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LOCAL NEWS Continued from Page 1
The lease was never executed by the PNP and there is no record of the party having paid rent, the letter stated. It was also revealed that the registered leaseholder is De-Owen Higgs, who held a lease that expired on November 28, 2004. This lease was never cancelled and the entry remains on the Leasehold Register. The letter added that there is no evidence to suggest that De-Owen Higgs has retained any interest in the land, since he is “not in occupation and his lease has expired”. “The land accordingly reverts to the Crown,” the letter stressed. “On the basis of the facts, it appears that the PNP has been trespassing on Crown land. It has not paid rent, so cannot rely on any equitable rights to establish a lease. Furthermore, so far as we have been able to ascertain, the building was constructed without a building permit or planning permission. As the absolute owner of the land, the Crown is entitled to take possession from the PNP and to seek damages for its occupation.” The letter informed Greene that if he and the PNP intend to dispute the apparent trespass, they should let the AG’s chambers know “as soon as possible”. “If the PNP is unable to provide a legitimate explanation and is unwilling to reimburse TCIG for its losses, TCIG will have to consider what steps to take, and in the meantime reserves all of its rights,” the letter ended. When contacted by The SUN for a comment on the matter, Greene stated: “The facts are that the PNP has made the
PNP could lose Headquarters ...Cont’d TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
PNP Leader Clayton Greene
investment in the property. It would not be fair if the (Interim) Administration were to attempt for any reason to deny our party the benefit of its investment. We feel confident that this matter will be resolved to the satisfaction of all. There has been precedent set in how governments treat land that is being used for political party headquarters and there is no reason to depart from that. Moreover the party has been in touch with the Government on this issue and we were of the opinion that we were moving toward resolution of matters. Political parties are a part of the fabric of our society and for that reason alone we are confident of a just resolution.” The SUN understands that Queen’s Counsel Carlos Simons was seeking to regularise the matter on behalf of the PNP. Simons said he was only made aware of the letter from the Attorney General’s
Queen’s Counsel Carlos Simons
Chambers after it was drawn to his attention by this newspaper. “I’m therefore not in a position to comment at the moment because I have not had time to consider all of the issues that have been raised,” Simons told The SUN. Simons added that he had made an application for freehold title on behalf of the PNP, and the response he received from Mrs. Tatem Clerveaux of the Land Department, was that the matter had been referred to the AG’s Chambers for advice along with similar cases. Former Minister of Natural Resources McAllister “Piper” Hanchell was outraged by the letter from the Attorney General’s Chamber. He told The SUN that it was rumoured that the Interim Administration wanted to take the PNP Headquarters for use as a Central Police Station.
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Former Minister of Natural Resources McAllister “Piper” Hanchell
He stated: “The interim appointed dictatorial Government made up of British Citizens and Turks and Caicos Islanders…should be tried… in the international Court of Justice of their actions. These actions are serious matters for all Turks and Caicos Islanders and if we sit by and allow this to happen than we have given up of our country and all our freedoms and rights afforded by God.Acts like these are barbaric, discriminatory, and unlawful and a slap in the face of all Turks and Caicos Islanders…There is no justice in the Turks and Caicos Islands and they are all doing as they like and please. It is high time people wake up and stand up to these monsters.” The PNP was in office from 2003 until August 14, 2009 when the British Government suspended parts of the Constitution and imposed direct rule.
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
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LOCAL NEWS
Interim Government to use controversial King Air plane
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
IT APPEARS AS though the Interim Government has sorted out the ownership bungling of the approximately one million dollar King Air aircraft which was acquired by the previous administration to fly its members within the islands to conduct government business while in office. Last year April, during a news conference in Providenciales, His Excellency Governor Gordon Wetherell, pointed out that he was not sure as to the ownership status of the craft – whether it was owned by the taxpayers or leased. And against that background, Governor Wetherell, at the time, pointed out that no decision was taken to either utilize the craft for Government purposes or have it sold to raise funds to patch up the ailing economy. But responding to questions from journalists at the Advisory Council news conference last Wednesday (April 13) at the NJS Francis Building in Grand Turk, His Excellency Governor Gordon Wetherell and Chief Executive Officer for the Civil Service, Mark Capes, gave the clearest indication yet, to suggest that the plane is government-owned, saying that the administration could utilize the craft as early as the end of next month. Capes noted that the plane should be repaired, certified and its crew trained before June 1 – the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. “The work is still going on to have that plane repaired for use. It would require training of the pilots – they
Two police recruits terminated
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
His Excellency Governor Gordon Wetherell
have to be re-qualified which takes a few weeks. The plane has to be certified, to make it safe for flying. It’s being insured, and our aim is to get it up and running before the hurricane season, so that it is out of danger, because, as you know, it’s on the tarmac in Grand Turk,” Capes said. For his part, Governor Wetherell pointed out that the plane, on its repair, could be used for police surveillance along the TCI borders. “We also need to keep in review, as we do all of that work, what the relative merits of using that (aircraft) as the police plane, is distinct from the current police plane, which is also undergoing repairs at this time. We just need to make sure that when the decision is eventually taken, it is the most cost-effective one for the TCI,” Governor Wetherell said. While it was being banded about
Two youngsters who applied to be members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have had their careers cut short. A press release from the police on April 21, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police terminated the employment of two cadets in training. The press statement said: “This termination of employment was brought about by incidents that came to light upon the re-evaluation of their applications. The credibility of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police is paramount and to this end the Commissioner announced the formation of a Professional Integrity Unit which will help to ensure that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police is a credible and accountable organization.” The release did not disclose the identity of the trainees and up to press time this information could not be ascertained.
Chief Executive Officer for the Civil Service, Mark Capes
that the plane was purchased by the previous government, it was also said that it leased the aircraft. When the question was posed to the Governor last year as to what would be the fate of the plane, he asserted that it would be the subject of an investigation to determine its true ownership. He said at the time: “As far as the King Air is concerned, it has not been used for a while. My understanding is that there were some questions over the actual ownership – whether it was owned or leased or what. But I can’t give anymore details on that at the present time; I need to find out from the Ministry of Works on that front. I can say it is parked in Grand Turk.” At one stage it was said that Lyndon Gardiner, the Chief Executive Officer for Air Turks and Caicos and Provo Air Centre, sold the plane to the
Lyndon Gardiner
previous administration. But when The SUN contacted him, he explained that the information was false. Gardiner indicated, during the last year interview, that his only dealings with the previous government regarding the acquisition of the plane was that he assisted it in getting craft here, and that his company, which also provides aircraft servicing, carried out such work on it. “I had nothing to do with it. They (previous government) never used me for it (purchase or lease). I did maintenance on it for them. All I did was brought the airplane here; it was not purchased from me. I sold them fuel and I did the maintenance for them, that’s all. A plane like that cost about a million dollars. It was registered in the states, so it must have been purchased in the States,” Gardiner said.
Devcon tCI is looking for the following persons: transLator
salary $1500 per month must speak english,French and asian languages and must also be computer literate
Labourers
$5.50 per hour transportation provided daily must be willing to work 6 days per week
ContaCt 242-9218 or Labour Department
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LOCAL NEWS
IN A CHANGING CUBA MANY REMAIN SKEPTICAL
HAVANA — For months, Cubans have been treated to an uncharacteristically blunt assessment of their future by none other than their president, Raúl Castro. They do not work hard enough and live too much off the state dole, he has said. The economy has been based on an unworkable math in which two plus two “equals six or eight,” as he put it in a speech on Saturday. And the leadership has failed to groom a young generation to take over, leaving the upper echelon of the party dominated by standard-bearers of the revolution who are as old as 87. No longer, he has promised, pushing forward a battery of changes, vastly expanding small businesses and, for the first time since the 1959 revolution, allowing Cubans to buy and sell private homes, something now done only through a bustling underground market. But if winds of change — and it remains to be seen if they will end up being breezes or gusts — are emanating from the convention hall where the Communist Party held its sixth congress over the last three days, Cubans seem ambivalent, even skeptical, that the end result will upend the island. “We have a way of making changes but keeping everything the same,” said Johan Rodríguez, 22, who supplements his meager state accountant salary by selling trinkets on the street. “The basic problem is we have no money. I am hoping what they are discussing will change that.” Mr. Castro has steadfastly avoided using anything like the word capitalism in discussing the new economic platform, lest the United States get the impression a long-lost cousin was coming into the fold. Indeed, he has tended to avoid describing the changes as, well, changes, preferring to cast them as “modernizing” the Socialist model here. Still, he has proved adept at diagnosing the precarious condition of the economy, warning that Cuba can no longer afford state workers who do little for their checks and even suggesting eventually doing away with the ration books that provide food and other necessities at heavily subsidized prices. “How will we afford food?” said another young Cuban, a 36-year-old engineer who did not want his name used for fear his remarks would sound too critical to the government. “They will have to lower food prices a lot so people do not starve. This all seems so much so fast.” Still, Mr. Castro has not been the radical reformer
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
his speeches suggest he might be. He recently stepped back from announced plans to lay off 500,000 state workers, postponing the cuts indefinitely. Last year, he had cast the state’s “inflated work force” as an unsustainable expense, “tantamount to eating up our future and jeopardizing the very survival of the Revolution.” But instead of the rapid economic overhaul previously laid out by the Communist leadership, Mr. Castro said much of the changes anticipated would come over the next five years. And although he suggested top leaders like himself serve no more than two consecutive five-year terms, he also complained that the younger generation was ill prepared to take on top jobs. How, analysts wondered, should that be interpreted as he officially ascends to the top spot in the party — Fidel Castro, 84, disclosed last month that he was no longer the party chief — and selects a new No. 2 at the party, the person who could succeed him as the nation’s president? Rafael Hernández, a political scientist who edits the magazine Temas here, says there are legions of young party members in the bottom ranks who often hit a wall as they ascend. “It is about a difficult political change between the generation that has been there for 50 years and the young generation,” he said. “It’s a difficult process and one that they have wanted to be done deliberately gradually so it would not be so traumatic. “But,” he added, “I think it is not just about more young people. It’s about young people who think differently. We can have young people who think like the old ones or we can have young people who are young and think differently.” Reading the tobacco leaves, as some call the Kremlinology here, can prove foolhardy since presumed rising stars streak and fizzle out. It is mostly a matter of matching relatively youthful ages with party rank and the frequency of television appearances, particularly near the Castros. Much of the attention is on Marino Murillo, 50, who defended President Castro’s initiatives when he was the economy minister. Now he holds a new post as a kind of czar overseeing changes designed to push more people into private enterprise. Other names mentioned by diplomats and other Cuba watchers are Lázaro Expósito, believed to be in his 40s and the head of the Communist Party in
Editorial Cartoon
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Turks and Caicos Sun Suite # 5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946-8542/ (649) 241-1510 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Web Designer: Patrina Moore-Pierre Graphics Editor: Joleen Grant Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Distribution Manger: Kelano Howell Advertising and Marketing ManagerPatrina Moore-Pierre
The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd.
We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Cuba’s second city, Santiago de Cuba, and Lázara López Acea, 47, the party leader of Havana. Then again, Mr. Castro could stick to someone from the old guard, like José Ramón Machado, 80, who fought at his side and is in effect the current second-highest ranking functionary. “The two-term idea — a good one, anyhow, even if it comes rather late — may be due in part to keep the less predictable seniors from jockeying to succeed Raúl,” said Mauricio A. Font, a CUNY Graduate Center professor. “But the revolutionary regime does need new leaders rather fast. Previous efforts to groom the next generation of leaders failed in large part because younger leaders and others grew to develop perspectives and ideas that differed from those of the seniors, whom they also dismissed as obsolete.” Jorge I. Domínguez, a Harvard professor, said the most-discussed prospects suffer from lacking the legend of the Castros. “What’s missing is a politician, someone to explain, justify, motivate and give hope that theirs is still the línea correcta,” he said. This may become important as people chafe at some of the finer print of the changes, like the heavy taxes that the newly licensed self-employed and small businesses must contend with. “The argument is that this is one means to prevent the concentration of new wealth,” Dr. Domínguez said. “Of course, what they desperately need to do is to create jobs, not discourage them.” Taking it all in are Cubans like Sevián Vargas, 32, who considered the doings from his newly opened hamburger stand in the Miramar neighborhood. As a “cuenta propista” — one of the legions of mom-and-pop outfits hawking everything from use of bathrooms to pizza and jewelry — he appreciates the opportunity to have his own business. But in the end, he said, he has seen promises of reform die slow deaths and wonders if any of it will lead to more freedoms. “I think we all have hope, we have to,” he said. “Many times they have talked but haven’t complied with what they talked about. But Raúl is more direct. So this could really be it.”
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Appeals Court backs Miami orphan from Turks and Caicos Islands seeking to stay in country
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
By David Ovalle Miami Herald
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
An undocumented teenaged orphan from the Turks and Caicos should be granted a special designation that likely would allow her to remain in the country, a state appeals court ruled this week. Advocates hailed the decision as significant for strengthening immigrants’ rights in local courts, and as an important win for Florida International University’s Pedro Pan Project, which filed the appeal on behalf of the 17-year-old high school student known in court papers as TJ. “It’s amazing to have this victory,” said attorney Karen Pita Loor, the faculty advisor for project formerly known as the Immigrant Children’s Justice Clinic. Immigration attorneys say this the first time that the Third District Court of Appeal, which covers Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, has taken up the issue. Two other state appeals court have ruled similarly. A “dependent” is a minor who is found by the state courts to “have been abandoned, abused or neglected by the children’s parent or or legal custodians.” The designation clears the way for federal immigration authorities to grant a juvenile “special immigration juvenile” visa, keeping the minor in the United States. Critics have blasted the designation
as a “back-door” attempt at naturalization that could spur parents to intentionally abandon their children here. The overall numbers of juvenile dependents, however, is ultimately small. In 2009, according to Department of Homeland Security statistics, just over 1,100 court-designated juvenile dependents across the United States became legal residents. Local advocates still hailed the decision. “It’s a significant case for undocumented immigrant children who are petitioning juvenile courts for protection from abuse, neglect or abandonment,” said University of Miami law professor Bernard Perlmutter, director of the school’s Children and Youth Law Clinic. TJ arrived in Miami with her mother when she was just four months old. Her mother died in 2004. Her father had abandoned the family long ago. Since her mother’s death, T.J. had lived with an aunt, who never sought official custody or state help in caring for the girl. Her lawyers declined to say whether TJ was slated for deportation. In court, the girl’s lawyers asked MiamiDade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman for the dependent status, which she denied. The FIU student clinic appealed. Third-year law student Amber Brishne,
Policeman charged with having sex with a minor POLICE CONSTABLE CURDARO MISSICK has been suspended from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, after he was charged with having sexual relations with a minor. A press release from Detective Sargeant Calvin Chase said that on the 14th April 2011 a report was received by the Royal Turks and Caicos Police in Providenciales alleging that a member of The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police had sexual relations with a minor. Chase said an investigation was launched into this report by Officers from the newly formed Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Unit. This investigation, Chase said, has resulted in charges against an officer of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police, Curdaro Missick. He is scheduled to appear in Magistrates Court # 2 on April 27th, 2011. The officer has been subsequently suspended from the police force.
Police Constable Curdaro Missick
LOCAL NEWS
of Miami, argued in front of the court. Judges agreed, reversing Lederman’s ruling. Denying her “dependent” status “based solely on the aunt’s voluntary assistance would penalize T.J., a young woman left in Florida through no fault or action of her own,” Judge Vance Salter wrote. TJ’s legal fight is not entirely over, however. The case now returns to Lederman, who must deem the girl a “dependent” of the state — but only if she can make a greater effort to prove her father cannot be found or cannot care for her. He is believed to be in Haiti. TJ turns 18 in August. If she doesn’t obtain dependent status by then, she could face deportation. If she gets the state designation, she will have until age 22 to get the special visa allowing her to remain in the United States, Pita Loor said. “If successful, she may be able to work
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LOCAL NEWS
High-ranking police promotions
NEW COMMISSIONER OF the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Colin Farquar has officially confirmed the promotion of four of his senior charges. The latest of round of promotions fall within the ranks of inspector and superintendent. Those officially promoted are Ralph Doughty, Wayne Jones, Innis Grant Willet Harvey and Irene Butterfield. Doughty has been promoted to the rank of Superintendent from Acting Superintendent. The order was also given for Jones to be promoted from Acting Superintendent to Superintendent. In the meantime, Innis Grant was promoted to Inspector from Acting Inspector. Willet Harvey has been promoted to Inspector from the rank of Acting Inspector, while Acting Inspector Irene Butterfield has been promoted to full-fledge Inspector from Acting Inspector.
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Irene Butterfield
The SUN was informed that the order was given for the rapidlyclimbing Kenny Grant to be promoted from Inspector to Superintendent of Police in what our source described as “an accelerated promotion�, but that
Wayne Jones
order has not yet been gazetted. It is understood that several other top brass openings could come on stream soon since some senior officers including Alboine Williams, have been given letters of pre-retirement leave, and individuals within the force would
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
soon be called upon to fill those breaches. This newspaper was informed that promotions were in the works or have been ordered for other rank and file members of the force, but have not been made official as yet. Commissioner Farquar and his deputy, Brad Sullivan assumed the head of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force from former Commissioner of Police Edward Hall and Deputy Commissioner of Police Hubert Hughes in March. And according to the new commissioner, a great deal of focus will be placed upon making the lives of the force members comfortable so that they could exhibit the highest level of professionalism on the job. Both men are here from Canada on a two-year service, to use their combined many decades of experience to shore up the local policing unit.
GLAMOUR GIRLS SEEKS 1 Hairdresser 1 Salon Helper 2 Domestic Workers 1 Barber 1 Labourer Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 347-2707 or 231-3137
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
correspondence and reports in Microsoft Word, and TURKS AND CAICOS SUN APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011 summarize and report data in Excel spreadsheets. GENERAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the position of
Chief Executive Officer at the National Health Insurance Board.
PRINCIPAL FUNCTION: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall leadership and management of The National Health Insurance Plan, ensuring the implementation of the mission of the organization and the strategic and operational plans approved by the Board of Directors.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: The duties and responsibilities of the position of the CEO are equally important and critical to the success of the organization. The percentages listed following each primary responsibility do not reflect importance, but the approximate percentage of time expected to be devoted to the responsibility: 1) Provides strategic and operational leadership and direction for the organization (10%)
2) Directly, and through subordinate management, manages the activities of the staff of the organization (30%)
3) Maintains an effective relationship with the Board of Directors (10%)
4) Ensures that the organization is structured to maximize its ability to deliver its services (10%) 5) Develops and maintains strategic and operational relationships at the national and local levels that will benefit the organization and support its mission (40%)
PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 1) Advanced reading and writing skills, verbal and written communications skills, knowledge of management, finance and other general knowledge typically acquired through completion of a Masters Degree programme.
2) High level of expertise in all facets of social security and community health insurance systems, including laws and regulations, standards and protocols, organization and management techniques and other industry knowledge and skills typically acquired through a combination of formal training and practical experience. 3) Ability to communicate effectively with practitioners and understand how to reconcile the needs of the practitioners with the financial prerogatives and business processes of the organization.
4) Knowledge of accounting and financial analysis practices sufficient to understand financial reports and the impact of financial performance on the organization’s operations. 5) Computer skills including the ability to prepare
1) Demonstrates a high level of leadership skill and dedication, and the ability to motivate individuals and groups to act in the best interests of contributors and the organization.
2) Demonstrates an appreciation and respect for the cultural diversity of the contributors and service partners of the National Health Insurance Board. 3) Demonstrates an appreciation for small island settings and the challenges it brings in providing health insurance.
4) High level of ability to balance multiple and diverse projects of great significance, prioritize work and manage time for others. 5) Ability to establish and manage internal project budgets, timelines and Board of Directors expectations.
6) Demonstrates critical thinking and sound judgment in making decisions that impact the organization.
7) Fosters positive interactions among employees; acts as an example for others
8) Demonstrates high level professional image, maturity, self-confidence and positive attitude; acts as a model for others.
9) Demonstrates an appreciation of the challenges associated with a mixed health economy embracing interisland and international insurance and re-insurance regimes, covering South Florida, the Caribbean and the UK. COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS
1) Articulate in speech; communicates in a clear, factbased manner.
2) Writes clearly, concisely and correctly when presenting findings in reports and correspondence. 3) Effectively and concisely communicates complex information.
