Vol. 7 Issue 06

e-mail: sun@suntci.com www.suntci.com

tel: (649) 946-8542 Fax: (649) 941-3281 VoluMe 7 no. 06

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FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

RepoRt says populaR pilot was disoRiented

By Hayden Boyce sun publisher & editor-in-Chief

FOUR YEARS AFTER one of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ most respected and beloved pilots, Manville ‘Donnie’ Gardiner plunged to his untimely death in a tragic plane crash off North Caicos, the United Kingdom (UK) based Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB) has released a report which said the tragedy may have been the result of him being disoriented.

It was on February 6, 2007, at about 6:42 p.m., when the plane crashed soon after takeoff from North Caicos Airport, at the start of a flight bound for Grand Turk.

Donnie received fatal injuries in the accident, while the five passengers mostly suffered serious injuries, but all survived the accident.

The accident was reported to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Civil Aviation Department (CAD) on the evening of 6 February 2007. The same evening, a request for assistance was made to the United Kingdom Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), under the terms of a pre-existing Memorandum of Understanding; AAIB Inspectors arrived in the TCI on 8 February 2007. The TCI CAD appointed a TCI national as Investigator-in-Charge, tasked with conducting an investigation in accordance with the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Convention.

The investigation was conducted by: Mr P Forbes (Investigator-in-Charge), Mr K Fairbank (AAIB Operations), Mr P Thomas (Operations), Mr A Robinson (AAIB Engineering) and Mr K Malcolm (Engineering). The manufacturers of the aircraft, the engines and the propellers assisted during the later stages of the investigation.

The report noted that weather conditions at the time were good, but it was after nightfall; the moon

Howell girls were classic on the house cheerleading contest stand at the Annual Clement Howell High School Sports Day held on Thursday, February 3 and Friday, February 4 at the National Stadium on Providenciales. See pages 24 an 25 for more photos.

had not risen and there was little cultural lighting in the area.

The aircraft crashed into a shallow lagoon approximately one nautical mile south-east of North Caicos Airport. Wreckage was spread along

a trail that extended in excess of 370 metres. The aircraft’s fuselage had come to rest comparatively intact, although lying in an inverted attitude.

Continued on page 2

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UK experts reveal why Donnie crashed

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Continued from Page 1

According to the report, evidence from the accident site indicated that the aircraft had struck the water in a nominally upright attitude, with only a moderate rate of descent but at relatively high forward speed, according to the report.

It was noted that the available evidence, which shows that a significant change in aircraft attitude occurred late in the accident sequence, strongly suggests that the pilot was in control of the aircraft when it struck the surface, and was taking appropriate recovery action.

“Some conclusions may be drawn from this: the aircraft was controllable; the pilot was physically able to control it and was so doing; and he probably had sufficient information from the flight instruments, alone, to make correct control inputs,” the document added. “The event which caused the actual and intended flight paths to diverge was not catastrophic. There were no unusual engine or other noises in the cabin, no particularly unusual forces were experienced by the aircraft occupants and there were probably no warning lights or sounds in the cockpit. Together with the lack of obvious concern on the part of the pilot as the flight path diverged, this indicates a subtle event or situation which developed unchecked until recognised by the pilot at a late stage, and even then possibly not fully.”

The AAIB document said it was not possible to rule out a subtle technical malfunction as a contributory factor, but the weight of evidence indicated that the pilot retained sufficient reliable information from his flight instruments to prevent or correct the attitude deviation which ultimately led to the accident.

Similarly, it was not possible to rule out a subtle but transient medical condition which may have interfered with the pilot’s normal functioning, although there was only circumstantial evidence to support the possibility.

“The circumstances of the accident strongly suggest that the pilot became spatially disorientated. It was immediately after takeoff, it was dark with no reliable outside references and the pilot was operating as single crew.

He had completed the after takeoff checks shortly before, which may have been an initiating distraction. It was probable that he had consumed alcohol at some time before the flight and his blood alcohol level, although not excessive, would have made him more prone to becoming disorientated.

Although very experienced, the pilot had a potential weakness in his instrument scan technique. This and the turbulence the aircraft apparently encountered could also have contributed to any disorientation,” the report continued.

“Spatial disorientation accidents are frequently fatal, as the pilot does not recognise the danger or is unable to effect a recovery. In this case the pilot did start a recovery and appears to have been taking appropriate recovery actions when the aircraft struck the surface. This had the effect of reducing the descent rate and placing the aircraft in an almost level attitude at impact. The pilot’s actions,

Manville ‘Donnie’ Gardiner

although initiated too late to avoid the accident, lessened the impact damage and helped preserve the fuselage structure relatively intact, which probably prevented greater loss of life.”

The report made the following findings: 1. The pilot was correctly licensed and qualified for the flight in accordance with existing regulations.

2. Aircraft maintenance records indicated that it was correctly equipped and maintained and that all required maintenance had been carried out.

3. The aircraft was within the applicable mass and balance limitations and carried sufficient fuel for the intended flight.

4. Weather conditions were generally favourable. Some turbulence was reported but this is unlikely to have been severe.

5. It was night, with little natural or cultural lighting. The pilot would not have had external visual references immediately after takeoff and would have been flying with reference to flight instruments.

6. Shortly after takeoff the aircraft rolled to the right, achieving an excessive bank angle. It descended in a banked attitude at an approximately constant descent angle, turning as it did so.

7. Passengers did not recall unusual noises, vibrations, accelerations or other significant events after takeoff, although some motions attributed to turbulence were reported.

8. The aircraft struck the surface with only a small amount of right bank and an approximately level pitch attitude, indicating that the pilot was probably attempting to recover from the situation.

9. The aircraft was intact at impact, with landing gear and wing flaps retracted.

10. There was no evidence of a preimpact engine failure that would have prevented either engine from producing power.

11. A defect within the right engine FCU raised the possibility of a small power asymmetry, but would be unlikely to cause the pilot handling difficulties.

12. The propellers were operating in their governed range at impact.

Damage to the propellers suggested that approximately symmetrical power was applied.

13. There was no evidence of a failure

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

affecting the flying control systems.

14. The pilot was probably being presented with correct attitude information on his main attitude indicator.

15. The aircraft was probably under the control of the pilot at impact and was capable of controlled flight.

16. Impact was at a relatively high speed and there was no indication that the aircraft had stalled.

17. There was no pathological evidence to indicate that the pilot had become incapacitated in flight.

18. Conditions were conducive to spatial disorientation.

19. The pilot was operating as single crew, and there was some potential for distraction in the cockpit.

20. The pilot had probably consumed alcohol at some stage before the flight; the measured alcohol level in his system was below the applicable limit, but is likely to have increased his susceptibility to spatial disorientation.

21. The pilot’s training records showed that he had demonstrated a satisfactory standard in handling in-flight emergencies such as engine failures, but a possible weakness in his instrument scan pattern had been identified.

22. Although the passengers had not paid for their seats, the flight should have been operated as a public transport flight.

23. The flight did not meet the regulatory requirements for public transport flights in respect of minimum flight crew and airport operating restrictions.

24. The presence of a second pilot on the flight deck would probably have lessened the chance of the accident occurring.

The investigation identified the following causal factors: 1. The aircraft adopted an excessive degree of right bank soon after takeoff.

This led to a descending, turning flight path which persisted until the aircraft was too low to make a safe recovery.

2. The pilot probably became spatially disorientated and was unable to recognise or correct the situation in time to prevent the accident.

The investigation identified the following contributory factors: 1. The environmental conditions were conducive to a spatial disorientation event.

2. The pilot had probably consumed alcohol prior to the flight, which made him more prone to becoming disorientated.

3. The flight was operated single-pilot when two pilots were required under applicable regulations. The presence of a second pilot would have provided a significant measure of protection against the effects of the flying pilot becoming disorientated.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

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FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

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FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor

FIVE OF NINE Dominican nationals who apparently were trying to stow away on a barge from their homeland possibly to St. Martin were found barely alive on the building blockcarrying vessel bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Incidentally, four of the men were found on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, while the other five were discovered on Thursday.

One of the men found on Wednesday, according to the police, was in critical condition having suffered multiple traumas from falling concrete blocks which crushed on him, while the other three showed signs of severe dehydration.

Detective Peter Quelch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s Maritime Division, said the barge set sail from the Dominican Republic last Friday destined to the Turks and Caicos Islands loaded with the construction materials, when five days into the journey its crew discovered the four on board.

The crew’s curiosity was raised when they spotted a tugboat attached to the back of the barge, which led them to carry-out a search of the boat, during which the men were found.

“About 11:45 this morning (Wednesday), they discovered four people on the barge itself when they were about, say 37 miles off Providenciales. They called the police, and we went out to assist. We got on the scene about 2:15 or so, and we discovered four Dominican Nationals on board,” Detective Quelch said.

According to the police, the Dominicans had no idea where the boat was taking them, as they believed they were heading to St. Martin.

Dominican stowaways discovered barely alive on barge One of the stowaways is placed on a gurney at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre before being taken to emergency room

“One of them received multiple traumas. He fell on some blocks and all the blocks crushed on him. He received a broken leg and trauma to his back and chest areas,” Detective Quelch noted.

The Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where the four were taken, said one of the men were also suffering from internal bleeding at the time of arrival.

The police said the boat captain believed that the men may have gained entry onto the barge after it had departed the shores of the Dominican Republic, possibly using a smaller boat to assist them in their effort.

The police said two half gallon

bottles of water were found in the men’s possession, but it appeared that the bottles could have contained sea water, as the hospital revealed: “The men had stowed aboard the vessel on Friday and had had no food or fresh water since then. Due to desperation they tried drinking sea water but this caused them to vomit.”

On Thursday, at about midday, the captain of the boat informed the police that his crew discovered five more stowaways. Three were found hidden in a makeshift cabin, while the other two were found in the general area of the boat.

One of the men appeared severely dehydrated and was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, while

Banks warn customers to beware of email scams

THE TURKS AND Caicos Islands Bankers Association is warning the general public not to respond to a series of phishing emails that have recently being sent to customers of its member banks.

Study of the practice revealed that in the field of computer security, phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

Communications purporting to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT administrators are commonly used to lure the unsuspecting public. Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail or instant messaging, and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.

The Bankers Association said in recent time there have been increasing reports of fraudulent emails circulating that request personal information and bank account information. These emails, according to the association, purport to be from banking institutions but are carried out with the intent of using the information to access funds illegitimately.

The association noted also that customers are being warned about these fraudulent activities and asked not to reply, not to click on any links provided and to delete the emails immediately. The

Bankers Association also recommending that customers should call the bank that is purported to have sent the email so that they may advise customers and the authorities.

According to Anton Faessler, President of the Bankers Association said: “Email scams and fraud exist and are becoming ever more sophisticated. Customers are advised not to reply to emails purporting to be from banking institutions requesting private information as these are likely to be scams. The best course of action is to delete the email immediately and advise your bank.

“If people who receive these types of requests have any possible doubt about their authenticity, please call your Bank but again, in any case, never reply and never open any links.

“Phishing” emails are fraudulent emails that request information either directly or by asking the recipient to click on a link and submit their banking information on an online banking log-in page.

Email scams can take many forms however, including persons pretending to be heirs to great wealth seeking financing to help release their inheritance.

“We encourage persons to exercise caution and common sense. Never share your confidential banking information with anyone, such as the PIN number or online banking log-in information, and never agree to send funds to persons you don’t know.”

the other four who were said to have been in healthy conditions were taken to the detention centre.

The hospital said as a matter of standard operating procedure by InterHealth Canada in such situations, the patients were also tested for all other conditions and diseases, saying also that as soon as they were fit enough, would be discharged from the facility into the care of immigration authorities.

In the meantime, Quelch said the men’s families would be contacted while they remain in the protection of the state. He could not speak at the time as to whether or not charges would be brought against the men.

ROBERT HALL GETS LUXURY STAY AT POINT GRACE

MR AND MRS ROBERT HALL were treated to a luxury weekend at Point Grace for being named, Person of the Year 2010. Hall, and his wife Maria were afforded a spa treatment, dinner at Grace's Cottage and travelled from Grand Turk for the weekend, compliments of Air Turks and Caicos and Magnetic Media. Point Grace Manager, Beverly Williams said they were honoured to welcome the couple, as the resort aims to demonstrate to locals that it is open to them for spa, dining or vacations.

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) WOULD BE WONDERFUL FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

never particularly welcome.

Economist John Maynard Keynes once In the case of the Turks and wrote: "The avoidance of taxes is the Caicos Islands, there will need to be only intellectual pursuit that carries any an intensive public relations exercise reward." to bring about this paradigm shift so There are those who will apply this that residents will fully understand observation to countries like The and appreciate the importance, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, necessity even, of having such a tax.

Turks and Caicos and the British Virgin Some hard facts will have to be Islands and argue that they have been placed on the table. greatly rewarded over the years by Due to cultural similarities and virtue of the fact that they don't have to its proximity to the United States, the pay direct taxes and have successfully TCI imports most of its food and marketed themselves as “tax havens”.

by Hayden Boyce SUN Publisher & Editor-inmanufactured goods from the U.S. The above-mentioned countries are Chief This gives rise to most of part of the most developed corner of the government's revenue being derived Caribbean. They enjoy standards of from customs duties. living that are the envy of other Another harsh reality is that trade liberalisation countries in the region and the rest of the world.

Indeed, people from all corners of the globe are will erode much of the revenue which the country keen on coming to these countries largely because presently gets from customs duties. Government will there are no taxes on income and the quality of life. therefore have to find new sources of revenue to Governments in these countries have, for the ensure that the TCI is not faced with a financial most part, demonstrated prudent financial and fiscal crisis.

Contrary to what many believe, with a VAT in management to the extent where they have maintained robust economies without having to place, food stuff in Turks and Caicos Islands will become cheaper. What will essentially happen is that tinker with their tax regimes.

However, the harsh reality is that if the people because there is such high consumption of imported of these countries want to maintain their present goods in the TCI, more people across the board will standards of living and keep pace with the developed be putting money into government's coffers.

Moreover, although VAT is supposed to be world, their governments will be forced to design economic policies that are compatible with the revenue-neutral, countries which have it in place tend to collect more money that they anticipated. The global economy.

Maintaining the status quo will not be an option, Government of the TCI will therefore have more and fiscal reform, including new forms of taxation, money at its disposal to execute various programmes and projects that will ensure residents continue to will have to be introduced.

In a country like the Turks and Caicos Islands, enjoy their high standard of living.

The fear of a VAT is more perceived than real. no matter how loud or strong arguments are advanced against new forms of taxation, the voice of All around the world it is generally accepted as the globalisation is asserting that you must either fairest and most efficient sales tax to administer.

Back in my native Barbados we had a very transform or be transformed.

While it is not for this writer to decide on how complicated indirect tax system, but the introduction the government of Turks and Caicos Islands should of the 15 per cent VAT on January 1, 1997, not only manage its affairs, fiscal and financial prudence simplified the system but it yieled millions of dollars would dictate that a Valued Added Tax (VAT) is the more in revenue for the government.

The then Prime Minister Owen Arthur decided most likely and certainly the most sensible route for the Turks and Caicos Islands to go. But it will be a that he would not attach VAT to a basket of basic food items and certain baby products so that the hard sell. People, by nature, are allergic to taxes.

Even in countries where direct taxation is impact of the less privileged would not be severely entrenched, the slightest adjustments to taxes is felt.

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

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

The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

To ensure that the tourism sector would not be disadvantaged he applied a concessionary rate of 7.5 per cent on accommodation in hotels, inns and guest houses, so that room rates would not skyrocket.

From December 1, 2010, the VAT increased by 2.5% to 17.5% s, to assist in reducing the fiscal deficit. This measure is expected to raise an additional US$62million a year for Barbados.

Generally speaking, there is not much avoidance or evasion of VAT in Barbados, as the collection systems are tight and the sanctions are stiff and readily enforced.

In his book "The Wealth of Nations," the Scottish economist Adam Smith, one of the most brilliant economists that ever lived, wrote: "The tax which each individual is bound to pay ought to be certain, and not arbitrary. The time of payment, the manner of payment, the quantity to be paid, ought all to be clear and plain to the contributor, and to every other person. " Where it is otherwise, every person subject to the tax is put more or less in the power of the taxgathered, who can either aggravate the tax upon any obnoxious contributor, or extort, by the terror of such aggravation, some present or perquisite to himself.

"The uncertainty of taxation encourages the insolence and favours the corruption of an order of men who are naturally unpopular, even where they are neither insolent nor corrupt. The certainty of what each individual ought to pay is, in taxation, a matter of so great importance that a very considerable degree of inequality, it appears, I believe, from the experience of all nations, is not near so great an evil as a very small degree of uncertainty. " These sound words of advice from Smith and lessons from other countries that have successfully implemented the VAT, should stand the TCI in good stead, if and when it embarks on this new course.

• A variation of this article was written by the same author in, and for, The Nassau Guardian in The Bahamas in 2002. It has since been reproduced extensively throughout the Caribbean and internationally. The contents are, for the most part, applicable to the Turks and Caicos Islands, hence instead of The Bahamas, the TCI has now been used in this instance.

Civil Recovery Unit suing Third Turtle Club

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

IN RECENTLY FILED court documents, the CRU said the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is seeking a declaration that it is entitled to terminate the Development Agreement for Third Turtle, a further declaration that it is entitled to terminate all related licenses and permits, as well as damages, interest and costs.

On Tuesday, February 8, the Government through its press office, reported that it had filed civil proceedings against OceanPoint Developments Limited – the company responsible for the Third Turtle Club Project; and British national Richard Padgett – the former principal behind the development – for recovery of what is said were benefits gained by Padgett from direct and or indirect acts of corruption with former premier Michael Misick and former deputy premier Floyd Hall.

According to the statement, the civil action against Third Turtle Club was the latest in a series of proceedings by the Civil Recovery team since beginning its work at the end of 2009.

The statement noted that proceedings have been brought against the majority of the major development projects identified by Sir Robin Auld in the Commission of Inquiry Report.

“TCIG's claim against OceanPoint and Mr. Padgett alleges that by a series of corrupt transactions (namely, secret commissions, illicit rewards or inducements, and/or bribes provided or

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Photo of former premier Michael Misick (right) and Richard Padgett

paid to Michael Misick and Floyd Hall, both directly and indirectly and through payments to the Progressive National Party) made by or on behalf of Oceanpoint, and/or fraud, Oceanpoint and Mr Padgett secured for OceanPoint benefits and advantages in relation to the Third Turtle development, namely, the promotion in Cabinet of papers in support of the development, the execution of a Development Agreement, the grant of concessions, benefits and discounts, and the allowing, and/or favourable treatment, of Oceanpoint's appeals against the

POSITION AVAILABLE

Sibonné Beach Hotel and Turtle Cove Inn (the “Hotels”) are seeking an ambitious and energetic individual to fill the position of

HOTEL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Position Summary: The Hotel Operations Manager will be responsible for all aspects of the Hotels including but not limited to guest relations, marketing, human resources/staffing, maintenance, management of rental properties including on-site restaurants, accounting/reporting and cost and budget analysis.

Essential Functions: 1. Manages and is responsible for all aspect of the Hotels.

2. Interacts with Hotel guests to insure the best experience possible and responsible for dealing with guest complaints.

3. Responsible for all facets of marketing of the Hotels to insure maximum occupancy and profitability and works with independent consultants assisting with marketing.

4. Works directly with all staff motivating them to do the best job possible and to provide excellent service. Responsible for hiring, training, evaluation and disciplinary action of all staff.

5. In charge of maintenance and repairs of properties and facilities of the Hotels insuring quality standards.

6. Responsible for managing commercial rental properties including rental to on-site restaurants at the Hotels.

7. Prepares annual operating budgets for the operations of the Hotels and provides full and detailed reporting to owner representative. Manages budgets and cash flows of the Hotels insuring efficient use of funds.

8. Responsible for establishing goals and objectives for the Hotels and devising strategic planning and implementation procedures to achieve such goals and objectives.

9. Maintains effective owner relations by communicating regularly with owner representative and responding to owner requests in a timely and effective manner.

10. Performs additional responsibilities and duties as required by owner representative.

Qualifications: 1. Bachelor’s Degree or educational equivalent.

2. Significant hands-on management experience in the hospitality industry.

3. Ability to effectively interact with and project a positive professional image to guests and supervising personnel.

4. Strong oral and written communication skills and advance computer skills.

5. Solid management, financial and supervisory skills.

Miscellaneous 1. Applications by Belongers only.

2. Salary range is $50,000.00 to $80,000.00. Salary and bonus shall be commensurate with experience.

3. Applications must be submitted in writing to resume@sibonne.com and closing date for applications is February 21st, 2011.

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conditions that had been imposed by Cabinet in relation to planning permissions. TCIG further alleges that Oceanpoint and Mr Padgett conspired together in order to secure those benefits and advantages,” the statement said.

Padgett put up the project for sale, saying that he had lost appetite for the continuation of the development, to which he once held out unwavering commitment.

The project which was to be cited in the Turtle Cove area of Providenciales, began pushing against the time the very day that it became public. Residents in the area, after being notified of the project, mounted numerous challenges to knock it down.

Not only did residents complained that the development would block their

panoramic view of the Turtle Cove Marina, but also stated that their community would become a thoroughfare for heavy equipment once construction began, which would cause noise nuisance.

The residents brought their disgust to the Physical Planning Department, which hosted a hearing at Beaches Resort in 2005, where proponents of the project and its detractors made presentations.

The Physical Planning Department later recommended alterations to the project’s original design, but residents said it did not far enough, resulting in the intervention of the previous government, which gave OceanPoint the go ahead to begin construction, but the residents took the matter to later the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in OceanPoint’s favour.

The Third Turtle project was later the subject for discussion during the Commission of Inquiry, and later appeared under the microscope in Commissioner Robin Auld’s Final Report.

Before giving up the project, Padgett and OceanPoint spent over $20 million at the cite carrying out beach reconstruction, installation of groins and the creation of dunes. The sales office, which also comprises the show rooms, cost $1.3 million.

