Page 2
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Only two terms for TCI premier Continued from page 1
These were among the main recommendations which emerged from the just-concluded constitutional talks between a TCI delegation and United Kingdom (UK) officials in London. These changes, along with the agreement that the term “Belonger” should be replaced with Turks and Caicos Islander, and that the Deputy Governor must be a Turks and Caicos Islander, will be contained in the new Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution which is expected to be handed over and become effective when FCO Minister for the Overseas Territories, Henry Bellingham visits this country next month. In a press statement issued on June 16, Bellingham, commenting on the TCI electoral system, said he recognised that many people share their concerns about the “transactional politics” which have existed in TCI for many years. He added: “But I also understand the political parties preference for the first past the post voting system. I am willing to drop our proposal for a mixed member proportional system, and remain with the present system where all elected members of the House of Assembly are elected by the first past the post system. . I understand a number of options for the membership of the House have been discussed. I consider that 10 constituency members, 5 “at large” or “territory wide” members and 4 appointed members would be the best arrangement. I also want to see the Electoral Boundary Commission as drafted by my officials.” In relation to term limits, Bellingham said he would like to include a provision along the lines of that in the Cayman Constitution so that the Governor “shall not appoint as Premier a person who has held office as Premier during two consecutive Parliamentary terms, unless at least one Parliamentary term has expired since he/she held office”. This particular measure did not find favour with Progressive National Party (PNP) Leader Clayton Greene, who said that on day 2 of the talks, the
meeting took a turn for the worse when the TCI delegation was “blindsided with an announcement that Foreign Secretary William Hague had requested that term limits for the Premier be put into the Constitution”. Greene said five of the seven members of the delegation made it very clear that this position was unacceptable and unwarranted on both principle and merit and that at the minimum the political parties should be afforded an opportunity to receive the views of the people of the TCI. According to Greene, Minister Henry Bellingham, decided to proceed with the recommendation prohibiting the Governor from appointing as Premier a person who has held the position for two consecutive terms in the face of strong objection by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands through their political representatives and without themselves seeking to justify the need by reference to empirical evidence. “To throw in a brand new clause on the last day of negotiations, and requesting feedback when a decision had in fact had already been made is insulting and disrespectful to the team. In the end, and upon reflection, it appeared that most of the decisions on the major issues had already been taken before the TCI delegation got to London, and that this meeting was more designed for PR purposes than hammering out a constitution that was acceptable to all parties,” Greene said. “This is wrong and I would like to make clear that I condemn what I consider a blatant disregard for the wishes of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in favour of the whimsical desire of a far removed and distant Foreign Secretary who clearly did not see the need to support his wish by reference to anything real. While the approach of Mr. Hendry and his colleagues was respectful we cannot help but feel that perhaps the result may have been different if we had more than a mere opportunity to address Minister Bellingham opening remarks. Minister Bellingham was present at these important meetings for less than two hours.” Meantime, in relation the Governor’s powers, Bellingham said
he firmly believes reserved powers should be increased in order to ensure the Constitution is sufficiently robust, to guard against a return to the situation that led to the Commission of Inquiry. “Any decision to use such reserve powers would not be taken lightly. However, I am willing to accept the amendments agreed with my officials to require the Governor to consult the Secretary of State before exercising many of these powers, thus providing a check on the Governor in the exercise of his functions,” he added. “ As a number of concerns have been raised about this throughout the consultation process, I would like to reiterate that the Governor is not above the law. With extremely limited and specific exceptions, the Governor can be held to account for his or her actions in the courts like any other public official, which reflects the position in other Overseas Territories.” On the matter of Belongership, Bellingham said he accepted the request to remove the provisions that the UK had taken from the immigration ordinance on Belongership by right, adding that they have agreed on the inclusion in the Constitution of the minimum conditions for the grant of Belongership. On the issue of trial by jury, Bellingham said he was not prepared to change the draft Constitution. “I would like to reiterate that trial
by jury is not being abolished. The relevant ordinance merely provides flexibility where it appears to the presiding judge that trial by jury would not meet the interests of justice. There is a similar provision in UK law,” he said Mr Bellingham continued: ‘As I expected, there was not consensus amongst us on all provisions. This has meant that there have been difficult decisions taken on some sensitive and important issues. I have tried to be as flexible as possible but it is important that UK interests and those of the people of TCI are protected as robustly as possible to avoid a return to the situation which led to the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry in 2008.’ This has been a lengthy consultation process. I am convinced that we have got a good result for the people of TCI. It is now time to move forward’ said the Minister. ‘I want to see continued progress against the milestones I and Alan Duncan, Minister of State for International Development identified in December, which I still judge are necessary to enable us to hold elections in TCI in 2012’.” The TCI delegation comprised Douglas Parnell, Wendell Swann, Pastor Bradley Handfield, Trevon Farrington, Doreen Quelch Missick, and Lillian Missick
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Local
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Before a Hurricane Know where your Hurricane Shelters are located Board all windows Get all emergency supplies together A charged Digicel Phone and Top-up Battery operated radios, one flashlight per person and spare batteries First aid kits Fill all vehicles gas tanks and keep vehicles on high ground Trim trees and shrubs around the home Listen to radio and television for official updates Review your insurance policy to ensure it covers hurricane, windstorm and floods If you do not have insurance, call the insurance professionals at NW Hamilton
SCAN ME
FOR INFO
Stay safe this hurricane season. For more information on hurricane preparedness visit any of the following websites, www.digiceltci.com, www.ppcltd.tc or www.nwhamilton.tc
Page 3
Page 4
TURKS & CAICOS SUN TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011 JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Page 5
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
New TCI Governor announced thE BRItIsh goVERnMEnt has selected Damian Roderic (Ric) Todd, a former finance director in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), to be the next Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The 51-year-old Todd will assume his new role in September 2011, when Governor Gordon Wetherell’s three-year contract ends. In a Government-issued press release, commenting on his appointment as Her Majesty’s Governor to Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr Todd said: “I am delighted to be appointed Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, which is not only a fascinating new job but also different from postings I have done before. I am looking forward to getting to know the people of the Islands and working with them on all the issues which we face.” Mr Todd studied history at university and joined the FCO in 1980. He has done postings in South Africa, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Slovakia and Poland. He has worked in various jobs in the FCO London, including three years on the FCO Board as
Finance Director, and spent Director and from 2001 – 2004, Her five years in HM Treasury. Majesty’s Ambassador to The SUN was able to Bratislava. confirm that Todd also worked Between 1995 – 1997 and 1998with the UK’s Secret 2001 he worked in HM Treasury and Intelligence Service, a spy was hHead of two EU policy agency commonly known as Departments, then from 1999 – 2001 the MI6, which is responsible he was the UK Member of the EU for supplying the British Economic Policy Committee. Government with foreign Before that, from 1997 – 1998 intelligence. he was the FCO’s, Deputy Head of His wife’s name is Alison Economic Relations Dept and and they have a 22-year-old between 1991 – 1995 he was based son and two daughters, aged in Bonn. Prior to that he worked in 19 and 12. The FCO, Economic Relations From October 2007 to Department 1989 to 1991, after present, Todd has been Her spending 1987 – 1989 in Prague, Damian Roderic (Ric) Todd Majesty’s Ambassador to 1985 – 1987 in FCO’s, European Warsaw, and since April 2010 Regional Director for Community Department, 1981 – 1984 Cape the Central Europe Network (CEN). Town/Pretoria, in South Africa and 1980 – 1981 in From 2004 – 2007 he was the FCO’s, Finance the FCO’s, Defence Department.
Beaches optimistic about recruiting laid-off government workers BEachEs REsoRt VILLagEs and Spa, the Turks and Caicos leading hotel resort has announced that they are set to offer positions to many Government workers laid off last week. This announcement came a week after the Interim Government issued a press release announcing that several of temporary Government workers throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands will be without jobs from the end of May. In light of this new development, Beaches will now provide opportunities to several positive and hardworking
islanders to compliment their existing workforce. Donald Dagenais, General Manager of the Luxury Included resort commented on this new recruitment initiative by saying, “Although we were saddened to learn of the layoffs in the Turks & Caicos Government, we are looking forward to receiving applications from individuals that want to be part of our resort.” Human Resource Manager Monique McClean-Vaughn also expressed her excitement on the former civil servant recruitment, she commented, “Civil servant recruitment
LIME launches iPHONE in the Turks and Caicos Islands LIME has LaunchEd iPhone 4 in the Turks & Caicos Islands on June 14 with a range of tariff plans tailored for iPhone customers. iPhone 4 is the most innovative phone in the world, featuring Apple’s stunning Retina display, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone resulting in super crisp text, images and video, and FaceTime, which makes video calling a reality. iPhone 4 is powered by Apple's A4 chip and features a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, HD video recording and a beautiful glass and stainless steel design like no other mobile phone. iPhone 4 comes with iOS 4, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system. The revolutionary App Store provides access to more than 425,000 apps including the iMovie app built just for iPhone 4. "We are delighted to offer our customers in the Caribbean iPhone 4, one of the most sought after wireless devices in the world," said David Shaw, CEO for LIME. "LIME is leading the way in innovation and we’re proud to be at the forefront of technology with our reliable network, flexible price plans and invaluable customer service." iPhone 4 will be available at select LIME retail stores beginning June 14, for complete pricing and availability, please visit www.lime.com/iphone.
is our way of ensuring the Turks & Caicos Islanders are given first preference to any available position at the resort, we are in the process of building our staff manning for the upcoming high season and are looking to fill several positions, we encourage people to send in their resumes along
with proper documentation,” and concluded, “We are really looking forward to interviewing some of the best talent Turks & Caicos has to offer. ” Civil Servant applicants are encouraged to send in resumes via fax or email to the Human Resource office to secure an interview time. All applicants must have valid identifications, proof of Turks & Caicos status, a clean police record, and a good command of the English language. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays, and weekends.
Page 6
Letters to the Editor
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Anguilla – independence within CARICOM denied? By Sir Ronald Sanders
The Chief Minister of Anguilla, Hubert Hughes, has repeated a call for his small Caribbean island of 90 sq km and 13,600 people to become independent from Britain whose colony it has been since 1650. He is doing so in the worst of economic times for Caribbean countries and during a period of great uncertainty in the world generally. The leaders of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), to which Anguilla has Observer status, have put their countries economic integration arrangements on hold, deciding that it would be “best to pause” efforts to create a Single Economy and to “consolidate the gains of the Single Market” before taking any further action on specific matters “such as the movement toward a single currency”. Indeed, it is understood that the Heads of Government at a special meeting in Guyana from 21to 22 May, agreed that a single currency “should be moved off the immediate agenda”. Yet, if a tiny country like Anguilla is to seek independence, with all the costly requirements that come with such a bold step, it would have been better-off doing so within the framework of a Caribbean Single Market and Economy where it would benefit from economic integration, sharing in arrangements such as the Regional Security System operated by Barbados and the seven countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, joint regional trade negotiations as exists in CARICOM, and joint diplomatic representation with one or more CARICOM countries. Within a CARICOM framework, Anguilla’s independence from Britain would not leave it swimming alone in the ocean of international relations without even a meagre life belt. But, CARICOM itself does not now offer an enticing prospect. With the Single Economy off the immediate agenda and a decision to consolidate “the gains of the Single Market” which have not been significant, CARICOM is now marking time. The prospect it once held out of a Single Caribbean space in which Caribbean citizens would be able to travel, live and work is now dimmed. The idea that, together, the countries of CARICOM could become a strong entity providing better global
representation for its people than its individual states also now appears remote. Many independent Caribbean countries, much larger and better resourced than Anguilla, are finding it very difficult to survive as sovereign states. The cost of overseas representation, even if this were to be kept to the barest minimum, will add to Anguilla’s recurrent expenditure of US$40 million. When the additional costs of defence are thrown into the mix, the island’s recurrent revenues of US$47 million will prove to be inadequate. There is also not much elasticity in the island’s capacity to increase its revenues. Highly dependent on tourism, the small size of the country, and the absence of an international airport, cramps its capacity for much more large scale tourism development. Further, the actions of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Financial Action Task Force and the International Monetary Fund to impose costly new rules and regulations on offshore financial centres have all but crippled Anguilla’s nascent financial services sector. Borrowing on commercial terms will not be an easy option for a sovereign Anguilla government if it wishes to maintain existing physical infrastructure or build new capacity. Burnt by poor investment decisions that created the global financial crisis that began in 2008, financial institutions are now far more cautious than they were even in lending to governments. And, an independent Anguilla will not have the back-stop support of the British government that, in the past, gave comfort to institutions that lent money to governments of British colonies. Anguilla will also continue to be exposed to problems of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, drug trafficking and small arms smuggling, crime, security, global warming and sea level rise that now severely challenge all Caribbean countries. These are problems that no one CARICOM country can cope with alone. As a British Overseas Territory, Anguilla has a right to expect British assistance on all these issues. But an independent Anguilla will find that such assistance is not automatic, not even at times of natural disasters created by hurricanes. Additionally, citizens of Anguilla will lose their British citizenship which gives them full
Editorial Cartoon
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.
rights in the United Kingdom and in European Union countries with which Britain has reciprocal arrangements, to live, study and work. This is bound to add pressure to the unemployment rate in Anguilla and to the expansion of the areas of poverty that exist within the island. Its present per capita income of US$9,700 may very well decline as well as the double digit growth rates that its economy has experienced in recent years. Independence for Anguilla is, therefore, a tough call. It is one that the majority of the people of Anguilla must be free to determine once all the advantages and disadvantages are placed before them and they fully understand the choice they will have to make. Chief Minister Hughes cannot be unaware of these challenges. However, from statements he has made, it is clear that he believes facing-up to these challenges, however overwhelming, is better than continuing to live as a British Overseas Territory where the British governor exercises certain powers that the Chief Minister finds unpalatable. For instance, Mr Hughes has declared: “Will we be a people with a culture and identity that distinguishes us as an entity in this place we call our world, or will we let the erosion of all that we hold dear to us as a people continue, leaving us being simply absorbed culturally, religiously and socially by a greater administrative power?" The desire for self-determination is perfectly understandable. But, does the choice have to be independence with all its almost insurmountable challenges and costs, or could improved structures of governance suffice? If CARICOM had continued to move to the realisation of a Single Caribbean space where each country pools its individual sovereignty for the greater good of all, it would have offered Anguilla – and other territories like it – a viable option for independence. Since this option is now to be delayed, the Anguillan government should engage the British to improve the system of governance giving the local government a bigger say on those international issues that affect their economy and their culture. Representation in the British parliament and a permanent Council of ministerial representatives of the British government and the governments of their overseas territories, such as Anguilla, might be a good start.
Page 7
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
TCIG successful in recovering Joe Grant Cay land The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has been successful in obtaining the recovery of Joe Grant Cay, following proceedings brought against the Star Platinum companies, controlled by Dr Cem Kinay. In a judgment handed down by the Court on 14 June, in connection with the political donation of $500,000 made by Dr Kinay to Michael Misick on 9 January 2007, the Judge found "there to be a very strong probability that the money was paid as a bribe in order to ensure that the Defendant companies obtained the benefit of the proposed development". The Judge Mr. Justice Geoffrey Martin also found: "The grant of development rights, the sale of the hotel land at a gross undervalue, and the lease of the other land at substantially less than the market value were all made at the instigation of Michael Misick. The values were approved by Cabinet as the result of the suppression of evidence of what was at the very least a respectable alternative opinion (from the Government’s own valuer) as to the true values. No satisfactory explanation has been put forward for not reporting Mr Hoza’s valuations to cabinet; or for the payment of $500,000 to Michael Misick. Not only did the Defendants get the development; they got it cheaply. There is a very strong probability that Michael Misick with the help of McAllister Hanchell secured the grant of these benefits to the Defendants as a result of this inducement." When contacted, Dr. Kinay told The sun: “It is an unfair, unlawful and unjust judgement I will of course appeal it.” Proceedings were issued in July 2010 following the identification by the Commission of Inquiry of Joe Grant Cay in its report, and the
Developer, Dr Cem Kinay
Former Premier, Michael Misick
appointment of the Civil Recovery team. After initially defending the proceedings and filing a full Defence, the Defendant companies then defaulted on Court orders. As a result, the Government applied for judgment, and the Government opted for a trial of the case which was held on 6 June at the Court in Providenciales. The Defendants did not attend or give evidence at that trial. The Judge noted that the Government "could not simpy rely on what was pleaded but had to show what could be proved by evidence or admissions". The Judge also observed : "I emphasise that this judgment should not be treated as a conclusive finding that any individual has acted corruptly. Nobody should be declared corrupt if he has not had the opportunity to defend himself at trial, and that has not happened in this case. The decision has been reached without any active participation by the Defendants, and without hearing from those alleged to have acted corruptly. That was because the Defendants chose to disregard court orders and to absent themselves from the hearing. No oral evidence was given, and there was no cross
examination. Had this occurred the outcome could have been different. Conclusions which have been drawn are for the purpose of this case only". The Court has ordered the return of the whole of Joe Grant Cay to the Government, subject only to a charge in favour of Temple Trust which remains on one parcel of the land. The Court has also given judgment for damages to be assessed, and has awarded the Government the costs of the action. "This is the first of the major civil claims arising out of the Commission's work to conclude, and we are pleased that the outcome is a successful one for the Government and the Civil Recovery team of EAPD and Chambers. Joe Grant Cay will now be rightfully returned to the Government's ownership" commented the Attorney General, Huw Shepheard. Mark Capes, who was Acting Governor at the time of the release, stated: "I am delighted that the Government has been successful in its claim to recover Joe Grant Cay. The process of civil recovery is not quick or necessarily easy but it is good to have obtained judgment in the first of the high profile claims first identified in the Commission of Inquiry Report. We will now seek to
McAllister Hanchell , Former Minister of Natural Resources
work on the future for Joe Grant Cay in discussion with a TCI based institution which has a charge over one of the parcels". In a press statement, Hanchell said: “I read with interest the Government’s Press Release regarding the court’s decision in the Joe Grant’s case entitled “TCIG successful in recovering Joe Grant land: first judgment in major civil recovery case. Neither Michael Misick nor myself are defendants in those proceedings. No one gave evidence and the only party represented was the Government. Dr. Kinay could not afford to be represented because he was prevented by a previous Court Order from spending money on legal representation to defend himself. His lawyers had to come off the record. The publication of the finding that the payment of US$500,000.00 was bribery can only be regarded as a deliberate attempt by the Government to poison the well of potential jurors so that the SIPT can be in a position to object to trial by jury. The strategy is clear. Today it may be Mike or me. Tomorrow it can be any citizen of this country. You have been warned.”
INTERISLAND AVIATION SERVICES GROUP SEEKS
TWO BAGGAGE HANDLER
1.Over 5 years experience in Baggage Handling. 2.Over 5 years experience in maneuvering heavy duty equipment. 3.Experience in general handling of General Aviation. 4.British Airways, JAR OPS, Aircraft loading qualified. 5.Comprehensive knowledge in the operation of Ground Service Equipment (GSE). 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.