4) Communicates effectively with external audiences, including media outlets and public policy makers.
5) Motivates management and employees to improve the organization’s processes and performance. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Applicant must be willing to travel at short notice using all forms of public transportation. Preference will be given to Belongers with the required qualifications and experience. Submissions to be lodged by close of business on Friday 6th May 2010 Salary range $ 100,000 to $ 130,000 per annum All resumes should be sent to Mr. John T. Smith Chairman National Health Insurance Board Aviation House, Providenciales Email: johntsmith@tciairports.com
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Police could get back their ten percent pay soon
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor
IT APPEARS THAT the police could see their 2010 10 percent pay cut rolled back sooner than expected, as this newspaper has learnt that Head of the Interim Government, His
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Excellency Governor Gordon Wetherell met with rank and file law men and women in Grand Turk and Providenciales recently to iron our the matter. According to a SUN source, when the Governor met with the police a week ago, he promised to
TWO MORE CUSTOMERS WIN BIG WITH DIGICEL’S POSTPAID REWARDS PROMOTION
Sale Executive Denisser Forbes presents Postpaid Rewards winner of the quarter Claudia Burnside with $3000 cash.
PAYING YOUR BILL on time and in full continues to pay off for Digicel customers. Claudia Burnside and Nacumar Deodat are the latest winners of Digicel’s Postpaid Rewards Promotion. Ms. Burnside, Personal Banking Officer at a local bank is accustomed to helping individuals access a few extra dollars to finance their dreams and through the simple act of paying her Digicel Bill on time she was rewarded with $3,000. According to her the cash prize will go towards off setting bills and a much anticipated vacation. Also a winner, Nacumar Deodat walked away with $1000 as February’s winner. He expressed his appreciation to Digicel and his commitment to continue to make on time bill payments. Burnside and Deodat were randomly selected from a number of postpaid finalists who pay their telephone bills on time and in full. The Postpaid Rewards promotion which commenced in April 2010 has been popular among postpaid clients and presents an opportunity for Digicel to reward them for their loyalty. The popular promotion has been extended until March 2012 to give even more Digicel postpaid customers a chance to Win! To date Digicel’s Postpaid Rewards promotion has paid out over $20,000 in cash prizes. To be eligible for monthly prizes, customers are encouraged to pay their bills on time and in full before the 22nd of each month.
return the portion of the salary that was chopped, further hinting that the possibility existed that it could come retroactive to the time it was slashed last year. However, our source said the Governor noted that, while the retroactive was not a must, it depended on what new Commissioner of Police Colin Farquar brings to the table on their behalf. Reinstatement of salary has been one of the new commissioner’s goals in less than the two months that he and Deputy Commissioner Brad Sullivan have been assigned from Canada to the Turks and Caicos Islands for two years. At a recent news conference at the Chalk Sound Police Station in Providenciales, Commissioner Farquar asserted that when the police are being paid well, corrupt activities would be less tempting to them, which was why he began advocating for the salary to be reinstated. The source told The SUN that while some members of the force remain skeptical at the reinstatement of the 10 percent, others believed that the Governor will deliver on his promise. The source also noted that most of the members expressed faith in Commissioner’s ability to land the
deal on their behalf. “We are keeping our fingers crossed. It seems like we will be getting it, and the new commissioner seems like he is serious on the issue, so all we have to do is wait and see what will happen, but we are optimistic,” the source said. The police were caught in a taxcutting measures meted out against civil servants in what the Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Mark Capes deemed necessary if the country was to be hauled back from the brink of collapse, which they said attributed to the meltdown in the world economy coupled with the poor management by the past administration. The move sparked outrage by members working in the sector and the wider community, who have been constantly lobbying Government to backpedal on that decision, but the administration remained resolute. This caused a weeklong demonstration with blocking of the Airport Road early March and a oneday sick-out later that month by members of the Providenciales International Airport Fire Department, which crippled incoming and outbound flights, resulting in airlines having to cancel.
INTERISLAND AVIATION SERVICES GROUP
RAMP AGENT
• Over 5 years experience in Ramp Supervising. • Over 5 years experience in maneuvering heavy duty equipment e.g. (pushing and towing aircraft). • Experience in general handling of General Aviation. Narrow body and wide body aircraft. • British Airways, JAR OPS, Supervisor Aircraft loading qualified. • US Airways fleet service door opening trainer. • Awareness Certification of acceptance/refusal of hazardous material as per IATA regulations. • Comprehensive knowledge in the operation of all Ground Service Equipment (GSE). Salary commensurate with experience.
GROUND MECHANICS:
Experience in repair and maintenance of the Airline ground service equipment gas/diesel engine etc. Ability to drive trucks, towing vehicles. Salary range $8.00-$10.00 per hour.
AIRCRAFT MECHANICS
Experience working on piston and turbo-propeller aircraft. Responsible for inspecting, servicing, repairing and testing aircraft, engines and related systems as directed. Read, understand and work from aircraft maintenance manuals and specifications. Salary commensurate with experience.
All positions require the following: Excellent command of the English language – reading, writing and speaking. Good communication skills and team player Detail oriented & organized individual Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends and Holidays. Clean police record Able to work under pressure BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY.
Mrs. Deodat collects $1000 cash on behalf of her husband.
Interested person should apply to HR@flyairtc.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040. No phone call please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview.
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Sandals Foundations celebrates Earth Day 2011
LOCAL NEWS
THE SANDALS FOUNDATION continued its environmental commitment to Turks and Caicos this week when the charity launched its first ever shoreline & underwater cleaning campaign along with several environmental awareness activities to commemorate the 41st annual Earth Day environmental movement. To celebrate this year’s anniversary, Sandals Foundation volunteers showed their commitment to creating a cleaner, greener environment by hosting two major events aimed at creating awareness while teaching the importance of protecting the shorelines and the environment. Enthusiastic volunteers came together this week to launch the very first shoreline & underwater clean-up spearheaded by PADI Dive Instructor, Gustavo Simons-Martinez. The project which aims at collecting several pounds of trash and debris along the shorelines and underneath the Grace Bay Beach saw the removal of 45lbs of litter across a 100 yard stretch and saw another 8lbs of plastic bags, cans and water bottles collected from the underwater clean up activity. Environmental front man, Gustavo Simons-Martinez commented on the successful clean-up efforts, he said, “Earth Day is all about action and what we are doing to protect our environment, trash doesn’t fall from the sky, it falls from human hands and we
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Sandals Foundation Volunteers with Enid Capron Primary School
have power to stop it.” He continued, “The Grace Bay coastal and underwater cleanup not only rid the beach of several pounds of garbage, but the exercise also promoted environmental awareness while teaching participants the importance of preserving our shore line and our delicate coral reef systems” The Sandals Foundation also partnered with its Five Cays based adopted school Enid Capron primary to take the classrooms outside and engaged students in a “Making art from Trash” interactive environmental lesson. Students were encouraged to used their creativity to recycle junk items such as small twigs, old, bottle
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS
PAYROLL CLERK Requirements: • Minimum Two years experience with full payroll responsibility at a similar size hotel or resort Duties • Prepare bi-weekly payroll based on the information of previous payroll working closely with Human Resources and operational departments • Create reports as needed by Finance and Operations • Distribution of payroll in timely and secure manner • Ensure employee data is updated accurately in payroll system • Maintain time keeping systemknowledge of time saver a plus Salary $28 per annum not including service charge but commensurate with experience & education
SPA THERAPIST/ ESTHECIAN Requirements: • Diploma in massage therapy or equivalent. • Prior experience in a 5-star luxury environment. • Extensive knowledge of Eastern style massage, wraps, facials and other treatments. • Proficiency in English. Duties Include: • Providing spa treatments to resort guests and day spa guests.
• Maximize the revenue of the department through massage and retail product sales. • In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of support functions Starting salary $5.25 an hour not including commission and service charge
LABOURER Duties Include: • General laborer duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager. • Willingness to work varying schedules, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays. Salary $6.00 an hour not including service charge WAITER/WAITRESS Duties Include: • One year experience in fine dining restaurant Luxury Resort as a Waiter/Waitress • Server food and beverages to guests in a prompt manner. • Knowledge of food and beverages on the menu up sell and maximize revenue • Prepare, arrange and serve food or drinks that are attractive and appetizing to the guests. Starting wage $6.00 per hour not including service charge
Interested applicants should apply to The Regent Palms Monday through Friday and bring along a recent C.V., or by emailing a recent resume to mdorsett@regentexperience.com.
tops, string, egg cartons, cardboard and straws to create toys such as cars and sail boats. Speaking in response to this effort, Principal of the Enid Capron Primary School, Rachel Taylor stated, “This was a wonderful way to stimulate young minds while encouraging students to understand the importance of Earth Day, ” she continued, “crafting art from trash creates so many wonderful opportunities and also allows students to use their imaginations while helping the environment, we applaud the Sandals Foundations for taking this initiative to host this Earth Day lesson and also for helping us to relay the importance of recycling to our students in such a fun and interactive way.” Resort spokesperson Elanor Finfin also commented, “Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment, it is very important that
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
we take the initiative to teach youngsters the importance of preserving the environment through basic understanding of the three R’s Reduce, Reuse and Recycling, ” and concluded, “Taking the classroom outside gave students practical understanding of the three R’s where students were able to reduce waste, reuse their trash and recycle by creating a new toy.” Other youth based Earth Day activities celebrating the 41st anniversary of the international environmental movement, included a detail tour of the resort’s notorious recycled plant where students learned about the resort’s recycling program, treatment plant, pool heat recovery system and also learned the importance of creating energy using the solar panels. Earth Day was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. The Earth Day Network has a global reach with a network of more than 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. Beaches Resort Villages and Spa and the Sandals Foundation has long been committed to preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings and, along with all of the Sandals and Beaches resorts, has been awarded the much coveted, Green Globe 21 Award for Environmental Stewardship. The resort’s Earth Day celebration is the latest a long line of eco-initiatives that include the TCHTC TCI Shine Cleanup, The Reef Ball project and the Recycling Project here in Providenciales.
Three Sandals managers charged
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
THREE FORMER SENIOR managers from Gordon “Butch” Stewart’s Sandals Group have been charged in Jamaica in connection with conspiracy to defraud. A press release from Rachel McLarty, Group Director, Corporate Communications of Sandals Resorts International said that police investigations have resulted in the charging of Patrick Lynch and Jeffrey Pyne along with former ATL Pension Fund General Manager, Catherine Barber. According to the statement, they have each been charged with four counts of conspiracy to defraud. Additionally, Pyne was charged with a further four counts of causing money to be paid by false pretences, bringing the total for him to eight counts of fraud. “The management of the ATL/Sandals Group would like to assure all team members, contributors to the ATL Pension Fund and
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
pensioners that their pension contributions are safe,” the press release said. “ We would like to emphasize that notwithstanding the charges brought against former senior Directors of the Group, in relation to the administration of the pension fund, the integrity of the fund remains intact. This is a sad day for the Group as a whole and as former colleagues. The matter is firmly in the hands of the Police; we respect their responsibility and duty, and await the outcome of this process. We therefore will make no further comment on the matter at this time.” In January of this year, Lynch, a retired director of finance and planning of the Sandals Group, has told the Financial Services Commission (FSC) that he is at a loss as to why his house was raided by the police as part of a fraud investigation. Lynch, who is also a former chairman of the Appliance Trader
WANTED
1 LABOURER
Must be hardworking and reliable Salary $5.00 per hour Interested person should contact Brenda Been @ 332-2084
SENIOR MANAGER, POLICY AND RISK ANALYTICS APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE POSITION OF SENIOR MANAGER, POLICY AND RISK ANALYTICS
Location: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos islands Educational requirements - Qualified applicant must have a Bachelor in Business Administration or higher from a recognized North American, European or Asian University Business experience requirements - applicants should have a minimum of 10 years Ina broad range of financial management roles at a senior level. Experience in the following areas would be a significant advantage: financial and management accounting, corporate structuring, regulatory reporting, strategic financial and business planning, ability to interpret complex financials. Belongers only need apply. - Please submit applications to: Human Resources PO. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Limited (ATL) Group Pension Fund, denied claims that he used forged documents to commit a multimilliondollar fraud on the pension scheme and has asked his attorneys to take the necessary steps to secure damages for loss of reputation. "This is a baseless accusation that tarnishes my reputation. My integrity is beyond question and I have worked diligently over the past 48 years establishing an impeccable reputation," he said in a statement to the FSC. Lynch retired from all positions in the ATL Group at the end of December 2010. Police officers from the Fraud Squad raided the homes of Lynch, Dr Jeffrey Pine and Katryne Barber. Fitz Bailey, head of the Fraud Squad, told The Gleaner newspaper back in January that the police were investigating a matter at Gorstew, but refused to give details. Gorstew is the holding company
Page 13
LOCAL NEWS for the Gordon 'Butch' Stewart-owned Jamaica Observer, ATL and Sandals. The value of the pension fund reportedly stood at $6.2 billion at the end of 2009. In his statement, Lynch said Stewart had complained that he was not consulted by the board of trustees to distribute benefits from surpluses in the fund to pensioners and members of the fund. Lynch claimed Stewart was objecting to the distribution of $351 million of surpluses in 2008, identified in the annual audit and tri-annual actuarial report. But Lynch, who has has asked the FSC to undertake a thorough investigation into the operation of the ATL pension fund, argued that the procedures for the operation of the fund "have been strictly adhered to over the years and the supporting documentation maintained in the offices of the pension fund". In relation to the raid on his home, Lynch said he was in the hospital recovering from surgery when it took place.
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LOCAL NEWS
NABJ Names Miami Herald's Jacqueline Charles Journalist of the Year
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Reporter entrenched in Haiti's Resurgence to Receive Group's Top Honor
A REPORTER WHO is having an international impact has earned top recognition from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). At its spring Board of Directors meeting, it named Miami Herald's Caribbean Correspondent Jacqueline Charles as Journalist of the Year.
She will join other top honorees at the association's Salute to Excellence Gala, on Saturday, August 6, 2011, in Philadelphia, PA, during NABJ's 36th Annual Convention and Career Fair, the largest gathering of minority journalists in the country. The Haitian-Turks and Caicos Islander continues to gain accolades
MARCUS FORBES Requires 1 Domestic Worker To work 4 days per week Salary $5.50 per hour Call 241-8247
for her coverage, especially of the ongoing crisis in Haiti as it charts a new course since the devastating earthquake in January 2010. "Jacquie tells stories that are often overlooked," said NABJ President Kathy Y. Times. "As a Miami native, I appreciate her commitment to enlightening the local community and a global audience. Jacquie's work embodies NABJ's mission, heart, and soul." Charles began her career with the Miami Herald in 1986 as a high school intern. Upon completing her degree at the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, she returned to the Herald as a full-time journalist. Although still relatively freshly minted as a working professional, her first international story had global significance: the return of Haitian President JeanBertrand Aristide. She has continued to cover triumphs and tragedy in Haiti and other island nations with unrelenting energy to tell stories that not only impact but also educate and encourage change. Despite international reporting, Jacqueline Charles always made it part of her journalism mission to share with future journalists the opportunities that she received through NABJ, its Region Three, and South Florida Black Journalists Association. "Jacquie was instrumental in managing the regional conference held in Miami," said Terence Shepherd, SFBJA President and former long-time Herald colleague of Charles. He calls her "a passionate advocate for excellence in journalism." For many years, Charles served on the SFBJA Scholarship Committee, which awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school students bound for college as journalism majors. Shepherd, who is now Managing Editor of BankRate.com says, "She
Miami Herald's Caribbean Correspondent Jacqueline Charles
was a driving force behind inspiring chapter members and colleagues at the Miami Herald to volunteer to help with the annual summer journalism program for high school students at the University of Miami." Charles has continued to recruit colleagues and students for the high school workshop, even while covering the devastation and determination in Haiti. "Jacquie has done more to focus the world's attention on the tragedies and triumphs of Haiti than any other reporter, sometimes at great personal risks," said John Yearwood, World Editor of the Miami Herald and cochair of the NABJ World Affairs Task Force along with Djibril Diallo, which nominated Charles for the honor. "Haitians tell me all the time that they owe her a debt of gratitude. This recognition is well-deserved." In 2010 NABJ also honored Charles as its International Reporter of the Year at its Tampa convention. "Her work is an inspiration for reporters who want to bring the cultural history of the African Diaspora into the realm of greater understanding of people of color," said Deirdre M. Childress, NABJ Vice President-Print. "I salute her work as an example for inspiring and fearless journalism, meeting the goal of NABJ's coverage of our communities. She shines a light on communities that deserve greater coverage and that offer black journalists a linkage to our history."
Page 15
Country pulled back from bankruptcy – Government APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor
THE INTERIM ADMINISTRATION is lambasting the past two administrations for pushing the country to the edge of bankruptcy by ballooning public spending by 331 percent courtesy mainly of packing the public sector to unsustainable capacity thereby disabling its ability to effectively pay its bills. In its release of the 2011/2012 estimates of expenditure, and explaining the reason for the Turks and Caicos ending up in the current financial quagmire, the Interim Government explained that the country had started a culture of spending which it could not sustain. The Governor Gordon Wetherellled Interim Administration accused past administrations of using funds to make new and expensive commitments such as shoring up the civil service, instead of using tax revenues to build a reserve cushion or invest in the future. “Between 2002 and 2007 annual public sector spending increased by 331 percent from $95 million to $314 million, outstripping growth in the economy. Although initially increasing, public revenues failed to keep pace with this spending and the budget fell
into deficit in 2007 by $41 million. “The deficit increased to almost $70 million in 2008 and spending has remained well above revenue ever since,” according to the Interim Administration. In 2005, according to the Interim Government, approximately 24 percent of every government dollar was paid in taxes, charges and fees. However, by 2009, the figure fell below 17 cents in every dollar. According to the Government, the past administration was mostly to be blamed for a great deal of loss revenues by giving away tax concessions and exemptions at what it described as an increasing and unsustainable rate. “Recurrent revenues began to fall in 2008 following the collapse in construction and financial meltdown around the world. The short-lived boom in construction in the TCI during the middle of the last decade had sucked in significant imported materials and foreign labour boosting public and private revenues during this period. “However, at the same time, the previous administration gave away public money through widespread tax concessions and exemptions, at an increasing and unsustainable rate,” the Government charged.
Career Opportunities: Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization.