In the meantime, the Civil Recovery team said it would continue to be involved in a substantial number of active recoveries, saying that further sets of proceedings were on the cards against additional projects.

RICHARD PADGETT LAWYERS SAYS THEY WILL FORCEFULLY PROTECT HIM AGAINST CIVIL RECOVERY UNIT

LAWYERS FOR MILLIONAIRE developer Richard Padgett say they will “forcefully” protect him Developer Richard Padgett against the actions of the Civil Recovery Unit.

A statement from Mr. Aziz Rahman, the specialist lawfirm representing Padgett, released a statement which said: “We have recently been instructed to represent Mr Richard Padgett in the civil recovery proceedings that have now been issued against him and Oceanpoint Development Limited.

“Mr. Padgett has a long and blameless history as a successful businessman and is disappointed by this development.

“We will forcefully protect our client's interests using all our expertise and experience Attorney, Mr. Aziz Rahman in these matters and ensure that his side of the story is heard. At this early stage we are unable to comment further.’’

Oceanpoint Developments Ltd was specifically formed to purchase and develop the site of the former Third Turtle Inn, the Turks and Caicos Islands' first hotel.

Third Turtle Club & Spa was conceptualized tol preserve and broaden the legacy of the original hotel by redeveloping its unique 18 acre oceanfront site into an exclusive Condominium Hotel Resort incorporating an impressive set of on-site amenities.

Padgett has extensive experience, mostly as CEO, spanning nearly thirty years covering development and management of a whole host of commercial and residential projects including offices, hospitals, nursing homes, medical facilities, nursery daycare centres and large scale residential communities.

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The US Embassy encourages Visa applicants to beat the Summer rush LOCAL NEWS

THE U.S. EMBASSY strongly encourages residents of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands to apply now for any U.S. visas they may need during the busy summer travel season, particularly for cruise travel. According to the U.S. Embassy’s Consul, Robin Haase, there is currently low-to-no wait time for an interview appointment, leaving potential applicants with plenty of opportunity to apply now for their U.S. visas. In addition, there will be fewer available visa appointments between April 1 and April 15 due a computer software upgrade, giving travelers more reason to apply early.

“If you are thinking about taking the family on a cruise or plan on visiting relatives abroad while the kids are on summer break, we encourage you to take advantage of the slower applicant season by applying for your U.S. visas in February or March,” Haase added. Although most Bahamians can normally travel visa-free if they travel on commercial air carriers at the international airports in Nassau and Freeport, Bahamians who are traveling to the U.S. to board a cruise ship are required to hold valid U.S. visas.

The U.S. Embassy also recommends that travelers not purchase travel tickets until they have their visas in hand. Haase explained that under the current visa processing requirements, approved visas usually require more than 24 hours to produce, and in some cases longer. “The majority of successful visa applicants can expect to receive their visas the next business day,” Haase said.

“However, if your application requires additional processing or if there there’s a systems glitch, you may have to wait several days or potentially several

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

weeks after the visa is approved before you receive your visa.”

During the busy student visa season (May – September), the waiting period for an appointment increases from a few days to several weeks or more. To ensure that students from The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands have the opportunity to attend their classes in the U.S. on time, student visa applicants are given the highest priority for appointment requests during the summer. “ Because of the student visa rush between May and September, the U.S. Embassy is unable to expedite visa appointments for vacation travelers.

Exceptions will only be possible in cases of a clear emergency,” said Haase. “If you apply for your tourist visa now, instead of waiting until just before your trip, you will make sure that you will not miss your cruise or lose your deposit.”

The U.S. Embassy offers a fantastic step-bystep guide on how to apply for a travel visa. This guide can be found on the Embassy’s website (http://nassau.usembassy.gov) under the “NonImmigrant Visa” tab at the top. This easy-to-read guide provides information on scheduling an appointment, a link to the visa application form, and suggestions on the types of documentation applicants should be prepared to present the day of the appointment.

“We know that there is inaccurate information out there about the visa process, so we encourage all visa applicants to visit the U.S. Embassy, Nassau’s website for official information on applying for a U.S. visa,” said Haase.

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

O’SOLEIL TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO CHOCOLATE HEAVEN ON SATURDAY, 19TH FEBRUARY The Salvation Army in association with O’Soleil Restaurant will transform the Somerset’s Croquet lawn into a “Chocolate Heaven” for an unforgettable delicious evening.

The first 2011 charity event on the cards for O’Soleil will bring together Pastry Chefs from a wide cross section of the islands to showcase their creativity as they compete for the best edible chocolate creations.

Chocolate connoisseurs and chocoholics attending the Chocolate Lover’s Showcase will enjoy featured performances by a Toronto Symphony Orchestra violinist while savouring a chocolate themed drink, a specialty coffee or sipping a complimentary glass of champagne courtesy of the Wine Cellar. Persons will also get the chance to participate in a silent auction with proceeds going towards The Salvation Army. The event which starts at 8:00 p.m. will conclude with an awards presentation for “Top TCI Dessert”, “People’s Choice Award” and a “Honourable Mention Award”.

Gordon Lightbourne, O’Soleil’s Director of Food and Beverage, who expressed delight at hosting the inaugural event said, “The Salvation Army is noticeably active in our local communities and O’Soleil feels that it is fitting to support the organisation by graciously hosting this showcase on their behalf. TCI’s Pastry Chefs are some of the best in the world and their level of creativity is truly remarkable. I encourage everyone to come out and have a great time while supporting this worthy charity.”

Tickets for the event are $50.00 and sales go towards The Salvation Army’s high school lunch programme. Tickets are available for purchase from Green Bean Cafe in Turtle Cove, or by contacting Mathew at 431-9711 or via email at Mathew_trayler@car.salvationarmy.org.

PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD.

We are currently seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of

PIPE LABOURER:

REQUIREMENTS: • Minimum of 3 years experience in waterworks and piping networks.

• Must be in good health to meet the demands of physically challenging work • Must be available for emergency maintenance calls on evenings and weekends according to rotational schedule.

• Must have a clean driver’s license • Minimum of high school passes in English and Mathematics or other technical subject (Preference given to certification in plumbing)

HOTEL HOUSEKEEPER /MAID

WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Hot, dusty and muddy conditions including confined spaces • Active roadways and associated traffic noise levels • Remote locations

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Pipe fitter is responsible for : Using hand digging tools to excavate and bury pipes and plumbing fixtures Installing, repairing and maintaining pipes, fixtures and other plumbing used for water distribution in residential, commercial and industrial connections.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO: 1. Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.

2. Reads and follows installation plans and establish the sequence of pipe installations.

3. Measure and cut pipes using hand and power tools 4. Use hand or powered tools to excavate trenches and ditches 5. Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.

6. Repair and maintain fixtures, ,replacing or mending broken pipes.

7. Attend Emergency callout afterhours when necessary.

8. Carry out all other duties as directed by the Supervisor.

Salary Range: US$ 7.00 - $ 9.75 per hour All applications must be submitted by February 14th, 2011. Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply.

Office Manager PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD. P.O. Box 39, Grace Bay Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Fax: (649) 946-5204 Email: K.Clarke@provowater.tc

Please submit aPPlications to

MUST HAVE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WORKING FOR A MEDIUM TO LARGE HOTEL

Page 9

Some TCI taxes can be ‘simplified and replaced’, says Chief Financial Officer, Caroline Gardiner

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

SOME EXISTING TAXES in the Turks and Caicos Islands can be “simplified and replaced by more efficient ones”, so the overall burden need not increase significantly.

That’s the view of Caroline Gardiner, the UK-appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This, however, cannot take place overnight because new tax collection systems first need to be in place,” Gardiner said in a Government press release.

Gardiner’s statements were the latest hint and perhaps the most direct indication that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government will, like many other Caribbean countries, move towards the imposition of a Value Added Tax (VAT). If and when a VAT is introduced, the cash registers or point-of-sale (POS) systems in all businesses will have to be specially programmed and connected to a central Governmentcontrolled system, and this will take some time to implement.

On Thursday, TCIG released a presentation charting the macroeconomic and fiscal history of the Turks and Caicos Islands since the 1990s. The presentation will be used to set the context for consultations on the European Union funded revenue study due to begin next week.

Brian Titley, the UK Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, remarked that the presentations underlined the fragility of the TCI economy and its public finances.

‘These problems have built up over time and will not go away overnight.

Corrective action is needed and now.

Whatever administration is in government would face the same tough choices.’

The presentation reveals a history of poor administration and unsustainable economic growth through an over investment in the

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

construction of real estate during the latter half of the last decade that outpaced demand.

‘The benefits of the rapid growth in construction activity were too narrowly distributed and short lived. At the same time there was a 3 fold increase in public sector spending to the exclusion of much needed investments in other business sectors, public infrastructure and in the education and training required to modernise public services and the economy. Together these decisions increased the vulnerability of the economy to external shocks’.

‘TCI is a small economy and in danger of getting smaller. If it is grow and compete effectively in an increasingly competitive regional and global economy it must correct its public finances, improve its public services, grow its consumer base and remove barriers to business innovation, creation, competition and growth. Not to do so will only damage the interests of Belongers and all residents in the long run’.

The tax consultations will play an important part in setting TCIG’s budget for 2011/12 which is being led by the Chief Financial Officer Caroline Gardner with Delton Jones, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.

They commented: ‘The announcement last week of the UK Government’s intention to provide a loan guarantee to the TCI represents a vital opportunity to turn around TCIGs finances, but revenue reform remains essential. TCIG has a growing structural deficit in its public finances; recurrent revenues have never covered recurrent government spending’.

Although revenues were buoyant during the middle of the last decade, due principally to the sale of crown land and increased imports of construction materials, public sector debt has exploded in the last 5 years.

LOCAL NEWS

It will continue to grow rapidly unless wasteful public spending is cut and revenues improved. A narrow tax base, poor tax administration and the unchecked granting of tax exemptions and concessions by the previous administration have undermined the public revenue system in the TCI. It is no longer fit for a modernising economy. The need for reform has long been recognized within the Ministry of Finance but was overlooked by previous administrations.

‘There will always be some winners and losers from fiscal measures’ Ms Gardner continued, ‘but some existing taxes can be simplified and replaced by more efficient ones so the overall burden need not increase significantly. This, however, cannot take place overnight because new tax collection systems first need to be in place’.

Public consultations on the EU revenue study are due to start late next week. Work on the study began in October last year and follows up Professor Alan Roe’s review of the revenue system in early 2010.

However, the study has already concluded that the introduction of a low annual tax on property is not administratively feasible or prudent in current economic conditions. The Government has accepted these conclusions.

The Ministry of Finance is also releasing the latest national accounts statistics for the TCI economy in a preliminary report. ‘Developing estimates of economic activity in our country is a demanding task and raises a number of difficult issues’, explained Delton Jones. ‘I am therefore grateful to my colleagues in the Department for Economics Planning and Statistics for their continuing hard work and analysis to address these issues and improve our statistics’.

DAVID BEEN REQUIRES

2 WAItRESSES 1 DomEStIc WoRkER

Interested persons should contact tel: 231-4653

Page 10

LOCAL NEWS

SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

Pursuant to the provisions of the Registered Land Ordinance, Temple Mortgage Fund Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Providenciales HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will cause to be sold by public auction the following properties:

10401/279 East Suburbs Grand Turk

Residential property with4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. The Carolyn A. Sturrup property consists of approximately 2000 sq. ft. of living space with views of the western shores of the Island.

10102/35 North East Suburbs Grand Turk

Private Ocean Front Residence withGuest House comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathroomswith over 2000 sq. ft of living space

50200/40 Sandy Point North Caicos

Ocean Front luxury residence with 4 bedrooms, 2 Maverick Holdings Ltd. bathrooms, Guest House & a Pool with over 5000 sq. ft. of living space

10406/86 East Suburbs Grand Turk

A single-storey apartment building with two, 2 bedroom Laureen Williams 1 bathroom units. Approximately 2,184 sq. ft living space and approx 525 sq ft of covered porches.

Wealthy A. Saunders

60702/81 A two-storey development complex with seven upper Cheshire Hall floor apartments and four ground level offices with an estimated gross area of approx 7,500 sq feet. & Richmond Hill, Providenciales

Eden Courts Ltd.

60602/133 pprox 0.70 acres of undeveloped land located north of Norway & Five the Provo Airport withview of the Southern and Western part of the Island.

Cays Providenciales

Gilbert Selver

60905/105 Approx 1.09 acres of undeveloped commercial property Leeward Going situatedimmediately behind the Salt Mills Shopping/Office development.

Through Providenciales

AMYCS Limited

10204/224 Northwest Suburbs Grand Turk

Two, 2-storey ocean front condominium buildings comprising of two, 2 bedroom condos with an approximate gross floor area of 1,700 sq ft each and approximately 140 feet of Beachfront access.

Erwin Jones

60716/319 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill Providenciales

The parcel is located on a canal, directly on the access HDOSG Ltd. road to Discovery Bay. The development comprises of three partially complete town house buildings and three communal pools. Building A omprises of eight, three bedroom town houses and both building B and building C have four,two bedroom town homes. The approximate acreage of the property is 3.98.

60718/109 & 110 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill Providenciales

Lot 109 has frontage to Venetian Road at its junction Herbert Swann with Sailfish Lane. It supports a partially complete single-storey residential building on approx. 1.04 acres of land. Lot 110 approx. 1.07 acres, is located immediately to the east of 109 with frontage to Sailfish Lane only. Parcel 110 is vacant and covered in dense vegetation. Either property can be purchased separately.

61113/237 Located in the Long Bay Hills sub-division close to the Carla Cartwright Long Bay Hills Provo Miniature Golf Course. The property comprises of Providenciales a two-storey, Four bedroom, three bathroom residential development with a balcony on the upper floor. The approximate total square footage is 2,040, on 0.40 acres.

60720/58&59 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill Providenciales

Approximately 2.54 acres of undeveloped land, with a Albray V. Butterfield Jr top ridge view of approx 80 feet above sea level, which in turn gives good views of the south side of the island & the new Cooper Jack Marina. Either parcel can be purchased separately.

61112/34 Two-storey apartment building comprising of two, one Long Bay Hills bedroom apartments on the lower floor, and a two Providenciales bedroom apartment on the upper floor with approximately 1850 sq. ft of living space. The property has direct access onto Long Bay Highway.

Dr. Cem Kınay denies being involved in bribery or fraud

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Albray V. Butterfield Jr.

The auction will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday 18th February 2011 at the offices of Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Conditions of sale may be obtained from Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, telephone (649) 946-5293, fax (649) 946-5289.

Interested persons may bid by way of sealed tender delivered no later than 4:00 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2011 addressed to Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales clearly marked “ AUCTION BID-FEBRUARY 18, 2011.” Should the bid meet the reserve price and constitute the highest offer, the property will be considered sold to the person making the bid. Note that a 10% deposit is required immediately from the successful bidder at the auction.

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

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

Developer of Dellis Cay, Dr. Cem Kinay has categorically denied being involved in bribery or fraud.

Reacting to a major law suit that was filed against him in a court in Manhattan, New York, Kinay said: “I am shocked about this claim. I categorically deny all their allegations.

I, my family, my businesses were never involved in bribery, nor fraud.”

He added: “Unfortunately, I am a victim of politics in Turks and Caicos Islands. I have been vilified by a number of forces that caused first the collapse of my Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay development and then the Developer of Dellis Cay, Dr. Cem Kinay appointment of a Receiver by Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation, the principal funder of the project, in October 2009 and now the fraud allegations from the some of the villa purchasers.”

Kinay said he provided personal guarantees for all the loans that were used at Dellis Cay. He stated: “Recently, a Turks and Caicos Islands Court has ruled in favour of Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation in the sum of full loans made to Dellis Cay and maintained an injunction on all my worldwide assets. With this court order, my ability to defend myself and my businesses, without any access to funding is greatly reduced, if not impossible. However, I will continue to fight against these claims as long as my health allows me. I am determined to get my reputation back, my only asset. I will prove to the people of Turks and Caicos Islands, that I have been victimized.”

Kinay said he saw the claim in the New York courts brought against him, his family, his businesses as well as Mandarin Oriental, and Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation, but he has not received nor seen the formal complaint.

He said: “I do not know the details. I understand that I am accused for fraud. I understand that the Plaintiffs are some of the villa purchasers, who have bought land at Dellis Cay. These purchasers have already their land title, but their villas are unfinished because of receivership. I am working since 15 months, to get Dellis Cay back on track, discussing with potential investors, banks on the ways and means to save this project. In the course of my discussions, I have met or communicated with most of the purchasers personally, to see whether they can be a part of the solution as well. I am shocked about this claim.”

New Supreme Court Registrar and Deputy Registrar appointed The Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands now has a new Registrar.

She is Shanta Singh, the former Deputy Registrar, who has replaced former Registrar Benson Harvey, who is no longer with the Court Registry, effective January 28, 2011.

Singh, who was once based in Providenciales, has been relocated to the island capital of Grand Turk, where she works primarily with Chief Justice Gordon Ward.

The new Deputy Registrar in Providenciales is Mr. Fraser Hirst, who previously served as Registrar of the Supreme Court between 2000n and 2002.

Grand Turk Cruise Center announces record year

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

FIVE YEARS AGO the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC) was dubbed the “Caribbean’s newest cruise port facility,” destined to become a favorite of vacationers from around the world.

With its state-of-the-art facilities and convenient access to the island’s breathtaking white-sand beaches, the Grand Turk Cruise Center has far exceeded those expectations.

The 2010 cruise season was a record for the GTCC with a total of 248 calls from 40 cruise ships representing 14 different cruise brands. The Grand Turk Cruise Center hosted a record 622,720 passengers, representing a 19 percent increase over the previous year Grand Turk Cruise Center was destined to become a favorite of vacationers from around the world. and a whopping 113 percent increase over 2006, the center’s first year of Grand Turk. Opened late last month, serving as a gateway to one of the Splashdown Grand Turk is a 3,500- world’s most breathtaking and operation.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center square-foot attraction that celebrates beautiful destinations," said Giora continues to evolve with more retail the unique relationship of the American Israel, senior vice president of port and outlets and attractions than ever before. spaceflight mission and its importance destination development for Carnival New stores within the GTCC’s 45,000- to Grand Turk’s history with interactive Corporation & plc, which operates the square-foot shopping district include exhibits and authentic spacecraft facility.

Colombian Emeralds, Effy Jewelers, replicas.

Covering more than 14 acres, the In addition to these new features, Grand Turk Cruise Center can Diamonds International and Silver Sun. These retailers joined an array of the GTCC enhanced the 1.25 square accommodate up to 7,000 passengers popular merchants, including Dufry, acres of beach located on the south side per day and features a private beach, Milano Diamond Gallery, Ron Jon Surf of the facility, making it even more swimming pool, and an expansive Shop©, Piranha Joes, Dizzy Donkey, appealing to visitors. The area now recreation area that includes a Del Sol, Rasta Pasta, Royal Jewels, features upgraded beach furniture, FlowRider® surfing adventure and the Indigo Pearls, Goldsmith and The coconut palms and other landscaping, Trading Post, as well as a variety of and a new Turquoise Beach Bar Caribbean’s largest "Margaritaville"local craft stands and souvenir kiosks. serving drinks and light refreshments. themed bar and restaurant.

Located on 14 acres in the The GTCC has also joined forces A “cool zone” with various misting Caribbean, the GTCC is a destination with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in machines is scheduled to open soon. in and of itself, featuring a shopping “In just five years in operation, developing a new attraction that commemorates the National Grand Turk Cruise Center has become center, water facilities and Jimmy Aeronautics & Space Administration’s one of the most popular cruise facilities Buffett's "Margaritaville" restaurant, (NASA) Mercury space program and in the Caribbean, more than doubling alongside its access to sprawling the historic 1962 splashdown of the its passenger counts and adding a host beaches and prime location, 30 miles Friendship 7 capsule off the coast of of new amenities and attractions, while away from Miami, Florida.

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION The Financial Services Commission, a statutory body of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, is seeking a qualified person for the post of

RECEIpTS OFFICER

The holder of this position will carry out the following duties: • process receipts • prepare invoices • Ensure that copies of all documents generated are properly filed • Reconcile cash balances to Daily Cash Receipts Journals • prepare lodgements  Other duties as set out in the Job Description of Receipts Officer or as assigned. preferred qualification is 4 CXCs, including Mathematics, English and Accounting. At least one (1) year accounting experience. position is in providenciales.

Applications should be received no later than Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Email to dmorrison@tcifsc.tc or fax to 941-8379.

QUINCY JENNINGS Is seeking

A LAbOURER

Salary $5.00 per hour Mon-Sat please contact 241-3360

Page 12

Police Commissioner Edward Hall critical of police working conditions LOCAL NEWS

Commissioner of Police Edward Hall has come out strongly against what he described as the dilapidated housing and working conditions under which his subordinates, especially on Providenciales, have to work on a daily basis.

However, he said the lack of improvements in those conditions were not as a result of lack of trying on his part, but that he has been brick-walled on each campaign effort mounted.

“Conditions in certain barracks

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

occupied by police officers were not the best, and for more reasons than one.

Unfortunately police administration was unable to, in a timely manner, correct that. I wouldn’t have to go though why because we all know the reason why. Certainly, we do everything in our power to make officers as comfortable as possible,” Commissioner Hall revealed.

According to the top cop, since assuming the reins of leadership of the force he has been trying to secure

OASYS ENTERPRISES SEEKS

INTERNAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Job Purpose: clarifying the customer's complaint; Serves internal customers by providing determining the cause of the problem; product and service information; resolving selecting and explaining the best solution to product and service problems. solve the problem; expediting correction or Duties: adjustment; following up to ensure resolution.

• Attracts potential customers by answering • Monitor project expenditures and make product and service questions; suggesting necessary adjustments to stay within and information about other products and under budget. services.

• Prepares product or service reports by • Update customer accounts by recording collecting and analyzing customer project project updates and accounting information. information.