Page Page 88
LOCALNEWS NEWS LOCAL
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
17TH -17TH JUNE- JUNE 24TH, 24TH, 2011 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JUNEJUNE
Two-year-old baby killed in house fire
Up to press time on Thursday (May 16), the mother of the two year-old male baby who perished in a house fire in Five Cays on Providenciales was in custody as the police extend their probe into the cause of the deadly blaze. The fire took place a little over quarter past midnight on Tuesday, June 14, according to reports. The tragic event has left family members and close friends bewildered as they try to come to grips with the loss of the baby, especially under such bizarre circumstance. Sources close to the family said the child was left in the house by himself and the bedroom door was locked. It is believed that the fire may have started by a burning mosquito coil. The family source said the baby was trying to escape from the fire, but because the bedroom was locked, he couldn’t. According to Sergeant Calvin Chase, the media liaison officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the fire which is of unknown origin razed the mostly wooden structure, and it was after members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Fire and Rescue Department extinguished the blaze that the remains of the baby were found among the charred timbers. “The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police in Providenciales are investigating a fire of unknown origin which destroyed a wooden structure apartment in Five Cays Providenciales in the early morning hours of Tuesday 14th June 2011. A two-year-old boy perished in that fire which was extinguished by members of The Turks & Caicos Fire and Rescue Department,” Sergeant said in the report. Fire Chief William Jennings said members of his team received the call about 12:17 Tuesday morning and arrived on the scene within an eight minute span. He told The SUN that when the Fire Department arrived, the flames had already engulfed the wooden structure, but his men managed to contain it before it could spread to other areas, but was unable to save the toddler. Jennings said his department was still working to determine the cause of the fire, and in the meantime, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is continuing its investigation into the infant’s death. It is not clear if and when charges will be brought against his mother. Chase said that post mortem examinations would be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.
The Aquatic Restaurant and Bar North Caicos is looking for
TWO BARmAids
to work 6 days weekly. Applicant should be prepared to work at nights. salary commensurate with experience Contact 231-0005
Page 9
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
Government loses Emerald Cay case The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has lost a major case involving the multi-million dollar private island Emerald Cay, which was once owned by American billionaire Tim Blixeth. In the case between Ross Richardson, trustee in bankruptcy of Yellowstone Club and the Attorney General and the Registrar of Lands, Mr. Justice Geoffrey Martin ruled against the Government. The plaintiffs were represented by Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick assisted by Akeirra Misick, while Laurence Harris of the Civil Recovery Unit appeared for the Crown. A statement from the Attorney General’s Chambers said: "TCIG is disappointed at the judgment in the YCW claim. This is not a civil recovery claim arising out of the Commission report but a legal question relating to the ability of the Government to register a restriction where it believes a breach of the Registered Land Ordinance has occurred when registration of title took place. The Judge has determined that the Government cannot register a restriction in those circumstances and that the registered proprietor is free to deal with his title, even though the title registration was flawed. That is a surprising and disappointing result. We have only just received the judgment and are actively considering an appeal.” The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, through the Civil Recovery Unit, has brought a million-dollar law suit against billionaire Tim Blixseth, one of the richest men in America , for underpayment of stamp duty in relation to Emerald Cay, a private luxury island off Chalk Sound and Silly Creek in Providenciales. In a writ filed in the Supreme Court on December 3rd 2010, the Turks & Caicos Islands Government is seeking a declaration that adequate stamp duty was not paid, and that Blixeth, Emerald Cay Limited, Worldwide Commercial Properties Limited and Andrew Hawes are liable for the outstanding stamp duty of $1.7million as well as a penalty of $7million under section 8(c) of the Stamp Duty Ordinance, as well as damages, interest and costs. Government’s claim against the above-mentioned individuals and companies alleges that by a series of agreements of no or little practical or commercial value, they concealed the true value of the consideration paid for the land in August 2006, leading to an underpayment of stamp duty owed under the Stamp Duty Ordinance.
Emerald Cay TCI
The Government alleges that the title was extinguished. the nature of the application true consideration paid was $28 million “It has full title to the land, requires him to give that person an whilst it was recorded on the Land which as proprietor it can charge opportunity to object. Transfer Certificate as just $10 million, if it wishes. The title cannot be It is a fundamental principle and that the defendants conspired “frozen” as the defence argues until of natural justice that before any together to enter into a scheme to avoid something else happens – in this official determination is made payment of stamp duty of $2.7million case, until a debt is paid. a party adversely affected by it properly due, but instead they paid just In Cayman Islands, where should be given the chance to $975,000. the provision as to restrictions is make representations. The reason Since then, TCIG imposed certain identical to ours, it has been stated for not normally giving notice restrictions on dealings with the that a judgment creditor cannot may well be that restrictions are property. The Plaintiff Ross Richardson obtain a restriction on dealings normally friendly, as in the case and Yellowstone Club, challenged the in the judgment debtor’s land to of trustees. But this restriction was registration of a restriction against land secure payment of a judgment unequivocally hostile. in respect of which he had previously debt,” the judge said in his ruling. It is irrelevant that the decision registered a caution; and the refusal of “The Crown had to have an interest maker may think there is no the registrar to register a charge against in the land before it could apply point in objecting. That assumes it. for a restriction. It had no such that he knows all there is to be In his ruling, Mr. Justice Martin interest. It follows that it was not known about the matter, which is noted that Harris argues that it would be entitled to apply for the restriction, a privilege given to few. Notice of extraordinary if title cannot be disputed and the Registrar was not entitled the application should have been when it should not have been registered to register it. given, but wasn’t. Had it been at all. It would be, but that is not the The judge noted that a letter given, the Registrar may well have Plaintiff’s case, the judge said. from the Registrar of Lands makes accepted the Plaintiff’s arguments. “ All he says is that this restriction it clear that: “It is not the practice As I have found, there was a very should not have been registered. Under in the TCI for the Registrar to give good reason not to accept it.” the Torrens system of land registration the holder of a caution notice of an The judge said it is “fanciful” anywhere, registration creates a new application for, or the registration to argue that these two applications title independent of that of the previous of, a subsequent restriction in “were not expressed to be contingent owner. Unless the law permits it, you relation to the same parcel of land.” on each other” so were unrelated. cannot go behind the registered title to Mr. Justice Martin said if that He stressed: “The two challenge the fact of registration and say is an inflexible rule of practice, it applications were submitted that it should not have happened. The seems to be “too strict”. together with the same letter. It effect of registration in each jurisdiction He added: “ The Registrar must have been obvious that the depends on the terms of the local law. is empowered to direct “such only purpose of withdrawing The only aspects that vary between enquiries to be made and notice to the caution was to replace it by jurisdictions are the circumstances be served and hearing such persons something of equal value to the (always limited) in which registration as he thinks fit.” Any officer given cautioner. can be challenged,” the judge added. a discretionary power should If the Registrar had been in Mr. Justice Martin noted that the consider whether or not to exercise any doubt he should have asked. company did not take a transfer of the it. At the very least the section It was nothing less than devious to Property; it acquired ownership of it by obliges him to consider who may accept withdrawal of the caution registration, after which the previous be affected by it, and whether without registering what was clearly intended to replace it.”
Page 10
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Government owes PPC $3million Provo Power ComPany (PPC) says it is owed in excess of US$3million by the Interim Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The power company also stressed that it has been “patient” over the past two years, although the Interim Government signed debt service agreements but did not honour them. PPC issued the strongly-worded clear-the-air statement after the Interim Government stated that PPC’s “disruptive action” in disconnecting power supplies to Government buildings on Providenciales on Monday and Tuesday was “most regrettable”. PPC’s Chief Executive Officer Eddinton Powell said Government’s press release “falls short of the full story”, and defended his company by saying that it is a “responsible corporate citizen and does not act irrationally or irresponsibly”. “PPC has been working with the Interim Government on their indebtedness to this company since August 2009,” said Powell. “Government owes this company in
excess of $3million, including almost $1million for electricity. We accept the Interim Government’s claim that their book-keeping is some disarray. We, however, have been patient for almost two years while these balances grew larger and larger. Indeed, the Interim Government has signed debt settlement agreement(s) with PPC which have not been kept.” The exercise of turning off electricity to Government offices in Providenciales, this country’s economic engine and the most populated of the Turks and Caicos Islands, started on June 13th , with power to the Customs Building on Airport Road being the first to be shut down. On Monday, this action also affected several government departments including Primary schools, the Education Department, The Treasury and Engineering and Maintenance Services, all of which provide critical services to the community. The hospital and the police stations were not affected. Government workers went home early. Several students attending government Primary schools on Providenciales were sent home and a number of high school students who were in the process of sitting external examinations may have been affected by power cut to the Education Department. TCIG said in its press release that it had made a goodwill gesture of $500,000 on May 31st, 2011, but Powell said PPC informed Government on numerous occasions that this payment was not enough to bring its accounts current. TCIG said the Ministry of Finance has been in discussion with PPC since early 2011 in an effort to resolve differences in relation to its account with the company. According to Government, while funds have been available to pay PPC since the completion of the refinancing package on February 22nd , 2011, TCIG's position is that PPC has not provided all the information needed to fully verify the outstanding amount due to them. “It would be irresponsible of TCIG to use the taxpayers’ money to make full payment until the liability has
Power to the Customs Building on Airport Road being the first to be shut down. Employees wait ed outside to escape the stifling heat and afterwards were sent home for the day.
been properly established,” a release from TCIG stated. However, PPC said it has provided the Interim Government with “several extensive spreadsheets detailing their indebtedness to this company, all to no avail”. “TCIG’s reason for not paying PPC is analogous to someone saying to a bank, ‘I will not pay my mortgage because I cannot reconcile my cheque book’,” Powell said. “We sell electricity daily to the Government on credit and build them monthly, which they then take months to pay for. PPC has to pay oil companies, employees and other suppliers daily, weekly and monthly. If PPC goes bankrupt, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos and South Caicos will have a black-out, something which the Interim Government does not appear to appreciate. For months the Interim Government claimed to have the money to pay PPC, so clearly there is no excuse for allowing this matter to get to this unfortunate point.” The disconnections attracted the ire of the Civil Service Association (CSA) who criticised the Interim Government for allowing the electricity in all Government departments in Providenciales and South Caicos to be disconnected. Describing the disconnection of power by Provo Power Company (PPC) to Government offices as “an unfortunate occurrence”, the CSA said “The continued power outage could
have far reaching effect on the functioning of government departments and this in turn could result in significant losses in revenue amounting to millions of dollars,” said the statement from the CSA, whose president is Dr. Rufus Ewing. “The CSA is calling on the Administration to address this problem of outstanding bills to PPC immediately and to put in place effective measures to prevent such embarrassment and suspension of critical and essential government services in the future… (and) to enable immediate restoration of vital services to the community.” Meantime, the CSA stated that this action taken by PPC merely reflects an “ongoing debacle between PPC and the Interim Administration”. According to the CSA, over the past year the Interim Administration made several policy changes to its financial management system which has resulted in the centralization of government finances, resulting in the transfer of authority for final bill approval for bills over $5000, from Heads of Department and Permanent Secretaries to the Chief Financial Officer. “This without a doubt has created much bureaucracy and inefficiency in the timely payment of bills to vendors like PPC,” the CSA said, adding that recommendations have previously been made by the CSA, towards improvement of operations of the Civil service and undoubtedly contribute to economic sustainability and more efficient and effective governance.
M and J Auto Parts is seeking a suitable
Auto PArts sAles Agent JOB VACANCY Margaritaville Grand Turk currently seeks to identify experienced servers and a kitchen helper for the upcoming season. Persons must be able to work under pressure, able to work public holidays and late nights when necessary and be willing to work as part of a team. Salary: $ 6.00 per hour. Submit applications accompanied by a resume to the Human Resource department or by faxing to 649-946-1514. Applications close on June 24th, 2011. While we thank every applicant for their interest in Margaritaville Grand Turk, only short-listed persons will be contacted. Belongers will be given preference.
with atleast 4 years experience with good written and verbal skills. Applicant must be able to use Quicks books, Excel and Microsoft word also be able to work flexible hours and have a valid drivers license. Salary base upon experience. Please send resumes to johnsonsnco@yahoo.com.
CASABLANCA CASINO POSITIONS AVAILABLE 1 Surveillance Operation Manager at $18.75 per hour 2 Dice Dealers Inspectors at $13.50 per hour Labourer at $6.00 per hour Interested persons contact Ms. Ingraham at 941-3737
Page 11
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Precious Treasures captures top spot in GSAT By Vivian Tyson Sun Senior Editor
Ten year-old Julianna McDonald of Precious Treasures Pre and Primary School in Providenciales topped the 2011 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) with an overall average of 94.61 percent, making her the only candidate with an above 91 percent score in the overall exams. As matter of fact, Precious Treasures is the only school in the country to cop three of the top ten spots. Occupying the other two spots are Ketani Marajah, who finished third overall and Darius Coakley, who copped seventh place. Marajah scored an overall average of 90.84, while Coakely finished with 88.16. Ona Glinton Primary in Grand Turk and Oseta Jolly Primary in Providenciales featured two candidates each in the top. Esperaneza Pardo and Kristien Simons are the two Ona Glinton Candiates, while Kevaughn Brown and Nicole Watkins are the Oseta Jolly top ten representatives. Pardo copped second place with an overall average of 90.94 percent, while Simons finished sixth overall with an average of 88.67. Brown seized fifth place with an average of 89.30, while Watkins, who placed ninth, ended with an overall average
Julianna McDonald (centre) is flanked by fellow GSAT Top Ten recipients Ketani Marajah (left) and Darius Coakley
of 87.85. Renard Brown of Richmond Hill was fourth overall with an average of 90.31. Enid Capron Primary also ensured a top ten spot courtesy of Akia Guerrier, who scored an average of 88.16, while Kristina Toomer of Shining Stars Preparatory occupied
tenth place with an overall average of 87.58 percent. Naturally, McDonald was elated with her efforts, telling The SUn that her hard work paid off in a big way for her. “I feel very excited. I was waiting for this moment, and I worked very
hard. During my studies my focus was to acquire the knowledge and not just to remember it (during exams). At first I had the anxiety to know what I came. I was scared, but I was confident. And when I heard what I came, I was very, very excited – very ecstatic,” little Julianna explained. Principal for Precious Treasures, Yvonne Hutchinson was also pleased with the latest GSAT results, stressing that the students applied themselves hence the result. “I am elated. The students worked real hard, and we give God all the glory. We prayed and asked God to assist us, and He came through for us this year again; and because we believe so much in education, whatever we do here at Precious Treasures we continue to do it with the best of our ability,” Hutchinson said. Precious Treasures also finished with the best overall passes - 79.02. Mills Institute was second with 75.64 with Richmond Hills third with an average of 73.63; Wesley Methodist in fourth position with 73.62 and Shining Star fifth – 73.1, rounding off the top five. Last year, Precious Treasures captured the top ten spot courtesy of Jonbonae Chung. She is now a student at the British West Indies Collegiate.
Page 1212 Page
LOCALNEWS NEWS LOCAL
TURKS & CAICOS SUN TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE17TH 17TH- -JUNE JUNE24TH, 24TH,2011 2011 JUNE
Derek Taylor officially declares intention to run for PDM leadership
By Vivian Tyson
Page 12 Unimpressed with the running of the country and politics generally in the Turks and Caicos Islands, former Chief Minister Derek Taylor has confirmed that he will contest the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Movement’s (PDM) whenever the next convention is held. On a visit to Grand Turk, The SUN caught up with the former chief minister, who broke the news. According to him, viewing the country’s management from the outside made him realize that it was in dire need of proper leadership, and since he still has a lot to offer, has decided to climb back into the political ring. Addressing his failed 2009 attempt to regain party leadership, Taylor said he went into the contest not only at the “11th hour”, but also with a half-hearted approached, since he was merely trying to satisfy
LOCAL NEWS
those who had nominated him. “I pointed out that in 2009, that basically I had no intention of challenging for the leadership, but there were those who said ‘we are going to go and nominate you’. I said ‘well, I would not decline their nomination if they nominated me’. And that was the position then. But now, understanding where we are and where we need to be after this Interim Administration, I am saying that the time is right, and therefore, I offer myself as a candidate for our party’s election, and of course, our country’s election when its called,” Taylor asserted. Party constitution dictates that the convention should be held in June, but it is not clear whether or not the delegates would have it then or later. He indicated that at this juncture in the country’s history, strong, tested and proven leadership is needed, and he would be best suited to provide it.
We are currently seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of
Assistant General Manager
REQUIREMENT: • Minimum of 10 years experience in Finance, Procurement and Human Resources, Operations, Maintenance and Safety as it relates to Stevedoring and/or Port logistics work. • Must be in good health to meet the demands of physically challenging work. • Must submit qualification in Business and Finance. • Must submit a clean driver’s license. • Must be able to speak English language fluently. Assist in managing Administration, Finance Operation, Maintenance and Safety Departments as it relates to Stevedoring Work at the Ports of Providenciales and Grand We are currently seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of Turk as directed by the General Manager. • Assist the General Manager in developing and implementing operational procedures and logistics to ensure a safe and efficient work environment including coordinating with REQUIREMENT: shippers, Customs and Port Authority. • Minimum of 10 years experience in Finance,operation Procurement Resources, • Responsible for managing the day-to-day of the and port Human and equipment Operations, Maintenance and Safety as it relates to Stevedoring and/or Port logistics maintenance and ensure that equipment and personnel are maintained and managed work. effectively. • Must be inthe good health to meetinthe of physically challengingfunctions work. • Assist General Manager thedemands management of the Administrative • Must submit qualification in Business and Finance. including Human Resources management, enforcing procurement processes and review • Must submit a clean driver’s license. financial documents for accuracy. • Must be able to speak English fluently. • Assist with verbal and writtenlanguage communicating and coordinating with Ports Authority, Shippers and shippers Agent on operational and contractual compliance matters. Assist in managing Maintenance Safety • Responsible forAdministration, developing and Finance managingOperation, the implementation of theand company Departments as it relates to Stevedoring Work at the Ports of Providenciales and Grand equipment preventative maintenance program. Turk• Responsible as directed by the General Manager. for the development and implementing Safety programs including rigging • Assist the General Manager developing and implementing operational procedures training, equipment operatorintraining and hazmat training. and• logistics to ensure a safe and efficient work environment including coordinating with Responsible for employee and equipment certification including notification to the Ports shippers, Customs and Port Authority. Authority. • Responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the port and equipment maintenance and ensure that equipment and ARE personnel MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO: are maintained and managed effectively. • Daily Management of the Administration, Operations and Maintenance departments • Assist the General Manager inare theserviced management of the Administrative functions • Ensure that the equipments and certified to carry out duties including Human Resources management, enforcing procurement processes and review • Carry out all other duties as directed by the General Manager financial documents for accuracy. • Assist with verbal written communicating with Ports Authority, based on and Qualification and Experienceand and coordinating ONLY qualified applicant will be Salary Shippers and shippers Agent on operational and contractual compliance matters. contacted. • Responsible for developing and managing the 2011. implementation of the company All applications must be submitted by July 1st, equipment preventative maintenance program. Human Resources Manager • Responsible for the development and implementing Safety programs including rigging Provo Stevedoring Ltd. training, equipment operator training and hazmat training. P.O. Box 427, South Dock • Responsible for employee and equipment Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands certification including notification to the Ports Authority. Fax: (649) 946-4828 Email: cagreene@provostevedoring.com
Assistant General Manager
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO: • Daily Management of the Administration, Operations and Maintenance departments • Ensure that the equipments are serviced and certified to carry out duties • Carry out all other duties as directed by the General Manager
we know that we can go sleep on his watch’. And therefore, that is what I am bringing back to governance in Turks and Caicos. This (his return) would give the country a breath of “I see the need for strong fresh air,” Taylor insisted. Taylor also believes that at the end leadership – honesty, integrity, being responsible and accountable. I said of interim rule a PDM government so many times that the public purse should take charge of the country should never be used as anybody’s judging from the territory’s state TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011 pocket book. The next thing is of affairs for which he blames the getting our people to understand Progressive National Party (PNP). “You must face facts that, if you about governance,” Taylor noted. “We are living in the 21st century have another PNP returned here, the where you should have government region and the world would wonder departments or ministries working what has happened to the people of together along with the private the Turks and Caicos. So, I think, sector, knowing that in the final with due respect to those who are analysis, it’s for the betterment for coming forward and say ‘I am clean the people of the Turks and Caicos from the former administration’, they Islands and those who come here and need to take a back seat, allow justice to take its course, and let the country work among us.” The Grand Turk native and move, do not hold the country as a longstanding public servant said hostage,” Taylor warned. In the meantime, Taylor has he believes he has what it takes to assume the leadership of his party, rubbished claims by those within the country and ultimately to make party ranks and the wider public that the best attempt at putting the country his age might be a factor for his reback on track to prosperity it once enter elective politics. He explained that he is not yet 60, while there are enjoyed up to about three years ago. “I feel that we need to hit the leaders even within the Caribbean in ground running. The likes of the their 80s that have returned to active European Investment Bank, where politics and are making meaningful you have low interest rates – bring contributions to their countries’ that back to Turks and Caicos. There advancement. “In the final analysis democracy is also the Caribbean Development Bank and there are people who we (within the party) must prevail. And ecannot Turkshave andaCaicos it mustSUN be the people within the party know there. You situation where we wait on another and the delegates at the convention year or two after this Interim who would have to make the choice. that standpoint, Administration, for a person who From ollow usit would be aspires to be leader to really move up to, not only the older folks, but twitter not so old. I want our young the country. But there has to be that theon people to understand the history of familiar face. www.twitter.com the Turks and Caicos and the track “There has to be that connection, /suntci where people said, ‘well, yes, he has record between 1995 and 2003,” been tested, he has been tried, and Taylor pointed out.