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING Requirements: • Masters in Engineering • Minimum 10 years of total experience • Provide leadership and build an engineering team(s) to ensure engineering capability meets program requirements for various maintenance and modification programs and that associated drawings and specifications are accurate so that products are in accordance with proper engineering techniques and applicable specifications. • Previous 5 star luxury opening Resort experience a must. Previous Caribbean and International hotel experience a definite asset. • Previous experience with “Green Initiatives” a definite asset. • Analyze problems associated with development of equipment or systems. • Conduct property surveys to identify hazards to guests & employees recommending corrective actions. • Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to use MS Office products(i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel & Microsoft Project) Qualified Belongers need only to apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
ROOM SERVICE ATTENDANT Requirements: • Must possess a High School Certificate. • English fluency required. • Must have experience in food service, and a complete understanding of the room service department. • Must have resort experience. Must be able to follow specific procedures to provide prompt, efficient and gracious customer service to hotel guests in their rooms, including answering department telephones, taking and delivering orders,
It also accused the last administration of damaging local businesses and the reputation of the country on the international landscape, by refusing to pay many of its creditors, since by that time funds had become hard to come by. This, the Interim Administration said, had forced it to borrow funds overseas in order to appease those creditors, and was now seeking ways to raise the funds to repay the source of the borrowed funding hence the drastic measures in taxes and increased fees and charges. According to the Government, had the UK not stepped in with $45 million during the 2010/2011 fiscal year, the country the Turks and Caicos Islands would have collapsed financially, the government would not be able to pay public sector workers and service its debts. “Without UK help the TCI Government would have had to lay off many public sector workers immediately and close down all nonessential agencies and authorities in order to remain solvent. Many residents and businesses would have suffered,” the Government explained. Turning to the recent austerity measures taken, the Government noted that unless taxes are raised and public
spending cut, bankruptcy would be making house calls on the country, saying that the recent $260 million loan guarantee from the UK Government provides only a relatively short-term fix. “It (loan) the TCI government time to raise revenues and cut spending at a slower pace than would otherwise be necessary to avert bankruptcy. Importantly, it also allows the government to refinance its dept to significantly reduce interest payments and will free p some money to implement much needed training programmes and reforms to improve the efficiency of the public sector, but this will take time,’ the Government noted. The Interim administration predicted that the economy will grow by four to five percent year which it said would due mainly to increase tourist arrivals, but stressed that it would not close the deficit and reduce public sector debt. As a matter of fact, the administration if public spending and taxes were to remain the same, the budget would not be brought back into balance, even with sustained economic growth of five percent per year, until 2020, stating that by then public sector debt would be well over $1 billion
and preparing and presenting guest checks. • Must be able to understand and respond to all guests needs and requests in a timely and professional manner. Qualified Belongers need only to apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
SECURITY OFFICER Requirements: • Patrol premises to prevent and detest signals of intrusion and ensure security of the property. • Must have good written and oral skills, English fluency required. • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances. • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises. • Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of authorized persons, or unusual occurrences. • Must be able to understand and respond to all guests needs and requests in a timely and professional manner. Qualified Belongers need only to apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
SECURITY SUPERVISOR Requirements: • To deputize in the absence of the Security manager. • Must have good written and oral skills, English fluency required. • Must have the ability to prepare employee schedules, times sheets, etc. • Manage and comply with statutory and legal requirements for health and safety. • To assist in the supervision and application of all key control systems. • Certification and experience in self defensive is a must, and must be able to train personnel in self defense methods. • To provide escorts as required on the instruction of the Security Manager/Hotel Management. Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than May 2nd, 2011 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies
Page 16
LOCAL NEWS
By The Torch
SQUARE PEG, ROUND HOLE
BASED UPON HIS observations of this equally necessary and dangerous Brit occupation of the TCI, The Torch believes there are substantial critical misunderstandings and a major cultural disconnect between islanders and the Brit High Command. This divergence is reducing trust on both sides and eventually will be disastrous to OUR economic future if not resolved in a manner that reflects islander, NOT Brit, economics and culture. If this cultural disconnect is played out the way it is going now, which it almost certainly will be, it will redound to the decades-long detriment of islanders, not the Brits. This is The Torch's effort to assist islanders in an objective understanding of the disconnect - the first step to its resolution. Time is short. Leaders are nonexistent. TC islanders are American in all but name. That fact does not contradict their correct and proper pride in the TCI. While adding their own TCI flavor, islanders look to the US for their lead in business, entertainment, sport, fashion, music, morals, attitudes, speech and culture. We also share a currency, a voltage, a proximity and the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which renders many islanders American in name as well. TC islanders are not British in any meaningful sense. Only an unfortunate colonial connection exists. The Brits are far ahead of islanders in understanding that cruel twist of history and in engineering its end in a manner advantageous to the Brits, not islanders. Islanders are also Capitalists. One might even say, on a guttural level, that Capitalism is in the blood of these islands from the earliest days - to the extent that islanders' ancestors were considered capital themselves. Later, harsh realities thrust Capitalism, the only economic system that is natural to humans, upon islanders. At its root base level, Capitalism is, "If you work, you eat. If you don't work, that's your choice." The Torch sees that highly moral benchmark and accompanying personal strength ingrained in most islanders, but it has become tainted and reduced by long compulsory contact with Brits and particularly Brit teachers (Socialists all) and the Brit curriculum that drips with Socialism. Individuals who consume only what they earn are Capitalists by their nature. Able-bodied individuals who seek or take wealth earned by others, whether directly by crime or indirectly through Socialist politicians, are Socialists by nature. The Brits have taught islanders Socialism, and some have learned it well. Consider now the Mike ("Can't a brother make a dollar? Yes, but can he do it honestly?) Misick version of Capitalism - corruption, nepotism, bigotry and kleptocracy - so not Capitalism at all! Capitalism requires co-equal inalienable human rights guaranteed in writing, minimal honest government intrusion only to regularize markets for safety and equality of opportunity (Uh, that was supposed to be opportunity for all islanders, Mike), and the rigid protection of individual property rights. However, not all was bad about the Misick years from a Capitalist perspective. Many islanders made good money and advanced themselves and their families by work and risk-taking and not through corruption, unearned entitlement and theft - at least not personally or directly. Islanders have had a glimpse of a successful Capitalist economy very recently. The Torch suggests that it would be good for islanders to get back to Capitalism, but a purer form. A lot of islander Capitalists would be happy. And let's face it. Islander Socialists will always be unhappy no matter what - they can never get enough of other people's money. On the other side, the Brit High Command is undeniably Socialist. The Torch doubts they would even deny this. The Brit High Command is composed mostly of
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
tax to pay for the Brits' past failures when there are jurisdictions where Socialist oversight did not fail the local economy?
Further, Socialists believe in massive public payrolls and extremely expensive health care rationing systems, and those are exactly what we've got as a result of Socialist oversight.
folks who benefitted personally from a Socialist effort during the late '60's through the '80's to extend university education in the UK to the poorer socioeconomic classes through ridiculously low nonmarket based tuition rates. When Socialists take money from individuals by force and give it to others, inevitably some temporary benefit inures to those recipients of other people's money. Current UK students are dealing now with the bubble created by that non-market based Socialist tuition-fixing of 3040 years ago. But these FCO Brits benefitted educationally from that bubble and were imbued simultaneously for life with the seemingly wondrous consequences of Socialism. They have sought unsuccessfully to reproduce those same results permanently everywhere in their professional lives ever since. Of course, it never works for long. Capital adjusts. So now here we are. Because the Brits failed in their constitutional duties across a number of years, islander criminal politicians (apologies for the tautology) screwed the economy to the extent that we are now much worse off than those competing jurisdictions merely suffering from the worldwide recession. We're $260M in the hole because of Socialist oversight. The Torch well understands that there is enough blame to go around, but The Torch does not hold the experienced supervisorial Brits to the same moral standard as fledglings like Mike and the boys. We are in this dire economic nosedive specifically and precisely because Brit-designed constitutional oversight failed us. In other words, Socialist oversight failed us. That happened because the cowardly Brits were afraid to intercede in the prior administration's crimes, most of which were property related. Socialists essentially regard property as being collectively owned. Individual ownership is a temporary inconvenience. Accordingly, Socialists have always had an uneasy relationship with property crimes, considering them not to be real crimes at all, just adjustments necessitated by the greed of evil Capitalists. For their side of the cultural disconnect, The Torch observes that while islanders don't particularly care for the Brits, they think the Brits are here to put things right - intelligently, honestly, transparently, justly, completely and finally. Nothing could be further from the truth. Islanders should wake up fast. The Socialists are here to conceal their fault in our demise and to pretend to fix our Capitalist economy. It is more and more apparent that they have absolutely no clue how to do so and are quite happy that the leaderless islanders are not interfering in the Brit process. Socialist oversight failed us, so more Socialism is supposed to resolve our problems. The Socialist answer to budget deficits, even in Capitalist economies, is always to raise tax rates on "the rich," in order to bring in more revenue. On large land masses, this solution often has temporary results while capital adjusts and moves away or just to the sideline. In islands, the wealth and the wealthy simply leave. They have other homes, investments and opportunities. That has substantially happened. Why would they need to pay a VAT, cavalierly raised customs and immigration fees and a "carbon"
If you understand these economic realities, you will also understand that the Brits are here to make us and our problems conform to their Socialist world view and then to "fix" our problems by and through more Socialism. Socialists always believe there is someone to be sacrificed to the public good. An illustrative example has presented itself recently. The Torch and islander Capitalists know that PPC, as a corporation, operates completely under contracts. It has contracts with its shareholders, contracts with its customers and it operates under a contract with TCIG under which it obtains monopolistic protection from TCIG in exchange for an agreed price-fixing for its product. PPC can do nothing except by contract. PPC is now doing exactly what it is supposed to do and exactly what it is allowed to do under its various contracts. If PPC is acting in breach of any contract, The Torch has not heard any credible evidence of same. Yet PPC is hated by islander Socialists and Brit Socialists alike for doing exactly what the Brit Socialists and others have allowed it to do. If you want to blame someone for the allowed profit of PPC, it should not be PPC. They are a for-profit corporation. Where is their fault? The fault lies with the person or persons who negotiated and approved the contract with PPC for TCIG. Why is nothing ever said about those folks who negotiated and approved the contract that PPC is now following? If The Torch bounces a check on you, do you blame The Torch or his bank? The bank corporation has done to you only what The Torch's contract with it has authorized, indeed required, it to do. If you blame PPC for doing what the Socialists allowed it to do, then you'd blame The Torch's bank. Check your premises. If the Brits are required by Socialism to think that acquiring PPC profit will be better for the public treasury than reducing the civil service by 1500-2000 people and advising the hospital and health care rationers that their contracts will not be renewed, do they then look for fraud in the initiation of the PPC contract (which would entitle TCIG to rescind) or do they approach PPC to renegotiate on the reasonable, if not contractual, basis of hardship caused by the world recession? No. They can't do that because they hate PPC as evil Capitalists, and they hope you will too. So they move the goalposts they agreed to and institute a 10% so-called "carbon" tax on PPC without warning. Of course, it is not a carbon tax at all, but rather a corporate income tax to be paid by one targeted corporation only. And it is unlikely to be a seemingly reasonable 10% corporate tax on profit. The Torch does not know what the arithmetical relationship is between PPC profit and carbon burned. A 10% tax on carbon production may be a 30% tax on profit. Who knows? But it's OK. Islanders need not worry. The Socialists have commanded that the PPC corporate tax cannot be passed along to us. Isn't Socialist understanding of our Capitalist economy just great? Islanders should feel all warm and fuzzy in the protection afforded by wise Socialists against those evil greedy Capitalists. Islanders think the Brits are here to do the right thing. They have no leaders to suggest that they are being duped. The Brits think they are here to hide their fault, to perpetuate civil service overspending, the hospital and health care rationing boondoggles, to target and demagogue our only energy supplier and to chase away our future customers by raising taxes to pay for their quest for that temporary Socialist paradise. What could possibly go wrong?
Another major deficit year coming for TCI
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
THE TURKS AND Caicos Islands is projected to rattle up another huge deficit when fiscal year 2011/2012 comes to and end this according to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and member of the Advisory Council, Delton Jones. Responding to questions from journalists at the Advisory Council press conference in Grand Turk on April 13, on matters relating to revenue collection and expenditure for the new fiscal year, and how it would affect the TCI’s ability to pay its bills, Jones said the country is expected to run a deficit of about $13 million when factor in recurrent as well as the development budget. According to him, the overall recurrent revenue is estimated $162 million, while the current expenditure is estimated at $171 million – for a deficit of approximately $8 million on that side. On the development side, Jones noted that the deficit is to run at $5 million. “So, we are looking at an overall deficit for the financial year $13 at million or so. So, again the onus is really on us to make sure we put in the necessary capacity to get it (funds) to
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
additional projects. He noted that the main source for capital revenue would be from the fuel tax. “We have also included in the budget a number of projects that are funded from the Caribbean Development Bank, the European Union, as well as small sums from the United Kingdom Government, to close off projects under the assistance given following hurricane Ike. “Technically speaking, there should be, certainly from Government’s point of view, a balance between revenue that is raised and the expenditure on capital projects. We know the high priority projects, and as soon as funding is available, we will Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance ensure that those projects are funded,” and member of the Advisory Council, Delton Jones
ensure that those measures are implemented in a timely manner or there will be the risk of slippage as far as the targets are concerned,” Jones warned. He noted that capital expenditure would be used on projects already in motion, while hoping to raise capital revenue along the way so as to tackle
Page 17
Jones noted. The Government is hoping that the current fiscal year would be the last that it rattles up another round deficit, since the United Kingdom Government requires that by 2013 the budget would be balanced so as to hold local elections. The running fiscal deficit was one of the main reasons for UK Foreign Minister Henry Bellingham announced the abrupt postponement of general elections. Giving the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) and the Civil Recovery Unit time to complete their work were other factors for the elections postponement, according to Bellingham.
Gansevoort Turks & Caicos a Wymara Resort is currently looking for:
Front Desk Manager
Applicant must have excellent communication and problem resolution and conflict management skills, at least 4 years experience in Luxury Hotel Front Desk with at least 2 in management and maintain a presentable image consistent with the expectations of our clientele. Technical skills include Microsoft Office suite, Opera PMS and OVOS, training and coaching skills as well exceptional customer service and organizational skills. Hospitality Management certificate or equivalent experience required. English language required with additional languages an asset.
Special Projects Coordinator
Reporting directly to the GM, the successful candidate will implement special projects and support improvements in systems, operations, cost control, tracking, guest feedback, communication, marketing and community outreach. The position requires a dynamic, proactive and exceptionally organized individual with extensive experience in customer service and hospitality who has demonstrated their ability to take responsibility to see tasks through to successful completion. Superior PC skills required, database development, luxury hotel project management experience, at least 2 years experience in hospitality operations.
General Manager
The General Manager oversees all aspects of the hotel operations including: guest relations, corporate relations, front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, finances, team building, and staff development. The General Manager must possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and demonstrate outstanding leadership. The manager must be able to delegate responsibilities, organize complex projects, and establish priorities consistent with hotel objectives. The General Manager must have at least Ten years experience in managing a five star boutique hotel.
Chief Engineer
The Chief Engineer is responsible for all aspects of the maintenance of the Resort. Must have at least 5 years experience in a similar position and knowledgeable in all disciplines of Maintenance/Engineering. Applicant must be able to train and Manage employees. Must have good computer skills and communication skills. All applications and Resumes must be sent to hr@wymara.com .
Page 18
Digicel partners with Healthy Caribbean Coalition on Media Advocacy Campaign
LOCAL NEWS
DIGICEL, THE BEST value mobile operator in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific, has partnered with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) on a media advocacy campaign called ‘Get the Message’ to create greater public awareness of chronic diseases affecting persons across the Caribbean region. The HCC launched the extensive pan-Caribbean campaign in March to encourage Caribbean leaders to seek to maximise opportunities for improved prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and to provide public education about them. Digicel will help ensure that the campaign meets its target of one million text messages by September, when Caribbean leaders are due to attend a United Nations High Level Meeting on these illnesses. Digicel will also act as a liaison for the coordination of text blasts and quantified data reports, as well as drive the campaign through its social media channels Facebook and Twitter. Digicel’s support of this campaign follows on from its own community health programmes across its 32 markets, designed to sensitize the public on various health issues, allow customers easy and confidential access to health information, provide
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS
BELL CAPTAIN Requirements: • Must work weekends, holidays and have flex schedule • Must have supervisory experience • Must have at least 3 years hotel experience • Must possess valid TCI operators drivers license • Must read, speak and write English fluently Salary $7.50 per hour not including service charge CHIEF ENGINEER Requirements: • Previous experience as Chief Engineer/Director of Engineering with experience in luxury resort
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
resources to health facilities as well as facilitate medical missions to those most in need. In Barbados, for instance, Digicel is presently working closely with the Diabetic and Hypertension Association that aims to assist the approximately 30,000 persons living with these diseases. To date, Digicel has donated two Jablotron desktop phones to the association to use as hotlines, with phone charges written off monthly, as well as run sensitisation campaigns via its Facebook and Twitter fan pages. Digicel has also contributed BlackBerry phones with free voice and data services to the Bermuda Autism charity ‘Tomorrow’s Voices’ to help them operate more efficiently and has sponsored St. Lucia’s annual Pine Hill Fun Walk that encourages a healthier lifestyle. Digicel Commercial Director, Brian Finn, states: “As champions of change within our markets, Digicel has active community outreach programmes that consistently make positive differences. We are pleased to partner with the HCC on this health revolution to educate on non-communicable ailments such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.”
• Thorough understanding of plumbing, electrical, HVAC and deep refrigeration with ability to quickly evaluate problems and decide on a plan of action • Experienced with waste water treatment plant • Understanding of all concepts behind landscape and grounds maintenance • Knowledge of Opera system is also a definite plus Duties Include: • Supervising/managing/overseeing maintenance and engineering departments • Maintaining and refining preventive maintenance program • Assist General Manager with annual budget development Salary $55,000 per annum commensurate with experience and qualification Interested applicants should apply to the Regent Palms Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M. and bring along an updated resume, or email mdorsett@regentexperience.com.
“By providing the technical platform for this campaign, we will be able to inform and empower millions in the region as this campaign provides an excellent forum for us to share and disseminate vital information which can be the difference between life and death,” Mr. Finn adds. Over the course of the campaign, Digicel subscribers in the Associate Member and Member States of CARICOM will be encouraged to text support for the World Leaders Summit and will receive daily health tips alerts. The campaign will also include educational public service messages placed in newspapers, and on radio and television throughout the region and beyond. After almost ten years of operation, Digicel Group Limited has 11.5 million customers across its 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network. Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
the title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Cup. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team. Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti and Papua New Guinea which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes. In 2004, Digicel developed Digicel Rising Stars – an annual talent show to support aspiring young music artists in the Caribbean. The show has spanned the Eastern Caribbean, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago ranking as one of the top-rated shows. Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and its markets comprise: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and Vanuatu. Digicel also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barts in the Caribbean
CHIEF QUANTITY SURVEYOR Degree qualified Chief Quantity Surveyor required with minimum 15 years experience in all facets of the Quantity Surveying practice, ability to work under pressure with no supervision. Must be fully conversant with CSSP Ripac & Timberline Estimating Software, and on Screen take-off Software. Please forward your resume to P.O Box 709, Providenciales
SENIOR LITIGATION ATTORNEY REQUIRED Senior Litigation Attorney required with background and experience in dispute resolution and all aspects of commercial, civil and criminal litigation. The successful applicant must meet the requirements to be admitted to practice as an attorney in the Turks and Caicos Islands, have in excess of ten (10) years post qualification experience and be able to handle routine to complex legal matters. Identifies and analyzes legal issues, draft court documents and negotiate and resolve disputes with limited guidance from senior legal staff. Advocate and effectively present legal points to influence clients and to represent clients as legal counsel. Builds, enhances and maintains client relationships; educate self and partners on legal developments affecting the practice and provide innovative strategies to address those developments. Perform other related duties as assigned or required. The starting salary is US$60,000.00 to US$75,000.00 per year depending on experience, plus profit sharing to be negotiated with the successful applicant. Send all inquiries to: Administrator, Chalmers & Co., Al, Windsor Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands or by Email: admin@chalmersandco.com
New date for Le Reve fourth Annual Gala Ball
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
ORGANIZERS OF THE Le Reve Gala Ball are thrilled to announce that its “Mardi Gras” themed cocktail affair will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011, at The Veranda Resort on Grace Bay Beach. “Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were forced to delay the celebration until June,” said Ms. Michelle Swann, President of the LeReve Gala Ball. “But I can assure you, this is an event you don’t want to miss.” Guests will be transported to the drama of New Orleans’ French Quarter, and will have the luxury of enjoying a Caribbean Mardi Gras,
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complete with the masquerades, parade and theatrics of a carnival. The evening will be one of pure enchantment, combined with Cajun delicacies and Bourbon Street frivolity. “Boasting a street fair, singers and dancers, this Gala promises to be one of Le Reve’s most memorable events yet,” explained Swann. Staying true to its motto: “Realizing one charitable dream at a time,” Le Reve has selected Crime Stoppers Turks and Caicos as this year’s fundraising beneficiary. The non-profit association - established in
1995, assists law enforcement agencies in the Turks & Caicos Islands with deterring crime and bringing perpetrators to justice through the confidential and anonymous provision of an intelligence gathering service. To this regard, the Le Reve Gala Ball Committee has elected to support this worthy organisation. For further information on the event, sponsorship or vendor booths, kindly contact Ms. Michelle Swann on (649) 231-4429 or Edith Skippings on (649) 231-1515 or visit www.lereveball.tc.