• Resolves product or service problems by Skills/Qualifications:Knowledge of design materials/fabrics/textures in creating and enhancing livable spaces. Problem Solving, Listening, Phone Skills, Resolving Conflict, Analyzing Information, Multi-tasking. Must be bi-lingual (written and oral); multi-lingual a plus. Certifications in one or more disciplines of interior design; architecture; HVAC; electrical engineering; project management is needed. Person must be highly motivated, high-energy with excellent timemanagement skills. Must be a self-starter and available to work some evenings and weekends.

Other responsibilities and duties may be assigned by management based on skill-set.

Applications should be sent via email: or E-mail: oasysenterprises@yahoo.com Subject Line: ISR-TCI Deadline for applications: February 25, 2011

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Summary of Duties This position is the general overseer of all aspects of Provo Stevedoring Ltd. This includes providing leadership and motivation to promote the consistent execution of standard practices, policies and procedures. Should have a strong working knowledge of stevedoring operations business plan development and its implementation.

This is an all-encompassing, commercially orientated role that will suit a candidate with senior executive level management and strong financial academic background.

The successful candidate will be expected to display initiative, be able to meet tight reporting deadline and have a strong work ethics.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Main Duties and Responsibilities: Leading element in the chain of command in the supervision of Port of Providenciales and Port of Grand Turk.

• The primary representative of the Board of Directors, continuously monitors and evaluates the productivity and efficiency of the Port of Providenciales and Port of Grand Turk • Oversees the other employees in their duties of the Ports” operational activity, financial stability, equipment maintenance and safety, including the ability to terminate employees.

• Establishes and maintains a close working relationship with the Ports Authority staff and other Government Dept. staff.

• Ensures adherence of PSL’s contractual compliance to the Stevedoring Agreement, the Ports Authority Regulations and applicable laws and ordinances governing the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Ports of Providenciales and Grand Turk.

• Direct operational planning and logistics, cost controls and budgets, treasury, risk management, equipment preventative maintenance programs, safety programs and human resources administration.

• Directly responsible for all communication to the media as directed by the Board of Directors.

• Exercise courteous and respectful communications/relations with Customers, Vendors/Supplies and all individuals within the confines of the Port of Providenciales

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

This building which was built with the intention to house police officer remains idle . Inset: Commissioner of Police Edward Hall

proper living and working conditions for the organisation’s officers, but have not scored much success, pointing to the three-storey structure behind the Island Pride Supermarket, which he referred to as a ‘yellow elephant’ as one of those attempts made by him.

“It is no secret that for a couple of years now we have been trying to get better accommodation for our officers.

There is a ‘yellow elephant’, if you want to call it that, which is sitting at a particular place in Providenciales, which is testament to that fact. It has always been by aim to have officers comfortably housed in accommodations.

“They should feel relaxed and invigorated in coming to work. At the end of work they can go home to accommodations that are pleasant (and) really can relax their minds, and make them anxious to go back to work and come back home,” Commissioner Hall noted.

He said it was always his vision to

have officers in efficiency apartments as opposed to being housed in barracks, and with the limited resources available to the force, was still trying to ensure that it happens.

I am still trying to do that because I think they are deserving of that. It is unfortunate the state (to which) the country (has) deteriorated financially that we couldn’t get these things done.

It is unfortunate that the accommodations that they (police) now have are very old and dilapidated. It is unfortunate that in spite of repeated requests, in spite of repeated efforts we are unable to do more.

“But I can tell you from where I sit that it was not because there wasn’t a desire to do more. And the good thing about it is that the majority of our officers understands, and to their credit, have not, in any way, reacted in terms of not performing in spite of the circumstances that they find themselves in,” Commissioner Hall said.

and Grand Turk.

• Maintain the Cash Flow Operations (Budget and Financial Controls), Budgeting (Monthly Variance Analysis of actual/budget) and working with Bank to maximize interest income on cash balances as well as monthly Bank Statement Reconciliation.

• Responsible for the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Coordination with independent Auditing firm and working in conjunction with Partners Auditors and local Auditors on Year-End close out and Year-End Consolidated Financial Reports in accordance with GAAP. • Direct the procurement of goods and services to determine Budget impact and maintain general ledger.

• Maintain all Financial Reporting responsibility including preparation of monthly Financial Statements and Management Report to track performance of operations for Provo Stevedoring (Providenciales and Grand Turk)..

• Responsible for Maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance of contractual obligations for the License Fee to the Ports Authority and coordinating with the Ports Authority and Partners for requests of financial information, cooperation with Ports Authority and Partners in independent auditing.

• Preparation of statements for Partners to determine dividend distribution.

• Develops and maintain the Accounting and Financial Protocol for the processing of financial information and documents as it relates to the stevedoring operations.

ACADEMIC QUALIFACTION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: • Must have a Minimum Bachelors Degree in Finance, Accounting and Business.

• Must have at least 15 years senior executive experience.

• Must have at least 3 years directing stevedoring operations, heavy equipment maintenance, human resources administration and finance.

• Must summit a clean police record.

• Must summit a valid driving license.

• Must summit a clean drug medical.

• Must be willing to work extended hours, night/day, weekend and public holidays if required.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS: • Excellent communication skills • People management skills • Good negotiation skills

Please submit Resume and completed job application to the attention of Crystal Greene, Human Resources Manager by February 18, 2011. Job application forms can be obtained at Provo Stevedoring Limited administration office located at South Dock Road or call 649-941-8975.

Page 13

Chal Misick and Civil Recovery Unit at odds over case FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

LOCAL ATTORNEY CHAL Misick and lawyers from the Civil Recovery Unit (CRU) are at odds following a recent ruling by the Turks and Caicos Islands Court of Appeal in a matter relating to a parcel of land owned by Misick’s clients, a company called Front Door Holdings.

Last week, The SUN carried an article which stated that Front Door Holding Ltd., a holding company which acquires land for development, and was represented by attorney-atlaw Chal Misick of Chalmers and Co., was successful in its land-confiscation appeal against the Attorney General Chambers, represented by renowned international law firm Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge (EAPD).

SUN Publisher Hayden Boyce said he is satisfied that Misick won the case based on the supporting documentation which the lawyer provided from the Court of Appeal.

However, in an interview with the SUN Publisher from his London office, Laurence Harris of EAPD an Head of the CRU, said that Government is going to be entitled to possess the land anyway, because he has filed a new notice against Front Door Holding for the four acres of land (parcel number 60000/231, near North West Point).

In a press release issued by Government, the following points were stated: 1. Front Door's debt to TCIG is still outstanding: The claim relates to the refusal of Front Door Holdings Limited to pay the rent that fell due

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Chal Misick of Chalmers and Co

over a parcel of land in Providenciales.

TCIG was awarded $37,500 in arrears and $2,308.22 in interest up to today's date. Front Door Holdings Ltd have still not paid the debt, so interest increases at $6.16 per day until payment. The company did not appeal this money judgment so it continues to stand.

2. EAPD: The Court of Appeal refused to hear Mr. Misick's arguments in relation to EAPD. The ruling of Mr. Justice Martin that EAPD operated legally in writing to Front Door Holdings Ltd still stands. The Court of Appeal did not find that EAPD was operating in the TCI without a business licence and that its members were practising here without being admitted to the local bar, as is stated in

Range Insurance Company, Ltd. (“in Voluntary Liquidation”) Registered No. E9619 NOTICE is hereby given, pursuant to Section 133 of the Companies Ordinance 1981, that, pursuant to a written resolution of the shareholders of Range Insurance Company, Ltd. (“the Company”) on 22nd day of December 2010 it was RESOLVED that the Company be wound-up voluntarily and that Gary Brough of KPMG Restructuring Ltd. be appointed Liquidator for the purposes of such winding up.

NOTICE is hereby given that creditors of the Company, which was located at Richmond House Annex, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, are required, on or before 8 April 2011, to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, to the liquidator of the Company at the following address: Gary Brough KPMG Restructuring Ltd. KPMG Building The Village at Grace Bay Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands (F) 649 946 4619 and, if so required by notice in writing by the said liquidator are, by their Attorney’s or personally, to come in and prove their said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved.

Dated the 8th Day of February 2011 Gary Brough, Liquidator, Range Insurance Company, Ltd.

Laurence Harris

the article. The Court of Appeal expressly rejected those arguments.

3. Court of Appeal ruling: The Court of Appeal's judgment involved the interpretation of the Registered Land Ordinance on the question of notice only. The Court ruled that the notice of forfeiture served on Front Door Holdings Ltd should have provided a reasonable period before the lease was forfeited, whereas the notice sought to forfeit the land immediately. On that basis alone they set aside the Order for possession (but not the damages judgment) previously made by Mr Justice Martin. This issue has been corrected and a second notice has already been served on Front Door Holdings Ltd and has not been complied with. TCIG is therefore entitled to recover the land and will be moving to recover the land shortly.

In the interview with the SUN Harris said that he and his partner James Maton, were both admitted to the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar as attorneys in 2010 by Chief Justice Mr. Gordon Ward, for the limited purposes of civil recovery.

Harris also explained that they are not required to have a business licence to practice law in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In response to the Government press release, Misick said it is “unfortunate the government seeks to use its press office to mislead the public”.

He added: “It appears as though the press office deliberately mislead the public in their press release where they purported to be quoting from the Court of Appeal Judgment in the Front Door Holdings Matter. I can tell you right now that the Court of Appeal made a ruling in court (a copy of that ruling is attached). The Judges’ written detailed reason for their decision has not yet been issued. It is likely that once issued it would touch on all the areas raised in our Skeleton argument as it relates to our Grounds of Appeal.”

Misick continued: “It is therefore

disingenuous for the government press office to make reference to details of ruling that do not yet exist so as to lend credence to their misleading press release wherein the press office makes reference to the Judges expressly rejecting our submission on the point that EAPD do not have a Business license to operate within the jurisdiction of the TCI and that they rejected our submission as to the Lawyers of EAPD practicing law without the benefit of a practice certificate. Their assertion that the Court of Appeal made conclusions on these points is laughable.”

The local attorney said: “The fact is neither the government or EAPD can say that the above is not factual; to this day EAPD whilst potentially billing the government millions of dollars in fees, is allowed to continue operating within the jurisdiction of the TCI without the benefit of a US$4000 per year Business License.”

The statement added: “Judge Martin in his ruling concluded and Mr. Harris of EAPD conceded the point that at the time the purported letter of notice was sent out to our client on the 30th March 2010 nobody working for EAPD had been admitted to practice law in the TCI. The fact is, the Partners of EAPD appeared in local media since the middle of 2009 claiming they represented the TCIG in its civil recovery efforts yet they never bothered to ensure they were legally able to represent their client TCIG.” Misick said it is “ludicrous” for the press office to say the Court of Appeal decision does not affect the money Judgment awarded in the lower court.

He added: “Any first year law student know this to be a fallacy. The court ruling is clear, the Appeal was allowed with cost in the court below and above. There is nothing that say part of Judge Martin’s judgment below is preserved; therefore the government press officer should have known or ought to have know better that to try and mislead the public in that regard.

In our view the only thing the government can do at this stage is to issue our client with a proper notice, one that complies with s.56 RLO; then it is for our client to pay the arrears of lease. If our client fails to pay in a reasonable time then the government may issuing fresh proceedings for collection of the arrears of rent and for forfeiture.”

Misick said his clients view this Appeal as an eye opener for the government and EAPD who from the beginning of this civil recovery exercise treated people of the TCI with distain and disrespect.

“Our client hopes their success at the Court of Appeal encourages the wider population of the TCI to assert their legal rights and defend their property even if it means going to court,” Misick said.

Page 14

$260 million dollar millstone:

LOCAL NEWS

The albatross about our necks

By Royal S. Robinson, MBE

I HAVE BEEN listening to some of the hype that are associated with this two hundred and sixty million dollar ($260M) loan and have to ask some serious questions about it. First of all, it is a loan from the commercial banks and backed by DFID; not a loan from the UK Government! This “loan” is something that we have to pay back at commercial rates. It is certainly not a grant, which we would not have had to repay.

That being said, I did was a quick calculation to see how we would fare with this just-in-the-nick-of-time “loan”. The facility is for a five-year period. I took the interest rate as being 7% and did the simple interest calculation; this showed that the monthly payment would be $5.833 million. Next, I to ask a friend to use the amortization tables and give me the monthly payment using the same time and interest rate.

Her calculations turned up $5.136 million. Kind note, for this exercise, I have decided to use the lesser amount.

Added to this figure, we have to factor in the monthly Civil Service cost of say $7.50 million, then the unitary payment for the hospitals at approximately $2M, another $2M for operational and miscellaneous costs. I stop there! The monthly outlay is now $16.636 million.

On the revenue side, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is collecting between $9M and $12M per month. When our revenue was in the region of $22.5 and $25.00 million, it would have been easy to maintain!

However, in our current scenario, we are showing at best a deficit of $4.636 million and at worst, $7.636 million!

There are just a few ways to close the deficit gap and that is through a combination of revenue increase and cutting of expenditure!

For a start, the big fat target is the

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Civil Service and its associated costs!

Using the number 35% that has been bandied about in certain circles, that yields a savings $3.325 million. So, from your best and worst situations, you still have a gap of either $1.311 million or $4.311 million that has to be closed and still provide a surplus!

Now in comes VAT, and/or land taxes. Both of these ideas have been floated by the Interim Administration and shot down in most quarters. But you continue to hear that a right sizing of the Civil Service exercise as well as a revenue enhancing study are underway. So, the double barrel loaded gun is now pointed squarely at our heads!

Look at where we are today since the Governor and his cohorts took over under the guise of ridding the country of all semblance of corruption in public life and, put the country on a sound financial footing! We were not permitted to borrow $120.00 million for policy based investment, but Wetherall borrowed $80.00 million; the impact on our economy that amount being negligible, now on top of that he is going for $260.00 million!

He closed down all of the projects that were providing inward investment and thereby jobs for Turks and Caicos Islanders and to date has not provided any tangible alternative! So we are going right “to hell in a hand basket!”

Let us back up a bit! When we – the Williams/Robinson Administration, were the last duly elected government – we were in discussions with the commercial banks for the policy based loan, we clearly annunciated the areas on which we were going to spend the money to provide an injection of capital in the economy.

Areas of focus were the causeway between North and Middle Caicos, a new primary school for Providenciales; and a new campus for the TCI Community College so that a

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

number of trades such as mechanics, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, electrical to name but just a few could be offered so that the students that are not academically inclined could still avail themselves of a skill that could ensure that they can put food on the table and not become a menace to society.

I, like many others are of the opinion that these guys have not laid out a plan yet as to how the money is to be spent. Let alone memo with bullet points for us to see! It is a fallacy that they can’t provide us with such basic information.

It is often the case that, whenever you go to any lending institution for money, you have to give the details as to what the money is for. If they do not want to give us the figures down to the last “brass penny”, that is all right. It would be best that they give us the areas in which the money is to be spent in broad terms. The thing is, no matter how the money is spent; we the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands will be tasked with the repayment.

That leads me to the area of the UK’s insistence in putting financial management and balance budget requirements in our Constitution! If we have to have a balanced budget in three years in the type of environment that we find ourselves in, then you can see their solution is simple! Cut all of the social safety nets: send significant numbers of persons home without the prospect of having a chance to provide for their families!

Make no mistake about it, Hon. Galmo Williams and I realized that the Civil Service was bloated and needed to be trimmed. We were going for a phase approach and had asked the Governor for help. His expert Martin Stanley was to provide assistance, but up to the time of his departure, he had done diddly! He seemed to have just been marking time until Mark Capes could be free from Bermuda! We were

Royal S. Robinson, MBE

taking a phased approach coupled with an expansion of the TCI economy, so that those persons let go from the Service could find meaningful jobs in TCI! Up to this moment, I have not seen anything that is being done to jumpstart the economy!

When we were requesting assistance, the dollar amount was small, but you can see from their calculation that it has grown substantially and the turnaround is going to be harder. So those of you that think that a quick fix is in, must think of the consequences as they are today.

In many respects, it would be better to phase in the identified work force reduction over three years, aggressively pursue an inward investment strategy while broadening the revenue base.

At that point in time, revenue needed to effectively service the debt would be available and we would have a very effective and dynamic, but streamlined Public Service that would be really geared to service delivery.

Any failure to achieve sensible goals such as these would only hasten the day when we become a “welfare state” without the prospects of living up to our real potential and having our flag raised among the other nations of the world!

• Royal Robinson is a former Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands and former Minister of Finance and Health under the Progressive National Party (PNP) administration.

Page 15

TCI High Court sides with UTC in Dellis Cay matter

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

HIGH COURT JUDGE, His Lordship Mr. Justice Richard Williams recently froze $85million in assets worldwide belonging to multimillionaire developer of Dellis Cay, Dr. Cem Kinay and his partner Oguz Serim.

In a judgment that was recently handed down and obtained by The SUN, Mr. Justice Williams stated: “I remind myself that worldwide orders are rarely made. However,…having regards to the large sums involved, the lack of assets of the defendants, the corporate structures over which they have no control…have led me to conclude that there is a high risk of dissipation. A worldwide freezing order is appropriate and is so made.”

The judge added: “I recognise that there are assets in the jurisdiction (Turks and Caicos Islands) under the stewardship of the Receiver. The value is uncertain in the current market. If sold, it is highly unlikely that any proceeds will be available for some time.”

The law suit against Kinay and Serim, who were represented by Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick, was brought by Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Company, which was represented by Queen’s Counsel Lawrence Cohen and Monique

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Gayle Daniel Worrell, VP Marketing and International Business

Allan, from the law firm Saunders and Co..

The Unit Trust Corporation is a financial services company operating in Trinidad and Tobago.

A press statement issued to the SUN by Gayle Daniel-Worrell, The company’s vice-president of marketing, said: “The UTC is pleased that the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands ordered Cem Kinay and Oguz Serim , the developers of the Dellis Cay property in Turks and Caicos, to freeze approximately US$85 million in assets held by Kinay and Serim

Developer of Dellis Cay, Dr. Cem Kinay

globally and to maintain these assets to satisfy the claims of the UTC against Kinay and Serim. The UTC filed a lawsuit over a year ago against Kinay and Serim to protect the interests of UTC and its unit holders. The Supreme Court also dismissed all claims Kinay and Serim had brought against the UTC. The UTC will continue to take all actions necessary to protect the interests of its unit holders in this matter.”

Just last week, 20 investors who told a Manhattan Federal Court they were ripped off of millions after being lured to invest in the luxurious Dellis Cay resort development in the TCI are suing the project’s principal Cem Kinay, its financiers Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corp and a number of other individuals and entities for $50 million.

The Dellis Cay project was taken into receivership about almost two years ago after its Trinidad and Tobago lenders slashed its financial feeding tube because it faltered on its monthly payments to that institution.

At the time of the takeover, the developers said the project was more than fifty percent completed.

The investors, who are represented by Todd Soloway of Pryor Cashman LLP in New York, said explained through a 79-page complaint document, that they thought they were buying luxury villas in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but ended up being fleeced

His Lordship Mr. Justice Richard Williams

of about $50 million.

The plaintiffs are seeking actual damages of at least $50 million, punitive damages, prejudgment interest and court costs for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, breach of good faith and fair dealing, conversion, negligence, aiding and abetting fraud, and commercial bad faith.

However, Mrs. Daniel Worrell told The SUN that in her opinion the case is weak.

“I don’t think that case has any merit at all. We are the aggrieved party and we have clearly won our case and in my view, the US courts do not have any jurisdiction in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our sole aim is to now recover anything that we can,” she said.

Her comments were endorsed by Amoy Chang Fong, UTC Chairman, who, in a press release to investors of UTC said, “Regarding the US lawsuit, in which we are one of 20 defendants, we believe it is without merit, and that US courts do not have jurisdiction in the matter.

Our priority remains that Unitholders’ investments with UTC are safe, secure and stable. Unit Trust Corporation has billions of dollars in assets under management and over 500,000 Unitholders. More than 500 people at UTC work every day to safeguard your investments and earn your trust.”

Page 16

Renewable energy not for commerce LOCAL NEWS

By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER for Provo Water Company, Robert C. Hall, has poured cold water on Government’s attempt to tackle the country’s galloping energy consumption through renewable energy, saying that such technologies as they now stand are inefficient for, especially commerce.

Weighing in on Government’s announcement of the drafting of an energy policy, which would explore the windfall, if any, of renewable energy, Hall warned that there are negative ramifications treading down that road, one of them being unreliability of such technologies.

According to him, the pumps that

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Provo Water Company uses are highpowered, and would take a great deal of energy to operate, which he said may not be suitable to run on renewable energy.

“We would like to think that solar energy or wind-power energy is perhaps the ideal thing, the best thing or the most suitable thing; but when you are talking about this sort of consumption of renewable energy, think about the number of solar panels that you would have to install to burn a 700 horsepower pump; and we don’t have the land for it.

“The other thing is that, the sun doesn’t always shine, and I know there is a particular time that the sun does not shine, and it is called night. What do you do at night time (when there is no sun)? Because night-time is the

TCI TOP MODEL CONTEST WILL NOT BE HELD THIS YEAR

ORGANIZERS OF THE most highly anticipated event in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the annual TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza - have been compelled to put hold to planning this years event due to the adverse economic climate affecting the country.

Envisioned to showcase the beauty and creativity of young aspiring fashion and design talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands, The TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza is an event “Where beauty, fashion and drama collide – to create an evening of true opulence and glamour”.

Last year’s event “The Beautiful Experience” saw 18-yearold Ashley Smith capturing the coveted TCI Top Model Contest and Raynelis Howell - winning the TCI Fashion Designer of the Year Competition. Slated for Friday, April 29th - this year’s event was expected to be more elaborate than Ashley Smith wearing Raynelis Howell the former two: bigger prizes, the same level of excellence and top modeling agencies from America’s East and West Coast scouting for fresh faces.

Courtney Robinson, TCITM’s Executive Producer said: “We put a lot of time, care and preparation in staging the TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza. Providing the necessary training, grooming and guidance for the participants is fundamentally utmost. The TCITM is not an ordinary catwalk show, modeling contest or fashion competition, it is an event geared to give participants an opportunity of a lifetime: exposure and a springboard to a career in fashion design, fashion modelling and photography in the TCI and, hopefully further afield.”