TCI’s #1 News Source F
:
e Turks and Caicos SUN
TCI’s #1 News Source
Follow us
on twitter:
www.twitter.com /suntci
M.L TRUMP Agency Leeward Highway Providenciales On behalf of Telecom Solutions is seeking
PROjecT MAnAgeR - Salary $6 per hour Must be computer literate Must have equivalent qualifications Mon – Fri contact 649 242 0521
M.L TRUMP Agency Leeward Highway Providenciales
Page 13
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
InterHealth Canada CEO Roger Cheesman refutes allegations By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor
InterHealtH Canada – operators of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales and the Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk - are labeling as distractions and lies reports in the media that the entity and employees have been involved in unsavory activities contrary to what its operation ought to be. Addressing a news conference on Tuesday, June 14, at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales, Chief Executive Officer Roger Cheesman said the allegations were not only malicious but also distracting, since the administration was force to temporarily shelf pressing issues to address the allegations. Local blog -the TCI Journal – in a recent posting alleged that: • the contract under which InterHealth Canada has financed, constructed and is now operating the new hospital facilities on Grand Turk and Providenciales was not won through open and fair competition; • InterHealth Canada is or has been associated with Lord Ashcroft and/or one or more of his companies; • InterHealth Canada had unethical dealings with members of the former TCI Government; • InterHealth Canada has engaged the services of Keith Bellamy, an adviser to the Interin Government; • InterHealth Canada entered into an unethical arrangement with former deputy premier Royal Robinson; • some or all of the acts reflect a continuation of the process under which Cheesman, was engaged by InterHealth Canada while working for a client Authority in the Middle East; and • That InterHealth Canada engaged the services of Paul Baker as its public relations consultant while he is also providing similar services to other entities and thereby fostered a conflicting interest. It’s a great distraction. If you consider the amount of time that I have spent on this; and if you consider that I was on vacation, when I was doing so; if you consider, it is involved the senior members of our parent board in Toronto – the chief executive, the legal chief advisor and others – everyone of us had to break away from work, and in my case, it was from my vacation, in order to deal with this. “And if you look at the cost of this sort of thing in real terms, time is money. And we are all very senior executives, so what they are doing is taking us away from our work in order to refute what are absolutely atrocious allegations and lies,” Cheesman charged. Cheesman pointed that in the past InterHealth had ignored false allegations framed by the TCI Journal, but since the latest smear had climbed into the domain of mainstream media, felt it was necessary to, once and for all, address them head on. He said InterHealth Canada landed the contract for construction and operation of the two hospitals as in accordance with United Kingdom Government and the European Union procurement rules which dictates: • Publication by the TCI Government in the international press
of an advertisement inviting the submission of expressions of interest by internationally experienced companies in the healthcare field should be made; • The delivery by such companies of answers to a very detailed prequalification questionnaire demonstrating their status, experience, financial strength and general approach to meeting the requirements of the TCI Government; and • The submission by companies which met the qualification requirements of detailed bids; the evaluation of the bids by a panel consisting of subject matter experts in the various aspects of the bids – finance, design and construction, equipment, staffing, delivery of clinical services and delivery of facilities management services. “Bids --were entered by a number of companies from the United States, Northern Europe as well as InterHealth Canada. In the judgment of the evaluation panel, the bid from InterHealth Canada met the value for money and other requirements of the TCI Government and should be selected. That recommendation was accepted by the TCI Government. In the preparation of the detailed project agreement and the related funding documents, each of the TCI Government, InterHealth Canada and the funding financial institutions were separately advised by major law firms, architects, engineers, environmental experts, hospital and clinical service planners, accountants and other financial advisors. All negotiations were conducted on an arms’ length basis and the agreed terms were approved by the United Kingdom Government,” Cheesman pointed out.
He stressed that InterHealth Canada never had any association with Lord Ashcroft, any member of the Oxford Ventures Group, the conglomerate’s directors or officers other than by virtue of the sub contract with Johnston International, for the construction of the new hospitals, which, were completed on time and within budget. “Similarly neither InterHealth Canada nor any of its directors or officers has or ever has had, whether directly or indirectly, any interest in the Turks & Caicos Islands other than through the contract for the new hospital facilities,” Cheesman pointed out. Cheesman added: “InterHealth Canada has not engaged the services of Mr. Keith Bellamy nor has it ever considered doing so. As the Attorney General has stated, Mr. Keith Bellamy was seconded to the TCI Government by the United Kingdom Government and will be returning there when the period of his secondment expires at the end of this month “InterHealth Canada has not engaged the services of Mr. Royal Robinson nor has it ever considered doing so and nor has it ever made any payment to or for the benefit of Mr. Royal Robinson or anyone associated with him. Until his engagement with the TCI Government ended in 2010, contact with Mr Royal Robinson was solely in his official capacity as leader of the TCI Government team handling the procurement and detailed negotiations around the Project Agreement and subsequently as the “TCIG Representative” named in the Project Agreement as the nominated point of contact between the TCI Government and the “Providers’ Representative”
Chief Executive Officer for InterHealth CanadaRoger Cheesman
nominated by InterHealth Canada.” Cheesman declared that he worked for the General Authority for Healthcare in Abu Dhabi and, prior to that, for the Ministry of Health in the United Arab Emirates. He said in 1998, as part of his duties for the General Authority, he met InterHealth Canada when it was negotiating for and subsequently performing a major contract in Abu Dhabi which it had won in an international competition with major United States based operators and others. Cheesman said he was invited by the then group CEO, to provide very short term consultancy services in connection with possible bids for other work in the Gulf following the expiration of his contract with the General Authority in September 2001. He said he returned to the United Kingdom where he worked for a number of different and wholly unconnected companies until January 2003 when he was invited to join InterHealth Canada to work on the commissioning and operation of a new Womens’ and Children’s hospital in Kuwait.
Page 14
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
‘Let’s seek our independence now’ By Michael E. Misick Former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands
After losing the leadership contest within my own Progressive National Party (PNP) last year, I had decided to remain quiet and support the new leader Clayton Greene and allow him to tackle the issues at hand. However, in the face of the complete destruction of my beloved country at the hands of the British government, Dictator Gordon Wetherell and the Turks and Caicos Islanders who sit on the two puppet bodies, the so-called Consultative Forum and the Advisory Council, I can no longer remain quiet. First, let me put things in perspective for those who would blame me and my administration for the mess that the country is now in. When the PNP took over the reins of government, the national budget was $90Million and the GDP was about $200 million. When we left office some six years later, the national budget was in excess of $250 million and GDP was over $700 million. It is an undeniable fact that we attracted and presided over unprecedented growth economically, politically and socially. Using the income from the growth, we invested heavily in infrastructure like the causeway and road works in North, Middle and South Caicos. We invested in building a port in North Caicos, the National Stadium, the Downtown ball park in Providenciales. We also invested in road works and other public infrastructure in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. We invested tens of millions of dollars modernizing our education system, extending and upgrading schools and providing scholarships and opportunities for higher learning for an unprecedented number of young people all throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. We invested in the health of the nation by making sure anyone that needed medical attention, received it, whether abroad or at home. We built
Michael E. Misick Former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands
two state-of-the-art hospitals. We built institutions like TCI New Media, the Airports and Civil Aviation Authority and the National Health Insurance Board. Not only did we balance our budget six years in a row, we had a surplus budget six years in a row. We increased the pay for civil servants and the police by nearly 50 percent. We hired additional civil servants and government workers in all of the Islands to ensure delivery of government services to all. We were never late with, or missed, payments to government workers. People who had done business with the government were paid, and paid on time. We attracted billions of dollars in foreign investments. Construction was booming and everyone was working. Belongers were being empowered through land grants and other business opportunities. These are only but a few reminders of where we came from before the UK’s unnecessary invasion of our country. Now, almost three years later, unemployment is almost at 30 percent, there is no investment taking place,
Lyndon Gardiner seeks Two securiTy Guards Must have 5 years experience Excellent command of the English language and spanish – reading, writing and speaking. Good communication skills and team player Detail oriented & organized individual Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends and Holidays. Clean police record Able to work under pressure Salary $5.00 per hour Belongers need only apply. Interested person should apply to HR@flyairtc.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040. No phones call please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview. -
crime is at a all-time high, Civil Servants are being laid off left, right and centre, there is a climate of fear, freedom of speech is being suppressed and journalists are being intimidated for speaking out. In all of this, the British and its Dictatorship government still will not take responsibility for their actions that have killed the buzz that the PNP created and killed our economy. They are still blaming past governments, when the truth is that they have being in power for three unsuccessful, destructive and chaotic years. Just like US President Barack Obama has to now take responsibility for the wars in Afghanistan, and Iraq and the failing US economy, the British has to take responsibility for the depression that they have caused in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This Interim Administration that is being led by Gordon Wetherell and includes the Advisory Council and the Consultative Forum, is the worst government that the Turks and Caicos Islands has ever seen. This Interim Government has been such a spectacular failure, that even those who called for them to come to the Turks and Caicos Islands, are now angry and disappointed with them, crying out for them to leave and are prepared to expel them from this beautiful by nature country. It was never this bad; not even under the PDM. Even the PDM was a better government than this interim administration. To add insult to injury, after borrowing $260 million that our children will have to pay back, they have mismanaged that money so much that the first time in the history of our islands, Provo Power Company (PPC) was forced to turn off almost all of government offices electricity because of lack of payment. It’s a crying shame!! That would have never happened under my watch as leader of the PNP, neither would it have happened under the PDM. Ultimately this is our country. No English man can run our country better than us. No English can care for our people the young and the old like we do. Their interest is in getting a career promotion at our expense. This brings me to the finally matter that I would like to address that is constitutional changes. My people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, let’s stop pussyfooting around while the rest of the world is passing us by. Our future does not lie with Britain. Let us stop wasting time and warming up harmony. Let's seek our independence
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
NOW!! For those who long to go back to the 2006 Constitution, I say to you as the person who led the team that negotiated it, that the 2006 constitution was good for that time. It’s almost six years later, and so we need a more advance constitution than that. The British has made a mockery of this process. First by suspending the Constitution, secondly by appointing an incompetent person to carry out an exercise that should have been done by a panel of distinguished persons from within our country; and now lastly by inviting people other than those parties that truly represent the population to a fruitless talk in London. We should demand the same respect as the British people. Just like the British people, only a few short months ago, had a referendum on whether to change their voting system, we the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands should have a referendum first on whether we want to remain a British colony, and secondly, on any proposed Constitution. Only through a referendum can the true will of the people be established. Finally, I say to my countrymen, there has been too much in-fighting. While we fight among ourselves the gains that were made by both political parties are being lost. The British administration is systematically transferring the wealth of our country into the hands of a few British elite. It’s time for us to stand up and fight back because we have everything to lose. Let's conquer our fears. Let's us embrace the democratic winds that are blowing around the world. Let's say and show to the world that the British are hypocrites. They cannot speak with a moral voice on democracy in Libya or Syria when they have taken away our right to choose a government with no date or deadline for elections. When here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the very thing America when to war for their independence over, Taxation Without Representation, is happening 300 years later again, but now to us. We must call on president Obama the leader of the free world to use his influence with the British to intervene on our behalf. President Obama made a great speech at the British parliament about freedom and democracy for Egypt, Yemen, Syria and Libya but what about us in the Turks and Caicos Islands which is only 500 miles off America’s door step. What about us? May God bless us and may He bless our beloved home land!!
WANTED ONE LABOURER TO WORk ON cONsTRUcTiON siTE
Must be a hard worker, willing to work without supervision. salary $5.00 per hour interested person call Hard Drive construction Ask for Mr. Pierre 231-3171, deadline June 20, 2011
Page 15
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Agriculture and fishing need to be developed in the Turks and Caicos Islands, says John Phillips By David Newlands
Businessman and Consultative Forum member John Phillips says fishing and agriculture need to be developed in the Turks and Caicos Islands. When asked to explain his ideas on the possibility of agricultural expansion, Phillips, in an interview with The SUN, said: “I think that it could very quickly move to a more profitable, more active position; simply by supplying our own domestic market. The resorts themselves are huge users of fresh produce. One of the main complaints that the resorts have if they buy from Miami is if it is fruit, it was picked in Costa Rica three weeks ago while it was still green; it ripened in the case or on the shelf, and it doesn’t have the same flavors as fully matured freshly picked fruits; the same goes for vegetables. So there are ways that our agriculture could quickly capture that market. The same goes for fisheries. The big restaurants complain that they can’t get fresh local fish so they buy import tilapia and god knows what, out of the US, and that comes frozen and doesn’t have the same quality and taste as fresh fish.” Phillips stated that the only thing that is needed to put this into motion was the will of the business
community. With the help of the business community, investment and some government funding, the idea is very realistic and well within the capabilities of Turks and Caicos, he added. “The industry needs money to expand, so that it’s better structured. Some things like mangos, avocados and major production of citrus, they are a long way off. It takes about five years just to grow the trees. But we should still be doing it, even if it is with a little bit of government sponsorship to get it started, so at least five years from now we will be able to have the market,” he said. The potential improvement of the agricultural industry does bring up the issue of competition with the exports from the United States and other countries. When asked about whether or not Turks and Caicos could compete with the imported U.S produce, he had this to say: “If they produce the quality, and produce it as organic, not synthetically fertilized, I believe the resort industry will absorb the entire crop without any question. If they command a little bit more in price than the cost in Miami, they will still make the resorts very happy. The resorts buy it in Miami, ship it in, transport it and it is second rate produce. Where as if it is fresh
produce for a penny more they will pay the penny more...” In addition to the development of the agricultural industry, Mr. Phillips suggested an alternative idea which would be a temporary solution to the complaints about food without quality. His suggestion was meant as a short term alternative while the agriculture industry was being developed. “In the mean time if we don’t produce enough we have options. The farmers could have a cooperative, work jointly towards a cooperative, form their own company as a cooperative, sell to grocery stores and resorts as a cooperative of TCI farmers. And if they can’t sell the stuff, as long as they are careful and cautious and very particular on quality, they could buy the product and sell it off through their own source. We are only a hundred odd miles from the north coast of Haiti. You can buy some of the best mangos and avocados that you are ever going to find…So buying through the cooperative, selling through the stores is something that they should be considering; it would be profit in the short term, and it also buys the time to start enhance their own crop to actually have it used. Just because they can’t grow today doesn’t mean that they can’t market it today,
provided the quality beats Miami,” he said. In addition to the agricultural potential of the Turks and Caicos, Mr. Phillips also remarked on the great fishing potential of the country. He commented on the abundance of deep water fish and crustaceans such as tuna and stone crab. If Turks and Caicos were to harvest these abundances, exporting would be a possibility in the long term. In order to take advantage of this situation, Mr. Phillips stated that there would be a need for major foreign investment due to the lack of means to conduct the operations. “Nobody has the boats, the tackle, the equipment, or the processing and shipping facility to handle that and that is a fairly significant investment.” With the points that Mr. Phillips has made, it seems clear that improvement of the agricultural system may be the next big step for the Turks and Caicos. The introduction of agriculture would not only improve the tourist industry, but give Turks and Caicos the opportunity to export its products, thus creating a secondary national economic supporting industry. Though as Mr. Phillips said, this will only be able to become a reality with the support of the business community.
Page16 16 Page
LOCAL NEWS NEWS LOCAL
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
17TH17TH - JUNE 24TH,24TH, 20112011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JUNEJUNE - JUNE
Long serving police officers honoured at Queen’s Birthday parade
A number of police personnel within the ranks of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were presented with honours at the Queen’s Birthday Parade held in Grand Turk on Saturday, June 11. The force members were presented with the Long Service Colonial Medal award for their many years of hard work and dedication to their areas of expertise. The presentation was divided into two categories – 25 and 18 years services. The constables who received awards are senior members of that rank. Inspector Irene Butterfield was presented with Her Majesty the Queen’s Jubilee Award for outstanding service. Sergeant Nigel Gilkes, who was honoured with the Long Service Colonial Medal award in the 18 years category, also copped Her Majesty the Queen’s Jubilee Award. Those who were honoured for 25 years of service were Sergeant Andy Harry, Sergeant Shem Clarke, Inspector Clifford Henry and Sergeant Theophilus McTaire. Others who were honoured for 18 years of service to the force included Constable Jacqueline Morris - who was said to have been the first Jamaican to receive such an award – Constable Franklyn Thomas, Constable Noel Thomas, Constable Devon Seymour, Sergeant Glenroy Mitchell, Constable Allan Scipio, Constable Michael Mills, Constable Lindon Tyson, Constable Nocola Kennedy and Sergeant Eddon Caesar. The Queen’s Birthday Parade, which normally takes place on the Saturday before the Monday holiday, was with its usual pomp and pageantry, including the march past and salute by the police. It also involved youth groups such as Brownies and Girls Guides. It has been an event that residents in Grand Turk always look forward.
Members of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force Marching Band in action during the Queen’s Birthday Parade in Grand Turk.
The varies uniformed groups are catured during the Queen’s Birthday Parade.
Career Opportunities Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience.
