Volume 8 Issue 3

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

VOLUME 8 No. 03

BRITS ON A ‘MISSION TO TARNISH’

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PNP Leader Clayton Greene says his arrest is a part of a plot to criminalise locals

Stressing that the British are on “a mission to tarnish the reputation of Turks and Caicos Islanders”, Leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Clayton Greene said that being arrested by the Helen Garlick-led Special Prosecution and Investigation Team (SIPT) is no justification for him to step down as leader of that political organisation.

Greene made his position clear after an email calling him to relinquish the leadership post was circulated to media houses and some of his political colleagues by an anonymous group called the TCI Militia, after he was arrested, bailed but not charged on January 17th, in relation to his law firm’s handling of one million dollars which his cousin Quinton Hall received from the sale of land for a proposed upscale condominium development in North West Point.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

RBC DISMAYED

BY ROBBERIES STORY ON PAGE 7

First responders render first aid to this hit and run accident victim in the middle of the down town Providenciales road on Thursday night, January 19. The man, who is said to work as a fitness instructor at the Devon’s Mega Fitness Gym on that island, was knocked off the pedestrian crossing by a speeding motorist as he attempted to cross the road. Eyewitnesses said after being hit, the man was hoisted in the air and landed on the windshield then the bonnet of the car, which carried him few meters before releasing him. It is unclear as to whether or not the car ran over him before speeding away. The injured man was later taken by ambulance to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. The nature of his injuries was not ascertained.

PROMINENT BARBADIAN LAWYER SIR RICHARD CHELTENHAM TO FIGHT AGAINST SIPT CHARGES STORY ON PAGE 9

TC INVEST CHAIRMAN DEFENDS HIS BOARD STORY ON PAGE 11

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

Brits on a “mission to tarnish” ...Cont’d CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“I am going to continue going forward. I have been arrested. And so, until something else happens, I am going to go forward as leader of the party. If something else does happen, then the party would have to reassess its situation, but no one should be in any doubt that an attack on Clayton Greene will stop the forward march of the Progressive National Party.

“If I leave tomorrow, there are people that will lead the party to the future. So from a partisan perspective, even though I accept that the British may well see this as an attempt to control or manipulate who will lead the PNP. The PNP will be led,” Greene insisted Greene, a former speaker of the House, did says however, that should charges be slapped on him on February 7, when he is to return to the Office of the SIPT, he would have to reconsider whether or not his decision would affect the future of the party.

“I think ultimately that if there is a charge, one has to reassess his position whether he can move forward, whether it is in the best interest of the party for him to move forward with a charge hanging over his head. That is something that I would have to seriously consider. And certainly, in those circumstances, a resignation is not off the cards and it would be the noble thing to do,” Green said.

In the meantime, Greene said he felt victimized on the grounds that the British want to punish him since he served in the former Michael Misick administration, before he was forced from office by members of his party who turned against him, in the twilight of that administration.

“It is the only reason that I am being investigated. The SIPT cannot be convinced of my guilt because there is nothing there. And so, I am satisfied.

The only reason that I have been arrested is to further, in my view, what is a mission by the administration, using the SIPT, to criminalize the people of this country, and more so, to cut off the heads of persons who they feel are leading political parties in the directions that they don’t want the parties to go. If you are prepared to challenge them in this country, then you ought to be wary,” Greene argued.

He added: “. By now we should all be aware that the British are on a mission to tarnish the reputation of Turks and Caicos Islanders and that cannot be right and it certainly is not in the best interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands and we should continue to fight against it at all cost. While we cannot control their actions we can control our responses to them. We should never allow them to divide us.

My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders let me assure you that I have been honest in all of my dealings both professionally and politically. To those who would wish to see the PNP obliterated from the political landscape and are for that reason reveling in the news of my arrest you have my sympathies. The PNP is much bigger than me or any single politician. It is here to stay and will outlive all of us.

To those in the Administration and elsewhere who think that my arrest

Leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Clayton Greene

will somehow make me less critical of an incompetent, arrogant, and vindictive Administration or for that matter cause me to fail to make public my belief that the Interim Administration, SIPT and the Civil Recovery Team are together perpetrating the greatest rape of Turks and Caicos Islanders that we have seen since the days of slavery then you don’t know me at all and you are sorely mistaken as you will come to see.”

Giving background to the circumstances which led to his arrest, Greene said that in December 2011, he was approached by SIPT, who wanted to interview him concerning US$1 million which his cousin Quinton Hall had received for his 2006 sale of a his interest in Crown land. He said he did not act for Hall in the sale, however his proceeds of sale were deposited a trust account which his lawfirm firm operated at TCI Bank and from which he disbursed the funds on Quinton's instructions.

“The relevant funds were drawn on the account of a reputable institution in the Turks and Caicos Islands held at a commercial bank in the Turks and Caicos Islands and I had no reason to suspect that they were anything other than clean funds. When I deposited the funds into my account its source was declared to the bank and the bank did not question me further on it. I also had no reason to doubt that the transaction was anything other than legitimate. I say to you as I said to the investigators during the interview when he mentioned the phrase flipping in a negative Sense, that this term has only been criminalized in recent years and that many people, some of them Englishmen, made millions trading in Turks and Caicos Islands land, and concessions that ought otherwise to have brought benefit to Turks and Caicos Islanders.”

“All of a sudden when Turks and Caicos Islanders benefit it has without more, become criminal. I believed then, as I do now, that these funds were 100% legitimate and the investigators have not said anything during the interview to persuade me that as regards the transaction with which my firm was concerned that I was mistaken in that belief,” Greene said.

The PNP Leader said that notwithstanding contrary advice both legal and otherwise, he ultimately decided to cooperate with SIPT and

agreed to be interview under caution.

He said he understood from the investigators that his arrest was “procedural in order to facilitate their obtaining the caution statement”.

Greened continued: “I feel that if I am to continue to be true to my duty to always be truthful and open with the people of this country, then I have no choice but to cooperate. In a corruption investigation, however prolonged and expensive and sometimes unfair and one-sided it might be, I do not have the luxury of hiding behind a right to silence, because I am the one asking the people of this country to trust me and to have faith in my judgment and in my character and this is something they cannot do if in the circumstances of a corruption investigation I am seen not to be cooperating.”

Greene said he will continue to be truthful in connection with this or any matter upon which the SIPT choose to question him.

Meantime, in another statement which was directed to the PNP Militia, Greene said he would like to express a sincere hope that when a request for the resignation of any leader is made, that those making the request be brave enough to identify themselves and not behind masks and meaningless names.

He stated: “If you would remove the mask from your face you will quickly see that this country is at war.

The war is not with political leaders particularly those who are prepared to stand up and speak out against the injustices of this evil regime and in so doing subject themselves to all manner of abuse by an unchecked Executive.

These abuses include arrest, charge, and imprisonment. The war, my friend, is against those who seek to cripple our economy, to stifle the growth of our middle class, to repossess our land and render us a country of tenants paying rents to white men, to dismantle our institutions, to take over our parliament and deny us representation, to burden us with unbearable taxes, to criminalize us all and thereby remove from our children those examples of Turks and Caicos Islanders that engender in them pride and a sense of place. If you are the soldier you claim to be, join the Leader of the Progressive National Party in fighting the real enemy.”

Greene added: “The Leader of the Progressive National Party will not run and hide at the first shot of battle as you suggest he does. He will not be silenced by the declaration of war.

Your faceless request for him to step aside made not 24 hours following his arrest is respectfully denied. This country needs soldiers, men and women of strength and courage.

People who understand that in war there will be casualties and are prepared to take that risk. What we do not need and ought not to tolerate are frauds – self proclaimed militia men.

We need Comrades who will band together in true brotherhood to fight the common enemy for the common good. There is no place on this battle ground for the self righteous weak who parade around in a cloak of anonymity and self importance throwing daggers at the very ones brave enough to fight.”

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COMMENTARY

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

THE PATHWAY TO TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CITIZENSHIP

ROYAL S. ROBINSON, MBE SUN CONTRIBUTOR

EDITORIAL CARTOON

The way in which this serious and significant issue is being handled by the Interim Administration begs the question of there being a sinister plot afoot.

Putting information and requests on line may very well be one way to go, but in the normal scheme of things in the Turks and Caicos Islands context, is not the only way. Even though persons with internet access, as a percentage of our population, is very high for our size and population, it does not mean that we should rely solely on this medium for a response on this issue.

However, that does not take into account the way that the dialogue on most public policy changes takes place in this country. The use of town hall style of debate has been the most preferred method employed by us. The feedback is immediate and fleshing out of the issue becomes easier and one would see clearly in which direction public sentiment is trending.

The current questionnaire that is online is very convoluted and torturous. While the information that it seeks to gather might be pertinent for some people of questionable motives, for the bulk of Turks and Caicos Islanders that is irrelevant.

If you listen to the sentiments that have been expressed in most informal settings, Turks and Caicos Islanders really and truly do not want to increase the “citizen” population beyond a point where they have a handle on it. There has been widespread condemnation of both political parties for expanding the categories to which persons can qualify for “Belonger” status.

The area that most garnered the ire of the people was that of “contribution to the economic AND social development of the country”. In many instances, persons with questionable economic and certainly no social contribution were seen to be given the status through this category. Wendell Swann has always contended that those persons so granted such status should have them cancelled because they did not comply with the current law and regulation.

Persons who came here for purely economic reasons have an automatic right to citizenship make a total nonsense of the system. Yes they should be free from Immigration control, thus allowing them to come and go so that they can keep an eye on their business. They do not need to be Turks and Caicos Islanders to have that allowance granted them. Do

we need a general population increase? Yes! Do we need an increase in the Turks and Caicos Islander population? Yes again. However, the two positions and not mutually exclusive, and one does not have to be dependent on the other as some people try to portend. In that, as Turks and Caicos Islanders, we must be abundantly clear and do not let anyone foist on us something that is totally detrimental to our wellbeing and way of life.

We must resist the temptation of allowing persons coming here to reshape our profile for their own personal benefit that has one final result. That result is the continued and relentless marginalization of the indigenous Turks and Caicos Islander.

So our path to citizenship should be simple and succinct without being simplistic. The playbook has already been written for us by a people that over time, we have looked up to for a significant number of years and their impact on our architectural environment are very evident, particularly in the salt islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and East Harbor (South Caicos). The place of which I speak is none other than Bermuda! We have a lot of things in common. We are small island states that have English as our official language; we are connected by waterways, causeways/bridges and are part of the British Empire, to name a few. In this conversation, it is our relationship with the Empire that gives me pause.

The Bermudians, over time, have fought tooth and nails to maintain control on who should be given Bermudian citizenship status. It is “given to lawabiding non-Bermudians after they marry Bermudians, live together locally and then wait 10 years”. PERIOD! Nothing more, nothing less! You see, they have taken the position that they will guard the treasure of their citizenship, and dole it out to persons who have completely assimilated into their society over time by the one benchmark of marrying a Bermudian and living in country.

I will quote from an article by Keith Archibald Forbes. “Many British United Kingdom nationals and British Overseas Territory members live and work in Bermuda. Most are welcome but all are treated as foreigners. Britons – those from Great Briton or non-Bermudian British Overseas Territory members – do not have the same freedoms here in residing and working without restrictions as they have in Great Britain, Ireland and the rest of the European Economic Community. Britons visiting Bermuda on business or vacation or as professionals newcomers cannot get Bermudian citizenship or vote

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

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

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson 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. or buy real estate at the same price as Bermudians – unless they marry Bermudians and wait 10 years.

Any children born here are not Bermudian unless one qualifying parent is a Bermudian, so they cannot apply for any local scholarships or grants for further education abroad, or work without a Work Permit, or operate their own business in Bermuda or reside without an appropriate residential certificate, or buy any property except the top 5% in market and assessment valuation. Many Bermudians do not regard themselves as British – despite this being their only official nationality – but as Bermudians.”

That is so eye opening that it is not funny! We might not go down the route of restrictions on the purchasing of land at this point in time, but all else is the type of recipe that we should be following in this exercise that we should be embarking on with respect to persons coming here getting citizenship.

Don’t let them try to use the discrimination card!

Every country’s policies towards immigration have some measure of discrimination assigned to it. Race, creed and religion are some of the things that are universally not discriminate against.

It is important that as Turks and Caicos Islanders we do not allow, particularly the infidels to tell us to do things that are clearly and totally not in our best interest.

Forbes went on to say that there were “some non-Bermudians residents with unblemished continuous residence that have been there for periods exceeding 20 and 30 years yet have not been given citizenship. It means that they are not allowed to vote, or register to vote, in any election after they become 18 years old, even when they have been model residents for years. Those in this category are mostly from the USA, Britain, Canada, Caribbean and Europe.” We have a non-reciprocal arrangement with Britain like Bermuda, and should keep it that way! “This one-sided arrangement was a British Government decision taken without any referendum from the British people.” We should not at this late stage bail them out!

I was having concerns as to how we should and could couch our position without being rude or disrespectful of those that come and live among us or make significant contribution to our economic wellbeing. The Bermudian model clearly demonstrates how we as a people should proceed without fear or favor. Let us therefore engage the process with the Bermudian model in mind and not let us be sidetracked by the pettiness that would come from some who have their own interest at heart, but that may not necessarily be of mutual benefit to us!

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

More than 200 naturalized as British Overseas Territories Citizens

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Approximately 200 people were sworn-in as naturalized British Overseas Territory Citizens this past week at the office of the Labour Tribunal, some of them telling The SUN that they made their application for almost six years.

The ceremony was conducted by John Farrand, Head of the Governor's Office. Farrand told each batch of recipients that entered the room that the procedure was normally done on an individual level but since they had to clear a huge backlog, which was done in bulk, the decision was taken to hold the session in groups.

A subsequent release from the Governor’s Office noted: “This (backlog) was due to there having been a gap of several weeks in swearing-in ceremonies due to key absences over the holidays; and to the Ministry of Border Control and Labour continuing to make progress with clearing a backlog of old applications, some of which date back to as far as 2006, and possibly longer.”

Recipients were invited to enter into a pledge of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, her heirs and successors and promised to continue building the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The release stated that the Ministry reported to the Consultative Forum on August 16, 2011, that there were at that time 1,658 naturalization/registration applications awaiting consideration.

“There has been no moratorium on such applications and they continue to be made at an average rate of 20 per week.

In order to clear the backlog of old cases the Ministry currently aims to process around 40 cases per week. A full report on the cases processed this financial year,

Applicants taking the pledge

Natalie Simmons proudly displays her Naturalization certification

2011/12, with a detailed breakdown of outcome, nationality and the relevant statutory provision will be published during the course of 2012,” the statement said.

An elated Natalie Simmons, one of the successful applicants, told The SUN that she had been waiting for her application top processed since 2006.

Asked how she felt being granted the status, Simmons said: “I feel great, God is good and I thank God for patience. I am glad to receive it. I came here from when I was about 10 years old. I spent all my life here,” Simmons said.

For his part, Joseph Vixille said it was about time that he received his documentation since he had his Permanent

Residence Status for a long time now.

“I had my time; I had my PRC, so I think it is time for me to get my naturalization, and I feel great about it. I have been living here for over 13 years. I feel happy for receiving it because it is a status where you can go ahead to better your life in living in this country, and I always give my contribution to the development of his country. I always do it and I will continue to do it,” Vixelle said.

Applicants wanting to become naturalized British Overseas Territories Citizen must possess a PRC for at least 12 months, and to have been resident in TCI for at least five years. And according to the release, most of the new citizens have lived in the TCI for more that 20 years.

Acquiring British Overseas Territories Citizenship does not confer the rights and entitlement of a Belonger, according to the release.

The release further stated: “It is also important to note that applications for British Overseas Territories Citizenship are considered and processed and

decided by TCIslander staff in the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, against the requirements set out in the British nationality Act 1981, and that the Governor’s role in signing the certificates is a formality.

“The paper for the Consultative Forum’s current consultation on options for a new fair and transparent process for acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander status sets out the ways in which it is currently possible to qualify for PRC and for British Overseas Territories Citizenship, with an indication of the minimum length of time it takes.

“The consultation process which is being led by the Consultative Forum, invites comments from all islanders on what should be required of people in order to progress, by means of a fair and transparent process, to Turks and Caicos Islander status. Comments can be emailed to the chair of the Consultative Forum at citizenship@gov.tc. The consultation is due to close in mid February.”

Royal Bank of Canada “dismayed” about robberies Officials from Royal Bank of Canada said they are dismayed that robberies took place around their branch in Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands twice in less than a month.

In a press release from Jan Knowles, manager of public relations and communications, RBC stated: “We are dismayed that another serious incident has occurred at our branch and concerned at the rising level of bold crime in our community. Our first concern is always for the safety of our clients, staff and other visitors to our premises. We take the security of our operations very seriously and regularly

review the security strategy at all of our locations with a view to continuously enhancing safety.”

The bank said it is working closely with the police to support them in their difficult fight against such bold crimes.

“Our thoughts are with the persons impacted by this incident along with their families and colleagues,” the statement continued. “RBC values its operations in Turks and Caicos and wishes to assure clients that we are committed to being a part of the Turks and Caicos Islands community. We are enhancing the security at our current location even more but understandably we cannot give specifics. Our entire

network of branch locations in the region is under regular review to ensure that they meet the needs of our clients in terms of safety and

convenience. As this is an ongoing police investigation, we cannot provide any information specific to the incident at this time.”

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Permanent Secretaries assigned to new ministries The names of the proposed five new Turks and Caicos Government Ministries and their leaders were announced by Chief Executive Patrick Boyle on Wednesday, 18 January 12th.

Speaking at a specially convened news conference a week on from unveiling the Government’s new Permanent Secretaries (PSs), Boyle has allocated the five each to lead the development of a new Ministry.

They are (in departmental alphabetical order): • Ministry of Border Control and Labour led by Clara Gardiner • Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs led by Susan Malcolm • Ministry of Finance and Economics led by Anya Swann Williams • Ministry of Government Support Services led by Wesley Clerveaux • Ministry of Health and Education led by Judith Campbell “One of the strategic aims of our

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work to improve the efficiency of the public service is to create these five larger and more powerful Ministries ahead of the start of the new financial year in April,” said Patrick Boyle.

“This proposed structure for the new Ministries has been developed with inputs from the five new PSs as well as their predecessors. I will work with the new senior team to consult more widely on the allocation of departments and functions to new Ministries and to implement these changes over the coming weeks and months.

