Jamaica (No. 56), Honduras (No. 58), and Costa Rica (No. 66) — all of whom qualified for the Hexagonal with the US and Mexico.

So, like we said, say what you will about the FIFA rankings.

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WORLD SPORTS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

English players warned over BPL English cricket remains "very nervous" about the participation of players in the Bangladesh Premier League and has warned those taking part of the risks.

The head of the players' union does not believe any significant improvements have been made since last year's controversial debut edition.

Alex Hales, Luke Wright and Ravi Bopara are the highest-profile English players to have been bought by franchises although a host of other county cricketers have been snapped up. Michael Lumb and James Taylor, who both play for Nottinghamshire alongside Hales, withdrew from the auction. All the players who earned deals on Thursday are understood to have been granted No-Objection Certificates by their counties but not without concerns.

"We remain very nervous about the competition," Angus Porter, the chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, told ESPNcricinfo. "I don't see any evidence that the competition is going to be better off or better organised than it was last year. I'm not sure anyone involved in the game is very comfortable with this event.

"We haven't yet seen any final contracts, we are uncomfortable with the proposed payment schedule for players. We brought all the issues we can to the attention of players but at the end of the day it is their decision whether they go. From a financial and organisational point of view, we still think the tournament has a lot to prove."

Following the first edition of the

BPL last year players suffered from delayed payments and the PCA had to get heavily involved to ensure money was delivered. Although those issues have now been resolved some of the coaches and backroom staff from the 2012 tournament are still without fees.

A new payment structure is in place for this year's tournament with players receiving 25% before the tournament, another quarter before it finishes then the remaining 50% within six months but Porter does not believe this system is any more secure.

"The proposed payment schedule for this year is actually worse than last year," he said. "The players will get to the end of the tournament with only 25% of the fee in their pocket if it goes to plan and of that a chuck is having to go to an agent proposed by the BPL.

They won't have an awful lot of money even if the schedules are met until a considerable time after the tournament.

That is far from satisfactory, given the events of last year."

The other significant area of concern was the policing of corruption.

Porter has spoken to a number of the players involved in the auction to outline the risks and the PCA's concerns, but he also understands why some continue to pursue an opportunity.

"A number of players I've spoken to have said they want to go for the experience and boost their talents," he said. "They are aware of the risk they are taking. I am concerned though that the tournament is sending a signal to organisers of tournaments that you can mess with players and not deliver an event that has the governance you want to have."

ESPN suspends Serena Williams expected to play at Brisbane Rob Parker

BRISBANE, Australia -- Brisbane International organizers say Serena Williams still plans to compete in the Dec. 30-Jan. 5 event despite minor surgery on her big toes that forced her to withdraw from a Dec. 29 exhibition in Thailand.

Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson said Thursday he had been assured by Williams' agent that the WTA player of the year will ''be fit and ready'' for the event at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Williams has been affected by chronic foot problems since treading on glass and badly cutting both feet in 2010.

The five-time Australian Open winner played at last year's Brisbane International but pulled out because of an ankle injury at the quarterfinals. Later in the year, she won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the women's singles title in the London Olympics.

ESPN has suspended commentator Rob Parker for 30 days for comments he made about Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III during a Dec. 13 episode of "First Take."The suspension comes one day after Parker issued an apology on his Twitter account. On the show, he was discussing Griffin's answer to a question about Griffin's role as an AfricanAmerican quarterback, and Parker questioned Griffin's "blackness," citing that the player has a white fiancée and is rumored to be Republican.

Among his comments, Parker, who is black, said: "Is he a brother or a cornball brother?"

In his apology, Parker said he reached out to Griffin's agent with the hope of apologizing to Griffin directly.

"I blew it and I'm sincerely sorry," Parker posted on Twitter.

"I completely understand how the issue of race in sports is a sensitive one and needs to be handled with great care."

ESPN issued a statement Thursday announcing the suspension.

"Our review of the preparation for the show and the re-air has established that mistakes both in judgment and communication were made," said Marcia Keegan, vice president of production for ESPN who oversees "First Take."

"As a direct result, clearly inappropriate content was aired and then re-aired without editing. Both were errors on our part. To address this, we have enhanced the editorial oversight of the show and have taken appropriate disciplinary measures with the personnel responsible for these failures.

"We will continue to discuss important issues in sports on 'First Take,' including race. Debate is an integral part of sports and we will continue to engage in it on 'First Take.' However, we believe what we have learned here and the steps we have taken will help us do all that better."

Watson will be next US Ryder Cup captain The P.G.A. of America on Thursday named Tom Watson the captain of the United States Ryder Cup team for the 2014 event at Gleneagles in Scotland.

Watson, 63, was the American captain in 1993, the last time the United States won the Cup on foreign soil. The United States has lost seven of the past nine Ryder Cups, including a devastating loss at Medinah this fall, when the Europeans came back from 10-6 deficit on the final day to win.

Watson, who will be 65 when the 2014 event is played, would be the oldest Ryder Cup captain since the competition began in 1927. He is also the first repeat captain for the United States team since Jack Nicklaus in 1987.

(Nicklaus, incidentally, designed the course at Gleneagles that will be used for the 2014 Cup.) On Tuesday at a media roundtable, Ted Bishop, the P.G.A. president, had hinted that the P.G.A. was going to “doing something a little bit different” with the captaincy because “we’re tired of losing.”

The phrase “tired of losing” was repeated several times during Thursday’s news conference at the Empire State Building. There is no doubt Watson was chosen for his expertise in links golf and his success playing in Scotland, which is hosting the Ryder Cup for only the second time. Among his eight major titles, five came at the British Open, and four of those were on courses in Scotland. At the news conference, Bishop noted “how revered this gentleman is in

Scotland.”

Bishop said the process of selecting Watson began more than a year ago. The idea came to him after reading Jim Huber’s book “Four Days in July,” which is about Watson’s improbable run at the 2009 British Open at age 59. When Bishop called Watson to gauge his interest, Watson said, “Boy, I’ve been waiting for this call for a long time.”

“I always wanted to be captain again,” Watson said.

In recent years, the P.G.A. had chosen former major winners and Ryder Cup veterans in their mid40s who were still active on the PGA Tour, including Davis Love III, Corey Pavin and Paul Azinger. Watson currently plays only three events on the regular tour: the Masters, the British Open and the Greenbriar Classic. But he said he would consider adding one of two more PGA tournaments to his playing schedule.

Watson said little in Thursday’s news conference to reveal his philosophy as captain.

Noting his proximity to Broadway, he described himself as a stage manager.

“I prepare the stage for the actors,” Watson said.

But he did say he was evaluating the selection criteria and wondered whether four captain’s picks for the U.S. team was too many.

Beginning with the 2008 Ryder Cup, the American captain has had four discretionary picks for the 12-man roster, while the European team has two. In the aftermath of the Americans’ loss at Medinah, Love was second-guessed over his captain’s picks.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 22TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

Happy Holidays & a Properous New Year from your Digicel TCI Family!

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