TCI attend Anti-doping meeting in Suriname
REGIONAL ANTI-DOPING efforts were accelerated recently in Paramaribo, Suriname when the Board of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (Caribbean RADO) met in that capital under the auspices of the Suriname Anti-Doping Authority (SADA). History was also made as all fourteen (14) member states attended the two day meeting to solidify the regional thrust in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and its Code signed by all 14 countries. Member states of the RADO comprise Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Guyana, Suriname, Turks & Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia and St. Vincent. Shanwell Gardiner represented the TCI at the meeting, which saw amendments and adoption of the Caribbean RADO constitution, Confirmation of board members and
drafting of RADO’s five year strategic plan taking place. Gardiner expressed the need for promotional material, funding for the development of a testing programme (includes test kits, teaching aids, testing cost etc.). Funding will be made available from the UNESCO fund, for which the TCI will be applying within a few weeks after conducting a needs assessment exercise. Education and promotion materials will be supplied by the World Anti-doping Association (WADA) free of cost to the TCI. Gardiner, who is a Medical Technologist by profession, is one of only three Doping control officers in the TCI. He was directly responsible for coordinating all doping control activities for the 2007 CARIFTA games held in TCI and is in the process setting up a Doping control testing program for local athletes during sporting events. In addition to hosting the 7th
meeting of the Board, Suriname officials also hosted two important parallel seminars on Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) and Results Management (RM) which were facilitated by officials from WADA and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The TUE sessions were attended by medical professionals representing each member country with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the process of granting permission to athletes to use medications for medical reasons as stipulated under WADA’s guidelines. Participants attending the Results Management seminar were lawyers from the region who are expected to convene Results Management Committees to deal with adverse analytical findings found in doping control samples and oversee the appeals process. The TCI with its financial resource limitations was only able to send one representative, who was able
to be an observer at the result management workshop. Valuable knowledge was gained in the areas of managing results and appealing doping violations, in the unlikely event a TCI athlete is found guilty of a doping violation. The gathering of representatives from the region helped to crystallize regional anti-doping education and doping controls giving all attendees a clearer sense of their roles and responsibilities with the sole aim of ensuring that athletes from their countries are drug-free and playing fairly and cleanly. Chairman of the Caribbean RADO, Dr. Adrian Lorde, as well as Tom May, Senior Manager, Programme Development at WADA, expressed their sincerest appreciation to the Surinamese Government for graciously hosting the 3-day event. Also providing excellent technical capacity was Ms. Maria Jose Pesce Cutri Director of WADA’s Regional office in Montevideo, Uruguay.
NOEL MUNROE Is seeking
ONE WAITRESS To work in his bar at Five Cays Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 347-8844
B & F VARIETY STORE SEEKS
1 STORE ATTENDANT Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 242-5773
IMMEDIATE OPENING
CAICOS MARINA & SHIPYARD
PAINTER/FIBERGLASS INSTALLER Requirements: • Prior experience painting and installing fiberglass in a marine environment. • Keen attention to detail. • Some weekends and holidays may be required. Salary $11.00 Per Hour Yard Hand Requirements: • Must have proven experience Hauling
and blocking boats. • Keen attention to detail. • Some weekends and holidays may be required. Duties: • Sand and Paint boat bottoms using antifouling paint. Pressure wash boat bottoms. Must have the art of blocking boats in the correct areas on blocks or stands. Salary $8.00 Per Hour
Interested applicants should send Resume/CV and references to Donovan Dunbar, at dbdunbar1@hotmail.com within 2 weeks of the date of this notice. Suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview. Tel: (649) 232-1905/ 946 5600
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The Athletic Club in association with The Heart Foundation announces the launch of Zumba Fitness in Turks and Caicos Islands!
LOCAL NEWS
THE ATHLETIC CLUB of Turks and Caicos Islands is about to launch the new exercise craze Zumba. This new highly energetic form of exercise has taken the fitness world by storm, fusing Latin rhythms and easy-tofollow moves that create a unique fitness program that will blow you away. Zumba allows its participants to achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing movements. The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. In the past few years, Zumba has become a revolution, spreading like wildfire, and creating a new innovation to the fitness industry. Currently, Zumba is being taught at over 90,000 locations in 110 countries and has an astonishing 10 million participants taking Zumba classes every week. Zumba was created by celebrity fitness trainer, "Beto" Perez, who invented the concept of Zumba in his native Cali, Colombia in the mid‘90s.
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
After walking into his aerobics class, Beto realized very quickly that he had forgotten his aerobics music. The only thing he could think to use was the tapes he listened to that he kept in his backpack. His music taste comprised of traditional Latin salsa and merengue which he had listened to most of his life. Almost on-thespot, he had to create an aerobics class using music that was not traditional aerobics music. The class rapidly became the most popular class at his fitness facility. Beto’s last minute improvisation became the turning point in creating a new revolutionary concept in fitness that would take the world by storm. The Athletic Club will be hosting a FREE Introductory Class on Tuesday 3rd May at 5:30 pm with complimentary drinks afterwards. This will be followed by classes every Tuesday at 5:30 pm, ($12 for members and $18 for non members), and a 4week workshop, held on Saturdays, throughout the month of May; only $50 for members and $75 for non members. Classes and workshops will be taught by qualified Zumba Instructor, Kym Herron Scott, who
Job Title:
Head of Finance
Reports to: General Manger
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF ROLE: Responsible for the Finance department to develop, implement and monitor financial controls and procedures of the company. To run the daily operations of the finance department in a fast paced environment. This is an all-encompassing, commercially orientated role that will suit a candidate with a strong financial and academic background. Duties will include the following; • All financial and management reporting requirements of the company including the preparation of statutory financial statements. • Review pricing plans, promotion proposals and advise of the financial implications. • Take the primary lead on year-end audits and liaise with local auditors on same. • Control OPEX and CAPEX spend in line with budget. • Ensure bad debt expense is controlled. • Ensure Dealer commission exposure is recorded and paid accordingly. • Statistics reconciliations with KPI production and analysis. • Budgeting and monthly forecasting. • Weekly cash flow forecasting. • Train and support local staff in all aspects of the finance function. ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS & FUNCTIONAL SKILLS: • ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualification. • Over 5 years financial experience at senior management level. • Sarbanes-Oxley experience. • Fully up-to-date on recent IRFS technical pronouncements. • Excellent communication skills. • People management skills. • Good negotiation skills. • Telecommunication experience is essential.
Only Belongers need apply – Salary Based on Experience Interested applicants should forward their resume to hrtci@digicelgroup.com .
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Kym Herron Scott (far right) at the Party Hearty Zumbathon in Bermuda.
just recently, invited by Beto himself, completed his master class in San Francisco. At the completion of the course, there will be a fundraiser for The Turks and Caicos Heart Foundation at Aqua on Wednesday 1st June, 6-8 pm. Tickets will be $25 or $50 with a specialty Zumba Party Hearty shirt included. “The Turks & Caicos Heart Foundation is grateful to the Athletic Club for choosing our organization to assist in this fund raiser. It is our sincere desire to promote & education the TCI population on taking a proactive approach on keeping their hearts healthy, as cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer worldwide. We are confident that Zumba fitness will prove to be a positive factor in keeping our residence fit and free from
cardiovascular disease”, says Karen Malcolm, TCI Heart Foundation. See us on facebook; TAC Turks and Caicos where The Athletic Club Bermuda opened for the Party Hearty Zumbathon there. Signup sheets and sponsor forms are available at The Athletic Club, 2nd floor, Saltmills Plaza, Grace Bay, or call (649) 441 8686. Ditch the workout; join the party! Trick yourself into fitness! At The Athletic Club, we are dedicated to making sure you get the most out of your workout. We have a wide selection of classes, cardiovascular equipment and the latest in strength training equipment. We have committed, friendly staff, who share your passion for fitness!! For further details please phone (649) 441 8686 or email; theathleticclub@tciway.tc
Grace way IGA Supermarket is a seeking suitably qualified applicant to fill the following position:
Senior Finance Analyst Job Requirements & Responsibilities: • CMA/ACA/CPA qualified with a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in a financial analysis position • Operational and financial analysis of key business issues • Management and development of accounting system and processes, including chart of accounts, expansion of capability, and relationship management with external parties • Manage systems integration projects in relation to accounting system with operational systems • Extensive experience of preparation of Financial Statements, including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash flow • Finance team development and training on accounting system and processes • Experience in financial analysis work in a retail/wholesale environment • Business process re-engineering experience in implementation of systems or process projects • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Attention to detail and flexibility to manage multiple tasks • Excellent communication skills are required Salary Ranges, $48, 000.00 - $66,000.00 per Annum Deadline for submission of applicants is May 1st 2011 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracwayiga.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
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APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
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Precious Treasures Pre and Primary School located in Providenciales staged its girls’ day event on Friday, April 15, which is a follow-up to its boys’ day initiative which took place recently. Like its boys’ day event, girls’ day featured guest speakers who spoke on a variety of topics. Female parents with children attending the institution took the day from their busy schedules to share with their daughters. Children participated in a number of activities including a fashion show.
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LifestyLe
BLUE CHEESE DEVILED EGGS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
SAVORY ONION CHICKEN
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided • 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), skin removed and cut up • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 envelope onion soup mix • 1 bottle (12 ounces) beer or nonalcoholic beer Directions • Place 2 tablespoons flour in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a large skillet, brown chicken in oil on all sides. Remove and keep warm. • Add soup mix and remaining flour, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Gradually whisk in beer. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Return chicken to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.
SNAPPER WITH SPICY PINEAPPLE GLAZE
STRAWBERRY ROMAINE SALAD
• 10 Servings Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Ingredients • 1/4 cup sugar • 1/3 cup slivered almonds • 1 bunch romaine, torn • 1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced • 2 cups halved fresh strawberries Creamy Dressing: • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 tablespoon Sour Cream • 1 tablespoon milk • 2-1/4 teaspoons cider vinegar Directions • In a small heavy skillet over medium-low heat, cook and stir the sugar until melted and caramel in color, about 10 minutes. Stir in almonds until coated. Spread on foil to cool; break into small pieces. • In a large bowl, combine the romaine, onion and strawberries. Combine the dressing ingredients; drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with coated almonds.
BLUE CHEESE DEVILED EGGS
24 Servings Prep: 30 min. + chilling Ingredients • 24 hard-cooked eggs • 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled blue cheese • 2/3 cup mayonnaise • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley • 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed • 1/2 teaspoon pepper • Diced celery Directions • Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks; set whites aside. In a large bowl, mash yolks. Add the blue cheese, mayonnaise, parsley, hot pepper sauce, celery seed and pepper; stir until well blended. • Stuff or pipe into egg whites. Refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with celery.
SAVORY ONION CHICKEN
• 6 Servings Ingredients
Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
4 Servings/ Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Ingredients • 1/2 cup pineapple preserves • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar • 2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 4 red snapper fillets (6 ounces each) • 3 teaspoons olive oil Directions • In a small bowl, combine the preserves, vinegar, ginger, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and cayenne; set aside. Place fillets on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Spoon oil over both sides of fillets; sprinkle with remaining salt. • Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 5 minutes. Baste with half of the glaze. Broil 5-7 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Baste with remaining glaze. Yield: 4 servings.
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
GLAZED ORANGE CARROTS
• 2 tablespoons butter • 1/4 cup thawed orange juice concentrate • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley Directions • Place 1 in. of water in a saucepan; add carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 7-9 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain. • Melt butter in a large skillet; stir in orange juice concentrate and brown sugar. Add carrots and parsley; stir to coat. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until glaze is thickened.
BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE
8-10 Servings Prep: 10 min. Bake: 25 min. Ingredients • 1 small onion, chopped • 1/2 cup chopped celery • 3 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 jar (8 ounces) process cheese sauce • 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted • 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk • 3 cups cooked rice Directions • In a large skillet, saute the onion, celery and broccoli in butter for 3-5 minutes or until crisptender. Stir in the cheese sauce, soup and milk until smooth. • Place rice in a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Pour cheese mixture over rice; do not stir. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
NEVER-FAIL SCALLOPED POTATOES
• 6 Servings Prep: 30 min. Bake: 1 hour Ingredients • 2 tablespoons butter • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk • 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese • 1-3/4 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 5 medium) • 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced Directions • In a small nonstick skillet, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually add the milk. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until blended. • Place half of the potatoes in a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray; layer with half of the onion and cheese sauce. Repeat layers. • Cover and bake at 350° for 50 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly and potatoes are tender.
GLAZED ORANGE CARROTS
6 Servings Prep/Total Time: 25 min. Ingredients • 2 pounds fresh carrots, sliced
CHOCOLATE DREAM DESSERT
• 16-20 Servings Prep: 15 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling Ingredients • 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix • 1 cup chocolate syrup, divided • 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed • 1/2 cup chopped pecans Directions • Prepare and bake the cake according to package directions, using a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Cool on wire rack. • Meanwhile, prepare pudding according to package directions; pour into a 13-in. x 9-in. dish. • Tear cake into small pieces and gently push down into the pudding. Drizzle with 3/4 cup of chocolate syrup. Spread with whipped topping. Drizzle with remaining chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with pecans. Refrigerate until serving.
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Today I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything I Just Wanna Lay In My Bed Don't Feel Like Pickin' Up My Phone So Leave A Message At The Tone 'Cause Today I swear I'm Not Doin' Anythin' I'm Gonna Kick My Feet Up Then Stare At The Fan Turn The TV On Throw My Hand In My Pants Nobody's Gon' Tell Me I Can't
I'll Be Lounging On The Couch, Jus' Chillin In My Snuggie Click To MTV So They Can Teach Me Howda Dougie Cause In My Castle I'm The Freakin' Man Oh Oh Yes I Said It I Said It I Said It 'Cause I Can
Today I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything I Just Wanna Lay In My Bed Don't Feel Like Pickin' Up My Phone So Leave A Message At The Tone 'Cause Today I Swear I'm Not Doin' Anythin' Nothin' At All Woo Hoo Ooh
h
Woo Hoo Ooh Ooooh Ooh Oo Nothin' At All
Woo Hoo Ooh h Woo Hoo Ooh Ooooh Ooh Oo
me P90X Tomorrow I'll Wake Up Do So Some Meet A Really Nice Girl Have x Really Nice Se is Is Great!" She's Gonna Scream Out "Th (Oh My God! This Is Great!) Yeah
t My I Might Mess Around, and Ge e Collage Degre So Prouda I Bet My Old Man Would Be Me ve To Wait But Sorry Pops You'll Just Ha Oh Oh Yes I Said It I Said It I Said It 'Cause I Can
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Anything Today I Don't Feel Like Doing I Just Wanna Lay In My Bed Phone Don't Feel Like Pickin' Up My Tone So Leave A Message At The Doin' t No I'm ear sw I 'Cause Today Anythin'
No I Ain't Gonna Comb My Hair 'Cause I Ain't Goi n' Anywhere No No No No No No No No No Ohhh
I'll Just Strut In M y And Let Everythi Birthday Suit ng Hang Loose Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yes I Said It I Said It I Said It 'Cause I Can
Today I Don't Fe el Like Doing Any thing I Just Wanna La Don't Feel Like Pi y In My Bed ckin' Up My Phon e So Leave A Mes sage At The Tone 'Cause Today I sw ear I'm Not Doin' Anythin' Nothin' At All Woo Hoo Ooh Woo Hoo Ooh O oooh Ooh Ooh Nothin' At All
Woo Hoo Ooh Woo Hoo Ooh O oooh Ooh Ooh
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Best selling author taken to task
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
ENTERTAINMENT
THREE CUPS OF TEA’ INACCURATE?
‘The work of bestselling author, lecturer and philanthropist Greg Mortenson - whose appearances in Sacramento in 2008 and 2009 for "Three Cups of Tea" were sold-out events - is being questioned by a fellow best-selling author and investigative journalists. After months of investigative work into Mortenson and his global nonprofit charity, the Central Asia Institute, the April 17 edition of the news magazine "60 Minutes" aired a damning segment hosted by journalist Steve Croft . In it, it appeared that Mortenson may be responsible for "literary fraud" at the very least, and possibly for the misuse of funds on multiple levels. As part of the segment, mountaineer and bestselling author Jon Krakauer ("Into the Wild," "Into Thin
Air") said of Mortenson's mega-selling memoir, "It's a beautiful story, and it's a lie." On Monday, Krakauer posted his 89-page case against Mortenson "Three Cups of Deceit" - on the startup publishing site www.byliner.com. The story will be available as a free, downloadable PDF for its first 72 hours; after that, it will be sold as a Kindle Single for $2.99. The proceeds will go to the STOP Girl Trafficking program at the American Himalayan Foundation. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 25,000 copies had been downloaded from www.byliner.com's site, founder John Tayman said this morning from the company's San Francisco headquarters. In "Three Cups of Tea," Mortenson recounts his 1993 ill-fated climb up K2, the world's second-
highest peak after Mount Everest. When the expedition failed to summit, Mortenson became separated from the group and was in danger of dying. Somehow he descended the mountain and literally stumbled into a Pakistani village called Korphe. There, he was sheltered for seven weeks and nursed back to health. During his convalescence, he writes, a village girl asked him, "Can you help us build a school?" He promised to return and do just that. Since then, Mortenson has said, he has dedicated his life to promoting education in Pakistan and Afghanistan through his nonprofit CAI and Pennies for Peace. In his sequel, "Stones Into Schools," he further describes how the CAI has gone on to build 141 schools throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the "60 Minutes" segment, Croft said that some of them had never been
Bestselling author, lecturer and philanthropist Greg Mortenson
built, some were being used for storage, and funding had ceased for others. Krakauer was an avid supporter of Mortenson and the CAI, donating $75,000 to it early on. But his support ended in 2004 over concerns that Mortenson was mishandling millions of dollars in donations.
Zeta-Jones says 'no need to suffer LADY GAGA'S LATEST SINGLE ANGERS CATHOLIC LEAGUE silently' with bipolar disorder
Catherine Zeta-Jones was open about dealing with her diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, checking herself into a mental health facility for treatment as was revealed last week. The actress continues to be candid in speaking out about the disorder, telling People in an exclusive statement, "This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them. If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help." Zeta-Jones' depression was in part triggered by husband Michael Douglas' battle with throat cancer. "The simple things would just seem overwhelming, Catherine Zeta-Jones like going out to dinner," a close friend told People. "There was just a little piece of her chipped away. It was hard to watch because I knew how hard she was trying."
MOST BRITISH WOMEN DON'T ENVY KATE MIDDLETON: POLL LONDON - She may be pretty, wealthy and about to marry a prince, but an overwhelming majority of British women do not envy Kate Middleton, a survey showed on Wednesday. Asked how much they envied Prince William's fiance , 86 percent of women polled by YouGov said they did not feel jealous at all. The main reason why most women did not want to swap fortunes with Middleton was her perceived inability to lead a normal life after she and the second in line to the British throne tie the knot on April 29th, said MyDaily.co.uk, a women's website which commissioned the poll. "Most women realize Catherine has an unenviable task ahead of her, having her every move, not to mention every outfit, picked apart by the press," said Carla Bevan, editor-in-chief of MyDaily.co.uk. "The public clearly feel it's going to be no fairytale for Kate." But there were some who envied the future Princess Catherine. A 10th of respondents said they wished to be in her shoes, and for almost a third of these women the main attraction of being Kate Middleton was her wealth.
Lady Gaga's best friend is controversy, so on some level the latest should come as no surprise. In "Judas," Gaga's new single and video (which is expected to debut Tuesday), Gaga sings from Mary Magdalene's perspective, with lyrics such as, "When he comes to me, I am ready/ I'll wash his feet with my hair if he needs/ Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain/ Even after three times, he betrays me/ I'll bring him down, a king with no crown ..." The Catholic League President Bill Donohue issued a statement calling the singer out, saying, "This is a stunt ... Lady Gaga tries to continue to shock Catholics and Christians in general: she dresses as a nun ... she swallows the rosary. She has now morphed into a caricature of herself." Laurieann Gibson, Gaga's creative director and co-director for the "Judas" video told the The Hollywood Reporter that the video isn't meant to offend; it's about a "new Jerusalem." "We don't touch on things that we have no right touching upon, but the inspiration and the soul and idea that out of your oppression, your darkness, your Judas, you can come into the marvelous light," she told THR. "So it's about the inspiration and to never give up ... We've created a new Jerusalem.
PROSECUTION WANTS TO SHOW JACKSON DEAD, ALIVE
Aim of using autopsy photos is to show that although thin, singer was in excellent health LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors of Dr. Conrad Murray want jurors in his involuntary manslaughter trial to see images of his superstar patient, Michael Jackson, dead and alive. In motions filed Tuesday, they ask to use video clips from the Jackson concert movie, "This Is It," to show the singer was in good health, engaged in planning his concert tour and had every reason to live. They say this would contradict defense claims that Jackson took his own life. Prosecutors also want to use limited autopsy photos of Jackson to prove that although thin, he was in excellent health. They say the photos would not be gruesome. Defense lawyers say the photos would inflame the jury's emotions. Murray has pleaded not guilty. Jury selection resumes May 4 and motions are to be argued Thursday.