“This will see business done in a very different way by allowing the new Permanent Secretaries to operate more strategically, each supported by two or three Deputy Secretaries, in turn replacing the previous Under Secretary Grades. The intention is to allow each Ministry to have stronger financial, HR and communications functions than previously possible.

“A relative weakness of the

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previous structure is that it requires our senior people to get involved in too much detail for someone of their seniority. In moving forward we wish to further empower Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Directors and all staff to make effective decisions, thereby liberating the Permanent Secretaries and our senior decision makers so they can truly focus on their strategic and managerial responsibilities..

“This is a shot in the arm for the entire TCI public service at each and every grade. For example, the 13 new Deputy Secretaries’ roles will be much more demanding than the existing Under Secretaries’ posts – more akin to what we previously expected from a PS in the old system,” Boyle added.

In order to create these new Ministries the new Permanent Secretaries will begin by merging the existing departments in the following ways to promote greater synergies between departments and thereby improve efficiency throughout the Civil Service: • The Ministry of Border Control and Labour will remain as a separate Ministry responsible for policing TCIG’s borders and encouraging the employment of Belongers. One of the

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

issues under consideration by PS Clara Gardiner is to determine whether there is any advantage to be gained from merging all Customs functions, including revenue protection and border protection, with Border Control and Labour, for example.

• The existing Environment and Home Affairs teams will be brought together to create a single Ministry responsible for regulatory and related issues.

• Similarly the Finance, Trade and Tourism teams will be merged into the Ministry for Finance and Economics responsible for promoting macro and micro-economic sustainability.

• The Office of Public Sector Management and Works will be brought together to created the Ministry of Government Support Services and provide support to all the other Ministries. This new function will also include the Department of Disaster Management.

• Health and Education will be brought together to create the largest department of all – responsible for around 50% of all TCI Government spending – to provide vital services to individuals.

• It is proposed that the Director of Lands should report to the Attorney General and be responsible for the Land Registry; the Crown Land Unit; Valuation; and Surveys/Mapping.

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JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

Prominent Barbadian attorney Sir Richard Cheltenham to fight against SIPT cases Prominent Barbadian lawyer Sir Richard “Johnny” Cheltenham will be taking on lawyers from the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) in their upcoming cases in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Sir Richard, who will be associated with the law firm Karam and Misick, whose partners are Peter Karam and George Missick, will be the lawyer for Mrs. Lillian Boyce, former Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Gender Affairs.

Sir Richard visited the Turks and Caicos Islands last weekend and had discussions with Boyce, Karam and Misick. He is expected to be admitted to the local Bar on his return to the islands.

“I’m quite honoured to be defending Lillian and I also look forward to working in this jurisdiction,” Sir Richard said. “I’m also looking forward to a much closer relationship with Karam and Missick.

All that I’ve heard of them suggests that they are a reputable firm.”

Commenting on Sir Richard being associated with his law firm, Peter Karam stated: “He is well-respected legal luminary and he brings those allimportant credentials that we need,

L-R: Lillian Boyce, Sir Richard Cheltenham, George Missick and Peter Karam

including a combination of both experience and understanding of the various aspects and facets of the law, as well as an understanding of government and the region. He will be tremendous asset to our firm.”

Sir Richard, who is one of the most brilliant, highly-respected and successful lawyers in the Caribbean, received his country's highest honour – Knight of St Andrew – in 2005 for distinguished service to law, public life and community service.

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A Queen’s Counsel and member of the Middle Temple, he was called to the Bar of England and Wales in July of 1970.

Sir Richard has practised with large success at both the criminal and civil Bars. He appeared in over 100 murder cases, as defence counsel and in recent years, prosecuted a dozen murder cases for the government of St Kitts/Nevis. He has also been retained by both the American and Canadian governments in prosecuting highprofile extradition cases in the Eastern Caribbean. He has been admitted to the Bar in every single Caribbean country except Turks and Caicos Islands and Jamaica.

An acknowledged specialist in Commissions of Inquiry, he has served since 1991 on several commissions in

the Caribbean region, both as counsel or as sole commissioner. He is currently counsel to the Commission on Inquiry in Nevis, and he is currently the deputy commissioner of inquiry into the 1990 coup in Trinidad and Tobago when Parliament there was held hostage for six days and Prime Minister Arthur Robinson and his finance minister were shot but survived. He was also the sole Commissioner of Inquiry into corruption allegations against former Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell.

Sir Richard has also spent 35 years in the public life of Barbados and served in the House of Assembly for 23 years. He has held ministerial positions in agriculture, tourism and the environment.

The veteran lawyer has some preliminary concerns with how the SIPT has conducted their investigations so far and also with some aspects of the direct rule by the UK. He said: “I’m concerned, as I hope citizens in the Turks and Caicos Islands are, about the fact that with the suspension of parts of the constitution, even if one assumes that there was some basis for that suspension, I do not know that this is any justification for rolling back of the legal processes, like, for example, the entitlement of citizens to be tried in criminal cases by their peers, and to have hearsay evidence accepted in court. I don’t know that these things are justified, so I’m taking a close look at these matters and we will see how they will pan out in the weeks and months ahead.”

FINANCIAL / MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

FINANCIAL / MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT Applications are invited for the position of

Location - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Educational requirements - Bachelors degree in finance and accounting or equivalent Professional requirements - US Certified Public Accountant or UK Chartered Accountant Some practical experience in the financial services sector, management accounting and accounting IT systems is preferred.

ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY. Please submit applications to: Human Resources P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

DOMESTIC WORKER NEEDED Must be able to work 6 days per week, must be trustworthy and reliable. Salary $200usd per week.

Contact Carl/Marjorie Simmons at 649 331 5396.

Page 10

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

A handful of criminals at work

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The fear caused by the uptick in crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Providenciales in particular is being orchestrated by a handful of criminal elements, and once they are put away by the system, crime should plummet; this assessment was made by Deputy Commissioner of Police Brad Sullivan, during an interview with The SUN. Over the weekend, there were at least two armed robberies and shootings on Providenciales. One of the robberies, which took place on the grounds of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) on Friday, resulted in a security guard being shot and injured.

The other which took place at popular restaurant - Somewhere on the Beach - in the Bight, saw a number patrons being robbed of cash and valuables. Although shots were fired, no one was hurt in that incident.

certain individuals who are running together this sort of thing and are responsible for numerous (criminal) events, so once we move them from the mainstream of the crime, hopefully that would reduce the crime tremendously,” Sullivan said.

Many people in the community still believe that the nature of the crimes being plotted and, or being carried out by hardened criminals they believe arrived in the Turks and Caicos by boat from Haiti. But in a previous interview, Deputy Commissioner Sullivan said at the time that there was not evidence to suggest that this was true.

In the meantime, he said that both Deputy Commissioner of Police Brad Sullivan the police surveillance plane and patrol boat are in full operation, to But Sullivan said while suspects detect any illegal activities on our have been held in relation to the RBC waters, especially illegal boats incident, there are other hoodlums attempting to make their entry here.

“The plane is flying patrols and that are at large and the police will be using all its intelligence to round them the boat is out there patrolling. What we are trying to stress is that our up.

“There is definitely an increase in plane that is in the air, and our boat violence; I think that is obvious to that is in the water, have a goal and everybody. We feel that we have an objective. They are just not

HAB MANAGEMENT LTD.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals to fill the following position:

BAKER

Main Duties • Check Production schedule to determine variety and quantity of goods bake.

• Measure and mix ingredients to form dough or batter following recipes.

• Roll, cut and shape dough to form rolls, pie crusts, tarts, cookies and related products.

• Cut, peel and prepare fruits for pie fillings.

• Place dough in pans, molds or on sheets and bake in oven. Observe products while cooking and adjust controls.

• Mix icings and other toppings and decorate cakes, pastries and other baked goods.

• Use a variety of kitchen tools, including electric mixers, pans, rolling pins and cutting tools.

• May develop new recipes.

General Activities • Monitor baking process to identify needed adjustments.

• Get information from products schedules and recipes.

• Handle and move ingredients, tools and cooking pans.

• Control mixing processes and oven controls.

• Implement products by following recipes or creating new ones.

Requirements Applicants must have at least 2 years working in a high class bakery or restaurant making a variety of bread and pastries to a high standard. Applicants will be required to work early morning hours so having personal transportation is a necessity for this position. Perform other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by management. Applicants will be required to work on a full time basis.

Must be able to walk, stand or stoop for the duration of shift (at least 8 hours).

Applicants must be able to understand/speak/read/write English proficiently.

Applicants must be detail oriented, must be hardworking and a team player. Work with minimal supervision. Wages for this position is $7.00 hourly commensurate experience and training.

Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by January 9, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

patrolling for the sake of patrolling.

“We kind of developing the philosophy of intelligence-led information that we gather from the community, from our policing partners and our external partners such as the US Coastguard and that sort of thing, to really direct us to where we go with our vessels and the hours of operating them,” Deputy Commissioner Sullivan said.

Meanwhile, Sullivan is urging people to be more aware of their environment so as to minimize being attacked by criminal elements.

“Be aware of your environment; be aware of your surrounding; be aware of your neighbourhood and your neighbours, and then watch out for each other. Don’t be afraid to report suspicious persons and suspicious activities.

“If you are running a business or you are handling significant amount of cash, don’t get into a routine.

Don’t always make night deposits or day deposits. Be totally aware and don’t get complacent in your action,” Sullivan said.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 11

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

Ex-TCInvest Chairman defends board’s tenure

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Ex-Chairman for the scrapped TC Invest Oswald Simons is refuting claims by the Interim Administration that the businesspromoting agency was is in red of $10 million, which triggered Government to move with alacrity to dissolve it, declaring that the entity had over $1 million in its coffers coupled with a robust asset base.

Governor Damian Roderick (Ric) Todd, announced last week that the decision was taken to shut down TCInvest after a review of the statutory body found that in spite of the best efforts of its staff, too many of its internal systems had not kept pace with the modern needs of an increasingly sophisticated business community.

According to the Governor, the accrued losses from TCInvest’s social lending strategies, although “laudable as an endeavour”, left a widening financial deficit, which could well leave TCIG with liabilities approaching $10 million if “action is not taken quickly”.

But according to Simons, the directors of the outgoing board played

no role in the financial precarious position - as stated by Governor Todd – that the entity found itself, adding that from the beginning of its tenure the board worked beyond the call of duty to position the agency on a path to sound financial position, and much was achieved.

“The chairman’s report of 6th October 2010, to the Governor and the Advisory Council laid out in detail much, if not all of the problems and inconsistencies existing at the agency, which are, again, detailed in the draft report by Mr. Turnbull in June of 2011, which is being addressed separately for accuracy issues.

“The record will show that when the decision to scrap TCInvest was made, there was no deficit of $10 million. Rather, the agency had over $1 million in cash and a reasonably healthy net asset position. An unbiased analysis of the agency’s balance sheet will indicate that there is sufficient capacity to minimize the potential shortfall in the banking division if there is an orderly winding down of the operation,” Simons said, in a statement.

According to him, the announcement from the Governor’s Office has created some level of shilly-shallying among borrowers on whether or not to pay their debt in the wake of the announcement to shut

down the agency.

He said the decision could create a sharp increase in the number of nonperforming loans, insisting that such situation could be avoided if the matter was approached from a more strategic standpoint.

Simons pointed out that while still in the maze on the reasoning behind the urgency with which Government was moving to dissolve

TCInvest, the board accepted that its tenure existed at the Governor’s discretion and pleasure, and therefore, thanked him for allowing its members to serve.

TC Invest, which has a department in the island-capital of Grand Turk and one in Providenciales, became fully operational in 1995 and employs about 20 staff.

Page 12

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

Governor Todd announces FIR Quarterly Report on milestones on the way to elections His Excellency Governor Ric Todd has published the first of a series of quarterly reports outlining progress against the milestones. These are a summary of the principal legal and administrative changes and safeguards to be put in place before elections can be held in TCI. Collectively the milestones are designed to restores the principles of good governance, sound financial management and sustainable economic development to the TCI. To assist understanding of progress, The Governor has grouped the milestones into two distinct sets. In the first, milestones 1, 2, 5 and 7, all

have distinct end products: implementation of a new Constitution order; ordinances for the regulation of political parties, integrity and accountability in public life; a new process for achieving Belonger status; a new Crown Land Policy. The report details the significant progress made against all of these.

The remaining four, milestones 3, 4, 6 and 8, represent changes to the way things were previously done and set out processes for developing continuous improvement in civic life in TCI. With these judgements required of UK Ministers as to when sufficient change has occurred to give confidence that the

problems of the past have been overcome.

These milestones include the establishment of robust and transparent public financial management processes; the creation of a stable economic environment; the TCI Government being on track towards achieving a financial surplus by March 2013; significant progress of the criminal and civil processes recommended by the Commission of Inquiry; substantial reform of the public Service. Again, the report details the good progress made.

“The achievements made against the milestones so far is the result of a real team effort across the Territory,”

said Governor Todd. “I believe that we are going in the right direction.

Ministers made clear in Parliament earlier this week that elections will be held this year if the milestones are met.”

“In particular, I must thank the Advisory Council, Consultative Forum, other stakeholders such as civil servants, citizens and the Islands’ media for their part in delivering key activities and stimulating public consultation and debate. What remains important is our joint and continued commitment and determination to meet the milestones and achieve lasting positive reform for the good of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

MILLS INSTITUTE STUDENT OF THE MONTH (DECEMBER)

Judah Rigby Class K2

Taryn Williams Grade 1

Alex Taylor Grade 2

Hilliyah Handfield Grade 3

Bishop Coleta Williams III seeks a

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR 5 Days a week. Interested persons should contact 941-4750

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1 DOMESTIC WORKER SEEKS

Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 341-4022

MECHANIC GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT

Provo Golf Club seeks a qualified mechanic. A minimum of twelve (12) years experience in golf course equipment is required and the applicant must possess the following skills and experience.

• A history of maintenance of Golf Carts, mowers and tractors.

• General maintenance and repairs of all equipment used and operated on the Golf Course.

• Ordering or replacing any parts necessary.

• An aptitude to work unsociable hours is required.

• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by January 9, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

Tyson Deveaux Grade 4

Gabrielle Rigby Grade 5

Mikyo Simpson Grade 6

TURKS CAICOS SUNSUN TURKS&AND CAICOS

Page 13 Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 20122012 JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH,

Auto Fix It to pay ex-employee $22,000

The Court of Appeal has denied an application from Collen Delancy, operator of Auto Fix It, to prevent him from paying almost $22,000 to ex-employee Victor Milius, after the Labour Tribunal awarded the former employee compensation after filing a barrage of employment infractions charges against the firm.

The charges included making the employee bankroll his own work permit fees and refusing to pay the axed employee for his vacation leave. The original ruling was handed down on May 11, 2011, but Delancy appealed the judgment.

According to court records, Milius’ employment as an auto body repair man began at the firm on April 22, 1998, after Auto Fix It obtained a work permit for him under the terms that profits for work done by Melius be shared 50/50 between him and his employer.

Milius’ employment was terminated via letter

dated September 8, 2009, to take effect September 12. Milius told the Labour Tribunal that he was owed eight weeks notice of $1200; 22 weeks vacation of $3,300; and work permit fees from 2002 to 2009, which he said he paid from his pocket.

Delancy said Milius was dismissed because of theft from the firm, telling the Tribunal that he stole parts from his personal vehicle and refused to pay him the agreed 50 percent he collected from completed jobs.

However, the Tribunal declared in its judgment that Delancy neither showed evidence that Milius stole the parts from the vehicle, nor switched his new computer with an older one.

It also highlighted the fact that there was no evidence to suggest that Milius was issued with written or oral warning by Delancy for any form of misconduct, as stated in his testimony.

In its summary the Tribunal led by President Arthur Forbes, stated that Delancy did not dispute

GOVERNMENT VACANCY JOB TITLE:

HEAD OF STRATEGIC POLICY AND PLANNING UNIT/CHIEF ECONOMIST SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Service for the post of Head of Strategic Policy and Planning Unit (SPPU)/Chief Economist.

Key Responsibilities 1. Manage the establishment and operation of the new Strategic Policy and Planning Unit (SPPU).

2. Overview the production, execution and review of a new National Development Plan (NDP).

3. Lead the review and execution of the Government’s economic and fiscal policy, where appropriate linking this to the production of the NDP. 4. Work with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) on forward fiscal planning and appraisal.

5. Hold responsibility for the formation, design, execution and review of the capital budget, both domestic and donor funded.

6. Overview the design and execution of an appropriate statistical programme.

7. Lead the provision of economic advice to the Governor’s Office, and to other Govt.

Departments, as appropriate.

8. Hold responsibility for a small specialist Private Sector and Public Bodies Relations Unit (PSPBRU) regarding current and proposed foreign investors and publically owned and regulated bodies, together with the promotion of domestic business activity.

Nature and Span of Authority 1. The post-holder would report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), except on fiscal matters, when he/she would report to the CEO through the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

that Milius did not take any vacation leave, saying also that the employer could not provide documentation to suggest he was the one paying for Melius’ work permit.

But Delancy told the court that he gave Melius all the documents, including receipts, as was normal practice with all his employees who required work permits.

The court outlined that an employer is responsible for his employee’s work permit and therefore, Delancy should reimburse his exemployee for the payments from 1998 to the time of his dismissal in 2009, which amounts to $10,000, plus accumulated late fees paying able to Government, which amounted to $5,000.

Delancy was also asked to pay Milius $5,015 for unpaid vacation, plus notice pay of $1,906.68, which totaled $21,921.68. Now that Delancy has lost his appeal, he will be required to pay over the sum in about two week’s time.

Required Experience and Skills 1. A Masters degree in Economics or its equivalent in a related subject area.

2. At least eight (8) years experience working as an economist in the public sector, preferably in a national planning office, and in the Commonwealth Caribbean.

3. An excellent range of communication skills.

4. Some experience in public finance.

5. Commercial experience and/or involvement in private sector development would be useful.

Specific Tasks 1. The central co-ordination of the development planning process.

2. Undertake and supervise a programme of fiscal analysis at both macro and micro levels.

3. In co-operation with the MOF, and in liaison with the NDP process, the management of the formulation and execution of the development budget.

4. In close co-operation with the MOF, review the efficiency and effectiveness of elements of the tax collection machinery and components of public expenditure.

5. Support the assessment of requests from the private and parastatal sectors for Govt support, co-ordinating the public sector response to these requests.