Chief Operating OffiCer
Requirements: • A minimum of 15 years in luxury hospitality properties with a minimum of 5 years resort experience in the Caribbean with international experience in 4 and 5 start properties. • Minimum of Bachelor of Arts degree, ideally with graduate experience in Hospitality • Strong operational experience in all phases of the hospitality business as a senior corporate officer responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of a multi-property corporation and for operations management. • The candidate must have knowledge of the business and industry, understand modern management theories, employ process/quality improvement techniques and have experience in driving businesses to success. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
assistant DireCtOr Of finanCe
Requirements: • Recognized Accountancy Qualification ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CPA • Experience working in the finance function in a luxury hotel/resort/club with multiple F&B outlets
• Ability to manage periodic close processes and ensure delivery of monthly management information • Balance sheet reconciliation experience including bank accounts • Excellent knowledge of SAP, the hotel accounting software, Opera PMS, Micros POS, and ACCPACC payroll system software. • Payroll experience preferred. • Together with the Finance Director, assist External Auditors an annual auditing; ensure audit is performed on time. • Manage the Finance Department team and oversee their work, including the Assistant Controller, Accounts Payable, Payroll Clerk, Purchasing Manager and Income Auditor. • Work at times, in specific team project, such as cost improvements, capital investments o the operations, or in assisting the real estate development team. • Assist Finance Director and Managing Director/General Manager in preparing: o Budgets and Forecasts for the Hotel Operations and tracking budget implementation. At times, assisting HOD directly in tracking their specific budget implementation, including coordinating information requests and queries from HOD. o Staff plan and Compensation. salary range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
pOOl & BeaCh attenDants
Requirements: • 1-2 year related experience and/or training. • Provide towels/chairs/umbrellas to guests. • Perform side work including the folding of towels, preparing water and fruit skewers • CleanClean ashtrays, straighten chairs, and keep all outside beach and pool areas free of debris. • Communicate with support team and management salary range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Page 17
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands: 1. Parcel 60505/85 Blue Hills & Stamers Run, Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development, three bedroom, living room, kitchen and dining room. Registered Proprietor: Stephanie Ann Williams and Leon McDonald Williams 2. Parcel 60802/57 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development with self contained apartments. The home comprises of three bedrooms, living room, kitchen and dining room. Registered Proprietor: Ruth Williams 3. Parcel 60503/225 Blue Hills and Stammers Run, Providenciales, comprising of two existing structures each containing two bedrooms, one bathroom, living/dining area and external deck area. Registered Proprietor: Alice Louise Arthur 4. Parcel 60505/132 Blue Hills and Stammer Run, Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development, upper level accommodation consists of two, one bedroom units, containing a kitchen, living room and dining room. The ground level accommodation consists of a three bedroom unit, containing a kitchen, living room and dining room. In addition contains an incomplete single storey building comprising three, one bedroom, one bathroom units containing kitchen, living/dining area and front deck area. Registered Proprietor: Jean Baptiste Milien and Jeannial Israll Baptiste 5. Parcel 60101/21/ k42 Northwest Point, Providenciales, comprising of a one bedroom unit on the second floor, one bathroom, living room and balcony. Registered Proprietor: Elizabeth Lynn Perch 6. Parcel 60703/164 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales, comprising of a three storey detached main house incorporating four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, living area, dining area, office, kitchen, laundry, recreation room, 2nd living area, master bedroom lounge, garage, pool and terrace areas. In addition guest house contains a one bedroom guest room and maid quarter. Registered Proprietor: Thomas Chalmers Atkinson Misick and Joyanna Rosele Misick 7. Parcel 60809/168 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales, comprising of a single storey apartment building containing four one bedroom, one bathroom units, kitchen, living/dining area. Registered Proprietor: Paulamae Patsylee Missick 8. Parcel 60003/45 Northwest & North Central, Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential development, three bedroom and two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room, a laundry room and a porch in front of the property. Registered Proprietor: Deka Monique Williams & Roland Cadeau The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 1st day of July 2011 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids. Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Manager (649) 946-8034 or fax number (649) 946- 4409.
LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos Beautiful by Nature, but Beautiful with care By David Newlands SUn Intern
The people are taking environmental care in their own hands. The Turks and Caicos Environmental Club, a civilian based organization, along with individual citizens, have been making great strides in achieving a more environmentally aware Turks and Caicos. The TCI Environmental Club has made its claim to fame with their revival of a campaign started by the Department of Environment and Costal Resources (DECR). The campaign was aimed towards the elimination of single use plastic bags in the Turks and Caicos. When asked about the idea behind the elimination of the bags, Lynn Robinson expressed the following points: "Plastic bags are bad for the environment; turtles mistake them for jellyfish and ingest them as do dolphins, whales and other marine life. Birds also die from eating plastic and bags get caught up in the trees and bushes. Plastic never completely breaks down so other marine life mistake the tiny particles for plankton which then end up in the food chain. Single use plastic is designed for one use only and yet lasts forever. The first step people can make is to stop using plastic bags, bottles, cups, cutlery, straws and plates. Let's all change the way we live before it's too late," she said. The new campaign started on Earth Day, on April 22nd and since then the group has had one more day dedicated to their campaign. The club convinced several companies to give customers more environmentally-friendly ways of packaging their items; these ways included the use of brown paper bags and reusable shopping bags. Though on the first attempt only received assistance from Graceway Gourmet and Graceway IGA, the second attempt which happened on June 04th - the day before World Environmental Day- brought in eight companies support including Business Solutions, the Price Club, Quality Supermarket, and Do it Center. This club is not the only example of people stepping up to the plate in terms of caring for the environment. Kevin Bethel, a Bahamian member of the Turks and Caicos community, described some of the efforts he has made to stop litter in the path including some programs on the ‘Dog show’, a radio show on 93.9 FM. “The Turks and Caicos is beautiful by nature, but it should still be beautiful with care.” These were the words that came from Bethel when asked about his opinion in the state of Turks and Caicos’ environment. One of his more note-worthy programs on the ‘Dog Show’ was known as the ‘Dog Walk’. The ‘Dog Walk’ is done when an individual leaves his or her house to walk; they bring a bag with them and pick up trash that they see along the way. This program helps cleans up the environment as well as make people more aware of the severity of the littering situation is in the Turks and Caicos. Along with this program was a slightly more controversial program known as the Dog trash patrol, where people call into the Dog Show, giving the license plate number of someone who they have seen littering; that report will result in the person becoming labeled as a litterer on broadcast. It is clear that people in the Turks and Caicos are taking up care for the environment into their own hands. Whether it is an individual attempt, or a group one, people are working harder to make the Turks and Caicos a more clean and beautiful place. If you are interested in joining the fight to protect that which makes Turks and Caicos so great, look up TCI environmental club on Facebook or go to the National Environment Center on the Lower Bight road on the first Thursday of every month at 6 pm.
Page 18
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
ABSTRACTIONS vs WHAT WORKS By The Torch Plato said that the goal of education is to move the student along a line from hard facts and rigid rules towards abstractions – theoretical concepts that are unencumbered by the harshness of the real world. He saw physics as an observation of concretes, mathematics less so and the liberal arts as more intuitive and abstract. In universities to this day, students are taught to pursue abstractions and theory and to eschew the observable demonstrable facts of reality as being too rigid and intellectually dangerous. Set a college student to write an essay on the relative social and moral values of volunteerism and productivity in a market economy and you'd better stand back. You are going to get the biggest load of theoretical nonsense you could ever imagine. No terms will be defined. No facts or principles will be quoted. No rules established. Everything will be abstracts. No conclusions will be reached. It will be barely readable. Students disappear into abstractions and never escape because that's what they observe in their hero professors, who themselves are hiding from the realities of the outside world. So students tend to think that is what education is all about. You just keep on talking in abstracts and hope that you're saying something. You particularly hope that your professors will think that you are saying something That's what our Western World universities turn out. Is it any wonder that our students initially lean heavily towards welfare statism as an economic theory. In Socialism, “caring” theory is far more important than finding what actually works in a real economy to improve individuals' lives. After all, if you find what works in real life, you must move on to another task. If you deal in abstracts only and carefully avoid what works, you get to stay much longer at your old known but unresolved task. If a university graduate goes into banking, law, commerce, manufacturing or engineering, disciplines where facts and rules and things that work tend to be important, the abstracts are replaced quickly – at least professionally. Sometimes they will disappear in as little time as it takes to get to the first quarterly sales or productivity report, your first speech to a jury or your first sit rep to a Board of Directors or a major customer. Imagine now that a highly educated Socialist graduate becomes employed by, oh, let's say....the FCO, where there are no productivity reports, where no one ever makes a judgment about your performance, at least not publicly, and where directors, shareholders, payroll, clients and competition are never issues. All you have to do is to keep attending seminars about theory and writing abstract essays. Fast forward 30 years and suddenly you're being asked to make executive decisions in the real world about how to improve and expand a disastrous economy that has historically been Capitalist and individualist in nature. What to do? You know you'll be moved on before your abstractness becomes apparent, but you've got to say something. So here's what you say: "The Governor's mission is to provide a clean break from the mistakes of the past and a fresh start for the Islands. This means putting the Turks and Caicos on a durable track towards establishing good governance, sound financial management, and sustainable development. In all work, the Government aims to promote three core values in public life: 1) Transparency; 2) Accountability; 3) Responsibility" What a surprise. Nothing but abstracts. Nothing is defined. What do “clean break,” “fresh start,” “durable track,” “good governance,” “sustainable development,”core values,” “transparency, “accountability” and “responsibility” mean? They mean nothing and everything. Anyone who falls for such abstract nonsense might even fall for the “hope and change” canard. For example, do “transparency” and “accountability” mean that you disclose the numbers and costs of the civil service payroll over time, which you clearly must know by now? Apparently not. But mumbling abstracts isn't enough. You realize that the real world into which you've been thrust also calls for factual analysis and at least some putative action. You've got to make the factual situation on the ground fit what you know, which is nothing but abstractions. So you call in a bunch of abstract
taxation experts from Brussels or London and they provide you with a whole bunch of abstracts about how great taxation will be. Will it work? Who knows or cares. Remember. You're going to be moved on quickly and there is no real-time personal accountability. You can blame the “prior administration” and you don't have to listen to local citizens and residents as they have no control over you. And by the time your abstractions fail, you'll be gone and some other abstractionist will be calling in yet more experts. You are covered. Well, Mr. Smarty Pants The Torch, The Torch hears the Brits say, if you're so clever, what would you be doing if you were Governor? The Torch's detailed micro-economic proposals are already on the table. However, if The Torch was Governor, he'd do one more thing from a micro-economic point of view. He'd set aside time every day to call personally the head honchos at every reputable online university he could find. He would call and keep calling until such time as he was somehow able to cut a deal to bring an online university branch to the TCI. We've got room. Part of the deal would provide online tuition to TCI citizens at discounted rates. But this is about macro-economics and what it would take from a “what works” perspective to get the TCI economy back on track. The Torch would immediately recognize that the TCI is not Brussels or London. Then he would realize that he needed data as to what would work for the economy of the TCI before he could determine what to do, if anything. This would need to be real world empirical data that had been tried before in similar circumstances with known results. Where the heck could The Torch get that? Well, within the United States there are 50 states,one district and at least one territory. Each is a substantially self-governing entity within a federal constitutional republic. Similar to the former TCI Constitution vis-à-vis the Brits, the US Constitution limits the intrusion of the federal government into the states' selfgovernance. All governmental actions not restricted by the US constitution to the federal government are reserved by default to the states. This still includes the vast majority of potential governmental actions, the large majority of which affect economic conditions within individual states. The US is the TCI's primary neighbor, customer, supplier, investment source and example. TC islanders are by nature, character, style, outlook, emotion, education, entertainment, art, language, sport, philosophy, economy, morality, religion and every other possible cultural manner American, not European. Many are literally Americans with dual citizenship. All that ties us to the Brits are historical anomaly, a now-you-see-it-now-you-don't constitution, a crap set of Euro human rights and a healthy mutual disrespect and distrust. Our economy is American Capitalist, not EuroBrit Socialist. Because of our multifaceted affinity to the US economy and because of the states' substantial ability to make their own economic rules for businesses and individuals, we essentially have 52 observable economic laboratories to tell us what economic policies work in what has been historically a substantially Capitalist economy, like the TCI's, and equally what doesn't work. Now The Torch well understands that only one state and one territory are islands, but the analogy to the TCI holds to the extent that because 49 of those 52 economic laboratories are physically connected, the movement of Americans, voting with their feet, is enhanced and more observable than it would be in an island environment. Both capital and labor can and do easily reward and punish states' individual economic policies. It is easier for Americans to move from state to state than for Americans (or anyone) to move to the TCI. If you accept The Torch's economic determinism as the primary cause of movement of people within the US as well as the fact of the ease of their movement, then we can use the 52 economic jurisdictions to determine relatively quickly and accurately what economic policies actually work in terms of expanding an economy. Nor would we be short of data. We see examples in the news every day of individual states' economic policies. We can then look at the population delta going forward. There are numerous examples. The
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Torch has space for only a few. Illinois has one of the largest overall budget deficits. It recently increased substantially the taxation on corporations and the wealthiest individuals. At the very same time, a small government Governor took over next door in Indiana and began to poach Illinois businesses via two separate advertising campaigns. Texas has a state legislature that meets every two years. It is low tax, low regulation and business friendly. It takes 6 days to set up a business with a bank account and business license. In New York, the average time is 3 months. Texas has created 48% of the new jobs in the US in the last 2 years and they are not all oil jobs. Oil jobs have increased at their same historical rate The new jobs are largely manufacturing jobs. Washington state is a highly unionized state. South Carolina is a “right to work state” - no unions. So having experienced prior economic loss through Socialist union actions, Boeing moved its second production facility, plus thousands of high paying long term jobs, to South Carolina. New York City, having a large budget deficit, increased its taxation of wealthy individuals to a top rate of 62%, federal, state and city combined. There was a flood of millionaires from the city and the city actually experienced a significant shortfall in tax revenues. California enacted the nation's first cap-and-tax energy tax. Businesses moved to Arizona and Nevada. States without a personal and corporate income tax have always done well in terms of population growth. North Dakota proactively changed its laws to favor credit card companies. Now almost all credit card issuers operate out of North Dakota. Wyoming, a small government state has the fastest growing population in the country. The Governor of Puerto Rico fired 17,000 civil servants in 2009 because the territory could not meet its payroll. Sound familiar? The politicians and welfare recipients called him a fascist and all of the other things TCI politicians would call a Governor who acted decisively in the interests of the public treasury. Even in Canada, another relative bastion of Socialism plus a major customer of the TCI, they cut their government drastically as far back as the mid '90's. They cut unemployment benefits drastically and other government department expenditures between 20 and 50%. Their economy boomed and still is booming. Canada was relatively immune from the global recession because they had their public deficits in line. Then, to assist in the assimilation of all of this “what works” data, I would call in the real world nontheoretical economic experts at the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation. Then subject to additional input from any stakeholder and an open mind to other actions, The Torch would do at least the following: 1. Cut public payroll spending drastically. He doesn't know how much he would cut because the Brits are not transparent and have not disclosed this critical data, but as an example, if there are 3000 civil servants, he would fire 1500 immediately. Last in first out. Those jobs are patently unnecessary and their holders should never have had them in the first place. So any money paid has been a bonus to the recipient. 2. Streamline and de-criminalize the existing revenue collection system. There are no exemptions to government fees, including customs. That's right. Government departments pay customs duties to the government treasury. Why? Because otherwise, Mrs. Williams refrigerator and Mr. Jones' car become government exemptions. 3. Implement all of The Torch's micro-economic proposals. 4. Announce a written guarantee that for 20 years there would be no personal or corporate income tax, no real property tax, no cap and tax energy tax and no VAT in the TCI. There would certainly be many more actions The Torch would take, likely in the health care, stevedoring and energy generation industries, but without further data from the Brits, which data is not forthcoming, there can be no additional certain actions. The Torch suggests that the above would be a reasonable beginning to a “what works” macroeconomic policy to get the TCI economy back on track.
Page 19
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Airports Authority boss defends decision to employ expat as security manager Additionally, a candid Smith asserted that being a Belonger does not automatically usher an individual into any position that goes open in the Turks and Caicos Islands, stressing that for some areas one has to have the requisite qualification and expertise. “Now, for those individuals who feel it is a case of Belongership is the only qualification for anything, I don’t operate that way. I am all for giving indigenous persons first preference when they are suitably qualified. I am not one who believes
By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor
The Turks and CaiCos Islands Airports Authority was forced to employ an expatriate to fill the position of Chief of Airport for the Providenciales International Airport after its search to find a local fit enough for the job proved futile, this according to Chief Executive Officer John Smith. A number of persons seemingly oblivious to the ramifications if things go wrong at the Providenciales International Airport in terms of security, have been frowning and went as far as to call talk shows to express their disgust at the TCIAA’s move to employ a “foreigner” for the position. Smith pointed out that the issue of security at the Providenciales International Airport is a delicate one. He said it could spell trouble for the airport to accommodate international flights in the event that the most suitable individual for the job is not sourced, as the aerodrome could be downgraded by international regulatory bodies.
in employing an individual when they are not suitably qualified to do the job, just to satisfy a small group of individuals at the expense of the country and, put this whole economy at risk. That is reckless and irresponsible in my view,” Smith added. “No one will speak kindly of anyone if they were to get on an airplane that they have to worry about because we employed individuals who are not yet competent or we end up with a situation where, by virtue of our action of negligence, we end up losing flights,” Smith reasoned.
Chief Executive Officer John Smith
“As it is with any position, any organization is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that it employs the most suitably qualified and experienced person to perform the job of work. It is also an issue when you consider the implications and the potential damage to the Turks and Caicos Islands if we get it wrong because, you are downgraded and, major airlines stop operating into the TCI. We have to consider that,” Smith said.
ImmedIate openIng- Hotel manager Requirements • 12- 15 years of management experience in internationally branded luxury hotels/resort including at least 5 years at Executive Committee Level • In depth knowledge of rooms operations and full knowledge of overall hotel operations as they affect department • Financial management skills including ability to analyze P&L statements, develop operating budgets, forecasting and capital expenditure planning • In-depth knowledge of hotel systems – Opera (Fidelio), Micros. • Experience implementing and monitoring brand standards of operation and quality • Strategic planning skills • Ability to evaluate business trends, determine applicability to customer profile and modify business strategies accordingly • Ability to take constructive action without relying on directions from others • Ability to network and build relationships to grow the business • Strong problem-solving skills; encourages new innovative solutions when appropriate • Strong communication skills with experience developing correspondence and business materials for customers/guests, owners, management and staff • Must be willing and available to work all shifts and days duties: • Directs rooms, pool and beach, retail, youth programs and security departments ensuring maximum guest satisfaction and profitability. • Oversees the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures implementation of brand service strategies initiatives. • Develops annual operating and capital expenditure budgets • Ensures implementation of and compliance with brand policies, programs and standards of operation and quality Salary commensurate with qualification and experience Interested applicants should apply to The Regent Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, 10AM to 5PM and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to bweinstein@regentexperience.com no later than July 1, 2011
UNITED CONSULTANT ON BEHALF OF CLIENT FIBERWORKS requires one (1) Fiber Technician The successful candidate must be able to: • Install and maintain fiber and copper cables according to plan. • Perform low-loss fiber splicing and cable jointing. • Perform preventative maintenance and ensure that proper standards are followed. Salary and Benefits will be based on qualifications and experience. Applicants should submit a resume to: Director of Fiber works P.O.Box 1104Provo TCI
Page 20
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Come and join our winning team!!! Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all nclusive property in the Caribbean and its authorized Recruitment Agencies are inviting applications from suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview. Entertainment Department requires: DirEctor of EntErtainmEnt Requirements include but are not limited to: • Ability to conceptualize a show and bring to completion • Manage the current entertainment portfolio and improve upon it • Ability to manage a portfolio which includes stage, character and kids Camps. • Maintain or exceed performance targets The rate for the position listed above is negotiable. Dining room Department requires: SupErviSor Requirements include but are not limited to: • Three years supervising a restaurant with seating of over 100 persons • Knowledge of inventory • Excellent customer service skills Dining room clEanEr Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $9.00 an hour. Bar Department requires: SupErviSor Requirements include but are not limited to: • Three years supervising a bar and inventory • Excellent customer service skills • Knowledge of wines The rate for the position listed above is $6.50 to $9.00 an hour. Kitchen Department requires: cooK/chEf GARD MAnGER Requirements include but are not limited to: • Must have worked in a Resort kitchen or medium to large sized restaurant • Ability to read and follow recipes • no food allergies The range in the rates for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $12.00 an hour. Assistant Pastry Chef Executive Sous Chef Sous Chef Requirements include but are not limited to: • Ability to manage staff and multiple kitchens • Professional qualification an asset • Minimum of 5 years in relevant experience • Maintain or exceed performance targets The salary for the positions listed above is $25,000.00 to $55,000.00 per annum. Offsite Properties requires: LABOuR CARE TAKER Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Ability to carry out labour intensive task The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $9.00 an hour.