ELTON JOHN RETURNING TO LAS VEGAS FOR 3YEAR RUN
LAS VEGAS – Elton John is returning to the Las Vegas Strip for a three-year run at Caesars Palace. The five-time Grammy winner announced Monday he'll return with his "Million Dollar Piano" show to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas starting in September. Tickets for the first 16 shows go on sale April 25. John completed his first run at Caesars Palace in April 2009. "The Red Piano" was originally slated to run for three years, but was extended to a fiveyear run because of audience demand. John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
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FUN & GAMES
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APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
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FUN & GAMES
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FUN & GAMES
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NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas government has increased the amount needed for direct foreign investment in a commercial venture in the country as well as increases by more than 100 per cent the fees for persons seeking accelerated consideration of permanent resident status. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, tabling a new Bahamas promotional brochure titled “The Bahamas: A Paradise for Many Reasons” in Parliament on Tuesday, said that the updated version of the brochure, first published in the 1990s, takes into account developments and changes in the investment and business climate of The Bahamas over the last 15 years. He said the National Investment Policy (NIP) should not be seen as a document belonging to the government or opposition but “is intended to be a national policy to guide policies of Government, which governments can change when they see fit”. He said as a result, the new amendments to the NIP indicate that the minimum dollar requirement for direct foreign investment in a commercial undertaking has been increased from US$250,000 to US$500,000. He said the minimum required value of a residence acquired by a foreign person for the purpose of seeking accelerated consideration of permanent resident status has been increased from US$500,000 to US$1.5 million. “This does not mean that someone cannot obtain permanent residency in The Bahamas if they purchase a residence for a value of less than US$1.5 million. What it does mean, if you are purchasing one for US$1.5 million or more, you will get speedy consideration of that application by the Government agency,” Ingraham said. “In fact, provided you have all of the required documentation, it is expected that you would be able to have a response of a “yay” or “nay”
The Bahamas Government announces new investment policies
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within 21 days of the completed application being in the hands of the Department of Immigration. We seek to encourage persons who are purchasing or expending that sort of money plus, for a residence in The Bahamas,” the Prime Minister told legislators. He said there is no requirement in terms of the policy for persons coming to The Bahamas to attend a directors meeting of a company incorporated in The Bahamas to obtain a work permit. “We want to encourage and facilitate such persons in entry into The Bahamas; we want to facilitate them and accommodate them. And we want to get out of the business of nickel-and-diming them. “While we have a homeowner’s card which permits someone with a residence in The Bahamas to enter as often as they like during the course of the 12 month period in respect of which the card is valid, you need not have a homeowner’s card to be facilitated in coming to The Bahamas.” The Prime Minister said that Canadians and Americans are able to come to The Bahamas if they have a residence in The Bahamas and stay for up to eight months. But he noted that Immigration Officers in places such as Eleuthera, Exuma and Long Island have been giving these people 30 days instead of the length of time they are required to be in The Bahamas. Ingraham said that such a practice should stop telling legislators “it is not the intention of the government of The Bahamas to force a homeowner to obtain a homeowner’s card, it is something they can access if they choose, but they do not have to access it. “We have many residents –
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Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham
Canadians and Americans – who own homes in the Family Islands and elsewhere, who come down for many months out of the year and who spend money in our economy. And I am tired of getting complaints about how they are being hassled at various places in terms of the length of time they can stay in the country,” he said. The Prime Minister reminded Parliament that the restriction prohibiting international investments in restaurants and or entertainment facilities has been eliminated, noting that the amendments made to the Hotel Encouragement Act for restaurants and other tourist related businesses in areas frequented by tourists but not within a hotel, have been in effect now for probably two years. “The revised Investment Policy also makes provision that approved investors in major development projects which investment creates employment and business opportunities for Bahamian citizens
and who own or acquire a residence in The Bahamas, may be granted Permanent Residency status with the right to work in their own business.” The Prime Minister said that Jamaicans Butch Stewart who owns Sandals Hotels and John Issa who owns Breezes Hotels “are permanent residents with the right to work in their own businesses in The Bahamas. “And that is an area that we say was reserved for Bahamians - but he has the right to work,” Ingraham said, adding that permanent residents continue to be required to register all real property acquisitions with the Investments Board. “The fact that you are required to register it causes us to be in a position to know what non-Bahamian citizens own in our economy in terms of real estate, and we regard that as critical and vital national data to have,” the Prime Minister added.
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Raul Castro proposes term limits for Cuban politicians, calls for rejuvenation of government
CARIBBEAN NEWS
HAVANA - For the first time since he and his brother came to power more than a half century ago, President Raul Castro proposed term limits for Cuba's leaders, admitted that errors have left the country with no obvious successor and promised to rejuvenate the island's political class. The term-limit proposal made Saturday at the launch of a key Communist Party summit would make it all but impossible for a repeat of the Castros' own political dynasty, which has dominated Cuba since their 1959 revolution. But it would have little practical impact on Raul's future. The 79-year-old leader officially took over from his brother in 2008, meaning he wouldn't be term-limited out of office until at least 2018, depending on how the law is written. Castro promised to launch a "systematic rejuvenation" of the government. He said politicians and other important officials should be restricted to two consecutive five-year terms, including "the current president of the Council of State and his ministers" — a reference to himself. The proposal was made toward the end of a 2 1/2-hour speech in which the Cuban leader forcefully backed a laundry list of changes to the country's socialist economic system, including
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Cuba’s President Raul Castro
the eventual elimination of ration books and other subsidies, the decentralization of the island nation's economy and a new reliance on supply and demand in some sectors. He said that the party is far along in a study of whether to legalize the sale of cars and homes, which have been all but frozen since the revolution. Still, Castro drew a line in the Caribbean sand across which the reforms must never go, telling party luminaries that he had rejected dozens of suggested changes that would have
allowed the concentration of property in private hands. Castro said the country had ignored its problems for too long, and made clear Cuba had to make tough decisions if it wanted to survive. "No country or person can spend more than they have," he said. "Two plus two is four. Never five, much less six or seven — as we have sometimes pretended." Delegates to the Congress will be breaking up in committees and meeting behind closed doors on Sunday and Monday, before the Congress closes on Tuesday, presumably with another speech by Castro. Dressed in a white guayabera shirt, the Cuban leader alternated between reassurances that the economic changes were compatible with socialism, and a brutal assessment of the mistakes the country had made. Castro said the monthly ration book of basic foods, perhaps the most cherished of subsidies, represented an "unbearable burden ... and a disincentive for work." He said the changes he is proposing will come "without hurry, but without pause." Still, he added that "there will never be room for shock therapy" in
Antigua accuses US of wanting to shut down its online gaming industry ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda government has expressed disappointment at the decision by United States authorities to arrest and indict a number of individuals engaged in on line internet gaming. Finance and Economy Minister Harold Lovell described the indictments as the latest efforts by Washington to shut off competition in remote gaming in violation of international law. “I am concerned that at this point in time United States authorities continue to prosecute nondomestic suppliers of remote gaming services in clear contravention of International law. “I am not aware of any other situation where a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has subjected persons to criminal prosecution under circumstances where the WTO has expressly ruled that to do so is in breach of an International treaty,” Lovell said. The two countries are at loggerheads over the issue of internet on line gaming with St. John’s seeking to recover millions of dollars in lost revenue based on a WTO ruling that Washington has not yet fully accepted. “The WTO ruled that these kinds of laws criminalizing the provision of remote gaming services are contrary to the obligations of the United
States under the WTO agreements,” said Antigua’s legal counsel in the WTO matter, Mark Mendel. “The United States, being a very heavy user of the WTO rules to its own benefit, simply cannot continue to prosecute persons for engaging in legitimate International commerce,” said Mendel. He said there have been recent initiatives to authorise remote gaming in various American states and the proliferation of state sanctioned gambling in America generally. “What the United States has attempted to cloak as a moral issue is now clearly nothing but economic protectionism at its worst. Rather than engaging with Antigua and the world gaming community to reach a reasonable accommodation on this relatively new but now globalised form of economic commerce, the United States has instead determined to protect its domestic gaming interests regardless of International legal obligations. “This is very hard to reconcile not only with its pronouncements regarding the imperative of other countries to strictly observe their WTO trade obligations but also with stated official United States government policy of adherence to the rule of law.” A government statement said that having won a hard-fought dispute at the WTO against the United
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Cuba. Of term limits, Castro said he and his brother had made various attempts to promote young leaders, but that they had not worked out well — perhaps a reference to the 2009 firing of Cuba's photogenic foreign minister and vice president, who were later accused of lusting too obviously for power. "Today we face the consequences of not having a reserve of substitutes ready," Castro said. Along with the proposals on economic changes, the term-limit idea does not yet carry the force of law since the party gathering lacks the powers of parliament. But it's all but certain to be acted on quickly by the National Assembly. The Communist Party is the only political organization recognized on the island, and most politicians are members. Cubans vote for municipal and national assemblies, which in turn elect senior leaders including the president. Currently there is no set limit on their terms. Since taking office, Raul Castro has leased tens of thousands of hectares of fallow government land to small farmers, and enacted reforms that allow Cubans to go into business for themselves, rent out homes and hire employees.
States some years ago over laws criminalizing the provision of remote gaming services to American consumers, “Antigua has spent considerable time and effort trying to reach a compromise with American authorities that would recognise the legitimacy conferred by the WTO judgement with respect to Antiguan remote gaming services, while addressing any material concerns United States authorities might have with respect to the provision of these services from abroad. “Last weeks’ indictments and other recent developments would seem to indicate that the United States is still unwilling or unable to tackle the issue of offshore remote gaming services in a mature and legally compliant fashion.” Lovell said that in light of these developments “we are examining all of the options we have against the United States as a result of the WTO decision. “We are confident that the WTO rulings have significant strength and we are now looking into ways to capitalise on that in order to achieve our objectives,” Lovell said. Mendel said that “given the time that has been spent by the Antiguan government on sincere attempts to negotiate a reasonable settlement with the United States, and the very meagre results that have come of those discussions, it might be time for Antigua to go back to the WTO and compel American compliance with the rulings that this very small country fought so hard for and deserves to see implemented.”
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Michel Martelly officially declared Haitian president
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Michel Martelly, a popular singer known by the stage name "Sweet Micky," was officially declared the next president of this earthquake-devastated country, election officials said. Martelly won the presidency with 67.6 percent of the vote, defeating rival candidate and former first lady Mirlande Manigat, Haitian electoral commission spokesman Pierre Thibault said Wednesday. The announcement ends a long, drawn-out election that began Nov. 28 and was marred by fraud and other irregularities, several days of rioting and numerous delays. After election officials released preliminary results on April 6 showing that Martelly, 50, defeated his opponent with nearly 68 percent of the vote, Manigat said she wouldn't contest the results. Since then, Martelly has spoken about the need for reconciliation in this bitterly divided nation as he's sought to put together a transition team. On the campaign trail, he called for free education for all children, a renovation of the agricultural sector, and the restoration of the disbanded army. Martelly, a master of Haiti's compas music before he became a presidential candidate, is to be inaugurated on May 14. As Haiti's newly elected president, he faces enormous challenges. The new leader will be tasked with leading a multibillion-dollar reconstruction effort following last year's magnitude-7 earthquake, which claimed 300,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of Haitians. He also has to find a way to stem a
US DEPORTS 2,000 CARIBBEAN CRIMINALS
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The United States has deported more 2, 000 criminals back to the Caribbean in the past six months, according to figures released by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The figures show that from the start of the 2011 fiscal year in October last year to the end of March this year, 88,497 criminal “aliens” or migrants were deported to their country of birth in the Latin/ America and the Caribbean region. A “criminal alien” is defined under U.S. immigration laws as a migrant who is convicted of a crime. The number sent back to Latin America alone stood at 86,469 while 2,028 were sent back to the Caribbean. For the Caribbean, 1,066 criminals were sent to the Dominican Republic followed by Jamaica with 528 and Trinidad and Tobago with 125. Belize received 74 followed by The Bahamas with 65 and Guyana 64. So far this fiscal year, 50 migrants have been sent back to Aruba and 31 to the earth-quake ravaged Haiti. Other Caribbean nations received far less criminal deportees. Cuba received 20 in the past six months; Barbados 11; Dominica 10; St. Lucia seven and Antigua five. Four persons were sent back to Bermuda while St. Kitts received three, while two each were sent to Suriname, the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands. The figures show that Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos, received one criminal deportee each. The biggest receiver of criminal migrants was Mexico with 70,874 deported as of March 28 this year.
deadly cholera epidemic. In addition to the presidency, election officials also released final results for legislative elections, giving the political party of outgoing President Rene Preval a majority in the Senate. This could prove to be another hurdle for Martelly: Parliament must approve his pick for prime minister. On the same day that Haitian officials announced the final results, Martelly met with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as part of a threeday visit to Washington. He said he spoke with Clinton about his three priorities: education, finding homes for people living in tents, and restarting Haiti's agricultural sector. In a news conference, Martelly admitted he had huge challenges ahead of him. He called reconstruction efforts "despairingly slow." He also stressed the need to tackle the cholera epidemic that has claimed more than 4,700 lives since October. He warned that the coming hurricane season could spread the disease countrywide. Clinton said she welcomed Martelly as president. "Now he has a chance to lead, and we are behind him," said Clinton, Martelly at her side. "He is committed to results. He wants to deliver for the Haitian people. And we are committed to helping him do so." Haiti's difficult recovery from the earthquake and years of instability and poverty was underscored Wednesday when 53 members of the U.S. Congress wrote to Clinton urging her to work with the Haitian
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Michel Martelly
government to provide rapid support for the displaced people lacking adequate shelter, water, sanitation and security. Thirty-eight percent of resettlement camps still lack regular water supplies, the letter said, adding that the percentage had improved little since August. Nearly a third of camps don't have toilets. Where toilets are provided, each one is shared by an average of nearly 300 people. "The shelter installations in which displaced Haitians live are progressively deteriorating," the members of Congress wrote. The lawmakers urged Clinton "to work with Haitian authorities and our international partners to ensure a speedy, short-term response."
WEST INDIANS FORCED INTO SUB-STANDARD HOUSING
West Indians are among New York City’s burgeoning middle class but far too many are forced to live in sub-standard housing. And their woes can be traced to a mix of their immigration status and skin colour. Yes, their median income almost matches the City’s, the level of their educational achievement is high, and so is the 37 per cent rate of homeownership for the first generation and 33 per cent for the second. But about 18 per cent live in apartments and other forms of accommodation that have multiple violations which run the gamut from insect infestation, peeling paint, cracks in walls and ceilings, lack of heat, water leaks and holes in the floor. That depressing picture was painted in a new report prepared and released by the Common Service Society (CSS), one of the City’s leading independent voices for poor New Yorkers. The policy brief entitled Housing The City Of Immigrants delved into the conditions different foreign born residents must endure, and it concluded that immigrants were forced to set aside a “larger share” of their income in rent, and were twice as likely to live in crowded conditions. It was released at a public forum sponsored by the CSS and the New York Immigration Coalition. “Housing stresses don’t just affect individual households, they affect communities,” said David R. Jones, the society’s president and chief executive officer. “Housing issues have emerged as a major concern that must be addressed by New York legislators, particularly as New York immigrant communities continue to grow.” Tom Waters, CSS housing policy analyst and coauthor of the report, said immigrants across the board faced three distinct problems – high rents, bad conditions and overcrowding. “People from the Caribbean, West Indians, are the least crowded – except the Russians – but the other two factors: high rents and poor housing hit the community,” he said.
“In housing, West Indians do a little bit worse . . . than you would expect for such an income group. “The median rent burden is 30 per cent, which is the same for immigrants overall and actually, it is even higher than what it is for African-Americans,” Waters explained. “So, even though their incomes are high, the share of it going to rent is also high. In addition, the percentage of apartments with three or more maintenance deficiencies and are considered in pretty bad shape is at 18 per cent, which is really high for a middle income group. We are talking about holes in the walls, pest infestation, serious cracks, lack of heat, real problems like that. “The rate isn’t as high as it is for Dominicans but for such a high income group of people paying higher rents they are still experiencing bad conditions.” Immigrants from Africa run into the identical “bad housing outcomes,” said Waters. How come? “Researchers and others indicate that the substandard conditions under which Africans and West Indians are forced to live are the result of racial discrimination and their status as immigrants,” the analyst stated. “The middle income black immigrant groups end up with housing conditions that are similar to low-income African-Americans because of racial segregation. The difficulties they encounter are also traceable to hurdles all immigrant groups encounter.” African immigrants whose median income is $48 900 are doing better than West Indians and most native New Yorkers.“ The median income for Africans is $200 over that for all New Yorkers,” Waters pointed out. “What’s noticeable is that the bad conditions are being experienced by both the first and second generation West Indians. I would say that 18 per cent of them are experiencing conditions that are appalling and that’s a very high rate for a middle income group. The results of the study show that it isn’t just low-income members of the community that are affected by the problems but the whole community.”
US Republicans divided on Trump presidential run
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
New York real estate mogul and television celebrity Donald Trump is getting a lot of attention in the United States as he flirts with the idea of running in the Republican Party’s presidential primaries next year. But the prospect of a Trump candidacy for the White House is already dividing Republicans. Donald Trump has a major advantage over some of his Republican rivals in that his television show has made him an instantly recognizable celebrity. That has helped Trump soar to near the top of several recent public opinion polls gauging early support among several Republicans considering a run for president next year. Trump is showing support among activists of the Tea Party movement, who are most concerned with cutting the federal budget deficit and reducing the size of the central government. Trump spoke at a recent Tea Party rally in Florida. "The world is laughing at us. They are laughing at our leaders. They are taking advantage of us, and it is a disgrace," he said. "If I run and win, our country will be respected again and China, OPEC and all of the many nations that are ripping off this great country of ours will be dealt with very, very differently." Trump says he will decide on a presidential bid by June. In the meantime, some Republicans like Trump’s brash style and believe that he stands out in the slowly developing field of Republican candidates.
Donald Trump
"He is honest and says what is on his mind, and I don’t feel like he is lying to me, or trying to pull the wool over my head," said a woman, who attended Trump’s speech in Florida. Trump is also causing a stir by challenging the legitimacy of President Obama’s birth certificate, which says the president was born in Hawaii in 1961. "Obama is unwilling or unable to show his birth certificate," he said. State officials in Hawaii have authenticated the birth document, and two local newspapers printed birth announcements within days of Obama’s birth. The U.S. Constitution says only natural born citizens of the United States are eligible to be president.
Several prominent Republicans have criticized Trump’s focus on the birth certificate as foolish and counterproductive. Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is also considering a run for president next year. She told ABC’s Good Morning America that she is convinced that the president’s birth documents are genuine. "Well then, that should settle it," said Bachmann. "I take the president at his word." Trump’s focus on the so-called ‘birther’ issue is only one reason why some prominent Republicans are speaking out against his candidacy. Former Utah Senator Bob Bennett supports former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for president, though Romney has yet to formally announce his candidacy. Bennett says the interest in Trump by some Republicans reflects a degree of unhappiness with the possible contenders who are signaling interest in running next year. "There is no unanimity as we have often seen before," he said. "There is no obvious frontrunner. Now, they are saying, 'well, let’s try a new face.' Certainly, the latest one in terms of Donald Trump demonstrates absolutely no understanding whatsoever of what it would take to be president of the United States." The latest CBS News/New York Times poll found that 56 percent of Republicans surveyed were not enthusiastic about any of the potential Republican contenders. Republican analysts predict that if
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Trump does run, his business record and personal past will be carefully scrutinized by the news media and rival candidates, including his past statements in favor of abortion rights and some tax increases. Former Oklahoma Congressman Mickey Edwards is now with the Aspen Institute in Washington. "I don’t think Donald Trump should be taken seriously, but he does," said Edwards. "And he has now changed his position on almost everything to move much farther to the right, because it doesn’t matter about the general [presidential] election. First you have to get through the [Republican[ primaries." Many political experts question whether Trump will even run in the end. "He is an outspoken, populist, well-known guy. And so he is appealing in some ways for an electorate that is looking around for somebody new," said John Fortier of the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington. "But I think that his time here, his moment in the sun, is going to be relatively short. He may run. He may be part of the field. But his likelihood of winning is pretty small." In the CBS News/New York Times poll, 72 percent of voters said they do not think Donald Trump is a serious candidate. The survey also showed Republicans are split on a Trump candidacy. Thirty-five percent viewed Trump favorably, 32 percent viewed him unfavorably and 33 percent were either undecided or did not know enough about him to form an opinion.