6. Manage the prioritisation of data collection and the execution of an agreed programme of data collection, analysis and presentation.

7. In support of item 1 above, facilitate the evolution of specific priority items of public policy.

8. Lead the provision of economic advice to the most senior elements of the administration and, where appropriate, to other Depts. of the Govt.

SALARY $75,000.00 PER ANNUM For persons recruited outside the Turks and Islands, a two (2) year contract is offered.

Other benefits offered in addition to basic salary include a Housing allowance of $1200.00 per month and end-of-contract gratuity of 15% of salary; return passage for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen (16) years, as well as duty free concession on the shipment of personal effects imported within six (6) months of appointment.

For more information on the Job Description, please contact the Office of the Public Service Management Telephone 649-946-2801 Extension: 10318, Facsimile: 649-9461582, E-mail: recruitment@gov.tc . All resumes should be addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Public Service Management, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Resumes must include applicants current contact information and be accompanied by two letters of reference and a police certificate. Serving Officers should apply through their Heads of Department.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 24th February, 2012 ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED THE ABOVE JOB DESCRIPTION MAY BE SUBJECT TO SOME AMMENDMENT PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT

Page 14

JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Haitians want Metellus investigated

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

There is growing sentiments among local Haitians on whether Donald Metellus, the Voluntary Agent for the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti, was actually sanctioned by Port-Au-Prince to carrying such duties or unilaterally bestowed the title on himself for personal gain.

Metellus sparked a groundswell of interest in the Haitian community, when he came out in the in The SUN to dismiss claims by sections of the Haitian community that accused him of using his current position to engineer personal gain instead of assisting Haitians who are in dire straits.

Metellus allegedly singled out a particular countryman, Ronald Gardiner, who he said was the mastermind behind what he akin to the demonizing attack. But Gardiner, who visited The SUN’s office following the publication of the article, poured cold water on Metellus’ claim, saying that checks with the Martelly government revealed that they are not aware of Metellus’s assignment in the TCI. Gardiner revealed that he had done more for the Haitians in TCI than what Metellus claimed to have done, since he assisted with burials, back to school and other dire needs of local Haitians.

“I have involved myself in this community, especially burying people who are indigent and do not have family here, or if someone dies and the family does not have enough money to bury them. If somebody is sick in the hospital and needs help, we, as a group in the Haitian community, would come together and help.

“Now, Mr. Metellus is fed up about it, because he done spread his name over the Turks and Caicos Islands saying he represents the Haitian community, which is wrong; even the Haitian government in Haiti didn’t know what is going on here,” Gardiner said. Gardiner added: “Our group is trying to get the Haitian government to come here and discuss with the TCI Government and us, how they could stop Haitians from coming here by boat, but when Mr. Metellus heard that, he we are going behind his back and making arrangements with other people without him knowing it.” Gardiner said he was the one who made contact with the Haitian Government when 10 migrants lost their lives while being loaded from a cargo boat until a smaller vessel off the coast of Providenciales in August, in an attempt to enter land.

“They (Haitian government) told me that they were going to contact Nassau (Haitian Consulate), and send two persons here, (and) they did. When they went back, they told me that they are going to send money to take care of shipping of the bodies back to Haiti and burial. I already knew what was going to be done, but just to prove something; I called Donald Metellus, to see what he had to say on the matter.

“I asked him what amount of money the Haitian Government will be sending. He told me $4,000 and that he used the money from his pocket to make it up. When I called the Foreign Minister’s Office in Haitian, they told me that they delivered $15,000 to Nassau. Mr. Metellus has already spread his name to all official offices in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but we, as Haitians, know that we do not have anybody here that is representing us, the Haitian community here,” Gardiner said.

Security officers guarding without weapons threatening. Some argued once a security officer is guarding an establishment which could become possible target for Another debate regarding whether robbers, he should be armed, since he or not security guards should be cannot fight armed criminals with batons armed while on the job has climbed or pepper stray.

Others say that arming security to the surface of many discussions in the wake of the TCI is once again guards could make them targets by the experiencing a spate of armed criminals, who could put them in their robberies, which, within the last crosshairs for their weapons.

When asked to weigh in, Brad month, resulted in one death and Sullivan, Deputy Commissioner of injuring of two other such officers.

In December, a band of gunmen Police for the Royal Turks and Caicos surprised a team of security guards Islands, said the authorities will have to in the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) give serious thought about it, in the wake parking pot with a hail of bullets while of serious crimes being perpetrated by they were in the process of making a hoodlums.

“That is something that definitely has cash drop-off.

Two of the security guards were to look at; who is armed from who is not hit and taken to hospital where one of armed; the firearms on the island, the them died while undergoing emergency legal versus the illegal ones. Persons that surgery. The other, The SUN was told, are in very high risk business, moving at press time, remained in hospital. The money and so on, definitely, argument gunmen escaped in a waiting vehicle can be made for them to be armed,” Sullivan said. with an undetermined sum of cash.

He told The SUN that officers of the The second security guard attack took place on Friday, January 13, at the weapons division within the Royal Turks same location when a team of security and Caicos Islands Police Force will be officers went to make a night deposit. given responsibility to check legislatively The gunmen fired a barrage of shots at to find our whether or not the current them hitting one. The injured security crime situation warrants for security officer was taken to hospital where officers to be armed.

“That is something that our firearms he was listed in serious but stable officer will be looking at – the legislation condition up to press time.

The attacks have, once again, stirred – working with the commissioner and the debate of should security guards myself, and make a proposal, if we feel be armed especially while carrying that one needs to be made, for legislative out duties considered potentially life- change in that area,” Sullivan said.

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Gardiner believes that a probe should be done at the Haitian Consulate in Nassau to determine whether or not it is in bed with Metellus.

Gardiner also accused Metellus of ordering the expulsion of volunteer workers, including pastors, from the former Myrtle Rigby Clinic, in the aftermath of the West Caicos Haitian sloop tragedy in 2009, after they went there to assist with the survivors. Gardiner said he did it because he was not the one in charge from the beginning.

“When Donald came inside, he asked the security to put volunteers – people who came to help – out, because he wants his name to first be mentioned that he is doing things. He has been using the weakness of the poor Haitian people to make tons of money off them. When people want documents and go to him, if the documents cost $10 in Haiti, he charged them $100.

“The Haitian community has turned its back on him now, and that is why he gets angry. I never called Donald’s name on radio. I always talk against the corrupt system that exists between the Turks and Caicos and Nassau, Bahamas and, that it should stop or Haiti should send someone here to represent Haitians in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Metellus said he is a man of God; he needs to stop this nonsense.

“He said he is representing the Haitian community, but we know that the Haitian community knows that we do not have a Haitian representative here. We have a group called GRHIT (Group Reflection Haitian Immigrants of the Turks and Caicos Islands) to bring the new Haitian Government here to sit down with the TCI government to talk about the immigration problem, in a diplomatic way,” Gardiner said.

Police say crime dipping fast

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police is attributing the reduction in crimes in recent days to a number of arrests made and charges laid against suspected parties coupled with its increased patrolling in the various communities.

Inspector Calvin Chase, the Police Media Liaison Officer for the police force, said there has been a noticeable decline in the recently high number of reported criminal activities that began to spike in mid December last year.

Chase reported that the decline becomes noticeable between the 48-hour period of January 16 and 17, after the police netted a number of persons believed to have been involved in some of the crimes across the Providenciales. “The RTCI Police are attributing this decrease to enhanced patrolling initiatives being carried out by patrol units, as well as several successful investigations by branches of the Criminal Investigation Division… the RTCI Police have made a number of arrests and laid a significant number of charges, which has also been a contributing factor to the decrease.

Chase said during the period “there were only 5 serious crimes – 3 on the 16th and 2 on the 17th.”

He said the over the period the police in Providenciales responded to one burglary at Leeward Gates and one theft at Industrial Park He said the police arrested two men on suspicion of burglary in connection with a report made on 17th January. He said a man was arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with a report made on November 8, 2011. Additionally, Chase said a man was charged for handling stolen goods in connection with a report made on November 8, 2011.

The police said they also charged a woman with six counts of theft in connection with a report made on 30th September 2011. Another woman was also charged with five counts of obtaining property by deception in connection with a report made on 30th September 2011.

The police were also busy in Grand Turk in the effort to stem the tide of crime, as over the period the police arrested persons said to have been involved in crimes committed on that island. One man was caught in the act when police officers, responding to a burglary report, chased and apprehended a fleeing suspect.

Additionally, the Grand Turk Police charged two women in connection with drugs possession. Reports are that on January 9, the police searched a vessel on which the two women were passengers, where they found the drugs. They women are identified as Yolene Laguerre and Flavie Cyril. Both pleaded guilty and were sentenced on January 11. Laguerre was sentenced to two years for possession of controlled drugs and possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, while Cyril was sentenced to 21 months for possession of controlled drugs and possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 15

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

Statement by Lillian Misick, Chair of the Consultative Forum -

“UK gives overseas territories nothing” The call this week by Mr Andrew Rosindell MP for UK Overseas Territories to be represented in the UK parliament has stirred a considerable amount of interest amongst TC Islanders. Mr Rosindell is chairman of the British Overseas Territories All Party Parliamentary Group, and he made this call in a submission to the UK Parliament’s Backbench Business Committee.

Here, according to a headline report on Tuesday by PTV8, is what Mr Rosindell said: “We give our 21 territories nothing. All they have is an informal all-party group, of which I am proud to be chairman...

“We have a democratic hole, with hundreds of thousands of people for whom we make laws, whom we ultimately govern and on whose behalf we can declare war, make foreign policy and sign international treaties. We have substantial control over their domestic affairs…

“Those territories that have sterling are bound by much of our own economic policy. In a range of

Lillian Misick, Chair of the Consultative Forum

areas, although the Crown dependencies and Overseas Territories are not part of the UK they are substantially influenced and ultimately governed by this Parliament, so it is wrong for them to have no voice at all.”

I could not agree more. Not least because, amongst the other measures

GOVERNMENT VACANCY JOB TITLE:

HEAD OF STRATEGIC POLICY AND PLANNING UNIT/CHIEF ECONOMIST

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Service for the post of Head of Strategic Policy and Planning Unit (SPPU)/Chief Economist.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage the establishment and operation of the new Strategic Policy and Planning Unit (SPPU).

2. Overview the production, execution and review of a new National Development Plan (NDP).

3. Lead the review and execution of the Government’s economic and fiscal policy, where appropriate linking this to the production of the NDP. 4. Work with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) on forward fiscal planning and appraisal.

5. Hold responsibility for the formation, design, execution and review of the capital budget, both domestic and donor funded.

6. Overview the design and execution of an appropriate statistical programme.

7. Lead the provision of economic advice to the Governor’s Office, and to other Govt.

Departments, as appropriate.

8. Hold responsibility for a small specialist Private Sector and Public Bodies Relations Unit (PSPBRU) regarding current and proposed foreign investors and publically owned and regulated bodies, together with the promotion of domestic business activity.

Nature and Span of Authority 1. The post-holder would report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), except on fiscal matters, when he/she would report to the CEO through the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Required Experience and Skills 1. A Masters degree in Economics or its equivalent in a related subject area.

I proffered that would improve the UK’s relationship with us, I made a similar call at a conference in London last summer that was hosted by the Minister for the Overseas Territories Mr Henry Bellingham.

Here, as published in a June 16, 2011 report by the TCI Free Press, is what I said on this point to Mr Bellingham and other UK officials, including Mr Rosindell: “I also think a provision granting the TCI a seat in the UK parliament should be added. This will not only facilitate the increased engagement and interaction with the UK government that are necessary to build mutual trust and respect, it will also formalize links with the British society as a whole that come with the opportunities our people have to live, work, and study in the UK.” On behalf of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I welcome Mr Rosindell’s support and advocacy. And I urge Mr Bellingham, the members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and all members of the UK parliament to take heed.

LOCAL NEWS

AVIONICS TECHNICAL RECORD CLERK

• Must be computer literate Windows and have experience working in a • Database environment; • Must have knowledge of Aircraft Technical Log Book; • Must have experience as a Data Entry clerk.

• Must Liaison with flight operations Knowledge of Technical Record keeping • Must be able to Maintain the tracking of aircrafts times and cycles • Must be able to Prepare and manage work load for mechanics Salary commensurate with experience.

Position require the following: • Excellent command of the English language – reading, writing and speaking.

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

• Clean police record • Able to work under pressure Belongers need only apply.

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

No phone call please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview

2. At least eight (8) years experience working as an economist in the public sector, preferably in a national planning office, and in the Commonwealth Caribbean.

3. An excellent range of communication skills.

4. Some experience in public finance.

5. Commercial experience and/or involvement in private sector development would be useful.

Specific Tasks 1. The central co-ordination of the development planning process.

2. Undertake and supervise a programme of fiscal analysis at both macro and micro levels.

3. In co-operation with the MOF, and in liaison with the NDP process, the management of the formulation and execution of the development budget.

4. In close co-operation with the MOF, review the efficiency and effectiveness of elements of the tax collection machinery and components of public expenditure.

5. Support the assessment of requests from the private and parastatal sectors for Govt support, co-ordinating the public sector response to these requests.

6. Manage the prioritisation of data collection and the execution of an agreed programme of data collection, analysis and presentation.

7. In support of item 1 above, facilitate the evolution of specific priority items of public policy.

8. Lead the provision of economic advice to the most senior elements of the administration and, where appropriate, to other Depts. of the Govt.

SALARY $75,000.00 PER ANNUM For persons recruited outside the Turks and Islands, a two (2) year contract is offered.

Other benefits offered in addition to basic salary include a Housing allowance of $1200.00 per month and end-of-contract gratuity of 15% of salary; return passage for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen (16) years, as well as duty free concession on the shipment of personal effects imported within six (6) months of appointment.

For more information on the Job Description, please contact the Office of the Public Service Management Telephone 649-946-2801 Extension: 10318, Facsimile: 649-9461582, E-mail: recruitment@gov.tc . All resumes should be addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Public Service Management, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Resumes must include applicants current contact information and be accompanied by two letters of reference and a police certificate. Serving Officers should apply through their Heads of Department.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 24th February, 2012

ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED THE ABOVE JOB DESCRIPTION MAY BE SUBJECT TO SOME AMMENDMENT PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT

Page 16

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS ROSE STORE Five Cays Seeks

1 Helper

To help with heavy loads and cleaning around the area Salary $5.00 per hour 5 days per week 10:00am to 4:00pm Contact 342-3820 Captain Alfred’s Restaurant & Bar

is seeking suitable applicants to fill the following positions:

Manager - To manage the daily activities of the restaurant & bar.

Waitress - To greet and serve customers.

Native Cook -To prepare T.C.I local cuisine.

- Manage kitchen inventory.

Submit resumes to P.O.box 642 Phone: 649-441-3480

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JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

TCI top model search for its next stars!

Organizers of the 2012 TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza are on the hunt for its next star! And, to this effect, they will be holding a Contestants and Models Search for this year’s themed event: CARNIVALÉ: Culture.

Music. Fashion!

The TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza is an event where beauty, fashion and drama collide to create an evening of true opulence and glamour. This hotly anticipated event is expected be more extravagant than before, with a bevy of prizes, surprises and guest appearances. The most coveted prize for the 2012 TCI Top Model Contest winner is being named Digicel TCI Brand Ambassador for a year. The TCI Top Model will appear in all local television, print and billboard advertising campaigns, as well as making appearances at Digicel TCI events throughout her reign.

Ava-Dayne Fulford, Head of Marketing at Digicel TCI said: “Digicel is pleased to be able to work with TCI Top Model to make one lucky young lady’s dream come true. As a Digicel Brand Ambassador, the winner will be provided with tremendous exposure and opportunities in the world of advertising and marketing within Digicel. We are pleased with the manner in which former winners have represented both themselves and the country on local and international platforms. We look forward to working with this year’s TCI Top Model and introducing her to the wonderful world of Digicel.”

Additionally, the TCI Top Model winner will also be a Cover Model and appear in an editorial spread of the 2012 Summer Times of the Islands magazine and have a profile page their sister publication – Destination: Turks & Caicos 2013.

Time’s Advertising Manager, Claire Parrish says: “The winner can be proud to know her success will be seen by a wide range of readers all over the

JOSEPH CAMPBELL SEEKS

1 Labourer Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 241-0663

or follow us on Twitter @tcitsopmodel THE TCI TOP MODEL CONTEST & FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA is an event that is designed to give those persons residing in the Turks and Caicos Islands interested in careers in the fashion and creative industry an opportunity to the platform to debut and showcase their talent. With the hope that it will be a springboard to a career locally or abroad.

Executive Producer for the TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza, Courtney Robinson

Turks and Caicos and internationally. She will inspire and impress. We could not be more delighted to showcase her success.”

Executive Producer for the TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza, Courtney Robinson stated: “These prizes are truly down to the high quality event we produce and the work that goes into preparing the contestants and models for the show; providing the necessary training, grooming and guidance.

We at TCI Top Model are indeed appreciative to Digicel TCI and Times Publishing for their continued support, and affording for the 2012 TCI Top Model winner such a great honor and opportunity to jump start her modeling career.”

The Contestants, Models and Talent Search will take place on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 at the Culture and Arts Commission in Turtle Cove, Providenicales from 10am – 12 noon. Females must be 5’6” or taller with out heels, bring heels (3” – 4”) and wear minimal make-up. Males must wear fitted clothing. All are asked arrive with photos, identification (ID) and a positive attitude!

For more information call 649.347.7261 or email: tcitopmodelcontest@gmail.com.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tcitopmodel

CONTESTANTS & MODEL SEARCH Eligibility: The 2012 TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza Contestants and Models Search is OPEN females and males who meet all of the following: Female requirement: • Potential Contestants must be age 16 to 24 as of May 1st 2012.

ID required.

• Models must be 16 and older on the date of your entry into the search.

• Under 18 must have parent or guardian consent.

• Must be 5’6” or taller without heels. Size 0 to 6, and swimsuit ready.

• Must bring 3” – 4” heels. Wear Minimal make-up.

• Hair must be pulled back into ponytail or tight bun.

Male requirement: • Must be 5’11” to 6’2”. Must be 17 and older. Waist 30” – 34”.

Jacket size 38 - 40.

• Must wear fitted clothes and physique swimsuit ready.

PROVIDENCIALES LOCATION: The Culture and Arts Commission, Turtle Cove, Providenciales DATE: Saturday, February 11th, 2012 Time: 10am – 12noon.