Giftshop Department requires: ShOP ATTEnDAnT Requirements include but are not limited to: • Two years sales experience a must • Ability to meet sales targets and quotas The rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $7.00 an hour. SuPERVISOR GIFT ShOP Requirements include but are not limited to: • Maintain par levels in inventory • Ensure daily, week, monthly and yearly Sales targets are met The rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to $10.00 an hour. Laundry Department requires: Laundry Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically fit • Previous experience in commercial Laundry an assist The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $6.00 an hour. Spa Department requires: • Cosmetologist • Therapist Requirements include but are not limited to: • Knowledge or certification in Dermalogica Brand an assist • Ability to sell service and product • Ability to meet targets and sales quotas The rate for the positions listed above is Commission Based. Watersports Department requires: Beach and Pool Attendants Requirements include but are not limited to: • Keep the pool /beach area tidy and clean • First Aid qualification an asset All persons in the Watersports Department must have the ability to swim and pass a swim endurance test The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $6.00 an hour. rooms Division Department requires: ButlEr Requirements include but are not limited to: • Member of the Association of English Butlers • Ability to go above and beyond for guest front officE agEnt conciErgE agEnt Requirements include but are not limited to: • Background in customer service • Ability to go above and beyond for guest BEllman miniBar StocKEr Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Outgoing and friendly attitude The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $7.50 an hour. Entertainment Department requires: KiDS counSElor/ attEnDant Requirements include but are not limited to: • An outgoing personality required
• Certificate in early childhood education an asset • First Aid qualification an asset The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $6.50 an hour. SEnior av tEchnician/ av tEchnician Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience Dee Jay with ability to use turntables and digital • Ability to set up and breakdown sound system for an event • For Senior Tech supervise a team, conduct inventory and ensure equipment is maintained in a good working order. The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $9.00 an hour. Engineering Department requires: ElEctrician or plumBEr room tEchnicianS a/c tEchnicianS caBinEt maKEr or maSon Requirements include but are not limited to: • Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory and practical The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $10.00 an hour. laBour Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Ability to carry out labour intensive task The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $6.00 an hour. photoshop Department requires: photographEr DivE photographEr Requirements include but are not limited to: • 2 years experience in field The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $8.00 an hour. applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 9414870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road and The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands and should reach not later than June 24th 2011 Otherwise, please call for additional information tel # 649-946-8000 ext 4138
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Page 21
LIFESTYLE
with WIV EVOLUTION PVR BOX you can record up to of television programs.
8 HOURS
Call 649-946-4866
For Further Details
Page 22
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011 TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 23
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
LIFESTYLE ®
NEW Low Price. Get it NOW!
BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520 smartphone
Postpaid $260 Prepaid $270 Get BlackBerry® Social Plan
$3 per week
FREE Unlimited BBM Visit any LIME store or www.lime.com LIME. For living. Everyday. Offer is valid for customers signing up for any BlackBerry® data plan, including BlackBerry® social. BlackBerry® social plan, includes BlackBerry® Messenger, social networking sites currently available on BlackBerry®, and text. Web browsing and email are available with other BlackBerry® data plans. Product discount is ONLY available on the BlackBerry® Curve 8520 device. Offer available while stocks lasts. LIME terms and conditions apply. BlackBerry®, RIM®, Research In Motion®, SureType®, SurePress™ and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world.
Page 24
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Page 25
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
These two male students flash the victory sign for the camera
Drexwell Seymour presents the cheque for $6,000 to Ona Glinton (left) Principal Gwen Harvey and teacher Rhoda Williams
LIME’s Country Manager Drexwell Seymour addressing the gathering
Drexwell Seymour, Country Manager for LIME TCI, Makes a presentation to the LIME CARIFTA 2011 Promotion winner Lissette Forbes
Heidy Williams of the Education Department making remarks
Ona Glinton Primary School Teacher, Akacia Downer (left) and LIME’s Carifta Promotional Winner, Lissette Forbes go for a photo op
LIME’s Country Manager Drexwell Seymour is flanked by Ona Glinton Primary’s GSAT Top Ten recipients Esperaneza Pardo (left) and Kristien Simons
Students were happy that the school was presented with the cheque
These students feel the need to give LIME an extended cheer for its kind gesture towards their school’s development
These two female students hug each other for the camera
Student applaud LIME’s efforts to their school
Ona Glinton Principal expresses her delight at receiving the money from LIME
Communication Specialist for LIME, Rachel Harvey
LIME’s management and staff from the Grand Turk and Providenciales Office seize a photo moment with Ona Glinton Primary teacher Rhoda Williams (fourth from left) and Principal Gwen Harvey (fifth left)
Stanley Francis, the Grand Turk Manager for LIME, extended the official welcome
Page 26
JUNE 10TH - JUNE 17TH, 2011 TURKS & CAICOS SUN
TURKS & CAICOS SUN JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Page 27
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Playboy founder Hugh Hefner dumped at the altar LOS ANGELES – Heartbroken Playboy founder Hugh Hefner said on Tuesday his wedding this weekend was canceled because his 25-year-old fiancee, a Playmate from his magazine, changed her mind. Hefner, 85, and Crystal Harris were due to tie the knot in front of more than 300 guests at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 18. It would have been Hefner's third marriage. "The wedding is off. Crystal has had a change of heart," Hefner wrote on Twitter. "The breakup is a heart breaker, but better now than after the marriage," he added later. He also denied a report on celebrity website TMZ.com that the couple had had "a nasty argument" on the phone. Adding insult to injury, he said Harris took his favorite pet, a cocker spaniel named Charlie, when she moved out of the mansion. On the other hand, Hefner said he has been consoled by his coterie of old pals and his former wife Kimberley Conrad, and announced he would be
Hugh Hefner and 25-year-old Crystal Harris
hosting a screening of "Runaway Bride." Hefner proposed to Harris on Christmas Eve, he announced on Twitter at the time. Since then Hefner has been planning the nuptials in between serving as hands-on editor of Playboy and entertaining family and
Mildred Baena Breaks Her Silence About Arnold's Love Child Scandal
friends at movie screenings and backgammon games. A two-hour TV special featuring wedding highlights was due to air July 13 on the women's cable channel Lifetime. Hefner and second wife Conrad, a former Playmate now 48, divorced in
It's taken less than a month for Mildred Baena to sell her side of the story to a celebrity magazine. In her first-ever interview, the former maid and mistress of Arnold Schwarzenegger opens up to Hello! magazine about raising his love child, and Maria Shriver's surprising reaction to learning the truth. Baena, who worked for the high-profile family for 20 years, was photographed for the magazine with 13-year-old son Joseph, the spitting image of Schwarzenegger. "Last summer, I brought Joseph over to the house," Baena says in the interview. "After that, people in the house started whispering about how much they looked like each other." Shriver pushed for confirmation from Baena. "Maria would ask if I needed to talk to her, and I kept saying no," she reveals. "Finally, she asked point blank. Maria asked me directly if Joseph was Arnold's son, and I just broke down. I dropped to my knees and I was crying, saying that yes he was and I was so sorry. She cried with me and told me to get off my knees." "Since I was retiring soon, I said I would pack up and leave right away, but she said to stay until after the holidays," Baena adds. Baena reportedly retired sometime this past spring, leaving the Schwarzenegger manse in Brentwood for good. Squashing initial reports of a massive cover-up, Baena alleges she never told the ex-Governator that he is Joseph's dad. "He's a good man and I know he's suffering too. He loves Maria. I hope with time they work things out," she says. That's a nice thought. But the damage, as they say, is already done.
2010 after a lengthy separation. His first marriage to Mildred Williams ended in divorce in 1959. He has two children from each marriage. Hefner, known around the world by his nickname, Hef, has championed sexual freedom and civil rights, published stories challenging McCarthyism and the Vietnam War, and backed gay causes and the legalization of marijuana. With a cover featuring a calendar photo of Marilyn Monroe, Hefner put together the first issue of Playboy on the kitchen table in his Chicago apartment in 1953 at a cost of $600. It sold 51,000 copies -- enough to finance a second issue -- and led to a multimillion dollar international corporation, which Hefner recently took private. Raised in San Diego by British parents, Harris met Hefner at his annual Halloween party in 2008. She moved in to the mansion after a few weeks and became Playboy's Playmate of the Month in December 2009. She will be on the cover of the magazine's upcoming July issue.
Page 29
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
ENTERTAINMENT
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
[Mike Posner] Once I throw on this, once I throw on this It’s over girl Once I throw on this, once I throw on this Its over girl . I hear you knock knock knock baby come on up I hope you got got got something in yo’ cup Cause I’m three shots deep and I aint tryna sleep Get your redbull on cause I’m ready You’ve been playin hard to get with me all night We both know exactly what you want right Don’t tell me what you won’t do Tell me what you gon’ do, whatchu gon’ do Once I throw on this bow chicka wow wow Whatchu gonna say You act like you gon leave But I know that you gon’ stay Break it down dicky down down Girl don’t even play Once I set the mood right I’ma make sound like I’ma make you sound like Are you tryna make me late wait wait till the second date But I can’t can’t can’t even contemplate Waiting one more minute lemme jump in it I brought you flowers and a teddy You’ve been playin’ hard to get with me all night We both know exactly what you want right Don’t tell me what you won’t do Tell me what you gon’ do whatchu gon’ do Once I throw on this bow chicka wow wow Whatchu gonna say You act like you gon leave But I know that you gon’ stay Break it down dicky downdown Girl don’t even play Once I set the mood right Imma make you sound like Yeah I can make you sound like
Mike posner ft. Lil Wayne [Lil Wayne] I gotta leather couch and a black mic and we all alone what it sound like the night was dead we found life I know I talk sh.. but it sound right you say you can’t but that’s affair gotta give something something’s gotta give I bet you love it I went to bed Now we went up … cigarettes Now I aint even gotta say it To make you feel alive girl you know you like that Owohowohowowoh Say I ain’t even gotta say it To make you feel alive girl you know you like that Owohowohowowoh Once I throw on this bow chicka wow wow Whatchu gonna say You act like you gon leave But I know that you gon’ stay Break it down dicky downdown Girl dont even play Once I set the mood right Imma make you sound like Yeah Ima ima make ya Once I throw on this, once I throw on this It’s over girl Once I throw on this, once I throw on this It’s over girl
KFWS • MindGym January 31, 2011
Page 30
FUN & GAMES
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
—2—
Page 31
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FUN & GAMES
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
King Features Weekly Service
January 31, 2011
January 31, 2011
King Features Weekly Service
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) St. Valentine’s Day magic rules the entire week for romantic Rams and Ewes. Music, which is the food of love, is also strong. The weekend offers news both unexpected and anticipated. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your aspects favor the arts — which the Divine Bovine loves, loves, loves. Also, for those looking for romantic love, Cupid is available for requests. After all, his mother, Venus, rules your sign. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Loving commitments continue to grow stronger. Ditto budding relationships. A recent move to help start up a new career-linked direction could soon begin to show signs of progress. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Single Moon Children might be eager to take that proverbial chance on love. But your more serious side will feel better if you take things slowly and give your moonstruck self more time. LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a love fest for Leos and Leonas this week. Paired Cats might expect to be purr-fectly in sync. And with matchmaking friends, single Simbas searching for romance shouldn’t have too far to look. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) More understanding on both sides can work miracles in restoring ailing relationships to health. Make the first move, and you’ll be closer to your much-wanted reunion. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Accept the fact
EXTRAORDINARY DEFENSE
—13—
This hand features a defensive play that some might deem difficult because it involves doing something that definitely runs contrary to a defender’s natural instincts. Nevertheless, the play should be found by a competent defender since it offers the only chance of defeating the contract. South arrives at four hearts as shown, and West leads the deuce of diamonds to East’s ace. What should East do next? Before plunging ahead, East should try to estimate the number of tricks declarer will eventually take. It shouldn’t take him long to conclude that in due course, South is certain to score 10 tricks if left to his own
—15—
that you are worthy of being loved, and you’ll find proof in what is revealed to you over the course of the week. Also accept a compliment offered with great sincerity. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Planning to take a new direction in life is exciting. And so is a new awareness of someone’s special affection. Expect a slow and mostly steady development of the situation. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Although you might still feel you weren’t treated quite right in a recent matter, all that will work out in time. Meanwhile, enjoy the week’s special qualities and potentials. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Deciding not to give up on a troubling romantic situation helps start the healing process. Expect to find some valuable insight into yourself as things move along. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) The week is filled with positive potentials, but it’s up to you to make the right choices. The advice of someone who truly cares for you and your wellbeing can be priceless. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) It’s a good time to make yourself available to possibilities of the romantic kind. Already paired? Good. In that case, be sure to reassure that special person of your feelings. BORN THIS WEEK: Your generosity gladdens the hearts of others, and you bask in their joy.
• It w can c Stout lowing “Nothi rable th which the dis wealth • If y to bugs to take anytim third la to a p that, m inches in the w • You to lea est re a ven back to seems and en of Ale mecha fixed a when coin. • In t Somal ted to wives suppor • Bet 80 per
© 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
devices. This determination is arrived at by weighing two different factors: First, declarer’s high-card tricks are counted, and this comes to eight — five hearts (for the one-heart overcall), two spades and a club. Second, West led the two of diamonds, marking him with no more than four cards in that suit. This in turn means that South has to have at least three diamonds, two of which can be trumped in dummy, if necessary, to bring his trick total to 10. East can thus see that if he just sits idly by, declarer will make his contract. The only chance is that a club trick can be developed before South discards his club losers on dummy’s spades. Therefore, at trick two, East leads a low club into dummy’s A-Q-8-4, hoping West has the jack. Declarer takes the jack with the queen, plays the K-A of trumps and leads a spade to the nine. East wins and returns a second club, driving out dummy’s ace. When East wins the next spade, he cashes a club to score a one-trick set. It is true that this plan fails if South has the club jack or only two clubs, but in that case, the contract cannot be defeated. © 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
Stolen Reptile Skulld by Jenn (Crown Review
When Americ rarely c the ani were p other p smuggl by prof Jenni awardscience shady in her World, tale th charact thiever gling fi of it a — man endang Whet iguanas suitcas and sh illicit r became multi-m ness. T ers on that ma smuggl mer Kr
Page 32
FUN & GAMES
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
King Features Weekly Service
January 31, 2011
—2—
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Page 33
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Rihanna signs tourism deal to promote Barbados Rihanna, one of the best-selling artists of all time with more than 30 million records and 100 million singles sold, has signed a multi-year deal with The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) to exclusively promote Barbados as a tourist destination. In a press release today, it stated that the three-year partnership officially kicks off in Barbados on August 5, 2011 with a full-length concert of her current “Loud” tour produced by the BTA and Roc Nation. “Barbados is a place like no other and one of the reasons for this is the spirit and national pride of our people,” said Rihanna. “I want each and every visitor to this beautiful island to experience what makes this destination different from all others and that is the spirit and warmth of my fellow Barbadians.” The BTA release further noted that as an
ambassador for Barbados, over the next three years, Rihanna will exclusively promote the destination through advertising campaigns, promotional appearances and via her social media presence. In addition to her concert in Barbados this summer, Rihanna will promote travel to the island from Brazil during her appearance on tour in September. “In the hearts of every Barbadian, Rihanna is known as the girl down the road, but to the world she has become a musical sensation and social phenomenon,” said Minister of Tourism, Richard L. Sealy. “She is a great source of national pride to Barbados and we are thrilled to enter into this formal partnership to promote Barbados as a leading tourist destination.”
Rihanna has signed a multi-year deal with The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA)
Tornado hits Nassau in The Bahamas A TORNADO swept through southeastern New Providence Wednesday, damaging homes and businesses and creating alarm for bystanders, according to the Tribune newspaper. Snapping tree limbs and lifting shingles from rooftops, the twister made its way from Malcolm Road East all the way to Wind Terrace near East Street. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), upon receiving information from the Department of Meteorology about the severe weather system, they "partially activated" its National Emergency Operations Centre at about 1.30pm. The warnings were in effect for the southeastern New Providence including South Beach, Yellow Elder, and the Mackey Street areas. Assessment teams from NEMA went to some of the locations and found several trees which had snapped and fallen in the streets in the Malcolm Road, East Street area. However, there were no reports of injuries to residents or serious damage to properties. Captain Stephen Russell, the Director of NEMA, said there was an unconfirmed report of a young boy telling his mother the front door to their South Beach home was blown down due to the strong wind. However, the Royal Bahamas Police control room said they received no report of any damage or injuries to persons as a result of the weather system. "NEMA operations section made contact with administrators in the North and Central Andros advising of the latest weather bulletin. Shortly afterwards, the administrators reported conditions were normal as the weather moved along offshore," a NEMA official said. "The Met Department advised that as of 4.30pm Wednesday, an all clear was given. NEMA will continue to remain on standby to get reports from
any areas not received yet." Storm While some eyewitnesses claimed the storm had ripped rooftops from their buildings in the surrounding area, little evidence could be found when Tribune reporters visited the scene during the height of the storm. The damage caused is consistent with a level one tornado on the Fujita scale. Visiting a number of these areas as yesterday, The Tribune received firsthand information from residents in the area, and a government administrator from the Department of Social Services who gave various descriptions of what took place. Senior citizen Elijah Rolle said when the twister touched down, he and a few friends were stuck under a wooden shack some 20-25ft in width that offered no protection from the potential threat. He said: "The roof came off somewhere over there (pointing to the eastern portion of the building). "Debris was flying all about and we were right under this shack. That was the first time I'd witnessed something like that in my life but I wasn't scared. I believe in God so I wasn't scared at all." Roselda Hart, assistant administrator at the Department of Social Services Early Childhood Development Center on East Street, claims the twister started near a water depot store on Malcolm Road and made its way up East Street. She said: "Debris started flying in a circular motion from the green building up north. A few of the powerlines came down and the wind was blowing hard. It was forceful. "I know it was forceful because it broke the front gate from its hinges." Ms Hart said she was thankful the government building she and the school children were in was built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Witnesses Other witnesses saw the storm try to touch down, though they were not in
the immediate area. Samantha Johnson, a resident of Golden Gates, along with her brother Lamond, claimed to see to a white cloud beginning to swirl in the sky and
started to record it. She said: "It swirled and the cloud moved southeast and then turned black and seemed to be trying hard to touch the ground."