Queen Elizabeth celebrates Birthday as oldest British monarch to rule
Queen Elizabeth II turned 85 years old on Thursday April 21, and is now the oldest British monarch ever to rule, having served as queen for 59 years. She grew up in a world of luxury. Her parents had 83 personal servants each, five palaces, nine thrones and official duties. At 14, she was sent to comfort Britain's children during World War II. "We know, every one of us, that in the end, all will be well," she said in a wartime radio broadcast. In 1947, there was such reverence for the monarchy that the British people donated their ration cards so she could have material for her wedding dress. Six years later, Elizabeth was crowned queen at the age of 27. Film of her coronation was flown across the Atlantic so it could be broadcast on American television. She was the first monarch to invite cameras into the palace. "It is inevitable that I should seem distant to you," she said in 1957. Back then, she could not have dreamed that her polite tour of the Buckingham Palace would presage the scalding intrusion of cameras into every part of
world of public emotion. royal life. Still, there has been no wall "I admired her [Diana], higher than the one protecting her especially her dedication to her two privacy -- though snippets of her young boys," she said in 1997. personal life have been shared. Elizabeth: Grandmother, Gin In one sense, Elizabeth is the last queen to be bred as a soldier of Lover, Horsewoman self-discipline. Armored in She's a grandmother willing to convention, she is a monument to corral a runaway little Prince William. 1,000 years of England as it used to She likes gin with Dubonnet, it's said, be. at the end of the day in front of the "If she lives as long as her telly. She's not just a good mother, she could go another 15 horsewoman; she's a rider with years, 16 years, which will put preternatural calm. During a ceremonial ride in 1977, Charles around about 78," Dickie Queen Elizabeth II Arbiter, former press secretary to random gunshots rang out, spooking the queen, told the Royal Diary. the horse she was riding but not Elizabeth. And when a bizarre intruder broke into "She has sworn an oath to the people. She is her bedroom at the palace in 1982, reports said "she committed until the day she draws her last breath." talked her way out by offering to get him a Her dedication was clear even when she was a 16-year-old princess. cigarette." "I declare before you all that my whole life, Yet her equilibrium was rocked in 1997 when she seemed to feel no public connection to the whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your anguish over the death of Princess Diana. Queen service and the service of our great, imperial family Elizabeth famously had to be dragged into the new to which we all belong," she said.
Remove Mubarak name from public facilities, court says
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CAIRO – An Egyptian court on Thursday ordered the name of ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his wife Suzanne removed from all public facilities and institutions, the latest step in dismantling the legacy of the former leader's 29 years in power. Early in his rule, Mubarak said that out of modesty he didn't want his name put on public buildings, but there are now hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of schools, streets, squares and libraries that bear the name of the former leader or his wife — as well as a major subway station in central Cairo. Now all those will have to go, a new blow to Mubarak, who was ousted on Feb. 11 and last week was put under detention in a hospital for investigation on charges of corruption and the deadly shooting of protesters. Mubarak's wife Suzanne, who wielded a great deal of behind-the-scenes influence over how the country was run, is due to be questioned over allegations of illegally amassing wealth. In announcing the ruling, Judge Mohammed Hassan Omar said "people have uncovered Mubarak's journey of corruption." "It has become clear that the size of the corruption (under Mubarak) that's being uncovered every day exceeds by far anyone's imagination," he said. After the ruling, Transport Minister Atef Abdel-Hameed told
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
reporters he would act quickly to remove Mubarak's name from the ministry's facilities, including the Cairo subway station. Mubarak, who will be 83 next month, remains in detention under guard at a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. State television on Thursday said the attorney general has ordered the government's top forensic doctor to examine Mubarak to ascertain whether his condition allows him to be removed to the Tora prison hospital. Attorney General Abdel-Maguid Mahmoud also instructed the doctor to inspect the Tora hospital with a view to providing it with the equipment needed for Mubarak's treatment. The ex-president underwent surgery last year in Germany to remove his gallbladder. He was admitted to a hospital in Sharm elSheikh last week for an irregular heartbeat. Unconfirmed media reports said he also was suffering from depression. Mubarak's two sons — businessman Alaa and banker-turnedpolitician Gamal, who was once his father's heir apparent — are already jailed in Tora, just south of Cairo, under investigation for corruption. Stalwarts of the regime are also detained there, including the former prime minister, speakers of parliament's two chambers and a top
aide of the former president, as well as several wealthy businessmen linked o the regime. In a related development, senior Justice Ministry official Assem alGohary said the wives of Alaa and Gamal Mubarak would be questioned Tuesday about how their husbands amassed their wealth. The court case over Mubarak's name was brought by lawyer Sameer Sabry against interim Prime Minister Essam Sharaf to force authorities to remove the name of Mubarak and his wife from all public buildings. During an earlier hearing, hundreds of supporters and opponents of Mubarak clashed outside the court, pelting each other with rocks and water bottles. Several people were slightly injured in the clashes. Soon after he came to power in 1981 following the assassination of his predecessor Anwar Sadat by Islamic militants, Mubarak publicly stated that he didn't want to follow the widespread custom in the region of having his name planted on public institutions. He also stated in the early 1980s that he would not seek a second term in office, arguing that ruling Egypt was a heavy burden. By the time he stepped down two months ago, Mubarak had served five terms in office, ran the country much like it was his own fiefdom and many of the country's high profile projects
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WORLD NEWS
Ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak
were named after him. Similarly, his wife Suzanne kept a low profile during the early years of her husband's rule, partly because the liberal attitudes and high profile assumed by Sadat's wife Jihan did not appeal to many in the mainly Muslim and conservative country. But Suzanne Mubarak soon became highly visible through her involvement in projects to do with the affairs of women and children as well as combating human trafficking. She is widely believed to have been the driving force behind efforts to get her son Gamal to succeed his father, a prospect that most Egyptians as well as the military objected to. Gamal's possible succession was one of the key motives for the youth groups that organized the Jan. 25Feb.11 uprising that toppled Mubarak.
Syria lifts emergency FAA probes Michelle Obama plane near miss laws but warns protesters
WASHINGTON - Air traffic controllers directed a plane carrying first lady Michelle Obama to abort a landing at Andrews Air Force Base because it was too close to a military cargo jet, officials said. A Boeing 737 belonging to the Air National Guard, one of several guard planes used by the White House, came within about three miles of a massive C-17 as the planes were approaching Andrews shortly after 5 p.m. Monday to land, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and Major Michelle Lai, a spokeswoman for Andrews. The FAA requires a minimum separation of five miles between two planes when the plane in the lead is as large as the 200-ton cargo jet, in order to avoid dangerous wake turbulence that can severely affect the trailing aircraft. The FAA is investigating the incident as a possible error by controllers at a regional radar facility in Warrenton, Va., that handles approaches and departures for several airports, including Andrews, where the president's aircraft, Air Force One, is maintained. The C-17 and Mrs. Obama's plane didn't have the proper separation when controllers in Warrenton handed them off to the Andrews controllers, a source familiar with the incident said. Andrews air traffic controllers initially ordered Mrs. Obama's plane to conduct a series of turns to bring it farther from the military jet. When that didn't provide enough distance, controllers realized that there might not be enough time for the cargo plane to clear the Andrews runway before Mrs. Obama's plane landed. Controllers then directed the pilot of Mrs. Obama's plane to execute a "go-around" -- to stop descending and start climbing -- and circle the airport, located in a Maryland suburb of Washington. A go-around is considered a type of aborted landing. "The aircraft were never in any danger," the FAA said in a statement. Aviation safety expert John Cox agreed that an accident was unlikely. "Every professional pilot I have ever known has been in situation where they were overtaking the plane in front of them and asked to do an S-turn," said Cox, a former airline pilot. "The only issue that could have come up was if they'd encountered the wake of the C-17." Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, also was on the plane with Mrs. Obama. The first lady had been in New York earlier in the day for a TV interview. The first lady's office declined to comment and referred all questions to officials at the FAA and Andrews. The president's West Wing press office did likewise.
Syria's government approved lifting the country's nearly 50-year-old state of emergency to meet a key demand of antigovernment protesters, but opposition leaders dismissed it as an attempt by President Bashar Assad to claim reforms but maintain his hard-line rule. The blunt response suggested the month-old uprising could be entering a more volatile stage: protesters now aiming higher to seek Assad's ouster and his regime warning that the demonstrations must now end. "This is a manoeuvre to gain time," said prominent Syrian writer Yassin Haj Saleh, who spent 16 years in jail for being a member of a pro-democracy group. "They are basically telling the people, we have fulfilled your demands, so go home and if you don't we will break your head," he said. "But in reality nothing will change." The announcement signalling the end of the much-reviled emergency rule came just hours after a show of strength by authorities. Security forced stormed an occupied square in Syria's third-largest city. Then officials issued a stern warning on national TV for the protesters to back down. The ultimatum-style message appeared to show that ending emergency laws will not ease the increasingly harsh blows against opponents. Assad's regime has labelled the protest movement as an "armed insurrection" that could give them the cover to continue the crackdown. Assad last week had told his cabinet to remove the state of emergency - in
place since his Baath Party took power in March 1963 - and implement other reforms, but added that such a move would give protesters no more reason to take to the streets. This could give Assad further pretext to move against any further marches or rallies. Syria's official news agency SANA said the cabinet also approved abolishing the state security court, which handled the trials of political prisoners, and approved a new law allowing the right to peaceful protests. The changes need parliament approval, but no objections are expected at its next session planned for May 2. "Repealing the emergency law would do little to restrict the power of various security agencies because Syria has other laws that guarantee members of the secret police immunity for virtually any crime committed in the line of duty," said Mohamad Bazzi, a regional expert at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. Most of Syria's 23 million people were born or grew up under the strict control of the state of emergency that, among other things, puts strict control on the media, allows eavesdropping on telecommunications and permits arrests without warrants from judicial authorities. The regime had claimed the reason for the emergency rule is because of the technical state of war with archenemy Israel, but rights groups and others say it was mostly used as the backbone of the authoritarian system.
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WORLD NEWS
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION
Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands: 1. 60701/36 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales comprising 1.43 acres of land on which is constructed a three bedroom, three bathroom house. Registered proprietor: Kenneth Norman Russell 2. Parcel 61112/50 & 52 Long Bay Hills, Providenciales comprising of two adjoining parcels with an existing two bedroom and one bath residential house, plus guest building. Registered Proprietor: Hynetta Lenore Stubbs
3. Parcel 60807/172 & 173 ,The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales comprising of two adjoining lots of a total of 1 acre on which is constructed a two storey apartment building with two ground level one bedroom apartments and one upper floor two bedroom, two bathroom apartments. Registered Proprietor: Jacqueline Edna Brown and Latasha Makalia Delancy 4. Parcel 10507/35/K8, South Suburbs Grand Turk comprising of a one bedroom condominium unit at the White Sands Resort. Registered Proprietor: Wilfred Rattey Jr. 5. Parcel 60400/172 Chalk Sound, Providenciales comprising of 1.05 acres of land on which is constructed a split-level residential development with 11 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, pool and concrete deck area. Registered Proprietor: Robert Alexander Been
6. Parcel 60715/23 Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, Providenciales comprising 0.48 acres of land on which is constructed 2 two storey apartment buildings, one comprising of 8 units and the other comprising of 4 units. Register Proprietor: Thomas Chalmers Misick
7. Parcel 60702/188/K6 Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Providenciales on which is constructed a building comprising of 1.329 square feet with two bedroom, one bathroom upper floor unit. The unit comprises of a combined living room, kitchen and dining room areas and small laundry closet and has a small external deck area. Registered Proprietor: Cora Nichole Malcolm
8. Parcel 51203/29 Bottle Creek Central, North Caicos located off Middle Road comprising of four bedrooms, one bathroom, living/dining room and kitchen with approximately 1,155 sq.ft of gross floor areas of residence. Registered Proprietor: Lionel Henry Bassett 9. Parcel 61112/233 Long Bay Hills, Providenciales comprising of a two storey residential development, upper level residence with kitchen, living room, dining room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Ground floor provides a self-contained two bedroom apartment. Registered Proprietor Claudette Olivia Blenman
10. Parcel 60900/59 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales comprising of a two storey residential development, upper level three bedrooms, two bathrooms, living/dining room and kitchen, Ground floor provides two bedrooms, one bathroom, living/dining and kitchen. Registered Proprietor Audley Gordon Williams 11. Parcel 60900/225 Leeward Going Through Providenciales comprising of residential development one storey three bedrooms and two bathrooms, living/dining room and kitchen. Registered Proprietor Narissa Bianca Thomas
12. Parcel 60003/120 North West & North Central Providenciales, comprising of one storey residential development, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, living/dining room and kitchen, a laundry room and an unscreened porch area to the front of property. Registered Proprietor Jomo Kenyetta Carter and Janet Oreetha Mears-Carter
13. Parcel 60504/130, Blue Hills & Stamers Run, Providenciales, comprising of .44 acres of land on which is an empty lot with a foundation only of two small units constructed on it. Registered Proprietor Joshua David Harvey and Requel Monique Harvey
13. Parcel 60715/171 Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Providenciales the property comprises of .50 acres on which is constructed a single storey existing development comprising several rental units. Registered Proprietor Charles Albert Alexander Stubbs and Karalene Elizabeth Stubbs
14. Parcel 60505/85 Blue Hills & Stamers Run Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development, three bedroom, living room, kitchen and dining room. Registered Proprietor: Stephanie Ann Williams and Leon McDonald Williams 15. Parcel 60802/57 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development with self contained apartments. The home comprises of three bedrooms, living room, kitchen and dining room. Registered Proprietor: Ruth Williams 16. Parcel 61113/88 Long Bay Hills Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development, three bedroom, living room, kitchen and dining room. Registered Proprietor: Terrance McLean Robinson and Loretta Rocal Robinson
17. Parcel 60502/186 Blue Hills & Stamers Run Providenciales, comprising of .28 acres of land on which a single storey building has been constructed comprising one bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen/living area and a screened terrace. Registered Proprietor Barbara Jean Mills Hamilton The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 11:30 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 13th day of May 2011 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids. Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Manager (649) 946-8034 or fax number (649) 946- 4409.
Hilary Clinton says Gadhafi may be using cluster bombs
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration said Thursday that Moammar Gadhafi's government may be targeting Libyan civilians with cluster bombs, cautiously endorsing claims by rebels and human rights groups that the Libyan strongman's troops are using the indiscriminate weapon on the western city of Misrata. Attacks by Gadhafi's forces have been deplorable, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said. Despite outlining more examples of what she termed Gadhafi's "inhumanity," Clinton refused to signal any new course for the United States to help antigovernment forces in their war to end four decades of dictatorship. "Col. Gadhafi's troops continue their vicious attacks, including the siege of Misrata," Clinton told reporters in Washington. "There are even reports that Gadhafi forces may have used cluster bombs against their own people." She also offered her condolences to the friends and families of two Western journalists killed in Misrata on Wednesday: Tim Hetherington, 40, a Britishborn war photographer and the Oscar-nominated co-director of the documentary "Restrepo" about U.S. soldiers on an outpost in Afghanistan; and Chris Hondros, 41, a New York-based photographer for Getty Images. Two other photographers — Guy Martin, a Briton affiliated with the Panos photo agency, and Michael Christopher Brown — were treated for shrapnel wounds, doctors said. Pressing the case of journalists in Libya, Clinton demanded the immediate release of all American citizens "unjustly detained," including at least two reporters. James Foley, of the Boston-based GlobalPost, and Clare Morgana Gillis, a contributor to The Atlantic and USA Today, were taken prisoner on April 5 by forces loyal to Gadhafi. "I say `at least' because we do not have any accurate information coming from Libyan authorities about other inquiries that we have made regarding their continuing harassment and detention of journalists, including Americans," Clinton said. The situation in Misrata, Libya's third-largest city, is dire after almost two months of siege by Gadhafi's troops. Hospitals are unable to cope with casualties, including many shrapnel injuries. Hundreds have been killed in relentless attacks, residents say. Rebels in Misrata have alleged that Gadhafi's forces are using cluster bombs, which pose particular risk to civilians because they scatter small bomblets over a wide area. And New York-based
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Human Rights Watch backed up the claim last week after it said its researchers inspected remnants and interviewed witnesses. But the Obama administration had yet to address the claim. Libyan officials have persistently denied the army is shelling Misrata or using cluster bombs. "We welcome any objective investigation of the actions of our army, our government and our officials," said government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim. The international community shouldn't "listen to media reports or stories fabricated by the rebels," he said. Cluster bomblets can be as small as flashlight batteries and are packed into artillery shells or bombs dropped from aircraft. A single container used to destroy airfields or tanks and soldiers typically scatter hundreds of the miniexplosives over an area the size of a football field. The U.S. used the weapon, a descendant of the "butterfly bomb" dropped by Nazi Germany on Britain in World War II, in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and in battlefield situations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bombs also were used by Soviet and Russian troops in Angola, Afghanistan and Chechnya, where leftover duds also continue to inflict casualties, particularly on children attracted by their often eye-catching color and little parachutes. They most recently were used by both sides in the war between Russia and Georgia three years ago, according to human rights groups. The campaign against the weapons picked up steam after Israel's month-long war against Hezbollah in 2006, when it scattered up to 4 million of the munitions across Lebanon, according to the U.N. In response, more than 100 countries pledged to ban the bombs. The United States has rejected the call, insisting that the bombs are a valid weapon of war when used properly. Usually 10 to 15 percent — but in some cases up to 80 percent — of the devices fail to explode immediately. Those that don't detonate right away may do so later at the slightest disturbance. One cluster bomb last week exploded just hundreds of yards from Misrata's main hospital, according to a report cited by U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay. She said it was inevitable that weapons such as cluster munitions, multiple rocket launchers and other heavy weaponry would lead to civilian casualties if used in crowded urban areas. Government attacks will be scrutinized by the International Criminal Court, she warned. Libya has never signed on to a treaty banning them.
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Baby cut out of pregnant Kentucky woman
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A woman used a stun gun to subdue an expectant mother before killing her and cutting the baby boy from her body, a Kentucky State Police investigator testified Tuesday. Detective Chad Winn, speaking during a preliminary hearing in Warren County District Court, said Kathy Michelle Coy told 21-year old Jamie Stice they were going shopping for baby supplies but took her instead to a wooded area with plans to kill her. Coy, 33, has been charged with murder and kidnapping of a minor. Winn testified that after attacking Stice with the stun gun, Coy slit Stice's throat and wrists, then cut the baby out Kathy Coy of Morgantown, Ky., listens to charges of her abdomen. Winn said Coy against her during a preliminary hearing eventually led investigators to Stice's body and gave details of the slaying. Coy's public defender, Jim Gibson, "She advised that she stunned her, objected to the preliminary hearing, her throat was slit, her wrists were slit, saying Coy's competency and mental she was disemboweled," Winn said as state were uncertain. members of Stice's family fled the "The defense is concerned that courtroom in tears. "The baby was there are significant mental health issues," Gibson said. obviously cut out of her." Warren County Commonwealth's Stice's remains were found off a dirt road in the Oakland community of Attorney Chris Cohron said he may southern Kentucky on April 14, less seek the death penalty for Coy, but will than a day after she was last seen make that decision after any mental leaving her home with Coy. Coy was health issues are litigated. Cohron said arrested after showing up at a Bowling the case will be presented to a grand Green hospital with a newborn baby, jury within two months. James Reynolds, the baby's father, but no signs of having given birth, says the infant is in good condition and Winn said. Warren County District Judge Sam that his name is Isaiah. He declined Potter sent the case to the grand jury. further comment.