For more information call Courtney Robinson, Executive Producer on (649) 347-7261 or e m a i l : tcitopmodelcontest@gmail.com.

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tcitopmodel or follow us on Twitter @tcistopmodel NOTE: Kindly arrive with ID, photos and a positive attitude.

POTWASHER NEEDED

Busy Provo restaurant requires a potwasher. Must be willing to work weekends & public holidays.

Job includes washing pots & dinnerware as well as general cleaning duties.

Pay is $5 per hour.

Please send applications to: PO Box 782, Providenciales or email to magnolia@tciway.tc BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 17

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

UK’s relationship with Caribbean is “backward-looking”, says Foreign Minister William Hague

BY HAYDEN BOYCE SUN PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The United Kingdom’s (UK) relationship with the Caribbean in recent years has been “backwardlooking and less equal than it should be for the 21st century”, says UK Foreign Minister William Hague.

Hague, the minister who is ultimately responsible for the Caribbean countries including Turks and Caicos Islands, made this comment on Monday, ahead of the 7th annual UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum which was be held in the eastern Caribbean island of Grenada from Friday January 20th until Sunday January 22nd .

The forum brought together foreign ministers within the Caribbean and their counterparts from the United Kingdom, to engage in talk on common concerns such as climate change, security and drug trafficking. It was held under the theme “Sustainable growth towards prosperity”.

Turks and Caicos Islands is an Associate Member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) but no officials from this country attended.

Parts of TCI's constitution were suspended in August 2009 following a Commission of Inquiry. In September 2010, Hague’s UnderSecretary Henry Bellingham announced the postponement of the elections which were scheduled for July 2011. Since then there have been strident calls from residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands for elections that will return the country to selfrule.

Hague visited the Turks and Caicos Islands a few years ago in a private capacity in a trip that was paid for the Conservative Party's billionaire deputy chairman Lord Michael Ashcroft, who has business

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UK Foreign Minister William Hague.

interests here.

This weekend’s visit will be his first to the Caribbean as British Foreign Secretary and he will be leading one of the strongest ever delegations of UK Ministers and senior officials to attend the UKCaribbean Ministerial Forum.

“This (visit) is both a sign of the strength the UK attaches to our enduring friendship with the Caribbean, and of our desire to use the Forum to mark a step change in our relationship,” Hague said. “We believe this will herald a transition to a more modern, dynamic and forward looking affiliation. This certainly does not mean that I want to throw away all of the strong bonds that tie the UK and the region together. These are deep and enduring and are reflected in all walks of life, from music to food, sport to prominent international figures. We in the UK value these ties highly.”

He stressed: “But at the same time, I believe that our relationship in recent years has been too backward-

Maitre D’

Busy Provo Restaurant needs a Job Requirements: •Minimum of 2 years experience in similar position.

•Must be computer & P.O.S system literate.

•Wine knowledge & bar skills essential.

• Experience in F.O.H training a bonus.

• Job requires a six days work week including weekends & public holidays Please send resumes to: PO Box 782, Providenciales or email magnolia@tciway.tc BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY

looking and less equal than it should be for the twenty-first century. There is no need for this, as there are many areas where our interests, values and views coincide, where our people, companies and NGOs interact and where we work together in partnership to tackle the scourge of drugs and crime. We know what the relationship used to be, we have a feel for what it is now, but this Forum is all about determining what that relationship will be for the future.”

Caribbean countries have already signaled their intention to raise the issue of the controversial Air Passenger Duty (APD) which has strained Caribbean's relations with the United Kingdom.

The UK has increased the rates to all Caribbean countries which regional governments say will severely affect their tourism industries. The tax on economy longhaul flights of more than 6,000 miles will rise from £85 (US$132) to £92 (US$143) per person.

St Kitts-Nevis Tourism Minister and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Ricky Skerritt has described the British position as "a slap in the face of the Caribbean," noting that "it contradicts the message sent by the UK Chancellor in March 2011 when he cited the discrepancy between US and Caribbean APD rates as one of the reasons for holding a consultation on reform of UK APD".

Hague said a modern UKCaribbean relationship should be a modern partnership, and a relationship of equals that sets the right tone for the twenty-first century.

This, he added, should take the best from our shared history and culture and focus on working together to shape the global agenda to our mutual benefit.

“We need a dynamic partnership that delivers real benefits for our citizens. This means continuing and

strengthening our efforts to make our streets safer by tackling the problems of drug and violent crime that blight all of our communities. It also means sharing ideas about how we can make our economies resilient to global shocks and create jobs for our young people,” Hague added.

He said the UK’s relationship with the Caribbean should be a broadbased partnership that involves business, civil society and ordinary people.

“The private sector is the engine of growth for our economies, so it is right that they frame the questions that we politicians will discuss. The UK is a major investor in the Caribbean,” Hague said, adding that BG has recently made a large investment in Trinidad & Tobago, and Pinewood Studios are building a state of the art film studio in the Dominican Republic with local partners Grupo Vinci.

He said there are more business opportunities available, that is why he is being accompanied by Nick Baird, Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment, and will lead a discussion with a range of UK and Caribbean businesses at the Forum.

Hague said this year also provides an unprecedented opportunity for peoples of the UK and Caribbean to come together – in marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago celebrating fifty years of independence, and in cheering on our athletes at the London 2012 Olympics.

“I look forward to discussing these issues, as well as our full range of national and international interests at the Forum this weekend. This is an invaluable opportunity for the UK to work with its partners in the Caribbean for a strong, equal and prosperous partnership based on shared ideals and mutual understanding,” he said.

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

PROVO FOR JESUS February 2012

BY EVANGELIST JASMIN WALKIN SUN CONTRIBUTOR

In the second book of Chronicles chapter 20, holds a story very dear to my heart and is very timely for the Turks & Caicos Islands. It is the story of King Jehoshaphat facing a difficult challenge for his nation.

The very enemy that Israel had spared on their way to the promise land had come now and joined forces with two other nations to destroy Israel.

The king was in a bind, he knew that his army was incapable of defeating all three foes and he knew as king he had to solve this problem and save his nation. The bible says

that Jehoshaphat feared, seek the lord and called a fast. He prayed: “for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”

I am not Jehoshaphat, but I like him recognize that my nation is in trouble and it is being threaten by enemies both foreign and domestic, we have no might against them, neither know we what to do, but I am asking the Turks & Caicos Islands, especially Providenciales ‘to put our eyes on God’.

For the next few weeks I along with other believers in Christ will be promoting a unified effort to bring this country together to proclaim a fast, worship and exalt Jehovah God and

wait for results.

We have done it in North Caicos, Middle Caicos, Grand Turk, now Provo ITS YOUR TIME NOW. The 23rd to the 25th of February 2012 will signify that we are ready to repossess our nation. This will be a multidenominational, all Christian people, non believers and citizens, residences of the TCI event. There will be praying, fasting, worshiping and if the spirit of God permit; a word from the Lord.

We will come together as a nation and declare PROVO FOR JESUS, because TCI belongs to Jesus, we are his property. February 23-25 will be our moment where we say to the spiritual and physical enemies that

Satan nor his workers will not have any dominion over the Turks & Caicos. We are the Lord’s people and sheep of his pasture.

Join us downtown in Providenciales (SAM’s Building Parking Lot) as we through the power of the almighty God; speak those things that are not as though they were, combat the forces of the enemy, bombard Satan’s kingdom, provoke the hart of God to forgiveness and reclaim our country.

We have demonstrated, we strike, we have marched, now it is time to proclaim a fast and set three days to praise and worship God as an island and as a nation. Provo For Jesus 2012, this might be our last chance!

DON’T MISS IT!

Islandcom Wireless the first to launch the iPhone 4s in the Turks and Caicos Islandcom Wireless was the first to launch the Apple iPhone 4s in the Turks and Caicos in the month of December. Islandcom’s Christmas raffle giveaway awarded two lucky customers with a brand new Apple iPhone 4s and a new Apple iPad 2.

While others have claimed to be the first to launch the handset this claim is not substantiated and can be disproved through Islandcom’s advertisement via print and radio of the device. With its 3G service, Islandcom is the only carrier that truly has the ability to provide customers with the use of all features of the handset to its full capacity. The new iPhone 4s is hugely driven by internet access and increased the need for faster speed of service. Latest development to the Apple line up is the best personal secretary anyone can have-Siri. Siri has the ability to make calls and answer text messages but her best abilities are searching the internet and giving directions or answering question.

Why does the iPhone 4s work better on 3G service? On the Islandcom 3G network you will experience faster application downloads, buffer free internet connection, and instant connectivity to the

Gaming Centre. With our 3G network you never have to worry about losing your connection to the

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internet. Our 3G network gives the phone the ability to connect to higher bandwidth of service. In comparison 3G gives you DSL internet service on the handset while a 2G network will give you dial up.

It’s no secret which handset is the hottest in the international market. Apple’s iPhone 4s has caused quite a stir since it’s unveiling in October 2011. US service carriers AT&T received a whopping 200,000 pre-orders in 12 hours of its official pre-launch.

AT&T alone surpassed 1 million activations of the iPhone 4s in less than a week of its launch on October 14th, 2011.

The real pearl lies not only in the quality of our service but the affordability of it as well. Islandcom’s data and voice plans give you more while costing you less. Our prepaid and postpaid data plans maximize your usage.

There are choices out there for wireless carriers in the Turks and Caicos. If you want the latest, greatest devices with all the new apps and features, make sure you don’t put it on an old, slow network.

Only Islandcom gives you the speed you need.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 19

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

General Paper 1. Students from the Lesser Antilles participated in a sporting event. Which of these countries would have had representatives there?

A. Guyana B. St Lucia C. Cuba D. Haiti Read the poem below, then answer item below.

I am the parched earth of this island That cries for water From the hurly burly of Kingston To the quite peace of Negril, This is my cry, Water! Water!

2. Which natural disaster is affecting the earth?

A. Flooding B. Drought C. storm D. tornado Use the information to answer item 3.

3. On arrival in Trinidad, Joan was surprised to see many fruits and vegetables to which she was accustomed to at home.

What feature of the Caribbean is to most likely to account for this similarity?

A. Climate B. education C. time of year D. religion 4. Which set listed below helps to pollute the atmosphere?

A. Lead and carbon dioxide B. Oxygen and aerosol spray C. Aerosol spray and smoke D. Lead and oxygen 5. The table shows building found in different climate regions, use it to answer the question below.

Buildings M Igloo N Tepee O Tent P house Where would the building at M be found?

A. Equator B. Arctic Circle C. Tropic of Cancer D. Tropic of Capricorn 6. The islands that is south of the Turks and Caicos is A. Jamaica B. Cuba C. Hispaniola D. Puerto Rico

9. Which country is not correctly matched to one of it’s special celebration A. Haiti…………….Mardi Gras B. Jamaica………Crop Over C. Barbados…….Fish Festival D. Trinidad………Carnival 10. Which of these is an organization that seeks to promote trading links among some countries in the Caribbean?

A. UWI B. CXC C. CANA D. CARICOM 11. Which or the following involves the cultivation of crops and the rearing of animals A. Trading B. Agriculture C. Manufacturing D. Horticulture 12. Which of the following activities directly relates to manufacturing?

A. Processing B. Quarrying C. Banking D. Retailing 13. Which of the following is an example of forestry?

A. Planting and caring for large areas of trees B. Cutting down large areas of trees C. Cutting down and sowing D. Sowing seeds on a large area of land 14. The operating system of the computer is stored on the A. CPU B. Hard Drive C. RAM D. BIOS 15. Which of the following holds instruction used to “wake up” the computer system?

A. CPU B. Hard Drive C. RAM D. BIOS 16. _____________ are the physical parts of the computer system that you can touch.

A. Hard Drive B. Hardware C. Software D. Hardcopy 17. Use the world map below and label the 7 continents and the different bodies of water that surround them.

7. Which grouping in the Caribbean is Turks & Caicos Islands a part of?

A. Mainland Territories B. Lesser Antilles C. Bahamian Archipelago D. Greater Antilles 8. Which of these is the official language of the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries?

E. Dutch F. Spanish G. English H. French

GSAT continue next week

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LOCALNEWS NEWS LOCAL

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

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LOCALNEWS NEWS LOCAL

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012

SOLICITORS

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LOCAL NEWS

Page 2

LOCAL NEWS

TU

Rahman Ravelli Solicitors…

Defending people against fraud and corruption allegations in the Continued from page 1 TCI and around the world “Do you need the Immigration

Immigration Board could b

Since investigations began into bribery and corruption allegations in the Turks and Caicos (TCI), Rahman Ravelli Solicitors has been advising current and potential clients in need of expert legal advice.

Rahman Ravelli has spent much of 2011 in detailed legal discussion with the TCI authorities regarding the investigation and the interests of its clients. Our feedback informs us that our clients are most attracted to us by our pro-active handling of litigation and our swift, strong and intelligent legal representation that gets results.

Recently, Rahman Ravelli has again received much sought-after entries in legal guides cataloguing the UK’s and the world’s highest-rated legal firms.

In the world’s most prestigious legal directory, The Legal 500, Rahman Ravelli was rated as an excellent firm specialising in fraud and regulatory matters. It singled out Rahman Ravelli’s founder Aziz Rahman for his “first class and highly experienced’’ handling of cases.

The UK’s most authoritative legal guide, the Chambers UK Guide, said of Aziz Rahman:

(Board)?

Do

you

need

the

“He courts growing recognition as a very having been convicted of a crime.

Immigration Board to meet on every is possible under the This forfeiture bright, dedicated and shrewd tactician occasion?

Can more be done by of Crime Act; upon which UK’s Proceeds who prepares all of his cases to an the TCI POCA incredibly high standard.’’ exception and the Immigration Board Ordinance was based.

Our pioneering ECHR challenge is The recognition came after a year in only deals with the difficult cases? typical of our “outside of the box’’ which Rahman Ravelli took on high-profile Which I believe is the more sensible thinking that ensures our clients receive UK and international clients and fair treatment. successfully represented them in some way to look at it. of Rahman Ravelli’s worldwide experience, the biggest fraud cases.

“I have questioned Clara Gardiner network of expert partners around the Last year, Rahman Ravelli secured the (Permanent Secretary inglobe the Ministry and record of success make it the acquittal in London of the main defendant of Border Control andlogical Labour) on for people looking for legal choice in the $0.5 billion Imperial Consolidated representation case – one of the largest ever investment that.

I say, what’s the point of this kind because of the TCI’s fraud and corruption investigation. fraud trials. of system? There is much effort at the Rahman Ravelli represents clients in The firm has a ten-year track record of moment, to streamline the by all manner of UK, US, cases brought success in representing clients of all nationalities in courts around the globe. immigration system inEuropean the areas and of worldwide agencies.

Clients gain Rahman Ravelli continues to build on its PRC’s naturalization (and) Belongerthe expertise and resources of a big firm and yet also benefi t from our huge experience of defending clients all Philip Rushbrook status.

So, I think that personal is part oftouch. the Our international clients over the world who have faced corruption mix that they are considering can talkunder to our staff and can access theirin massive allegations involving billions of dollars. system has resulted lead lawyers hours a day. For each With a growing number of new national stateRushbrook this system,” said. 24 backlog.

He asserted that a more client, we assemble a bespoke legal team agencies worldwide now confiscating According to him, twice each streamlined system would speed up and devise the most intelligent, people’s assets, many people need such week the governor gets what hedefence appropriate case while keeping representation to defend what is theirs. the application processing and make it theofclient informed clearly of every Rahman Ravelli is going to the European various described as a big pile more efficient. development.

Court of Human Rightsimmigration (ECHR) to applications to sieve “If you streamlined Rahman Ravelli. Sharp legal minds withthe Public challenge the UK government’s right to through, andthemhad a personal to make touch. make a person forfeit assets without Service, you can do more with less

assignments. He argued that such a people. The more people you have got

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JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012

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LOCAL LOCALNEWS NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH20TH, - JANUARY 2012 & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 2012 13TH, TURKS JANUARY 6TH - JANUARY 13TH, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

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JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

•American Idol ready for new season

Rihanna and Coldplay •Porn industry upset at to perform condom requirement

Rain

It Will

But they're just afraid of something they can't understand Ooh, but little darlin' watch me change their minds Bruno Mars Yeah for you I'll try, I'll try, I'll try, I'll try If you ever leave me, baby, I'll pick up these broken pieces 'til I'm bleeding Leave some morphine at my door If that'll make you mine 'Cause it would take a whole lot of medicatio n To realize what we us ed to have, 'Cause there'll be no sunlight We don't have it anym ore. If I lose you, baby There'll be no clear skies There's no religion that could save me If I lose you, baby No matter how long m y knees are on the flo or Just like the clouds So keep in mind all th e sacrifices I'm makin' My eyes will do the same, if you walk away To keep you by my sid e Everyday it'll rain, rain, rain.

To keep you from walki n' out the door.

Oh, don't just say (don't just say) goodbye (goodbye), 'Cause there'll be no su nlight Don't just say (don't just say) goodbye (goodbye) If I lose you, baby I'll pick up these broken pieces 'til I'm bleeding There'll be no clear sk If that'll make it right ies If I lose you, baby Just like the clouds 'Cause there'll be no sunlight My eyes will do the sa me, if you walk away If I lose you, baby Everyday it'll rain, rain, There'll be no clear skies rain If I lose you, baby I'll never be your mothe Just like the clouds r's favorite Your daddy can't even look me in the eye My eyes will do the same, if you walk away Ooh, if I was in their sh oes, I'd be doing the Everyday it'll rain, rain, rain same thing Sayin' "There goes m y little girl Walkin' with that troub lesome guy"

Page 28

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

ENTERTAINMENT

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

Porn industry Ratings king 'American mulls leaving Idol' ready for 11th season LA if condoms required

"American Idol" judges Steven Tyler, left, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson.

LAS VEGAS — "American Idol" is having a bit of a Goldilocks moment. When the nation's favorite TV addiction debuted 10 years ago, critics complained the judges were too mean to the hordes of would-be singers seeking celebrity.

But after pop icons Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tylerbecame judges last year, some fans complained the show had lost its bite. "American Idol," critics complained, had become too nice.

Now in its 11th season, the Fox show that spawned a dozen pop stars and copycat talent competitions is hoping to get it just right.

With the second post-Simon Cowell season under way, Lopez and Tyler said they are striking a balance between showing compassion and respect for their fellow artists, while also not mincing their words.