Page 34
Caribbean neWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Haiti’s new president reaches out to emigrants PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haiti's new president is reaching out to the 2 million Haitians emigrants whose earnings abroad have long helped keep the struggling country afloat even while they have been shut out of local politics. Recently inaugurated Michel Martelly, who lived abroad himself, has vowed to overturn Haiti's long-standing ban on dual citizenship and to build a better relationship with an overseas community that contributes 25 percent of Haiti's gross domestic product with remittances sent to relatives back home. The Haitian diaspora, mostly in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, has been shut out of the political scene. Residency requirements ban those abroad from owning land or running for office, a clause that kept Grammy Award-winning singer Wyclef Jean from fulfilling his dream of running for president of Haiti. Many Haitians maintain that Martelly can act on his campaign promises because he understands them: He was a widely traveled musician who speaks fluent English and seems as comfortable in the Miami suburbs as he does in the crumbling and chaotic streets of Port-au-Prince. "He knows our sentiment and, more importantly, he knows the value the diaspora can bring to Haiti," said Francois Guillaume, executive director of the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida. It's early yet. Martelly has only been in office since May 14 and the new president has yet to install a government that will face the challenges of rebuilding a country left in ruins by last year's earthquake,
Michel Martelly
curbing a cholera outbreak, and stemming widespread unemployment. During the campaign, he courted Haitian emigrants on the U.S. East Coast, urging them to tell relatives back home to vote for him. He also promised to bring dual nationality, a status that would give Haitians overseas more say in politics. Once elected, he invited members of the diaspora to attend his inauguration, created a new ministry for diaspora affairs and nominated Daniel-Gerard Rouzier, a businessman educated at Dartmouth and Georgetown universities to serve as his prime minister. He plans to meet with Haitian investors in Miami and New York later this month. "I know that President Martelly is committed to making the diaspora a full-fledged partner in Haiti's development," said Rouzier, whose
approval is pending in parliament. "We have a bunch of lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs in North America and in Europe that we want to welcome back to the country." But some emigrants are worried by several other early actions from the president's office. Martelly vetoed a constitutional amendment that would have granted more rights to the diaspora. He said he backs the idea, but complained that the text lawmakers approved was different from what was later published in the official gazette. "This was one blow for the diaspora," said Bapthol Joseph, who runs a youth center for Haitian teens in a working-class suburb north of Fort Lauderdale, Florida."But it's not his fault." Martelly also is imposing new fees on tax wire transfers and international phone calls in hopes of generating more than $182 million to put more than 1 million children in school. Rouzier, too, alarmed some abroad by proposing to eliminate the ministry for diaspora affairs, folding its duties into the foreign ministry to save money. More than 100 Haitians from Mexico City to New York signed a letter last week in protest. "The sign that we have received so far from the new administration sends bad vibes," Jean-Robert Lafortune, president of the Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition in Miami, said by telephone. "We believe some of his policies may damage the relationships between Haiti and the diaspora." Some emigrants may send less money home if fees rise, but Arsene Isaac, a 54-year-old soccer coach in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, said he'll try to keep sending $150 a month to his family. "It's not really a problem as long as
US continues mass deportation of immigrants, says rights group WASHINGTON, USA — Human Rights Watch says it has discovered evidence suggesting that the United States federal immigration officials continue to impede Caribbean and other immigrants from accessing lawyers and also extending their time in custody. In a report released here, Human Rights Watch said this is done despite assurances from immigration authorities that they would curb the practice of transferring detained immigrants to distant detention centres around the country. The report, which analysed 12 years of federal data, acknowledged that after years in which detainee transfers sharply increased, the numbers started dropping in 2009 when the Obama administration announced a comprehensive overhaul of the detention system. Immigration officials have said that changing the sprawling detention system will take time. But Human Rights Watch contended that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency that oversees the detention system, was not moving fast enough. In 2009 immigration officials "began making promises to reduce transfers, and they've made those promises repeatedly in a variety of contexts while continuing to drag their feet," said Alison Parker, director of the United States programme of Human Rights Watch. She said the immigration agency "seemingly acknowledges it has a problem, while in actuality continues to operate a dysfunctional detention system
that cannot operate without multiple transfers." The report said that from 1998 through 2010, some 1.1 million immigrants, or about 40 per cent of all detainees, were transferred at least once, and 46 per cent of those were transferred at least twice. It said about 3,400 were transferred at least 10 times, with one person being moved 66 times during a 13month period between 2008 and 2009. Gillian M Christensen, an ICE spokeswoman, said the agency had drafted -- but not yet issued -- a new policy intended to reduce the transfer of detainees who have ties to a particular city or community. "By keeping detainees, as often as possible, near the place of apprehension, ICE hopes to minimise disruptions to families, legal services and immigration proceedings," she said, adding that a reduction in transfers would help cut detention costs and reduce delays in immigration cases. Human Rights Watch acknowledged that some transfers are "inevitable", sometimes to avoid overcrowding. But the group insisted that transfers could be better regulated. United States immigration officials last week announced that they were teaming up with federal and state prosecutors, the Federal Trade Commission, lawyers' groups and immigrant advocate organisations in a new nationwide effort to combat what they describe as "an epidemic of schemes by people posing as immigration lawyers.
the money goes where (Martelly) says it's going to go," Isaac said. Tens of thousands of Haitian professionals fled the country under the 29-year regime of Francois and JeanClaude Duvalier. Some, including Wyclef Jean, have returned with political aspirations, but have been rebuffed. Texas millionaire Dumarsais Simeus was barred from running for the presidency in 2006. Martelly hopes to bring such talent home, starting with his own diaspora liaison, Bernice Fidelia. She left Haiti when Jean-Claude Duvalier was in power to go to college in New York. Now she's returned, leaving her three children at their home in an affluent Miami suburb. She's organizing a "Diaspora Appreciation Day" that Martelly will host on university campuses in Miami and New York, with the aim of encouraging emigrants to invest in Haiti and to ensure their college-age children get involved. "We want the diaspora to understand the door is open, come home," Fidelia said. "We want your business, we want your time, your ideas."
H & S SeekS
TWO LABOURERS
Salary: $5.00 per Hour
IntereSted applIcantS pleaSe contact H&S at
649-244-1821
Page 35
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Caribbean neWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Barack Obama pledges support in rare Puerto Rico visit US President Barack Obama has made a rare visit to Puerto Rico, marking the first official trip to the island by a sitting US president since 1961. He backed a referendum on the island's status, saying he would support any choice the Puerto Rican people made. The 3.7 million residents of the US Caribbean territory are US citizens but cannot vote for the president. The visit is being seen by some as an indirect bid for Puerto Rican votes in the swing state of Florida in 2012. Mr Obama attended a Democratic National Committee event during his visit. The president last visited the island in 2008 during his campaign for the Democratic nomination, promising to return if elected president. "Although my hair is a little greyer than during my first visit, I am glad to be able to keep that promise to the people of Puerto Rico," Mr Obama said as he
greeted a crowd gathered in an aircraft hanger. As well as a behind-closed-doors Democratic fundraiser, Mr Obama met Puerto Rico's governor on Tuesday to discuss the political status of the territory. In brief remarks before the meeting, Mr Obama told the crowd that when Puerto Rico had made a "clear decision" on their future political status, "my administration will stand by you". The island territory has voted three times - in 1967, 1993 and 1998 - not to seek statehood or independence. The Obama administration has asked Puerto Rico to hold two referendums, the first on whether the territory should be independent or part of the US. A second referendum would then ask Puerto Ricans if they would prefer the island to be independent, a US state, a free association or a commonwealth. Targeting voters
On Tuesday, Mr Obama also spoke briefly about the impact the economic crisis had on Puerto Rico, saying Puerto Ricans and Americans on the mainland shared the same concerns about the economy. The BBC's Julian Miglierini in San Juan says many people there believe the visit is aimed at courting mainland America's Puerto Rican electorate - and Hispanic voters in general - as they could hold the key to Mr Obama's re-election in 2012. The president has called for broad reform of the US immigration system, an issue affecting many Hispanics with ties to the 11 million US illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, roughly 20 pro-independence demonstrators held an all-night vigil in San Juan ahead of the president's visit, calling for the release of three Puerto Rican nationalists imprisoned in the US.
PM acted inappropriately" – Manatt/Dudus Enquiry Report JAMAICA- The Commissioners of the Manatt/Dudus Commission of Enquiry have found that Prime Minister Bruce Golding’s involvement in the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition was inappropriate. At the same time, the commissioners have concluded that there is no evidence of misconduct on the part of the main players in the 2010 extradition of the former Tivoli Gardens strong man. These were among the main findings of the Manatt report, which was tabled in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, June 14. The Emil George headed
Manatt/Dudus Commission of Enquiry said the Prime Minister’s involvement was unfortunate given that it fuelled suggestions that the move was made to protect Mr. Coke. In noting that the Prime Minister should have distanced himself, the report from the Manatt commissioners asserted that his failure to do so has left what they call an unfortunate suspicion that he was shielding an alleged narcotics dealer and drug smuggler. At the same time, the report said the Jamaica Labour Party should never have been involved, given that there may have been “inappropriate commingling”. The Manatt commissioners also
found that attorney-at-law- Harold Brady did not carry out the Prime Minister’s instructions but at the same time concluded that based on the evidence presented to them, it was the JLP that engaged the United State-based law firm Manatt, Phelps and Phillips and not the Jamaican Government. At the same time, the commissioners described the conduct of some lawyers at the hearing as discourteous and below the standard decorum but said their findings were not
influenced by “such behaviour.” The commissioners have recommended that the posts of the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice be separated and that the Cabinet should be informed of any amendment or memoranda that affect constitutional rights. They have also recommended that the Commissioners of Enquiry should be given the powers of a Supreme Court judge to be empowered to cite acts of contempt.
POSITION AVAILABLE
RESTAURANT CONSULTANT
Hugo CHavez reCovering after surgery in Cuba CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Sunday he is quickly recovering after undergoing surgery in Cuba last week for a pelvic abscess and noted that medical tests have shown no signs of any "malignant" illness. Chavez, who is recuperating in Havana, said the operation has not slowed him down and he is diligently attending to day-to-day duties while closely following events in Venezuela. "Each passing day I feel better," said Chavez, speaking during a brief telephone interview broadcast by the Caracas-based Telesur television network. "I've gone through biopsies, studies, microbiology, different laboratories and there's no sign of anything malignant." A pelvic abscess is an accumulation of pus that can have various causes, including infection or complications from surgery. Chavez recalled that he felt an acute pain in his pelvis during a meeting with Cuba's Fidel Castro and knew it was important to act quickly with the surgery. He said that Castro immediately expressed concern upon seeing Chavez in pain and urged him to undergo an operation. Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro said Chavez began to feel pain during a tour through Brazil and Ecuador, before he flew to Havana. "We had to act quickly," Maduro said. Supporters of Chavez gathered at plazas in several cities on Sunday to wish their leader a speedy recovery. Carmen Zerpa said she felt reassured knowing that Chavez would bounce back. "We're sad because this happened to you, but we feel better because we know you're going to recuperate," she said. Last month, Chavez injured his knee while jogging, prompting the selfproclaimed socialist to postpone his trip to Brazil, Ecuador and Cuba.
HAB Management Limited is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the position of Restaurant Consultant. The Restaurant Consultant will be focusing on the operations of the restaurant as it relates to: • Restaurant branding and development strategy • Menu conception, costing, pricing and layout • Staff training and standards including service procedures • Establishment of hotel room services system to cater to resorts • Events marketing and operational procedures for conferences, banquets etc. Requirements • Ten years experience working in restaurants and resorts in a managerial position. • Must have proven track record in developing and implementing food and beverage marketing and promotion. • Thorough understanding of BOH and FOH operations. • Must have strong working knowledge of dining room procedures and policies, events and in-room dining. • Knowledgeable of EPOS system. • Experience with training staff members. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested applicants should send resume to ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191 no later than July 4, 2011. Only suitable applicants will be interviewed.
Page 36
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Weiner resigns in wake of sex photos scandal NEW YORK – Seared by scandal, New York Rep. Anthony Weiner announced his resignation from Congress on Thursday, done in by lewd photos he took of himself, sent to women online and then adamantly lied about after being caught. "I'm here today to again apologize for the personal mistakes I have made and the embarrassment I have caused," he said reading from a brief statement in Brooklyn. "I make this apology to my neighbors and my constituents, but I make it particularly to my wife, Huma." Weiner's wife was absent as he announced his decision, as she was 10 days ago when he admitted having sent inappropriate messages and photos to several women online. Weiner said he had hoped to remain in Congress but conceded his predicament had made that impossible. Instead, he said he would resign "so my colleagues can get back to work, my neighbors can choose a new representative and, most importantly, that my wife and I can continue to heal from the damage I have caused." In part, that echoed what party leaders have said for days as they pressured him to resign so Democrats could resume positioning themselves for the 2012 election campaign without constant criticism from Republicans on moral grounds. Weiner made his announcement at the same senior citizen center in Brooklyn where he announced his candidacy for the New York city council in 1992. He did not take questions, leaving unsaid whether his resignation from Congress marked an end to his career, or perhaps an ignominious pause for a brash liberal with ambitions to become mayor of New York. The crowd on Thursday included hecklers and radio shock jocks, vying for attention at what became a New
New York Rep. Anthony Weiner
York media event. Weiner, 46, has been on leave from the House since last weekend. He had not been seen in public since telling reporters on Saturday morning he intended to return to work. One official said Weiner telephoned House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Steve Israel of New York, the head of the party campaign committee, on Wednesday evening to tell them of his plans to quit. They had pressured him to resign, concluding the relentless media focus on his activities was complicating the Democrats' efforts to position themselves politically for the 2012 elections. Weiner's decision to give up his House seat marks the end of a nearly three-week sex scandal without the sex — an event that resulted from the brash New Yorker's use of social media such as Twitter and Facebook. He at first denied having sent any inappropriate photos, then recanted in a remarkable news conference 10 days ago at which he admitted having exchanged inappropriate messages with several women. His confession triggered a tabloid-
style frenzy in print and online that only grew more pronounced a few days later when an X-rated photo surfaced on a website. After initially calling for a House ethics committee investigation, Pelosi dramatically ramped up the pressure on Saturday when she joined with Israel and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, leader of the Democratic National Committee, in calling on Weiner to step down. Within hours, Weiner disclosed his plans to enter treatment, and Pelosi's aides made it known that did not negate her demand for a resignation. President Barack Obama added to the pressure on Monday, saying it he were in Weiner's situation, he would step down. Several officials have said in recent days that Weiner was reluctant to make any decision about his career without speaking with his wife, a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton who had been overseas since shortly after the scandal broke. The trip ended Tuesday night. Abedin is pregnant with the couple's first child. Weiner's outspoken, in-your-face
style cheered liberal supporters and angered conservatives. He even irritated some party leaders in 2009 when he led the charge for a government-run health care system long after the White House had made it clear that Obama was opposed. Weiner's district includes parts of Queens and Brooklyn. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has the authority to call a special election to fill the seat once the congressman submits his resignation. Weiner's political problems began on May 28 when BigGovernment.com, a website run by conservative commentator Andrew Breitbart, posted a lewd photograph of an underwearclad crotch and said it had been sent from Weiner's Twitter account to a Seattle woman. Initially, Weiner lied, saying his account had been hacked. But he pointedly did not report the incident to law enforcement — a step that could have led the way to charges of wrongdoing far more serious than mere sexting. Additionally, his public denials were less than solid — particularly when he told an interviewer that he could not "say with certitude" that he wasn't the man in the underwear photo. Still, the congressman said he had retained an attorney and hired a private security company to figure out how someone could pull off such a prank. Weiner entered politics as an aide to then-Rep. Chuck Schumer, who represented parts of Brooklyn. Now a senator, Schumer was one of only a few senior party leaders who refrained from calling publicly on his protege to quit as the furor enveloped him in recent days. Weiner served on the New York City Council from 1992 until his election to the House in 1998, taking over the seat vacated by Schumer when he made his successful Senate bid.
Secret tunnels found on US-Mexico border been on the rise the tunnels first WASHINGTON – More thansince 150 secret documented tunnel was discovered in for smuggling people and drugs into the United 1990. Since then, attempts States have been found154 on itstunnel long, porous border have discovered, all but one ofthan which with been Mexico, some in use for more two were located along the southwest border" decades, US officials said Wednesday. with "Illicit Mexico, US Immigrations and tunnel activity has Customs Enforcement (ICE) official James Dinkens told lawmakers. "Over the past several years, law enforcement has seen a marked increase in the number and sophistication of tunnels," he told a Senate hearing. California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said at the hearing that she
would introduce a bill seeking to tighten an illegal tunnel-fighting law passed in 2007. The idea is to make illegal tunnel making a more serious offense: conspiracy. Half of the tunnels authorities identified -- used by drug cartels and people-smuggling operations -- were located on between the US state of California and Mexico's Baja California Norte state, said US Attorney for the Southern District of California Laura Duffy. Some of the tunnels are quite rustic
and others are well-made with internal rail systems and ventilation, officials said. "It is a real serious penetration into the US," said Feinstein, who leads the senate's anti-drug trafficking committee. "They could mobilize large groups." Only one person, meanwhile, has been prosecuted for "crime tunnel" building, she noted. The toll in suspected drug-related violence in Mexico has surpassed 37,000 since its President Felipe Calderon launched a military crackdown on organized crime in 2006.
Page 37
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
WORLD NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Bin Laden deputy Zawahri takes over as Qaeda leader DUBAI – Veteran militant Ayman alZawahri has taken command of al Qaeda after the killing of Osama bin Laden, an Islamist website said on Thursday, a move widely expected following his long years as second-incommand. Bin Laden's lieutenant and the brains behind much of al Qaeda's strategy, Zawahri vowed this month to press ahead with al Qaeda's campaign against the United States and its allies. "The general leadership of al Qaeda group, after the completion of consultation, announces that Sheikh Dr. Ayman Zawahri, may God give him success, has assumed responsibility for command of the group," the Islamist website Ansar al-Mujahideen (Followers of the Holy Warriors) said. The bespectacled Zawahri had been seen as bin Laden's most likely successor after the man held responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York and Washington was shot dead by U.S. commandos in Pakistan 45 days ago. Zawahri's whereabouts are unknown, although he has long been thought to be hiding along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The United States is offering a $25 million reward for any information leading to his capture or conviction. In Washington, a senior U.S.
ayman al-Zawahri
official said Zawahri would have a hard time leading the Islamist group "while focusing on his own survival." "He hasn't demonstrated strong leadership or organizational skills during his time in AQ," the official said. "Unlike many of AQ's top members, Zawahiri has not had actual combat experience, instead opting to be an armchair general with a 'soft' image." "LACKS BIN LADEN PRESENCE" Sajjan Gohel of Asia-Pacific Foundation security consultants said
Zawahri had been in practical charge of al Qaeda for many years, but lacked bin Laden's presence and his "ability to unite the different Arab factions within the group." Fawaz Gerges, a Middle East expert at the London School of Economics, said al Qaeda's militants in south Asia were "on the run," its leaders were deep in hiding, and a new leader would do little to help it reverse their fortunes. As for its branches in other parts of the world, they were "pitted in a fierce local struggle for survival...and are unable to coordinate their actions with the parent organization." Henry Wilkinson of Janusian consultants said al Qaeda's ability to attack had been fading since the 9/11 attacks. "Al Qaeda's main achievement has been to have survived," he said. Others see in Zawahri a capable figure. London-based journalist AbdelBari Atwan, who interviewed bin Laden in 1996, said Zawahri was the "operational brains" behind al Qaeda and was respected in part because he had been bin Laden's chosen deputy. A contributor to another Islamist militant website, al-Ansar, said: "A worthy successor to a great predecessor. We ask God to grant you and your soldiers success for the
Congresswoman Giffords discharged from hospital HOUSTON – Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was discharged on Wednesday from the Houston hospital where she has been recovering since she was shot in the head at a meeting with constituents in January, the hospital said. TIRR Memorial Hermann hospital said in a statement that Giffords will soon begin outpatient treatment at the same facility. The Arizona Democrat's cognitive abilities and physical strength have improved, it said. "Congresswoman Giffords has shown clear, continuous improvement from the moment she arrived at TIRR five months ago," said Dr. Gerard Francisco, the hospital's chief medical officer. "We are very excited that she has reached the next phase of her rehabilitation and can begin outpatient treatment. We have no doubt that she will continue to make significant strides in her recovery." Giffords was shot in the head at close range by a gunman who opened fire at her and a crowd of bystanders at a political event on January 8 outside a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona. Twelve other people also were wounded, and six were killed, including a federal judge, a young girl and one of Giffords' aides. The 22-year-old college dropout charged with the shooting, Jared Loughner, was recently declared mentally incompetent to stand trial and was sent back to a Missouri
Gabrielle Giffords- before and after
hospital for federal prisoners last month. The congresswoman spent the first three weeks after the shooting hospitalized in Tucson, then was transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston on January 21 to begin rehabilitation. Giffords spokesman C.J. Karamargin told Reuters on Sunday that her abilities are improving weekly and that discussions were under way for Giffords to resume more active duties with her congressional office. On Sunday, the first photos of Giffords since she was shot were released on her Facebook page. Taken the day before Giffords underwent cranioplasty surgery and the day after the launch of the Endeavour space shuttle mission commanded by her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, the photographs showed a smiling Giffords with very short hair, a scar on her throat from her tracheotomy and a slight indentation to her left temple, where a piece of her skull was still missing.
victory of Islam and Muslims and to raise the banner of religion." "AGENTS OF AMERICA" Believed to be in his late 50s, Zawahri met bin Laden in the mid1980s when both were in Pakistan to support guerrillas fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan. Born to an upper-class Cairo family, Zawahri trained as a doctor and surgeon. In a video message posted on the internet on June 8, Zawahri said al Qaeda would continue to fight. He called this year's Arab uprisings a disaster for Washington because, he said, they would remove Arab leaders who were the "agents of America." He also pledged allegiance to the leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Omar, calling him "Emir of the Believers." Among some Egyptians there was disdain at the news that their countryman had taken charge of al Qaeda. Karim Sabet, 34, a director of an oil and gas start-up firm, said he was not surprised by the announcement. "He's been the loyal No. 2 forever. Zawahri seems even more of a madman than Osama was, and he'll want to prove himself by going on the attack soon. Another devil killing in the name of Islam. Disgusting."