“As a committee, we pride ourselves on producing a high caliber event that participants, sponsors and attendees have come to love, enjoy and, expect.

Nothing short of the best is what we strive for each year. And it would be remiss of us - should we not hold true to our ethos now,” added Robinson.

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

time that we tend make most water.

“That means that you have got to have some king of battery power. And you got to power a 700 horsepower pump with a battery? That’s a huge battery that you would be using, and it’s going to drain rapidly,” Hall said.

Hall was quick to point out that he was not intent on being cynical: “But I don’t see the use of diesel production of electrical power going away anytime soon.”

He noted however, that renewable Chief Executive Officer for Provo Water Company, Robert C. Hall energy can go towards powering small households, water panels and solar heaters, but did not see it playing a consultants have completed their audit and held a series of what he described leading role on a commercial scale.

“When you get in the level of huge as stakeholder workshops, noting electrical consumption, you have to be further that they also met with practical on how you are going to distributors of the renewable energy power those things,” Hall pointed out. technologies and retailers of energyFor his part, Director for the efficient products.

Department of Environmental and “They (consultants) have revised Coastal Resources (DECR) Wesley many of the Government policies and Clerveaux said that the energy policy legislations, and other Government project has kick-started with an tariff codes and planning documents. assessment of the current energy We are now in the stage where they consumption level. He noted also that have created a report. We are doing the consultants looked at the barriers internal review of the report right now to sustainable energy. for fact-checking, making sure that the “That barrier could be from information there is indeed correct.

Government policies; lack of “However, it would soon go to the legislation/improper legislations and public, where you would get a better certain concepts in the minds of appreciation of what are the barriers, people; lack of knowledge; lack of what are stopping us for becoming information; (and) access to more energy efficient.

And you would technology. But the first step towards a get a better appreciation of how to energy conservation or sustainable move forward,” Clerveaux said. energy is understanding exactly what He noted also that members of the we have on the ground. What are the issues, what are the problems, and public would get their say in how the then, devise a solution,” Clerveaux document should be crafted, so as to give the TCI the one of the most pointed out.

Clerveaux noted also that the progressive energy policies.

PPC bleeds from high operational costs

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

By Vivian Tyson Sun Senior Editor

Provo Power Company (PPC) is informing the public that its operation in the TCI is not as rosy as some would make it out to be, since fuel purchases eats up half of its revenue intake.

Making his contribution to the renewable dialogue at the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Sands Resort on Monday, February 7, Chief Executive Officer for PPC, Eddington Powell, said 54.5 percent of what the utility company makes is pumped back into purchasing diesel, while another 36.6 percent is snapped up by other areas including capital investment (25.3 percent), maintenance, safety, training, customer service and scholarships.

Salary, according to Powell, was responsible for 7 percent of the company’s expenses, while venturing into Middle and South Caicos account for 2.5 percent.

To make matters worst, the PPC Head said the utility company falls way short of the regulatory return which Government puts at 18 percent, indicating that such returns averaged around 8 and 10 percent between 2008 and 2010, saying that the trend could continue into 2015.

By Vivian Tyson Sun Senior Editor

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Chief Executive Officer for PPCEddington Powell

According to Powell, as a result of the high cost of operation, PPC investors have ploughed every dollar earned back into its operation, which he said spoke to their commitment to PPC’s viability and the Turks and Caicos Islands ability to bounce back in the medium to long term.

“In the long run, through managing the company well, we expect to get real return higher up. Right now we are packing up on investments. Half of the investment you don’t see because they are located at the back (of the plant), they include new engines and new fuel tanks and those kinds of things. We have tremendous faith in the Turks and

Caicos economy in the long term; we could have significant growth,” Powell said.

According to him, PPC’s focus for the long haul will be on customer satisfaction, which includes delivering the most reliable and affordable electricity to all consumers, in addition to concentrating on long term investment in infrastructure in order to improve reliability, efficiency, and load management. He noted also that attention must be paid on providing a reasonable return to its investors thereby remaining attractive.

Turning to the matter of renewable energy and what it entails for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Powell noted that while the fuel is free, renewable resources require significant capital investment. He stressed that is also requires a balance between demand and supply at all times, since when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine, there must be alternatives available.

Powell noted that contrary to popular beliefs, large-scale wind and solar power have environmental impacts, noting also that there was no such thing as a total green energy economy, as subsidizing renewable resource development imposes significant economic costs.

Powell noted also that actual costs for wind and solar power depend on many factors including installation size – can economies of scale be realized?; cost of capital – the higher the cost of funds, the greater the “levelized” cost; location and output – how much electricity will be produced and when?; and interconnection costs – cost to integrate these resources into the existing transmission/distribution grid so as to ensure a safe and reliable system.

Powell was quick to point out that PPC was not “anti-renewable”, but the power provider must ensure its customers get safe and reliable electricity, at the lowest possible cost He revealed that the company has been evaluating renewable resource alternatives on its own, as it believed solar hot water applications at the islands’ hotels may have significant economic potential, saying also that renewable resource development must be done so as not to damage the existing transmission/distribution system.

He emphasized also that renewable resource development must be considered with changes in the regulatory regime under which PPC currently operates.

VIP Flyers Club opens at Provo Airport

PASSENGERS ARRIVING AND departing the Turks and Caicos Islands courtesy of the Providenciales International Airport may no longer be frustrated by the sometimes tedious processing time or bored by the long wait before boarding their flight thanks to the newly-opened VIP Flyers Club lounge.

The VIP Flyers Club had its soft opening on Tuesday, February 8, and members of the media was invited to share in the occasion, and to get a field as to what the facility will have in store for its future guests.

Outfitted with cozy leather sofas, the roughly 600 square-foot lounge is equipped with internet service, Ipad computers and flat screen television sets. While sipping your complementary coffee, favourite beverage and snacks, served by a concierge staff, one will be able to enjoy

Caesar Campbell and Liz Wilson outlining the operation of the newly-opened VIP Flyers Club at the Providenciales International Airport.

soothing surround sound background music.

Comfortably seating 15 guests at one given time, the VIP Flyers Club, according to Caesar Campbell, Managing Director for Olympia Destination Management Company – the entity that manages the facility – would be available on a first-come-

Page 17

first-serve or spaceavailability basis.

Access to the club is $40, and while enjoying the ambience of the facility, visitors will also get the opportunity to learn more about the destination in general, including the best properties, restaurants and attractions across the country,

courtesy of the tourism channel – number 5 on the WIV Cable service.

Campbell said the facility was designed to enhance the passenger experience at the airport. He said that departing passengers especially needed some level of entertainment which was non-existent at the airport, adding that the VIP Flyers Club was design to address just that.

He said the VIP Flyers Club would also be operating what he described as a fasttrack service which would afford passengers the opportunity to unwind in the lounge while getting their documents expeditiously processed through its concierge service. Singles as well as group bookings, including families, will be available at the facility, Campbell said.

“We would like to think that this is the future of the redevelopment of the airport, as we improve our service

here,” Campbell said.

Campbell said even though the facility was not as big as he would have liked it to be, its implementation was timely, in the wake of the country expecting added airlifts out of the United States in the height of the winter tourism season.

JetBlue is expected to makes its inaugural flight on February 17 and, the welcome party will be housed at the VIP Flyers Club.

While not revealing the facility’s capital cost, Campbell said it was a heavy investment. He said the club would not be offering memberships at this time mainly due to the facility’s limited space, but the situation would be reviewed in a month or two, to see what adjustments could be made if any.

The VIP Flyers Club will open from 6a.m. until the last flight departs. Liz Wilson is the on-the-ground manager.

Page 18

A complete guaranteed solution to the TCI’s economic problem

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

- Presented by The Torch

Introduction: In the proposal below, The Torch draws substantially on Fred Skovberg's excellent article on the TCI Journal's "Free Speech As Long As It Suits Us" website on January 10, 2011 and The Torch's friend Richard Berke's creative letter on January 22,2011.

The Torch's proposal below particularly expands upon Fred's statement, "The TCI has not thought of such innovative ways to improve economic growth and population. They are frightened that they will lose control. Frankly, I do not think many expats are hung up about becoming a citizen of the Turks & Caicos Islands as long as they can be assured of residency. BUT anyone who invests in the TCI is helping grow the economy and should benefit from that contribution."

The salient demographic point of Fred's article is that in 2007, 54% of TCIG's gross income came from stamp duty on real estate sales and from customs duties, sources driven substantially by resident foreigners. Less than 10% of TCIG's 2007 gross income came from the tourism tax.

The Torch remembers a TCI newspaper article circa 1998-9 in which it was announced for the first time that the "ex-pat industry" had just passed tourism in terms of gross income for TCIG. You can see from Fred's figures how the trend progressed circa 1998-2007.

The Torch's guess is that the trend has increased in the last 4 years, given the current 50-60% tourism discounts, which operate to reduce the tourism tax.

Now let's see. Which sector of your gross income would you like to increase - the unreliable contracting 10% or the naturally expanding 54%?

TERMS OF PROPOSAL:

1. Replace the current PRC(without the right to work), Retirement and Annual Residence Permit immigration categories with a single Executive category. PRC (with right to work) and Annual Work Permits are not affected by this proposal.

2. Holders of the Executive Certificate (EC) and their spouses/partners would be entitled to reside in the TCI full time during the term of their EC, whether they do or not, AND to work and earn while here, providing only that they do not solicit or accept any work or business from here. They would not be entitled to a TCI business license.

3. The cost to the holder of the EC would be either a one-time $15,000 or $1,500 per annum. The holder can convert from annual to one-time payment at any time, but the benefits of the EC are the same, regardless of how the holder elects to pay.

4. The EC would also require a $500K investment in real property within the TCI by the EC holder.

5. Craft the EC in such a way as to satisfy the various "bona fide residency" requirements of North American and Western European high tax jurisdictions.

6. Upon the EC holder's death, the benefits of the EC pass to his or her spouse/partner, but not to any child or subsequent spouse/partner of the original EC holder's spouse/partner.

The Torch

7. The initial application process includes a signed statement that the EC holder understands and agrees that no time spent on an EC will ever count towards Belongership.

8. Streamline the application and renewal process such that EC applicants/holders are NEVER subjected to the existing nonsensical immigration bureaucracy and delay, including the insulting demeaning make-work requirements that married 60-something's endure annual Aids testing and provide a statement from the local police that they haven't been caught doing any burglaries during the prior year.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL TERMS (RECOMMENDED FOR BEST RESULTS):

1. Do not spend another dime of public money on tourism. Close any TCIG Department of Tourism permanently. It is a complete waste of time, effort and public money. Private enterprise already covers this expenditure sufficiently, does a far better job than a TCIG bureaucrat could ever do and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

2. Place the EC program under the auspices and control of the Governor's office. Make it statutorily secure from any and all influence in the future from the two political gangs. They would kill it.

3. Freeze civil service hiring (The Torch is unaware whether this has already happened.) and allow normal attrition, which will be enhanced greatly by the private job-creation aspects of the above proposal, to draw down the TCI civil service from the ridiculous current level of approximately 2300 to a reasonable level, such as 400-500 employees, not including the police force.

EXPLANATION OF PROPOSAL:

This is a comprehensive, cost-effective, management-by-objectives solution to our dire economic circumstances. It will bring an increasing level of existent sources of funds into the public treasury, beginning almost immediately and expanding exponentially in line with Baby-Boomer professional advancements and semi-retirements.

The Brit Occupiers are factually incompetent to provide any economic solutions to the TCI, and in any event, should not seek to do so - on the basis of limited government principles of free-market

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

capitalism that predominate here, though not in the UK. The Brits are the greatest tax and spend merchants the world has ever seen, and they are here to "help" us! They have just dumped us $260M further into debt (Now you can borrow enough to get completely out of debt!), which we will have to pay.

They are about to destroy our brand completely with a VAT and/or real property tax. That's all they've got!

The Torch says, "No thanks, chaps. Listen up and learn."

This proposal utilizes resources already at our free disposal. Nothing but an addendum to the Immigration Ordinance, needs to be developed.

There is no up-front cost to its implementation, particularly if the optional tourism proposal is followed. It does not require funding (civil servants are already employed) or the creation of debt. Most future promotional costs will be met by private enterprise. It requires no assistance from anyone but ourselves and the Brit occupiers. It does not depend upon the fickle tourism industry right before Cuba opens up its own huge and cheap tourism capacity.

The target market for the EC program is wide. It includes primarily older baby-boomer selfemployeds, professionals and semi-retireds who would not otherwise move and invest here because of the local work prohibition that is attached to the current immigration categories that would be replaced by the EC. Without the EC, the TCI would receive zero from this large affluent group in the future. With it, we will receive taxes, jobs and continuous economypumping that would have gone to our competitors.

Examples of those professionals/executives who could be targeted for EC status are: actors, producers, directors, playwrights, authors, artists, engineers, architects, musicians, research scientists, designers of any kind, Internet business owners and generally any successful professional or self-employed who can carry on a business disconnected from any physical location.

The Torch envisions that if his proposal is implemented, a small industry of young IT-savvy TC's would immediately be established to exploit a demand for EC consultancy services.

EC consultants could put up websites, advertise in Fortune, the WSJ, Forbes, etc. and any professional journals. Fees could be charged for a full EC package that might include immigration setup, real estate acquisition services, utilities-setup, lawyer and bank introduction, vehicle and boat purchases, hiring household and business staff and general conciergestyle advice and indoctrination into the islands.

This proposal represents a win-win-win-win!

Firstly, the public treasury would receive reliable, proven substantial funding from immigration fees, realty stamp duty and customs duty, systems already in place.

Secondly, EC holders would be permitted to hire locals within their households and EC businesses.

Some would not need to hire anyone, but training within the EC holder's industry would occur naturally in many instances. Thus this proposal creates real jobs providing training and experience to Belongers.

Thirdly, EC holders cannot compete with local businesses - at least not unless those local businesses already compete outside the TCI in the same markets, in which case there is no change in circumstances. They are competing already. continued on NeXT PAGe

A complete guaranteed solution... Cont’d

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

Continued from PREVIOUS PAGE

Finally, not only would EC holders feed the public treasury but they would also pump our local businesses. We are at a point in the TCI where we simply do not have enough people and money to run our local businesses.

Most local businesses are just hanging on. This proposal would feed local businesses and enable those Belongers who wanted to open new businesses to do so with a normal expectation of success that does not now exist.

This proposal would obviate the requirement (which the Brits are about to dump on us, having run the acceptable number of consultancies and workshops) for a VAT or real property tax, either of which would destroy the TCI brand and simply drive away foreign investment.

This proposal competes for and attracts continuing reliable foreign investment from educated successful people who will pay for everything they need and use here and never utilize any public services for which they do not pay.

NOTES:

1. The word, "Executive" in EC is important because it tells the holders of these certificates (our customers) how we regard them, namely with respect.

This is also important because the TCI is in competition, whether it knows it or not, with a dozen other jurisdictions in the Caribbean and probably 20 jurisdictions worldwide to solicit this type of business. We are not doing

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

well in that business competition right now.

2. Not long ago, there was a discussion in some local forum indicating that there were something approaching 2000 high value saleable condo units within the TCI. The Torch is not sure whether that full 2000 figure was realized, given the recession, but that figure did not include free-standing residences, of which there are many suitable for EC ownership.

The Torch seems to remember that there was an average market value (probably a couple of years ago) of $750K for these condo units and that on average each sold every 7 years.

The Torch does not know what effect the addition of houses would have to the average value - probably reduce it as houses tend not to be on the beach or so desirable. In any event, who knows what ANY TCI realty is worth today?

However, assuming some reasonable recovery in the realty market over the next two years, the above figures mean that at a 9.75% stamp duty (with NO property tax EVER), an average Provo condo would provide TCIG over $10K per annum in gross income.

We're getting this source of income already, but it is being ignored for political or other reasons. It is a vast demographic resource and we are not exploiting it at all.

3. The prohibition against EC holders soliciting or accepting work/business from here would be easily enforced. It could be made

Page 19

clear in the EC that violation of this fundamental rule would be grounds for immediate and permanent rescission. EC holders would not be entitled to (nor need to get) a business license. EC holders could not set up business locations open to the public or otherwise advertise their products or services. The local business community could be counted upon to police EC holders' activities rigorously.

4. If you consider it would be strange for a tourism destination such as the TCI not to have a tourism board, consider this. Why do we need one?

Look around you. Do Eskimos have an Ice Appreciation Board?

5. The EC addendum to the Immigration Ordinance would have to establish a "bona fide" residence status to satisfy, e.g., US Internal Revenue Code 911, which allows a working couple employed by a foreign corporation and bona-fide resident in a foreign jurisdiction to exclude $182,800 from taxable income for BOTH Federal Income Tax and FICA taxes. $182,800 is the 2009 figure. It is inflation-indexed.

6. This proposal would have to be implemented during this InterCriminal period. Neither TCI political gang would implement it. One of those gangs could neither understand nor accept the concept of someone earning money while here (though not FROM here) if that gang did not receive some of it. They could never understand that TCI citizens would in fact be receiving a part of those

earnings that they would not otherwise receive. And they could never accept that the gang would not be able to demagogue foreigners as part of the process.

The other gang could understand the concept intellectually but would not accept it philosophically because that gang could not control it and rape it.

7. This EC-type of business is already happening here. We just ignore it. How many? The Torch does not know, but guesses at maybe 150200 creative types keeping themselves under the radar. Imagine the ripple effect throughout the entire public and private economy of introducing another 1,000, or 5,000 or 10,000.

The Torch is retired and was extremely successful in his profession, which he essentially created and dominated. Because The Torch will never trust TC banks, he brings in $8K per month, enough only for basic noncredit card expenditures here. He assures you that at the end of the month, the account is empty. Most EC holders would bring in more than $8K per month.

The ripple effect of a monthly cash injection of $8M (1000 Torchlevel EC Holders), $40M (5,000 EC Holders) or $80M (10,000 EC Holders) would be enormous. That's money that rolls over and is paid to others indefinitely.

CONCLUSION:

We citizens and residents of the TCI are USCWP (up a certain creek without a paddle). The Brits are not the cavalry. We've seen all they've got.

We who actually care about the future of the TCI must resolve our own problems, regardless of their origin.

This proposal fits that bill.

The Torch is not an immigration technician. He is a free-thinking problem solver. You'll have to pardon him if there are any minor inherent difficulties built into the above. They can be overcome. In fact, if you're so smart, get on it.

The Torch requests now that someone else picks up his proposal, polishes it, improves it and shoves it right up the- sorry, The Torch meant to say, presents it to the Brit occupiers.

Just a short open note to those Brit occupiers. You've now read this, and you hate it because it's a free market resolution and you could never have thought of it yourselves. Get over it.

If you fail to implement this or similarly creative economic legislation during your government, this fact will be publicized in the UK. As you well know, the main fear your bosses have is that they will be caught by the Brit press in malfeasance that costs the Brit taxpayer.

"In the beginning of a change, the Patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid soon join him, for then it costs nothing to be a Patriot." - Samuel Clemens

Page 20

Digicel Donates Hurricane Preparedness Good To Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

DIGICEL, THE TURKS and Caicos Islands Bigger Better Network, continues to support hurricane initiatives in the Islands with a hefty donation to the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies.

With hurricane season five months away, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies received over 100 cots and over 100 blankets and tarps to assist in the upcoming hurricane season. On hand to accept the donation were Deborah Prospereemployee with Disaster Management, Desmond Lightbourne-Assistant Deputy Director and Ms. Dorothy Clarke-Deputy Director.

Representatives from Digicel

included, CEO E.Jay Saunders and Marketing Specialist with Digicel, Trina Adams.

Ms. Clarke, Deputy Director of DDME expressed a sincere thank you to Mr. Saunders and Digicel for the donation and highlighted that the items are much needed and will certainly be put to good use. Mr. Saunders in his presentation expressed Digicel’s willingness to assist and support the islands preparation for this hurricane season and expressed that Digicel continues to remain active in supporting hurricane recovery efforts as the company did after Hurricane Ike in 2008.

Hurricane season officially begins in July and typically lasts

W ELL KNOWN A NGLICAN Bishop, Michael Eldon, who will be remembered as the one who dedicated St Monica’s Church in Providenciales in 1989, has died.

Bishop Eldon, who was so captivated by the tranquillity of Salt Cay that he planned to retire there, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau on Monday

morning, February 7, after being in a coma for six years.

He was well known, not only by Anglicans, but by many others in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many were touched by his ministry and have fond memories of his visits, his love, and his hearty appetite.

Apart from being the first Bahamian Bishop of the Diocese of

through November 30, with peak occurrence during August and September across the region. The

Bishop Michael Eldon is dead

Air Turks & Caicos is seeking applications for:

PILOTS

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

ONE AIRPORT HOST

3-5 Years experience as an Airport Host servicing International Flights.

Salary commensurate with experience Four Customer Service Agents: 3-5 years experience as a customer service agent. Qualified in but not limited to Customer Service Agents servicing Delta, US Airways and Air Canada. Salary commensurate with experience All positions require the following: • Excellent command of the English language – reading, writing and speaking.

• Good communication skills and team player • Detail oriented & organized individual • Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends and Holidays.

• Clean police record • Able to work under pressure Salary commensurate with experience.

TwO LAbOuRERS

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

• Must be able to read and write English well. Salary $5.00 per hour

Belongers need only apply.

Interested person should apply to Interested applicants should apply to HR@flyairtc.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040.

No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands; Bishop Eldon made a name for himself by having the distinction of being a student of both Cambridge and Oxford Universities in the United Kingdom.

In addition, he was the first Bahamian to teach at the prestigious St John’s College in Nassau, and he was the first Education Officer in Grand Bahama. He also served as the Chairman of the Council of the College of The Bahamas for many years from its inception.

A contingent of Clergy and lay people will represent the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Funeral Service in Nassau, including Catechist Holton Dickenson of Salt Cay, who has been given the privilege of reading a Lesson at the Service.

The Funeral for the late Anglican Bishop will take place on Tuesday, February 15, at 11 a.m., at Christ Church Cathedral, in Nassau.