"Last year was kind of our first year and we were kind of finding our way and figuring out how we were going to do things," Lopez said during a press conference in between filming the show in Las Vegas on Wednesday, hours before the Season 11 premiere. "But I just think we are more to the point now. We understand how to do it."

Tyler joked that he was peppering his encouragement with "well-rounded, slanderous attacks."

Tyler and Lopez's still-evolving shtick will likely determine whether "Idol" can match its previous successes. In an era of social networking, where YouTube videos result in record contracts, does America still want pop stars invented by a TV show?

All signs say yes.

It's been a decade since Texas native Kelly Clarkson was plucked from obscurity and turned into the nation's first American Idol in 2002 and by all accounts the show has retained its dominance over the nation's TV viewers.

Lopez and Tyler's debut year saw the show maintain its spot as the nation's most-watched TV show, making it No. 1 for the eighth-straight season.

Scotty McCreery, last season's winner, became the first "Idol" to start his post-show career with a No. 1

album since Ruben Studdard in 2003.

No major changes have been announced for the show's 11th season. The season is opening with taped audition episodes before it shifts to live shows in Los Angeles that include audience voting. The show's season premier Wednesday was to focus on Savannah, Ga., before continuing in Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Veteran music producer Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M, is returning as the in-house mentor for the contestants. Finalists will once again compete midway through the competition on the Las Vegas Strip, where 42 contestants practiced singing Wednesday morning.

Tyler said soul music has emerged has this season's genre of choice, with many of the contestants looking to channel chart-topper and British soul diva Adele.

The season could mark Ryan Seacrest's last year hosting the show. He has said he would like to stay on as the show's host past 2012, but his contract ends this year. There have been several reports that Seacrest could replace Matt Lauer, should he decide to leave the "Today" show on NBC. Season 11 opens in a different era from when the show launched in 2002. Then, former judge Cowell helped turn the competition into a national phenomenon with his harsh feedback for the show's less-than-stellar contestants. It was the only singing competition of its kind at the time.

But last year Lopez, Tyler and lone original judge Randy Jackson seemed reluctant to point out contestants' shortcomings in the same blunt manner that helped make "Idol" must-see entertainment.

The TV landscape has also changed. "Idol" now faces challenges from NBC's competition "The Voice," and Fox's "The X Factor," which stars Cowell.

The show has helped launched the careers of pop stars Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood.

Rihanna and Coldplay to perform together at Grammys NEW YORK — Rihanna and Coldplay sing together on the group's latest album, and they'll do so again at next month's Grammy Awards.

Rihanna, who is nominated for four Grammys including album of the year for "Loud," tweeted the news to her followers Wednesday night, calling it "BONKERS." Coldplay is up for three awards.

Paul McCartney was announced Thursday

by The Recording Academy as another

performer on the Feb. 12 broadcast.

McCartney is being honored during Grammy week as the MusiCares person of the year. His new album, "Kisses on the Bottom," will be released Feb. 7.

LL Cool J will host the show, to be broadcast on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Other performers include the Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Jason Aldean.

LOS ANGELES — Some of the most prominent purveyors of porn say they'll start packing up their sex toys and abandoning the nation's porn capital if authorities carry through with a nascent effort to police adult film sets and order that every actor be outfitted with a condom.

That effort took a serious leap forward Tuesday when the Los Angeles city council voted 9-1 to grant final approval to an ordinance that would deny film permits to producers who do not comply with the condom requirement. The measure now goes to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for approval.

Before the measure can take effect, however, the council has called for the creation of a committee of police officials, the city attorney, state health officials and others to determine how it might be enforced.

"It's going to be interesting to see how in fact they do try to enforce it and who's going to fund it, and all of the time and effort they're going to spend," said Steven Hirsch, co-founder and co-chairman of Los Angelesbased Vivid, one of the largest makers of erotic movies.

"Ultimately I think what they will find is people will just stop shooting in the city of Los Angeles," added Hirsch. "That's a given."

His company, founded in 1984, would be among those that would consider leaving, he said.

Other industry officials condemned the measure as an unneeded exercise in political correctness that cannot be enforced in the city known in the industry as the porn capital of the country. Approximately 90 percent of U.S. porn films are made in Los Angeles, almost all of them in the city's San Fernando Valley, said Mark Kernes, senior editor of Adult Video News.

When films, Internet downloads, sex toys and admission to dance clubs are counted, Kernes said, it's an industry that produces about $8 billion a year in revenue.

It has been battered in recent years, however, by the recession and the increased popularity of free Internet porn, and Kernes and others say requiring condoms would further erode business.

They say consumers, particularly those overseas, have made it clear they won't watch films when the actors use condoms, complaining that it is distracting and ruins the fantasy.

"The only thing that the city could potentially achieve is losing some film permit money and driving some productions away, but you can't actually compel an industry to create a product that the market doesn't want," said Christian Mann, general manager of Evil Angel, another of the industry's largest production companies.

Ged Kenslea, spokesman for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said the measure is needed because the industry has failed to properly police itself. For years, he said, filmmakers have ignored state health laws mandating the use of condoms when workers are exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

"Let's make one thing clear: Condom use on adult film sets is, and has been, the law in California under blood-borne pathogens regulations," he said. "It is just a law that has not been uniformly enforced or followed.

This film permit ordinance that the city council approved today provides another enforcement mechanism to make sure that adult film producers are complying with existing California law."

The council's final vote to approve the law was taken without public discussion, on a day when most of the porn industry's major players were in Las Vegas preparing for Wednesday's opening of the Adult Entertainment Expo, their industry's largest trade event.

They said they weren't surprised by the news.

The industry already does its own policing, filmmakers say, requiring actors be tested for sexually transmitted diseases a minimum of every 30 days when they are working. They say no cases of HIV have been directly linked to porn films since 2004, adding they fear if the industry scatters to areas outside of Los Angeles, testing could fall by the wayside, exposing performers to more risk

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JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011

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King Features Weekly Service

January 24, 2011

TURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARYSUN 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012 JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011 TURKS & CAICOS

Page 31 FUN & GAMES LOCAL NEWS

January 24,January 2011 24, 2011

King Features Weekly Service King Features Weekly Service

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A gracious Lamb can learn more about a problemfilled situation than one who is openly suspicious of what could be happening. A friend might offer some welldirected advice.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Getting adjusted to an unexpected change might be difficult for the Bovine who prefers things to go according to plan. But help could come from a most welcome source.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) This could be a good time to get a head start on those career-related plans.

The sooner you check out the pluses and minuses, the sooner you can act on your information.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A personal situation you thought would no longer present a problem suddenly could produce some surprises. Try to sort things out with the help of trusted colleagues.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) An upcoming move holds both anticipation and anxiety for Leos and Leonas who have some big decisions to make. Advice is plentiful, but it’s up to you to decide which way you want to go.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Someone from a previous project could provide valuable guidance on how to handle a current problem, especially where it might involve a legal matter.

LIBRA —13— (September 23 to October 22) A business

A HIGHLY IMAGINATIVE DEFENSE

Partscore hands might lack the dramatic impact of game or slam hands, but they give rise to many ingenious forms of play.

Consider this deal where South winds up in two spades on the bidding shown.

North’s double is a bit light by ordinary standards, but it is perfectly acceptable in the balancing —13— seat after East’s opening heart bid is passed out. South’s jump to two spades is similarly justified by his holding of five spades and 10 high-card points, suggesting game if North has a sound double.

situation presents some unexpected complications.

But rather than try to handle them all at once, it would be best to deal with them one at a time.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You just might get what you want, despite the odds against it. In any event, be sure to thank all those people involved who believed in you and went to bat for you.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Before you even hint at an accusation, remember that you’ll have to prove what you say. So be sure you have what you need to back up your comments.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A romantic situation takes an unexpected turn that favors some Sea Goats, but causes others to reassess how they’ve been handling the relationship.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A surprise turn of events could unsettle the Water Bearer. But it also might help open up an entirely different way of working out an important matter.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A smoothly running operation could bump up against an obstacle. This is where your ability to assess situations and make adjustments can restore things to normal.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your kindness is legendary, and so is your strong sense of responsibility.

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© 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

East wins the heart lead with the ten, and the outcome rests on his next move.

Actually, there is only one card East can return at this point to defeat the contract, and that card is the three of spades!

Declarer is helpless against this return. If he plays a heart at trick three, East wins and cashes the A-K of trumps and two more hearts to put the contract down one.

If declarer instead plays three rounds of diamonds after the low trump return, discarding a heart on the third round of diamonds, West ruffs and returns a heart to sink the contract in a slightly different way.

The three-of-spades return is not as difficult a play as it might seem. East can tell from the bidding that South has both minor-suit aces and that the defense is therefore sure to fail unless East can win four heart tricks in addition to his A-K of trumps.

Once this thought occurs to East, he must proceed on the basis that what he hopes is the case is actually the case.

Accordingly, he returns a low trump at trick two and goes to the head of the class! © 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Aspects call for care in preparing material for submission. Although you might find it bothersome to go over what you’ve done, the fact is, rechecking could be worth your time and effort.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The week is favorable for Bovines who welcome change. New career opportunities wait to be checked out. You might also want to get started on that home makeover you’ve been considering.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might have to be extra careful to protect that surprise you have planned, thanks to a certain snoopy someone who wants to know more about your plans than you’re willing to share.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Family ties are strong this week, although an old and still-unresolved problem might create some unpleasant moments. If so, look to straighten the situation out once and for all.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Although the Lion might see it as an act of loyalty and courage to hold on to an increasingly shaky position, it might be wiser to make changes now to prevent a possible meltdown later.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your gift for adding new people to your circle of friends works overtime this week, thanks largely to contacts you made during the holidays. A surprise awaits you at the week’s end.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Don’t hide your talents. It’s a good time

to show what you can do to impress people who can do a lot for you. A dispute with a family member might still need some smoothing over.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Be open with your colleagues about your plan to bring a workplace matter out into the open.

You’ll want their support, and they’ll want to know how you’ll pull it off.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Trying to patch up an unraveling relationship is often easier said than done. But it helps to discuss and work out any problems that arise along the way.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) While your creative aspect remains high this week, you might want to call on your practical side to help work out the why and wherefore of an upcoming decision.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Dealing with someone’s disappointment can be difficult for Aquarians, who always try to avoid giving pain. But a full explanation and a show of sympathy can work wonders.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Getting a jobrelated matter past some major obstacles should be easier this week. A personal situation might take a surprising but not necessarily unwelcome turn by the week’s end.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can be both a dreamer and a doer. You consider helping others to be an important part of your life.

APRIL 8TH - APRIL 15TH, 2011 JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012 TURKS CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH &, 2011

AN UNUSUAL SAFETY tract. All he had to do was to PLAY allow West’s queen of diaBy Samantha Weaver monds to hold the first trick!

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

Page 33

• Atlantis sale halted • 23 killed in Haiti truck crash Guyana loses billions in undeclared gold exports

World Bank warns region of slowing growth WASHINGTON – The World Bank is urging the Caribbean and other developing nations to start planning for a major slowdown in global growth this year.

The Washington-based financial institution, in a report released Tuesday, lowered its growth forecasts for highincome and low-income countries, saying it expected the world economy to expand an aggregate 2.5 per cent in 2012, down from about 2.7 per cent in 2011.

In its previous estimate, in June, it forecast growth of 3.6 per cent in 2012.

The bank also warned of the continued threat of a global financial shock “similar in magnitude to the Lehman crisis,” because of the possibility that a major European economy could be shut out of the global debt markets.

In that case, the bank estimated the damage to the world’s economic growth would rival the recession of 2008 and 2009.

“The largest economy in the world is weakening,” said Justin Yifu Lin, the bank’s chief economist, referring to the European Union.

“The message for developing countries is to start preparing now.”

The report was issued as forecasters warned of slower growth in the United States. Estimates of the nation’s annual pace of growth reached as high as four per cent in the final months of 2011.

But economists contend the strength came in part from temporary measures, including wholesalers restocking their inventories and consumers saving less and spending more over the holidays.

St. Lucia PM talks about successor for ruling party CASTRIES, St Lucia – Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony says although he has already made up his mind when he will give up the post of leader of the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP), he has no intention of making it public as yet.

“My work in the SLP is not yet over and while I have made up my mind when I plan to relinquish the reigns of leadership, I am not prepared to make any disclosure about that,” said Anthony, 61, who led the SLP back into power last December following its defeat in the 2006 general election.

“We have to take on board the recent experiences of the Caribbean where you have had replacements in the leadership but despite all the promise of the new replacements, then difficulties emerged with voters who were able to make a very different kind of judgment,” he said, Jamaica is the last Caribbean country where the prime minister failed to hold on to power in a general election after being elevated to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of the head of government.

“I think the experience in Jamaica is a telling one and I think we have to handle that experience for everything it means. The situation in Barbados too is a very interesting and challenging one, so one has to be very careful that we do not treat the issue of succession in the narrow way that it is being treated, that somehow the solution

would be obtain by replacing who is the current leader or existing leader,” Anthony said.

He said that the issue of succession should always be on the plate, “not in the twilight of the years of a current leader but it should be part and parcel of our political life during the actual tenure of leadership itself because you never know what will happen”.

A few years after he was elected to head the SLP in the 1990s, the SLP amended its constitution at Dr. Anthony’s request to remove the time limit set for its party leader that was previously restricted to two consecutive terms.

Political observers say the move reflected a change of position by Anthony, a constitutional law expert, who prior to becoming prime minister following the 1997 general elections had convinced party stalwarts that no leader should hold the position of Prime Minister for more than two consecutive terms.

Anthony said that while succession was inevitable decisions would have to be made carefully.

“I have always said to my party that those who wish to aspire to leadership ought not to feel embarrassed by that wish or ambition: nevertheless they must give people of the country, including party members, an opportunity to determine whether they are leadership material or not.”

Economists say they expect many headwinds in early 2012: rising oil prices as the United States and European countries confront Iran; the risk of a tax cut for American wage earners expiring; a strong dollar rendering American exports less competitive; and continued repercussions from the sovereign debt crisis in Europe.

In the report, the biannual “Global Economic Prospects,” the bank predicted that high-income countries, including the United States, France, Japan and Germany, would grow 1.4 per cent in 2012.

It forecast a mild contraction of 0.3

percent in the 17 countries that use the Euro. Developing countries will grow 5.4 percent, down from a forecast of 6.2 percent in June, the bank said.

The World Bank said Latin America and Caribbean countries grew by an estimated 4.2 per cent in 2011.

But it said this is expected to ease to 3.6 per cent growth in 2012, before picking up to 4.2 per cent in 2013.

“Weaker global growth, uncertainty arising from the Euro Area debt crisis, slower growth in China, and a policy-induced deceleration in domestic demand are weighing on growth prospects,” it said about the region.

“Several countries in the region could be hard hit, if international commodity prices were to weaken sharply,” it added.

The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank’s sister organization, echoed its warnings about the dangers slowing trade and uncertainty about Europe pose to emerging markets.

Stanford to go on trial next week ST JOHNS, Antigua, interest certificates of deposit at the Stanford Former Antigua-based International Bank billionaire Allen headquartered in Stanford, will finally go Antigua. on trial next week He and three other Monday, nearly three senior executives of years after his arrest for Stanford Financial fraudulent dealings.

Group are accused of United States lying about the growth District Judge David of bank assets in investor Hittner ruled on January reports, diverting more 18 that there would be than US$1.6 billion into Allen Stanford no more delays granted undisclosed personal to Stanford’s legal team loans to Stanford, engaging in wire and the Texas financier accused of and mail fraud, and conspiracy to defrauding thousands of investors in obstruct a Security and Exchange a US$7 billion Ponzi scheme would Commission investigation. do so in a matter of days.

According to prosecutors, the The federal judge’s decision former financier, who was granted a came after defence attorneys for knighthood in Antigua, skimmed Stanford argued that they needed a money from investor funds to live a delay in the trial so they could have lavish lifestyle that included more time to study possible mansions, yachts and a private testimony from expert witnesses on island. accounting procedures.

Once estimated to have had a However, Judge Hittner was as personal fortune of more than US$2 un-swayed by these arguments as he billion, Stanford is now considered had been in recent weeks by motions indigent since all his assets have been

by Stanford’s lawyers that their client frozen by court order, and therefore was not mentally competent to stand deserving of a taxpayer-financed trial and that the trial should be defence. postponed because they had not had His latest team of four courtsufficient time to prepare a defence. appointed lawyers filed a motion last “My finding still remains that he week to leave the case, claiming they is competent and ready to go,” did not have sufficient resources or Hittner said. time to organize a proper defence.

Stanford, 61, has pleaded not They also said their efforts had been guilty to 14 criminal counts alleging held back when contractors working that he had defrauded nearly 30,000 to prepare documents for the defence investors from 113 countries in a quit at the end of last year after they Ponzi scheme involving bogus high- had not been paid for several months.

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Court halts sale of Atlantis Hotel in e Bahamas Brookfield Asset Management canceled its agreement to exchange debt to acquire Kerzner International Holdings Ltd. (KZL)’s Atlantis resorts in the Bahamas.

“Two hedge funds got a temporary restraining order on Friday and, as a result of that, we have terminated the offer to acquire,” Andrew Willis, a Brookfield spokesman, said today in a telephone interview. The funds are Trilogy Portfolio Co. and Canyon Value Realization Fund LP. “We’re reviewing all options.”

Kerzner in November agreed to hand ownership of its flagship property to Brookfield, a Torontobased investment firm, as part of a debt restructuring. Brookfield at the time planned to forgive $175 million of junior debt for ownership of the Bahamas-based Atlantis and the Bahamas One&Only Ocean Club, as well as a half interest in the One&Only Palmilla in Mexico.

Kerzner has struggled with debt since the 2008 financial crisis pushed down hotel values and room rates. The 3,400-room resort --famous for its Mayan-themed water slides and upclose encounters with dolphins, sharks and rays -- is surrounded by an artificial open-air marine habitat featuring 50,000 sea creatures and a marina to “attract the sleek international mega-yacht set,”according to its website.

The properties Brookfield planned to take over had about $2.6 billion in debt when negotiations began. That would have shrunk to about $2.3

Atlantis resort located in the Bahamas

billion, with Brookfield’s forgiveness and an earlier $100 million payment that was part of a maturity extension.

The lawsuit filed in a Delaware court has left Atlantis and The One&Only Ocean Club hanging in the balance, and has fueled even greater uncertainty over the approximately 8,000 jobs on Paradise Island.