Obama family apprOves Of a One-term presidency Though the president himself, his staff, and his supporters around the country are busy devoting everything they've got to his 2012 re-election campaign, Obama revealed Monday that his family isn't necessarily as "invested." "Michelle and the kids are wonderful in that if I said, 'You know, guys, I want to do something different,' they'd be fine. They're not invested in daddy being president or my husband being president. But they do believe in what we're doing," Obama told NBC "Today Show" host Ann Curry in an interview that aired Tuesday. And the president revealed that even he sometimes feels like giving up. You can watch the interview above. "I'm sure there are days where I say that one term is enough," the president said, but he added that what keeps him going is the unfinished work regarding energy, education, and other issues. In the end, Obama said, if his family is happy, he's happy. "If the family is doing well, if Michelle is still putting up with me, then I've got enough energy to keep on doing the work that I'm doing." Many of the president's potential 2012 rivals have been calling for Americans to make Obama a one-term president. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in March dismissed Obama as a one-term president over the issue of health care. "Obamacare is bad law, bad policy, and it is bad for America's families," Romney told a New Hampshire audience. "And that's the reason why President Obama will be a one-term president." Last night, Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) drew wide applause during a televised GOP presidential debate in New Hampshire for declaring: "President Obama is going to be a oneterm president." Polls show that continued economic woes across the country and unemployment continue to drag down the president's approval numbers. A Quinnipiac University poll released last week showed that after a brief "bounce" following the death of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, the president's poll numbers are back down to a 47-46 approval rating. Polls taken in key swing states of Ohio and Florida this spring have shown that voters are split on whether the president deserves a second term.
Page 38
WORLD NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Rebels dismiss election offer from Gaddafi's son TRIPOLI – Libya's Muammar Gaddafi is willing to hold elections and step aside if he lost, his son said, an offer quickly dismissed by rebels and the United States. Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: "They (elections) could be held within three months. At the maximum by the end of the year, and the guarantee of transparency could be the presence of international observers." He said his father would be ready to step aside if he lost the election, though he would not go into exile. Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi Ali Al-Mahmoudi later appeared to put the potential concession in question, telling reporters: "I would like to correct (that) and say that the leader of the revolution is not concerned by any referendum." He added that there was no reason for the Libyan leader to step down in any case, because he had not
Saif al-Islam
held any formal political or administrative post since 1977. A visiting Russian envoy said Al-Mahmoudi had told him Gaddafi would not leave power. Gaddafi's officials have in the past said an eventual election could be part of a deal to end the crisis,
FlorIda homeownerS wIth taInted drywall get $55 mIllIon WILMINGTON, Delaware – Hundreds of Florida homeowners suffering with tainted Chinese drywall will share $55 million in a deal that also accuses a global drywall maker of lying about the product's safety, according to court documents. The settlement will be funded by Banner Supply Co, its affiliates and their insurers, which agreed to set aside the money under a preliminary settlement. A spokeswoman for the plaintiffs' attorney said the deal covers between 500 and 800 homes which were supplied with drywall by Banner. The settlement must be approved by a federal judge in New Orleans who is overseeing lawsuits related to the drywall. Drywall is used to construct walls and ceilings. The tainted product has been blamed for emitting a stench and for producing fumes that damage air conditioning, fixtures and wiring. The tainted drywall was imported for rebuilding after a series of devastating hurricanes in the middle of the last decade. Plaintiffs' attorneys have said as many as 100,000 homes are affected. Banner said in court documents that it has denied liability for the tainted drywall and merely distributed products made primarily by Knauf Group, one of the world's largest makers of building materials. The German company employs 23,000 worldwide and had 2008 sales of 5.6 billion euros, according to its website. Homeowners began to complain to Banner in 2006 of problems with drywall, and Banner notified Knauf, according to court documents. Tests were performed and Knauf assured Banner the drywall was completely safe, the documents said. As a result of those tests, Banner signed an agreement releasing Knauf from all liability associated with the drywall. However, since then Banner said it has learned that Knauf knew the claims of safety were false and tests actually showed the drywall was contaminated, according to court documents. "Knauf knew that the impurities in Knauf Drywall would cause and were causing serious and widespread property damage," said court documents. Michael Peterson, an attorney with Peterson and Espino of Miami, which represents Banner, said in a statement that Banner would pursue "all available remedies" to recover the damage done to its business. Joey Viselli, a spokesman for U.S.-based Knauf Insulation, did not return a call for comment. The insurers helping fund the settlement are American International Group Inc unit Chartis, FCCI Insurance Co, Hanover Insurance Group Inc's Hanover American Insurance and Maryland Casualty Co, which is part of Zurich Financial Services. Russ Herman, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement he expects further settlements with other responsible parties in the coming months.
while asserting that the country would rally behind Gaddafi in any vote. Rebels, who rose up four months ago, say they will not trust a political process arranged with Gaddafi still in power. The rebel leadership in the eastern stronghold of Benghazi dismissed Gaddafi's son's election offer as "wasting our time." "Saif al-Islam is not in a position to offer elections. Libya will have free elections and democracy but the Gaddafi family has no role to play in this process," Jalal el-Gallal, a rebel spokesman, said. "These people are criminals, they have utter disregard for human life. They have to withdraw troops from our cities, allow humanitarian aid to reach people, they will face justice for their crimes. Only then we can talk about holding elections." A U.S. State Department spokesperson also dismissed the election proposal, saying it was "a little late for that." The United States, Britain and France, which are leading Western air strikes on Gaddafi's forces, have said they will not stop bombing until Gaddafi leaves power. The election proposal -- which follows a series of moves the Libyan leader's officials portray as concessions but Western powers dismiss as ploys -- comes at a time when frustration is mounting in some NATO states at slow military progress. Four months into the conflict, rebel advances toward Tripoli have
been slow, while weeks of NATO air strikes pounding Gaddafi's compound and other targets have failed to end his 41-year-old rule over the oil-producing country. The Russian envoy, Mikhail Margelov, said after talks with Mahmoudi that the issue of Gaddafi's departure from power was a "red line" the Libyan leadership was not willing to cross. He said his task was to soften that position through negotiation. "I can say that today I am a cautious optimist regarding the resolution of the Libyan crisis," he said. Late last month Moscow joined the West in calling for Gaddafi to step down, a major diplomatic setback for the leader. The NATO intervention in Libya has been going on for longer than many of its backers anticipated, and the strains are beginning to show within the alliance. NATO officials have said they may not have the resources for a sustained campaign, and Republicans in the U.S. Congress have questioned the legal grounds for continued U.S. involvement. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner said lawmakers had options for dealing with the conflict, including "the power of the purse" -- an implicit threat to cut off funding. Mahmoudi appeared to seize on Washington's disunity. "We are following the discussion at congress, we are assessing the matter and seeing which way they are going. We are still hoping for a better relationship with the United States based on mutual respect," he said. Libya-watchers say Gaddafi is using his political skills, honed during decades when he was able to survive despite being an international pariah, to try to exploit divisions within the fragile Western alliance ranged against him. Adding to the pressure on NATO, Russia and China issued a joint declaration underlining their concerns about the air strikes. The declaration was signed in Moscow by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Man charged with stealing house OTTAWA – Canadian police on Wednesday charged a man in central Ontario province with stealing a house. The owner arrived home to find his 10-year-old mobile home in the Ontario community of Dundalk, northwest of Toronto, was missing. He alerted police who located the "45-foot, double-wide" prefabricated building worth an estimated CAN$30,000 on a rural property "a relatively short distance from where it was taken," Ontario Provincial Police Constable Dave Myers told AFP. A 43-year-old man was charged with theft and mischief, and using forged documents to try to convince police that he owned the building. Authorities could not explain how the home was stolen
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Page 39
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Canada to US: we need you to fix debt problem NEW YORK – Canada's strong economic and fiscal track record could go to waste if the United States fails to come up with a credible plan to fix its deficit and debt problem, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said on Wednesday. Flaherty took his fiscal discipline message to New York, where he urged the United States to quickly reach a political deal to avoid defaulting on its debt. "The consequences for the world would be negative" if the United States were to default, Flaherty told Reuters Insider. "It's not what we need, we don't need any more disorderly action in financial markets." Flaherty said he was not able to give odds on the likelihood of a default when asked. Canada's strong trade and financial linkages to the United States, and its role as a major commodity producer, make it extremely vulnerable
Microsoft releases Kinect software for developers Microsoft Corp made available on Thursday a Windows 7-compatible test version of the software behind its hit Kinect motion-sensing game device, in the hope that developers will invent a host of "hands-free" features for standard PCs. Microsoft's Kinect, launched last year, is a sensing camera and microphone device that plugs into the Xbox 360 console, allowing users to play games purely with gestures and voice commands. The hugely successful device is seen by some as a blueprint for future computing, and was immediately attractive to hackers who devised ways of making it work on standard computers. Microsoft was at first hostile to such attempts, but by releasing a beta version of the Kinect software development kit is showing that it is interested to see what developers will make of the technology.
canada’s Finance Minister Jim Flaherty
to economic troubles south of the border. U.S. lawmakers are in talks to reach a deficit-cutting deal that would give Congress the political cover to
raise the $14.3 trillion debt limit well before August 2, when the Treasury Department has warned it will run out of money to pay the government's bills. U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned on Tuesday that failure to lift the government's borrowing limit could risk a potentially disastrous loss of confidence. Flaherty frequently touts Canada's relatively manageable federal deficit when he goes abroad, but he said that achievement is of little use if it exists in a vacuum. Flaherty said he was troubled by brinkmanship anywhere in the world and that he was concerned by delays in Europe in dealing with the region's sovereign debt crisis. "It's a detriment to the international system when we have issues that fester and are allowed to get
to the brink before they're resolved," Flaherty told reporters following a speech to the Canadian Association of New York. Flaherty also declined to say which candidate Canada will support as the next head of the International Monetary Fund, though he told Reuters Insider he hoped there would be a decision "within the next week or so." French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde and Mexico's central bank chief Agustin Carstens have been shortlisted for the IMF job. Flaherty said both candidates are well qualified. The job was left vacant by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who was arrested in New York in May on sexual assault charges. He has denied the charges.
Oracle seeks billiOns in lawsuit against gOOgle Oracle Corp is seeking damages "in the billions of dollars" from Google Inc in a patent lawsuit over the smartphone market, according to a court filing. Oracle sued Google last year, claiming the Web search company's Android mobile operating technology infringes Oracle's Java patents. Oracle bought the Java programing language through its acquisition of Sun Microsystems in January 2010. Some see the lawsuit as a sign of a growing business rivalry between the two companies. The case is also part of a wider web of litigation among phone makers and software firms over who owns the patents used in smartphones and tablets, as rivals aggressively rush
into a market in which Apple jumpstarted with iPhone and iPad. Barring any settlements, a trial between Oracle and Google is expected to begin by November. Google has called an Oracle damages report "unreliable and results-oriented," and asked a U.S. judge in San Francisco to ignore it, court documents show. In disputing Oracle's methodology, Google redacted large portions of Oracle's damages estimates from its filings. Oracle accused Google, in a document filed in court on Thursday, of trying to conceal the fact that Oracle's damages claims in the case are in the billions. Oracle asked the court to make some of its damages information public.
RIM slashes forecast again, shares tumble Research In Motion said on Thursday its quarterly profit dropped and revenue missed its lowered forecast, forcing the BlackBerry maker to slash its outlook and sending its shares sharply lower. The Canadian company, facing rising competition for its smartphones and under pressure after a botched launch of its PlayBook tablet computer, shipped 13.2 million BlackBerrys in the three months to May 28. It shipped 500,000 PlayBook tablets in the six weeks after the launch, exceeding the average
analyst forecast of 366,000. But it said the tough conditions that pushed it to warn on profits in April were likely to persist. "Fiscal 2012 has gotten off to a challenging start. The slowdown we saw in the first quarter is continuing into Q2, and delays in new product introductions into the very late part of August is leading to a lower than expected outlook in the second quarter." co-Chief Executive Jim Balsillie said in the earnings statement. RIM said it expects earnings in the current quarter of between 75 cents and $1.05, sharply lower
than the already pessimistic average view of $1.40, on revenue between $4.2 billion and $4.8 billion. It slashed its earnings outlook for the fiscal year to late March to between $4.25 and $6 a share, from $7.50 previously. The Waterloo, Ontario-based company made a net profit of $695 million, or $1.33 a share, on revenue of $4.9 billion. Analysts had expected profit of $1.32 a share on revenue of $5.1 billion. A year ago RIM earned $1.38 a share on revenue of $4.24 billion. Shares of RIM -- which reported after the bell -- hit an almost five-year low in the session after the company said a senior executive had taken medical leave. RIM shares fell more than 15 percent to $29.84 in trade after the closing bell in the United States.
Page 40
BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Citi says 360,000 accounts hacked in May cyber attack Citigroup Inc said a cyber attack in May affected almost twice as many accounts as the bank's figures had initially suggested, as major U.S. lenders come under growing pressure from lawmakers to improve account security. A total of 360,083 North American Citigroup credit card accounts were affected by the breach, the third-largest U.S. bank by assets said in a statement released late on Wednesday. Of those affected, some 217,657 customers were reissued with new cards along with a notification letter, while the remaining accounts were either inactive or had already received new cards earlier, the bank added. Citigroup had earlier said that about 1 percent of its North American accounts were affected. The bank's annual report puts the total number of its customers at 21 million. "It is mainly due to the actual number of accounts being more than
what's in the 2010 annual report as well as variances such as some of the accounts being closed," United Statesbased Citi spokesman Sean Kevelighan said in an emailed response. Customers had their names, account numbers and contact information accessed, but Citi said that "data critical to commit fraud was not compromised" and that other consumer banking online systems were not accessed. Citigroup also said it identified "the majority" of accounts compromised within seven days, adding that the information was accessed on the accounts by May 24 but that it only started notifying customers of the breach on June 3. "What Citi should have done upon finding out is to call for a press conference to announce the news, reassure customers that they take this in utmost seriousness, and to personally
reach out the affected accounts," said Li-May Chew, associate research director at IDC Financial Insights. LUCRATIVE TARGETS The bank is the latest in a growing list of companies to face cyber attacks in recent months, with Sony, Google Inc and Lockheed Martin all having suffered under hackers this year. In response to the latest bout of attacks, many banks have stepped up their security effort, with two Australiabased banks -- ANZ and Westpac -replacing their customers' "SecurID" electronic keys earlier this month. "Cyber hackers are no longer interested in just stealing money directly," said Edison Yu, industry manager at consultancy Frost and Sullivan. "They are more interested in stealing peripheral information such as contact details and ID numbers that can be sold on the black market later," Yu
Greek PM vows to stay, lead exit from debit crisis ATHENS, Greece — Greece "It means that the funding faced an escalating political of the Greek sovereign debt crisis Thursday, with critics in can now be ensured until the governing Socialist party in September," Rehn said, open revolt over harsh austerity adding that decision for measures despite assurances additional rescue funding to from the European Union that cover Greek financing gaps Athens would a receive rescue next year are still pending. loan money needed to avoid a "The next days will be summer default. critical for the financial The party feud was the latest stability and economic crisis to heighten worldwide recovery in Greece and concern that danger of a Greek Europe," Rehn warned. "I financial collapse could trigger trust all leaders in Greece and panic elsewhere in the 17-nation Europe realize their eurozone — a fear that saw responsibility and will act borrowing costs in vulnerable accordingly." EU countries surge and stock Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou Markets remain wary of markets come under pressure. problems in Greece, where Greek Prime Minister borrowing costs touched new George Papandreou was forced to delay a planned records, pushing yields on 10-year Greek bonds Cabinet reshuffle and convene an emergency to 18.4 percent. Rates on Spanish titles also party meeting Thursday after two Socialist climbed sharply to 5.6 percent. deputies resigned and others openly questioned Stocks Europe-wide were down sharply for his leadership. the second day running and the euro hit a three"The political system is rotting ... The country week low below $1.41, meaning it has fallen is not being governed the way it should be," said around four cents in just a couple of days. Socialist deputy Nikos Salagianis. "A reshuffle "The Greek crisis is spinning out of control," will not resolve the country's problems." said Kit Juckes, an analyst at Societe Generale. Papandreou is trying to push through a fiveGreece still has a massive financial hole to year austerity program worth euro28 billion plug in the years to come and is going to need a ($39.5 billion) that has been demanded by second bailout. Rehn said discussions over the international creditors. The new spending cuts longer-term bailout will be delayed until July as and taxes have spurred violent street protests as key European policymakers are at loggerheads well as the party rebellion. over how to get private creditors to share the pain, The prime minister failed Wednesday to form a move experts say could be considered a default. a grand coalition with rival conservatives to The European Central Bank warns that guarantee that the austerity measures would be forcing losses on private creditors could pummel passed, despite even offering to quit his job to banks in Greece and throughout Europe, triggering clinch a deal. He later announced he would form a financial chain reaction of unknown — yet a new Cabinet and put it to a confidence vote in possibly catastrophic — proportions. parliament. Investors could become convinced, for Papandreou loyalists insisted the prime example, that other bailout recipients like Ireland minister's leadership was not in question at the and Portugal will be next to default, and fear of emergency meeting. contagion could make the situation worse. In Brussels, top EU finance official Olli Rehn A European Central Bank official warned that said eurozone ministers would likely agree the EU's crisis bailout fund would have to double Sunday to give Greece the next euro12 billion to euro1.5 trillion ($2.1 trillion) if Greece fails to ($17 billion) installment of loans from the pays its debts, potentially spreading financial euro110 billion ($155 billion) bailout package. turmoil.
said, adding that the global black market for email addresses and national ID numbers is now worth about $5 billion, making it a lucrative area for hackers looking to steal contact information. Regulators in many countries have also been preparing new measures on data security, with the head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp in the United States saying last week she may "ask some banks to strengthen their authentication when a customer logs onto online accounts." The Hong Kong Monetary Authority also said it requires banks to have risk management systems to ensure the adequacy of their security systems. "Banks are expected to continue to review their security measures in place to enhance the controls, where appropriate, on an ongoing basis," said an HKMA spokeswoman.
British govt backs banking reforms LONDON – Finance minister George Osborne announced a major overhaul of Britain's banks, approving a separation of their retail and investment businesses to help avoid another global financial crisis. In a high-profile address to finance leaders in central London, Osborne also announced that Northern Rock would be privatised three years after it was nationalised to save it from collapse as the global financial crisis hit. Osborne backed the findings of the governmentappointed Independent Commission on Banking (ICB) which earlier this year called for a "ringfencing" of retail businesses. "Today I have told the Commission that the government endorses both these proposals in principle... We will make these changes to banking to protect taxpayers in the future," he said. Osborne said he had taken the decision bearing in mind what he said was a British dilemma. The practice of banks using money from their retail arms to fund investment operations has been widely blamed as a major factor behind the global banking crisis. After months of speculation over Northern Rock, which was nationalised by the previous Labour government, Osborne said the coalition had to "clear up the mess of the past". "I can announce tonight that on behalf of you the British taxpayer, I have decided to put Northern Rock up for sale," he said, adding that they could "at least get some of our money back." He did not set a price but the BBC said the government planned to sell it to a single buyer for about £1.0 billion (1.14 billion euros, $1.62 billion), rather less than the £1.4 billion it cost to bail out the lender. Potential buyers for Northern Rock could include Virgin Money, the Coventry and Yorkshire building societies, investment groups NBNK and Olivant, and Tesco Bank. Northern Rock plunged into crisis in midSeptember 2007 when its exposure to the UStriggered credit crunch forced it to seek emergency assistance from the Bank of England, sparking the first run on a British bank in recent history. To avert financial meltdown, the government agreed in December 2007 to guarantee all customer deposits and then later nationalised the bank in February 2008 to prevent its collapse.