By the late Bishop’s request, his body will be cremated after the funeral service.

Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies encourages early preparation for all residence.

Bishop Eldon

Prior to the Funeral on Tuesday, a series of services was planned to commemorate the life of the Bishop.

On Thursday Evening a service was held at St Matthew’s Church on East Shirley Street. On Friday Evening another service was held at St Margaret’s Church on Kemp Road. And on Monday a Service will be held at St George’s Church on Montrose Avenue.

These churches were chosen to host the Services since after Bishop Eldon was ordained to the priesthood, he served as a Curate of St. Matthew’s Parish. While there, he was in charge of St. Margaret’s, and St. George’s, which at the time were small missions of St Matthew’s Parish.

Public Viewing will take place at St George’s Church on Monday, from 10.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.; at which time the body will be taken to the Cathedral for more viewing until the Funeral on Tuesday.

While the body is at the Cathedral, Clergy of the Diocese will say a Mass every hour on the hour from 7.00 p.m. on Monday until 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands all the regular Weekday Services at the Pro-Cathedral in Grand Turk will be Requiem Masses for the late Bishop. In addition, Special Memorial Services will be held at the Pro-Cathedral on Friday at 7.00 p.m.; and at St John’s Church in Salt Cay on Saturday, at 6.30 p.m.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

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FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

Global Increase in Crude Oil Prices = Increased Cost for Consumers

SO LET’S CONSERVE ENERGY AND SAVE MONEY! GLOBAL CRUDE OIL PRICE TREND The past six months have seen a run-up in the international price of crude oil. The primary contributing factors are demand by large developing, high growth economies of China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil, and the economic recovery in North America and Europe. In more recent months, cooler-than-normal temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere, and the disruption in a key fuel pipeline in Alaska have all contributed to the upward pressures on crude oil prices.

WHAT EFFECT DOES THIS HAVE ON OUR POCKETS? With the increased cost of oil globally, PPC remains committed to providing our customers with essential information on reducing energy consumption and saving money. Crude oil supplies the building blocks for everything from fueling our cars, cooling our homes to providing fuel to factories that supply us with essential items used daily.

WHAT IS THE FUEL FACTOR RATE? The fuel factor represents your portion of the cost of fuel that is used to generate electricity. Your electricity bill comprises two costs: (a) the base rate and (b) the fuel factor rate. The base rate (or capacity charge) is a stable rate that, over the years, has not been increased. The fuel factor rate (or energy charge) reflects changes in fuel prices in the international market. As a regulated utility, PPC Ltd. cannot adjust its base rate without permission from the Government. The fuel factor rate does not contribute to PPC’s profit but is paid to the oil suppliers for diesel used to generate electricity.

FUEL FACTOR RATE INCREASE As of January 2011, the fuel factor rate is $0.1779 per kilowatt-hour (KWH) and may increase further. The monthly fuel factor rate is determined by the price of diesel oil charged by our fuel supplier, which in turn is determined by world crude oil prices. As such, when prices drop, customers can expect to see a reduction in the rate.

LET’S CONTINUE TO PRACTICE ENERGY CONSERVATION! Although we cannot control this global increase, we can make simple changes in our daily lives by being more energy efficient to help reduce costs. r

"WPJE VTJOH XBUFS UIBU JT IPUUFS UIBO EFHSFFT 'BISFOIFJU UP TIPXFS PS XBTI

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PPC LTD. Relentless Pursuit of Progress!

Visit www.ppcltd.tc for more energy conservation tips!

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FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

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T:10”

FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT LEAVING TURKS AND CAICOS IS THE RETURN FLIGHT. Introducing new nonstop service between Turks and Caicos and Boston or New York (JFK). Fly now at jetblue.com

RELEASED TO VENDOR

T:16”

ΜΥ14522_ΤυρκσΧαιχοσ_10ξ16_ϖ2.ινδδ 1

Job # JET1-11-01756

2/9/11 12:50 ΠΜ

475

Version # 4

Job Description Turks and Caicos Co-opNewsprint Bleed None Trim 10” x 16”

Document Name Art Director bleech

Mech Scale 100% Print Scale 85.59%

Copy Writer TBD Proj Mgr mingram

JET1-11-01756-475_TurksCaicos_Airways_10x16_v2.indd Linked Graphics JB_YAAFlag_blue_TM_CMYK.ai Umbrella_alt2_CMYK.ai Turks & Caicos Tourist Board.eps

Last Modified Colors In-Use Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

User ma-nminieri Mechd By: tloomer/nminieri

2-8-2011 5:36 PM

Printer 9s-exp260 titan RTVd By: nminieri

Output Date 2-8-2011 5:36 PM

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1

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1. It was a tight race to the finish in this 200m event

2. Cox House cheerleaders striking a pose during their routine 3. These two athletes sprint towards the finish during a 200m contest

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CAPTIONS

4. This Gardiner female athlete celebrates as she approaches the finish line 5. Some of the races were exhausting 21

6. The boys had a whale of a time participating in the Javelin throwing contest 7. Athletes charge for glory in the 800m event

8. There were some creditable jumps at triple jump pit 9. Cox House cheerleaders displaying their abilities in the cheerleading competition

19

10. Cheerleaders from Butterfield House inject a bit of transformer mechanism in their routine 20

11. Gardiner House male cheerleaders had the crowd in a tizzy 12. A section of the crowd in the stand

5

13. Cox House cheerleaders displaying their agility in the cheerleading contest

21

14. This athlete makes a split landing in her triple jump effort 15. Howell girls were classic on the house cheerleading contest stand

16. There were a number of creditable throws in the javelin contest 17. It’s a fast finish towards the 100m line

18. This athlete clears the bar as he pushes ahead of his opponent in the hurdles race 19. Butterfield cheerleaders use two of their team members as skipping ropes during their routine

20. It was an intense battle in the long distance rac

21. This low bar appears easy pickings for this athlete 22. A Gardiner athlete clears the high jump bar

23. Howell House Cheerleaders had the crowd on its feet with their innovative moves

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Lindsay Lohan pleads not guilty to theft charge

ENTERTAINMENT At issue is a $2,500 necklace allegedly taken from Los Angeles jewelry store Lindsay Lohan pleaded not guilty to felony grand theft of a $2,500 necklace — a case that could return the troubled starlet to jail rather than the big screen.

She entered the plea Wednesday through her attorney Shawn Chapman Holley. If convicted of the theft charge, Lohan could face up to three years in state prison.

"Look around this room," Superior Court Judge Keith Schwartz told Lohan. "Everybody else has to follow the law. You're no different than anyone else. So please, don't push your luck."

Schwartz set bail at $40,000. He said it appeared Lohan had violated her probation in a 2007 drunken driving case and warned that if she violated the law while free on bail he would have her arrested and held.

Holley said Lohan was entering an early disposition program where she could work out a deal to keep the case from going to trial.

She said Lohan has received good reports from her probation officer and has not failed any drug screens.

Prosecutor Danette Meyers rejected the idea that Lohan has been well-behaved.

"Well, a good probationer doesn't pick up a new case," Meyers said.

Schwartz ordered Lohan not to have any contact with the jewelry store that reported the necklace missing. The order came after Meyers said that someone sent the store flowers on Lohan's behalf after police started their investigation.

Lohan, 24, posted bail and was released about an hour after the hearing. She spoke little during the arraignment, except to acknowledge her name and that she understood the charge and possible consequences.

The charge was the latest — and most serious — legal problem for the actress, who remains on probation in a 2007 drunken driving case.

Police and prosecutors claim Lohan took the necklace from a store in the beachside community of Venice

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Lindsay Lohan

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

on Jan. 22, weeks after she was released from a rehab facility where she was accused of misconduct.

The former Disney star has struggled with the terms of her probation, and was sentenced to rehab twice and jail twice last year.

Judge Schwartz will determine if

Lohan violated the terms of her probation, which required her to obey all laws and submit to random drug and alcohol testing.

The jewelry case is not Lohan's only concern. Prosecutors in Riverside County are considering whether to charge the actress with battery for an altercation with a rehab worker at the Betty Ford Center in December.

The worker was fired after giving an on-camera interview to celebrity website TMZ, but district attorney's spokesman John Hall has said the allegation against Lohan was under review.

The threat of incarceration has hung over Lohan since May, when a judge handling her DUI case determined she violated her probation by missing weekly alcohol education classes.

Her three stints in jail in the past three years have all been shortened by overcrowding and the fact that she could not be held without bail on a misdemeanor.

NICKI MINAJ FINALLY HITS NO. 1 ON U.S. ALBUM CHART

LOS ANGELES – Nicki Minaj claimed the top spot on the U.S. pop album chart for the first time on Wednesday as her debut release jumped two places in its 11th week, and coincidentally passed the one million mark at the same time.

The flamboyant R&B singer sold 45,000 copies of "Pink Friday" during the week ended February 6, according to Nielsen SoundScan data.

The album debuted at No. 2

following its November 22 release, and has spent its entire chart life in the top 10; its tally rose to 1.035 million copies.

Minaj's patient wait for her turn at No. 1 is a rare sight. For the most part, an album is No. 1 only because it debuted there. It's unusual for a set to climb to the top. Case in point: in 2010, there were 30 albums that hit No. 1, but just one -- Lil Wayne's "I Am Not A Human Being" -- actually

rose to the top. Wayne debuted at No. 2 purely on download sales, tumbled to No. 16 the following week, and rose to No. 1 t he next once the CD version went on sale.

Before "Friday's" ascent to the top, the last album to take longer to rise to No. 1 was in April 2005, when Ray Charles' "Genius Loves Company" finally hit the top in its 25th week bolstered by its Grammys success.

A judge has granted Kelsey Grammer a divorce from his wife, Camille clearing the way for the actor to remarry later this month.

Judge grants Kelsey Grammer divorce in LA ACTOR HAS SAID HE PLANS TO REMARRY THIS MONTH

A judge has granted Kelsey Grammer a divorce, clearing the way for the actor to remarry later this month.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maren Nelson agreed Thursday to grant Kelsey and Camille Grammer a divorce and settle financial issues at a later date.

Camille Grammer has estimated in court filings that the former couple's shared property may be worth $20 million.

Kelsey and Camille Grammer were married in 1997 and have two young children together.

Attorneys for the former "Frasier" star and Camille Grammer, who appears on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," told Nelson they will set aside $2.3 million while financial arrangements are handled.

The 55-year-old actor has told David Letterman last month that he plans to marry Kayte Walsh sometime in February.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

Domestic PROVO TO GRAND TURK FLIGHT No. FROM JY1502 JY1504 JY1505 JY1506 JY1507 JY1508

PLS PLS PLS XSC PLS PLS XSC PLS PLS

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FREQUENCY Daily Except Sun Sun Daily Except Sun Daily Except Sun Daily

Daily Daily Daily Daily

FREQUENCY Daily Except Sun Daily Except Sun Sun Daily Except Sun Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

FREQUENCY Daily Except Sun Wed Daily

FREQUENCY Daily Except Sun Wed Daily

FREQUENCY Daily Except Sun Daily

FREQUENCY Daily Except Sun Daily

International A/C EMB-120 DHC6 DHC6 DHC6 EMB-120 DHC6 DHC6 EMB-120 DHC6

A/C DHC6 DHC6 DHC6 EMB-120 DHC6 EMB-120 DHC6 DHC6 EMB-120

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NASSAU TO PROVO FLIGHT No. FROM

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FREQUENCY Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

FREQUENCY Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

FREQUENCY Sun

A/C EMB120

A/C EMB120

A/C EMB120

FREQUENCY Sun

A/C EMB120

FREQUENCY Mon, Thu, Sat Wed

FREQUENCY Mon, Thu, Sat Wed

FREQUENCY Fri Sun

A/C EMB120 EMB120

A/C EMB120 EMB120

A/C EMB120 EMB120

FREQUENCY Fri Sun

A/C EMB120 EMB120

FREQUENCY Tue, Thu, Sun

FREQUENCY Tue, Thu, Sun

FREQUENCY Mon Wed, Fri

FREQUENCY Mon Wed, Fri

A/C EMB120

A/C EMB120

A/C EMB120 EMB120

A/C EMB120 EMB120

www.flyairtc.com 649-946-4999

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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I fly with the stars in the skies I am no longer trying to survive I believe that life is a prize But to live doesn't mean you're alive

Don't worry about me & who I fire I get what I desire It's my empire And yes, I call the shots, I am the umpire I sprinkle holy water upon the vampire

In this very moment I'm king In this very moment I slayed Goliath with a sling This very moment I bring put it on everything, that I will retire with the ring and I will retire with the crown, Yes no I'm not lucky I'm blessed, Yes clap for the heavyweight champ, Me but I couldn't do it all alone, We Young Money raised me, grew up out in Baisley Southside Jamaica, Queens and it's crazy cuz I'm still hood, Hollywood couldn't change me

shout out to my haters, sorry that you couldn't faze me Aint being cocky, we just vindicated Best believe that when we done this moment will be syndicated I don't know, this night just remind me of Everything they deprived me of P-p-p-p-put your drinks up It's a celebration every time we link up We done did everything they could think of Gr-Greatness is what we on the brink of [Chorus] I wish that I could have this moment 4 life, 4 life, 4 life Cause In this moment, i just feel so alive, alive, alive I wish that I could have this moment 4 life, 4 life, 4 life ( I could have this moment x3) This is my moment, I just feel so alive ( I could have this moment x3) [Drake] Yeah

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FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

FUN & GAMES FirstCaribbean

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FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

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Page 31

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FUN & GAMES

FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

King Features Weekly Service

February 7, 2011

King Features Weekly Service Service

King Features Weekly February 7, 2011 February 7, 2011

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Time is on your side in the early part of the week.

But anything left undone by midweek will need to be put into rush mode. The weekend offers choices for you and someone special.

TAURUS (April 30 to May 20) Finally getting credit for a contribution is nice for all you idea-generating Ferdinands and Fernandas. But don’t sit on your laurels under the cork tree. Use it as a first step to a bigger opportunity.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Despite the progress made, a hint of doubt might set in. That’s OK. You need to stop and consider not only what you’re doing but also how you are doing. Make adjustments where needed.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The dreamer is dominant in the Moon Child’s aspect, but a dollop of hardheaded practicality is coming up fast and jockeying for space. The challenge is to make room for both modes.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good week for Leos and Leonas to start assessing what they’ve done and what they plan to do. Moving to a new environment — home or job-related — is a possibility for some Cats.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The week calls for Virgos to make tough decisions, but in a way that leaves the door open for changes. Ask for advice from someone who has been in the position you’re in now.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Disappointments are never easy to take, but you have the ability to

ETERNAL VIGILANCE

—13—

It is human to err, but some bridge players appear to be more human than others!

Consider this deal where it is very easy for declarer to make a mistake. West leads a heart against three notrump, declarer playing the ten from dummy and winning East’s queen with the ace.

South then leads a spade to dummy’s queen, losing the finesse to East’s king, and back comes a heart to dummy’s jack. Declarer then cashes—17— the ace of spades, on which West shows out.

South is now in serious trouble. He plays the queen of clubs from dummy, but West refuses to win the trick, putting an end to South’s

learn from them and go on to success. Meanwhile, continue to build up your contacts.

You’ll need them soon.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Things might still be going much too slowly to suit you. But you need the time to make sure they’re going in the right direction.

It’s easier to make a course correction now rather than later.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Showing some temperament at the way things are going is one way of getting your point across. Just don’t overdo it, or you risk turning away more-moderate supporters.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Things could change more quickly this week than you like. But don’t fret; you’ll most likely find that you’re up to the challenges. The weekend offers much-needed relaxation.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Big challenge coming up? Uncross those fingers and believe that you’re going to do well. And keep in mind that so many people have faith in your ability to succeed.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Testing the waters is a good way of learning about an opportunity before plunging right in. Ask more questions and be alert to any attempts to avoid giving complete answers.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for making people — and animals, too — feel special and loved.

• It w Wilde lowing “There of peop cinatin absolu people ly noth • The times t • Cof ered ar Arabs. used s or relig • Ha novel “ bird” annive cation will ce sary ne years portray whom Institut est mo century so imp Peck’s that sh deceas watch. it.

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© 2011 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

fleeting hopes. Declarer must now go down at least one, regardless of how he plays.

Yet the fact is that South cannot be prevented from making nine tricks if he plays the hand correctly. It is true that he is very unlucky both to lose the spade finesse and to find the spades divided 4-1. But it is also true that South can guarantee the contract without subjecting himself in any way to the element of luck.

All he has to do is to play the king of hearts from dummy at trick one and then lead the queen of clubs. If the queen holds, South continues with the nine to the ten and persists with the suit until the ace is forced out.

This method of play is sure to produce nine tricks consisting of four clubs, two diamonds, two hearts and a spade.

To assure the contract, declarer must resist the temptation to score three heart tricks by playing the ten from dummy at trick one. Instead, he sacrifices the extra heart trick in the interest of making certain that he scores the four club tricks he needs to get home safely. © 2011 King Features Synd. Inc.

Seer

by Ju (Roc Revi

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

King Features Weekly Service

FUN & GAMES

February 7, 2011

d. ail,

Page 32 FEBRUARY 11TH - FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

Page 33

UK to drop warship patrols in Caribbean

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

The United Kingdom is to abandon its warship patrols of the Caribbean for the first time since the second World War because of the navy's funding crisis.

According to a report in The Guardian newspaper in Britain, the withdrawal means the navy will no longer provide a warship for antinarcotic operations in the region, and will have to reduce its role in disaster relief work.

According to the Guardian, under the review, the services will lose personnel and equipment, with the navy surface fleet of destroyers and frigates being reduced from 23 to 19. This, however, is the first time defence chiefs have had to abandon an existing overseas mission because of the budget squeeze.

Gisela Stuart, a Labour member of the commons defence committee, condemned the move. "My view is that where we have a national interest, and a historic responsibility and where we can make a difference, we should act.

Countering drugs smuggling in an area which covers British territories falls into that category. As an island we rely on our navy to ensure national security. It seems to me to be a short term decision that is simply wrong."

The navy's Caribbean patrol was originally set up to guard British dependencies in the West Indies. In

The frigate HMS Iron Duke

recent years, it has taken up a joint role countering drug runners and coping with humanitarian disasters during the June-October hurricane season.

The navy operates with ships from other countries, including the US, the Netherlands and France. Its patrols in the area have made a significant impact on drug trafficking.

Two years ago, the Royal Navy seized its biggest haul of cocaine, with an estimated street value at £240m.

The frigate HMS Iron Duke intercepted a boat carrying more than

BUJU BANTON TO FACE NEW CHARGES Jamaican reggae artiste Buju Banton will be facing four charges instead of two when he goes on retrial in a US federal court next Monday. Judge James Moody yesterday afternoon dismissed a motion by Banton seeking to have the new indictment thrown out. "...We are going to trial on Monday on the new charges. That's okay. We are ready," attorney David Oscar Markus told the Jamaica Observer.

The four-time Grammy nominated artiste whose real name is Mark Myrie, had originally been tried last September on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a drugtrafficking offence.

Banton will now be tried for: conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence; and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.

The prosecution had secured the new indictment with an additional two counts last November after Banton's first trial ended with a hung jury in September.

Banton is to be tried in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in Tampa, Florida. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years' imprisonment.

Banton was arrested in December 2009 as part of a sting operation following the arrests of two men, Ian Thomas and James Mack, in Florida and was slapped with the drug and weapon charges. The men, who pleaded guilty to the charges last year are expected to testify during Banton's second trial. They did not participate in the previous trial.

The second trial was to have started last December but was postponed so Banton, who is on US$250,000 bail and is subjected to house arrest, could spend time with his family

five and a half tons of the drug in an operation off the coast of South America.

The navy won high praise from the then armed forces minister, Bill Rammell, who said: "Again, the Royal Navy has successfully damaged the trade in this vile substance, which only serves to poison our communities. The crew rightly deserve our praise and thanks for the work they do on our behalf."

Prince William also served on Iron Duke when it seized cocaine worth

pounds £45million in the Caribbean.Although the Navy can no longer afford to send a destroyer to the Caribbean, it stressed it would not withdraw completely from the region.

It will retain a Royal Fleet Auxiliary supply ship with a Lynx helicopter and a detachment of sailors on board.

An MoD spokesman said: "The Royal Navy will continue to provide a permanent presence in the Caribbean, able to respond to the full range of potential events including humanitarian disaster relief operations.

During 2011 this will be provided by a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship, enhanced with a naval party and helicopter during the core hurricane season."

The withdrawal of the Caribbean patrols is unlikely to be the only victim of the squeeze to the defence budget outlined in the SDSR. The government now admits that those cuts — including a last-minute decision to axe Britain's entire fleet of Harrier jumpjets and the carrier, Ark Royal — has still left a gap between commitments and available expenditure.

That gap, estimated to amount to at least £1bn a year, has to be bridged by the beginning of the coming spending round. The decisions on any further cuts will have to be made before the end of March.

The Bahamas Government signs deal with Cable and Wireless

The Government of The Bahamas on Wednesday signed the agreements that will finally privatize the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and hand over 51 percent share ownership of the company to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC), though the transaction will still require parliamentary and regulatory approval.

The documents signed between the government and CWC were the shareholder’s agreement and share purchase agreement.

According to the Nassau Guardian, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said in the House of Assembly — where he tabled the BTC agreements that while CWC will have management control of the company when it takes over some time in the second quarter of 2011, the government will still have veto power over “critical” matters.

“Even though Cable and Wireless will have management control, there are certain critical matters where the government will, so long as it holds a percent of the company’s issued share capital, have the right to a veto that is to prevent certain actions being taken by Cable and Wireless if the government does not agree with them,” Ingraham said.

The final deal calls for CWC Bahamas Holdings Limited to pay a price of $210 million for a 51 stake in BTC, as well as a stamp duty of $7 million.

Eventually 25 percent of the shares in the company will be offered to Bahamians, CWC’s aim, based on its business plan submitted to government, is to fully integrate its expertise and services into BTC while preserving its local identity as a Bahamian enterprise, according to a government statement released after the signing at the Cabinet

Office.