US secretly backed Syrian opposition
The State Department has secretly funded Syrian opposition groups, according to diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, The Washington Post reported on Monday. The cables show that the State Department has funneled as much as $6 million since 2006 to a group of Syrian exiles to operate a London-based satellite channel, Barada TV, and finance activities inside Syria, the Post said. Barada TV began broadcasting in April 2009 but has ramped up operations to cover the mass protests in Syria that began last month as part of a long-standing campaign to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad the Post said. The U.S. money for Syrian opposition figures began flowing under President George W. Bush after political ties with Damascus were frozen in 2005, the newspaper said. The financial backing has continued under President Barack Obama, even as his administration sought to rebuild relations with Assad, the Post said. In January, the White House posted an ambassador to Damascus for the first time in six years. The article said it is unclear whether the United States was still funding Syrian
WORLD NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Winn was the only witness to testify during the 30-minute hearing. About 50 spectators, some wearing red, white and blue ribbons with the names "Jamie" and "Isaiah" on them, packed into the crowded courtroom. Coy, who has a hearing impairment, did not appear to look at or acknowledge Stice's family, but did cry before the hearing. Winn said there is evidence that Coy, who claimed to have had a miscarriage, planned to kill a pregnant woman and steal a baby. Winn said Coy approached her 13-year-old daughter in early April about taking part in such a plot. When the daughter balked, Coy passed it off as a joke, Winn said. Soon after, Coy approached her 14-year-old son and asked if he would take part in a murder, Winn said. The son refused and Coy didn't bring it up again, the detective testified. After killing Stice and stealing the baby boy, Coy drove to the home of a friend and said she had given birth to the baby, Winn said. The friend told troopers that Coy was in a car, wearing no pants and sitting on the placenta while holding the baby, who had grass on him, Winn said. The friend called for an ambulance after helping to clean the baby and taking a picture of the newborn, Winn said. At the hospital, at about 5:50 p.m. CDT on April 13, Coy brought in a uterus, ovaries and placenta with umbilical cord still attached, along
opposition groups, but the cables indicate money was set aside at least through September 2010. An uprising against Assad's authoritarian rule have spread across large parts of the country. Rights groups put the death toll at more than 200 people. Syrian authorities blame the violence on armed gangs. The previously undisclosed cables show that U.S. Embassy officials in Damascus became worried in 2009 when they learned that Syrian intelligence agents were raising questions about U.S. programs, The Washington Post said. An April 2009 cable signed by the topranking U.S. diplomat in Damascus at the time read Syrian authorities "would undoubtedly view any U.S. funds going to illegal political groups as tantamount to supporting regime change," the Post reported. "A reassessment of current U.S.sponsored programing that supports antifactions, both inside and outside Syria, may prove productive," the cable said. The Post said the State Department declined to comment on the authenticity of the cables or answer questions about its funding of Barada TV.
with the baby, Winn said. At the hospital, Dr. Sara Mangold examined Coy and determined she didn't give birth to the baby, Winn said. "She showed no signs whatsoever of having a child," Winn said. After seeing the internal organs Coy presented to doctors, hospital staff suspected someone had been killed and called police, Winn said. "There may have been a small chance that someone was still alive, but not likely," Winn said. Coy initially insisted she gave birth to the boy, then told police she bought the baby for $550 from a woman named "Ashley," but provided few details, Winn said. Police searched Coy's home and computer, finding links to two pregnant women on her Facebook page, Winn said. Investigators found one of the women unharmed, but couldn't find Stice, Winn said. Police would later find a stun gun and two knives believed to be used in the attack, Winn said. "I then asked Ms. Coy if that baby was Jamie Stice's," Winn said. "She answered 'I don't know.' I was alarmed by this." Coy eventually led detectives to a wooded area off a dirt road, where Stice's remains were located, Winn said. "We could have never found the body if Ms. Coy didn't tell us where it was," Winn said.
ICC judge rules against lawyers' wigs A judge has asked lawyers to shed their wigs next time they appear before her at the International Criminal Court. A handful of attorneys appeared last Monday in traditional black gowns and white horsehair wigs for a preliminary hearing in a case dealing with violence after Kenya's disputed 2007 presidential election. Justice Ekaterina Trendafilova paused briefly at the end of the hearing to pass a hair-raising judgment. "This is not the dress code of this institution," she said. "In this quite warm weather maybe it will be more convenient to be without wigs," she added with a smile. It is unusual for lawyers to appear at the International Criminal Court in wigs, but not unheard of. At least three lawyers wore wigs during the initial appearance of three Kenyan suspects on April 8, without Justice Trendafilova issuing any dress code guidelines. Steven Kay, one of the lawyers wearing a wig Monday, said the court's registry gave him the option of wearing Dutch lawyer's garb or the English version of wig and gown. "I was not aware before the proceedings of any rule that there were no wigs at the ICC," Kay told the AP in an email. Court spokesman Fadi El Adballah said there were no specific rules about wigs, and it is up to individual judges to run their courtrooms "in a harmonious way". Trendafilova decided that since wigs are not mandatory, it would be better for all lawyers to have the same dress code - in this case without wigs, he added. David Hooper, another British barrister who appeared in court Monday, did so without his wig. In 2006, Serb nationalist Vojislav Seselj refused to accept a bewigged Hooper as a court-appointed defense lawyer because he wanted to defend himself at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal.
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Apple to ship new iPhone in September
Apple's next-generation iPhone will have a faster processor and will begin shipping in September, three people with direct knowledge of the company's supply chain said. The production of the new iPhone will start in July/August and the smartphone will look largely similar to the iPhone 4, one of the people said on Wednesday. The iPhone -- introduced in 2007 with the touchscreen, on-demand application template now adopted by its rivals -- remains the gold standard in the booming smartphone market. Reports on the timeline of the new iPhone launch vary, though it is largely expected that Apple will likely refresh its iPhone 4 later this year. The sources declined to be identified because the plans for the new iPhone were not yet public. An Apple spokeswoman in Hong Kong was not available for comment. The iPhone is one of Apple's most successful products, with more than 16 million sold in the last
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
quarter of 2010 and the product accounted for more than a third of the company's sales in the quarter. The current iPhone 4 was launched by Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs in June last year and began shipping the same month in 2010. Apple sources many of its components from Taiwan-based suppliers, many of whom are expected to benefit from an uptick in sales as some of them rely on the U.S. company for about 20-40 percent of their business, said Vincent Chen, an analyst at Yuanta Securities. "For some suppliers, Apple is their cash cow, or their bread and butter," Chen said. "With all these versions being launched so frequently, it will be the so-called low-margin suppliers, such as those that assemble the phones, who will benefit the most." Suppliers to the new iPhone include camera module maker Largan Precision Co Ltd, touchscreen panel maker Wintek Corp and case maker Foxconn
Toyota making drastic production cuts after Japan quake, tsunami
Toyota has announced drastic production cuts in North America and China due to difficulty in supplying parts following the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Previously, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA), had said it would suspend production on Mondays and Fridays between April 15 and April 25. That will continue through June 3, the company said in a statement. "During the same period, production will run at 50% on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday," the statement said. In addition, Canadian production will be suspended for the week beginning May 23, and U.S. production for the week starting May 30. “No decisions have been made for production after June 3, according to Toyota Motor Corp. No layoffs are planned during this period," the statement said. "Team members will utilize nonproduction time for training and plant improvement activities." "We are trying to continue production as much as possible and keep our work force intact in order to facilitate a smooth transition back to full production when all parts are available," said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of TEMA. Last month, Toyota told its U.S. plants to prepare to shut down because of parts supply problems. Toyota employs 25,000 workers in North America. It operates nine plants in the United States in Kentucky, Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, California and Mississippi. It also operates three plants in Canada and one in Mexico. In China, the company plans to go to 30% to 50% production from Thursday through June 3 because of difficulties delivering parts. Toyota had already announced that it dropped production in its manufacturing facilities in Japan to 50%. Officials said Tuesday that the drop in production would continue and that Toyota would stop production all together between the dates of April 28 to May 9. The earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck Japan on March 11, leaving thousands dead.
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Technology Co Ltd, two of the people said. The companies would begin production either in July or August before shipping components to Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, flagship of Foxconn Technology Group, for assembly, they said. Officials at Largan, Wintek and Foxconn declined to comment. On Wednesday, Largan's Taipei-listed shares ended up 3.7 percent, Hon Hai rose 4.3 percent and Foxconn rose 6.6 percent, outpacing the benchmark TAIEX share index's 2 percent advance. Apple, a big purchaser of touchscreen displays and flash memory, is also dependent on Japan for some of its key components, sparking concern that the disruption due to the crisis there may hurt its gross margins. Apple is expected to report another spectacular quarter on Wednesday, tempered by growing caution over how supply constraints will squeeze margins and restrain iPhone and iPad sales.
UK's Cameron dashes Brown's IMF prospects Gordon Brown
LONDON- Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron insisted Tuesday that his predecessor Gordon Brown shouldn't become a candidate to lead the International Monetary Fund, and suggested the next chief should be the first from outside of Europe. Cameron said Brown may not be a suitable contender to replace Dominique Strauss-Khan, because of his views on what needs to be done to sort out Britain's public finances. During Brown's premiership, Britain's borrowings mushroomed in the wake of the financial crisis and the ensuing recession. The Prime Minister said the next chief must be someone who "understands the dangers of excessive debt," and suggested the IMF should look to emerging economies in India, China or South Asia for a candidate, instead of a "washed up politician." "It may well be it's time actually to have a candidate from another part of the world in order to increase its standing in the world," he said. That would mark a change of direction for
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron
the IMF, which has been headed by a European since its formation after World War II. Frenchman Strauss-Khan is widely tipped to leave the post he has held since late 2007 at the end of this year, and possibly make a run for his country's presidency in 2012. Since taking office last May, Cameron's coalition government has set out 81 billion pounds ($132 billion) worth of spending cuts. The opposition Labour Party, which Brown no longer leads, has called for slower and less severe budget restraint. "If you have someone who didn't think we had a debt problem in the U.K. — when we self-evidently do have a debt problem — then they might not be the most appropriate person to work out whether other countries around the world have debt and deficit problems," Cameron told BBC radio. The existing convention is that the European Union proposed the IMF's managing director, which effectively hands Cameron a veto on the process. Meanwhile, the U.S. proposes the president of the IMF's sister organization, the World Bank
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US drug spending slows; hits $307 billion in 2010
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
U.S. spending growth on prescription drugs slowed to 2.3 percent in 2010 the second lowest level in 55 years, according to a report by consulting firm IMS Health. Even with the slowing growth rate, spending on prescription medicines reached $307.4 billion in the world's biggest market, the report issued on Tuesday said. The anemic spending growth compared to a growth rate of 5.1 percent in 2009, which was helped by a lengthy and severe flu season, and was attributed to factors that include greater use of cheaper generic medicines, less spending on new therapies and fewer patients visiting doctors to begin treatments for chronic illnesses. The lowest U.S. spending growth rate ever reported by IMS - in more than half a century of tracking it - was 1.8 percent in 2008, due in part to several widely used medicines that had recently become available as generics.
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
U.S. spending growth on prescription drugs slowed to the second lowest level in 55 years.
U.S. patent expirations on several widely used drugs over the next two years, including Pfizer's top-selling Lipitor, will likely lead to future slow growth rates as patients switch to less expensive generic versions.
American Airlines records US$436M loss in first quarter
DALLAS—American Airlines lost US$436 million in the first quarter as it battled rising jet fuel prices, likely foreshadowing huge losses at other major US airlines. American responded to the grim numbers by announcing it will scale back plans to add new flights and retire at least 25 older, gas-guzzling planes later this year. Spot prices for jet fuel have been rising sharply since September, and American spent US$1.8 billion on fuel in the first quarter—an increase of US$366 million or 25 per cent from this time last year. At current oil prices, the gap could grow during the rest of 2011. American was also hurt by winter storms that caused the cancellation of more than 9,000 U.S. flights, and by a slump in travel to Japan after the March earthquake and tsunami. American's parent, AMR Corp., lost US$1.31 per share. Not counting one-time charges for sale-leaseback deals, the company said it would have lost US$1.21 per share. Analysts, who usually exclude such items from their figures, expected a loss of US$1.28 per share, according to research firm FactSet. A year ago, AMR lost US$505 million, or US$1.52 per share. Revenue rose 9.2 per cent, to US$5.53 billion, as passenger traffic improved modestly and fares rose since December. Standard & Poor’s kept its “Sell” rating on AMR shares after the report, saying American faces lower average revenue, higher costs, more debt and bigger pension obligations than most of its rivals. The first quarter is usually the weakest for airlines, and analysts predict that United Continental, Delta and several other US airlines also lost money. Wall Street thinks most airlines will turn profitable by year-end, but not AMR. AMR CEO Gerard Arpey said demand for air travel, especially for business, is still improving, “and that enabled us to keep our planes relatively full while charging higher fares.” Airlines have been raising fares to offset higher fuel costs. They can drive up prices by reducing capacity —the supply of seats for sale. American had planned to boost capacity later this year, but those plans are changing as fuel prices rise. The airline said it will reduce expansion plans, especially on US flying, although it still expects to increase fourth-quarter capacity 2.2 per cent above the same period in 2010. American said it will retire at least 25 MD-80 aircraft this year to save fuel and add newer planes to its fleet. AMR shares fell two cents to US$5.68 in midday trading.
A slow economy and high unemployment that forced many people to weigh healthcare costs against other expenses appear to have taken a toll in 2010, while a higher percentage of patients relied on government programs for their medicines. Visits to doctors' offices declined 4.2 percent last year, and the number of patients starting new treatments for chronic conditions fell by 3.4 million, reflecting the unemployment levels, loss of healthcare coverage and more careful spending on healthcare, the IMS report said. Commercial health insurance was used to pay for 63 percent of dispensed prescriptions, down from 66 percent five years ago. Those filled under a Medicare Part D plan or through Medicaid represented 30 percent of all prescriptions in 2010 versus 22 percent in 2006 - a clear indication of greater dependence on government programs for medicines.
Spending on generics rose 21.7 percent in 2010 compared with a spending decline of 0.7 percent for more expensive branded drugs as cheaper generic medicines now account for 78 percent of all retail prescriptions dispensed, IMS said. A decline in truly innovative new medicines coming out of pharmaceutical company research labs was also apparent in the IMS report. Average spending per new branded product in 2010 was $62 million versus $114 million in 2006, as most new drugs that became available were similar to existing treatments. Cancer treatments were the top therapy class in 2010 spending at $22.3 billion, followed by respiratory drugs at $19.3 billion and cholesterol and lipid treatments at $18.7 billion, IMS said. IMS tracks prescription drug sales for the pharmaceutical industry and issues forecasts and spending reports through its Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
LAWMAKERS ASK STEVE JOBS TO EXPLAIN IPHONE TRACKING
Steve Jobs displays the iPhone
In the wake of a recent discovery regarding data collection on iPhones, some Democratic lawmakers are questioning whether Apple has failed to protect its customers' privacy, and whether the company has possibly broken the law. Researchers announced Wednesday that they found what look like secret files on the iPhone that track user location and store it on the device, without the permission of the device owner. It's unclear what the data is used for and why Apple has been collecting it in iOS products that carry a 3G antenna for nearly a year now. Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and co-chair of the House Bipartisan Privacy Caucus, sent a letter today to Apple CEO Steve Jobs in response to the finding. He asked about Apple's data collection, storage and disclosure practices, including the company's compliance with a section of the Communications Act that requires companies to get permission from their customers to access information regarding their location for commercial
purposes. Markey said he wanted answers from the company to ensure that "sensitive information can't be left behind for others to follow." "Apple needs to safeguard the personal location information of its users to ensure that an iPhone doesn't become an iTrack," Markey wrote. Some of Markey's questions include whether Apple intentionally developed this functionality to log the locations of users, and for what purpose it is used. He also asks if it's possible for customers to disable, and if not, why. (According to CNET, it's impossible to disable, since it's part of the operating system.) Markey asked for responses to his questions by May 12. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) are also looking for answers from Apple, the Hill reports. "There are numerous ways in which this information could be abused by criminals and bad actors," Franken wrote in his own letter to Jobs. Inslee said in a statement that he is "deeply disturbed" by the finding. "I have been concerned that current law fails to ensure consumers are protected from privacy violations," he said.
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Successful TCIFA Schools’ competition
Junior Last week saw the completion of the TCIFA Provo Junior School’s football tournament as thirty teams from twelve schools competed against each other. The recent recruitment drive by the TCIFA, which has seen its academy numbers swell in size, ensured that many schools were now competing for the first time. Whole Gospel, Wesley Methodist, Provo Christsian School and Shining Stars all made their competitive debuts with impressive performances. There were four categories of competition: 11 and Under Boys, 11 and Under Girls, 13 and Under Boys and 13 and Under girls. For the most part the games were all closely contested and schools that had dominated in the past like Enid Capron, now found themselves pushed hard by the various new comers. The Under 11 Girl’s competition saw eight schools compete in two qualification groups. Whole Gospel surprised everyone by winning all three of their games before finally losing to Richmond Hill (21) in the semi-final. Sharika Been and Evnisha Saintverlu led the Whole Gospel team well, but it was goals by Daria Handfield and Synese Robinson that ensured Richmond Hill would play in their first final. The final which was played on Friday, April 15, was a one sided affair as Richmond Hill could not cope with the experience of the Enid Capron players, many of which are members of the TCIFA Girl’s Center of Excellence. The final ended up 7-1 with goals coming from Yarielca De La Cruz (3), Guerline Hall (2) and Caroline Padua (1). Daria Handfield scored a powerful freekick to ensure Richmond Hill got on the scoresheet. There were many impressive performances during the competition but Yarielca De La Crus (who scored six goals in total) was voted MVP. The most contested group was the Under 11 Boys division as ten teams competed in two groups of five
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The British West Indies Collegiate team posting with trophies and medals
with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. Group A was very evenly matched as Provo Christian secured two wins to finish in third place, narrowly missing out on a semi-final place to Enid Capron and group winners Provo Primary. Group B was won by Oseta Jolly courtesy of their 2-1 win over Ianthe Pratt. In third place were new comers Wesley Methodist who did well in their first attempt at this level. The semi-finals were played on the same day as the finals and although the scorelines may suggest that the games were one sided that was not the case. Oseta Jolly defeated Enid Capron 4-1 who had many chances to score but were undone by some excellent defensive work on behalf of the Oseta Jolly players. In addition the likes of Timothy Gill, Kevin Simon, William Sylvain, Marvin Joseph and Wilkinson
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Enid Capron receiving their medals
Feneler were a constant threat going forward. Provo Primary beat Ianthe Pratt 2-0 in the other semi-final with goals from Livingston Ferdinand and Oren Campbell. The final was eagerly anticipated with both teams blessed with talented players from the TCIFA Academies but it was Oseta Jolly who were to become champions with a well earned 3-0 victory. MVP for the 11 and Under group went to Livingston Ferdinand of Provo Primary who was the competitions top scorer with six goals. The Under 13 Girls Competition saw some high scoring and competitive games. Group A was close to call with Enid Capron finishing in first place on goal difference above Clement Howell after they tied their deciding game. Group B saw three teams tie on the same points only for Whole Gospel and the Collegiate to go through to the semi finals on goal difference. Whole Gospel had blown the Collegiate away in the first game with an impressive 3-0 win, with two long range shots finding the net from Jenny Fluerenvil. However, a hat-trick from Raynin Lightbourne gave Shining Stars a 3-1 win over Whole Gospel in the second group game. This meant that the Collegiate would need to win by three clear goals to progress to the semi-finals at the expense of Shining Stars. Collegiate pressured from the start but appeared to be running out of time until some late goals from Sydney Lawson and Britney Bien-Aime gave them the 3-0 margin of victory needed. In the semi-finals Enid Capron defeated the Collegiate 2-0 and the same score saw Clement Howell defeat Whole Gospel who again did well in their first attempt at this level. The final had the makings of being a closely fought affair but Enid Capron ran out 6-1 winners, despite falling 1-0 behind due to a Waldine Pierre penalty. Keyanna Thompson scored twice for Enid Capron but not wanting to be outdone by her younger sister (Yarielca) four goals from Yarileny De La Cruz ensured that it was a family clean sweep as she received the MVP award. The final competition proved to be the most evenly matched as BWIC defeated Enid Capron 2-1 in a tense and very evenly matched final. In the group stages the Collegiate and Clement Howell had finished level on points and Enid Capron finished ahead of Whole Gospel who had an impressive 2-1 win over Ianthe Pratt. BWIC won their semi-final 4-0 against a spirited Whole Gospel team but the other semi-final went to a penalty shoot-out before Enid Capron edged out Clement Howell. The final was the most evenly contested of the day as The Collegiate claimed a 2-1 win over Enid Capron. Gabrielle Joly scored both goals for BWIC and Jeff Beljour forced the ball home for Enid Capron. Lawrence Santage was voted MVP for the competition as his hard work and all round play in defence and midfield had inspired the Collegiate team
Daren Powell quits; bounces WICB, Gibson
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Outspoken Jamaica and West Indies cricketer Daren Powell has announced his retirement from first-class and international cricket, while taking swipes at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and its coach Ottis Gibson over recent events. “I am retired from first-class and international cricket. I am out of the game now,” said Powell, who admitted that he had not yet officially informed (in writing) the Jamaica or West Indies cricket boards of his recent decision. “I turned 33 on Friday, April 15, and I am not playing any cricket now. Trying to prove myself again for another year would be robbing another youngster from getting a chance,” he told the Observer in an interview. Powell, who played 37 Test matches and 55 One-Day Internationals for the Caribbean team, bemoaned what he called the poor state of West Indies cricket and called for radical changes to be made to put the game back on a path of success. “The (West Indies) Board lacks tactical awareness as far as the development of West Indies cricket is concerned. That has been proven over and over again,” said Powell, a medium-fast bowler and competent lower-order batsman. “Instead of the Board and Gibson focusing so much on the senior players in West Indies cricket, I would rather see them channel that focus on the administration of cricket in the region, which is the main problem that the sport faces. The regional boards and the main board must be overhauled. “So the West Indies Board is not examining the real problems facing cricket at the moment. The Board seems to be focusing on some people and not the growth of cricket. “Our cricket is in a bad state. We’re not finding players who are coming through from the under-19s to come up and play and move forward
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Daren Powell
like you have in the other world teams at the moment,” said Powell, who played his last Test match in March 2009 against England in Trinidad & Tobago. Continuing, he insists, that the attention shown to players for them to develop, must be sharper. “We have players looking good at the Under-19 level and when they get to Test level, they get a bunch of criticism and there is no one there helping their career to go any further. “I would like to see the selectors sit down and come with some better tactics and awareness and put the good plans on the table that we are told they have to develop players,” Powell said. The former St Elizabeth Technical High School player took issue with Gibson’s criticism of former captain Chris Gayle, among other senior players on the West Indies team, including Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who, like Gayle, were not selected for the West Indies’ Twenty/20 match and first two ODIs in the upcoming home series against Pakistan. Gibson, in his leaked World Cup report submitted to the West Indies Board, lashed out at Gayle and other players, saying among other things, in
Gayle’s case, that the Jamaican lefthanded opening batsman and former Test captain was not a natural leader and was not a student of the game. Powell believes Gibson’s comments were out of order. “Based on what I read about coach Ottis Gibson saying about Gayle not being tactically aware and is not a natural leader, there is no reason to target Gayle. “For West Indies cricket to move forward, it is not about focusing on Gayle or the senior players on the team. “When Gibson took the job as coach, I believed that he was the right person for it. But right now his mind seems to be elsewhere and he is not focusing on what should matter… the development of the cricket from the lower levels. “Gibson’s mind seems to be too much on the senior players. We need for him to get the senior players to perform, yes, but at the same time we need to see changes made in the development of players from the youth level. “We all want West Indies cricket to move forward, but we can’t spend so much time now focusing on Gayle, Sarwan, Chanderpaul, or the Bravos. “We need to look from the Under15 level and structure the game in such a way that when these same players get to 22-years-old they can match the other players on other international teams of the same age. “We’re having guys coming up for the West Indies and playing two or three games and getting dropped. When you look at some of the guys who played in the World Cup, like Andre Russell for example, if he were a weak individual, he would not have played another game, because he performed well and got dropped for someone who is there just to spin a toss,” Powell said.