The complaint notes that Kerzner opened Atlantis Bahamas in 1998, after spending more than $800 million to recreate his vision of the lost city of Atlantis.

Kerzner International underwent an ambitious expansion in the years that followed, setting out in 2006to develops additional hotels, constructing a dolphin habitat, and expanding the existing casino and water park.

To cover the costs associated with

this undertaking, Kerzner along with a group of equity sponsors, borrowed approximately $3.4 billion to take Kerzner International private, the complaint notes, whileproviding historical context to Kerzner`s current debt problems.

"Despite the considerable risks to the company from taking on more than $3 billion of new debt, Mr. Kerzner optimistically and incorrectly predicted year after year of growth in the company’s flagship Bahamas resort, projecting that by 2010, Kerzner Internationals net income would have nearly doubled.

As the next few years would demonstrate, these assumptions proved unfounded," the complaint says.

"Within five years of going private, Kerzner International’s ambitious,

Mitt Romney has millions of dollars in the Cayman Islands Although it is not apparent on his financial disclosure form, Mitt Romney has millions of dollars of his personal wealth in investment funds set up in the Cayman Islands, a notorious Caribbean tax haven.

A spokesperson for the Romney campaign says Romney follows all tax laws and he would pay the same in taxes regardless of where the funds are based.

As the race for the Republican nomination heats up, Mitt Romney is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a shroud of secrecy around the details about his vast personal wealth, including, as ABC News has discovered, his investment in funds located offshore and his ability to pay a lower tax rate.

"His personal finances are a poster child of what's wrong with the American tax system," said Jack Blum, a Washington lawyer who is an authority on tax enforcement and offshore banking.

On Tuesday, Romney disclosed that he has been paying a far lower percentage in taxes than most Americans, around 15 percent of his annual earnings.

It has been Romney's Republican rivals who have driven the tax issue onto center stage. For weeks, Romney has cited a desire for privacy as his reason for not sharing his tax returns -- a gesture of transparency that is now expected from presidential contenders.

"I can tell you we follow the tax laws," he said recently while on the campaign trail in New

Hampshire. "And if there's an opportunity to save taxes, we like anybody else in this country will follow that opportunity."

But tax experts tell ABC News there are other reasons Romney may not want the public viewing his returns. As one of the wealthiest candidates to run for president in recent times, Romney has used a variety of techniques to help minimize the taxes on his estimated $250 million fortune. In addition to paying the lower tax rate on his investment income, Romney has as much as $8 million invested in at least 12 funds listed on a Cayman Islands registry. Another investment, which Romney reports as being worth between $5 million and $25 million, shows up on securities records as having been domiciled in the Caymans.

Official documents reviewed by ABC News show that Bain Capital, the private equity partnership Romney once ran, has set up some 138 secretive offshore funds in the Caymans.

Romney campaign officials and those at Bain Capital tell ABC News that the purpose of setting up those accounts in the Cayman Islands is to help attract money from foreign investors, and that the accounts provide no tax advantage to American investors like Romney. Romney, the campaign said, has paid all U.S. taxes on income derived from those investments.

"The tax consequences to the Romneys are the

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

multi—billion— dollar expansion project had proven itself a bad bet and the company’s rosy financial projection had proven unfounded."

Hampered by a weak global economy and the $2.5 billion in debt it had incurred to finance the buyout, between 2008 and 2009, Kerzner Internationals net cash fell by $30 million and occupancy of its Atlantis Bahamas resort slipped to 61 percent, a far cry from the 80.3 percent it had assumed in prior projections, the complaint continues.

By early 2010, the company’s net income had declined more than 13 percent from the previous year and the company was exploring options to restructure its debt and sell off assets.

“On the eve of the 2006 buy-out, Kerzner International had been poised to expand into Dubai, Morocco, and the Philippines; now, less than five years later, Kerzner was contemplating a sale of the remaining valuable assets," the complaint adds.

"The company’s debt—fueled expansion strategy had failed. Kerzner International needed a way out.

Ironically, it found one in the multibillion—dollar Atlantis Bahamas loan that had helped drag the company `s fortunes down.

"In late November 2011, after failing to refinance or extend the approximately $2.5 billion outstanding on the loan that had become due in September, Kerzner announced its intention to sell its flagship Atlantis Bahamas resort to Brookfield Asset Management, as part of a proposed transaction whereby Kerzner would extract itself from certain loan guarantees while at the same time entering into new lucrative management agreements, and Brookfield would enjoy all the upside potential of equity partnership while restricting its downside risk."

very same whether the fund is domiciled here or another country," a campaign official said in response to questions. "Gov. and Mrs. Romney have money invested in funds that the trustee has determined to be attractive investment opportunities, and those funds are domiciled wherever the fund sponsors happen to organize the funds."

Bain officials called the decision to locate some funds offshore routine, and a benefit only to foreign investors who do not want to be subjected to U.S. taxes.

Tax experts agree that Romney remains subject to American taxes. But they say the offshore accounts have provided him -- and Bain -- with other potential financial benefits, such as higher management fees and greater foreign interest, all at the expense of the U.S. Treasury. Rebecca J. Wilkins, a tax policy expert with Citizens for Tax Justice, said the federal government loses an estimated $100 billion a year because of tax havens.

Blum, the D.C. tax lawyer, said working through an offshore investment vehicle allows the investor to "avoid a whole series of small traps in the tax code that ordinary people would face if they paid tax on an onshore basis."

Wilkins agreed, saying the "primary advantage to setting those funds up in an offshore jurisdiction like the Cayman Islands or Bermuda is it helps the investors avoid tax."

"It helps U.S. investors avoid U.S. tax," said Wilkins, "it helps foreign investors avoid taxes in their home country, so it's not illegal or improper to set those funds up in a foreign jurisdiction, but it makes it more attractive to investors because it helps them avoid paying taxes on that income."

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 35

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Huge oil rig arrives to explore in Cuban waters HAVANA — A massive drilling rig arrived Thursday in the warm Gulf waters north of Havana, where it will sink an exploratory well deep into the seabed, launching Cuba's dreams of striking it rich with offshore oil.

The Scarabeo-9 platform was visible from Havana's sea wall, far off on the hazy horizon as it chugged westward toward its final drill site, which lies about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Havana and 56 miles (90 kilometers) south of Key West.

Spanish oil company Repsol RPF,

which is leasing the rig from Eni subsidiary Siapem for about a halfmillion dollars a day, said it expects to begin drilling within days to find out whether the reserves are as rich as predicted.

"The geologists have done their work. If they've done it well, then we'll have a good chance of success," Repsol spokesman Kristian Rix said by phone from Madrid. "It's been a long process, but now we're at the point where we discover where our geologists have got it right. It's a happy day."

Cuba's offshore oil dreams have stirred up controversy in the United States and become yet another cause for squabbling between officials in the United States and Cuba.

Their proximity has also prompted fears that a massive spill like the 2010 Macondo-Deepwater Horizon disaster could foul not just Cuba's reefs and gleaming, white-sand beaches, but also the coast of Florida and potentially the Atlantic Seaboard up to North Carolina.

Although U.S. inspectors gave the Scarabeo-9's safety systems a clean bill

of health last week during an inspection in Trinidad, Cuba would be hardpressed to respond to a major spill on its own, and getting help isn't as simple as making a phone call to Washington.

Under the U.S. embargo, any American companies, personnel and equipment contracting with Cuba on oil must get an exemption from the U.S. government. But so far, few of those licenses have been issued.

"Of all of the resources that were required to cap the well on Macondo ... less than 5 percent of those have been licensed by the U.S. government," said Lee Hunt, president of the International Association of Drilling Contractors.

Studies estimate that Cuba may have anywhere from 5 billion to 9 billion barrels of crude offshore, though the exact size of the reserves is still unquantified and production will take years to come online.

Billions of dollars escape in undeclared gold from Guyana Hundreds of millions of US dollars in undeclared gold could be slipping through the cracks according to figures released by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud.

Guyana’s 2011 declared gold production was above the target for the year with the minister putting the figure at 363,083 ounces, some 14 percent more than what was projected, but he added that this may be far from the real production tally.

“That is very significant but it does not fully recognise or reflect the production because ... stakeholders will tell you that perhaps gold production might be in the range of 600,000 ounces

and we continue to be plagued by the issue of underdeclaration,” Persaud said at his new ministry’s first national stakeholders forum.

International gold price was recorded at US$1,644 per ounce on Monday. With the difference between actual declaration and potential declaration being some 237,000 ounces that translates to US$389,628,000 or approximately GUY$78B going untaxed.

During an interactive session that followed the presentations Monday Persaud was asked what his ministry intended to do to correct the situation to which he responded that the miners themselves have

a part to play.

“This is a small society in a way and even in the mining community people know what is taking place and I think the onus for responsibility is first and foremost with those in the mining community to ensure that there is compliance.

We can have the most robust system but take for instance if it’s our borders, given also how it is our hinterland is structured and we know what takes place, we can have the best system tracking system but if you have players within the sector itself that are encouraging and supporting the violations then it will not be effective,” Persaud said.

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PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti– President Michel Martelly led the nation in mourning the death of at least 23 people, who were killed when a truck ploughed into pedestrians late on Monday night.

Hospital officials said 67 people had suffered various injuries as a result of the accident, which police said occurred the brakes on the truck apparently failed, causing it to crash on one of the capital busiest streets just before midnight.

Nadia Lochard of Haiti's Civil Protection Office said the accident happened on the thoroughfare of Route Delmas, when the driver lost control, struck a small bus and ran onto the sidewalk.

A statement from the Office of the President, said he visited the crash site, situated in front of the national television station.

Martelly, while expressing his condolences to the families of those killed, again appealed to Haitians to exercise caution when travelling on the roads.

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Page 36

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

• New Corp psettles with hacking victims • Perry ends Presidential Bid

US prepared for Iran attack

- Panetta

Search for survivors of capsized cruise ship Costa Concordia suspended The search of the Costa Concordia cruise ship has been suspended after the capsized vessel slipped, the Italian coast guard says.

Officials are hoping to begin salvage work soon, including pumping oil off the wreck, as hopes fade of finding any more survivors.

Twenty-three people are missing, and 11 confirmed dead, after the huge ship crashed into rocks on Friday.

There are fears the vessel might slip into deeper water off the Tuscan coast.

"Instruments indicated the ship had moved. We are in the process of evaluating if it has found a new resting point to allow us to resume," fire department spokesman Luca Cari said.

Along with the salvage workers who will begin operations once rescue efforts have been declared over - a specialist team from Dutch salvage company SMIT is to prepare to pump more than 2,300 tonnes of fuel from the ship's 17 tanks.

The firm says this could take several weeks. Experts believe there is little risk of a major fuel leak that would contaminate the scenic area.

Hungary's foreign ministry said one of the recovered bodies was that of Sandor Feher, a 38-year-old Hungarian musician working on board, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, who is visiting London, said: "Any such disaster could and should be avoided".

He added that his government was working to limit any environmental damage.

Captain Francesco Schettino is

The rescue operation was temporarily suspended earlier due to the ship moving as it slowly sinks further into the sea.

under house arrest, accused of causing the crash. Prosecutors have also accused him of fleeing the Costa Concordia before evacuation was complete.

A recording of a call between him and a port official after the crash appears to support this, though Capt Schettino denies the claims.

In the recording, released by the Corriere della Sera newspaper, Livorno Port Authority chief Gregorio De Falco can be heard repeatedly telling the captain to get back on board to help stranded passengers.

"Schettino, maybe you saved

Michael Jackson family drops money claim against doctor Michael Jackson's family has dropped a claim for compensation from the star's former doctor Conrad Murray over his 2009 death, an official said Thursday.

Prosecutors were due in court next week to press a claim against Murray - who was jailed for four years in November after being guilty of involuntary manslaughter -- to pay over $100 million in restitution to the family.

That court date had been taken off the calendar after the Jackson family decided it would no longer seek restitution, said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles District Attorney's office was not immediately available to comment on the case.

Prosecutors announced when Murray was jailed that they would seek restitution of $100 million, plus more than $1 million in funeral-associated costs -- from Murray on behalf of Jackson's children.

But Murray's lawyers said there was no point, since Murray does not have any money. Observers said the restitution claim could be to prevent Murray profiting from the case in the future, by book or other deals.

Murray, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for having given the King of Pop an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol while trying to help him sleep at his mansion on June 25, 2009.

Jackson was in Los Angeles rehearsing for a series of comeback concerts in London when he died.

yourself from the sea, but I'll make you have trouble for sure. Go aboard," says Mr De Falco.

The captain appears to refuse, replying first that there are rescuers already on board, and then that it is dark and difficult to see.

Coastguards believe he never went back to the ship. He was arrested shortly afterwards.

But during a court hearing on Tuesday, the captain said he could not get on board the vessel because it was lying on its side.

He argued that after his ship hit rocks, he executed a difficult manoeuvre that had saved many people's lives.

According to Italian media, Capt Schettino told investigators he had left the ship accidentally after tripping and falling into a rescue craft.

The ship, carrying 4,200 passengers and crew, had its hull ripped open when it hit rocks late on Friday, just hours into a Mediterranean cruise.

Some people were forced to swim for shore as the angle of the ship made launching lifeboats impossible.

The brother of a waiter on board the Costa Concordia travelled to Giglio to find his missing relative.

"I am seeing the ship before my eyes, and I can't believe how fast my heart is beating," Kevin Rebello told the BBC. "I hope my brother finds his way home. He's a very brave guy, he's a very nice guy and people on the ship loved him very much."

He said Costa Crociere, the owner of the ship, took several days just to confirm that his brother Russel was on board.

Italy's interior ministry on Tuesday published a list of 28 passengers and crew they say are unaccounted for. It names 13 Germans, six Italians including a five-year-old girl - four French nationals, two Americans, an Indian, a Peruvian and a Hungarian.

It does not take into account the five bodies discovered the same day which have not yet been identified.

Italian media have reported that a German passenger thought to be missing had turned up at his home.

Costa Crociere has said that on Friday Capt Schettino diverted from the normal route to sail close to Giglio.

Meanwhile, satellite tracking information given to the BBC by the shipping journal Lloyd's List Intelligence shows the Costa Concordia had sailed even closer to the island on a cruise last August.

230m of the island on 14 August 2011 to mark La Notte di San Lorenzo - the night of the shooting stars festival on the island.

The route deviation on that occasion had apparently been authorised by Costa Crociere.

The company said on Monday that the ship was never closer than 500m to the coast when it passed on 14 August.

Lloyd's List describes that occasion as a "near miss" and says the ship's route would have been less than 200m away from the point of collision on Friday's voyage.

Costa Crociere said on Monday that the route deviation last Friday had been "unauthorised, unapproved and unknown to Costa".

But Richard Meade, editor of Lloyd's List, said: "The company's account of what happened, of the rogue master [Capt Schettino] taking a bad decision, isn't quite as black and white as they presented originally."

"This ship took a very similar route only a few months previously and the master would have known that."

Costa Crociere says it is looking into the claims, but stands by the statement it gave on Monday.

Lloyd's List says the issue of which nautical charts the captain of the vessel was using looks likely to be critical to his defence if he does face a criminal prosecution.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 37

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

WORLD NEWS

Perry ends presidential run, backs Gingrich Texas Governor Rick Perry dropped out of the race for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination on Thursday after a series of gaffes and controversies undercut the campaign of the one-time frontrunner. He endorsed former rival Newt Gingrich.

"I've always believed the mission is greater than the man. As I have contemplated the future of this campaign, I have come to the conclusion that there is no viable path forward for me in this 2012 campaign," Perry, 61, told supporters in South Carolina, the conservative southern state where he had hoped to revive his campaign in Saturday's Republican presidential primary.

"Therefore today I am suspending my campaign and endorsing Newt Gingrich for president of the United

Texas Governor Rick Perry

Newt Gingrich

States," Perry added. "I believe Newt is a conservative visionary who can transform our country."

Perry entered the race in August cheered by conservative activists and evangelical Christians dissatisfied with former Massachusetts Governor Romney, a more moderate politician who touted his business background.

The Texas governor briefly was at the front of the pack of Republican candidates seeking the party's nomination to face Democratic President Barack Obama on November 6. But a series of gaffes, poor debate performances and controversial statements during the campaign undermined his standing in polls.

Speaking of Gingrich, the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Perry said: "We've had our differences, which campaigns will inevitably have. And Newt is not

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perfect. But who among us is?"

"The fact is there is forgiveness for those who seek God. And I believe in the power of redemption, for it is a central tenet of my Christian faith," Perry added.

Perry's poll numbers remained low in South Carolina, with little prospect for improving there or in other state contests ahead. Perry and Gingrich in recent days had both been criticizing frontrunner Romney over his conduct as head of private equity firm Bain Capital and had called for him to release his federal income tax returns.

Speaking to reporters in Beaufort, South Carolina, Gingrich said he had spoken with Perry earlier in the day and called the Texas governor "a great patriot." Gingrich also said Perry had agreed to work with other state governors and legislators to develop a detailed conservative agenda for the future.

Perry contemplated getting out of the race after a fifth place showing in the January 3 Iowa caucuses - the first contest in the state-by-state battle for the Republican nomination - but then decided to stay in. His campaign, however, never got more traction.

He announced his candidacy in the coastal South Carolina city of Charleston last year and ended it there on Thursday.

"I know when it's time to make a strategic retreat," Perry said with his wife joining him.

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Page 38

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

WORLD NEWS

Arabs running out of options on Syria violence Arab states are worlds apart on Syria as they haggle over whether to keep peace monitors in the country as their month-long mandate expires without a halt to President Bashar al-Assad's bloody crackdown on popular unrest.

Efforts by Syria's Gulf Arab critics to force an end to the conflict are being blocked by other Arab states closer to Assad, leaving the country facing the risk of protracted fighting whose sectarian dimensions could threaten regional stability.

"There is no serious coherent decision likely, not just at the Arab League but in the U.N. Security Council," Laleh Khalili, Senior Lecturer in Mideast Politics at London's School of Oriental and African Studies. "There is now more of a sense that Syria is rushing headlong into a form of civil war."

The monitors' mission was due to expire Thursday night.

Qatar has proposed sending in

soldiers from Arab countries to restore calm but others reject the idea, saying Syria's government would never agree and they cannot spare any troops anyway, sources at the Arab League said.

Foreign ministers will meet at League headquarters in Cairo Sunday to decide whether to extend, enlarge or scrap the work of the 165 monitors, or pursue more drastic measures.