In the first year of its ownership CWC contends it will attempt to provide faster mobile data services, new mobile services, lower roaming costs, improved roaming agreements and focus on customer experience improvements, among other things.

David Shaw, CEO of LIME, CWC’s Caribbean entity, insisted that upgrades will make BTC a healthy and competitive enterprise that will be able to withstand competition when the cellular market is liberalized.

The Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union and the Bahamas Communications and Public Managers Union presidents showed up at the steps of the Churchill Building as well yesterday to continue to rail again the sale of BTC to CWC. They even had a small showing of support from BTC workers, who took an extended lunch, outside the House of Assembly when the agreements were being tabled in Parliament.

However, Ingraham said he would not allow the small group of people who oppose the sale of BTC to CWC to stop what his government considers an advantageous deal for the majority of Bahamians.

“I was elected by the Bahamian people and empowered by them to act for and on their behalf,” he said.

“We are not proposing to contract or subject our authority vested in us by the people of The Bahamas into any small minority group with vested interest to protect to the exclusion and disadvantage of the vast majority of the people who live in this country.”

April 4 is the target date for the transaction to be finalized.

Page 34

Haiti issues new passport to Aristide

CARIBBEAN NEWS

PORT-AU-PRINCE – The Haitian government said it has issued a new passport to former president JeanBertrand Aristide, enabling him to end his exile in South Africa and return to Haiti, a government official said.

"The passport was issued on Monday. All the formalities have been completed," the official said, asking to remain anonymous.

One of Aristide's lawyers, Ira Kurzban, said he had not received the passport.

"If they have (issued a passport for Aristide), they haven't told me," Kurzban told AFP from Miami. Asked if Aristide would be back in Haiti soon, the attorney said: "I think we're getting closer, but we're not there yet."

The news, certain to add to the uncertainty in this quake-hit nation, came as about 200 people demonstrated in the capital Port-au-Prince calling for President Rene Preval to step down.

"Preval, give back the keys to the palace, your mission is at an end," they shouted in front of the presidential palace, still in ruins after the January 2010 earth quake.

Preval had been due to step down from office on Monday, but the presidential elections have been bogged down by accusations of corruption and voterigging in favor of his favored successor.

The Haiti election commission ruled on Thursday that popular singer Michel Martelly -- and

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

not the ruling party's Jude Celestin -- would now face off against former first lady Mirlande Manigat in the second round on March 20.

Preval, who passed emergency legislation last year extending his mandate in the event of an electoral delay, has now said he plans to stay in office until the next president and government is installed.

It is not yet clear how Aristide's return -- coming so soon after former dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier ended two decades in exile -- will impact on the political scene.

Aristide has been living in South Africa since 2004, and in recent months has repeatedly requested to be allowed to return home to the Caribbean nation, but said he had no travel documents as his passport had expired.

Haiti's first democratically elected leader who was forced to flee amid a popular revolt after two stints as president, Aristide has said he wants to return to help his countrymen.

A former priest, Aristide has long maintained he was forced to step down under pressure from the United States and France.

"Since my forced arrival in the Mother Continent six and a half years ago, the people of Haiti have never stopped calling for my return to Haiti," he said in a statement sent to AFP last month.

"As far as I am concerned, I am ready. Once

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

Former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide

again I express my readiness to leave today, tomorrow, at any time."

Haiti has been in turmoil since the January 2010 earthquake devastated the impoverished country, killing 250,000 people and leaving 1.3 million homeless.

Last month, Duvalier's return some two decades after he was overthrown in a popular uprising against his brutal rule also fuelled tensions in a nation which has known years of political upheaval and bloodshed.

Monday marked exactly 25 years to the day since Duvalier departed aboard a US air force plane, bringing to an abrupt end a lavish and notoriously corrupt dictatorship.

US Coast Guard seize 1100 pounds of marijuana and 95 bricks of cocaine

MIAMI - The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant last week offloaded more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana at Coast Guard Sector Key West, Florida, that was interdicted at sea January 18.

While on a routine patrol, the crew of the Vigilant located a 30-foot gofast vessel with multiple fuel drums on deck and five persons aboard in the western Caribbean Sea on January 18.

The Vigilant crew launched their smallboat to pursue the go-fast vessel.

During the westbound pursuit, crewmembers witnessed personnel aboard the go-fast jettison multiple bales into the water.

Two Costa Rican smallboat crews launched to assist. However, the go-fast crew was able to beach the vessel in Costa Rica, and flee on foot evading capture.

The crew of the Vigilant was able to recover 40 bales and 15 bricks of marijuana worth almost $1 million.

The contraband was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Key West Wednesday. Special agents assigned to ICE HSI marine smuggling investigative group continue the investigation.

Meantime, the US Coast Guardsmen and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, working jointly with Caribbean Corrridor Strike Force (CCSF) partners, recently arrested two suspected Dominican smugglers and seized 95 bricks of cocaine and an 18-foot boat (yola), following an at-sea interdiction Monday in the Mona Passage.

More than 1,100 pounds of marijuana was seized by US Coast in Key West, Florida

The crew of a CBP Caribbean Air and Marine Branch surveillance aircraft detected two men aboard an 18-foot yola traveling towards Puerto Rico without any navigation lights, approximately 20 nautical miles northwest of Mona Island, Puerto Rico.

With support of a CBP helicopter, a Coast Guard Boat Station San Juan 45-foot response boat and the Coast Guard Cutter Matinicus approached the suspect vessel, as the passengers onboard the yola proceeded to throw their cargo overboard.

The crew of the Boat Station San

Juan 45-foot response boat intercepted the suspect vessel that was taking on water and embarked the two Dominicans due to safety concerns.

The Coast Guard crew was able to dewater the yola and prevent it from sinking.

The crew of the Boat Station San Juan response boat recovered two suitcases of the suspected contraband from the water, while the crew of the Matinicus recovered one other. A field test sample indicated that the suitcases contained cocaine.

CCSF is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement initiative that investigates

South American-based drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics utilizing the Caribbean as a transshipment point for further distribution to the United States.

CCSF is composed by the United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

Page 35

Anguilla Chief Minister outlines conditions for working with UK experts

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 181TH, 2011

THE VALLEY, Anguilla - Anguilla's Chief Minister Hubert Hughes has outlined his government's conditions for working with two United Kingdomfunded independent experts on the island's 2011 budget which London refused to approve since before Christmas last year. In a radio broadcast on Monday night, Hughes who has been at odds with the British government over its decision not to sign off on the last budget said "Anguilla will certainly agree to the recommendations of the consultants and not unreasonably reject their recommendations if they are in the best interest of Anguilla”.

Hughes said that he will not be drawn into any arrangements which will work against the interest of the people of the British Overseas Territory.

In early January, British Minister responsible for the Overseas Territories Henry Bellingham in a letter to the Chief Minister outlined his view on the island's fiscal position and explained why he had instructed Governor Alistair Harrison not to assent to the island's Appropriation Bill.

Bellingham noted among other things that he wanted an assurance that the Anguilla government will cooperate fully with the experts to draw up and implement a revised budget and will not unreasonably reject any of the

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Anguilla's Chief Minister Hubert Hughes

experts' recommendations.

Hughes in his reply to Bellingham cited six conditions in relation to the visit of the two experts - John Wiggins who is a member of the European Court of Auditors and Ved P.Gandhi who has been associated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – who arrived here last week.

They include a revision of the borrowing guidelines simultaneously with the review of the budget and consultations to include the public/private sector officials, nongovernmental organisations and concerned business organisations.

Hughes also called for the consultations with the experts to include representatives of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the European Union delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean as key financial stakeholders to his administration.

The Chief Minister also asked that such consultations should also include, if they so wished to participate, representatives of the governments of Bermuda, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He also recommended that all consultations be held in a forum to which the media and public are able to listen to the discussions and also that there be a consensus among the stakeholders as to the government of Anguilla's 2011 budget and fiscal and economic projects to 2014.

But Hughes said that the government's conditions were rejected

by London.

According to the government leader, the British authorities felt that while the experts will consult widely, the decisions on the budget are a matter for the Executive Council and the House of Assembly rather than a wider group of stakeholders.

He also disclosed that the UK

Outgoing CDB president lauds economic union

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Dr. Compton Bourne has lauded moves by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to press ahead with an economic union even as he chided the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states for the slow implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

“I fully support the progress that the OECS has been making in integrating their economies. I think the larger integration movement should feel somewhat ashamed and should try to follow what the OECS is achieving because it sets a good model for deciding purposefully and for acting in good time constant with the decisions taken,” Bourne told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

The OECS economic union makes possible the creation of a single financial and economic space within which goods, people and capital move freely, monetary and fiscal policies are harmonized and countries continue to adopt a common approach to trade, health, education and environment, as well as to the development of such critical sectors as agriculture, tourism and energy.

“The OECS economic union will empower OECS citizens by making possible greater freedom of movement and of economic action, by engendering a greater sense of belonging and of pride in their achievements, and by offering a wider array of social and economic possibilities,” said Dr. Denzil Douglas, the OECS Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The CDB president lamented that the CSME, which allows for the free movement of goods,

CARIBBEAN NEWS

services, labour and skills across the region, has lagged not for want of understanding the issues but for “indecisiveness” and “slowness” in implementation.

“I think if the OECS by virtue of being a smaller unit and being clear that it is has to proceed even if the larger grouping does not wish to proceed. I think they are doing the right thing and I think you will see the benefits to the OECS from that,” Bourne said.

The outgoing CDB president acknowledged that the CSME has made progress in relation to trade but he noted that little has been achieved in relation to movement of capital.

“We need to have a situation where there is harmonisation of laws and regulations, guidelines and policies governing capital movements.

“These things have been on the drawing books for a few years and there’s a circle of debate and consideration and reconsideration to the absolute dismay of those who have drafted the CSME.” Bourne however identified the free movement of people as the biggest bug bear facing the regional integration movement.

He warned that an economic union cannot rest on two pillars when it is designed to rest on three; trade, capital and labour.

“If there is not sufficient progress in relation to the movement of labour then I think there is a real danger of the integration movement splitting and falling apart.

“I think this is a case where there is a need for political heads to actually lead instead of being led by sentiment which may not be well placed.”

Bourne said.

government felt that while they would be happy to be associated with the visits of EU and or CDB, they would prefer the representatives of these organisations not be a part of the meetings, as London thinks it is essential to preserve the ability of both the UK and Anguillian governments to take independent decisions within their competence.

Hughes said that the UK was also opposed to bilateral decisions taking place in public. However they were comfortable after an agreement on the 2011 budget is reached between both governments to present the outcome to the public.

Hughes said that he has also formally invited the leader of the Opposition Evans McNiel Rogers to be part of the consultations.

Hughes said that he wants the consultants to be present during the public forum on the revised budget so that they can defend their recommendations and also allow the government's negotiating team to react to the recommendations in a public forum.

"It is important that the public has a full appreciation of what the views of the government of Anguilla are prior to going to Executive Council," Hughes said.

COMPTON’S DAUGHTER RESIGNS The daughter of the late former prime minister Sir John Compton in St Lucia has resigned from the ruling United Workers Party (UWP) that is gearing for a general election later this year.

Prime Minister Stephenson King told reporters that he could not comment on the report that Janine Compton-Antoine, the only female legislator in the 17seat Parliament, had stepped down since he had not yet received any resignation letter.

However, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rosemary-Husbands Mathurin today confirmed that she had received a copy of the letter that was addressed to the Prime Minister.

She said the letter indicated that Compton-Antoine had resigned from the party founded by her late father and would remain as an independent legislator.

“With her letter of resignation she will remain the parliamentary representative for Micoud North, so it does not change her parliamentary position but it does change her affiliation with the United Workers Party and so they no longer have eleven seats in the Chamber but are down to 10, with the MP now serving as an independent,” the House Speaker said.

There had been much speculation about ComptonAntoine’s relationship with the party after she failed to be part of the party’s launch of the Attorney General Rudolph Francis, the candidate for the Castries South constituency on Sunday.

Ever since she won the by election in the Micoud North constituency to replace her father who died in 2007, Compton-Antoine has often disagreed with some of the polices and decisions of the King administration and on occasions sided with the opposition St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) in the Parliament.

General election is constitutionally due by March next year, but widely expected to he held later this year.

Page 36

Hosni Mubarak refuses to step down as president of Egypt

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

CAIRO -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced he has handed his powers over to his vice president but he refused to step down outright or leave the country, retaining his title of president and ensuring regime control over the reform process. Stunned protesters in central Cairo who demand his ouster waved their shoes in contempt and shouted, "Leave, leave, leave."

The crowd in Tahrir Square had swollen to several hundred thousand in expectation that Mubarak would announce is resignation in the nighttime address to the nation.

Instead, they watched in silence, slapping their foreheads in anger and disbelief. Some broke into tears. After he finished, they broke out into chants for him to go.

Immediately after Mubarak's speech, Vice President Omar Suleiman called on the protesters to "go home" and asked Egyptians to "unite and look to the future."

The pair of addresses followed a series of dramatic events Thursday evening that had raised expectations Mubarak was about to announce his resignation. In a surprise step, the military announced on state TV that its Supreme Council was in permanent session in scenes that suggested the armed forces were taking control, perhaps to ensure Mubarak goes. The top general for the Cairo area told protesters in the square that "all their demands" would be satisfied, and the protesters lifted him on their shoulders, believing that meant Mubarak's ouster.

Instead, Mubarak went on the air several hours later, delivering a firm 15-minute address that suggested little has changed. Suleiman was already leading the regime's efforts to deal with the crisis, but the announcement gives him official authorities.

"I saw fit to delegate the authorities of the president to the vice president, as dictated in the constitution," Mubarak said near the

end of the speech. The constitution allows the president to transfer his powers if he is unable to carry out his duties "due to any temporary obstacle," but it does not mean his resignation.

Mubarak said he would stay in the country and that he is "adamant to continue to shoulder my responsibility to protect the constituion and safeguard the interests of the people ... until power is handed over to those elected in September by the people in free and fair elections in which all the guarantees of transparencies will be secured."

Mubarak said that the demands of protesters for democracy are just and legitimate, but he adhered tightly to a framework for reform that Suleiman drew up and that protesters have roundly rejected, fearing it will mean only cosmetic change.

He said he had requested the amendment of five articles of the constitution to loosen the now

Swedish minister says WikiLeaks founder should turn himself in

STOCKHOLM – WikiLeaks that the women's lawyer has founder Julian Assange should turn denied. himself in for questioning in a Leaked police documents Swedish rape investigation and has show one of Assange's no reason to worry about not getting accusers claims he initiated a fair trial, Sweden's justice minister sex with her while she was said Thursday. sleeping, which can be Beatrice Ask's comments to The considered rape under Associated Press reveal the irritation Swedish law. The other among senior Swedish officials at the claims he intentionally arguments used by Assange's lawyers damaged a condom and in fighting his extradition in a British pinned her down while having court, where closing arguments are consensual sex. Assange set for Friday. denies wrongdoing.

The lawyers defending Assange, He met both women in who is accused of sexual misconduct connection with a seminar on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange against two Swedish women, say a free speech in Stockholm in closed-door trial in Sweden would represent "a flagrant August. denial of justice."

Assange's objections to the extradition range from They also say he risks being handed over to the how the arrest warrant was issued to the "secret" nature United States, which is investigating whether of rape trials in Sweden, where such hearings are often Assange's secret-spilling website should be held held behind closed doors out of respect for the victims. responsible for leaking classified information.

"You cannot have a fair trial when the press and Assange "has a lot of prejudice," Ask said in an the public are excluded from the court," lead defense interview at the Swedish Parliament. "I think it's lawyer Geoffrey Robertson said Tuesday. That's beyond doubt that we are very careful about the especially relevant for someone like Assange, who has independence and quality of the justice system in this faced "vilification" worldwide, Robertson said. country.

The defense also produced witnesses to attack the "Everyone is equal before the law. He is suspected, conduct of prosecutor Marianne Ny, including a retired accused of a serious crime and should of course present Swedish judge who described Ny as having "a rather himself for interrogation," she said. biased view against men."

WikiLeaks has angered the U.S. and other Those comments prompted Sweden's top governments by publishing tens of thousands of secret prosecutor to issue a statement defending Ny's military documents on the wars in Afghanistan and competence and her handling of the case.

Iraq as well as a massive trove of U.S. diplomatic Even Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt weighed cables. in, saying everyone who lives in Sweden knows its Assange's supporters say the rape allegations are justice system is "well-functioning." trumped up and possibly politically motivated, charges Both Reinfeldt and Ask dismissed suggestions by

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak

restrictive conditions on who can run for president, to restore judicial supervision of elections, and to impose term limits on the presidency.

He also annulled a constitutional article that gives the president the right to order a military trial for civilians accused of terrorism. He said that step would "clear the way" for eventually scrapping a hated emergency law that gives police virtually unlimited powers of arrest, but with a major caveat "once security and stability are restored."

Assange's supporters that the sex allegations are part of a politically motivated conspiracy.

"That's taken out of thin air. We don't have that influence and should not have that influence on the judiciary," Ask told the AP. Sweden is well-respected internationally for its democratic and egalitarian society. Transparency International ranks Sweden as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

Still, even Swedish experts concede there are problems with how the Assange case has been conducted. For example, prosecutors released his name to the media just hours after the investigation was launched.

That is highly unusual and prosecutors have struggled to explain it. At one point they claimed they didn't release the name; they just confirmed it to a newspaper that already had it.

Another issue is why they didn't interrogate Assange about the rape allegation earlier. He was questioned on Aug. 30 — 10 days after the investigation started — but only about a less serious allegation of harassment.

On the streets of Stockholm, people have mixed feelings about the case.

Karl-Henrik Posse, a 65-year-old horse farmer, said he trusts the Swedish courts will give Assange due process. "We won't put him behind bars if he is innocent," Posse said.

Fashion merchandizer Carolina Neckelius, 25, wasn't so sure.

"I don't think he will get a fair trial here," she said.

"It seems like everyone is against him because of this website so whatever he does, they will be against him."

Nils Rekke, head of the legal department at the prosecutor's office in Stockholm, said he views the criticism against his country's justice system as "a tactic from the defense."

He chuckled at the fact that some of Assange's supporters have used the term "Banana Republic" to describe Sweden — a Scandinavian constitutional monarchy.

"Of course that is wrong: both republic and banana," Rekke said.

Page 37

Giffords speaks for first time since shooting

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 181TH, 2011

HOUSTON – Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is able to speak: She asked for toast at breakfast one recent morning.

Her ability to say even just a word, a month after being shot in the head, pleased her family, friends and doctors.

It may also provide valuable clues about the condition of her injured brain.

"We're elated at this," said her spokesman C.J. Karamargin, who added that she is speaking "more and more." "We always knew Gabby is a fighter and that she's not going to let this thing win. And you know, every day is proof of that."

Few details have emerged about her recovery since she began intensive rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann hospital late last month. But doctors not involved in her care said her simple request for toast could indicate higher level cognition.

The lawmaker was apparently asking for something in an appropriate context, said Dr. Richard Riggs, chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

"It was a desire. It was a want. It was something that would be preferable rather than just a basic need," Riggs said. "It was encouraging. I was very excited to see it . and the fact that it was an appropriate context gives it more

Somali pirates capture supertanker, $150M of oil

NAIROBI, Kenya – Somali pirates captured a Greek-flagged supertanker carrying an estimated $150 million worth of oil to the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, the second successful attack against an oil tanker by sea bandits in two days, officials said.

Such vessels can command higher ransoms because of the value of the crude on board. Owners of the oil may want to resolve hostage situations quickly, particularly if oil prices are dropping, a situation that can cost owners millions of dollars more than the pirate ransom will.

Still, ransom prices are on the rise. One last year reached $9.5 million, and the increasing prizes have provided even more incentive for pirates to launch attacks despite stepped-up patrols by an international flotilla of warships.

Pirates currently hold 29 ships and roughly 660 hostages.

The Irene SL was sailing 200 nautical miles (360 kilometers) east of Oman with a cargo of 266,000 tons of crude oil and a crew of seven Greeks, 17 Filipinos and one Georgian when it was attacked, the ministry said. The Associated Press estimated the value of the oil at more than $150 million, based on the amount being carried and a price of $87 a barrel.

The tanker was sailing from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Mexico.

The ministry said authorities had lost contact with the ship since the attack.

The Piraeus-based shipping company First Navigation Special Maritime Enterprises confirmed its ship had been attacked but had no further comment.

The Irene SL was the second oil tanker to be attacked in that region in two days. On Tuesday, Somali pirates firing small arms and rocketpropelled grenades hijacked an Italian-flagged oil tanker in the Indian Ocean that had been heading from Sudan to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, South Korea's foreign ministry said pirates on Wednesday released a South Korean fishing vessel that was captured nearly four months ago while fishing for crabs. The ministry said 39 Kenyans, two South Koreans and two Chinese sailors were aboard the Keummi 305. The ship was last reported sailing away from Somalia toward international waters.

A vessel from the EU Naval Force was sailing toward the ship to secure the safety of sailors at the request of a South Korean navy vessel, the ministry said. The 241-ton Kenya-registered trawler was attacked Oct. 9 in the waters off Kenya's Lamu Island.

No information about a ransom was reported, but pirates only release ships after being paid.

British Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. Susie Thomson, a spokeswoman for the multinational Task Force 152 based in Bahrain, said that pirates have been waging attacks increasingly deeper into the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

Pirates have launched attacks more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) east of Somalia.

meaning."

Brain injury patients who regain speech typically begin to do so about four to six weeks after the incident, Riggs said.

"We're beginning to see what her true abilities will be," he said. "We'll also see her impairments."

Doctors said in late January that they planned to insert a speaking valve into her tracheostomy — a tube inserted into Giffords' throat to assist her breathing immediately after the shooting in Tucson, Ariz.

Her doctors have not said whether that procedure took place or whether the tube was removed since she no longer needs it.

Other news organizations, including Politico, earlier reported that Giffords had asked for toast and was able to speak.