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That spinner of the toss is an obvious reference to present captain Darren Sammy, who has underperformed with both bat and ball since his surprise appointment earlier this year and who has been facing mounting criticism from members of the cricket fraternity over his low level of productivity. “If they are talking about tactical awareness, how can a Board or a coach not see that Darren Sammy cannot manage the leadership of the West Indies cricket team? “The Board signed a contract with a player who is not the right man for the job. Unless he is injured, he will always play. His appointment has done nothing to his cricket… his batting has fallen off and he is not picking up any wickets with his bowling. So that is showing that he is under tremendous pressure and he is not the usual Darren Sammy who is always running around. His energy level has dropped dramatically. All of that is showing that he is under pressure and that is not his game. “The West Indies team needs players who can control themselves under pressure and get the team to perform. When Gayle was captain, he did not win all his matches, but he showed that he could lead the team. He lost the captaincy, all because he did not sign a piece of paper. West Indies have dug themselves in a hole and they need to get themselves out. “The Board is using players who they think they can manipulate. The Board should instead look for someone who can stand up and defend his players. Gayle, therefore, should return as captain,” he said. Powell is awaiting a transfer from Kensington Cricket Club in order to again represent his parish of birth, St Elizabeth. He is also coaching Bethlehem Moravian College located at Malvern in the parish.
MVP athletes locked out of Stadium East
Shelly-Ann, Asafa and Melanie Walker among 14 athletes barred by security guards
World and Olympic champions ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Melaine Walker, and Asafa Powell were among a group of 14 world class MVP athletes locked out of the Stadium East training facility where they showed up for training this morning despite a standing arrangement with Independence Park Limited (IPL) for them to train at the facility six days per week. MVP assistant coach, Paul Francis, told the Observer that he got a call at 5:29 this morning from the athletes to say that they had been barred from entering the compound by security guards on duty who told them they had been instructed Asafa Powell (pictured), Shelly-Ann by IPL not to let them in. Fraser-Pryce, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Head coach, Stephen Francis, was and Melaine Walkerone were among a group of 14 world class MVP athletes livid as he told the Observer that the locked out of the Jamaica National athletes were forced to stand outside the Stadium
gate indefinitely as leaving would have jeopardisd their status in accordance with IAAF anti-doping rules which say they must declare their location at all times for out-of competition (OTC) testing. As luck would have it, the local antidoping officials, Jamaica Anti-doping Commission (JADCO), showed up this morning. "They were out there on the road waiting and they can't train because these idiots could not even give them a day's notice," Francis fumed. "I'm sure if something is going on there they could have used it until 8:30...you're supposed to give us some kind of notice because we have 14 or 15 international athletes, all of whom are on the drug testing list who have to declare their whereabouts at least 24 hours in advance," he explained.
"These are the kinds of things we have to put up with trying to compete against people internationally and when they win these are the first people jump up on the bandwagon talking about this and that and not even to facilitate us to train." Francis said JADCO officials later facilitated the athletes by allowing them to travel to their base at the University of Technology for testing to be conducted. "Is a good thing I told them they must stay there," he added."If we never tell them to stay then the whole team would have been suspended for missing a drug test." Calls from the Observer to the mobile phone of IPL General Manager Major Desmon Brown went unanswered. "This can happen again and again because of the unprofessionalism of these people," Francis concluded.
Stoke Crushes Bolton 5-0 to Reach 1st FA Cup Final
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WEMBLEY, England — Stoke routed Bolton 5-0 Sunday to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in the team's 148-year history. This was the biggest victory in an FA Cup semifinal since 1939 when Wolverhampton beat Grimsby by the same score. Stoke, the Premier League's oldest club, will play Manchester City for the title at Wembley on May 14. Man City defeated Manchester United 1-0 Saturday in the other semifinal. In the Premier League, Arsenal's title hopes were hurt when Liverpool salvaged a 1-1 draw with a penalty kick in the 12th minute of injury time. Arsenal could be set for a sixth straight season without a major trophy. Robin van Persie's penalty kick put Arsenal in front just four minutes before Emmanuel Eboue shoved Lucas Leiva to the ground. Dirk Kuyt then tied the score to leave Arsenal six points behind leader Manchester United with six games remaining. Chelsea is two points further back in third place.
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Stoke City's Kenwyne Jones, left, takes flight in his fight for the ball with Bolton Wanderers' Zat Knight during the FA Cup semi on Sunday at Wembley. Stoke ran away with the victory.
Stoke began its barrage in the opening 30 minutes, with Matthew Etherington, Robert Huth and Kenwyne Jones all punishing a shoddy defense with goals. "People say certain things about
Spain Appeal Over US Choice of Davis Cup Court
BARCELONA - The Spanish tennis federation (RFET) has appealed to Davis Cup organizers over the surface chosen by the United States for July's World Group quarter-final. The surface, known as Indoor Hard Premiere, was not on the list approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the sport's world governing body which runs the Davis Cup, the RFET said in a statement on its website (www.rfet.es). The company that made the court, which the RFET named as Premier Concepts Inc., was not one of 91 ITF-approved manufacturers, it added. "It's a court that we are not familiar with because it doesn't meet the criteria," Spain Davis Cup captain Albert Costa told a news conference in Barcelona. "So the problem I have right now is to explain to the players what kind of court they will encounter, because even if we wanted to train on a similar one we could not install it because it is not approved," he added. The ITF said it had received the RFET's appeal, adding that its Davis Cup committee had been asked to consider whether the Austin surface complied with competition rules. "The committee is in the process of considering this appeal with a decision expected later this week," the ruling body added. The July 8-10 tie is being staged at the Frank Erwin Center on the University of Texas campus in Austin, home town of former world number one Andy Roddick.
us," Etherington said. "Today was our day to prove them wrong. We are used to being the underdogs. The manager said that before the game, and we will be the underdogs in the final as well. Bring it on."
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was beaten for the fourth time in the 68th minute when Jon Walters scored from 25 yards. Walters completed the rout in the 81st minute with his second goal. "We were the architects of our own downfall if you look at all the goals," Bolton manager Owen Coyle said. "I thought there were too many who didn't give a performance to match their ability and that's the galling thing. ... When you underperform it leaves a bad taste in your mouth." Stoke and Manchester City are chasing their first major title since winning the League Cup in the 1970s — Stoke in 1972 and City four years later. With Manchester City set to qualify for the Champions League or Europa League by taking one of the top five spots in the Premier League, Stoke could earn a spot in the Europa League regardless of the outcome of the final.
Magic’s Howard Wins 3rd Straight Defensive Award
ORLANDO, Fla. — Dwight to do what I had to do to help Howard has another piece of my teammates win so it's very hardware for his personal trophy tough to play defense." case.The Orlando Magic center Orlando coach Stan Van became the first player to win the Gundy, who has made repeated NBA Defensive Player of the cases for Howard's MVP Year Award three straight seasons candidacy, said the defensive Monday — and the voting wasn't honor is a no-brainer. close. "It's not what he does well, Howard received 585 points, it's that he does everything well," including 114 first-place votes, Van Gundy said. "He really from a panel of 120 sports writers doesn't have a weakness on the and broadcasters. Boston's Kevin defensive end of the floor at all. Garnett finished second with 77 He can guard his guy in the post points and Dallas' Tyson Chandler very well. He's an outstanding was third with 70. pick and roll defender. Great on Only Dikembe Mutombo and rotations and schemes. The one Ben Wallace, with four each, have thing that's probably under now won the award more times. appreciated about him is that he's Dwight Howard "I try to do the best I can on the smartest big guy I've ever the defensive end. To dominate, been around." change the game," Howard said at a press Teammate and best friend Jameer Nelson called conference at the Magic's team facility. "That's not Howard's knowledge of the game and preparation blocking shots but just being a presence on the "excellent." defensive end. Making sure I'm here for my "People take it for granted," Nelson said. "You teammates, being active, talking with them. It just don't block shots and do all the things he does definitely is an honor to be considered one of the defensively not knowing personnel and not best defensive players to play the game. preparing the way he does." "I'm still young so hopefully I can keep it up." Though Orlando dropped the opening game of The 6-foot-11 Howard ranked second in the their first-round playoff series with Atlanta NBA at 14.1 rebounds per game and fourth in Saturday night, the Hawks had no answers for blocks with 2.38. He also was the defensive anchor Howard; He finished with 46 points and 19 of a team that was ranked fourth in the regular rebounds. season, giving up 93.7 points per game to Hawks coach Larry Drew said Howard opponents. deserves a place among the NBA's greats for what Howard said there is no secret to what it takes he's been able to achieve. to succeed on the defensive end of the floor. "High. Very, very high," Drew said. "Anybody "It takes a lot of heart. You've got to want to who can impact the game the way he does on the stop people, want to stop teams," Howard said. defensive end — he's an unbelievable defensive "There are going to be times when you don't have talent. When you have a guy who's your back line any energy ... There's been times on the court for defense and can erase mistakes the way he can ... me I've had cramps. I never said anything. But I had he'll definitely rank high among the tops."
Why the fastest marathon ever won’t be considered a world record
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai ran the fastest marathon ever on Monday, finishing the Boston Marathon in 2 hours, 3 minutes, 2 seconds. Despite the blistering time, Mutai's mark isn't being recognized as a world record. Why not? Even though it's considered one of the most challenging marathon courses in the world, the Boston Marathon is run on a net downhill, making it ineligible for world records. USA Track and Field only recognizes courses that meet specific criteria about elevation changes as record-eligible. Those courses must drop less than one meter per kilometer to fit the standard. For a 26.2-mile race, that's about 137 feet. The Boston Marathon begins at 475 feet above sea level and drops all the way to 16 feet by the end. The total drop of 459 feet is well past the recordeligible specifications. That means Haile Gebrselassie's time of 2:03:59, set in Berlin in 2008, will remain the world record. It's an understandable rule, given that no two marathons are exactly alike. Racing records set on tracks are largely interchangeable whether they occur in Atlanta or Beijing or Rome. Marathon courses vary greatly and don't provide apples-to-apples comparison.
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A tailwind accompanied the race and doubtlessly aided in Mutai's time, but the wind was irrelevant given the start-to-finish elevation decrease. Even if Mutai had run the course in a
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS
Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai as he crosses the finish line
hurricane headwind, the world record still wouldn't have counted. World record or not, Mutai's performance is one of the greatest in recent memory. He broke the course
Manchester United and Beckham top Forbes' football rich list
Manchester United has been named as the world's most valuable football club for the seventh year in a row by Forbes, while its former star David Beckham is once again the highest-paid player. The U.S. business magazine's Forbes 2011 Soccer Valuation survey ranked the English club at $1.86 billion ahead of Spain's Real Madrid ($1.45 billion). Fellow Premier League club Arsenal came in third at $1.19 billion, with Germany's Bayern Munich at $1.1 billion and Spain's Barcelona down one place to fifth on $975 million. Forbes, which will release the full list in its May 9 issue, said the average value of the top 20 clubs increased by 1.3% to $640 million, while average operating income rose 25% to $40 million. It based its ratings on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. United's parent company posted record pre-tax losses of $178 million last month, due to the huge debts the Glazer family incurred in buying the club for almost £800 million ($1.33 billion) in 2005, but it has consistently posted healthy operating profits. Forbes cited United's "powerful global brand with 333 million supporters worldwide, including 193 million in Asia, and 9.5 million Facebook fans." It said United's value had risen 12.5% in local currency, with commercial revenue of $122 million growing at a double-digit annual rate following new deals with Turkish Airlines, Betfair and several telecommunications companies. Real Madrid's income of $537 million last year was the second-highest of any sports team in the world, behind the New York Yankees baseball franchise, and $109 million more than United's. President Florentino Perez has sanctioned huge spending sprees on players since taking over for a second time, including a world-record $130 million on Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Money matters: David Beckham, the LA Galaxy midfielder, and his former club Manchester United remain the highest earners and most valuable football club in European football
Arsenal, which is in the middle of a takeover bid by American Stan Kroenke, has a more conservative financial model. Forbes said it had boosted its worldwide appeal by agreeing a deal with the largest regional sports channel in U.S., YES Network. Barcelona is on course for a third successive Spanish title, but its increasing debt problems have diminished its value. Forbes also pointed to doubts over Barca's lucrative broadcasting deal with "financially distressed" MidiaPro. Italy's AC Milan was rated sixth on $838 million, but suffered from a drop in average attendances of 15,000 per home game last season which meant that match-day revenue reduced by 6%.
record by more than three minutes and was one of four men to come in under 2:05, a time which had seemed unconquerable before it was accomplished last year.
English club Chelsea was ranked seventh on $658 million as Forbes considered the €726 million ($1 billion) loan from owner Roman Abramovich that the club converted to equity two years ago is still repayable to the Russian. Former England captain Beckham's career is in its final stages as he plays out his five-year contract with Los Angeles Galaxy, but he still earned $40 million last season according to Forbes. It said the 35-year-old former United and Real midfielder added Pepsi and Electronic Arts to his list of endorsements, which is headed by his deal with Adidas -- which Forbes described as the biggest in world soccer. Real Madrid's Ronaldo, the most popular athlete on Facebook with more than 24 million followers, was second on $38 million thanks to his contracts with sponsors such as Nike, Armani, Coca-Cola and Castrol. Barcelona's two-time world player of the year Lionel Messi was third on £32 million. The Argentina star has deals with Adidas, Lay's, Konami, Audemars Piguet, Chery and AirEuropa worth half of his total income. They were followed by Brazilian duo Kaka ($25 million) and Ronaldinho ($24 million). Thierry Henry, like Beckham now based in the United States, was sixth on $21 million. Forbes said the Frenchman Henry bought a $14.9 million New York City apartment after joining Major League Soccer's Red Bulls team last year. However, his earnings will be down this year as his lucrative Gillette deal has now ended. United's Wayne Rooney was seventh on $20 million, but while he still endorses Nike and Electronic Arts the England striker's $1 milliona-year deal with Coca-Cola has ended. Samuel Eto'o is the only African on the list, with the Inter Milan striker ranked 10th by Forbes with earnings of $15 million behind Chelsea's Frank Lampard and AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (both $17 million). A four-time African player of the year, the Cameroon international has deals with Puma and Ford.
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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
Published by SUN Media Group, Turks and Caicos
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Oil price in TCI rockets out of control
APRIL 22ND - APRIL 29TH, 2011
THE 25 CENTS gas tax applied by the government as part of its budget measures, plus the almost weekly rising cost of the commodity have sent fuel prices rattling through the roof with apparently no end in sight. On Providenciales, it would be a stroke of luck to stumble upon a petrol station that sells gasoline under $5.30 per gallon. On or about two weeks ago some gas stations were selling gasoline below $5 per gallon. Some gasoline outlets have jacked up their prices over the last two weeks from $4.95 to $5.35 – an increase of 40 cents. One downtown station, up to last Thursday, was selling unleaded fuel for $5.14 per gallon. But on Saturday the price leapt to $5.52 – a 38 cents leap in just one price adjustment. Some consumers believe that the combination of the gas tax and the rising oil prices due mainly to Wall Street speculation, local gasoline price could plateau at $7 per gallon. Some even believe that it could surpass that figure based on the current trend. As a result of the spiraling fuel prices, a number of heavy duty
LOCAL NEWS
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Fuel pricesare incredibly high, with some prices ove $5 per gallon
vehicle owners said at least for now they have downgrade to a more fuel efficient vehicle. Those who have smaller and more efficient vehicles said they would be using those units until at least the price of fuel plummets, while those who do not have a smaller vehicle said they would be making provisions to invest in one, in a bid the escaping the taxing fuel prices. The practice of buying smaller
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cars to save fuel may have started some time ago, as checks by to The on auto sales in February revealed that smaller and used vehicles were being purchased at a fairly fast pace by locals as well as expatriates trying to escaping the choking hold of the fuel prices. Some persons who joined in the gasoline debate, which is also being argued out on the social website Facebook, believe that greater
consideration should have been given with regard to the tax’s implementation, since it was clear sign in the past few months that almost each week prices were being adjusted. Some are arguing that other islands such as North Caicos and Middle Caicos will feel the effects of the rising fuel cost even more than Providenciales and Grand Turk, since the cost for petrol on those islands has always been higher. “It gas goes up to $7 on Provo or Grand Turk, it could go to $8.50 in North Caicos and $10 in Middle Caicos. That would be very tough for the people. Maybe the government needs to scrap the tax,” one of the individuals noted. Another said: “Well, I guess it is time for me to sell my Ford Explorer. I don’t think I can maintain it anymore; gas price is going through the roof. Gotta buy me a smaller ride.” Some are blaming Wall Street for the escalating oil prices, saying that big US oil dealers have bought up the commodity and have been speculating with the prices, thus creating the price balloon.