Page 41
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Bermudans join GT Youth in cricket training The Youth Development Cricket Squad in Grand Turk along with their coach Winston Quelch received a pleasant surprise on Saturday, June 11, during their weekly morning cricket and swimming training with their coach, Mr. Winston Quelch, when crew members of the Spirit of Bermuda vessel joined then in training. The vessel which paid a visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands from Bermuda comprised of Bermudan youths ranging in age between 12 and 21. Quelch, who is also Sports Development Officer with TCI Sports Commission in Grand Turk and Vice President of the Grand Turk Cricket Association, said the Bermudan youths were part of a program which sometimes takes them outside their familiar environment. He said they would sometimes be taken on the vessel where they are taught leadership, teamwork and character building skills among other things. He said many of them get to travel to other countries via the vessel. “Many of them participated in our youth cricket training, interacted with our youths and above all had a lot of fun,� Quelch said.
The Bermudan visitors and their TCI Colleagues pose for a photo
Bermudan youths listen in on the cricket training being delivered by Winston Quelch
Quality Supermarket kings beat KB Home Despite a five-wicket haul by Paul Baker KB Home was beaten by Quality Supermarket kings in T20 match that was played at the Meridian field in Grace Village on Sunday 12 June 2011. Batting first after calling correctly the Quality Supermarket kings were dismissed for 119 runs from 17 overs. Calvin Chase was the top scorer with 36 runs 2x6 3x4 and Jetu Gangalani added 18 runs. Bowling for KB Home Paul Baker snatched 5 wickets for 46 runs from 4 overs and Blair Mason took 2 wickets for 11 runs from 2 overs. When the KB Home batted, they were skittled out for a paltry 70 runs from 12 overs. Paul Baker top-scored with 15 runs and Blair Mason made 12 runs. Bowling for Quality kings Dane Ritchie claimed 4 wickets for 12 from 2 overs and Pawan kumar had 2 wickets for 10 runs FROM 4 OVERS.
You see sports in the making? Call us @ 946 8542
Cricket action
Some of the participants joined Quelch in the swim training
Conch Shockers seek Beach Football final berth
Action from the league
The Da Conch Shack Men's Beach Soccer League is heading for an exciting finale next weekend as three teams are fighting for a place in the championship final against Northern Star on Sunday 26th June. Provo United have the advantage going into the final league game against the Conch Shack Shockers but a win for the Shockers could see them reach the final depending on how the Stingray Strikers do against league leaders Northern Star FC who suffered a 7-5 defeat at the weekend against the Shockers. Nickenson Agelus scored a hat trick
in the win and was assisted with goals from Jean Guerrier (2), Jocelyn Senatus and Mackinson Davilmar. Paul Collis (3), Matt Green and Marco Fenelus were on the score sheet for FC. In the second game Provo United secured a close 8-6 win against the Strikers. Herby Magny led the attack with four goals, Marcdonald Fenelus (2), Michael Erskine and Jacques Etienne added the others. Luis Turbyfield added to his healthy goal total with four goals and Woody Gibson scored two for the Strikers. Herby Magny was voted MVP for Week 8
Page 42
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Gayle’s Test return unlikely KINGSTON, Jamaica – Chris Gayle is unlikely to feature in the upcoming three-Test series between West Indies and India. Sources with knowledge of a meeting between Gayle and officials of the West Indies Cricket Board told CMC yesterday that the two sides failed to reach an amicable resolution to the rift that had developed between them in recent weeks. It followed the West Indies opener’s highly-publicised, controversial interview on a Jamaican radio station, where he slammed the WICB, and was also critical of chief executive officer Ernest Hilaire, West Indies coach Ottis Gibson and West Indies captain Darren Sammy. Gayle was accompanied by executive president of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), Dinanath Ramnarine, and WIPA vice president
Wavell Hinds to a near four-hour meeting that took place at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday. Hilaire, Gibson, West Indies team operations manager Richie Richardson, and WICB chief cricket operations officer Tony Howard, represented the regional governing body. “At the end of it all, there was no decision, and the little chance of Gayle playing in the series has now evaporated,” a regional cricket official said. “The players obviously wanted the WICB to agree to Gayle’s unconditional return, and accept the fact that the comments he made were in the past, and the WICB should forget the issue, and move on. “But the WICB felt that he had denigrated the board, the coach, other officials, and West Indies cricket, and should not expect to walk straight back
into the side without explaining himself.” When contacted, Ramnarine had no official comment to make about the meeting. During the radio interview in April, Gayle accused the WICB of taking an indifferent attitude to his recovery from an abdominal injury following the World Cup, and took them to task over his non-selection for the Pakistan series. He claimed he had been forced to pay all of his medical bills after seeking treatment in England for the injury, and charged that the WICB had showed no interest in his fitness status. Gayle, who opted out of the Pakistan series to play in the lucrative Indian Premier League, was subsequently overlooked for the Oneday International series against India, with the WICB indicating that he would need to explain his highly-
Chris Gayle
charged comments before he could be considered for selection. Meanwhile, the West Indies take on India in the fifth and final One-Day International today at Sabina Park. India have already won the series.
Bolt clocks world-leading 19.86 in 200 metres Double sprint world record-holder Usain Bolt cruised to a world leading 19.86 seconds to win his season opening 200m race last week at the Bislet Games, the fifth stop on the IAAF Diamond League series. Over 47,000 fans braved rainy, cool weather at the Bislet stadium in Oslo, Norway as Bolt won easily to beat compatriot Nickel Ashmeade's 19.95 seconds set at the Jamaica National Jamaica International invitational in early May. Bolt's Racers Track Club training partner Mario Forsythe was third in 20.49 seconds, just behind Norway's Jaysuma Saidy Ndure in 20.43 seconds. The world and Olympic champion came off the
bend just ahead of the field, but continued to increase his margin, easing through the tape in his first halflap event in 13 months and extending his unbeaten run from 2007. Meanwhile, despite just failing to catch American Aries Merritt on the line, Dwight Thomas lowered his national record in the 110m hurdles to 13.15 seconds, chipping .01 second off the time he set two years ago in Zurich. After a slow start, Thomas made up ground in the middle of the race to pass training partner Joel Brown and Andy Turner, but just failed to rein in the American, who ran a season's best 13.12 seconds. Brown was third in a season's best 13.20 seconds. Usain Bolt
Thomas has shown signs he was close to his best earlier this season after running 13.18 seconds in Holland late last month. Despite his new national mark, Thomas slipped one place to fifth fastest in the world, switching places with Merritt and behind American David Oliver, 12.94 seconds, China's Liu Xiang, 13.00 and Cuba's world record-holder Dayron Robles, 13.07. Novlene Williams Mills ran her first 400m race since May 14, finishing third in a decent 51.17 seconds behind Botswana's Amantle Montsho's season best 50.10 seconds and Czech Republic's Denisa Scerbova-Rosolova, 51.04. Williams Mills, who is a training partner of Thomas at their Orlando, Florida base, had failed to finish a race in Ponce, Puerto Rico in May after feeling a cramp. Vonette Dixon was a close fourth in the women's 100m hurdles final in 13.07 seconds after finishing second in the qualifying heats in 13.20 seconds earlier. Nickesha Wilson ran a season's best 56.01 seconds for fifth in the 400m hurdles, achieving the B standard for the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea later this year.
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Page 43
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Thousands pack downtown Dallas for Mavs' title parade The face of the Dallas Mavericks laughed, sang and even seemed to tear up. For Dirk Nowitzki, the only thing that could come close to being an NBA champion for the first time was celebrating it with the fans in his adopted hometown of Dallas. An expected crowd of 250,000 crammed downtown Thursday morning for a parade in the team's honor, with another 20,000 or so filling the arena for a rally filled with emotional moments. After waiting 31 years for the franchise to be atop the NBA, fans honored it in a way that many said was worth the wait. Nowitzki was the unquestioned star of the show, drawing the loudest cheers from start to finish - usually chants of "M! V! P!" There were German flags in the crowd, a sign calling him "Der Kaiser" and cut-out letters that spelled "Thank you Dirk." After the parade and before the rally, Nowitzki and his teammates went to the balcony of the arena and spoke briefly to the crowd. Nowitzki capped it by leading a rousing rendition of their new favorite song, "We Are The Champions." More singing came during the rally, when team owner Mark Cuban serenaded Nowitzki with "Happy Birthday"; he turns 33 on Sunday. Nowitzki got into it, too, pretending to conduct. But this day had two other emotional crescendos for Nowitzki. The first came when coach Rick Carlisle said, "You're looking at the best basketball team on the planet. It's also very clear we have in our presence the greatest basketball player on the planet." The overhead jumbo board showed a close-up shot of Nowitzki wiping his eyes. When it was Nowitzki's turn to speak, his teammates and Cuban were among those standing and chanting "MVP." Nowitzki bit his bottom lip and looked down. He was too overcome with emotion to answer the first question from co-emcee Chuck Cooperstein. "It's been an amazing ride, an amazing journey," Nowitzki said. "It's been a lot of ups and a lot of downs. This is the top of the iceberg. It feels absolutely amazing." He relived his journey from a 19year-old draftee with a bowl cut and a bad earring - "just a bad look," he said with a smile - to the greatest player in team history, a former league MVP and the newly minted finals MVP.
An expected crowd of 250,000 crammed downtown Thursday morning for a parade in the team's honor "I didn't really know what to expect," he said of his early days in Dallas. "It's been an amazing ride and you guys have been with me every step of the way. This is for our fans!" Another highly charged moment came when it was Cuban's turn to speak. He couldn't. The rambunctious billionaire determined to do things his way seemed awed by the moment, surely thinking about his own journey from a fan who used to buy scalped tickets to buying the club in January 2000. When Cooperstein joked about this being "a long way from Reunion Arena," Cuban just shook his head, lips pinched. In came Carlisle to the rescue. He grabbed the microphone and discussed something he said to the players a few days before, about the difference between success and fulfillment. "Mark has had obvious success," Carlisle said. "The thing you have to understand is, to him, it doesn't matter the cost, it's to be able to bring this moment to you. So, thanks." They hugged as fans stood and cheered. There were chants of "Thank you Mark," and Cuban wiped his eyes
Wembley chosen to host 2013 champions league final Wembley Stadium will host the 2013 Champions League final, Uefa announced on Thursday. The match has been awarded to London's showpiece stadium, which hosted this year's final, to mark the Football Association's 150th anniversary. "This may seem exceptional but I think it was important for us to respect this anniversary of our game," said Uefa president Michel Platini. Wembley's staging of this year's final was regarded as a resounding success.
several times. Once he felt composed, the guy who loves being the center of attention motioned for quiet. He had a story to tell. "The day I bought the team, but it had not yet been announced, I went out with some friends to have an adult beverage," Cuban said. "I go into this bar and I see this tall, German, goofy-looking guy - with his bowl cut, earring - and I know I'm going to be his boss the very next day. He has no idea. "So I walk up to him and say, 'Yo. Let me buy you a beer.' He just looks at me, shakes his head and walks away. "The next day, we're at (the practice facility). I'm supposed to get introduced to the team. I walk in the door and I walk up and I just look at him and he just shakes his head. That's pretty much been our relationship for 13 years." The video board cut to Nowitzki several times during the anecdote and he couldn't stop smiling and laughing. There were all sorts of funny moments during the rally. Brian Cardinal, a backup nicknamed "The Custodian," came on the stage with a broom and dustpan. With a stogie in his mouth, he tidied up a bit, then waved his arms to loud applause. He cupped a hand
Barcelona produced a magnificent performance to beat Premier League champions Manchester United 3-1, inspired by the brilliant Lionel Messi. As well as being a commercial triumph for Uefa, it also proved to be simple in terms of organisation. There was no need to book extra marquees for hospitality events, increase facilities for the media or any major technology issues. Though there has been no official announcement, tickets are expected to be cheaper in 2013. The cheapest tickets on general sale for the 2011 final were priced at £150 plus a £26 administration fee and the cheapest package for one adult and one child was only available in category two seats and cost £338. "It was a mistake, it was not good. But it is not easy to decide the price of the tickets in the Champions League final," said Platini in April.
to his ears, asking for them to be louder, then went back into the tunnel. Jason Kidd was the first player to speak and he talked about it being "a dream came true when I was drafted by the Mavericks in 1994." "I just didn't know it was going to take 17 years to win a championship," he said. "We've got one championship, now we need to go and get another championship." Tyson Chandler upped expectations. "I hear they do things big in Dallas," he said. "So if we do it big, it can't be just one." He held up a hand and started flipping up fingers and counting, "One, two, three, four, five." Jason Terry wore dark glasses and a Mardi Gras-style blue necklace. He did his traditional flying airplane motion to wild cheers, then flexed his right biceps to show off the tattoo of the trophy he added in October and vowed to scrub if they didn't win it all. Terry and Nowitzki are the only holdovers from the Mavericks' only other finals team - in 2006, when they blew a 2-0 lead against Miami. So this title is especially sweet for them. "Not only the way we did it, who we did it against," Terry said before the rally. "We'll never forget it. We'll never forget '05-06 and we sure as heck won't forget 2011." Fans filled the downtown streets starting early Thursday, despite temperatures approaching 90 degrees by noon. The plaza around the arena was filled to its 3,000-person capacity about two hours before the parade even began. Franchise founder Donald Carter and his wife, Linda, for whom he started the club as gift, were in the lead vehicle, a white convertible. "Fantastic," Carter said. At the end of the parade, those who rode along said they were overwhelmed by the turnout - people as far as they could see. "I'm numb," said Donnie Nelson, the team's president of basketball operations.
Page 44
WORLD SPORTS
TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Violence mars Bostons Stanley Cup win in Vancouver
Vancouver Canucks fans fight during riots after the Canucks lost Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs to the Boston Bruins
VANCOUVER – Violence erupted on the streets of Vancouver on Wednesday after the Canucks were beaten by the Boston Bruins in the final of the NHL's Stanley Cup. Riot police fired tear gas to control a mob after cars were overturned and set ablaze following the Bruins's 4-0 win over the home team in the deciding Game Seven. Television showed stores in the downtown area being looted and hockey fans hurling bottles at police and smashing windows in a repeat of ugly scenes that followed Vancouver's loss to the New York Rangers in the seventh game of the 1994 finals. "It is extremely disappointing to see the situation in downtown Vancouver turn violent after tonight's Stanley Cup game. Vancouver is a world-class city and it is embarrassing and shameful to see the type of violence and disorder we've seen tonight," Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson said in a statement. "The vast majority of people who
were in the downtown tonight were there to enjoy the game in a peaceful and respectful manner. "It is unfortunate that a small number of people intent on criminal activity have turned pockets of the downtown into areas involving destruction of property and confrontations with police." Boos rang out inside the packed stadium when NHL commissioner Gary Bettmann presented the trophy to Boston's Slovakian captain Zdeno Chara after Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand had each scored twice and goaltender Tim Thomas won the most valuable player award after his second shutout of the finals. The Bruins, one of hockey's "Original Six" teams, had not won the sport's most coveted prize since 1972 and defied the odds to win it this time in one of the most enthralling finals series in years. Three of their four playoff rounds went the full distance of seven games and they came from 2-0 behind in the
A Vancouver Canucks fan poses for photos in front of a destroyed pickup truck during the riot
finals to beat the Canucks, who were favorites to win after finishing the regular season with the NHL's best record. "I think it was great the way our team just looked at the small picture," said Boston coach Claude Julien. "Every game, all we talked about was going out there and earning it. It wasn't ours to have, it was ours to earn." The Canucks had home advantage for the finals and although they won their first three games in Vancouver, they lost all three in Boston before Wednesday's decider on home ice. For Vancouver, the loss ended their dream of winning the Stanley Cup for the first time, just over a year after the city hosted the Winter Olympics. "I think anybody in our situation right now would feel real disappointed, whether you're the favorite or not," Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said. "BATTLED HARD" "We battled real hard. I know we
gave it our best shot, but in this one game, they were the better team. It's that simple." Bergeron scored the only goal of the first period then added a shorthanded goal at the end of the second to stretch Boston's lead to 3-0. Rookie Marchand also scored in the second frame and capped the scoring into an empty net in the final period. But it was Thomas who played the biggest role for the Bruins. A late bloomer who spent years in the minor leagues and in Europe before finally making it to the NHL at age 28, he proved almost impenetrable throughout the finals, setting a record for the most saves. In the final game, he saved all 37 shots that were fired at him with a calming look of composure that belied what he was really feeling. "I was scared. I won't lie. I had nerves yesterday and today," he said. "I faked it as well as I could, and I faked my way all the way to the Stanley Cup."
Clijsters withdraws from Wimbledon with foot injury Kim Clijsters, the Australian Open winner, withdrew from Wimbledon on Wednesday because of a foot injury, leaving the women’s field even more unsettled. Clijsters, who had been seeded No. 2, pulled out after injuring her right foot at the Unicef Open in the Netherlands on Tuesday. “I have no other choice now but to rest, recover and to not play tennis for a few weeks,” she said. The tournament starts Monday. Clijsters, a three-time United States Open winner, hurt her right ankle in April while dancing barefoot at her cousin’s wedding. She played at the French Open but lost in the second round. She said Tuesday’s injury was not related to the previous problem. In a 7-6 (5), 6-3 loss to Romina Oprandi in the Netherlands, she skidded to the net and stumbled on the first point of the second game. She appeared tentative for the rest of the match, although she did not call for treatment. Sam Querrey of the United States also withdrew from Wimbledon, citing an elbow injury. Serena Williams, the defending champion, was given the seventh seed for Wimbledon — 19 places above her world ranking. Williams won her 13th Grand Slam title last
Kim Clijsters, winenr of the Australian Open
year at the All England Club, but stepped on broken glass and needed two foot operations. She later had
blood clots on her lungs and missed nearly a year of competition. She returned on Tuesday at Eastbourne, coming back from a set down to defeat Tsvetana Pironkova, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, but lost Wednesday to top-seeded Vera Zvonareva, 3-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5, in the second round. Williams was originally seeded No. 8 for Wimbledon, but the withdrawal of Clijsters moved the rest of the field up one spot. “I would have been happy with 25, because I’m going to be in there fighting for every point and for everything,” Williams said. “It’s doesn’t matter where I’m seeded.” Serena’s sister Venus, a fivetime Wimbledon champion, was seeded No. 23, after also moving up a slot in the wake of Clijsters’s withdrawal. She has dropped to 33rd in the rankings since missing most of this season with a hip injury. She also returned to action this week at Eastbourne, where she reached the quarterfinals Wednesday with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win over Ana Ivanovic. The defending men’s champion, Rafael Nadal, was seeded No. 1, followed by Novak Djokovic at No. 2, Roger Federer at No. 3 and Andy Murray at No. 4, in line with their rankings. Federer and Nadal have combined for the past eight titles.
TURKS & CAICOS SUN TURKS & CAICOS SUN& CAICOS SUN TURKS Page 46 TURKS TURKS & & CAICOS CAICOS SUN SUN
JUNE 25TH - JULY 2ND 2010 JUNE 18TH - JUNE 25TH, 2010
JUNE18TH 25TH JULY 2ND, 2010 TURKS & CAICOS SUN JUNE - -JUNE 25TH, 2010
Page 45 JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011Page 45 JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
JUNE 17TH - JUNE 24TH, 2011
Page 47
Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks & Caicos Islands | Tel: 649.946.8542 | Fax: 649.941.3281