Riggs said some patients can speak despite the tube. It would not necessarily have to be removed or have a valve inserted to make speech possible, he said.

Since Riggs has not seen or treated Giffords, he could not say how her speech might develop and progress.

Depending on the extent of the injury, its position in the brain and the patient, that can vary greatly, he said.

"That's what's so mysterious and great about this, because she is recovering and no one can really give you the goal line and when it will be finished because it's really unknown," Riggs said.

At this stage of recovery, it is unlikely that Giffords would be able to say more than one to two words at a time, said Katherine Sullivan, president of the neurology section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

In rehabilitation, a patient would progress from saying one word, to possibly a few and finally to a full sentence, said Sullivan, also a neuroscientist at the University of Southern California.

"So it might be one word, 'toast,'" in this case, Sullivan said.

The bullet pierced the left hemisphere of Giffords' brain, Sullivan noted, the side that is associated with language, which includes three crucial elements: hearing, comprehending and responding.

Suicide bomber kills 31 soldiers in NW Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A suicide bomber linked to the Pakistani Taliban attacked soldiers during morning exercises at an army training camp in the northwest Thursday, killing 31 troops and wounding 42 others.

There were conflicting accounts about the identity of the bomber. The army and police said he was a teenager in a school uniform, but the Pakistani Taliban claimed he was a soldier at the camp in Mardan town who volunteered for the attack.

The bombing showed that despite years of army operations against their hideouts along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, Taliban and al-Qaida-linked fighters retain the ability to strike back. It was one of the worst attacks on security forces in recent months.

Senior police official Samad Khan said 31 soldiers died and 42 were wounded, some critically. The army, which tends to release information much slower, put the death toll in an earlier statement at 20. All of those killed were cadets except for one, who was a drill instructor, said the army.

An examination of the body parts at the scene indicated the bomber was a teenage boy, which is a common finding in suicide bombings in Pakistan, said Khan. The army also said he was a teenager in a school uniform. The training camp area holds several army-run schools.

Taliban spokesman Ahsanullah Ahsan disputed the government's account in a phone call to The Associated Press, saying the bomber was a soldier in Mardan who approached them and said "he wanted to sacrifice his life for Islam."

"We accepted his offer and told him to target his fellow soldiers in Mardan,"

said Ahsan.

Former army soldiers have been suspected in attacks in Pakistan, but a suicide bombing by an active duty soldier would be rare, if not unheard of.

Troops quickly cordoned off the area after the bombing and even police had a difficult time getting through. The same training facility was attacked by a suicide bomber in 2006 who killed 35 soldiers.

The army has staged multiple offensives in Pakistan's northwest aimed at taking out the Pakistani Taliban in recent years. Its efforts against the group, which is distinct from but linked to the Afghan Taliban, appear to have been largely successful — but violence persists.

The U.S. has encouraged Pakistan to eliminate the Pakistani Taliban in the belief that the long-term stability of the nuclear-armed Muslim nation is critical to global security.

Washington also wants Islamabad to take out militants who focus on fighting the U.S. and NATO in Afghanistan but who have bases on Pakistani soil, in particular in the North Waziristan tribal region. But Pakistan has yet to mount an offensive in that area.

Pakistan successfully test-fired a cruise missile capable of carrying "strategic and conventional war heads" from an undisclosed location Thursday, said the army. It didn't specify whether the missile — identified as a Hatf-VII Babur, with a range of 360 miles (600 kilometers) — could carry a nuclear warhead.

Pakistan and India have fought three wars since they gained independence from Britain in 1947 and routinely test different versions of their missiles, partly as a show of force.

Page 38

House approves $300M business tax break

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OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Legislature's attempt to speedily approve $300 million in tax breaks took a decisive step Wednesday, with the House unanimously voting for a tax break bill that also included a temporary pay increase for people claiming new unemployment benefits.

Lawmakers had been working on a tight deadline. Gov. Chris Gregoire has demanded that the Legislature deliver a bill cutting 2011's unemployment insurance rates by this week. If that provision is not signed into law in time, Gregoire says businesses could see their unemployment taxes jump by an average of 36 percent as they try to rebound from the Great Recession.

After a few days of frenzied negotiations, legislators in the House voted to give businesses the permanent tax break and include a pay bump of $25 a week in existing benefits to people who enroll in unemployment between March and November of this year.

The bump is temporary, though. That money is being drawn from $68 million the state is getting from the federal government. Once the $68 million runs out, the benefit increase will no longer exist.

"We need to do something that benefits the businesses that have paid into (the unemployment fund) and the workers who are unemployed," said Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett. "We're going to do what we can out of this House to move this economy forward."

The House's bill now goes to the Senate, where a vote is expected as soon as Friday. Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, a Democrat who has been a key negotiator in the Senate, said she was optimistic that the bill would be approved in the Senate.

"I'm amazed they were able to pull it together right now," Kohl-Welles said.

The debate started when Gregoire originally suggested a pair of bills on unemployment policy: the immediate tax cut and extended benefits, and a later bill that would revamp training programs and extend the tax cuts into future years. That training

overhaul would make the state eligible for about $100 million in federal aid.

The state Labor Council, however, pushed for a new payment for jobless families with children. That proposal also would attract the nearly $100 million federal payment that Gregoire wanted to claim by boosting training. They argued this money would create spending money that goes back to the state economy.

Business groups have opposed the family benefit, saying it would add a permanent cost that could eventually lead to higher tax bills.

Last Friday, the Senate heeded Gregoire's demand and approved the bill that only gave the tax breaks.

On Monday, just a couple of hours before the vote and with Republican and business pressure, the bill in the House was changed. Now, the

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

unemployment increase is being tapped out of $68 million. The rest of the money will go to worker retraining and other uses.

"Well, I don't think this is an agreement that anybody really wanted. Both sides had issues with it. But it's probably an agreement that everybody needed. That's what's important today," said Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee.

Condotta argued that taxes on businesses were already too high.

At about $2 billion, the state's unemployment fund is in significantly better shape than many others across the country. According to the Employment Security Department, 35 states have bankrupt unemployment insurance funds.

Gregoire urged the Senate to pass the House bill, saying the new bill "provides a package that helps support jobs and our economy at all levels."

THAI AIRLINE RECRUITS TRANSGENDER FLIGHT ATTENDANTS An instructor applies make-up foundation on the face of transsexual flight attendant Dissanai Chitpraphachin, 24, during a training session at PC Air office in Bangkok February 9, 2011. The newly formed airline wants to differentiate themselves from their competitors by hiring transsexuals, locally known as "katoeys" or "ladyboys". Original plans to hire only male and female attendants were changed when more than 100 job applications from transvestites and transsexuals were received, four of whom were recruited along with 19 female and seven male flight attendants. The airline said the qualifications were the same as that required of female flight attendants, which include femininity and attractiveness.

Charles Taylor’s boycotts end of war crimes trial

LEIDSCHENDAM, Netherlands – Charles Taylor's war crimes trial is ending the way it began — with the former Liberian president boycotting proceedings and claiming they are politically motivated and unfair.

Taylor's British attorney Courtenay Griffiths stormed out of the courtroom Tuesday after judges at the Special Tribunal for Sierra Leone refused to accept his 600-page summary of the case — a key document that distills three years of testimony from the defense's perspective.

Taylor briefly stayed in his seat but later refused to return to the courtroom after a break. Griffiths said it would have been "unseemly" if Taylor had tried to walk out with his lawyer and had struggled with his U.N. guards.

The boycott was unlikely to have an impact on the outcome of the case.

The three international judges ordered the proceedings to continue, and one judge appeared visibly angry at what he called Taylor's attempt to dictate to the court.

"If Mr. Taylor thinks he can make orders or disobey orders of this court at will, simply because he thinks it is in his best interest to do so, then he is running this court, not us," said Judge Richard Lussick, of Samoa.

Taylor is accused of arming and supporting murderous rebels in

Charles Taylor

neighboring Sierra Leone in exchange for illegally mined diamonds. He has pleaded innocent to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture and using child soldiers.

His trial marks the first time a former African head of state has appeared before an international war crimes tribunal.

"Look at it from the point of view of the legacy of the tribunal," Griffith said after defying judges by walking out of the courtroom. "The most important defendant (could be) convicted without the judges hearing his lawyer's closing arguments."

The tribunal, in a majority decision, refused Monday to accept Griffiths' final brief because it was filed after the Jan. 14 deadline.

Ugandan Judge Julia Sebutinde dissented, warning that refusing to accept Taylor's summation "is to deny him his fundamental right to defend himself."

Griffiths conceded the late filing, but said rejecting it for being 20 days late, "within the context of a trial lasting three years is, in my submission, totally unreasonable."

He said he would appeal the decision.

Prosecutor Brenda Hollis accused Taylor of deliberately defying the court, just as he did when he boycotted its opening in June 2007, leading to a six-month delay.

"We have seen this attempt at manipulation of the proceedings at the beginning and now we are seeing it at the end," Hollis said.

"The accused is not attending a social event. He may not R.S.V.P. at the last minute," Hollis said. "He is the accused at a criminal proceeding."

Prosecutors allege Taylor armed and supported rebels responsible for many of the worst atrocities of Sierra Leone's civil war, which left tens of thousands of people dead and many more mutilated after enemy fighters hacked off their limbs, noses or lips.

In her summation, Hollis laid the blame for the atrocities firmly at Taylor's feet, saying he used the rebels to pillage Sierra Leone's mineral wealth and in particular its diamonds.

"Charles Taylor, this intelligent, charismatic manipulator, had his proxy forces ... carry out these crimes against helpless victims in Sierra Leone," she said. "All this suffering, all these atrocities, to feed the greed and lust for power of Charles Taylor."

Griffiths has argued that the U.N.backed tribunal is a tool of major world powers and particularly the United States to keep Taylor out of Liberia, the West African country he ruled as an elected president from 19972003 after seizing power in a bloody civil war.

Griffiths said leaks from the court to U.S. embassy officials in The Hague and a diplomatic cable from the American embassy in Liberia's capital, Monrovia, expose U.S. designs regarding Taylor.

"The best we can do for Liberia is to see to it that Taylor is put away for a long time" said the cable, dated March 10, 2009, and released by WikiLeaks website. Griffiths said the cable showed the tribunal is not independent "because the Americans are already putting in place contingency plans so if Mr. Taylor is acquitted they will put him on trial again in the United States."

Page 39

Facebook and Google size up takeover of Twitter

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 181TH, 2011

NEW YORK – Google Inc and Facebook Inc, plus others, have held low level takeover talks with Twitter that give the Internet sensation a value as high as $10 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported.

In December, Twitter raised $200 million in financing in a deal that valued it at $3.7 billion. The company, which allows users to broadcast 140-character messages to groups of followers, had 175 million users as of September.

The Wall Street Journal reported on its website that executives at Twitter have held "low level" talks with executives at

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Facebook and Google in recent months about a possible takeover of Twitter.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the WSJ said other companies have also held similar talks.

"But what's remarkable is the money that people familiar with the matter say frames the discussions with at least some potential suitors; an estimated valuation in the neighborhood of $8 billion to $10 billion," the report said.

The paper said the talks have so far gone nowhere and that Google, Facebook and Twitter all declined to comment.

Despite the valuation, the report said

Twitter's executives and board were working on building a large, independent company.

"People familiar with the situation said the company believes it can grow into a $100 billion company," the WSJ said.

Twitter, created in 2006, is among a crop of popular Internet social networking services that includes Facebook, Zynga and LinkedIn. A growing secondary market has developed in shares of the privately held Web sensations and investors are monitoring the companies closely in the hope they might float shares.

Era of super-low mortgage rates appears to be over

NEW YORK — The days of the absurdly low mortgage rate are over.

The average rate for a 30-year home loan rose above 5 percent this week for the first time since last April — just as Americans are feeling more secure in their jobs and confident about the economy, and just before the big spring homebuying rush.

Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate was 5.05 percent, almost a full percentage point higher than in November, when it hit a 40year low.

Economic signals suggest the recovery is gaining momentum. New claims for jobless benefits came in this week at the lowest in three years, and the unemployment rate has fallen nearly a full percentage point in two months.

Americans are spending more and saving less.

The exception is the beleaguered housing market. Record foreclosures have forced home prices down, and last year was the worst for sales in more than a decade. About the only good news was that qualified buyers could get the deal of a lifetime from their lenders, if they had the means — and the stomach — for the market.

Now rates are rising, and analysts expect that will continue through the end of the year, to about 5.5 percent. The next few months are the busiest for the housing market — about one in three home sales happens in the spring.

"It doesn't help," says Greg McBride, a senior financial analyst with Bankrate.com. "Any increase in mortgage rates takes away buying power and dilutes the incentive to refinance."

Rates have been rising since the fall, mostly because of fears that higher inflation is coming.

Investors have been demanding higher yields on Treasury bonds ever since the Federal Reserve announced its program to pump up the economy by spending $600 billion to buy government debt.

Mortgage rates tend to track the yield on the 10year Treasury note.

Mortgage rates are still extremely low by historical standards. Anyone who bought a house 30 years ago might remember paying 18 percent on their loan.

And many analysts say low lending rates are less likely to persuade people to buy than, say, reasonable home prices or a steady job market.

"You'll see some effect on demand, but it's

really how secure people are in their jobs and how much money they feel they have relative to their homes," says Cristian deRitis, an economist specializing in housing for Moody's Analytics.

"Many of those people just won't buy a house," says Wells Fargo senior economist Mark Vitner. "They'll hold off."

Home prices are expected to fall at least 5 percent more this year. Because of the feeling that the home isn't the failsafe investment it used to be, renting is more attractive. Especially when some analysts say it could be years before prices return to their pre-recession peak.

That may be contributing to the fact that, despite record inventory levels of affordable homes in nearly half of U.S. cities, mortgage applications continue their downward slide as buyers remain on the sidelines.

"Believe it or not, what I'm seeing, and I'm working with first-time homebuyers, they are not as affected by the interest rate as they are by getting a down payment," says Julie Longtin, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Cityside in Providence, R.I. "That's what is holding them back."

On a $200,000 loan, the payment difference between today's rate and November's is less than $100 a month — hardly enough by itself to spook a buyer.

If rates continue to rise, as many predict they will, the housing market will be in for yet more trouble. "Six percent would do serious damage if it happened in a very short period of time," said Patrick Newport, U.S. economist at IHS Global Insight.

Even 6 percent would be a bargain for homebuyers historically. Rates were in double digits through most of the 1980s. It wasn't until 1991 that rates consistently stayed below 10 percent. At the peak of the credit bubble in July 2006, the 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.76 percent.

All this leaves buyers wondering: What is the new normal for interest rates?

"We're turning to a more normal mortgage rate environment, says Guy Cecala, publisher of the trade magazine Inside Mortgage Finance.

"That pretty much means the 30-year in the 6 percent range. I don't think rates will be going down."

It was only in the middle of 2010 that Twitter offered marketers a way to advertise on the service.

Industry research firm eMarketer said last month that Twitter, which doesn't disclose financial information, generated an estimated $45 million from advertising in 2010 and is expected to generate some $150 million this year.

Google, the world's number 1 Internet search engine, generated roughly $29 billion in revenue in 2010 and Facebook, recently valued at $50 billion, produced about $1.9 billion, eMarketer said.

NEW US JOBLESS CLAIMS TUMBLE TO 2-YEAR LOW

WASHINGTON – The number of new claims for US unemployment insurance tumbled last week to a twoyear low, according to official data Thursday, offering hope for the troubled labor market.

The Labor Department said initial jobless claims fell to a seasonally adjusted 383,000 in the week ending February 5, down nearly nine percent from the prior week.

The department revised upward the previous week's reading to 419,000, from an initial estimate of 415,000.

The 383,000 figure was the lowest since early July 2008, data showed.

The four-week moving average, a measurement to smooth out week-to-week volatility, also showed a positive trend for jobs: it fell to 415,000 from last week's 431,500.

The sharp decline in new claims surprised most analysts, who had forecast a drop to 410,000, and lent strength to other recent data on payrolls and job creation that suggest a turnaround in the US job market.

Last week the government reported that the unemployment rate fell to 9.0 percent from 9.4 percent, based both on the trend and on data adjustments.

At the same time, the number for newly created non-farm jobs was very low at 36,000 for the previous week. But that was blamed on harsh winter weather that shut businesses temporarily and prevented some data collection as well.

The severe storms of late January and early February continued to skew the numbers, a Labor Department official said Thursday.

"We are still unwinding a bit of the weather effect," he told reporters.

Despite signs that the US economic recovery is gaining pace, top government officials have warned that the slow pace of new job creation represents a continuing, crucial weakness.

The US economic recovery has "strengthened in recent months" and now looks self-sustaining, but is still not enough to significantly improve the job market, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told a congressional panel Thursday.

"Until we see a sustained period of stronger job creation, we cannot consider the recovery to be truly established," he said.

Page 40

US fast food caught in immigration crosshairs

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY LOS ANGELES/DALLAS – Chipotle Mexican Grill has a lot going for it -- an upscale burrito concept, a hip and eco-friendly image, expansion plans galore and a 500 percent-plus stock price gain in just over two years.

And then it has something not going its way -- a federal crackdown on its immigrant labor force that has so far forced Chipotle to fire hundreds of allegedly illegal workers in the state of Minnesota, perhaps more than half its staff there.

The probe is widening. CoChief Executive Monty Moran told Reuters on Friday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also issued "notices of inspection" for restaurants in Washington D.C. and Virginia.

Dependence on illegal labor is the elephant in the room for the U.S. restaurant business. And experts say the Chipotle ICE investigations are a wake-up call for an industry that is one of America's biggest employers and generates over $300 billion in annual sales, according to research firm IBISWorld Inc. Chipotle -- a Denver-based company whose motto is "Food With Integrity" -- is one of the most well-known names caught in the immigration enforcement shift that began two years ago.

Obama has had to walk a fine line on the issue. He must uphold

the law and appease Americans resentful of illegal immigrants working as the unemployment rate stubbornly sits at 9 percent. But he needs to do it in a way palatable to Hispanic voters who will be key to his re-election in 2012.

Gone are the days of big raids that snared large numbers of workers, mostly from Mexico and Central America. Under Obama, immigration enforcement agents are cracking down on employers with so-called "I-9 audits" -- I-9 being the employment eligibility verification form.

ICE says that means companies' hiring practices could be subjected to the same degree of scrutiny as their bookkeeping is by the Internal Revenue Service.

"When you get a big name like Chipotle, it stands out and sends a message," said Jacqueline Longnecker, president of Reno-based Employment Verification Resources Inc. Chipotle believes it has not been singled out.

"ICE has vowed to increase pressure on employers to avoid employing undocumented workers ...

We are one of a large and growing number of companies to go through this process," Moran told Reuters by e-mail.

But to date, the majority of audits that have come to light in the restaurant business have been limited to small operators or franchisees of big chains, like Subway.

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FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

The U.S. fast-food industry historically has offered relatively low pay and paltry benefits to legal workers and, as a result, has struggled with high employee turnover.

It is hard to know the extent of hiring of illegal immigrants in restaurants. But immigrants -- both legal and illegal -- account for about a quarter of workers in the restaurant and food services industry and their numbers are up in recent years.

The Pew Hispanic Center -whose demographic and labor market work is highly regarded -estimated in a 2009 report that 12 percent of the workforce in food preparation and serving in 2008 was undocumented.

Chipotle, which has more than 1,000 restaurants mostly in the United States and plans to open as many as 145 more in 2011, pays its workers more than the average burger flipper but its building binge has stoked its appetite for new hires.

Alejandro, one of the Chipotle workers fired in Minnesota who asked that his last name not be published for fear of reprisals, worked there for five years and earned $9.42 per hour, taking home $1,200 a month. That allowed him to send up to $800 per month to his daughters to keep studying in Mexico.

"I thought it was a good company," said Alejandro, who lost

his job in December along with 10 of his 20 co-workers. "I was even going to get training to be promoted to kitchen manager."

Alejandro, 37 admits he is in the United States illegally and had to use false documents to get his job at Chipotle.

The false documents, which include things such as driver's licenses, Social Security cards and residence permits, are easy to come by "on the street."

But Moran says that Chipotle has "always taken this issue very seriously, and over the last five years we have done a great deal to improve our systems, and our document review capabilities and procedures."

"Certainly this incident has been eye-opening for us and caused us to redouble our efforts to make sure we are doing all we can short of running afoul of the mandate of the Department of Justice," said Moran, adding that Chipotle performs two document reviews for each employee hired, one by the hiring manager and another by its human resources department.

The company, which has gained a cult-like following by serving natural and organic food where possible, stands out as one of the industry's top performers when it comes to sales at established restaurants and stock gains. Its stock price is flirting with $250 compared to under $40 in November 2008.

Bless me iPhone for I have sinned- iPhone confession app developed

US CATHOLIC CHURCH APPROVES,VATICAN DOESN’T

Catholics cannot confess via iPhone and technology is not a substitute for being present when admitting sins to a priest, the Vatican spokesman said on Wednesday. The statement by Father Federico Lombardi follows the launch of an iPhone application aimed at helping Catholics through confession sanctioned by the Catholic Church in the United States.

“One cannot speak in any way of confessing via iPhone,” Lombardi said on Wednesday, adding that confession required the presence of the penitent and the priest. “This cannot be substituted by any IT application,” Lombardi added.

Some reports on its approval by the Catholic Church in the U.S. suggested confession would now be possible via iPhone. Our original story on this from New York included the following paragraph: The app is not designed to replace going to confession but to help Catholics through the act, which generally involves admitting sins to a priest in a confessional booth. Catholics still must go to a priest for absolution.