Diplomats speak of deadlock at the League, however, with Gulf states that are hostile to Assad impatient to turn up the pressure on him but his sympathisers still believing he can be persuaded to end the violence and enact reforms.

"They are in a big mess," a source close to the Arab League said. "They are running out of options."

There is no Western inclination for military intervention in Syria either due to its position straddling fault lines of Middle East conflict and internal

strife between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims that echo beyond its borders.

Assad's alliance with Iran also deters foreign involvement.

The use of force in Syria would require the backing of all the League's members, something seen as a nearimpossibility given that at least Iraq and Lebanon, Damascus's neighbors to the east and west, would oppose such a move.

Diplomats say Syria has also made it clear it would break off contacts with neighbors if foreign troops were dispatched, which would scupper attempts by the Arab League's secretary general, Nabil Elaraby, to bring together Assad and his opponents and engineer a political solution.

Syria's government said Tuesday it was "astonished" at Qatar's suggestion to send in troops, which it "absolutely rejected."

Many Arab leaders, including

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

some of Assad's traditional rivals, may also fear the reaction of their own populations if he were toppled and became another victim of the tide of Arab street uprisings that have unseated the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya over the past year.

"This issue is until now only an idea mooted by the Qatari prince," a top official in the Arab League told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

"The important questions here are: who would send those troops and who will arm them? And would the Arab League agree to act as the initiator of bloodshed between Arab states?"

The first Arab League source said diplomats mulling over the idea had voiced fear that military action could tip the entire region into war if Syria's ally Iran decided to get involved.

Many are also loath to abandon attempts at a diplomatic solution over concern that it could signal tacit approval for intervention by foreign powers - although the United Nations Security Council is also divided on what to do about Syria.

"Such an idea (military force) is not realistic given that it was rejected

by Syria and other big countries and also with Arab states being busy with their internal affairs," said the second Arab League official.

Woman makes it onto Nigeria flight in Texas with gun investigates in her purse $4 billion fuel subsidy fraud LAGOS - Nigeria has discovered a discrepancy of more than $4 billion a year between the amount of motor fuel it subsidizes and actual consumption, a legislative committee said, supporting the idea of massive corruption in the government subsidy scheme.

When President Goodluck Jonathan's government abruptly removed the subsidy on January 1, strikes and protests by trade unions and civil society forced him to reinstate part of it, though the pump price was increased by 50 percent.

"What we have here is that 59 million liters were discharged by vessels, but the daily consumption locally was 35 million liters," Farouk Lawan, chairman of a House of Representatives committee probing subsidies, told an Abuja sitting late on Wednesday, in comments broadcast on independent station Channels TV on Thursday.

The comments are likely to further stoke the debate over the fuel subsidy, which economists say benefits wealthy fuel importers and smugglers more than ordinary Nigerians.

"There is a gap of 24 million liters per day being funded by Nigerians as subsidy that was not utilized by them. This of course amounts to overpayment; or in other words, sharp practices," the legislator said.

Critics of the subsidy say fuel importers overcharge for fuel using corrupt accounting procedures, and that much of the fuel bought for local consumption is shipped over the border to Cameroon and Benin, where smugglers can sell it for a huge profit. Both views seem to be supported by Lawan's findings.

"Smuggling has been encouraged by the system ... if local consumption is 35 million liters per day and we are paying for 59 million ... we're making available 24 million liters a day for importers to smuggle out," Lawan said.

DALLAS - A 65-year-old woman made it past a checkpoint and onto a flight at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on Wednesday with a revolver tucked away in her handbag, and was only stopped after the plane was called back to the gate, the airport said.

The woman was carrying a .38-caliber revolver in her handbag, the airport said in a statement. She was to be charged with a state felony for carrying a weapon where prohibited.

The release said airport police got a call from the Transportation Security Administration at about 6 a.m., asking for help locating a person who had gotten

through the checkpoint but needed secondary screening.

Airport Department of Public Safety officers searched all five terminals and found the woman at about 8 a.m. on board an American Airlines domestic flight that had been called back to the gate for inspection. A total of 10 flights were delayed an average of 20-25 minutes during the incident.

The TSA has said that airport security officers found about four firearms per day, many of them loaded, at airport checkpoints last year. Most passengers said they had forgotten the weapons were in their bags, the TSA said.

This screen shot shows the blacked-out Wikipedia website, announcing a 24-hour protest against proposed legislation in the U.S. Congress, intended to protect intellectual property that critics say could facilitate censorship, referred to as the "Stop Online Piracy Act," or "SOPA," and the "Protect IP Act," or "PIPA.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Page 39

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

WORLD NEWS

Panetta says US fully prepared for an Iran challenge WASHINGTON — The U.S. military is now "fully prepared" to deal with any Iranian effort to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital Persian Gulf avenue for international oil shipments, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Wednesday.

At a Pentagon news conference, Panetta was asked whether, in light of Iran's threat to close the strait in retaliation for stronger international economic sanctions, Washington is adjusting U.S. forces in the region.

"We are not making any special steps at this point in order to deal with the situation," Panetta replied. "Why? Because, frankly, we are fully prepared to deal with that situation now." He noted that routine planning continues as the U.S. and its allies consider a range

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta

of potential Iran-related problems.

The Navy this month added a second aircraft carrier strike group in

Hospital mistakenly sends man $44 million bill Patients don't normally get sick once they've returned home from the hospital, but one New York resident said he almost became ill when he received a whopping $44.8 million bill from the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center.

“I almost had an asthma attack,” Alexis Rodriguez, 28, told The New York Daily News.

Rodriguez, a doorman who is currently unemployed, is one of several hundred patients getting billed for tens of millions of dollars because of a computer error at the New York City hospital.

He told The Daily News that initially, he thought the bill was legitimate because he had received a large bill last spring when he was hospitalized for pneumonia for three weeks — although that bill was in the tens of thousands of dollars, not millions.

This hospital visit, again for pneumonia, was for outpatient services, reported The Daily News. The $44,776,587 bill should have amounted to no more than $300.

The error occurred beceause the company that prepares the bills had mistakenly put the invoice number in the space where the invoice amount should go.

"We are sending an apology letter to everyone who received" the multi-million dollar bills, PHY Services representative told The Daily News, adding that the company will send out corrected invoices.

Rodriguez told The Daily News that while he was glad he wouldn't be charged more than his actual bill, he was still upset with the company's carelessness.

“I think they should have somebody look over the bills before they send them out," he said. “I understand manpower may be down, but to send out a lot of bills with numbers that big — someone could have had a heart attack.”

the Middle East, portraying it as part of a normal rotation and not a deliberate buildup of force. The carriers are the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Abraham Lincoln, under the control of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain.

The U.S. has kept a continuous naval presence in the Gulf region for decades, but international concerns about a potential confrontation have grown amid tensions over the advancement of Iran's nuclear program.

The U.S. also has military forces in nearby United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and other Gulf nations.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard, the country's most powerful military force, says Tehran's leadership has decided to order the closure of the Strait of Hormuz if Iran's oil exports are blocked

as a result of sanctions. A senior Guard officer said earlier this month that the decision has been made by Iran's top authorities.

Iranian politicians have made the threat in the past, but this was the strongest statement yet that a closure of the strait is official policy.

In his remarks at the Pentagon, Panetta said he still holds out hope for a diplomatic solution with Iran.

"It takes two to be able to engage, and we've always expressed a willingness to try to do that," he said.

"But we've always made clear that in terms of any threats to the region, in terms of some of the behavior that they've conducted in the region, that we'll also be prepared to respond militarily if we have to."

News Corp pays out over hacking claims The British newspaper arm Settlements announced in of Rupert Murdoch's News court generally ranged from Corp has agreed to settle a around 30,000 pounds string of legal claims over ($46,000) to 60,000 pounds, phone hacking, after victims while some were not said the company had revealed. Actor Jude Law admitted its management accepted 130,000 pounds knew about the practice and after he was physically tried to cover up. followed abroad as well as in Murdoch's News Britain.

International had for years "It is clear that I, along claimed that the hacking of with many others, was kept voicemails to generate under constant surveillance stories was the work of a for a number of years," Law single "rogue" reporter who said in a statement. "No went to jail for the crime in aspect of my private life was 2007. safe from intrusion by News However, under a wave Group newspapers, including of damning evidence last the lives of my children.

Rupert Murdoch year it finally admitted that "I believe in a free press the problem was but what News Group did widespread, sparking a scandal that has rocked was an abuse of its freedoms. They were the company, the British press, police and the prepared to do anything to sell their political establishment. newspapers and to make money."

On Thursday, lawyers for victims who have The settlements may lift some immediate reached settlements said their agreements were pressure off the group, as it will prevent based on News Group Newspapers, publisher lawyers from poring over further details in of some of News International's titles, open court, and it could result in all cases acknowledging that senior management were eventually settling as the size of the payouts set at fault. a precedent.

The company is now seeking to settle all But it could also lead to increased scrutiny the claims. of the role played by James Murdoch.

"News Group has agreed to compensation Murdoch's son James was placed in charge being assessed on the basis that senior of News International only after the hacking, employees and directors of NGN knew about but has been accused of leading a cover-up. He the wrongdoing and sought to conceal it by has denied all knowledge of the scale of the deliberately deceiving investigators and problem and blamed many of those around him destroying evidence," the statement said. for the failings.

News International declined to comment.

The court was told that 36 claimants were It has not admitted or denied the claims but has now ready to settle, including actor Law, agreed the compensation on that basis, the former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, victims' lawyers said. politician Chris Bryant and other celebrities, In a London court packed with journalists while 10 cases were ready to go to court. and lawyers, Judge Geoffrey Vos went through News Corp has already received 60 claims each case and heard the grounds for the and police say there are almost 6,000 potential settlement. At the end of each statement a victims. The legal costs to be paid by News lawyer for News Corp confirmed the details International will also vary hugely, lawyers and offered "sincere apologies." said.

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

• Oil demand falls • Apple attempts to reinvent the text book

Kodak files for bankruptcy

World economy will lose momentum this year, experts say LONDON - The world economy will lose momentum in 2012 but it will keep moving in the right direction, according to Reuters polls of around 600 economists who said crisis-hit Europe would drag on global growth.

Asian economies will again power the expansion of the world economy this year, but with relatively subdued performances. The United States, meanwhile, should continue to contribute modest growth that will easily outpace its recession-hit European peers.

Brazil will be one of the few big economies that will pick up steam this year, outshining slower Latin American stablemates Mexico and Argentina.

A Reuters poll that covers all of the top 20 developed and emerging economies, as well as some others in Asia, suggests global economic growth will slow to around 3.3 percent this year from an estimated 3.7 percent in 2011.

That is more optimistic than the latest forecast from the World Bank, which predicted world GDP would rise only 2.5 percent this year.

Although the euro zone's sovereign

debt crisis represents a huge risk to the world's economic health, there have at least been promising signs of life from the United States.

"We're fairly optimistic on the U.S., and we're in the soft-landing rather than the hard-landing camp for China," said Investec economist Victoria Cadman, whose forecast for global growth in the high-three percent range is slightly more optimistic than the consensus. "(That's) notwithstanding the huge risks that the euro crisis poses if a more disorderly fallout results."

China will again top the economic growth charts this year with growth of 8.4 percent, although that is only a little over the 8 percent mark economists deem necessary to create enough jobs to satisfy the country's fast-growing population.

India's economy will not be far behind, expanding 7.0 percent in the 2012 fiscal year, although that would still be its worst showing in two years thanks to tight monetary policy and political deadlock.

Brazil's fervent domestic demand

and credit growth should propel the economy to growth of around 3.3 percent in 2012, and 4.5 percent in 2013.

This year looks certain to be difficult for the rich developed economies. The world's largest, the United States, should grow around 2.2 percent in 2012.

While fairly modest by historical standards and compared to its emerging peers, that would be vastly better than the 0.3 percent contraction expected for the euro zone economy.

The immediate risk to Europe's economy would be a disorderly sovereign debt default from Greece that would hammer the European financial system. Athens is bargaining with its private creditors on a bond swap deal needed before it can repay 14.5 billion euros ($18.5 billion) of bonds falling due in March.

"The seeming inability of euro zone policymakers to get on top of the region's sovereign debt crisis is threatening to exact a toll on economic growth well beyond its peripheral economies," said Mark Cliffe, chief

economist of ING Group.

Germany will probably be the only major economy in Europe to rise above stagnation this year, although not by much - economists expect its economy to expand by 0.5 percent in 2012.

Even Japan, mired in deflation and struggling to overcome the economic shock of the earthquake and tsunami last March, will easily outstrip European economies with growth of around 1.8 percent in its fiscal year 2012-13.

That is the lowest forecast since the aftermath of last year's natural disasters, however, underscoring how overoptimistic some commentators were in expecting reconstruction to fuel a rapid expansion.

Backed by a mining boom, Australia's resource rich economy should lead the developed world in terms of growth, with a hearty 3.4 percent expansion this year.

"The mining investment boom is largely 'baked in' and is expected to contribute two-thirds of GDP growth in 2012," said Paul Bloxham, chief economist at HSBC Bank Australia.

Apple rolls out digital Long Beach port finalizing $4.6B shipping lease textbook service iBooks 2 Apple Inc unveiled a new digital textbook service called iBooks 2 on Thursday, aiming to revitalize the U.S. education market and quicken the adoption of its market-leading iPad. The consumer electronics giant has been working on digital textbooks with publishers Pearson PLC, McGraw-Hill and Houghton Muffin Harcourt, a trio responsible for 90 percent of textbooks sold in the United States.

It Amazon.com Inc and other device makers have made inroads into an estimated $8 billion market for electronic textbooks.

At the event, Apple introduced tools to craft digital textbooks and demonstrated how authors and even teachers can create books for students.

Marketing chief Phil Schiller said it was time to reinvent the textbook, adding that 1.5 million iPads are in use now in education.

"It's hard not to see that the textbook is not always the ideal learning tool," he said.

"It's a bit cumbersome."

IBooks 2 will be available as a free app on the iPad, starting Thursday. High school textbooks will be priced at $14.99 or less, Schiller said.

"You'll see textbooks for every subject for every level," he added.

Other media and technology companies have eyed the U.S. education market as ripe for some sort of upheaval. Rupert Murdoch's News Corp launched an education business two years ago and hired former New York City Education Chancellor Joel Klein to lead it.

At an event at New York's Guggenheim Museum, the first since the passing of Apple founder Steve Jobs, Schiller said teachers need help and Apple is trying to figure out how it can do its part.

"In general, education is in the dark ages," he said, adding that education has challenges that are "pretty profound."

According to Jobs' biography by Walter Isaacson, Murdoch met with Jobs last year and discussed the possibility of Apple's entrance into a market Jobs estimated at $8 billion a year and believed was ripe for disruption.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — The Port of Long Beach, the nation's secondlargest cargo container facility, reached a tentative $4.6 billion, 40-year lease with a major Hong Kong-based shipping container line, it was reported.

Work began earlier on the California harbor's $1.2 billion Middle Harbor Redevelopment, it's largest-ever terminal upgrade and expansion project. It includes a new terminal, upgraded wharfs, a storage area and expanded on-dock rail yard; when completed, it is expected to add 15,000 jobs to the local economy.

The deal with Orient Overseas Container Line, commonly known as OOCL, was announced Thursday afternoon by Port of Long Beach executive director J. Christopher Lytle.

OOCL will take over the entire 300-acre-plus Middle Harbor site, which will have the capacity to handle three million cargo containers.

"This agreement represents a major endorsement of our vision for the port by one of the leading maritime companies in the world," Lytle told the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/xreIsU ).

OOCL has a fleet of 84 owned and chartered ships and is the world's 12th largest ocean shipping line.

Long Beach, which handles cargo valued at more than $140 billion annually, ranks second to the neighboring Port of Los Angeles in the number of cargo containers handled.

The OOCL announcement comes after a down year for cargo at the port, which lost the Hyundai shipping line and its California United Terminals to Los Angeles rather than wait for completion of the Middle Harbor project.

OOCL chief executive Philip Chow told the Times that the agreement "demonstrates our long-term commitment to the Port of Long Beach as the gateway of choice for North America and solidifies our economic partnership with the region."

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JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

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BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY

Photography pioneer Kodak files for bankruptcy Eastman Kodak Co, the photography icon that invented the hand-held camera and helped bring the world the first pictures from the moon, has filed for bankruptcy protection, capping a prolonged plunge for one of America's best-known companies.

The Chapter 11 filing may give Kodak, which traces its roots to 1880, the ability to find buyers for some of its 1,100 digital patents, a major portion of its value.

It may also help Kodak continue to shrink a business that still employs 17,000 people, down from 63,900 just nine years ago.

Kodak also obtained a $950 million, 18-month credit line from Citigroup so it can keep operating during the bankruptcy process, which it expects to complete in 2013.

"This is a necessary step and the right thing to do for the future of Kodak," Chairman and Chief Executive Antonio Perez said in a statement.

According to papers filed with the U.S. bankruptcy court in Manhattan, Kodak had about $5.1 billion of assets and $6.75 billion of liabilities at the end of September.

In court documents, Chief Financial Officer Antoinette McCorvey said, without elaborating, that Kodak plans to sell "significant assets" during the bankruptcy. NonU.S. units are not part of the Chapter 11 case.

Kodak once dominated its industry and its film was the subject of a popular Paul Simon song, but it failed

A Kodak screen is seen at Times Square in New York January 13, 2012.

to embrace more modern technologies quickly enough, such as the digital camera -- ironically, a product it even invented.

Its downfall hit its Rust Belt hometown of Rochester, New York, with employment there falling to about 7,000 from more than 60,000 in Kodak's heyday.

Kodak's market value, meanwhile, has sunk to less than $150 million from $31 billion 15 years ago.

In recent years, Perez has steered Kodak's focus more toward consumer and commercial printers.

But that failed to restore annual profitability, something Kodak has not seen since 2007, or arrest a cash drain

that has made it difficult for the company to meet its substantial pension and other benefits obligations to its workers and retirees.

In the last few years, Kodak has used extensive litigation with rivals such as Apple Inc, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion Ltd, South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co and Taiwan's HTC Corp over those patents as a means to try to generate revenue.

Among Kodak's many creditors are retailers including Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Target Corp, and movie companies Sony Corp and Walt Disney Co. George Eastman, a high-school dropout from upstate New York,

founded Kodak in 1880, and began to make photographic plates. To get his business going, he splurged on a second-hand engine for $125.