The app got a thorough review from Father Z (aka Fr. John Zuhlsdorf), a popular and very techsavvy traditional Catholic blogger who provided lots of screenshots, lists of sins and suggestions for Confession 2.0 Bill Donahue of the Catholic

League was not amused and scolded the media for what he called “irresponsible” headlines. Here’s his list: • ”Can’t Make it to Confession? There’s an App for That” • ”Catholic Church Approves Confession by iPhone” • ”Bless Me iPhone for I Have Sinned” • ”Catholic Church Endorses App for Sinning iPhone Users” • ”US Bishop Sanctions Cell Phone in Confession” • ”Forgiveness via iPhone: Church Approves Confession App” • ”New, Church-Approved iPhone Offers Confession On the Go” • ”Confess Your Sins to a Phone in Catholic Church Endorsed App” • ”Catholics Can Now Confess Using iPhone App” • ”Catholic Church Approves Online Confession” Most of them are clearly wrong. Our headline — “Bless me iPhone for I have sinned”– is tongue-incheek and Donahue may not have liked the tone.

But it does not state the app can replace the real thing. Right under the headline, there are two lines meant to summarise the story that read: - First app for iPhones approved by the Catholic

The new iPhone confession app, photographed in Rome

Church; Designed to aid confession, contrition (our emphasis)

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Jamaica to host CARIFTA Games at MoBay Complex

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 181TH, 2011

The 2011 staging of the CARIFTA Games, the premier junior track and field event in the Caribbean, appears to have been saved after it was announced yesterday that it will be held at the Montego Bay Sports Complex at Catherine Hall between April 23-25.

Jamaica last hosted the event in 1996 and has been the venue five other times -- 1974, 1979, 1982, 1988 and 1990.

The meet will be held at the same venue that will co-host the CONCACAF Under-17 Qualifiers set to start on February 14 and will host all matches from the second round to the final.

The announcement came after months of speculations and after at least two other territories -- Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands -- turned down the request to host the three-

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

day event, traditionally held over the Easter weekend.

The announcement came from the Board of the North American Central America and Caribbean (NACAC) track and field association headed by Jamaica's Neville 'Teddy' McCook.

Calls to McCook's phone went unanswered yesterday, but the Observer learnt he is off the island.

Meanwhile, Howard Aris, president of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA), declined to comment on the release and said he would wait until the NACAC boss was back in the island.

According to the release, "NACAC reports that these arrangements were made possible through the co-operation and approval of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) despite their earlier concern of the event's

proximity to the very popular Jamaica International Invitational (JII)."

A Local Organising Committee (LOC), which will plan and execute aspects of the Games, is currently being formulated to include business leaders and members of the track and field community from Montego Bay, and will shortly be introduced at a press conference, the release also said.

In an interview with the Observer last year, Aris said Jamaica would be unable to host the event as it would prove too much for his organisation.

The JII meet is held on the first Saturday in May and is set for May 7 this year and Aris said trying to plan and organise both meets at the same time would be a challenge for the JAAA. There were concerns the meet would be cancelled for the first time

in its 40-year history after St Kitts withdrew late last year.

Discussions were also held with the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, but both turned down the opportunity.

The event has been the first international exposure for junior Caribbean athletes since 1972 and has produced stars such as double world record-holder Usain Bolt; twotime Olympic champion Veronica Campbell Brown; Ato Boldon and new stars such as three-time world champion Dexter Lee, Jehue Gordon of Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada's Kirani James.

Bermuda is down to host the event in 2012, while the Bahamas has bid to host the IAAF World Youth Championships in 2013.

Eleven different countries have hosted the championships.

WANTED: TWo ProfEssioNAl AND ExPEriENcED BArBErs

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CARIBBEAN SPORTS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

WEST INDIES FALL IN ODI RANKINGS

THE CHRIS GAYLE MYSTERY

immediately quit international OF all the many mysteries surrounding cricket so to be on hand for the the Indian Premier League (IPL), the full season. He, or those who most mystifying, on the face of it, has advise him, were surely aware of been Chris Gayle's inability to attract a IPL rules giving national teams bid at the auction for the 2011 edition first call on their players. from the multi-millionaire From the start, Lalit Modi, industrialists and Bollywood stars who then IPL commissioner, made own the franchise teams. While three the position absolutely clear. players, all Indians, fetched over US$2 In a letter to the franchises, million each and another dozen over he warned against any attempt to US$1 million, one of the most lure players away from explosive of contemporary batsmen

By Tony Cozier international cricket to join the and an entertainer whose power-hitting IPL. is made for the shortest form of the "This is absolutely against the fundamental game was left on the shelf at the comparatively structure of the League and the basis of the vision modest base price of US$400,000.

In the sale for the inaugural IPL in 2008, the we have set up for ourselves," he wrote. "IPL was bidding for Gayle started at US$250,000. He set up to enhance cricket and provide more eventually went to the Kolkata Knight Riders, the opportunities but not to take away from team of screen superstar Shahrukh Khan, for international cricket…No deviation will be US$800,000. He returned in 2009 and again last allowed in this case."

He advised that anyone joining the IPL year.

"I'm sure [in] all those IPL franchises, everyone (which is owned by the official Board of Control will know what I'm capable of," Gayle told an for Cricket in India) would need a No Objection Australian news agency. "I didn't have anything to Certificate (NOC) from their national board for two years, if even not contracted to that board. It prove."

Of course he didn't. Just in case anyone in India was "to prevent early retirement".

He was specific on a player who declined to had forgotten his capacity for ball-beating, he reminded them by blasting 92 off 40 balls, with sign a retainer contract--as Gayle, Dwayne Bravo eight sixes, for Western Australia against and Kieron Pollard did when offered by the Queensland in Australia's IPL equivalent, the Big WICB last November.

"That is his choice but, for IPL purposes, he Bash, just a few days after the hammer fell on the will still need an NOC from his home board," he Indian auction and on his hopes.

Yes, he said, he was "surprised" and explained. "Further, we have informed all the boards that if a player does not play for his country "disappointed" not to retain his IPL place.

But he also indicated that he knew he was in an approved ftp (future tours programme) taking a calculated gamble in forsaking a West tournament, if chosen, and insists on playing IPL at Indies Cricket Board (WICB) retainer contract last that cost, we will not allow that player to participate November in order to free himself for the IPL, the in the IPL." So it was in 2009 when Gayle had to seek the Big Bash and the other lucrative T20 tournaments WICB's okay to remain on for one more match for springing up everywhere.

At the same time, it meant passing up the the Knight Riders than previously agreed.

It caused him to arrive in London only two days WICB's offer of US$120,000 and effectively before the West Indies' first Test against England at ending his time as captain.

"I think the franchises look at it that they want Lord's, a decision that created an inevitable furore, their best players to be available for the full IPL," especially since he was captain.

A year earlier, Bravo also had to receive similar he has since reflected.

The 2011 IPL season runs from April 8-May WICB approval to stay. He arrived in Jamaica for 15. Gayle would be required for the West Indies the first Test against Australia on the same tight home series against India, April 23-May 20, and time-frame as Gayle at Lord's.

This year the overlap is too great for any would have to be released under IPL regulations.

Shahrukh Khan and others with IPL leeway, even if the WICB was inclined to give it.

If there seems a discrepancy between the IPL's investments simply put two weeks availability and US$400,000 together and came up with a bottom approach to Gayle and that to Bravo and Pollard, line that, even for such a player as Gayle, didn't who are both engaged for the coming season, it is explained by two points. compute.

Bravo's was financial. He went for Nor was it to say that Gayle could have

West Indies will enter this year's World Cup ranked ninth in one-day internationals (ODI).

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday that West Indies have fallen fractionally behind Bangladesh in its latest ODI rankings.

West Indies fell behind the Bangladeshis, following Sri Lanka's 2-0 series win over Darren Sammy's side in a three-match series, which finished on Sunday in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo.

The two sides are locked on 66 ratings points, but West Indies fall behind after the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.

The two defeats against Kumar Sangakkara's side condemned West Indies to their seventh defeat in their last eight ODIs. Since the previous World Cup staged in the Caribbean, West Indies have endured an atrocious record in ODIs. They have won only 20 out of 71 matches.

In the players’ rankings, Chris Gayle, is the highest ranked West Indies batsman at 10th, followed by Shivnarine Chanderpaul who is number 18 and Ramnaresh Sarwan 30.

The ODI batting ranking is topped by South African Hashim Amla followed by Indian batsman Virat Kohli and South African AB de Villiers who share the second place spot.

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo at number 31 is the highest ranked West Indian bowler followed by Jerome Taylor at number 35 and Captain Darren Sammy at number 36.

The bowling ranking is lead by New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori.

West Indies open the World Cup on Thursday, February 24, against South Africa at New Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

ODI rankings: 1. Australia, 2. India, 3. Sri Lanka, 4. South Africa, 5. England, 6. Pakistan, 7. New Zealand, 8. Bangladesh, 9. West Indies, 10. Ireland, 11. Zimbabwe, 12. Netherlands, 13.

Kenya.

US$200.000, half Gayle's base fee. The Chennai Super Kings clearly felt it was a bargain to have his allround talents for two weeks rather than not at all.

Pollard's retention by the Mumbai Indians for a fee reportedly of over US$1 million was based on his reputation and record as one of the few T20 specialists since the newest version of the game was globalised--middle-order six hitter, steady mediumpacer, sharp fielder. It was first fashioned for Trinidad and Tobago in the inaugural Champions League and since been enhanced with Mumbai, South Australia and Somerset.

In addition, Pollard is likely to be available for most of the tournament as he has yet to secure a place in the West Indies team in the longer games.

While Gayle himself is "disappointed", the way things have turned out is a bonus for the West Indies.

"It's not about calling it quits," he said, looking forward to the imminent World Cup and subsequent home series against Pakistan and India. "You still have to give back to the international game."

If his statements have often been contradicted by his deeds, Gayle is still only 31 and his presence as experienced, self-assured opening batsman, in all forms of the game, is crucial to a team in transition.

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Three Pakistan cricketers banned FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

Three Pakistan international cricketers have been banned from the sport for the next five years after being found guilty at an anti-corruption hearing on Saturday.

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were found to have been involved in "spot-fixing" -- a practice involving illegal gambling during matches.

Butt, 26, was banned for 10 years with half of that suspended on certain conditions while Asif, 28, received a seven-year ban with 24 months suspended.

Amir, 18, was given a straight fiveyear penalty for his involvement in incidents during the Test series against England in August 2010.

They have 21 days to appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The International Cricket Council announced the punishments following an independent tribunal's hearing in Qatar.

It came a day after Britain's Crown Prosecution Service charged the trio and their agent Mazhar Majeed with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments, and conspiracy to cheat.

Amir and Asif were accused of deliberately bowling no-balls -deliveries which incur a scoring penalty and cannot dismiss batsmen -- to the

In this Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 file photo Pakistan cricket players Mohammad Amir, left, Salman Butt, right, and Mohammad Asif, centre rear, walk to a taxi flanked by security men, as they leave their hotel in Taunton, England.

instructions of Majeed, who received money from a third party, while Butt was said to be aware of the arrangement.

The conditions of the reduced sentences require Butt and Asif to refrain from further breaches of the anticorruption code and to participate in an education program run by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Pakistan trio to face criminal

TIGER WOODS DUBAI COURSE DEVELOPMENT SHELVED

A multi-billion dollar golf estate in Dubai, that was to bear Tiger Woods' name, has been shelved for the time being because of the worldwide economic downturn.

The estate was to house a $1 billion golf course, surrounded by a complex of 100 villas, 75 mansions, 22 palaces, a boutique hotel, a golf academy and 30,000 full-grown imported trees.

However, the estate's developers have blamed "market conditions" for putting any further building work on hold.

A statement continued: "These conditions will continue to be monitored and a decision will be made in the future when to restart the project."

The first phase of the development had been promised by the end of 2009, which coincided with the time Dubai announced heavy debts for many of its state-linked companies, and only a few of the course's holes have been completed.

Confirming the news, Woods told the official PGA Tour website: "It's been put on hold for right now. A lot of projects out there have been.

"We have got six completed holes and a few that were about to be grassed before construction was halted. Everything is on hold," added the former world number one.

An 18-hole course designed by Colin Montgomerie was launched in Dubai in 2006, and another by Ernie Els opened in 2008.

charges The independent tribunal resumed its hearing on Saturday after adjourning on January 11.

It dismissed a charge that Butt had agreed to bat out a run-less (or "maiden")over in the match played at London's Oval ground from August 1821, but said the player failed to disclose to the ICC's anti-corruption unit that

Majeed had approached him with such a request.

The main charges stem from the following match at Lord's, the final Test of the series.

"The tribunal found that the charges under Article 2.1.1 of the Code that (respectively) Mr Asif agreed to bowl, and did bowl, a deliberate no-ball in the Lord's Test match played between Pakistan and England from 26 to 29 August 2010, Mr Amir agreed to bowl, and did bowl, two deliberate no-balls in the same Test, and Mr Butt was party to the bowling of those deliberate no-balls, were proved," it said in a statement on the ICC website on Saturday.

Amir is the youngest bowler to claim 50 Test wickets, six of which came at Lord's as Pakistan lost to England by an innings and 225 runs.

Butt has played in 33 Test matches since making his debut for Pakistan in 2003, and scored 1,889 runs. He became captain of the side in 2010 and led his country in a Test series against Australia as well as the tour of England before being replaced by Misbah-ul-Haq in the wake of the scandal.

Asif has twice tested positive for steroids, resulting in year-long bans, and in 2008 was detained for three weeks after being found in possession of illegal substances at Dubai airport.

Super Bowl sets record with 111M viewers in US

NEW YORK – For the second year in a row, the Super Bowl has set a record for American television viewing.

The Nielsen Co. said Monday that an estimated 111 million people watched the Green Bay Packers outlast the Pittsburgh Steelers in professional football's ultimate game. That tops the 106.5 million who watched the 2010 game between New Orleans and Indianapolis.

The series finale of "M-A-S-H" had held the title of the most-watched TV show in the United States for 27 years. It is now No. 3.

Fox had the advantage of a game between two of the National Football League's iconic franchises and, even though it looked like it could be a rout when the Packers took a 21-3 lead, it went down to the final minute and held viewers' interest.

In fact, the most-watched single play of the game was Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's final incomplete pass to Mike Wallace with about a minute to go, according to measurements by TiVo Inc., the digital video recorder maker. When that pass hit the ground, it clinched the game for Green Bay. The five most-watched events in U.S. TV history are now "M-A-S-H" (seen by just under 106 million people on Feb. 28, 1983) and the last four Super Bowls, Nielsen said.

Television ratings in general have been super for the NFL this year, with viewership up 13 percent over last year, Nielsen said. Games on CBS, Fox and NBC averaged 20 million viewers, more than twice what networks get for their primetime programming.

"Super Bowl XLV caps what is arguably the

most successful season that any sports league has ever had," said Pat McDonough, senior vice president for insight and analysis at the Nielsen Co. "The number of people watching NFL games has never been higher, with 24 percent more people watching the average NFL game this year than just five years ago. The Super Bowl continues to be in a category of its own.

Traditions that have built around the game itself make the Super Bowl compelling to nonsports fans. Christina Aguilera's goof on the National Anthem, the Black-Eyed Peas halftime show and the dozens of commercials that companies debut on TV's biggest stage were watercooler discussion topics along with the game on Monday.

TiVo also judged the Snickers commercial featuring Richard Lewis and Roseanne Barr to be the top-rated commercial of the telecast. The company determines that through a calculation that takes in viewership and how many times people rewind their DVRs to watch the ad.

Second place was Best Buy's ad with Justin Bieber and Ozzy Osbourne.

"Funny ads made it to the top," said Tara Maitra, TiVo's vice president and general manager for audience research and advertising sales.

The Black-Eyed Peas' halftime show, with guests Usher and Slash, held its own. TiVo said it had nearly identical viewer engagement numbers as shows with classic rockers over the past two years.

The average Super Bowl viewer with a DVR either paused, rewound or fast-forwarded 145 times during the game, TiVo said.

Page 44

Fans celebrate Packers Super Bowl win with final party INTERNATIONAL SPORTS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 11TH- FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

GREEN BAY, Wis. —Green Bay Packers fans rejoiced one more time with their cherished Super Bowl champions during a frigid ceremony Tuesday to welcome the Lombardi Trophy back to Lambeau Field after a 14-year absence.

Temperatures were in the single digits as the celebration began, but the Packer diehards were undaunted. Fans in the front row of the stadium traded high-fives with the players and reached out to touch the championship trophy as coach Mike McCarthy marched past with the hardware hoisted high over his head.

The Lombardi Trophy carries special meaning in Green Bay because it’s named for the Hall of Fame coach Green Bay Packers fans celebrate at the Stadium View Bar near Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Vince Lombardi, who led the Packers to Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Wis., after the Packers won the Super Bowl XLV. The Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31- Bay Packers celebrates after winning Super Bowl victories in the first two Super Bowls.

25 for the NFL's football championship title.

XLV 31-25 against the Pittsburgh Steelers “I will never forget this,” said Amanda Lee, 33, of Milwaukee, who morning, grilling brats, throwing down boos from the crowd. He handed The players, bundled up in parkas and wore the No. 12 jersey of quarterback beers and tossing footballs in a final Packers President Mark Murphy a stocking caps, strolled along the front tailgate party—never mind a wind chill proclamation declaring February Aaron Rodgers(notes), the Super Bowl row of the stadium on their way to the of 14 below.

Packers month.

MVP. “I got to touch the trophy, but I “The weather’s fine. I can barely But the crowd was more interested stage, smiling, pumping their fists and couldn’t actually feel it (because her feel it,” Ken Hampp, 23, of Appleton, in seeing their heroes than their high-fiving everyone who could reach hands were so cold). I touched Aaron said in the Lambeau parking lot as he politicians, as evidenced by signs that them.

Rodgers’pinky! I’ll never wash my hand “Just a very special moment,” sipped a Budweiser, before it froze. read “Jordy Nelson(notes), Will You Be again.”

Valentine?” and “Clay safety Nick Collins(notes) told the The celebration capped a party that “That’s my favorite thing about winter. My You can just stick your beer in the snow.”

Matthews(notes) Will You Marry Me?” crowd from the stage. “Something I’ll has been going nonstop in Green Bay The stadium opened two hours Kimberly Zachary, 19, of La cherish for the rest of my life. I’ve been since Sunday, when the Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in before the ceremony. The atmosphere Crosse, held a sign that read “Driver chasing this dream for a long, long time, Arlington, Texas, to win their fourth inside was electric as fans watched Your Smile Makes It All Worth While,” and I’m just glad to be a part of it.”

Driver, who injured an ankle in the Super Bowl title and first since 1996. highlights from the past season on the referring to veteran wide receiver The ceremony shone a spotlight on the stadium’s giant television screens set to Donald Driver(notes), whose ever- Super Bowl and couldn’t finish the decades-old love affair between the team a rousing orchestral soundtrack. The present grin has helped him emerge as a game, seemed overwhelmed by the moment. crowd waved world champion flags, fan heartthrob. and the NFL’s smallest-market city.

“We’re Super Bowl champs, baby!

She said she chose to attend college On Sunday night, thousands took to erupted into chants of “Go Pack Go!” the streets to celebrate amid an explosion and danced to House of Pain’s “Jump at the University of Wisconsin-Green All season long, you guys believed. . We love you guys so much,” he said. of green-and-gold fireworks. On Around” and the Village People’s Bay in part because of the Packers.

Team officials saved Rodgers for “YMCA.” “It’s like going to a school for a Monday, tens of thousands of hoarse but Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt boyfriend or girlfriend,” Zachary’s last. With a towel wrapped around his giddy fans lined the roads from Austin addressed the crowd from a stage on the friend, Kelly Peerendboom, 20, of head like a scarf, Rodgers yelled into the Straubel International Airport to 50-yard line, announcing the city would Tomahawk said. Then she sighed. “I microphone, “What’s up, Titletown?”

Lambeau to cheer on the team’s motorcade as it returned to the stadium. name a street “McCarthy’s Way” in don’t think I’ve ever felt so happy to be The crowd responded with a roar.

“We did it together! We brought that The 56,000 tickets for the official keeping with a tradition that calls for the part of a team.” title home! We love you!” Rodgers said. city to name a street after every Super When the players finally emerged “Return to Titletown” ceremony “I tell you what, Green Bay, we’re going from the tunnel that leads to the field Tuesday sold out within hours on Bowl-winning coach.

Republican Gov. Scott Walker was from their locker room, the crowd to be right here next year doing the exact Monday. Fans from far and wide were in next, generating a mix of cheers and erupted, purging 14 years of frustration. same thing!” the stadium’s parking lot early Monday

Serena aims to blossom in the spring

Serena Williams is targeting a spring return to the tennis circuit after a lengthy injury layoff which culminated in the 13-time grand slam winner being unable to defend her Australian Open crown.

Williams picked up a freak foot injury when she cut her foot in a restaurant after claiming her fourth Wimbledon crown last July.

Complications in her recovery after initial surgery meant the former world number one not only missed the U.S. Open but was forced out of the first grand slam of 2011 in Melbourne; she could only watch from the sidelines as Belgium's Kim Clijsters picked up both titles.

The 29-year-old American told CNN that she was anxious to return to the court after being out of the game for seven months and counting.

I'll blossom again in the spring.

It'll be fun," she said.

It has been a frustrating spell for Williams, with further surgery required to correct her troubling injury.

When she spoke with Open Court just before the Australian Open she still had her right foot in a cast and was clearly frustrated.

"I'm going to be back sooner than later, I hope. This comes off very soon, so by the time this airs this'll probably be off. But I don't know," she added.

Despite the setback and talk of retirement, Serena has a steely determination to add to her already impressive career record.

"There's so much more that I want to do in tennis, just to keep playing and keep winning. It's just something that I really enjoy," she said.

"Most of all I want to get back to

doubles. I really love playing doubles."

Serena's doubles partner is, of course, elder sister Venus, herself a seven- time grand slam singles winner.

As a formidable doubles partnership they have claimed a further 12 grand slam titles and two Olympic gold medals.

Venus has also been troubled by injury and had to retire early in her third-round clash with Andrea Petkovic at the Australian Open.

But it would be foolish to write off the record-breaking sisters, and Serena is certainly making no plans for retirement.

"I plan to be back in the spring, which is a good time, you know," she repeated.

That would leave Williams time to prepare for the French Open, starting May 17, before the defense of her

Serena Williams

Wimbledon crown the following month.

The Paris event is the sole grand slam that she has won only once, back in 2002.

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