Within eight years, the Kodak name had been trademarked, and the company had introduced the hand-held camera as well as roll-up film, where it became the dominant producer.

Eastman also introduced the "Wage Dividend" in which the company would pay bonuses to employees based on results.

Nearly a century after Kodak's founding, the astronaut Neil Armstrong used a Kodak camera the size of a shoebox to take pictures as he became in 1969 the first man to walk on the moon.

Those pictures arguably had more viewers than the 80 films that have won Best Picture Oscars and were shot on Kodak film.

Six years after Armstrong's walk, and not long after songwriter Simon told his mama not to take his Kodachrome away, Kodak invented the digital camera.

The size of a toaster, it was too big for the pockets of amateur photographers, whose pockets now are stuffed with digital offerings from the likes of Canon, Casio and Nikon.

But rather than develop the digital camera, Kodak put it on the backburner and spent years watching rivals take market share that it would never reclaim.

In 1994, Kodak spun off a chemicals business, Eastman Chemical Co, which proved to be more successful.

Kodak's final downfall in the eyes of investors began in September when it unexpectedly withdrew $160 million from a credit line, raising worries of a cash shortage. It ended September with $862 million of cash.

Oil demand falling as recession fears mount Oil demand is falling for the first time since the global economic crisis of 2008-2009, the International Energy Agency said, warning that mild weather, high oil prices and a rising likelihood of a global recession will depress demand in 2012.

Although worries about disruptions to Iranian oil exports have supported prices, consumption fell in the last quarter of 2011 year-on-year due to mild winter weather in the northern hemisphere and the overriding fears about an impending recession in the euro zone, the IEA said in its monthly report.

"Two inherently destabilizing factors are interacting to give an impression of price stability that is more apparent than real," it said. "The first is a rising likelihood of sharp economic slowdown, if not outright recession, in 2012."

"The second factor, which is counteracting bearish pressures, is the physical market tightening evident since mid-2009 and notably since mid2010".

The Paris-based agency, which

advises industrial countries on energy policy, cut its global oil demand estimates as the threat of the euro zone debt crisis and restricted private sector credit remained.

The IEA reduced its 2012 demand growth forecast by 220,000 barrels per day (bpd) from its previous monthly report to 1.1 million bpd.

Further downgrades to global GDP estimates will trigger cuts in estimates of global oil consumption, it said, adding that a one-third cut to GDP growth would see this year's oil consumption unchanged at 2011 levels.

"This alternative scenario is based upon the very real possibility that Europe's current financial and economic woes - with many nations already bogged down in the early stages of recession - remain unsolved, spilling over into significantly lower growth elsewhere," it said.

Mild winter weather, the European economic malaise and elevated oil prices also contributed to a drop in demand in the last quarter of 2011, down 300,000 bpd to 89.5 million

barrels bpd, and "pushing demand back towards a clearly declining yearon-year trend for the first time since the global credit crunch".

Tensions with Iran over its nuclear program, together with worries about Nigerian and Iraqi supplies, have kept prices above $100 a barrel.

Iran has warned neighboring Gulf Arab oil exporters against raising output to replace the barrels it loses as it faces international sanctions. It has also threatened to disrupt flows in the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which around a fifth of global oil output passes.

"At least a portion of Iran's 2.5

million barrels per day crude exports will likely be denied to OECD refiners during second half 2012, although more apocalyptic scenarios for sustained disruption to Strait of Hormuz transits look less likely," the report said.

European refiners could get some short-term support from the closure of three Petroplus refineries, but the IEA said that even if the company were to shut down all five of its plants, "a looming embargo on Iranian crude and potentially reduced gasoline demand from Nigeria could still provide further challenges ahead".

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JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

HIGHLIGHTS

Beach Soccer stadium for TCI TCIFA arranges Football Aerobics for parents

Net Rockers start WFL season on impressive note

The Women’s Football League (WFL) restarted last weekend with two exciting and competitive games. Last year's champions Net Rockers FC had to work hard to overcome the young AFC Academy Strikers team to record a 3-0 victory.

Gerline Azemard put Net Rockers ahead as she fired in from close range following a flick-on header. Strikers defended resolutely throughout the first half but were undone moments before the break when Azemard's long range effort sailed over the outstretched hands of the Kateesha Clarke in goal.

Rather than adopting a defensive approach in the second half, the young academy players opted to take a more attacking approach. The ploy almost worked as Strikers enjoyed more possession and were finally able to put some pressure on their more experienced opponents.

Victory was sealed for Net Rockers when Patrice Senior's clearance was deflected towards Kayla Gardiner who finished well from just inside the penalty box. Both teams had chances to score late on in the game. Senior's long range effort was well saved by Clarke and both Crystal Stirling and Yarileke De La Cruz came close for the Strikers.

Technical Director Matthew Green was full of praise for his young team saying "week by

Net Rockers/ Strikers encounter

week they are improving. Last time we played Net Rockers we lost 8-0 so it shows we are moving in the right direction. This was always going to be a long term project but we are well on our way to developing a strong Under 15 National team."

He added, “They have a great team spirit and they fear no one. As they mature they will improve in all areas of the game - technical, tactical, physical and psychological".

In the second game AFC Hurricanes ensured they remained on top of the league by goal difference with a 4-0 wing against Revolution FC.

Christina Hinds opened the scoring with a well taken goal mid-way through the first half. However it was not until the second half that the Hurricanes passing and movement finally paid of as Sarah Cenary converted Lilli Fenelus's cross to make it 2-0.

Hinds scored her second when she latched onto a through ball delivered by Kadine Delphin and Cenary grabbed her second goal when she dribbled past two defenders and finished from close range.

Revolution, however, always looked dangerous on the counter attack through the experienced Gillian Vernice and explosive Barbara Anderson.

Joan Whent and Giselle James did an excellent job in thwarting the Hurricanes attacks but eventually the younger team's fitness and technical proficiency made the difference.

Hurricanes coach Gerry Gregg was pleased with the result but admitted more will be needed if his team is to win the league this year.

"Net Rockers are a very competitive team and are probably favourites to win the championship, however if our girls take their chances we are capable of lifting the trophy this year," Gregg said.

In this week’s games, the top two teams play against each other at 4.00pm, followed by the Revolution / Strikers game at 6.00pm.

TCIFA youth programme off with a bang The TCIFA youth programmes got off to an exciting start last weekend as almost 250 children turned out to play football at the association’s academy fields.

The TCIFA started its U7 Coed, U9 Coed, U11 Boys, U14 Boys, U12 Girls and U15 Girls sessions for 2012 and the enthusiasm and enjoyment shown by the players was clear to see by all in attendance.

With over twenty volunteer coaches the association ensures that its young players are given every opportunity to develop their skills in a safe and fun environment.

In addition to the Saturday morning sessions the TCIFA runs technical and tactical training sessions during the week for children from the age of five to twenty.

The Saturday morning sessions however focus simply on playing games. The emphasis is on fun and it gives players a chance to showcase their talents in a friendly competitive environment.

Technical Director Matthew Green was delighted with the start to the season.

"Every year we attract more players but I was pleasantly surprised how many children turned up today. It just goes to show that not only is football the number

one sport in the world, but it is also the number one sport in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The association is fully committed to developing the sport at youth level ensuring that players of all abilities, ages and nationalities are given an opportunity to participate and enjoy the world’s most popular game. Green added. It is great to see so many young people having fun.

“Hopefully football will help them acquire the discipline they need in their lives to do well at school, behave at home and become model citizens for our country. We want our players to enjoy the sport and understand the importance of hard work, commitment, working together and respecting one another," Greene said.

The year promises to be a busy one for the TCIFA with at least eight foreign teams due to visit the islands to play against the associations Center's of Excellence and Youth Development squads.

"We already have several US teams committed to playing against our U14 Boys and the Bahamas will be sending down a female team for a Beach Soccer tournament. With our various youth send school leagues, plus our senior leagues we can guarantee football for everybody for the whole year,” Green continued. Green was quick to thank al the people who have made this

These budding female footballers getting ready to take the field

Under 12 Boys sharpen their shooting skills

possible. "We have a very supportive executive committee and a very hard working general secretary (Mrs Sonia Bien-Aime). Our volunteer coaches do an excellent job with the children

Girls having fun while learning the game

and we are lucky to have youth sponsors like HAB / Regent Village, Stanfield Greene, Sailrock, Central Storage, Regent Palms and Provo Steel," he said.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012

LOCAL NEWS

Beach Soccer stadium for TCI

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) has landed its fourth goal project from football’s world governing body FIFA, which this time is the construction of a beach football field to be sited on lands near its academy and three previous projects adjacent to the Graceway Sports Centre on Providenciales.

According to General Secretary for the TCIFA Sonia Bien-Aime, in addition to the pitch, the beach soccer field will also be equipped with seating and a dormitory.

A goal project is a $400,000 development fund that FIFA gives to national associations to carryout football-related project in their country.

“It is going to be similar to beach soccer fields that you see in places that don’t have a beach. It is going to be very nice; once you are on it, you wouldn’t even know that you are not on the beach, because it has to be done by FIFA standards,” BienAime said, adding that on completion, the TCI could witness FIFA preliminary games could be played there.

“The Bahamas is the only country right now that has one in our immediate region. It is not even completed yet, but they are the first to have a beach soccer field project. And we are going to be the second. We are going to have dorms down there, so it can be used not only for football but other activities as well, including for track and field, since the facility will be located near the National Stadium.

“It will be able to house athletes who come from other islands doing competition, instead of going to hotels. Will open up to assist the Sports Commission in hosting these games for a small fee of course because we are a non-profit organization, and we are not blessed with the luxuries as most other countries to have a lot of sponsors all over the place,” Bien-Aime explained.

Bien-Aime said the construction of the project becomes necessary to development beach soccer football in the TCI and also since the FA does not own beach land.

She said the funds have been approved by FIFA, who is now waiting on the TCIFA to present its general construction plan for the development of the facility, and she pointed out that the architects working on the project were in their final stage of

Provo Premier leagues kicks off Jan. 21 The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Provo Premier League kicks off this Saturday (January 21) with two games.

In the First game beginning at 4pm, AFC Academy will oppose HAB, while new team Peddgogue FC will face SWA Sharks at 6pm. The following is the fixture for the competition.

TCIFA arranges Football Aerobics for parents

Some parents who take their children to soccer practice and games at the Academy Field at the Graceway Sports Centre will now have a chance to participate in football-related activities, thanks the TCIFA who have arranged for a seven week football aerobics session.

Matthew Green, the Technical Director for the football programme made the announcement this week, stating that the event should be fun.

“In view of the fact we have a lot of parents coming out to watch and support their children playing soccer, we thought

South Caicos sitting pretty in Provo Basketball League

South Caicos are now clear favourites to capture the Provo Basketball Association Men’s league, as after 10 games they remained unbeaten.

In the second game of the last weekend’s competition, South Caicos romped home victory ahead of the Steelers by a 66 to 53 margin.

Jonathon Paul led the charge for South Caicos with 14 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Adner Cox of the Steelers shot a game high 21 points, collected 6 rebounds and effected 4 steals in a losing effort.

Predators collected free points from their games against the police, as the lawmen failed to turn up for their assignment. In the third game, Flyers

completing their work.

“Once that’s done, I will send it on to FIFA with out budget. We also have to draw-up a contract between the architect and the contractor, and once that is all done, then we are good to go. And we are pushing for that project to be completed by May. We would like to have the inauguration of that project in May,” Bien-Aime said.

Bien-Aime said securing a forth Goal Project is a huge deal for the TCI since there a many members within the body of FIFA that have not landed their first project.

Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association the first Goal Project was for the grass field and perimeter fencing. The second project was for an office complex from which the FA now operates and additional fencing, while the third goal project was for the synthetic field. But according to BienAime, the construction of the pitch cost more that $700,000, since the FA had to solicit additional funding to supplement the $400,000 that FIFA awarded.

“The TCI FA had to raise additional money in order for us to have that artificial field out there, because our Goal Funds was not sufficient to cover it,” Bien-Aime revealed.

eked out a one basket – 66 to 64 - win against the Knights, to increase their win record to 10 and 1. Dubois Evans with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, led the charge for the Flyers, while Anthony Cash with a game high 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, was the top performer for the Knights.

The loss resulted in the Knights now having a 50-50 outing record with 5 wins and 5 losses.

Results for Thursday night’s games were not available at press time. The teams know that they are approaching crunch time and each point is ultra valuable at this stage.

Meanwhile, the dates for the all star weekend are now set for February 9th to 11th 2012.

it would be a good idea to give them the chance to get more involved and experience the game themselves. Therefore we will be running "football aerobic sessions" on Wednesday mornings from 6.00-7.00am at the Academy field.

“The sessions will focus on fun exercises using a ball to improve fitness and allow adults to learn some of the basic skills involved with the game.

More experienced "players" will also be given opportunities to develop their skills as exercises will be designed to suit people of all abilities,” Green said.

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

• Colts shakeup continues • Skier dies after fall during training

Colts dismiss Caldwell, no update on Manning Jim Caldwell was Peyton Manning’s quarterbacks coach for seven years before he became the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts two years ago and promptly led the team to the Super Bowl. But the Colts collapsed this season playing without Manning, who was out with a neck injury, and when next season starts, he may no longer be with the team. Caldwell is already gone. He was fired Tuesday as part of a shakeup that had already cost Bill and Chris Polian their jobs as the team’s top front-office executives.

The new general manager, Ryan Grigson, indicated Tuesday that the Colts were a long way from making a decision about whether Manning would return. The Colts are expected to use the first overall pick in the spring draft, which they earned by going 2-14, on Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. But Grigson said the team still needed significant medical information about Manning’s recovery from his third neck operation before

Jim Caldwell

making a decision about his future.

“We’re not even there yet,” Grigson said.

Even if Manning returns, the Colts will be a much different franchise. The decision to fire Caldwell was not unexpected. Fans clamored for his removal for at least the second half of

the season, and it is unusual for a team not to allow a new general manager to hire his own coach. Caldwell won his first 14 games as coach, but the Colts lost the Super Bowl after the 2009 season to the New Orleans Saints.

In 2010, they overcame an avalanche of injuries to make the playoffs, an effort the team’s owner, Jim Irsay, felt Caldwell had not gotten enough credit for. But without Manning, the Colts began 2011 with 13 straight losses.

Grigson was hired last week, and Irsay wanted to give him time to evaluate Caldwell. Grigson said he spent seven hours with Caldwell and called him “a class act, period.”

“This was a difficult decision,” Irsay said. “I wanted to make sure we took all the time we needed to make sure it was the right decision. And just like 14 years, ago,” he said in reference to the year the Colts hired Bill Polian as general manager and drafted Manning, “it’s a big change for

Sarah Burke,Canadian freestyle skier, dies from injuries Sarah Burke, a Canadian freestyle skier and 2014 Olympic favorite, died Thursday from injuries sustained Jan. 10 in a fall during a training run in a 22-foot halfpipe at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah, according to a statement released by her family. Burke, a 29-year-old from Ontario who lived in Squamish, British Columbia, was a four-time X Games champion. She sustained a ruptured vertebral artery in her fall, the family said. The rupture led to severe bleeding on the brain, which sent Burke into cardiac arrest.

Burke was treated at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Sarah Burke Lake City. Dr. William T. Couldwell performed the surgery the day after the accident to repair the tear in her vertebral artery.

“After the operation, numerous neurological examinations, electrodiagnostic tests and imaging studies revealed that Sarah sustained severe irreversible damage to her brain due to lack of oxygen and blood after cardiac arrest, resulting in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy,” the family’s statement said. “Sarah passed away peacefully surrounded by those she loved. In accordance with Sarah’s wishes, her organs and tissues were donated to save the lives of others.”

The family said it would not make any other public comments about the accident, and doctors were asked not to speak with the news media.

The halfpipe where Burke fell was the same one where the champion snowboarder Kevin Pearce sustained a traumatic head injury two years ago.

Pearce, from Vermont, spent weeks in a coma and about four months in hospitals in Utah and Colorado, then missed the 2010 Olympics. He is undergoing rehabilitation for his balance, eyesight and memory.

the franchise and at the same time, there’s players, coaches, many people on the staff that will go into the new day and get on with the work of 2012.”

Grigson, who came to the Colts from the Philadelphia Eagles, has begun the search for a coach. He has already interviewed Steve Spagnuolo, the former St. Louis Rams coach who worked with Grigson in Philadelphia, for the job of defensive coordinator.

That means an entirely new coaching staff could be in place for Manning. Manning is due a $28 million bonus in early March, and unless the date is put off, the Colts must either pay him to keep him under contract, or decline to pay it and let him become a free agent. It will be an agonizing decision. Late in the season, Irsay said that if Manning was healthy and able to play, he would play with the Colts. But that was before he fired the Polians and Caldwell.

US drafts AbdulJabbar as a Cultural Ambassador Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s life has been a case study in the art of the possible, from his humble Harlem roots to N.B.A. fame and through his life after basketball as a historian and scholar. His next endeavor will draw on all of it. Abdul-Jabbar was named a United States cultural ambassador Wednesday, with a mission of promoting education, racial tolerance and cultural understanding among young people around the world. He leaves Sunday for a six-day assignment in Brazil and will visit at least four more countries this year.

“It’s a great opportunity for me, just to connect with them on these issues and present some insights into what is possible and what has happened here in America,” Abdul-Jabbar, 64, said in a telephone interview Wednesday afternoon.

Abdul-Jabbar’s appointment was announced by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in a brief ceremony earlier in the day. He is the first sports figure to be named a cultural ambassador during the Obama administration.

“He has the experience and the knowledge to talk to a young generation of people,” Ann Stock, the assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs, said in a telephone interview.

“He is an icon, and he commands a lot of attention as an icon.

And because of the success of his story, he’s the perfect person to be a cultural ambassador.”

The assignment dovetails with the release of Abdul-Jabbar’s first children’s book, “What Color is My World?” which illuminates the stories of African-American inventors whose contributions have been historically overlooked.

“I was motivated by the fact that the history books I had when I was in grade school, especially if blacks were mentioned, it was only in relation to aspects of slavery and the civil rights movement,” he said. “There’s so much more to the story. It’ s my attempt to fill in some of the blanks.”

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH - JANUARY 13TH, 2012 JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH - JANUARY 13TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH - JANUARY 13TH, 2012

JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH - JANUARY 13TH, 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

Page 48

LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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